Wireless provision of information from switch function tests

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch arrangement comprising a switch (ED) and is designed to perform a test directed to an aspect of the functionality of the switch (ED), to store data relating to the performed test in a local memory apparatus and to respond to a request for data pertaining to one or more performed tests that is transmitted by means of a first protocol for wireless communication by transferring data pertaining to performed tests, which data are stored in the memory apparatus, by means of one or more messages to a receiver specified by the request. The invention permits improved and more efficient analysis of the behaviour of switches.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Wireless provision of information from switch function tests

[0003] The invention relates to a switch arrangement, a system and a method for the wireless provision of information from switch functional tests.

[0004] In many cases, electrical systems require regular testing to ensure their functionality. This is especially true if circuit breakers are installed in the systems. Fig. 1 shows an example table of test requirements for stationary electrical systems and equipment.

[0005] Tests (e.g., residual current and insulation resistance measurements) are increasingly being initiated wirelessly. Fig. 2 shows how several low-voltage elements (e.g., low-voltage protective devices or breakers) EDI, ED2, ED3, and EDn (EN: end device) are wirelessly connected to a data collector or data concentrator ZC (ZC stands for Zigbee coordinator). Communication takes place via the Zigbee protocol. Data for applications can then be sent directly or indirectly to the cloud via the data collector ZC. The data concentrator ZC enables flexible data provision in the cloud, for example, with regard to settings, data adjustments, and transmission options.

[0006] Typical low-voltage protective devices are residual current devices (RCDs), miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and arc fault detection devices (AFDDs).

[0007] Such a switch may not be capable of communication itself. The communication capability is then realized via the mechanical coupling with a communication module (Remote Control Auxiliary (RCA)) device. Such a module is described, for example, in DE 202021000293 U1. The object of the invention is to improve the analysis of switch behavior. This object is achieved by a switch arrangement according to claim 1, a system according to claim 5, comprising a switch arrangement according to the invention and a terminal, and a method according to claim 10. According to the invention, a switch arrangement is proposed which comprises a switch. The switch arrangement can be identical to the switch. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, for the switch arrangement to consist of a combination of a switch and an additional module, especially if the switch itself is not designed for wireless communication.Such an additional module may also be required for carrying out tests on the switch if the switch is not designed to independently carry out a self-test. Such an additional module does not have to be permanently coupled to the switch, but can also be attached to the switch specifically for a test period only. The switch itself can be, for example, a low-voltage circuit breaker or a low-voltage power breaker. The switch arrangement according to the invention is designed to carry out a test directed at an aspect of the functionality of the switch and to store data related to the test carried out in a local storage device (e.g., ring buffer). In a combination of switch and additional module, this storage device can be arranged in the switch or in the additional module.The switch arrangement is also configured to transmit data on performed tests stored in the storage device by means of one or more messages to a recipient specified by the request in response to a request for data on one or more tests carried out, sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication.

[0008] The first protocol for wireless communication, for example, is the Zigbee protocol. The request for data on one or more tests performed and one or more messages for transmitting data stored on the tests performed can then be made using specially created (i.e., somewhat proprietary) Zigbee commands. For example, a REQUEST____LOG command is provided for the request and a RESPONSE___LOG command for transmitting data from the storage device. It may be necessary to send multiple RESPONSE____LOG messages to transmit all requested data. When transmitting LOG data using multiple Zigbee messages, it may be useful to use Zigbee fragmentation to split the data on the tests performed, requested as part of a request, into multiple messages for transmission to the recipient.

[0009] The invention thus enables efficient and user-friendly provision of data logged during switch tests (LOG data).

[0010] The subject matter of the invention also encompasses a system with a switch arrangement according to the invention and a terminal device. The terminal device comprises a software app (i.e., application software or a computer program that provides functions for the user of the terminal device that the user can access) that is designed to receive the data on one or more tests performed and to enable export of the data in a file from the app. This app can be designed to send a request for data stored in the storage device on one or more tests performed using a second wireless communication protocol and to receive one or more messages with requested data transmitted using the second protocol. In particular, the following two constellations can occur: a) The first and second protocols can be identical (e.g., Bluetooth or TCP).The app of the terminal device is then designed to send a request for data on one or more tests carried out, stored in the storage device, directly to the switch arrangement using this wireless communication protocol and to receive one or more transmitted messages with requested data directly from the switch arrangement. "Directly" implies that the messages are addressed accordingly. This design is preferably used for larger switches, e.g., circuit breakers in low-voltage and medium-voltage technology. b) The system comprises a data collector. This is designed to receive a data request stored in the storage device using the second protocol (e.g.,TCP or Bluetooth) for wireless communication to receive from the app a request for data on one or more tests carried out that are stored in the storage device and to the switch arrangement (the request can be one or more Modbus commands that can be interpreted by the switch arrangement) and to send one or more messages with requested data from the switch arrangement to the terminal device using the second protocol for wireless communication. In addition, the data collector is configured to adapt a request for data on one or more tests carried out that are stored in the storage device and to the switch arrangement for transmission using the first protocol and to transmit it to the switch arrangement (i.e. the data collector acts as a protocol converter).Finally, the data collector is also designed to receive one or more messages transmitted using the first protocol with requested data from the switch logbook entries, to adapt one or more messages for transmission using the second protocol and to transmit them to a terminal device (e.g. mobile phone) using the second protocol (possibly, in the course of the protocol implementation, a summary of received messages is carried out for more efficient transmission to the terminal device).

[0011] The invention also relates to a method for the wireless provision of information from switch functional tests. This involves performing a test directed at an aspect of the functionality of the switch, storing data related to the performed test in a local storage device of a switch device, and sending one or more messages. The sending is triggered by a request for data stored in the storage device, sent using a first wireless communication protocol, and is sent to a recipient specified by the request. The request for data on one or more performed tests and the sending or transmission of one or more messages containing the data stored in the tests to be performed can be carried out using Zigbee commands created for this purpose.The data requested in a query on tests carried out can then be divided into several messages for transmission to the recipient using Zigbee fragmentation.

[0012] The invention is explained in more detail below in the context of exemplary embodiments using the figures. They show:

[0013] Fig. 1: an exemplary table for test requirements for fixed electrical installations and equipment,

[0014] Fig. 2: a data collector and low-voltage protection devices that are wirelessly connected, Fig. 3: a Modbus map for a log format of a switch test,

[0015] Fig. 4: a data format for the transmission of log data of a switch test,

[0016] Fig. 5: Zigbee commands "REQUESTEDOG" and "RESPONSE___LOG" for querying and transmitting log data of a switch test,

[0017] Fig. 6: a flowchart for a first example of a method according to the invention (with data collector), and

[0018] Fig. 7: a flowchart for a second example of a method according to the invention (without data collector).

[0019] Tests (e.g., residual current and insulation resistance measurements) are performed and automatically logged. The tests can be largely automated and, for example, performed regularly at specified time intervals. According to the invention, a log entry with information about the respective test is automatically generated for each test. A separate log file with the corresponding log entry can be created for each test. Alternatively, there is a single log file for all tests, or at least for all tests of a type, to which the test results are written sequentially. A persistent or non-volatile ring buffer, for example, is provided for the log information.

[0020] Using firmware, test results (e.g., from residual current and insulation resistance measurements) are stored persistently in a ring buffer. An automated test is configured on a Zigbee terminal device using Modbus parameters and started via a Modbus command. Alternatively, a test can be started manually or an individual test can be started via a Modbus command. After a test is completed, a log entry is automatically created. The log format for tests is specifically specified in a so-called Modbus map (data point list). A Modbus map is a feature of the Modbus

[0021] Protocol. This is a list for a slave device (here: Zigbee terminal) that describes what data is involved (e.g., switch test), where the data is stored (e.g., data addresses), and how the data is stored (e.g., data type, byte and word arrangement).

[0022] Fig. 3 shows an example of a Modbus map for the log format for tests.

[0023] This includes the following fields:

[0024] Event ID DEC: Identification code for the respective test

[0025] (decimal value)

[0026] Event ID HEX: Identification code for the respective test

[0027] (Hexadecimal value)

[0028] Data Set Versions: supported software versions

[0029] Mnemonic : Text explanation for log information

[0030] Valency : Classification of the entry

[0031] (Information, warning, alarm)

[0032] Category : Category of the entry (System, Operator)

[0033] Destination : Transfer protocol

[0034] Type : Attribute type of the test-related data

[0035] Escort Values: test-related data

[0036] In Fig. 3 sind den einzelnen Feldern folgende Einträge zuge wiesen :

[0037] Event ID DEC: 1001

[0038] Event ID HEX: 03E9

[0039] Data Set Versions: 1 .1 ; 2.0

[0040] Mnemonic : REMOTE CONTROL AUXILIARY TEST RESULT

[0041] Valency : Information

[0042] Category : system

[0043] Desination : ModbusTCP Type: U16 bzw. FP32

[0044] Escort Values:

[0045] RESTDUAL—CURRENT—DEVICE-TEST___STATE

[0046] CONF-RESIDUALJTURRENTJDEVICE^TEST—CONTROL

[0047] RESTDUAL-CURRENT-DEVICE_TEST_VOLTAGE

[0048] RESTDUAL_CURRENT—DEVIGEISELF_TEST___TRIPPING_TIME

[0049] RESTDUAL_CURRENT—DEVICE__SELF__TESTJTRIPPING—CURRENT

[0050] PARAM—INSULATION__RESISTANGENTEST___STATE

[0051] INSULATION__RESISTANGEITEST____VALUE__N___PE

[0052] INSULATION-RESISTANCE__TEST~VALUE—L1____PE

[0053] INSULATION_RESISTANCE-TEST-VALUE_L2_PE

[0054] INSULATION-RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE-L3-PE

[0055] The "Escort Values" correspond to certain test-related information during a test:

[0056] RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE TEST SITE: Residual current

[0057] Test result (test passed or failed, due to different error causes)

[0058] CONF-RESIDUAL-CURRENT-DEVICE-TEST-CONTROL: Information about the test configuration (tripping current and insulation resistance) RESIDUAL-CURRENT-DEVICE-TEST-VOLTAGE : Test voltage

[0059] RESIDUAL-CURRENT_DEVICE-SELF_TEST-TRIPPING-TIME : Tripping time RESIDUAL_CURRENT-DEVICE-SELF-TEST-TRIPPING_CURRENT : Tripping current (differential current)

[0060] PARAM-INSULATION-RESISTANCE-TEST-STATE: Insulation test measurement result

[0061] INSULATION-RESISTANCE-TEST-VALUE-N-PE: Insulation resistance N to PE

[0062] INSULATION-RESISTANCE-TEST-VALUE-Ll-PE: Insulation resistance LI to PE

[0063] INSULATION-RESISTANCE-TEST-VALUE-L2-PE Insulation resistance

[0064] L2 to PE

[0065] INSULATION-RESISTANCE-TEST-VALUE-L3-PE Insulation resistance L3 to PE

[0066] LI - L3 are the phase conductors, N is the neutral conductor, and PE is the protective conductor. The test result is transmitted via Zigbee to a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone) and displayed via an app. The test result can be made available via file export from the app for test documentation.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows the log format specified for the test logs, by means of which log information can be transmitted as datagrams or data frames.

[0068] Each test log entry has a consecutive OID (Object ID), a timestamp, and an escort data area of ​​flexible length (up to 32 bytes). The escort data allows details of the test result to be stored in the log, such as test status, fault current, and insulation measurements. A list of all fields in the test log shown in Fig. 4 is provided below.

[0069] OID (Object ID): Identification number of the entry

[0070] Reference: Reference to another entry

[0071] Timestamp: Timestamp

[0072] Flags: Flag register contains Valency, Category, etc .

[0073] Context: System context (0x0001) for wireless system

[0074] ID: Event ID (1001 for

[0075] REMOTEJZONTROLJVUX ILIARYJTESTJRESULT)

[0076] SRC source device e.g. 7 for RCA device.

[0077] LEN: Size of the Escort Data field (number of bits)

[0078] Escort data: test-related data

[0079] In the information above the fields, "U" stands for "unsigned integer" and the number after it (e.g. 8, 16, 32) stands for the width in bits of the respective field.

[0080] Using self-created Zigbee commands, the log information can be transmitted via Zigbee. The specially specified Zigbee commands "REQUEST____LOG" for requesting log information about a test and "RESPONSE_LOG" for transmitting the requested information are shown in Fig. 5.

[0081] Fig. 6 illustrates a query of log information using these commands. The starting point is an app (e.g., the PowerConfig app from Siemens) that exchanges information with Zigbee end devices (ED) (e.g., circuit breakers equipped for Zigbee communication) via a data collector (ZC), which, as shown in Fig. 2, uses the Zigbee protocol to exchange information. The data collector (ZC) can be, for example, the product from Siemens marketed under the name "Powercenter 1000."

[0082] In a first step, log information is generated during a test as described in Fig. 4. The test can be initiated locally (e.g., by pressing a button) or remotely.

[0083] Using Modbus TCP or Modbus RTU over BLE Gatt (Bluetooth Low Energy) and a proprietary 0x64 Request Log command, the app or the hardware on which the app runs requests test-related log information from Zigbee end devices at the DC data collector. The DC data collector translates the Modbus command into the "REQUEST___LOG" Zigbee command and sends it to the Zigbee end device ED selected by the app. The Zigbee end device ED processes the REQUEST___LOG Zigbee command and responds with the RESPONSE___LOG command and the same Zigbee sequence number and the maximum possible number of "ENTRIES" log entries. Using Zigbee fragmentation, multiple log entries can be transmitted at once, despite the severely limited Zigbee packet length. By using a fragmented RESPONSE___LOG response, for example,50 log entries can be transmitted in 5 seconds (with an average of 6 entries per RESPONSE___LOG) instead of 30 seconds (each with one RESPONSE___LOG response per entry). The result of the RESPONSE___LOG command can be read or queried in the ZC data collector via a specially defined data point after successful processing. The data transmitted via multiple RESPONSE___LOG commands can be combined into a data field for further transmission by the ZC data collector. The data received via multiple RESPONSE___LOG commands is then transmitted together by the ZC data collector to the app (TCP (LOG data) message in Fig. 6). These can also refer to multiple tests. The LOG data can be assigned to individual tests via the OID (Object ID) (e.g., incrementing the OID signals that the subsequent data is to be assigned to a new test).The app has been enhanced with a test log export function for saving test logs. This allows you to read test log entries, prepare them, and format them in PDF and CSV format. The file export option provides proof of test execution and the associated results.

[0084] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the subject matter of the invention. In contrast to Fig. 6, which shows the application of the invention for a circuit breaker (e.g., MCB, RCD, or AFDD) that exchanges data with an app via a data collector ZC (see also Fig. 2), Fig. 7 shows an example of a configuration for a low-voltage circuit breaker. Low-voltage circuit breaker types include open circuit breakers (also referred to as ACBs or air-isolated circuit breakers) and closed circuit breakers (also referred to as MCCBs or molded-case circuit breakers). These switches often communicate directly with a terminal device ED, rather than via a data collector ZC. One such configuration is shown in Fig. 7. A test is initiated, e.g., by maintenance personnel. This involves, for example,about a reliability test for trip curves (circuit breakers typically trip in a tripping configuration, which is usually implemented as a trip curve and takes into account not only the current level but also its duration). Trip curve settings for the test are communicated to the circuit breaker (here: ACB) via an app (e.g. PowerConfig app from Siemens). A test scenario is then selected and started (possibly at the suggestion of the app). A waveform (typically current) is specified according to the scenario. On this basis, the ACB then starts the test. During the test, ping messages can be used to check that there is no communication error between the app and the ACB. The test on the ACB is carried out until a completion criterion is met. This is either the tripping of the circuit breaker (tripping) or the expiration of a timer (if the breaker does not trip). The end of the test and, if applicable,The fact that the switch has been triggered is communicated to the app one after the other. During the test, log information about the test is saved - similar to the one described above - and can also be queried by the app using the REQUEST____LOG or RESPONSE_LOG commands. The protocol used for transmission is, for example,

[0085] TCP or Bluetooth are used. Similar to Fig. 6, log information can be exported from the app. This can include, for example, a report generated by the app, which may be stored in the cloud by the app.

[0086] The invention was explained in more detail above using exemplary embodiments. These are merely illustrative. The invention can be used across the entire field of low-voltage technology and beyond. For example, the invention can also be used for testing low-voltage switches used for low-voltage control of a medium-voltage circuit breaker.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switch arrangement comprising a switch (ED), in particular a circuit breaker, designed for this purpose - to perform a test focused on one aspect of the functionality of the switch (ED), - to save data related to the performed test to a local storage device, and - to transmit data relating to one or more tests performed, stored in the storage device, to a recipient specified by the request by means of one or more messages, in response to a request for data relating to one or more tests performed, sent via a first protocol for wireless communication.

2. Switch arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first protocol is the Zigbee protocol.

3. Switch arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the request for data relating to one or more tests performed and the one or more messages for transmitting data stored for tests to be performed are carried out by means of Zigbee commands created for this purpose.

4. Switch arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the data requested in the context of a query for tests to be carried out are divided into several messages for transmission to the recipient by means of Zigbee fragmentation.

5. System comprising a switch arrangement according to one of claims 1-4 and an end device, characterized in that the end device comprises a software app (app) designed for this purpose, - to obtain the data for one or more tests performed, and - to export the data from the app to a file.

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the app of the terminal device is designed to send a request for data relating to one or more tests performed and stored in the storage device by means of a second protocol for wireless communication and to receive one or more messages containing the requested data transmitted by means of the second protocol.

7. System according to claim 6, in particular for circuit breakers, characterized in that - the first and second protocols are identical, and - the app of the terminal device is designed to send a request for data about one or more tests performed, stored in the storage device, to the switch arrangement using this wireless communication protocol, and to receive one or more transmitted messages with requested data from the switch arrangement.

8. System according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a data collector (ZC) which is configured, - to receive a request from the app for data on one or more tests performed by the switch assembly via the second wireless communication protocol, and to send one or more messages containing the requested data from the switch assembly to the terminal device via the second wireless communication protocol, - a request for data about one or more tests performed, sent via the second wireless communication protocol, is stored in the storage device- to adapt the data to the switch arrangement for transmission via the first protocol and to transmit it to the switch arrangement, and - to receive one or more messages containing requested data from the switch arrangement transmitted via the first protocol, to adapt one or more messages for transmission via the second protocol, and to send them to the terminal device via the second protocol.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the second protocol is TCP or Bluetooth.

10. Method for the wireless provision of information from switch function tests, comprising - Performing a test focused on one aspect of the functionality of the switch (ED), - Storing data related to the performed test in a local storage device of a switching device, and - Sending one or more messages containing data stored for tests to be performed to a receiver specified by the request, initiated by a request for data on one or more tests performed via a first protocol for wireless communication.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the request for data relating to one or more tests performed and the sending of the one or more messages containing data stored for tests to be performed are carried out by means of Zigbee commands created for this purpose.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The data requested as part of an inquiry for tests carried out will be split into multiple messages for transmission to the recipient using Zigbee fragmentation.

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