Commissioning of the test array

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to make it safer to execute tests using a test array composed of a plurality of test components interconnected via a data bus. This objective is achieved in the following respects: test components (Pn) of a test device (PGi) are connected according to a specified test configuration, at least one test device (PGi) having a functional test unit (13) is designated as a start device (10), all test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2) are determined and stored as a test component list (PL) in the start device (10), the test component list (PL) is transmitted to a verification unit (8) connected to the start device (10) and displayed, the displayed test component list (PL) is checked by a user, and if the displayed test component list (PL) matches the specified test configuration, it is confirmed by the user, the test component list (PL) is transmitted to the start device (10) as a user configuration list (BL), this user configuration list is compared with the test component list (PL), and if the received user configuration list (BL) matches the stored test component list (PL), the test array (1) is in a state ready for operation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for commissioning a test array comprising a plurality of test devices, each having at least one test component, wherein the test components of the test devices are connected to each other via a data bus to perform a test operation. The present invention also relates to a corresponding array. Background Technology

[0002] Test devices can be used to perform measurements on electrical test targets, such as current transformers, voltage transformers, protection devices and relays, transformers, electrical switch cabinets, and electrical distribution boards. Electrical test targets are, in particular, part of power generation, power transmission, or power distribution systems. To perform measurements, the test device must be electrically connected to the test target. Since test targets can store or transport dangerous amounts of electrical energy, performing measurements on these targets is potentially dangerous. Therefore, sufficient safety precautions must be taken when performing measurements to protect the test device and the test target, and above all, to protect test personnel. For this reason, test devices can be expanded into test arrays by adding additional test components. For example, warning lights and emergency stop switches can be equipped as test components in work areas that are hazardous to test personnel. Emergency stop switches can enable the rapid and safe shutdown of current and / or voltage amplifiers within the test device. Meanwhile, warning lights can indicate whether the test target or work area is safe (power off or discharged) or unsafe (power on). As an additional test component, switch-on protection may be provided to prevent the tester from being turned on without authorization. Enabling switch-on protection can be an important safety aspect, particularly when a person is performing wiring work. The test array may also include multiple test devices that can be connected to each other, for example, via a data bus. Thus, the test array includes test devices and multiple test components such as warning lights, emergency stop switches, and switch-on protection.A test array is formed by connecting test components to each other via a data bus, which enables the test components to communicate with one another through data communication via the data bus to perform, for example, specified test tasks. In the case of such a test array composed of test components connected and communicating with each other via a data bus, it is important to provide functional tests of the test array for safety reasons.

[0003] WO 2021 / 074373 A1 describes such a test array having functional tests. The components are connected to each other on a ring bus. The bus master cyclically transmits data packets, which are passed by each bus subscriber (component). When the data packet arrives back at the bus master, the ring bus can be assumed to be closed and undamaged. Each bus subscriber has a standby state that is set to active or inactive depending on the bus subscriber's cyclic functional test. When the ring bus is closed, the bus master transmits a ready signal to the next component. When the ready state is activated at this component, this component further transmits a ready signal to the next component on the ring bus. When the bus master receives the ready signal again, the test array is assumed to be ready to operate. Then, the desired test can be implemented on the test object using the test array that is ready to operate.

[0004] This functional test requires a wired ring bus where all components necessary to test the test object and safely perform the test are present and integrated into the ring bus. However, especially for larger test arrays with many components, errors can occur during wiring, potentially causing the test to start or be executed with an array that does not match the desired or specified configuration. For example, emergency stop switches, signal lights, or warning lights may have been forgotten during wiring. This can lead to dangerous situations, particularly for test personnel, during the test. Components, especially test devices, may also be damaged. The problem to be solved

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to make it safer to perform tests using a test array comprising a plurality of test components interconnected via a data bus. means of solving the problem

[0006] This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim. According to the present invention, before a test is performed, a commissioning is performed to determine whether the actual test array matches what is specified by the test operation. Only then is the test array transitioned to a ready-for-operation state in which the test can be performed. Otherwise, the test array remains in a non-ready-for-operation state in which no test can be initiated using the test array. This can increase safety when performing a test using the test array.

[0007] The test array can be easily transitioned to a ready-to-operate state by transitioning the initiation device to a ready-to-operate state. This means that the test device used to perform functional testing controls the timing when the test array transitions to a ready-to-operate state.

[0008] Preferably, when the display unit is activated by the initiation device when the test array enters an operation-ready state, the operation-ready state can be displayed to the user. To this end, the display unit on the initiation device may be activated by the initiation device, or a test component of the test device designed as a display unit may be activated.

[0009] If the initiation device redefines the list of test components at predetermined time intervals and performs a comparison between the stored user configuration list and each newly determined list of test components, thereby repeating the check at predetermined time intervals, and the test array is maintained in a ready-to-operate state if the stored user configuration list matches the new list of test components, and changed to an unreadable state otherwise, the safety of the test array during operation can also be improved. The user configuration list is the last list of test components stored and confirmed by the user. If an error occurs while a test task is being performed using the test array and the configuration of the test array becomes incorrect, this can be detected, and the test array can be switched to an unreadable state. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, which illustrate schematic and non-limiting preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the use of a test array for performing test tasks on a test subject. Figure 2 is a test device having several test components. Figure 3 is an array for performing a functional check of a test array. Figure 4 is a test device having a function check unit. Figure 5 is a test array having several test devices with function check units. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a test array (1) composed of two test devices (PGi), each having at least one test component (Pn). i and n serve as indices to distinguish between various test devices (PGi) and test components (Pn). When each part is generally referred to, "PGi" or "Pn" is used; otherwise, the test devices and test components are distinguished by their respective indices. Generally, n ≥ i applies.

[0012] The test array (1) includes a plurality (i > 1) of test devices (PGi), and each test device (PGi) includes at least one test component (Pn). The test components (Pn) are connected to each other via a data bus (2), for example, wired together via a data cable. The data bus (2) ensures that all test components (Pn) can communicate with all other test components (Pn) via the data bus (2) by transmitting data through the data bus (2).

[0013] The data bus (2) can be implemented as wired or wireless. A hybrid form having a data bus (2) that is partially wireless and partially wired can also be conceived. Preferably, the entire data bus (2) of the test array (1) is wired. In the case of a data bus (2) that is at least partially wired, at least two test components (Pn) are wired together through a data cable that forms the data bus (2) between these test components (Pn). In the case of a data bus (2) that is at least partially wireless, at least two test components (Pn) are connected to each other through a wireless data communication link (e.g., radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0014] The bus topology of the data bus (2) resulting from the connection of test components (Pn) is irrelevant to the present invention. The data bus (2) may be in the form of, for example, a ring bus, a line bus, a star bus, a mesh bus, a tree bus, etc. The data communication protocol implemented for data transmission is also irrelevant to the present invention. It does not matter whether bidirectional data transmission or unidirectional data transmission is possible through the data bus (2).

[0015] Accordingly, the test component (Pn) has at least one data bus data interface (6) for the data bus (2), through which the test component (Pn) can be connected to at least one other test component (Pn) via the data bus (2). The data bus data interface (6) enables data transmission of the test component (Pn) through the connected data bus (2).

[0016] The test component (Pn) may be, for example, a warning light, a signal light, an audible signal transmitter, an emergency stop switch, a switch-on protection, etc., but may also be a current amplifier that generates current at a current output or a voltage amplifier that generates voltage at a voltage output.

[0017] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, it can be assumed that multiple test components (Pn) are integrated into a single test device (PGi). For example, multiple current amplifiers and / or voltage amplifiers may be installed in the test device (PGi) as test components (Pn), and these may also be installed together with additional test components (Pn), such as an emergency stop switch or a signal light. When multiple test components (Pn) are integrated into the test device (PGi), these test components (Pn) are already connected to each other via a data bus (2) in the test device (PGi), preferably wired as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. This test device (PGi) may also be connected to additional test devices (PGi), each having at least one test component (Pn), to form a test array (1). To this end, the test device (PGi) has at least one data bus data interface (6), which allows the test components (Pn) connected to each other via the data bus (2) in the test device (PGi), specifically in the test device (PGi), to be connected to another test device (PGi) via the data bus (2).

[0018] To perform a test operation using the test array (1), at least one test component (Pn) of the test array (1) is electrically connected to a test target (3), for example, via a test cable (4), as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Suitable contacts (5), such as plug connections, may be provided on the test cable (4), the test target (3), and / or the test component (Pn). In the configuration of a test device (PGi) having multiple test components (Pn), it is also possible to connect multiple test components (Pn) to the test target (3) via a common test cable (4). As shown in FIG. 2, a multi-pole contact (5) and a multi-pole test cable (4) may be provided for this purpose.

[0019] However, the test object (3) and, if possible, the test cable (4) are not part of the test array (1), but form a test array (20) having the test array (1) and the test object (3) electrically connected to each other.

[0020] Any electrical device may be used as the test object (3). The test object (3) is, for example, an electrical component of a system for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, for example, an electrical supply network. Such components are, for example, safety devices such as protection devices, protection relays, reclosing devices, circuit breakers, or disconnect switches; measuring devices such as current transformers or voltage transformers; devices that generate electrical energy such as electric voltage transformers, generators, etc., such as transformers, power converters, etc.; or electrical distributors having fixed elements and / or switching elements. This list is for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive. How and with what the test object (3) and the test component (Pn) are electrically connected depends, of course, on the test object (3), but also on the type of test operation.

[0021] For safety reasons, the test array (1) must undergo a functional test before commissioning, that is, before performing test operations. The test array (1) must be switched to an operational readiness state only when the functional test is successfully completed. Otherwise, the test array (1) must remain in an operational readiness state, and in this state, the test array (1) cannot be operated. The present invention relates to a method for commissioning the test array (1), wherein the functional aspects of the test array (1) are tested by this method, which is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4. Additionally, additional functional tests for the test array (1) may also be performed, for example, as described in WO 2021 / 074373 A1.

[0022] The first step of this method is to connect the test components (Pn) if necessary, for example, by wiring or establishing a wireless connection. This is performed according to a predefined test configuration of the test components (Pn) involved in the test work forming the test array (1). The test configuration may exist in the form of a configuration list containing all relevant test components (Pn). The connection is made by test personnel who will perform the test work using the test array (1).

[0023] The test configuration includes, at least, a list of all types of test components related to the test array (1), such as current amplifiers, voltage amplifiers, warning lights, emergency stop switches, etc.

[0024] The connection creates a data bus (2) that connects the test components (Pn) of the test array (1). The test configuration is specified by the test task to be performed, and in particular, determines which test components (Pn) must be present in the test array (1) to perform the test task. For example, at least one test device (PG1) having at least one test component (P1) in the form of a current or voltage amplifier and at least one additional test device (PG2) having a warning light as a test component (P2) may be specified as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0025] The test configuration can specify not only the test components (Pn) to be provided but also a specific order for connecting test devices (PGi) or test components (Pn).

[0026] The next step of the method is to define at least one test device (PGi) having a function check unit (13) (e.g., test device (PG1) in FIG. 3) as the initiation device (10). Additional functions for performing the method according to the present invention are implemented in the function check unit (13), which will be described in detail below. The function check unit (13) does not need to be implemented in all test devices (PGi), but there must be at least one test device (PGi) having a function check unit (13) within the test array (10), and thus there must be at least one test device (PGi) capable of acting as the initiation device (10).

[0027] The function check unit (13) includes at least a storage unit (15), a comparator unit (11), and a bus detection unit (12). To this end, the test device (PGi) having the function check unit (13) may be provided with microprocessor-based hardware, such as a microcontroller, wherein specific functions, such as the functions of the comparator unit (11) and / or the bus detection unit (12), are implemented as software running on the microprocessor-based hardware. The storage unit (15) may be a storage component or a storage of the microprocessor-based hardware. The function check unit (13) or its specific functions may also be implemented, for example, as software in a standalone control unit of the test device (PGi). For example, the control unit of the PGi test device runs the firmware of the PGi test device used to perform the functions of the PGi test device.

[0028] To perform a functional test, the initiation device (10) is connected to the verification unit (8). To this end, a suitable data interface (14) is provided to the initiation device (10), through which the verification unit (8) is connected to the initiation device (10) via a data connection (7). The data interface (14) is, for example, a USB port or a wireless interface such as Bluetooth or WLAN.

[0029] The verification unit (8) interacts with the function check unit (13) within the initiation device (10) connected to it to perform a function check.

[0030] The verification unit (8) is preferably microprocessor-based hardware, for example, a microcontroller, a computer, a mobile device, or a mobile terminal, wherein corresponding software for performing a function check is executed by interacting with the function check unit (13).

[0031] In the next step of the method according to the present invention, the bus detection unit (12) of the initiation device (10), in particular the function check unit (13) of the initiation device (10), determines all test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2). The bus detection unit (12) is connected to the data bus (2) for this purpose.

[0032] All PGi test devices connected to the data bus (2) can be determined in various ways. For example, the initiator device (10) can send a bus message to all test components (Pn) via the data bus (2) along with a request to transmit a presence message. Then, each test component (Pn) transmits a presence message to the initiator device (10) so that all test components (Pn) can be detected. It is also conceivable that all test components (Pn) periodically transmit presence messages via the data bus (2) and the initiator device (10) reads them. Additionally, there is, of course, an additional possibility to determine all test components (Pn) present on the data bus (2).

[0033] At least the type of test component is transmitted in the existence message, that is, information regarding the type of device, such as a current amplifier, a voltage amplifier, a warning light, a signal light, an emergency stop switch, etc., is transmitted. In addition, a unique identifier of each test component (Pn), its location on the data bus (2), a SW or HW version number, or other information may also be transmitted.

[0034] All test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2) are stored in the test component list (PL) of the initiation device (10), specifically in the storage unit (15) of the function check unit (13).

[0035] The list of test components (PL) includes a list of test component types of all test components (Pn) that are reachable from at least the data bus (2). Thus, the list of test components (PL) may contain multiple items of a specific test component type.

[0036] In the next process step, the determined list of test components (PL) is transmitted to a verification unit (8) connected to the initiation device (10) via a data interface (14).

[0037] The next step of the process is to display the list of test components (PL) transmitted to the verification unit (8) on the verification unit (8) for the user. The format in which the list of test components (PL) is displayed is not important as long as the types of test components present can be determined by the user.

[0038] To this end, a user interface (9) may be provided to the verification unit (8), and, for example, a visual and / or acoustic display may be provided.

[0039] Through this, the user can check the list of test components (PL) displayed on the verification unit (8), and in particular, compare the list of test components (PL) received from the initiation device (10) with the specified test configuration.

[0040] If the received list of test components (PL) matches a specified test configuration, the user confirms the list of test components (PL), for example, through an input device of the user interface (9). Then, the verification unit (8) transmits the confirmed list of test components (PL) to the initiation device (10) as a user configuration list (BL).

[0041] In the initiation device (10), the stored list of test components (PL) is compared with the user configuration list (BL) received from the verification unit (8). This is performed in the comparator unit (11) of the function check unit (13), and the comparator unit (11) is also connected to the storage unit (15) for this purpose. Thus, the comparison includes, at least, determining whether the types of test components and the number of test component types in the list of test components (PL) and the user configuration list (BL) match.

[0042] When compliance is confirmed, the test array (1) is switched to an operation-ready state. This can be done by switching the initiation device (10) to an operation-ready state. In the operation-ready state of the test array (1), the intended test operation can be implemented using the test array (1).

[0043] If the stored list of test components (PL) does not match the user configuration list (BL) received from the verification unit (8), the test array (1) or the initiation device (10) remains in a state not ready for operation and the test array (1) cannot be operated.

[0044] To indicate to the user that the state is ready for operation, this can be displayed on a display unit by the initiation device (10). The display unit may be a part of the initiation device (10), for example, a traffic light or sound signal output of the initiation device (10). However, it is also possible to provide a test component (Pn) as the display unit. The test component (Pn) may be implemented, for example, as a traffic light or sound output unit. In this case, the initiation device (10) may transmit a data message to the test component (Pn) via the data bus (2) to cause the test component (Pn) to activate the display unit.

[0045] The user configuration list (BL) transmitted from the verification unit (8) to the initiation device (10) may also be maintained in a stored state in the initiation device (10), for example, the storage unit (15). This allows the inspection of the test array (1) to be repeated at predetermined intervals. The initiation device (10) repeats the determination of the test component list (PL) at predetermined intervals and checks the test component list (PL) determined in the process against the stored user configuration list (BL). Generally, since the test component list (PL) will not change, the test array (1) remains in an operational ready state. However, if there is a deviation between the re-determined test component list (PL) and the stored user configuration list (BL) due to an error such as a cable breakage in the data cable of the data bus (2) or an error in the test component (Pn), the test array (1) is switched to an operational not-ready state. Any test operation that may be running is interrupted.

[0046] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, it may be provided that multiple test devices (PGi) equipped with a function check unit (13) exist in the test array (1). In this case, the procedure described above may be implemented in multiple test devices (PGi) equipped with a function check unit (13) or in each test device (PGi), as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 5. Accordingly, in this embodiment, in order to make the test array (1) available for use, each test device (PGi) must be switched to an operational ready state using the function check unit (13).

[0047] The method according to the present invention can ensure that the test array (1) is switched to an operational ready state only when the actual configuration of the test array (1) (test component list (PL)) matches the specified test configuration. The user of the test array (1) can determine this easily and safely.

[0048] A test device (PGi) having a function check unit (13) may be supplied with, for example, a factory-configured user configuration list (BL). In order for such a test device (PGi) to be used in a specific test array (1), the pre-configured user configuration list (BL) must first be updated according to the specifications of the test work to be performed using the test array (1) (specified test configuration). The method according to the present invention also enables a safe procedure for updating the user configuration list (BL).

Claims

Claim 1 A method for commissioning a test array (1) composed of a plurality (i) of test devices (PGi), each having at least one test component (Pn), wherein the test components (Pn) of the test devices (PGi) are connected to each other via a data bus (2) to perform a test operation, and the method comprises: - connecting the test components (Pn) of the test devices (PGi) according to a predefined test configuration of the test components (Pn) related to the test operation; - determining at least one test device (PGi) having a function check unit (13) as a start device (10); - determining all test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2) by the function check unit (13) of at least one start device (10), and storing all test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2) in a test component list (PL) of the start device (10); and - verifying the test component list (PL) connected to the start device (10). A step of transmitting to a unit (8); a step of displaying the transmitted test component list (PL) on the verification unit (8); a step of receiving a user confirmation input for the displayed test component list (PL) through the user interface (9) of the verification unit (8) - the user confirmation input indicates that the displayed test component list (PL) matches a specified test configuration; and a step of transmitting the displayed test component list (PL) from the verification unit (8) to the initiation device (10) as a user configuration list (BL); and a step of comparing the user configuration list (BL) received from the verification unit (8) with the test component list (PL) stored in the initiation device (10) at the initiation device (10).- A method comprising the step of switching the test array (1) to a ready-for-operation state when the received user configuration list (BL) matches the stored test component list (PL). Claim 2 In claim 1, the method is to switch the test array (1) to a ready-to-operate state by switching the initiation device (10) to a ready-to-operate state. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator unit is activated by the initiation device (10) when the test array (1) enters a state ready for operation. Claim 4 A method according to paragraph 3 in which a display unit on the initiation device (10) is activated by the initiation device (10), or a test component (Pn) of a test device (PGi) designed as a display unit is activated. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, wherein the user configuration list (BL) obtained from the verification unit (8) is stored in the initiation device (10), the initiation device (10) re-determines the test component list (PL) at predetermined intervals, performs a comparison between the stored user configuration list (BL) and each newly determined test component list (PL), and the test array (1) is maintained in the ready-to-operate state when the stored user configuration list (BL) matches the new test component list (PL), and is changed to an unreadable-to-operate state otherwise. Claim 6 An array for commissioning a test array (1) composed of a plurality (i) of test devices (PGi), each having at least one test component, wherein the test components (Pn) of the test devices (PGi) are connected to each other via a data bus (2) to perform a test operation according to a predetermined test configuration of the test components (Pn) related to the test operation, a function check unit (13) is provided to one test device (PGi) and the test device (PGi) is defined as an initiation device (10), wherein the initiation device (10) is provided with a bus detection unit (12) of the function check unit (13), the bus detection unit (12) is configured to determine all test components (Pn) connected to the data bus (2), wherein the initiation device (10) is provided with a storage unit (15) of the function check unit (13), the storage unit (15) is configured to store the determined test components (Pn) in a test component list (PL), and the initiation device (10) is verified The initiation device (10) is connected to the unit (8), and the initiation device (10) transmits the stored test component list (PL) to the connected verification unit (8), and the verification unit (8) is configured to display the transmitted test component list (PL) on a user interface (9) and receive user confirmation input for the displayed test component list (PL) through the user interface (9) - the user confirmation input indicates that the displayed test component list (PL) matches a specified test configuration - and the verification unit (8) is configured to transmit the displayed test component list (PL) to the initiation device (10) as a user configuration list (BL), and the initiation device (10) is provided with a comparator unit (11) of the function check unit (13).An array, wherein the comparator unit (11) is configured to compare the user configuration list (BL) received from the verification unit (8) with the test component list (PL) stored in the initiation device (10), and when the received user configuration list (BL) matches the stored test component list (PL), the test array (1) is changed to a ready-to-operate state. Claim 7 In paragraph 6, the test array (1) is an array that is changed to an operational ready state by changing the initiation device (10) to an operational ready state. Claim 8 In claim 6, the storage unit (15) is configured to store the user configuration list (BL) received from the verification unit (8) in the initiation device (10), the bus detection unit (12) is configured to redefine the test component list (PL) at predetermined time intervals, the comparator unit (11) is configured to perform a comparison between the stored user configuration list (BL) and each redetermined test component list (PL), and the test array (1) is maintained in the ready-to-operate state when the stored user configuration list (BL) matches the new test component list (PL), and changed to an unreadable-to-operate state otherwise.

Images