Emergency notification procedures, emergency notification system and technical equipment

Abstract

Emergency notification procedure for technical installations, preferably accessible technical installations, in particular wind turbines (10), wherein, in the event of an emergency in the area of ​​the installation (10), an emergency notification or emergency message is sent by a person (15, 16) to a central location, in particular an emergency control center, by means of a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone, to alert emergency and / or rescue services for the emergency, in particular fire brigade and / or rescue service and / or police and / or technical personnel, at least one human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code (19) arranged in the area of ​​the installation (10) is read out for the identification of the installation (10) when the emergency notification is sent to the central location, characterized in thatthat the machine-readable emergency code (19) is read by means of the mobile communication device or mobile device and that access to a walk-in interior and / or exterior area of ​​the facility (10) is at least temporarily granted when the machine-readable emergency code (19) is read and / or when the emergency message is sent to rescue services.

Description

The invention relates to an emergency notification method according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, it relates to an emergency notification system according to the preamble of claim 11. Finally, it relates to a walk-in technical installation according to the preamble of claim 14. The number of installed wind turbines, and therefore the number of sites, is constantly growing. Despite increasing automation, particularly in this sector, for example through remote monitoring and maintenance systems, more or less regular manual inspections and interventions are still necessary. These, as well as repairs in particular, generally require personnel to be present at the respective turbine. Despite high safety standards, malfunctions or accidents of the system, including fires, cannot be ruled out. Both these incidents and accidents can result in personal injury, sometimes with serious consequences. Maintenance personnel are particularly at risk. Several safety systems are known from the prior art. JP 2009 120 291 A discloses a system for preventing accidents in elevators, in which an accident prevention box in the elevator serves to communicate with a central status monitor. EP 2 520 948 A2 discloses a navigation system for remote locations in which RFID tags distributed in the environment are read and triangulated. US 2017 / 0055138 A1 describes a system for calling for help, for example in train stations, in which images with QR codes can be read using a mobile device to send a targeted alert with location information. DE 10 2013 214 521 A1 discloses a fire alarm system for a building in which first information about a person's condition and second information about the person's location within the building are transmitted to an emergency service. A significant problem in the rapid deployment of assistance is the inadequate documentation and availability of information on installed technical systems, particularly for the emergency services involved. Information on the location, access routes, and internal layout of each individual system is, at best, only available from the manufacturers or operators themselves. In the event of an emergency, such as a breakdown or fire at a system, but especially when providing assistance at accidents involving people, such information is therefore generally not obtainable at short notice. It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the existing disadvantages. Preferably, the provision of information regarding emergencies and technical systems should be improved. In particular, the work of emergency and rescue services should be simplified. An emergency procedure with the features of claim 1 solves this problem. Such an emergency notification procedure is intended for technical installations, preferably accessible technical installations, in particular wind turbines. An accessible technical installation is therefore one that is accessible to personnel. In an emergency within the area of ​​the installation, a person present sends an emergency message or alert to a central location, in particular an emergency control center, using a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone, tablet, or similar device. This serves to alert emergency services and / or rescue personnel, in particular the fire department and / or ambulance service and / or police and / or technical personnel. In this way, further damage to the installation as well as personal injury can be reduced or even prevented.The method according to the invention is characterized in that at least one machine-readable emergency code arranged in the area of ​​the system is read out to identify the system when an emergency message is sent to the central control station. This allows precise location information to be easily provided to emergency services in an emergency. For this purpose, the emergency code or its identification simply needs to be assigned to corresponding data, which is then released in the emergency. Information and / or data are stored or assigned to each of the machine-readable emergency codes. This is preferably done in a database, and preferably a central database. The information can be transmitted to the central office and / or emergency services, particularly in an emergency. A corresponding query of the database can then be performed. In this way, all relevant information for optimized emergency response can be disseminated. Each of the machine-readable emergency codes is assigned at least one unique identifier. This enables the unambiguous identification of each emergency code. The at least one, and in particular each, emergency code preferably includes a radio chip, such as an RFID chip, and / or a graphic element, such as a barcode or QR code. Such components can be read by machine, particularly with commercially available mobile devices, such as mobile phones or tablets. Preferably, the at least one unique identifier is used to assign data and / or information to and / or from a database. This allows the correct information to be released. Optionally, additional checksums or other comparable security elements can ensure correct reading of the identifier.This ensures the system functions smoothly. In case of an error, the person who raised the alarm can then be asked whether the identification was read correctly. The machine-readable emergency code is read using a mobile communication device, particularly a mobile phone. This is preferably done using a computer program, such as an app and / or emergency app on a mobile device. The reading is preferably performed via camera and / or radio interface, especially RFID, NFC, WLAN, and / or Bluetooth. This significantly facilitates and simplifies the emergency notification process. In the emergency notification method according to the invention, several machine-readable emergency codes, preferably a plurality of machine-readable emergency codes, are distributed throughout the system. These are preferably located in different areas or sections of the system, preferably on different floors and / or in different rooms. At least one emergency code is preferably present in each section or area. Each emergency code further preferably allows for the unambiguous determination of its position within the system. When an emergency alert is sent, information from the database is preferably forwarded to the emergency services based on the identification of the emergency code. This information preferably includes details about the location of the facility, the position of the emergency code within the facility, access routes to the facility, any specific hazards, and / or contact details. Ideally, this ensures that the emergency services have all the essential information for a rapid response immediately upon receiving the alert. Preferably, each machine-readable emergency code also includes a human-readable code. The emergency codes are specifically designed to include this code in advance. Preferably, at least one character combination and / or a numeric code is provided. This ensures that manual reading is possible even in the event of an incorrect code. Preferably, a multiple or even numerous emergency codes are distributed throughout the system. Different emergency codes in a given area or at a specific location within the system can be used to trigger alarms and / or signals for different emergencies. The emergency codes for the same location within the system, but for different emergencies, are preferably arranged next to or above one another, or adjacent to or in close proximity to each other. If necessary, instead of multiple emergency codes at a single location, several additional codes can be assigned to a single emergency code, allowing the selection of the emergency type. This selection can be made, for example, after the emergency code has been read. Preferably, for instance, reading a first emergency code or additional code triggers an alarm in the event of personal injury, and reading a second emergency code or additional code triggers an alarm in the event of property damage. The emergency message is automatically sent, particularly after the emergency code is read or recognized. This ensures a rapid alert and notification. If necessary, this can be done only after confirmation by the person who initiated the alarm. This helps prevent false alarms. Preferably, access to the facility is granted in an emergency. This is done in particular by scanning one of the emergency codes. At least one door, barrier, and / or other access control system can be overridden or deactivated. If necessary, this overriding or deactivation can also be temporary, for example, for a period of a few hours or even a day. In this way, unimpeded access to the facility for emergency services can be ensured. The problem described above is further solved by an emergency alarm system for technical installations, preferably accessible technical installations, in particular wind turbines, with the features of claim 11. Such an installation has an accessible interior and / or exterior space, in particular a tower. Preferably, an emergency alarm method according to the preceding descriptions is implemented. The emergency alarm system is characterized in that at least one human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code with an identification is arranged in the area of ​​the installation. This serves to ensure that emergency and rescue services are alerted in a particularly simple and reliable manner. Preferably, a large number of emergency codes are arranged within the system, preferably in specific areas of the system. Each emergency code can be read, in particular, by means of a mobile communication device or mobile device, especially via camera and / or radio interface. Furthermore, preferably, special software, preferably an app, is provided that can be executed on a person's mobile device. In this way, an alarm can be triggered in a particularly secure and convenient manner. Preferably, the identification of the emergency code allows for the identification of the system and / or the determination of the system's location and / or the determination of the emergency code's position within the system. In particular, the system provides for signaling or reporting the type of emergency. This serves especially to differentiate between material and personal emergencies, enabling emergency services to prepare accordingly. Preferably, different emergency codes or different supplementary codes to one of the emergency codes allow for selection of the emergency type. The problem described at the outset is also solved by a technical installation, in particular a walk-in technical installation, preferably a wind turbine, with the features of claim 14. This is characterized by an emergency alarm system as described above. Preferably, several emergency codes are distributed throughout the system. Preferably, at least one emergency code is available in each separate and / or partitioned area. Such areas are preferably understood to mean that a person can reach such an emergency code in their immediate vicinity without having to travel long distances. For example, this ensures that injured and, in particular, immobilized individuals can still reach a code in their vicinity. Each emergency code is uniquely identifiable for determining the system's location and / or position within the system. This allows emergency and rescue services to clearly locate any position within the system. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a wind turbine as a technical installation with emergency codes according to the invention, and Figure 2 shows a detailed view of an emergency code according to the invention. In general, the invention is suitable for technical installations, but especially for accessible technical installations. In this sense, a technical installation can be described as accessible, and thus as a walk-in technical installation, if at least one person can enter it. For this to apply, the installation must have a certain minimum size. This is usually the case with buildings, but possibly also with purely technical structures. Here, the full potential of the invention can be exploited. The advantages of the invention also apply, at least to a limited extent, to small, non-accessible installations. In such cases, at least their exact position and access route can be transmitted to emergency services. Figure 1 shows a wind turbine 10 as a special example of a walk-in technical installation. It is erected on the ground and has a tower 11 and a nacelle 12 with a rotor 13. The wind energy is converted into electrical energy in the usual way by means of components 14 located in the nacelle 12, such as a gearbox and generator. These components 14, which are not essential to the invention, are not shown in detail here. Wind turbine 10, as a walk-in technical installation, is generally accessible to qualified technical personnel. In this case, two persons, 15 and 16, are shown as examples. These persons, 15 and 16, are located on one of the work levels 17 distributed throughout turbine 10. Several other work levels 17 are shown here only as examples in tower 11, for instance, as intermediate levels in a stairwell or as work platforms within the turbine. An access door 18 is located at the base of tower 11 to allow personnel, as well as emergency and rescue personnel, access to tower 11. As the size of a facility 10 increases, so does the time required for a person 15, 16 to move between the individual areas of the facility 10. This can have the particular consequence that, for example, in the event of a malfunction, the return route to the exit may be blocked by a fire or similar incident. Access may also no longer be quickly accessible for other reasons, for example, to guide arriving emergency services as quickly and directly as possible to the source of the malfunction and / or the accident site. Even more problematic are personal injury accidents in Annex 10. In this case, a person 16, as shown in Fig. 1, may become helpless and immobile. This can be caused, for example, by injuries to limbs or other medical emergencies, which may also involve unconsciousness. In such cases, a second person 15 can call for help. However, the person 16 in need of assistance should not be left alone if possible, for example, to guide arriving emergency services to them. The invention solves this problem by distributing so-called emergency codes 19 throughout the system 10. These are distributed at various locations within the wind turbine 10. Ideally, a sufficient number of emergency codes 19 are present to readily identify each separate area of ​​the system 10. An emergency code 19 according to the invention is shown in detail by way of example in Fig. 2. To enable identification, each of the emergency codes 19 has a unique identifier. This could be, for example, a string of characters, a number, or something similar. Accordingly, each identifier may only be assigned once to an emergency code 19 to ensure uniqueness, preferably regionally, nationally, or globally. This allows for the unambiguous identification of the facility 10 in which the code 19 is located. Furthermore, it also enables the determination of the code 19's position within the facility 10. The emergency codes shown here are examples of code 19, which are equipped with a barcode or, as shown here, a QR code 20. The QR code 20 preferably encodes the identification information. In particular, it can contain a link or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), for example, for direct access to a website. Furthermore, an example of character code 21 is provided, which should be human-readable. This character code 21 primarily serves to quickly orient emergency and rescue services within Annex 10. In addition, it also serves as a fallback option in case of a failure of the technical equipment used to read codes 19. If necessary, a radio chip 22 integrated into the emergency code 19 may also be provided. The radio chip 22 could, for example, be an RFID chip or a chip that can be read wirelessly in another way. In the simplest case, the emergency codes 19 can be read directly by a person 15 or 16 by reading the respective character code 21. This character code 21 can then be relayed, for example by telephone, to a central location such as an emergency dispatch center. Ideally, the data is read using a technical device not shown here, such as a mobile device, especially a mobile phone. The mobile phone's camera can then read the QR code 20 or the character code 21. The mobile phone may also be able to read the radio chip 22, which can be associated with the emergency code 19. Thus, the emergency codes 19 can be read using various methods or techniques, ensuring a high level of reliability. The assignment of the identification of emergency code 19 to corresponding data and information in Annex 10 itself, as well as to the position of code 19 in Annex 10, is carried out using a database not shown here. Such a database is preferably accessible via computer networks, especially also via mobile networks. Such a database can and should contain a wealth of relevant information about the installations. This includes, of course, the exact location of the installation, especially its GPS coordinates (Global Positioning System). Equally important, however, is often information about access routes to the installation, for example, a map or site plan, as these are frequently located in difficult terrain. Wind turbines, at least, are often situated on agricultural land, so specific access routes must be followed to ensure the fastest possible response in case of emergency. Contact details of the manufacturer, service companies or the owner or operator of the relevant systems 10 are also important information. Specific information, such as the design of Plant 10, the nature of the breakdown, malfunction, and / or accident, can provide crucial guidance for emergency responders. For example, emergency services like the fire department can bring essential equipment or other resources that are not part of the standard emergency response kit, such as a specialized turntable ladder. Specialized equipment, which is typically requested as needed by the first responders on scene, is ideally already available and can be deployed immediately. Most importantly, it is possible to store the exact location within or adjacent to Facility 10 for each individual emergency code 19 in the database. Ideally, information such as a description, a floor plan, or a map of Facility 10 can also be stored. This is possible due to the unique identification of each individual code 19. In particular, a central database is proposed, in which as many facilities as possible within a given region are listed. Typically, such a database is located remotely from the specific facility and other listed facilities. This offers significant advantages. If the alerted emergency services have access to this database, they can immediately retrieve the relevant data and information in the event of an emergency call with an emergency code 19. Copies of this database can, of course, be stored in various locations and on different networks. Such a database can also be stored on the respective mobile device, particularly in appropriate software. It should be ensured that current data is used at all times. For this purpose, a daily data synchronization can be performed and / or mandated. In particular, current data can be retrieved from the central server or from one of the central servers. This should preferably be done before each work assignment. In this way, even in the event of temporary connection problems with a data network, for example in remote areas, an emergency call can always be made with the relevant data for Annex 10. In particular, emergency calls can also be made by telephone or via instant messaging services, such as SMS. The QR code 20 of an emergency code 19 can, in addition to the actual identification, also contain further information under certain circumstances. This could include, for example, the location, the position within the facility, or similar information. However, it should be noted that the respective code 19 must therefore be generated for a specific location, as it cannot be subsequently configured via a central authority, particularly a database. The specific advantages of the invention can therefore only be partially realized in this case. In any case, the work of the emergency and rescue services is considerably facilitated by the use of emergency codes 19 according to the invention. In particular, any assistance that may be required can generally be requested and / or provided much more quickly than is usual in the prior art. In an emergency, a person (15, 16) can easily read the emergency code (19) from Annex 10 using their mobile device. For example, the mobile device's camera can read a QR code (20), or a radio interface can read a radio chip (22), such as an RFID chip. This allows the identification of the emergency code (19) to be obtained. This information can then be passed on, for example, to the emergency control center. A database query using the identification code 19 then leads to further information and data for Annex 10, such as the exact location of emergency code 19. The database query can be performed by the emergency control center or by the emergency services themselves. Alternatively, the data can also be provided from a data set on the mobile device of person 15, 16. This can be, in particular, a copy or excerpts of the central database. This database must then be kept up to date. Special software, such as an app, can be used to retrieve the Code 19 data and trigger an emergency alert. This software retrieves the Code 19 data and offers the option of sending an alert in case of emergency. Additional information, such as the type of emergency, can be provided. For example, in the case of personal injury accidents, the number of people requiring assistance and the nature of the injuries can be specified. Instead of using special software or an app, the emergency code 19 can also be entered by scanning the QR code 20 with the usual programs on a mobile device. This allows, for example, the transmission of relevant emergency information via a website accessed through the QR code. Alternatively, the emergency code 19 can also be read manually by person 15 or 16. The identification of code 19 can then be relayed, for example, by telephone to the emergency dispatch center or the emergency services. They can then perform a database query based on the identification of emergency code 19 to obtain further data and receive the necessary information. In a special configuration, several different emergency codes 19 can be placed at one location in system 10. For example, one emergency code 19 can be designated for alerting in the event of system 10 malfunctions, such as machine failure. Another emergency code 19 can be used for alerting in the event of fire or similar incidents. In particular, yet another emergency code 19 can be specifically designated for alerting in the event of personal injury. Preferably, access to system 10 is granted upon alarm activation or upon reading an emergency code 19. Preferably, access is granted only temporarily, for example, for at least one hour or one day. In particular, deactivation is granted for a period of several hours, specifically 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 hours. This ensures that emergency services and, preferably, other emergency personnel can access Facility 10 in an emergency without special keys or other identification. Conversely, access to Facility 10 is automatically controlled again after this period. The release can advantageously be granted until manual deactivation. This means that the release is deactivated again after the rescue or repair work is completed, particularly by the emergency or rescue personnel. A suitable device for this purpose can be provided in system 10, such as a control element or a code 19 reader. As soon as this control element is activated or the code 19 is read, the release is deactivated, i.e., system 10 is locked again. If necessary, a waiting period can also be provided before the actual deactivation and thus the locking of system 10, so that all persons present can leave system 10 after activation or code reading. This waiting period can be, for example, several minutes or even hours. To enable automated access, an electric access control system is preferably provided. For this purpose, at least one central access point to facility 10, such as access door 18 of tower 11, but also barriers in other areas of facility 10, is equipped with an electric lock or at least an electric release device. An electronic access control system can, for example, include electronic access locks. Access can be granted in the usual way via code entry, fingerprint scan, code card, RFID tag, or similar methods. This allows the replacement of conventional mechanical locks with traditional keys. The effort required to replace lost keys is thus reduced, and control over actual access can be achieved. Electronic authorization, in particular, can also be provided for other internal or external areas of Annex 10. This allows for targeted control of access to the aforementioned areas of Annex 10. It also enables the targeted and / or temporary granting and / or revocation of access rights. For example, upon reading an emergency code 19, the access door 18, or rather its lock, can be opened immediately. This can also occur only after an actual alarm has been raised for emergency services. In any case, they will have access to system 10 to provide assistance. Reference symbol list 10 Wind turbine 11 Tower 12 Nacelle 13 Rotor 14 Component 15 Person 16 Person 17 Working level 18 Access door 19 Emergency code 20 QR code 21 Character code 22 Radio chip

Claims

Emergency notification procedure for technical installations, preferably accessible technical installations, in particular wind turbines (10), wherein, in the event of an emergency in the area of ​​the installation (10), an emergency notification or emergency message is sent by a person (15, 16) to a central location, in particular an emergency control center, by means of a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone, to alert emergency and / or rescue services for the emergency, in particular fire brigade and / or rescue service and / or police and / or technical personnel, at least one human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code (19) arranged in the area of ​​the installation (10) is read out for the identification of the installation (10) when the emergency notification is sent to the central location, characterized bythat the machine-readable emergency code (19) is read by means of the mobile communication device or mobile device and that access to a walk-in interior and / or exterior area of ​​the facility (10) is at least temporarily granted when the machine-readable emergency code (19) is read and / or when the emergency message is sent to rescue services. Emergency notification method according to claim 1, characterized in that information and / or data are stored or assigned to each machine-readable emergency code (19), preferably in a database, preferably a central database, wherein the information can be transmitted to the central office and / or the emergency and / or rescue forces, particularly in the event of an emergency, preferably by querying the database. Emergency notification method according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the machine-readable emergency codes (19) is assigned at least one unique identification feature, wherein the emergency code (19) preferably comprises a radio chip, such as an RFID chip, and / or an image element, such as a barcode or QR code (20), and / or that the at least one unique identification feature is used to assign data and / or information to and / or from the database, and / or that a correct reading of the identification is ensured by means of at least one check code. Emergency notification method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine-readable emergency code (19) is read by means of the mobile communication device or mobile device, in particular the mobile phone, by means of a computer program, such as in particular an app and / or emergency app on the mobile device, wherein the reading preferably takes place via camera and / or radio interface, in particular via RFID, NFC, WLAN and / or Bluetooth. Emergency notification method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several machine-readable emergency codes (19), preferably a plurality of machine-readable emergency codes (19), are arranged distributed in the system (10), wherein preferably at least one emergency code (19) is present in different areas or sections of the system (10), preferably in different floors and / or rooms, and / or wherein each emergency code (19) preferably allows a unique determination of a position in the system (10). Emergency notification method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that when the emergency notification is sent, information from the database is passed on to the emergency and / or rescue forces based on the identification of the machine-readable emergency code (19), wherein this preferably includes information on the location of the plant (10) and / or the position of the machine-readable emergency code (19) in the plant (10) and / or the access route to the plant (10) and / or special hazards and / or contact details. Emergency notification method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each machine-readable emergency code (19) additionally has a person-readable or human-readable code, in particular a combination of characters and / or a numeric code. Emergency notification method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of emergency codes (19) are arranged distributed in the system (10) and / or that different emergencies are alerted and / or signaled with different emergency codes (19) in the area of ​​the system (10) or at the position in the system (10), wherein in particular an alarm is provided when a first emergency code is read in the case of personal injury and an alarm is provided when a second emergency code is read in the case of property damage. Emergency notification method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency notification is automatically sent after reading or recognizing the machine-readable emergency code (19), in particular after confirmation by an alerting person (15, 16) and / or automatically. Emergency notification procedure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that access to the system (10) is granted upon listening to the human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code (19) and / or after the emergency notification has been sent to rescue services, preferably at least temporarily. Emergency notification system for technical installations, preferably walk-in technical installations, in particular wind turbines (10), with a walk-in interior and / or exterior space, in particular a tower (11), wherein an emergency notification method according to one of the preceding claims is implemented, characterized in that at least one human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code (19) with an identification is arranged in the area of ​​the installation (10). Emergency notification system according to claim 11, characterized in that a plurality of emergency codes (19) are arranged in the system (10), preferably in areas of the system (10), and / or that each of the emergency codes (19) can be read by means of a mobile communication device or mobile device, in particular by means of a camera and / or radio interface, wherein preferably special software is provided which can be executed on the mobile communication device of the person (15, 16). Emergency notification system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, based on the identification of the machine-readable emergency code (19), the identification of the system (10) and / or the location of the system (10) and / or the position of the machine-readable emergency code (19) in the system (10) is provided and / or a signaling of a type of emergency is provided, in particular for distinguishing between material and personal emergencies, wherein preferably different machine-readable emergency codes (19) or different additional codes to one of the machine-readable emergency codes (19) enable a selection of the type of emergency. Technical installation, in particular walk-in technical installation, preferably wind turbine (10), characterized by an emergency alarm system according to one of claims 11 to 13. Technical system according to claim 14, characterized in that several human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency codes (19) are arranged distributed in the system (10), preferably at least one human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency code (19) in each separate and / or partitioned area, and / or that a unique identification of each of the human-readable and / or machine-readable emergency codes (19) is provided for determining the location of the system (10) and / or for determining the position in the system (10).

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