System and method for detecting sensor data in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for detecting sensor data (370) in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly of a machine or production plant, comprising an energy generation unit (200), a sensor unit (300), a communication unit (400) and a data processing device (500); wherein the energy generation unit (200) has a thermo-element (210) and an energy storage module (250) and is designed to supply the sensor unit (300) with energy; wherein the thermo-element (210) uses a temperature gradient occurring in the spatial segment during operation of the machine or production plant in order to generate energy; wherein the energy storage module (250) is designed to supply the sensor unit (300) with energy; wherein the thermo-element (210) uses a temperature gradient occurring during operation of the machine or production plant in the spatial segment in order to generate energy; wherein the energy storage module (250) is designed to store the electrical energy and to discharge it as required to the sensor unit (300); wherein the sensor unit (300) comprises one or more sensors (350) and is designed to detect sensor data (370) of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity and / or flow in the spatial segment; and wherein the communication unit (400) is designed to forward the sensor data (370) to the data processing device (500) for further processing.

Description

[0001] System and method for acquiring sensor data in a spatial segment in the area of ​​a moving assembly

[0002] The invention relates to a system and a method for detecting sensor data in a spatial segment in the area of ​​a moving assembly of a machine or a production plant, a drying section, a calender and a computer program product.

[0003] In a machine for producing or treating a fibrous web, the moist fibrous web, e.g. a paper or pulp web, is dried in a drying section by being alternately guided over heated cylinders and then over a short distance over a deflection roller in order to evaporate the liquid contained in the fibrous web. After the fibrous web has been detached from the heated drying cylinder, a space or intermediate space, also known as a pocket, forms between the drying cylinder and the fibrous web. A stripping device, such as a doctor, can be provided in the area of ​​the pocket to remove deposits on the drying cylinder. In addition, the stripping device prevents the fibrous web from wrapping around the drying cylinder, particularly in the event of production disruptions.

[0004] Similar pockets also form in smoothing devices such as calenders, especially in multi-roll calenders, where the fibrous web is passed through several roll nips in succession for smoothing.

[0005] In both applications, it is very helpful for the plant operator to have as precise an understanding of the conditions in these pockets as possible. This particularly applies to temperature, humidity, and air flow conditions within the pockets. However, measurements in these pockets are not easy due to the limited space, harsh environmental conditions, etc.

[0006] DE 43 12 485 A1 discloses a two-pass drying section for paper webs, in which stabilizers extending across the width of the paper web are provided to suppress disruptive influences on the free draw sections between the upper and lower rows of cylinders, on which stabilizers the paper web is supported by a developing air cushion.

[0007] DE 40 37 423 A1 discloses a dryer section of a paper machine consisting of a single-row dryer group with several drying cylinders, an upper support belt, and lower deflection rolls, as well as an adjacent, also single-row dryer group with drying cylinders, a lower dryer fabric, and upper deflection rolls. This allows both sides of the web to come into direct contact with the drying cylinders one after the other. The drying cylinders and the deflection rolls are supported on two longitudinal beams running horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the machine.

[0008] DE 10 2009 016 176 A1 discloses a scraper bar made of fiber-reinforced plastic composite material with a blade holder for attaching the scraper blade that cleans a roller. A connection point for sensors is provided on the scraper bar. Since the scraper bar extends across the entire width of the roller, a sensor can be installed at any point along its width. In addition to the mechanical connection, the necessary interfaces for the control system, the power supply, and the supply of the actuators with a drive medium (e.g., compressed air) can be provided.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is to create possibilities for improved detection of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, flow, etc. in a spatial segment such as a pocket in the area of ​​a moving assembly of a machine or a production plant, which are easy to implement and can be used flexibly and provide a stable energy supply for reliable detection of the sensor signals by a sensor unit.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention with respect to a system by the features of patent claim 1, with respect to a method by the features of claim 8, with respect to a drying section by the features of claim 14, with respect to a calender by the features of claim 15, and with respect to a computer program product by the features of claim 16. The further claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0011] In the present invention, the temperature gradient in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly, which is particularly designed as a drying cylinder in a fiber machine or as a rotating roller in a calender, is utilized by a thermocouple to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is stored in an energy storage module, which is particularly designed as a battery or capacitor, and can be retrieved by a sensor unit for detecting sensor signals of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity, and / or flow in the spatial segment, which is particularly designed as a pocket.

[0012] Since the time intervals for acquiring sensor signals for the measurement parameters range from 15 to 60 minutes, the amount of energy generated by the thermocouple is sufficient to power one sensor. In particular, a measuring device comprising a power generation unit, a sensor unit, and a communication unit can be designed as a mobile device that can be connected to various modules. This achieves a high degree of flexibility and can save costs, since a separate measuring device does not need to be provided for each module.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a system for acquiring sensor data in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly of a machine or a production plant. The system comprises an energy generation unit, a sensor unit, a communication unit, and a data processing device. The energy generation unit comprises a thermocouple and an energy storage module and is designed to supply the sensor unit with energy. The thermocouple uses a temperature gradient occurring in the spatial segment during operation of the machine or production plant to generate energy, and the energy storage module is designed to store the generated electrical energy and deliver it to the sensor unit when needed. The sensor unit comprises one or more sensors and is designed to acquire sensor data of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity, and / or flow in the spatial segment.The communication unit is designed to forward the sensor data to the data processing device for further processing.

[0014] It can be provided that the system comprises a housing in which the energy generation unit, the sensor unit, and the communication unit are arranged; wherein the housing can be fixedly or detachably connected to a fastening device arranged in the space segment.

[0015] This is made possible by a portable system: Suitable mounting fixtures for the measuring system can be provided at several locations along the paper machine. During machine downtime, which is scheduled to occur every few days, the measuring system can be quickly and easily transported from position 1 to position 2. No cables or other infrastructure need to be laid. This makes the system ideal for troubleshooting.

[0016] In a further development, the moving assembly is designed as a drying cylinder of the drying section of a fiber machine, and the space segment forms a pocket between the drying cylinder and a fiber web. The fiber web can be supported by a fabric, e.g., a dryer fabric.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the moving assembly is designed as a calender roll, and the space segment forms a pocket between the roll and a fibrous web. Doctors for cleaning the cylinders or rolls are provided in both the dryer section and the calender. Such doctor blades are attached to so-called doctor beams, which extend across the entire width of the machine. It can be advantageous if the system according to the invention is, or can be, attached entirely or partially to such a doctor beam.

[0018] In particular, it can be provided that suitable holding devices for the measuring system are provided on several doctor beams of a drying section, so that the conditions of the pocket air can be determined successively at different points in the drying section using a single measuring system.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the sensor unit can be positioned between 1 m and 3 m, for example, 2 m from the edge of the machine—preferably from the driver-side edge of the machine. This distance is advantageous because the position is close enough to the edge to allow the sensor unit—possibly in the form of a housing in which the power generation unit, the sensor unit, and the communication unit are arranged—to be inserted from the outside during a brief machine downtime. On the other hand, the position is far enough from the edge to ensure that the measurement is not distorted by unwanted external influences.

[0020] Advantageously, the energy storage module is designed as a battery or capacitor.

[0021] In particular, at least one sensor of the sensor unit is designed as a temperature sensor and / or as a humidity sensor and / or as a flow sensor. It is particularly advantageous if the sensor unit is configured to measure both temperature and humidity. This makes it possible to determine the relative humidity or the dew point of the pocket air. Knowledge of this value can be particularly useful with regard to improved control or regulation. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the data processing device is designed to generate output data from the sensor data, wherein the output data can be in the form of images, graphics, diagrams, holograms, series of numbers, PowerPoint presentations and / or audio sequences such as acoustic warning signals or voice messages, in particular for displaying a temperature, humidity and / or flow profile.the course of the corresponding values ​​over time; as well as process parameters of the machine or production plant.

[0022] In particular, the data analysis device uses a software application with artificial intelligence algorithms for the analysis and processing of the sensor data, wherein the artificial intelligence algorithms include deep learning with neural networks and / or transformers with encoders and decoders and / or reinforcement learning agents (LV).

[0023] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for acquiring sensor data in a spatial segment in the area of ​​a moving assembly of a machine or production plant. The method comprises the following method steps:

[0024] - generating energy by means of an energy generation unit with a thermocouple and an energy storage module, wherein the thermocouple uses a temperature gradient occurring in the space segment during operation of the machine or production plant to generate energy and converts it into electrical energy and transmits it to the energy storage module, and wherein the energy storage module stores the electrical energy;

[0025] - Supplying a sensor unit with energy from the energy storage module;

[0026] - Acquisition of sensor data of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity, and / or flow in the spatial segment by one or more sensors of the sensor unit; - Forwarding of the sensor data from a communication unit to a data processing device;

[0027] - Processing the sensor data in the data processing device.

[0028] In a further development, it is provided that the moving assembly is designed as a drying cylinder of a fiber machine and the space segment forms a pocket between the drying cylinder and a fiber web, or that the moving assembly is designed as a roller of a calender and the space segment forms a pocket between the roller and a fiber web.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least one sensor of the sensor unit is designed as a temperature sensor, as a humidity sensor or as a flow sensor.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the data processing device is designed to generate output data from the sensor data, wherein the output data can be in the form of images, graphics, diagrams, holograms, series of numbers, PowerPoint presentations and / or audio sequences, such as acoustic warning signals or voice messages, in particular for displaying a temperature, humidity and / or flow profile - or the temporal course of these values ​​- as well as process parameters of the machine or production plant, and is output on an output module and / or forwarded to at least one control unit of the machine or production plant.

[0031] It can be particularly advantageous if the sensor data is used to control or regulate the dryer section or the calender. For example, the steam pressure in the corresponding drying cylinders can be adjusted in the dryer section. If, for example, the pocket air is completely saturated with moisture, the steam pressure can be reduced (thus saving energy and costs) without reducing the drying performance. Furthermore, the risk of condensation can be avoided.

[0032] Alternatively, if the relative humidity of the bag air is very low, the drying performance can be increased by increasing the vapor pressure.

[0033] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a measuring device for acquiring sensor data in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly of a machine or a production plant. The measuring device comprises a housing in which a power generation unit, a sensor unit, and a communication unit are arranged. The housing can be fixedly or detachably connected to a fastening device arranged in the spatial segment.

[0034] Advantageous design of a control or regulation system

[0035] The air system in the dryer section of a paper machine has a major impact on the overall energy consumption of the paper machine. An optimal system requires the measurement of several parameters. However, most of these parameters are not accessible due to the extreme conditions in the dryer section (humidity, temperature, etc.). Most electronic devices and sensors are not functional under these conditions. The current control method is based on physical and manual measurements at the hood, where less extreme conditions prevail, and is therefore not optimal.

[0036] The sensor data generated within the scope of the present invention can be used to realize significantly improved control of the dryer section, thus enabling significant energy savings through reduced steam consumption, etc. A combination of physical and virtual measurements can be used.

[0037] The proposed solution consists of two parts:

[0038] First part:

[0039] Physical and / or virtual measurement of important parameters, such as

[0040] Humidity (absolute or relative) in the pockets and / or temperature in the pockets and / or air pressure in the pockets and / or air flow in the pockets.

[0041] Second part:

[0042] Control of the air supply and / or the exhaust system of the dryer hood and / or the steam supply with signals originating from one or more of the measurements from the first part. With the measuring systems proposed in this application, it is now possible to directly determine the current conditions in the pockets and use them to control and regulate the drying section. To determine these conditions throughout the entire drying section, a suitable measuring system can be installed in each of the pockets, or at least in a majority of them.

[0043] However, the drying sections in paper machines are often very long, comprising dozens of drying cylinders. Equipping them fully with measuring systems is therefore very complex and expensive. Therefore, the use of a hybrid system can be very advantageous.

[0044] In such a hybrid system, physical measurements by means of sensors according to aspects of the invention are combined with virtual sensors.

[0045] Such virtual sensors can determine the corresponding values ​​such as humidity (absolute or relative) in the pockets and / or temperature in the pockets and / or air pressure in the pockets and / or air flow in the pockets by means of modeling and with the help of measurement data from the paper machine (e.g. machine speed, paper grade, steam consumption, etc.).

[0046] The physical measured values ​​can then be used to validate the model, or the virtual measured values, in particular continuously and online, and to recalibrate them if, for example, a drift of the two values ​​is observed.

[0047] The number of physical sensors used can vary. For example, a single physical sensor can be provided for the entire drying section. Another possible implementation could be to have one physical sensor per drying group. This can be advantageous for calibrating the virtual sensors, as the process conditions change significantly along the drying section, and therefore, a plurality of sensors can significantly improve the calibration of the model and thus the quality of the virtual sensors. Other numbers of physical sensors are also possible.

[0048] By significantly reducing the number of physical sensors, this is a cost-effective solution for measuring pocket moisture or a solution for continuously determining the most important parameters in the dryer and with high precision at the level directly within the dryer section at the drying cylinder level.

[0049] The second part of the solution is to use this measurement to control the supply and / or exhaust fans so that they run at an optimal setting (if the humidity is too low, the fans run at a lower speed, which reduces power consumption). Another control option is a fixed setting for the supply and exhaust fans. When the temperature is high and the humidity is low, the steam pressure can be reduced to lower the temperature and keep the humidity within an acceptable range, resulting in lower steam consumption and energy savings. In a second step, these measurements are used to determine energy consumption at the drying cylinder level and to develop a control strategy at the drying cylinder level and thus a more effective control system to reduce energy consumption.

[0050] A method is therefore proposed in which the drying section is regulated or controlled in that the drying section comprises a first number of drying cylinders, in which sensor data of measuring parameters are recorded in the associated pocket for each drying cylinder, and the drying section also comprises a second number of drying cylinders, in which the measuring parameters in the associated pocket are determined via a virtual sensor, and wherein the virtual sensor is validated by the measuring parameters recorded as sensor data, and in particular is calibrated continuously and online.

[0051] In particular, it can be provided that at least some, preferably all, of the drying cylinders of the first number are also drying cylinders of the second number. For such cylinders, the measurement parameters are thus both physically measured and determined via the virtual sensor. By directly comparing these values, validation and calibration of the virtual sensor is very easy.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a drying cylinder for a fiber machine. The drying cylinder has an identification code that can be read by a reading unit of a measuring device and / or a user interface, and wherein the identification code is designed as a transponder with an RFID chip or NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or as a QR code.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a roll for a calender. The roll comprises an identification code that can be read by a reading unit of a measuring device and / or a user interface, and wherein the identification code is designed as a transponder with an RFID chip or NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or as a QR code.

[0054] According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a computer program product comprising executable program code that carries out the method according to the second aspect. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0055] It shows:

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a drying section of a fiber machine;

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of rollers of a calendar;

[0058] Figure 3 shows a representation of a system according to the invention;

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a measuring device according to the invention;

[0060] Figure 5 is a flow chart explaining the individual process steps of the process according to the invention;

[0061] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a computer program product.

[0062] Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention or embodiments thereof will become apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the claims.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a drying section 10 of a pulping machine for producing or processing a fibrous web 20. A pulping machine is a machine primarily used for producing paper and board. It consists of several sections that are passed through sequentially. First, the waste paper is defibred and mixed into a homogeneous mass. This mass is then diluted with water and poured onto a continuous screen, where the excess water can drain off. The remaining stock is further processed into the finished paper or board by pressing and drying. A pulping machine is usually very large and technically complex, so precise control and monitoring are required to achieve a high quality end product.

[0064] Dryer section 10 is the final section of a pulping machine. This is where the finished paper is dried. The dryer section consists of a series of heated drying cylinders that collect the moist paper and remove the moisture through rotation. The dryer section is divided into several sections to ensure gradual and even drying of the paper. During the drying process, the paper must develop high strength to prevent it from breaking or tearing. The dryer section can also be equipped with special technological solutions such as air jets, suction devices, and spray nozzles to accelerate drying and improve the quality of the finished product. At the end of the dryer section, the paper is wound up and prepared for shipping or further processing. The dryer section therefore plays a crucial role in the production of high-quality paper and board.

[0065] In the fiber machine, the moist fiber web 20, e.g., a paper or pulp web, is dried in the dryer section 10 by being alternately guided over heated drying cylinders 30 and then over a short distance over a deflection roller 40 to evaporate the liquid contained in the fiber web 20. After the fiber web 20 has been detached from the heated drying cylinder 30, a gap, also referred to as a pocket 50, forms between the drying cylinder 30 and the fiber web 20. In the area of ​​the pocket 50, a stripping device 70, such as a doctor, can be provided to remove deposits on the drying cylinder 30. In addition, the stripping device 70 prevents the fiber web 20 from wrapping around the drying cylinder 30, particularly in the event of production disruptions. Such doctor blades are attached to so-called doctor beams, which extend across the entire width of the machine.It may be advantageous if the system according to the invention is, or can be, attached entirely or partially to such a scraper bar. The sensor unit can be positioned between 1 m and 3 m, for example, 2 m, from the edge of the machine—preferably from the driver's side.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a calender 80 with several rollers 90, between which a fibrous web 20 is passed. A calender is a machine for smoothing materials, generally consisting of two or more rotating rollers 90 pressed against each other with controlled pressure. The material, e.g., paper, cardboard, film, or fabric, is passed between the rollers 90 and smoothed by the pressure exerted by the rollers 90. The rollers 90 can have various surface patterns or structures to impart specific effects or finishes to the material.

[0067] In the paper industry, calenders are used after the papermaking process to achieve uniform thickness and surface smoothness. The material passes through rollers that apply pressure to compress and flatten the fibers, producing a more uniform and smoother sheet of paper or board. In textile manufacturing, calenders are used to improve the appearance and texture of fabrics. The fabric is passed through the rollers, whose surface may be engraved with various patterns or embossing. Pressure and heat can change the surface texture of the fabric, create luster, or improve certain properties such as crease resistance or water repellency. Calenders are important to these industries to achieve the desired quality and properties of the processed materials.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a system 100 according to the invention for detecting sensor data in the pocket 50 between the drying cylinder 30 and the fibrous web 20. The system 100 according to the invention comprises a power generation unit 200, a sensor unit 300, a communication unit 400, a data processing device 500, and an output module 700.

[0069] The energy generation unit 200, the sensor unit 300, the communication unit 400, and the data processing device 500 can each be equipped with a processor and / or a memory unit. The data processing device 500 can be configured as a standalone computing unit or as a cloud-based solution in a cloud computing infrastructure. In particular, the data processing device 500 can be integrated into a mobile device.

[0070] In the context of the invention, a “processor” can be, for example, a machine or an electronic circuit. A processor can in particular be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor or a microcontroller, e.g. an application-specific integrated circuit or a digital signal processor, possibly in combination with a memory unit for storing program instructions. The processor can also be a virtualized processor, a virtual machine or a soft CPU. It can also be, for example, a programmable processor that is equipped with configuration steps for carrying out the aforementioned method according to the invention or is configured with configuration steps such that the programmable processor implements the inventive features of the method, the entity, the modules or other aspects and / or sub-aspects of the invention.

[0071] In the context of the invention, a "storage unit" or "storage module" and the like can be understood as, for example, a volatile memory in the form of a random access memory (RAM) or a permanent memory such as a hard disk or a data storage device, or, for example, a replaceable memory module. The memory module can also be a cloud storage solution.

[0072] The energy generation unit 200 supplies energy to the sensor unit 300 and contains at least one thermocouple 210 that generates energy from a temperature difference. An energy storage module 250 is provided to store the energy generated by the thermocouple 210. The energy storage module 250 supplies the sensor unit 300 and the communication unit 400 with electrical energy. The energy storage module 250 can be designed, in particular, as a battery or capacitor.

[0073] A thermocouple is a temperature measuring device based on the Seebeck effect, which occurs when the temperatures at two points on a material differ. If the materials have different electrical conductivities, the temperature difference creates an electrical potential between the points. This voltage can be used to generate electrical energy.

[0074] A thermocouple consists of two wires made of dissimilar metals, usually joined at one end to form a junction. The two metals used in a thermocouple are chosen for their thermoelectric properties, meaning they generate a voltage in response to temperature differences. The junction where the two wires meet is usually exposed to the environment or substance whose temperature is being measured. This junction is called the measurement or hot spot. The other ends of the wires are connected to a measuring device or circuit for temperature measurement or power generation. If the temperature at the hot junction differs from the temperature at the other ends of the wires (called the reference or cold junctions), a voltage is generated due to the Seebeck effect.This voltage is proportional to the temperature difference and can be measured and interpreted as a temperature value.

[0075] When measuring temperature, the thermocouple is connected to a measuring device such as a temperature controller or a temperature indicator. The generated voltage is converted into a temperature reading by the measuring device using calibration tables or mathematical equations specific to the thermocouple type. Thermocouples can also be used to generate energy. When there is a temperature difference between the junctions of the thermocouple, a voltage is generated. This voltage can be used to operate low-power electronic devices or systems. When a thermocouple is used to generate energy, the temperature difference between a hot source and a cooler environment is exploited. When the thermocouple is connected to a load, e.g.a resistor or low-power device, the generated voltage can generate a small current flow and power the load. Thermocouples used for power generation generally require larger temperature differences and optimized materials to maximize their efficiency.

[0076] The thermocouple 210 draws its energy from the temperature difference that occurs in the area of ​​the pocket 50 during operation of the dryer section 20 of a fiber machine or a calender. This temperature difference can be used to generate a voltage in the thermocouple 210. However, this can only generate a relatively small amount of electrical energy per unit of time, so such systems generally cannot be used effectively for measuring tasks on high-speed paper machines. The situation is different in the area of ​​the dryer section 10 of a fiber machine or a calender 80.

[0077] The temperature conditions in the drying section 10 and thus also in the drying cylinder 30 change only very slowly. If the steam pressure in the drying cylinder 30 is changed in order to increase the cylinder temperature, several minutes pass until the metal of the drying cylinder is heated up accordingly. A further period of time passes until, for example, the equilibrium temperature in the drying cylinder 30 is reached. It is therefore entirely sufficient if a measurement is only carried out at intervals of 15 to 60 minutes. At this measuring frequency, the energy generated by the thermocouple 210 is entirely sufficient for a sensor 350. According to the invention, the temperature gradient already present during operation of the drying section 10 or of a calender 80 is thus used to generate the operating current for a sensor 350.

[0078] The sensor unit 300 comprises one or more sensors 350 that measure sensor data 370 of measurement parameters such as air humidity, temperature, and / or air flow conditions. In particular, the air humidity and temperature in the pocket 50 are measured simultaneously in order to calculate how much moisture the air in the pocket 50 can still absorb. The sensors 350 are designed in different ways, in particular as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and air flow sensors.

[0079] A temperature sensor is a measuring instrument that measures the temperature of its surroundings and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal or output. There are different types of temperature sensors, each operating according to a different principle. For example, a thermocouple can be used, which measures a temperature difference based on the Seebeck effect and generates a voltage. This voltage is proportional to the temperature difference and can be measured to determine the temperature. Thermocouples are characterized by their wide temperature range, robustness, and fast response time. Another option is a resistance thermometer (RTD). RTDs are based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a metal changes with temperature. Platinum is the most commonly used sensing element in RTDs because of its stable and linear relationship between resistance and temperature.When the temperature changes, the resistance of the platinum element changes, which can be measured using a Wheatstone bridge or other measuring circuits. The change in resistance is then converted into a temperature reading using calibration curves or RTD-specific equations. Another option is thermistors, which take advantage of the property of certain materials to exhibit a large change in electrical resistance with temperature. They are usually made of ceramic or semiconductor materials. Thermistors can be divided into two types: PTC (positive temperature coefficient) and NTC (negative temperature coefficient). PTC thermistors have a resistance that increases with increasing temperature, while NTC thermistors have a resistance that decreases with increasing temperature.The resistance-temperature relationship of thermistors is highly nonlinear, which is why calibration curves or special thermistor equations are used to convert resistance into a temperature measurement.

[0080] For all three types of temperature sensors mentioned above, the electrical signal generated by the sensor is typically amplified, conditioned, and processed by electronic circuits or instruments to obtain an accurate temperature measurement. To ensure accurate temperature measurements, temperature sensors must be calibrated and factors such as self-heating, linearity, and environmental influences compensated for. Calibration involves comparing the sensor's readings with known reference temperatures, and making any necessary adjustments or corrections to the measurements.

[0081] A humidity sensor, also called a hygrometer, is a device that measures the humidity of the ambient air or a gas. There are different types of humidity sensors, but there are two common principles for measuring humidity: capacitive and resistive.

[0082] Capacitive humidity sensors measure the change in capacitance that occurs when a humidity-sensitive material absorbs or releases moisture. They consist of a humidity-sensitive layer, usually a polymer or metal oxide, sandwiched between two conductive electrodes. The humidity-sensitive layer absorbs or desorbs moisture from the ambient air, changing the dielectric constant and thus the capacitance between the electrodes. The change in capacitance is then converted into a humidity reading using calibration curves or sensor-specific mathematical equations. Capacitive humidity sensors are widely used due to their accuracy, reliability, and low power consumption. Resistive humidity sensors measure the change in the electrical resistance of a humidity-sensitive material at different humidity levels.The humidity-sensitive material is usually a hygroscopic substance such as ceramic or polymer. As the sensor absorbs or releases moisture, the material's electrical resistance changes. The resistance change is then measured using a measuring circuit, such as a Wheatstone bridge, and converted into a humidity reading using calibration curves or equations specific to the sensor. Resistive humidity sensors are relatively simple and inexpensive, but can have limitations in terms of accuracy and long-term stability.

[0083] Humidity sensors must be calibrated to compensate for factors such as temperature, drift, and hysteresis and ensure accurate humidity measurements. Calibration involves comparing the sensor's readings with known reference humidity values ​​under controlled conditions, and making any necessary adjustments or corrections to the measurements.

[0084] Airflow sensors, also known as airflow meters, are devices used to measure the flow and / or velocity of air or gases in various applications. There are different types of airflow sensors, and their operating principles can vary.

[0085] For example, differential pressure (DP) airflow sensors measure the pressure difference across a restriction or obstruction in the airflow path. The pressure drop across the obstruction is proportional to the flow velocity of the air or gas. The sensor typically consists of a pipe or duct with a restriction, such as an orifice plate or a Venturi tube, and pressure sensors positioned upstream and downstream of the restriction. By measuring the pressure difference between the two points, the flow rate can be determined using calibration curves or sensor-specific equations.

[0086] Thermal airflow sensors utilize the principle that the heat transfer from a heated element to the flowing air or gas is influenced by the flow velocity. The sensor typically consists of a heated element, such as a heated wire or foil, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature change of the element caused by the airflow. As the flow velocity increases, more heat is removed from the flowing air, leading to a temperature change of the heated element. The temperature change is then converted into a flow measurement using calibration curves or sensor-specific mathematical equations.

[0087] Hot-wire airflow sensors utilize the cooling effect of air or gas flowing past a heated wire. The sensor consists of a thin wire that is electrically heated to a constant temperature. As the air or gas flows over the wire, the cooling effect on the wire changes, causing its electrical resistance to change. By measuring the change in resistance, the flow rate can be determined. Hot-wire sensors are often used in applications requiring high sensitivity and fast response times.

[0088] The sensor unit 300 has or is connected to a processor for controlling the sensor unit 300, in particular for calculating the energy requirement for performing the measurements with the sensors 350. The sensor unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 400 and transmits the measured values ​​of the sensors 350 as sensor data 370 to the communication unit 400. The communication unit 400 comprises at least one data transmission module 450, which is designed for data transmission via a near-field communication connection such as Bluetooth®, Ethernet, NFC (near field communication) and / or Wi-Fi® or as a mobile radio module for a mobile radio connection. In particular, the mobile radio module can be designed as a 5G or 6G radio module.

[0089] The data processing device 500 may include one or more software applications 550 for processing the sensor data 370. In particular, the software application 550 uses one or more calculation algorithms to generate output data 770 from the sensor data 370, which output data may include, for example, a temporal temperature, humidity, and / or flow profile in the pocket 50.

[0090] In particular, the software application may contain artificial intelligence algorithms such as deep learning with, for example, neural networks and / or transformers with encoders and decoders and / or reinforcement learning algorithms (Reinforcement Learning Agent).

[0091] A neural network consists of neurons arranged in several layers and connected to one another in different ways. A neuron is able to receive information at its input from outside or from another neuron, evaluate this information in a specific way and pass it on in a modified form at the neuron's output to another neuron or output it as the final result. So-called hidden neurons are located between the input neurons and the output neurons. Depending on the type of network, there can be several layers of hidden neurons. They ensure that the information is forwarded and processed. Output neurons ultimately deliver a result and pass it on to the outside world. The arrangement and interconnection of the neurons gives rise to different types of neural networks, such as feedforward neural networks (FNNs), feedback networks (FNNs), andRecurrent neural networks (RNN) or convolutional neural networks (CNN). The networks can be trained using unsupervised or supervised learning.

[0092] In addition, calculation methods such as mean, minimum, and maximum methods, lookup tables, expected value models, linear regression methods, Gaussian methods, fast Fourier transforms, integral and differential calculations, Markov methods, probability methods such as Monte Carlo methods, temporal difference learning, extended Kalman filters, radial basis functions, and / or data fields from the software application 550 can be used. The output data 770 can, in particular, be in the form of images, graphics, diagrams, holograms, number series, PowerPoint presentations, and / or audio sequences such as acoustic warning signals or voice messages, so that they are easily interpretable for a user. In particular, the output data 770 can include a recommendation, for example, for regulating the temperature of the dryer section 10.A comparison can be made with key figures and other comparative data, which may be stored, for example, as historical data in a database. Other process parameters such as the speed of the pulping machine, the properties of the pulp web, etc., can also be considered as boundary conditions to calculate optimized process parameters on this basis. If, for example, the temperature of a drying cylinder 50 or a roller 90 exceeds a critical limit, a corresponding warning signal can be issued.

[0093] The output data 770 can be output directly by the output module 750 and / or the calculated process parameters are transmitted directly to appropriately designed control devices of the machine or production plant, in particular the fiber machine or the calender 80. The output data 770 can also be stored in a database such as a cloud computing infrastructure. The output module 700 can be integrated into a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. and have a user interface 750 for inputting data, in particular for controlling the energy generation unit 200 and the sensor unit 300. Furthermore, it can be provided that the data processing device 500 is integrated in the output module 700, so that the sensor data 370 is sent directly to the output module 700.

[0094] Fig. 4 shows a measuring device 800 with a housing 850 in which the energy generation unit 200, the sensor unit 300, and the communication unit 400 are arranged. The housing 850 can be permanently connected to the stripping device 70. However, it is also conceivable for the housing 850 to be designed as a portable housing that can be releasably fastened to a fastening device arranged on the stripping device 70. Furthermore, it can be provided that a fastening device for the housing 800 is provided in the region of the pocket 50, arranged separately from the stripping device 70. Furthermore, it can be provided that some of the sensors 350 of the sensor unit 300 are arranged outside the housing 800 at various positions on the pocket 50 or at other positions on the fiber machine, wherein the sensors 350 can be connected to the sensor unit 300 via appropriately designed connecting lines.

[0095] Typically, the housing 850 of the measuring device 800 is arranged at a distance of 1 to 3 m, in particular 2 m, from the periphery of the drying cylinders 30. Since a fiber machine has a plurality of drying cylinders 30 and corresponding stripping devices 70, a portable housing 850 can be inserted into appropriately designed fastening devices in the individual pockets 50 of the fiber machine. Since, during routine operation of a fiber machine, the machine is usually shut down for operational reasons every few days, the sensor unit can be quickly transported from one position to another during this time, without contact and without the need to lay cables or other infrastructure components.

[0096] Furthermore, it can be provided that an assembly such as a drying cylinder 50 of a fiber machine or a roller 90 of a calender 80 has an identification code such as a transponder with an RFID chip or an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip or a QR code. A readout unit with which the identification code can be read out can be provided in the housing 850 of the measuring device 800. The user interface 750 of the output module 700, for example in the form of a mobile device such as a cell phone or a tablet, can also be used for reading out the data. The data processing device 500 can then assign the acquired sensor data 370 to the identification code of the respective assembly.Furthermore, it can be provided that the data processing device 500 retrieves from a database, in particular the cloud computing infrastructure, further data, such as historical measured values, target specifications, digital design data, such as digital twins of the respective assembly, specifications of the sensors 350, etc., which are stored for the respective assembly under the respective identification code. By assigning the sensor data 370 to the specific characteristics of the respective assembly, optimally adapted process parameters can be calculated.

[0097] Fig. 5 shows the process steps for collecting sensor data in a spatial segment in the area of ​​a moving assembly of a machine or production plant.

[0098] In a first step S10, energy is generated by means of an energy generation unit 200 having a thermocouple 210 and an energy storage module 250, wherein the thermocouple 210 uses a temperature gradient occurring in the space segment during operation of the machine or production plant to generate energy and converts it into electrical energy and transmits it to the energy storage module 250, and wherein the energy storage module 250 stores the electrical energy.

[0099] In a second step S20, a sensor unit 300 is supplied with energy from the energy storage module 250.

[0100] In a third step S30, sensor data 370 of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity and / or flow in the room segment are recorded by one or more sensors 250 of the sensor unit 200.

[0101] In a step S40, the sensor data 370 are forwarded from a communication unit 400 to a data processing device 500.

[0102] In a step S50, the sensor data 370 are further processed in the data processing device 500. Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer program product 900 comprising an executable program code 950 that implements the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0103] In the system, method, and measuring device according to the present invention, the temperature gradient in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly, which is particularly designed as a drying cylinder in a fiber machine or as a rotating roller in a calender, is utilized by a thermocouple to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is stored in an energy storage module, which is particularly designed as a battery or capacitor, and can be retrieved by a sensor unit for detecting sensor signals of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity, and / or flow in the spatial segment, which is particularly designed as a pocket.

[0104] Since the time intervals for acquiring sensor signals for the measurement parameters range from 15 to 60 minutes, the amount of energy generated is sufficient to power one sensor. In particular, a measuring device comprising a power generation unit, a sensor unit, and a communication unit can be designed as a mobile device that can be connected to various modules. This achieves a high degree of flexibility and can save costs, as a separate measuring device is not required for each module.

[0105] Reference symbol Drying section Fibre web Drying cylinder Deflection roller Pocket Stripping device Calender Roller System Energy generation unit Thermocouple Energy storage module Sensor unit Sensors Sensor data Communication unit Data transmission module Data processing device Software application Measuring device Housing Output module User interface Output data Computer program product Program code

Claims

Patent claims 1. A system (100) for acquiring sensor data (370) in a spatial segment in the region of a moving assembly of a machine or a production plant, comprising an energy generation unit (200), a sensor unit (300), a communication unit (400), and a data processing device (500); wherein the energy generation unit (200) comprises a thermocouple (210) and an energy storage module (250) and is designed to supply the sensor unit (300) with energy; wherein the thermocouple (210) uses a temperature gradient occurring in the spatial segment during operation of the machine or production plant to generate energy; wherein the energy storage module (250) is designed to store the generated electrical energy and to deliver it to the sensor unit (300) as needed.wherein the sensor unit (300) comprises one or more sensors (350) and is configured to acquire sensor data (370) of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity, and / or flow in the spatial segment; and wherein the communication unit (400) is configured to forward the sensor data (370) to the data processing device (500) for further processing.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a housing (850) in which the energy generation unit (200), the sensor unit (300), and the communication unit (400) are arranged; wherein the housing (850) is permanently or detachably connectable to a fastening device arranged in the space segment.

3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the space segment is formed as a pocket (50) between a rotating cylinder (30) or a rotating roller (90) and a fibrous web (20).

4. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energy storage module (250) is designed as a battery or capacitor.

5. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one sensor (350) of the sensor unit (300) is designed as a temperature sensor, as a humidity sensor or as a flow sensor.

6. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data processing device (500) is designed to generate output data (770) from the sensor data (370), wherein the output data (770) can be in the form of images, graphics, diagrams, holograms, series of numbers, PowerPoint presentations and / or audio sequences such as acoustic warning signals or voice messages, in particular for displaying a temperature, humidity and / or flow profile or a course of the temperature, humidity and / or flow conditions over time; as well as process parameters of the machine or production plant.

7. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data analysis device (500) uses a software application (550) with artificial intelligence algorithms for the analysis and processing of the sensor data (370), wherein the artificial intelligence algorithms comprise deep learning with neural networks and / or transformers with encoders and decoders and / or reinforcement learning agents (LV).

8. Method for acquiring sensor data (370) in a spatial segment in the area of ​​a moving assembly of a machine or production plant, comprising the following method steps: - generating (S10) energy by means of an energy generation unit (200) with a thermocouple (210) and an energy storage mo- module (250), wherein the thermocouple (210) uses a temperature gradient occurring in the space segment during operation of the machine or production plant to generate energy and converts it into electrical energy and transmits it to the energy storage module (250), and wherein the energy storage module (250) stores the electrical energy; - supplying (S20) a sensor unit (300) with energy from the energy storage module (250); - detecting (S30) sensor data (370) of measurement parameters such as temperature, humidity and / or flow in the spatial segment by one or more sensors (350) of the sensor unit (300); - forwarding (S40) the sensor data (370) from a communication unit (400) to a data processing device (500); - Processing (S50) the sensor data (370) in the data processing device (500).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the moving assembly is designed as a drying cylinder (30) in the drying section of a fiber machine and the space segment forms a pocket (50) between the drying cylinder (30) and a fiber web (20), or wherein the moving assembly is designed as a roller (90) of a calender (80) and the space segment forms a pocket (50) between the roller (90) and a fiber web (20).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one sensor (350) of the sensor unit (300) is designed as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor or a flow sensor.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the data processing device (500) is designed to generate output data (770) from the sensor data (370), wherein the output data (770) is in the form of images, graphics, diagrams, holograms, number series, power Point presentations and / or audio sequences, such as acoustic warning signals or voice messages, can be designed, in particular, to display a temperature, humidity and / or flow profile or a course of the temperature, humidity and / or flow conditions over time; as well as process parameters of the machine or production plant, and are output on an output module (700) and / or forwarded to at least one control device of the machine or production plant.

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the sensor data (370) are used to control or regulate the drying section or the calender (80).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the drying section is regulated or controlled in that the drying section comprises a first number of drying cylinders, in which sensor data (370) of measurement parameters are recorded in the associated pocket (50) for each drying cylinder, and the drying section also comprises a second number of drying cylinders, in which the measurement parameters in the associated pocket (50) are determined via a virtual sensor, and wherein the virtual sensor is validated by the measurement parameters recorded as sensor data (370), and in particular is calibrated continuously and online.

14. Drying section of a fibrous web machine, comprising a plurality of drying cylinders (30), wherein a doctor is assigned to each of the drying cylinders (30), which doctor is fastened to a doctor beam, wherein a holding device is provided on at least one, in particular all, of the doctor beams, and at least one system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is connected or connectable to these holding devices.

15. Calender (80) of a fibrous web machine, comprising a plurality of rollers (90), wherein the rollers (90) are each assigned a scraper which is fastened to a scraper beam, wherein a holding device is provided on at least one, in particular all, of the scraper beams, and at least one system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is connected or connectable to these holding devices.

16. A computer program product (900) comprising an executable program code (950) that carries out the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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