Operating procedure for a field device, computer program product, field device, higher-level control unit and automation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a field device (10) having a plurality of components (12, 13, 14, 16, 18). An electrical input power (15) is detected and an electrical input power deficit (57) of the field device (10) is determined. Furthermore, a parameter set (45) for the field device (10) is determined, by means of which a second functional profile (42) can be specified. In this case, one of the functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) in the second functional profile (42) has a reduced scope compared to the first functional profile (41). The second functional profile (42) for the field device (10) is specified in the form of the corresponding parameter set (45) for the field device (10). The invention also relates to a computer program product (50) with which the method (100) can be carried out, and to a correspondingly equipped control unit (30). The invention further relates to a corresponding field device (10) and an automation system (60) equipped therewith.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a field device and a computer program product for implementing the method. The invention also relates to a control device with such a computer program product and a correspondingly equipped field device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding automation system.

[0002] The previously unpublished German patent application with the official file number 10 2023 203 960.5 discloses a method for operating a field device in which power requirements for operating configurations are automatically determined in combination with operating profiles, thus determining available functional profiles. The determined available functional profiles are then made available for selection.

[0003] Patent application DE 10 2006 011 501 A1 discloses a field device designed for operation under energy limitations in a potentially explosive atmosphere of a process plant. The field device comprises a first group of components for essential core functions and a second group of components for extended functions. A switchable power supply can be activated for the second group as needed.

[0004] DE 10 2006 034 422 A1 discloses a method for managing the power transmitted from a central network component to a decentralized network component via a line. Decentralized network components of different power classes are simulated one after the other, and it is checked whether the central network component responsible for power transmission supports a simulated decentralized network component.

[0005] Furthermore, patent application DE 10 2019 126 319 A1 discloses a process control device for managing discrete signals assigned to field devices in a process plant. A field module is configured to store a profile comprising a unique tag, which is loaded with other profile information onto a CHARM, an I / O card, and / or a controller to simplify configuration of the connected field devices.

[0006] US 2019 / 0246353 A1 discloses a device for managing a power profile of a network bridge of a field device in a process control environment. The device comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy radio (BLE radio for short) and an energy manager configured to divide a first task into a second and third task. This is done based on the energy stored in a power supply connected to the BLE radio and a charging rate of the power supply.

[0007] Furthermore, application US 2018 / 0364666 A1 discloses a system that includes a sensor that measures a desired energy consumption variable associated with multiple energy-consuming devices within a building and generates an aggregated output signal. A data processor receives the aggregated signal from the sensor. A creation and update unit provides a performance profile for each individual device.

[0008] Field devices are being used in increasing numbers and with increasing functional scope in automation technology, particularly in the process industry. This also makes the proper configuration of the power supply for such field devices more complex. The invention is based on the objective of providing a method that allows the configuration of the power supply for such field devices to be faster, easier, and more reliable, while simultaneously utilizing the technical capabilities of the field device.

[0009] The problem is solved by a method according to the invention which is designed to operate a field device. The field device comprises a plurality of components which can be used individually or in combination to provide a plurality of functions. Accordingly, the field device can be designed as a so-called multi-field device which can have as components a sensor, an actuator, a communication unit and / or an auxiliary unit such as a heating element or a display. The field device can be designed as an automation field device, i.e. designed for use in an automation system. A function provided by the field device can, for example, be condition monitoring of a station in the automation system which is characterized by a compilation of a plurality of measured variables and / or manipulated variables.An electrical input power is provided to the field device to operate the field device, i.e. its components, for example via a power supply isolator.

[0010] The method comprises a first step in which the field device is provided in an active operating state in which it is operated according to a first functional profile. A first number of functions are implemented by the first functional profile. The functional profile can include an operating configuration that specifies which components are used. Likewise, the functional profile can include an operating configuration that specifies which components of the field device are to be operated simultaneously, for what duration, and / or with what intensity.

[0011] The method further comprises a second step in which an available electrical input power of the field device is recorded. The available electrical input power corresponds to a maximum usable input power for operating the field device. For this purpose, at least one electrical quantity is measured and / or an input is read, i.e. queried, from a control unit of the field device. Alternatively or additionally, in the second step, at least one environmental variable of the field device is recorded. For this purpose, the field device is equipped with at least one appropriately designed sensor or is directly or indirectly connected to such a sensor. The environmental variable determined in the second step can be a quantity that affects the available electrical input power of the field device. Furthermore, the second step determines whether there is an electrical input power deficit.An input power deficit is defined as the amount of available electrical input power that falls below the electrical power requirement for the first functional profile. The electrical power requirement for the first functional profile can be undercut if the amount of power reserve is undercut. The power reserve can be fixed or specified by a user, a control unit of the field device, and / or a higher-level control unit of the automation system.

[0012] In a third step of the method according to the invention, a parameter set for the field device is determined, by means of which a second functional profile with a plurality of functions can be specified. In the second functional profile, at least one of the functions from the first functional profile is provided to at least a reduced extent. For example, a function can be omitted from the second functional profile and the second functional profile can thus provide a second number of functions that is fewer than the first number. A reduced scope of a function can be understood to mean a reduced frequency, for example, a less frequent performance of a measurement with a component of the field device. The second functional profile is determined in the third step if the presence of the electrical input power deficit of the field device is determined in the second step.The parameter set, and thus also the second functional profile, allows operation with the appropriate range of functions to be specified that matches the available electrical input power.

[0013] The method further comprises a fourth step in which the second functional profile, for which the parameter set is determined in the third step, is specified for the field device. In the fourth step, the operation of the field device is thus switched to the second functional profile. According to the invention, the parameter set is selected from a plurality of predefined parameter sets based on the electrical input power determined in the second step and / or the at least one environmental variable determined in the second step. In particular, one of the predefined parameter sets can be selected. The predefined parameter sets can, for example, be determined experimentally and stored in a local control unit of the field device. A predefined parameter set can be available for a plurality of combinations of values ​​for the at least one environmental variable and the available electrical input power.

[0014] Selecting the predefined parameter set used to specify the second functional profile can be performed quickly with reduced computing power. The predefined parameter sets are suitable for specifying functional profiles determined through experience. The predefined parameter sets allow the claimed method to be easily adapted. Furthermore, the claimed method can be carried out independently of existing communication with a higher-level control unit, for example, with a higher-level control unit of an automation system to which the field device belongs. The claimed method thus enables robust and energy-saving operation of the field device overall. At the same time, a maximized range of functions is still provided within the available electrical input power, thus increasing the utility of a corresponding field device for a user.

[0015] In one embodiment of the claimed method, the parameter set by which the second functional profile is specified is selected from a multidimensional array in the third step. The array can have a number of dimensions that corresponds to the sum of the number of environmental variables considered plus one. The dimension considered in addition to the number of environmental variables covers the determined electrical input power. Multidimensional arrays can be searched efficiently, so that the associated parameter set can be determined for a given determined electrical input power and the environmental variables. Consequently, the claimed method can be carried out during continuous operation of the field device, and thus essentially continuously adjusted functional profiles can be specified. The flexibility of the underlying field device is thereby increased by the claimed method.

[0016] Furthermore, the parameter set determined in the third step can be formed and selected by interpolation between predefined parameter sets. For values ​​for the determined electrical input power or at least one environmental variable that fall between values ​​stored in predefined parameter sets, the parameters for the parameter set to be determined can be formed by interpolation between corresponding values ​​in the predefined parameter sets. The claimed method is thus precisely adaptable for a wide range of operating states of the field device.

[0017] Furthermore, the at least one environmental variable detected in the second step can include an ambient temperature and / or an ambient humidity. The ambient temperature of a field device can influence its electrical performance, for example, because the performance of a battery can be impaired by low ambient temperatures. Alternatively or additionally, low ambient temperatures can require the operation of a heating element in the field device. The higher the ambient humidity, the more likely creeping discharge paths can occur, which increase energy consumption.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the claimed method, the parameter set determined in the third step is designed to alternately apply a first and a second operating configuration to the field device. Switching between the first and second operating configurations can occur at a predeterminable frequency. As a result, even with a significant decrease in the available electrical input power, a large number of functions that can be provided in the second functional profile can be provided. The frequency at which alternating, i.e. switching, takes place between the first and second operating configurations can be selected such that the number of functions provided by the second functional profile is maximized. The frequency can be selected such that it corresponds at least to a minimum frequency for a function that is to be provided in the second functional profile.For example, the frequency at which a radar level measurement is performed can be selected such that the radar level measurement is repeated before the level falls below a critical minimum level during the fastest anticipated level decline. Accordingly, the claimed method offers a maximum of functions within the specified functional profiles and enables the technical potential of the underlying field device to be exploited.

[0019] In the claimed method, a fifth step can determine a parameter set for the field device, by means of which a third functional profile with a plurality of functions can be specified. In this third functional profile, at least one of the functions is provided to an increased extent compared to the first functional profile. The third functional profile is specified in the fifth step if an electrical input power surplus of the field device is determined in the second step. The fifth step thus essentially represents a reversal of the third and fourth steps. The third functional profile can, for example, provide an additional function which can be implemented, among other things, by changing at least one environmental variable. An increase in the ambient temperature, for example, may make operation of a heating element unnecessary and the electrical input power thus made available can be used for another purpose.The function provided at least to an increased extent can be increased communication between the field device and a higher-level control unit. The increased communication can, for example, comprise an increased communication speed and / or an increased provision of measurement data for the user or the data interface. Alternatively or additionally, the function provided to an increased extent can also consist of an accelerated updating of a display unit connected to the field device. In the course of such increased communication, recorded data can, among other things, be transmitted to the higher-level control unit in order to train an artificial intelligence. The claimed method is suitable for automatically providing a wide range of functions for the field device and integrating it into digital functions of the associated automation system.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the claimed method, virtual representations of the functions of the field device can each be provided with an operating prioritization specification. The virtual representations can be described in a metalanguage or ontology, for example, an Industry 4.0 specification, and can be configured to describe or communicate the functions provided by the field device to other devices in the automation system. The prioritization specifications are configured to determine a ranking of the functions that can be provided by the field device. Using the prioritization specification, a parameter set for the second or third function profile can be determined by interpolating or extrapolating the predefined parameter data sets, so that functions can be appropriately reduced or expanded in scope.For example, the operation of a local control unit of the field device can be assigned a highest-level operating prioritization information. Conversely, the activation of a display on the field device can be assigned a lower-level operating prioritization information. The prioritization information can be specified by a user and / or by the higher-level control unit of the automation system. The operating prioritization information can result, in particular, from the requirements for operating the automation system. The claimed method is therefore configured to determine a suitable parameter set based on the predefined parameter sets, even for operating states that are not covered by the predefined parameter sets.

[0021] In a further development of the claimed method, a first and a second suggested parameter set can be determined in the third step based on the predefined parameter sets. For a compilation of an available electrical input power and at least one environmental variable, different functional profiles can thus be stored in predefined parameter sets and provided as suggested parameter sets. Based on operating prioritization information for the functions that can be implemented with the first and second suggested parameter sets, a selection can be made between the first and second suggested parameter sets. The selection can be made by the user, the local control unit of the field device, and / or the higher-level control unit of the automation system.By incorporating the operating prioritization variable into a selection between possible suggested parameter sets, an optimized second functional profile within the automation system can be automatically determined, taking its requirements into account. The operating prioritization information can be dynamically configured and, for example, specified depending on the operating state of the automation system. The claimed method is thus suitable for essentially automatically integrating the underlying field device into dynamic operation of the automation system.

[0022] Furthermore, in the claimed method, at least the second to fourth steps for parameterizing the field device can be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, at least the second to fourth steps can be carried out during continuous operation of the field device. The parameterization can take place when the field device is put into operation. Using the claimed method, the field device can, for example, be activated from a default state with a maximum of functions in the first function profile and automatically switched to the second function profile upon integration into the automation system. During continuous operation of the field device, it is used as intended in the automation system and adapted to changed operational circumstances by switching to the second function profile. Overall, this simplifies handling of the underlying field device and ensures reliable continuous operation.

[0023] Furthermore, in the fourth step of the claimed method, a notification about an intended or completed application of the parameter set by which the second functional profile is specified for the field device can be sent to the user and / or the higher-level control unit of the automation system. The user can thereby, for example, authorize or acknowledge the application of the second functional profile. The higher-level control unit can authorize or acknowledge the application of the second functional profile in a corresponding manner. In conjunction with the notification, information about the available power reserve of the field device and / or information about an energy storage device of the field device can be sent to the user or the higher-level control unit.By providing information about the available power reserve of the field device and / or its energy storage, for example, a battery, the urgency with which the switch to the second functional profile must be made can be communicated. The claimed method thus allows the user or the higher-level control unit to easily make greater use of the technical capabilities of the underlying field device. In particular, the claimed method is suitable for interacting with a higher-level control unit of an automation system based on artificial intelligence. Overall, the claimed method is flexible enough to interact, among other things, with artificial intelligences that automatically adapt their control strategies as a result of machine learning.

[0024] In one embodiment of the claimed method, a visual status display can be output on the field device if an electrical input power surplus is detected in the second step. The visual status display is variable depending on the level of the electrical input power surplus. The visual status display can, for example, be provided by means of a light source whose brightness and / or color can be adjustable depending on the level of the electrical input power surplus. Alternatively or additionally, the light source can be configured to output a sequence of light signals that can be specified based on the level of the electrical input power surplus. Such a light source can comprise an LED.For example, a constant green light can be output in the event of an increased input power surplus, and a red flashing sequence can be output in the event of a reduced electrical input power surplus. This allows the user to clearly see the power supply status of the field device. Furthermore, such a variable visual status display can indicate a planned or completed switch to a second functional profile. The claimed method thus increases the user-friendliness of the underlying field devices and allows the user to more quickly grasp the current operating situation in an automation system.

[0025] The object outlined above is also achieved by a computer program product according to the invention, which comprises computer program code stored on a non-transient memory. The computer program code is designed to be executed by a processor. The computer program product according to the invention is designed to receive and process information about an electrical input power of a field device. The computer program product is likewise designed to receive and process information about at least one environmental variable of the field device. For this purpose, the computer program product can have at least one suitably designed data interface. Furthermore, the computer program product is designed to determine a parameter set for specifying a functional profile for the field device.According to the invention, the computer program product is designed to carry out at least one embodiment of the method described above. The computer program product can be designed to be executed on a local control unit of the field device and / or a higher-level control unit of an automation system to which the field device belongs. The computer program product can further be designed at least partially as software, at least partially hard-wired, or as a combination thereof. Likewise, the computer program product can be designed monolithically, i.e., can run on a single hardware platform. Alternatively, the computer program product can be designed modularly and comprise subprograms that can run on different hardware platforms and that, through their interaction, provide the functionality described above.The features of the method described above and its technical advantages are readily transferable to the claimed computer program product.

[0026] The claimed computer program product may further comprise at least one data interface configured as an application programming interface (API). The API may be configured to standardize communication between the field device, i.e., its local control unit, and the automation system, i.e., its higher-level control unit.

[0027] Likewise, the problem outlined above is solved by a control unit according to the invention, which is designed as a local control unit or as a higher-level control unit of a field device. The control unit comprises a memory and a computing unit with which a computer program product can be executed, i.e., its computer program code can be run directly or in compiled form. The control unit is equipped with a computer program product designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the features of the method described above are transferable to the claimed control unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the object described above is achieved by a field device according to the invention that is suitable for operation in an automation system. The field device comprises a plurality of components that provide a plurality of functions. The field device is further coupled to a control unit or comprises the control unit. According to the invention, the control unit is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Consequently, the control unit is equipped with a computer program product that is designed to implement an embodiment of the method described above. The features of the underlying method, and consequently also the features of the corresponding computer program product and the corresponding control unit, are transferable to the claimed field device.

[0029] Furthermore, the underlying problem is solved by an automation system according to the invention, which comprises a higher-level control unit that is directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of field devices. The automation system can be designed, for example, as a chemical production plant, a petrochemical production plant, or a production line. According to the invention, at least one of the embodiments described above is designed.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below using individual embodiments in the figures. The figures are to be read as complementary to one another insofar as identical reference numerals in different figures have the same technical meaning. The features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the figures can be combined with the features outlined above. They show in detail: Fig. 1 shows a schematic structure of an embodiment of the claimed field device on which a first embodiment of the claimed method is carried out; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing details of another embodiment of the claimed method.

[0031] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a structure of an embodiment of the claimed field device 10, on which an embodiment of the claimed method 100 for operating the field device 10 is carried out. The field device 10 belongs to an automation system 60 (not shown in detail). The field device 10 comprises a housing 11 in which a plurality of components 12 are accommodated, via which functions 40 of the field device 10 are provided. The components 12 are designed to be interchangeable, so that the field device 10 is a modular field device 10. The functions 40 provided by the field device 10 result, among other things, from the selection of the installed components 12. The components 12 in the field device 10 are designed specifically as a temperature sensor 13, a pressure sensor 14, a level sensor 16, and a communication unit 18. To operate the components 12, the field device 10 is connected to a power network 25, which can optionally also be designed as a fieldbus system.The field device 10 is coupled to the power grid 25 via a supply isolator 20, so that an electrical input power 15 is provided to the field device 10. Furthermore, the field device 10 is equipped with a measuring device 22, which is configured to detect at least one electrical variable by means of which the electrical input power can be quantified. Furthermore, the components 12 are coupled to a control unit 30 of the field device 10, which is designed as a local control unit 32, via communication lines 17. The control unit 40 can receive measurement data from the components 12 and / or output commands to the components 12 via the communication lines 17. The control unit 30, i.e., the local control unit 32, is further connected to a plurality of sensors 36, 38, via each of which at least one environmental variable 35 can be detected.Specifically, the sensors 36 are configured as an ambient temperature sensor 36 and an ambient humidity sensor 38. A computer program product 50 is stored on the control unit 30, via which the claimed method 100 can be implemented. In particular, the computer program product 50, and thus the control unit 30, is configured to create operating configurations 33, each of which corresponds to a selection of components 12 used to be used with a corresponding functional profile 40. Likewise, the computer program product 50 is configured to create time profiles 34, by which it can be specified, in an operating configuration 33, which component 12 is to be used for which duration and / or with which intensity. Furthermore, the computer program product 50 is configured to determine parameter sets 45, by which functional profiles 40, 41, 42 for the operation of the field device 10 can be specified.The function profiles 40, 41, 42, and thus also the corresponding parameter sets 45, can be made available for selection 46. The field device 10 further has a display unit 47, via which the function profiles 40, 41, 42 can be displayed to a user and made available for selection 46. The field device 10 also has a data interface 48, which is designed as an Application Programming Interface, or API for short, via which the determined function profiles 40, 41, 42 can be made available for selection by a control unit 30, which is designed as a higher-level control unit 37. The higher-level control unit 37 belongs to the automation system 60 and is designed to control, in addition to the field device 10, other devices. Fig. 1 not shown, to control field device.

[0032] The claimed method 100 comprises a first step 110 in which the field device 10 is provided in the automation system 60 in an active operating state. In the active operating state, the field device 10 is supplied with electrical input power 15 and is functional as intended. During the first step 110, the field device 10 is operated according to a first function profile 41, through which a first number of functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are provided. Each of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is provided based on at least one of the components 12 of the field device 10. Furthermore, the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 can each also be provided by an interaction of several components 12 or an interaction of at least one component 12 with the local control unit 32.For example, a gas density measurement can be provided as a function by detecting a temperature and a pressure of a gas sample with the temperature sensor 13 and the pressure sensor 14 and calculating the gas density via the local control unit 32 on the basis of this.

[0033] In a second step 120 of the claimed method 100, the available electrical input power 15 is detected via the measuring device 22 of the field device 10, and the corresponding measured value is made available to the computer program product 50. Likewise, in the second step 120, at least one environmental variable 35 is detected and made available to the computer program product 50. In the second step 120, an electrical input power deficit 57 is determined based on the applied first functional profile 41, the detected electrical input power 15, and the at least one environmental variable 35. If the electrical input power deficit 57 is present, reliable operation of the first functional profile 41 is no longer guaranteed.

[0034] Furthermore, the claimed method 100 includes a third step 130 in which a parameter set 45 is determined, by means of which a second functional profile 42 for the operation of the field device 10 can be specified. In the second functional profile 42, the fifth function 55, which is also present in the first functional profile, is provided in a reduced scope. Because the fifth function 55 is provided in a reduced scope, the second functional profile 42 requires less electrical input power 15 than the first functional profile 41. In a subsequent fourth step 140, the second functional profile 46 for the operation of the field device 10 is specified. For this purpose, the parameter set 45 determined in the third step 130 can be selected by the user or the higher-level control unit 37.For this purpose, the higher-level control unit 37 is equipped with an artificial intelligence 65, which is designed to control at least the field device 10 in the automation system 60.

[0035] A second embodiment of the claimed method 100 is shown in Fig. 2. The method 100 is carried out on a field device 10 belonging to an automation system 60. In detail, Fig. 2 shows a diagram 70 having a vertical axis 72 along which different stages of the method 100 are arranged. Furthermore, the diagram 70 has a horizontal axis 74 along which an electrical input power 15 or an electrical power requirement of different functional profiles 40, 41, 42 is shown.

[0036] In a first step 110 of the claimed method 100, a first function profile 41 is applied, by which a first, second, third, fourth and fifth function 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is provided. In detail, Fig. 2 the electrical energy requirements of the individual functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are shown along the horizontal axis 74. Accordingly, Fig. 2 thus also virtual representations of the corresponding functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 or the function profiles 40. In the first step 110, the available electrical input power 15 of the field device 10 exceeds the electrical power requirement for the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, so that an electrical power surplus 56 exists, i.e., an electrical power reserve. A minimum value can be specified for the electrical power surplus 56, and thus the electrical power reserve, for example, by the higher-level control unit 37. Each of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is provided with an operating prioritization information 27. The operating prioritization information 27 is in Fig. 2 are represented by letters as examples. The first function 51, A, has the highest operating priority 27 and can, for example, represent the local control unit's own operation. Accordingly, the second, third, fourth, and fifth functions 52, 53, 54, and 55 have lower operating priority 27.

[0037] During operation of the field device 10, a decrease 21 in the available electrical input power 15 occurs. In a second step 120, which is essentially carried out during operation, the available electrical input power 15 is recorded, and an electrical input power deficit 57 is detected by comparing it with the first function profile 41 or its virtual representation. As a result, the provision of at least one of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is no longer guaranteed. A third step 130 follows, in which parameter sets 45 are determined with which the fourth and fifth functions 54, 55 are provided to a reduced extent.Since the fourth and fifth functions 54, 55 have the lowest operating prioritization information 27, in the third step 130, parameter sets 45 are determined in which the first, second, and third functions 51, 52, 53 are provided to a substantially unchanged extent compared to the first functional profile 41. A first operating configuration 44 is determined in which the fourth function 54 is provided to a reduced extent compared to the first functional profile 41, thus reducing its electrical power requirement. The fifth function 55 is provided in the first operating configuration 44 to substantially the same extent as in the first functional profile 41. Analogously, in the second operating configuration 49, the fifth function 55 is reduced in scope and the fourth function 54 is provided to the same extent as in the first functional profile 41.Furthermore, a third operating configuration 59 is determined, in which the fourth function 54 is replaced by an alternative sixth function 58. The first and second operating configurations 44, 49 can be operated alternately via a corresponding parameter set 45, which is determined in the third step 130. The first and second operating configurations 44, 49 each have an electrical power surplus 56 that corresponds at least to the predetermined minimum value. The third operating configuration 59 also has an electrical power surplus 56. Furthermore, the first and second operating configurations 44, 49 together form the second functional profile 42. The third operating configuration 59 forms a third functional profile that can be selected as an alternative to the second functional profile 42 and can thus be specified for the operation of the field device 10.The selection between the second and third functional profiles 42, 59 can be made by the user, a local control unit 32, and / or a higher-level control unit 37. In order to determine the parameter set 45 for the second functional profile 42, at least one environmental variable 35 is recorded and taken into account in the third step 130. The at least one environmental variable 35 allows a changed electrical power requirement for at least one of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 for the second functional profile 42 to be taken into account. The method 100, as shown in FIG. Fig. 2, is implemented by a correspondingly designed computer program product 50. The method 100, as shown in Fig. 2, can be used on a field device 10, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

Claims

[1] Method (100) for operating a field device (10) comprising a plurality of components (12, 13, 14, 16, 18) for providing a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55), wherein the field device (10) is supplied with an electrical input power (15), comprising the steps: a) providing the field device (10) in an active operating state in which it is operated according to a first functional profile (41) in which a first number of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) are executed; b) detecting the available electrical input power (15) and / or at least one environmental variable (35) of the field device (10) and determining an electrical input power deficit (57) of the field device (10); c) determining a parameter set (45) for the field device (10), by means of which a second functional profile (42) with a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) can be specified, wherein at least one of the functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) is provided to at least a reduced extent compared to the first functional profile (41) if an electrical input power deficit (57) of the field device (10) is present in step b); d) specifying the second functional profile (42) for the field device (10) based on the parameter set (45) determined in step c); wherein the parameter set (45) is selected in step c) based on the electrical input power (15) determined in step b) and / or at least one environmental variable (35) from a plurality of predefined parameter sets (45). [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that in step c) the parameter set (45) is selected from a multidimensional array. [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the parameter set (45) in step c) is selected by interpolation between predefined parameter sets (45). [4] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the at least one environmental variable (35) comprises an ambient temperature and / or an ambient humidity. [5] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the parameter set (45) determined in step c) is designed to alternately apply a first and a second operating configuration (44, 49) to the field device (10). [6] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that in a step e) a parameter set (45) for the field device (10) is determined, by means of which a third functional profile with a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) can be specified, wherein at least one of the functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) is provided to an increased extent compared to the first functional profile (41) if an electrical input power surplus (56) of the field device (10) is determined in step b). [7] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that virtual representations of the functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) of the field device (10) are each provided with an operating prioritization indication (27). [8] Method (100) according to claim 7, characterized bythat in step c) at least a first and a second proposal parameter set are determined and on the basis of the operating prioritization information (27) the parameter set (45) for specifying the second functional profile (42) in step c) is selected from the at least first and second proposal parameter set (27). [9] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least steps b) to d) are carried out to parameterize the field device (10) and / or are carried out repeatedly during continuous operation of the field device (10). [10] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that in step d) a notification about an intended or completed application of the parameter set (45) for the field device (10) is sent to the user and / or a higher-level control unit (37). [11] Method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat a visual status display is output on the field device (10) if an electrical input power surplus (56) of the field device (10) is detected in step b), wherein the visual status display is variable depending on a level of the electrical input power surplus (56). [12] Computer program product (50) which is designed to receive and process information about an electrical input power (15) of a field device (10) and at least one environmental variable (35), and which is designed to determine a parameter set (45) for specifying a functional profile (40, 41, 42), characterized by that the computer program product (50) is designed to carry out a method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Computer program product (50) according to claim 12, characterized by that the computer program product (50) comprises a data interface (48) which is designed as an application programming interface. [14] Control unit (30) for a field device (10), which is designed as a local control unit (32) or as a higher-level control unit (37), comprising a memory and a computing unit on which a computer program product (50) can be executed, characterized by that the computer program product (50) is designed according to claim 12 or 13. [15] Field device (10) for an automation system (60), comprising a plurality of components (12, 13, 14, 16, 18) for providing a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55), which is coupled to a control unit (30) or comprises the control unit (30), characterized by that the control unit (30) is designed according to claim 14. [16] Automation system (60), comprising a higher-level control unit (37) which is directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of field devices (10), characterized by that at least one of the field devices (10) is designed according to claim 15.

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