Methods for diagnosing at least one automation system

Abstract

Method for diagnosing at least one automation system (1) with at least one valve device (5), comprising the steps: Acquiring (S1) system operating data (6), namely sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location (7) of the automation system (1); Providing (S2) and continuously updating diagnostic auxiliary data (8), namely energy consumption forecast data, in a database (26) in a diagnostic auxiliary data server (21) located remotely from the operating location (7), wherein the diagnostic auxiliary data (8) comprises a diagnostic model (25), wherein the diagnostic model (25) is based on the execution of a test operation of at least one test component (12) not belonging to the automation system (1), wherein the test operation is carried out in parallel with the operation of the automation system; Transmitting the diagnostic auxiliary data (8) via the Internet to the automation system (1) in order to merge the system operating data (6) and the diagnostic auxiliary data (8).and providing (S4) diagnostic data relating to an energy consumption forecast, based on the plant operating data (6) and the diagnostic aid data (8), wherein the diagnostic data are provided by applying the diagnostic model (25) to the plant operating data (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for diagnosing at least one automation system with at least one pneumatic actuator and / or at least one electrical actuator, in particular at least one valve assembly, comprising the steps of: acquiring system operating data, in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location of the automation system and providing diagnostic data, in particular with regard to a lifetime prediction, based on the system operating data.

[0002] The automation system is used, for example, in industrial automation, process automation, and / or manufacturing automation. Advantageously, the flow of a fluid, particularly a process fluid, is controlled in the automation system using a valve assembly.

[0003] It is known to equip one or more components of an automation system with a local diagnostic function that can predict their service life based on acquired system operating data, such as sensor data. The diagnostic function is provided, for example, by means of a model integrated into the components and can be used with the aid of a customer application.

[0004] One object of the invention is to improve the aforementioned method in such a way that more accurate diagnostic data can be provided.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, a method for diagnosing at least one automation system is provided, wherein the automation system comprises at least one pneumatic actuator and / or at least one electrical actuator, in particular at least one valve assembly. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring system operating data, in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location of the automation system and providing diagnostic support data, in particular lifetime prediction data, energy consumption prediction data, maintenance prediction data and / or operating parameter recommendation data, in a database on a diagnostic support data server located remotely from the operating location. The diagnostic support data includes test operation data and / or simulation data. The test operation data is based on the execution of a test operation of at least one test component that does not belong to the automation system.The simulation data is based on a simulation of a component of the automation system.

[0007] The procedure further comprises the following steps: combining the plant operating data and the diagnostic support data via a communication platform, in particular a wide area network, preferably the Internet, and / or a cloud, and providing diagnostic data, in particular regarding a lifetime prediction, an energy consumption prediction, a maintenance prediction and / or an operating parameter recommendation, based on the plant operating data and the diagnostic support data.

[0008] According to the invention, the diagnostic data is therefore not only provided based on plant operating data, but also takes into account auxiliary diagnostic data provided by a remotely located auxiliary diagnostic data server and based on test operating data and / or simulation data. In this way, the diagnostic data can be generated using a significantly more comprehensive database, thereby improving the accuracy of the information contained in the diagnostic data.

[0009] The diagnostic support data server can, for example, be a server belonging to the manufacturer of the automation system and / or specific components of the automation system. Consequently, the manufacturer can provide diagnostic support data directly to the diagnostic support data server. This data may be based, for example, on extensive test operations and / or extensive simulations conducted by the manufacturer and can be continuously updated. Using the method according to the invention, this data can then be considered in addition to the locally acquired system operating data for providing the diagnostic data, thus leading to an overall more accurate result.

[0010] The plant operating data acquired at the location of the automation system includes, for example, usage data such as the number of actuations, strokes, or switching cycles of an actuator, temperature, pressure, and / or current profile. Based on this data, diagnostic data, such as a prognosis regarding service life and / or energy consumption, can be provided. If, according to the invention, the diagnostic auxiliary data from the diagnostic auxiliary data server is also used when providing the diagnostic data, the accuracy of the diagnostic data, for example, the accuracy of the aforementioned prognosis of service life and / or energy consumption, can be improved.

[0011] For example, diagnostic support data consists of parameters that, based on plant operating data, can be used to generate diagnostic data – in particular, a prediction regarding service life and / or energy consumption. Since this diagnostic support data is based on test operation and / or simulation, it can be continuously updated, ensuring that its use in generating diagnostic data guarantees the most accurate results possible, taking into account the latest findings.

[0012] Advantageous further training is the subject of the sub-claims.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the procedure includes the step of: conducting the test operation, in particular a long-term test operation, preferably over several months or years, of the test component and providing the diagnostic support data based on the test operation carried out.

[0014] It is advantageous to conduct the test operation in parallel – that is, concurrently – with the operation of the automation system. The diagnostic support data obtained in this way can be repeatedly, preferably continuously, provided and / or updated. This ensures that the diagnostic data is always based on the latest test findings regarding the automation system and its components.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the diagnostic data is provided by a diagnostic module, in particular by a software component, which is provided in at least one controller and / or gateway of the automation system and / or an external server not belonging to the automation system, in particular the diagnostic auxiliary data server.

[0016] The diagnostic data can therefore be made available directly on one or more components of the automation system. Alternatively or additionally, the diagnostic data can also be made available on an external server and then, for example, transferred to the operating location of the automation system.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic module is designed and / or implemented in such a way that it cannot influence the control of actuators of the automation system.

[0018] For example, the diagnostic module runs in its own, specifically encapsulated, runtime environment, so that the diagnostic module cannot influence the control of the automation system's actuators. This prevents unauthorized external interference, for example via the communication platform, from affecting the automation system's control.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the diagnostic support data includes a diagnostic model and the diagnostic data is provided by applying the diagnostic model to the plant operating data.

[0020] The diagnostic model is, for example, a mathematical model into which plant operating data can be inserted, resulting in diagnostic data. The diagnostic model can be continuously improved based on test results and / or simulations, thus ensuring the highest possible accuracy of the diagnostic data.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the automation system has several components, each of which is assigned an identifier, whereby the system operating data is recorded in relation to the identifiers and the provision of diagnostic support data is based on the identifiers.

[0022] For example, separate plant operating data and diagnostic support data can be provided for several components using the identifier, so that ultimately separate diagnostic data - for example, a separate lifetime prediction and / or a separate energy consumption diagnosis - can be provided for each of these components.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the plant operating data includes operating parameters, in particular temperature, humidity, air pressure, and / or air composition. Advantageously, a selection of diagnostic auxiliary data is made based on these operating parameters, and the diagnostic data is then provided on this basis.

[0024] For example, different diagnostic auxiliary data can be provided on the diagnostic auxiliary data server for different operating parameters or operating parameter ranges. Depending on the operating parameters contained in the plant operating data, corresponding diagnostic auxiliary data can then be selected, and the diagnostic data is then provided based on these. For example, initial diagnostic auxiliary data can be provided for a first temperature range, and subsequent diagnostic auxiliary data can be provided for a second temperature range. If the operating parameters contained in the plant operating data indicate that the automation system is operating in the first temperature range, then the initial diagnostic auxiliary data can be used (and not the subsequent diagnostic auxiliary data) when providing the diagnostic data.

[0025] This allows the provision of diagnostic data to take into account the actual operating parameters prevailing in the automation system being diagnosed.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the method is used to diagnose at least two automation systems. Additional operating data from a second automation system is recorded. This second automation system is located remotely from the operating location of the first. Diagnostic support data is provided in an external database, and the additional operating data and the diagnostic support data are combined via the communication platform. Further diagnostic data is then generated based on this additional operating data and the diagnostic support data.

[0027] Consequently, one and the same diagnostic auxiliary data server can be used for the diagnosis of several automation systems located at different operating locations.

[0028] The invention further relates to a system comprising at least one automation system with at least one pneumatic actuator and / or at least one electric actuator, in particular at least one valve assembly. The automation system is configured to acquire system operating data, in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location of the automation system. The system further comprises a diagnostic auxiliary data server located remotely from the operating location, which has a database in which diagnostic auxiliary data, in particular lifetime prediction data, energy consumption prediction data, maintenance prediction data and / or operating parameter recommendation data, are provided.

[0029] The diagnostic support data includes test operation data and / or simulation data. The test operation data is based on the execution of a test operation of at least one test component not belonging to the automation system. The simulation data is based on a simulation of a system component of the automation system.

[0030] The system is further designed to combine plant operating data and diagnostic support data via a communication platform, in particular a wide area network, preferably the internet, and to provide diagnostic data based on this plant operating data and diagnostic support data. This diagnostic data includes, in particular, diagnostic data relating to a lifetime prediction, an energy consumption prediction, a maintenance prediction, and / or an operating parameter recommendation.

[0031] Preferably, the system is configured in accordance with one of the methods described above. Advantageously, the system is configured to execute one of the methods described above.

[0032] Exemplary details and an exemplary embodiment are explained below with reference to the drawing. This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system and Fig. 2. A flowchart of a process.

[0033] The Fig. 1 shows a system 100 , which in particular provides an exemplary environment for carrying out the work in the Fig. 2 of the procedures shown 200 represents.

[0034] The system 100 includes an automation system 1 , which are located at a business site 7 is located geographically distant, for example at least several kilometers away, from the operating location. 7There is a server location 15 , on which a diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 is arranged. The automation system 1 and the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 are via a communication platform 17 , for example, a long-distance network, interconnected through communication. The communication platform serves as an example. 17 about the internet.

[0035] At the diagnostic support data server 21 For example, it could be a server from a manufacturer of automation system components. 1 The diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 has a database 26 , in the diagnostic aid data 8 will be provided. The diagnostic support data 8 include test operation data 9 and / or simulation data 10, which relate in particular to the service life, energy consumption, maintenance and / or operating parameter recommendations of the automation system 1 and / or a component of the automation system 1 relate.

[0036] In the automation system 1 It is expedient to use components from the component manufacturer. Preferably, taking into account the diagnostic support data provided by the component manufacturer, 8 Diagnostic data is provided, which, for example, includes a prognosis of service life, energy consumption, maintenance and / or a recommendation for operating parameters of the automation system. 1 and / or a component of the automation system 1 regarding.

[0037] The generated diagnostic data can be used in particular to monitor the automation system. 1to improve. For example, the diagnostic data can be used to identify a user of the automation system. 1 To inform users that a component's service life is nearing its end and / or that the component needs to be replaced. Furthermore, a user can be informed that a component requires maintenance, what energy consumption to expect, and / or whether the automation system is functioning correctly. 1 or that a specific component thereof should be operated with different operating parameters.

[0038] First, let's look at the automation system. 1 :

[0039] The automation system 1 has a connection to the communication platform 17 connected control unit 18 as well as at least one electrical actuator 4 and / or a pneumatic actuator 2 .

[0040] The control system is an example. 18to use a programmable logic controller (PLC), which in this example is purely illustrative and connects via the gateway 23 to the communication platform 17 is connected. Regarding the actuators 2 , 4 This could be, for example, a drive and / or a valve, in particular a single valve.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the automation system can 1 also via a valve device 5 , for example, a valve assembly. The valve assembly, for instance, has 5 via a communication platform 17 - here's an example via the gateway 23 - connected valve control unit 19 as well as four pneumatic actuators 3 , which are designed, for example, as valve discs.

[0042] The automation system 1 is trained, plant operating data 6, in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location 7 the automation system 1 to record.

[0043] The automation system conveniently features 1 via sensors 11 , in order to collect the sensor data. Regarding the sensors 11 These are primarily temperature sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow sensors, position sensors, and / or end-position sensors. For example, the pneumatic actuator could be one such sensor. 2 It is a drive cylinder that acts as a sensor 11 It has a position sensor. Ideally, at least one of the actuators can be equipped with a position sensor. 2 , 3 , 4 the automation system 1 via a sensor 11 possess. For example, several, in particular all, actuators possess. 2 , 3 , 4 each via a sensor 11 .

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, for example, the valve assembly designed as a valve battery can also be used. 5 detached by the actors 3 A sensor may be provided, for example in or on a line of the valve assembly 5 .

[0045] Regarding the plant operating data 6 - especially the one with a sensor 11 recorded plant operating data 6 - these can also include operating parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air pressure and / or air composition, with which the automation system 1 is operated.

[0046] As mentioned above, the plant operating data can 6 Furthermore, usage data is included. In this context, usage data refers in particular to data relating to the use of the automation system. 1or affect one of its components. The usage data can include, for example, the number of actuations of a component, in particular an actuator, such as a stroke count and / or a number of switching cycles.

[0047] The plant operating data will be presented as an example. 6 in a control system of the automation system 1 - here the control 18 and / or the valve control 19 and / or the gateway 23 - collected.

[0048] The automation system 1 It also has one or more diagnostic modules. 20 . As an example, a diagnostic module on the controller will be used. 18 , the valve control unit and the gateway 23 provided. In fact, even fewer diagnostic modules are possible. 20 , for example, only one might be present. Furthermore, it is also possible that a diagnostic module 20on another unit of the automation system (not shown in the figure) 1 is provided, for example, to a user terminal device such as a PC and / or a mobile device.

[0049] The automation system 1 is designed in such a way that the diagnostic module 20 is implemented in such a way that it controls the actuators, in particular the actuators 2 , 3 , 4 , the automation system 1 cannot be influenced. For example, the diagnostic module 20 It runs in its own runtime environment, where it has no access to control functions for the actuators. The automation system is expediently... 1 trained to provide such a runtime environment from which no access to the control of the actuators is possible.

[0050] Now to the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 :

[0051] The diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 The database includes 26 , on which the diagnostic support data 8 will be provided. The diagnostic support data 8 include in particular test operation data 9 and / or simulation data 10 The test operation data 9 based on the execution of a test run of at least one system not related to the automation system 1 belonging test component 12 The simulation data 10 based on a simulation of a plant component 16 the automation system 1 .

[0052] Regarding the diagnostic support data 8 This particularly concerns lifetime prediction data, i.e., data that can be used based on recorded plant operating data. 6 a lifespan of a component of the automation system 1 can be predicted. For example, the diagnostic support data describe 8the relationship between usage data of a component, for example a number of switching cycles, and / or operating parameters with which the component is operated, for example a measured pressure and / or a measured temperature, and an expected lifetime of the component.

[0053] Furthermore, the diagnostic support data may 8 This concerns energy consumption forecast data, i.e., data that, based on plant operating data, can be used to forecast the energy consumption of the automation system and / or one or more components of the automation system. 1 can be determined. For example, the diagnostic support data describes 8the relationship between usage data of a component, for example a number of switching cycles, and / or operating parameters with which the component is operated, for example a measured pressure and / or a measured temperature, and an expected energy consumption of the component.

[0054] Furthermore, diagnostic support data can be used 8 This also includes maintenance forecast data. Maintenance forecast data is, for example, data used to calculate maintenance requirements based on plant operating data. 6 It is possible to predict when and / or what kind of maintenance a component of the automation system will require. 1 is necessary.

[0055] Finally, the diagnostic support data can 8 It also involves operating parameter recommendation data. Operating parameter recommendation data includes, for example, data that is used to generate recommendations based on the recorded plant operating data. 6A recommendation can be made regarding which operating parameters a component of the automation system should be used with. 1 It should be operated in the best way.

[0056] Furthermore, it is possible that in the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 the configuration of the automation system 1 is stored. For example, it is stored in the diagnostic auxiliary data server. 21 stored information about which components the automation system uses. 1 The diagnostic support data includes information on the availability and / or interconnection of diagnostic support data. 8 Based on this configuration, they can then be created, assembled, selected and / or deployed.

[0057] The system has, purely as an example, 100 furthermore, via a test component 12 , which are not part of the automation system 1 belongs to and is geographically distant from the automation plant 1is arranged. The test component is an example. 12 at the server location 15 arranged, but can also be located at one of the server locations 15 The test site must be located at a remote location.

[0058] The test component 12 It is not part of the automation system 1 - that is, it does not constitute a component of the automation system 1 preferably the test component 12 however identical in construction to a plant component 16 the automation system 1 trained. In the example shown, the test component is 12 to control 27 and an actuator 14 , in particular a pneumatic and / or electric actuator. The control system 27 can be, in particular, identical in construction to the control system 18 be trained and the actor 14 can be, in particular, identical in construction to the actuator. 2 or the actor 4must be trained. Alternatively or additionally, a component identical in construction to the valve assembly can be provided as a test component. 5 is.

[0059] The test component is an example. 12 at the same location - the server location 15 - like the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 arranged. Alternatively, the test component can be 12 but it could also be located in a place far from it.

[0060] The test component 12 The system is being operated in a test phase. This test phase is specifically a long-term test phase. The test phase can last for at least several months or even several years. The diagnostic support data is based on this test phase. 8 provided. For example, the actuator is provided during test operation. 14 repeatedly activated and continuously sensor data is acquired, especially with the sensor 11the test component 12 Recorded sensor data and / or usage data are collected and then processed, for example through statistical calculations, to generate diagnostic support data. 8 to obtain.

[0061] The test operation will take place in particular in parallel with the operation of the automation system. 1 performed and preferably repeated acquisition of new diagnostic support data 8 provided, on the basis of which the diagnostic data can then be created.

[0062] As already mentioned, the diagnostic support data can 8 The data may also be available as simulation data. In this case, it is advantageous to run the simulation data in parallel with the operation of the automation system. 1 a simulation of a plant component 16 the automation system 1 These procedures are carried out, and based on them, new diagnostic support data can be generated. 8These data can then be used as the basis for creating diagnostic data.

[0063] The diagnostic support data 8 This includes, in particular, a diagnostic model. 25 , which is from the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 can be provided. In the diagnostic model 25 For example, it is a mathematical model into which the plant operating data is fed. 6 can be used to calculate the diagnostic data. The diagnostic model is expediently 25 It is created based on test operation and / or a simulation and can be continuously updated.

[0064] At the gateway 23 It is more suitable to use an Internet of Things (IoT) gateway. The gateway is an example. 23 as an additional unit to the controls 18 , 19 shown. The gateway 23 but it can also be in one of the controllers 18, 19 be integrated. Furthermore, it is possible that the gateway 23 itself represents a control system that connects directly to an actuator. 2 , 3 , 4 communicated. As in the Fig. As shown in 1, the gateway can 23 A diagnostic module is recommended. 20 include and the plant operating data 6 have, for example by controlling them 18 , 19 be transferred.

[0065] The system 100 is trained to use the communication platform 17 the plant operating data 6 and the diagnostic support data 8 to combine the plant operating data. 6 and the diagnostic support data 8 can, in particular, at the place of business 7 , preferably at the automation system 1 themselves, are merged. For this purpose, the diagnostic support data can be used. 8from the diagnostic support data server 21 via the communication platform 17 to the automation system 1 be transmitted. Preferably, the plant operating data will be transmitted. 6 and the diagnostic support data 8 in a diagnostic module 20 the automation system 1 merged.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the merging can also take place at another location, for example an external server, in particular the diagnostic auxiliary data server. 21 , take place. For this purpose, the plant operating data can be used. 6 from the automation system 1 via the communication platform 17 to the corresponding external server.

[0067] The system 100 is furthermore trained, based on the combined plant operating data 6 and the diagnostic support data 8to provide diagnostic data. For example, based on the plant operating data. 6 and the diagnostic support data 8 A calculation is performed, and diagnostic data is obtained as a result.

[0068] The diagnostic data includes, in particular, a lifetime prediction, an energy consumption prediction, a maintenance prediction and / or an operating parameter recommendation.

[0069] Lifetime prediction can, for example, involve information about the (likely) remaining lifespan of the automation system. 1 or a component of the automation system 1 act.

[0070] Energy consumption forecasts can, for example, provide information about the (expected) energy consumption of the automation system. 1 or a component of the automation system 1 act.

[0071] Maintenance forecasts can, for example, provide information about maintenance that is (likely) required on the automation system. 1 or a component of the automation system 1 This concerns, in particular, the type of maintenance to be carried out and / or the remaining time until the maintenance is to be carried out.

[0072] The operating parameter recommendation can, for example, be information about a (recommended) operating parameter with which the automation system 1 or a component of the automation system 1 It should be operated within a specific range. For example, the operating parameter recommendation specifies a temperature range and / or pressure range within which the automation system should operate. 1 or a component of the automation system 1 should be operated.

[0073] The diagnostic data, in particular one or more of the aforementioned prognoses / recommendations, can then be displayed to a user, for example, on a user terminal and / or a user interface, in particular a display and / or a signal light, as a notification. The user terminal and / or the user interface are, for example, part of the automation system. 1 and / or additionally provided for. Furthermore, the diagnostic data can also be stored, for example in the automation system. 1 and / or the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 .

[0074] The components of the automation system are expediently 1 Each is assigned an identifier. The plant operating data 6 This allows them to be recorded and assigned to the identifiers. For example, the plant operating data. 6 in the control system 18 , the valve control19 and / or the gateway 23 stored in association with the identifiers. Furthermore, the provision of diagnostic support data is also possible. 8 This will be done based on the identifiers. For example, the diagnostic support data will be used. 8 on the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 Stored in association with the identifiers. Based on the plant operating data assigned to the identifiers. 6 and / or diagnostic support data 8 Diagnostic data can then be provided in association with the identifiers. Consequently, separate diagnostic data, referenceable via the respective identifier, can be provided for each component.

[0075] As mentioned above, the plant operating data can 6This includes, in particular, operating parameters such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and / or air composition. The diagnostic auxiliary data is used for this purpose. 8 The test operation and / or simulation performed can be carried out for different operating parameters and / or different operating parameter ranges. A separate set of diagnostic auxiliary data can be used for each operating parameter range. 8 be created. Based on the plant operating data. 6 The operating parameters included can then be used to select those diagnostic support data. 8The diagnostic data is generated based on the selected operating parameters and / or those that best match them. This ensures that the diagnostic data (and especially the predictions / recommendations it contains) is optimally aligned with the operating parameters used by the automation system. 1 is operated.

[0076] Furthermore, the system includes 100 Just as an example, another automation system 24 The further automation system 24 is preferably geographically distant, in particular several kilometers away, from the automation system 1 and / or the diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 arranged. The diagnostic auxiliary data server 21 can be accessed via the communication platform 17 both the automation system 1as well as the rest of the automation system 24 to support the provision of diagnostic data. This includes additional plant operating data from the other automation system. 24 recorded, with diagnostic support data 8 The data is then combined, and based on this combined data, further diagnostic data relating to the automation system is provided. 24 refer to the further automation system. 24 can be used in particular in accordance with the automation system 1 be trained. The provision of plant operating data and / or diagnostic data can be expediently carried out as with the automation system. 1 take place.

[0077] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a process 200 , which is particularly evident from the system discussed above 100 can be carried out.

[0078] That procedure 200is a method for diagnosing at least one automation system 1 with at least one pneumatic actuator 2 , 3 and / or at least one electric actuator 4 , in particular at least one valve assembly 5 .

[0079] The procedure 200 includes the step S1 , where plant operating data 6 , in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location 7 the automation system 1 be recorded.

[0080] The procedure 200 further includes the step S2 , in which diagnostic support data 8 , in particular lifetime forecast data, energy consumption forecast data, maintenance forecast data and / or operating parameter recommendation data, in a database 26 in one of the operating locations 7 remotely located diagnostic auxiliary data server 21will be provided. The diagnostic support data 8 include test operation data 9 and / or simulation data 10 , where the test operation data 9 on the execution of a test operation of at least one not belonging to the automation system 1 belonging test component 12 based on the simulation data 10 on a simulation of a plant component 16 the automation system 1 based.

[0081] The step S2 can be done in parallel to the step S1 , before the step S1 or after the step S1 be performed.

[0082] The procedure 200 further includes the step S3 , where the plant operating data 6 and the diagnostic support data 8 via a communication platform 17 , in particular a wide area network, preferably the Internet, are to be combined.

[0083] Finally, the procedure includes 200 the step S4 , in which diagnostic data, in particular regarding a lifetime prediction, an energy consumption prediction, a maintenance prediction and / or an operating parameter recommendation, are based on the plant operating data ( 6 ) and the diagnostic support data ( 8 ) will be provided.

[0084] The procedure can be expediently 200 furthermore, in accordance with one or more of the above in connection with the system 100 The described characteristics must be developed.

Claims

[1] Method for diagnosing at least one automation system (1) with at least one pneumatic actuator (2, 3) and / or at least one electrical actuator (4), in particular at least one valve assembly (5), comprising the steps: Acquisition (S1) of plant operating data (6), in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location (7) of the automation plant (1), Providing (S2) diagnostic auxiliary data (8), in particular lifetime prediction data, energy consumption prediction data, maintenance prognosis data and / or operating parameter recommendation data, in a database (26) in a diagnostic auxiliary data server (21) located remotely from the operating location (7), wherein the diagnostic auxiliary data (8) comprise test operation data (9) and / or simulation data (10), wherein the test operation data (9) are based on the execution of a test operation of at least one test component (12) not belonging to the automation system (1) and the simulation data (10) are based on a simulation of a system component (16) of the automation system (1), Combining (S3) the plant operating data (6) and the diagnostic support data (8) via a communication platform (17), in particular a wide area network, preferably the Internet, and Providing (S4) diagnostic data, in particular regarding lifetime prediction, energy consumption prediction, maintenance prediction and / or operating parameter recommendation, based on the plant operating data (6) and the diagnostic aid data (8). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by the step: Performing the test operation, in particular a long-term test operation, preferably over several months or years, of the test component (12) and providing the diagnostic aid data (8) based on the test operation performed. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the diagnostic data are provided by a diagnostic module (20), in particular a software module, which is provided in at least one controller (18) and / or a gateway (23) of the automation system and / or an external server not belonging to the automation system, in particular the diagnostic auxiliary data server (21). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the diagnostic module (20) is designed and / or implemented in such a way that it cannot influence the control of actuators (2, 3, 4) of the automation system (1). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the diagnostic aid data (8) further comprise a diagnostic model (25) and that the diagnostic data are provided by applying the diagnostic model (25) to the plant operating data (6). [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the automation system (1) has several components, each of which is assigned an identifier, wherein the system operating data (6) are recorded in relation to the identifiers and the provision of the diagnostic aid data (8) is based on the identifiers. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plant operating data (8) include operating parameters, in particular a temperature, a humidity, an air pressure and / or an air composition, and on the basis of the operating parameters a selection of the diagnostic auxiliary data (8) is made, on the basis of which the diagnostic data are provided. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a diagnosis of at least two automation systems (1, 24) is carried out, wherein further system operating data of a further automation system (24) is recorded, which is located away from the operating location (7) of the automation system (1), diagnostic support data (8) is provided from the external database (26), the further system operating data and the diagnostic support data (8) are combined via the communication platform (17) and further diagnostic data is provided on the basis of the further system operating data and the diagnostic support data (8). [9] System (100) comprising at least one automation system (1) with at least one pneumatic actuator (2, 3) and / or at least one electrical actuator (4), in particular at least one valve assembly (5), wherein the automation system (1) is configured to acquire plant operating data (6), in particular sensor data and / or usage data, at the operating location (7) of the automation system (1), wherein the system (100) further comprises a diagnostic auxiliary data server (21) arranged remotely from the operating location (7), which has a database (26) in which diagnostic auxiliary data (8), in particular lifetime prediction data, energy consumption prediction data, maintenance prediction data and / or operating parameter recommendation data, are provided, wherein the diagnostic auxiliary data (8) comprise test operating data (9) and / or simulation data (10),wherein the test operation data (9) are based on the execution of a test operation of at least one test component (12) not belonging to the automation system (1) and the simulation data (10) are based on a simulation of a system component (16) of the automation system (1), wherein the system (100) is further configured to combine the system operation data (6) and the diagnostic support data (8) via a communication platform (17), in particular a wide area network, preferably the Internet, and to provide diagnostic data, in particular regarding a lifetime prediction, an energy consumption prediction, a maintenance prediction and / or an operating parameter recommendation, on the basis of the system operation data (6) and the diagnostic support data (8).

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