Technical modules with virtualization

Abstract

What is proposed is a technical system (1,T), comprising a technical module (2, 2'), which comprises - a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, - and a communication unit (4, 4') designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules (2, 2') or an orchestration instance (10, 10'), preferably a control system (9, 9') of a technical plant, and a technical description file (3, 3', 3a') assigned to the technical module (2, 2') and designed in accordance with the specifications of standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658. The technical system (1,T) is characterized in that the technical description file (3, 3', 3a') comprises control information that can be used by a control instance (11, 1T) outside the technical module (2, 2') to control the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Technical Modules with Virtualization

[0003] The invention relates to a technical system with a technical module and a technical description file associated with the technical module. In addition, the invention relates to a control system for a technical plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant. In addition, the invention relates to methods for operating a technical system with at least one technical module and one control system.

[0004] Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry and specialty chemicals, there are high demands on operators of technical systems to be able to react quickly to changing market requirements. Modular systems enable plant operators to significantly shorten the so-called "time-to-market" and to be able to react quickly to changing market conditions by rebuilding the plant with little effort. For this purpose, plant operators can build up a pool of modular units (e.g. process units) with the help of which they can put together a specific plant by means of so-called orchestration. If the system is to be rebuilt, individual modules are removed and replaced by other, for example, more powerful modules.

[0005] In the document WO 2016 / 074730 A1 a method is described how a modular technical system can be created by means of self-description information of the modules. This method is based on self-description information of the individual models available online. In the case of an orchestration process of a modular system, however, this information is usually not available (online), as the planning is carried out offline on the basis of statistical type description information such as the Module Type Package (MTP) (cf. draft of the standard "VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658" published by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) on 4 January 2018).

[0006] In general, the flexibility and adaptivity of production systems are a key factor for future production systems in volatile markets. They can be achieved by orchestrating intelligent technical modules (also known as "equipment assemblies" or "package units") into a plant. Each technical module offers functions that can be parameterized by a higher-level orchestration instance (also known as the "orchestration layer") and called in the correct order.

[0007] The more detailed the functions, the more flexibly larger functions can be orchestrated. However, small-scale functions require more effort for their coordination and engineering. If a technical module offers rather coarse-grained functions, these are too specific for many use cases, which in turn limits flexibility.

[0008] In the process industry, a procedural model based on the ISA-88 standard or IEC 61512 is available, which describes different levels of granularity for the individual functions. Starting from the highest level of a "procedure", commonly referred to as a concept, three further levels follow with increasingly smaller- scale functions ("unit procedure", "operation", "phase"). The more detailed the functions become, the greater the effort required to coordinate these functions. In addition to procedural contexts, regulatory and interlocking relationships are also of greater importance.

[0009] The use of virtual PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) is increasingly being discussed in the automation industry. Increasingly, the strict system requirements for automation components can also be met on the software side on multi-purpose hardware. Especially for small programs or programs with changing loads, virtual PLCs (vPLCs for short) on a local server or in the cloud offer scaling advantages.

[0010] In technical modules according to the concept of the Module Type Package (MTP), several services with limited scope are usually executed, sometimes in parallel. Thus, these technical modules have a characteristic that favors the use of vPLCs.

[0011] However, the use of vPLCs on a central computing resource is currently still time-consuming and requires overlapping competencies in the IT / OT environment. Especially in modular automation with the module type package, in which a module manufacturer also supplies the automation component, the use is limited. Server-side configuration efforts of the vPLCs are not compatible with the basic principles of the MTP concept, such as the plug & play property of modules.

[0012] A technical module described by the Module Type Packages concept, which is delivered with a hardware PLC, only needs to be assembled and connected to the automation network in order to be able to produce. In the case of a vPLC, a computing resource would have to be provided in advance on which the vPLC can be instantiated and the control program loaded.

[0013] The task of the invention is to simplify the operation of a technical system with a technical module and to make it more efficient.

[0014] This problem is solved by a technical system with the features of claim 1 , claim 2 and claim 3. In addition, the problem is solved by a method for operating a technical plant consisting of at least a technical module and a control system according to claim 6, claim 7 and claim 8. In addition, the problem is solved by a method for operating a technical system according to claim 10, claim 11 and claim 12.

[0015] A technical system according to the invention comprises a technical module and a technical description file assigned to the technical module, which is formed according to the specifications of standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658. The technical module has

[0016] - a number of technical objects, each of which is designed to perform a technical function,

[0017] - and a communication unit that is designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules or an orchestration instance, preferably a control system of a technical system.

[0018] The technical system is characterized by the fact that the technical description file comprises control information that can be used by a control instance outside the technical module to control the technical functions of the technical module in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard. The expression "according to the specifications of the standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658" refers here and below to the version of standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 in force at the time of filing the present patent application. Among other things, the standard specifies structural and content-related specifications for the description file.

[0019] The technical plant can be, for example, a chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical or a plant from the food and beverage industry. This also includes any technical equipment from the production industry, plants in which, for example, cars or goods of all kinds are produced. Technical installations can also come from the field of energy generation. Wind turbines, solar plants or power plants for energy generation are also included in the concept of technical installations.

[0020] In the present case, a "technical module" is understood to be a self-contained technical unit that can be integrated into a (higher-level) orchestration instance of the technical system such as the control system. Such a technical module can be, for example, a combination of several measuring points or a larger part of the technical system. A technical module can include any combination of individual controls, sensors, or automation components.

[0021] In the present case, the technical module comprises a number of technical objects with the help of which a technical function can be performed. For example, a technical object can be a boiler that can be used to heat a liquid or a conveyor belt that can be used to transport a medium or object.

[0022] The technical module can be designed to perform a complex technical function in the technical system, such as the control of a pumping of liquids, the heating of water and the maintenance of a certain temperature in a tank, the execution of a filter function and the like. For this purpose, the technical module can, for example, have valves, tanks, sensors, and the like as technical objects.

[0023] The technical module also has a communication unit that is used for data exchange with external communication partners. This communication unit is designed to exchange data with external partners such as other technical modules or an orchestration instance such as a control system. For this purpose, the technical module can be connected via a PROFINET connection to an automation system, or it can comprise a server, in particular an OPC UA server. The technical module can also be or comprise a remote terminal unit (RTU) alternatively or additionally, the communication unit may also include a publisher, in particular an OPC UA publisher. Publish / subscribe is a widespread and well- known mechanism through which subscribers receive information from publishers in the form of messages.

[0024] In contrast to previously known technical modules, the technical module does not have a control unit that has been designed and intended to control the technical objects. Rather, the technical model of the technical system can be controlled by a control instance, such as a control system of a technical plant, outside the technical module. For this purpose, the technical description file also comprises control information that can be read in by the control instance and used to control the technical module.

[0025] The technical system according to the invention can advantageously dispense with the use of its own hardware intended for control. Rather, an external control instance can be used that can flexibly respond to the requirements of the technical module and control it in an energy-saving manner.

[0026] The task is also solved by a technical system with a technical module and a technical description file assigned to the technical module. The technical module comprises

[0027] - a plurality of technical objects, each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,

[0028] - and a communication unit that is designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules or an orchestration instance, preferably a control system of a technical system.

[0029] The technical system is characterized by the fact that the technical description file is designed as a functional mockup unit according to the specifications of the Functional Mock-up Interface standard, whereby the description file comprises at least one simulation model that can be used by a simulation instance outside the technical module to simulate the technical functions of the technical module and their effects.

[0030] The expression "in accordance with the specifications of the Functional Mock-up Interface Standard" refers here and below to the version of the Functional Mockup Interface Standard valid at the time of filing the present patent application.

[0031] The simulation instance can use the simulation model contained in the description data both in the context of virtual commissioning and during operation to simulate the behavior or effect of the technical functions in order to draw conclusions from them and, if necessary, to take an action.

[0032] The task is also solved by a technical system with a technical module and a first technical description file assigned to the technical module, designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, and a second technical description file assigned to the technical module. The technical module comprises

[0033] - a plurality of technical objects, each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,

[0034] - and a communication unit that is designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules or an orchestration instance, preferably a control system of a technical system.

[0035] The technical system is characterized by the fact that the first technical description file contains control information that can be used by a control unit outside the technical module to control the technical functions of the technical module in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, and by the fact that the second technical description file is designed as a Functional Mockup Unit according to the specifications of the Functional Mock-up Interface standard, wherein the description file includes at least one simulation model that can be used by a simulation instance outside the technical module to simulate the technical functions of the technical module and their effects.

[0036] The one(s) or the first and / or second technical description file may be stored on a data repository of the technical module. However, the technical description file, or the first and / or second technical description file, may also be stored on a data storage outside the technical module.

[0037] The task is also solved by a control system for a technical plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant. The control system is designed to communicate with a technical module of a technical system as explained above. The control system has a control unit designed to control the technical functions of the technical module in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, using the control information from the technical description file of the technical model, as explained above.

[0038] In addition, the task is solved by a control system for a technical installation, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, which is designed to communicate with a technical module of a technical system as explained above, and which has a simulation instance designed to simulate the technical functions of the technical module using the simulation model of the technical description file of the technical module, as previously explained.

[0039] In addition, the task is solved by a control system for a technical plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, which is designed to communicate with a technical module of a technical system, as explained above, and which has a controller trained to control the technical functions of the technical module in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, using the control information contained in the technical description file of the technical module, as previously explained, and which has a simulation instance trained to simulate the technical functions of the technical module using the simulation model of the technical description file of the technical model, as previously explained.

[0040] The control system preferably comprises an operating station server and an operator station client in which the control instance and / or the simulation instance are implemented on the operator station server or on a further server, which is connected to the operator station server, and in which the operator station client is designed to visually display visualization information regarding the control instance and / or the simulation instance.

[0041] An "operator station server" is understood to mean a server (system) that centrally records data from an operating and monitoring system as well as alarm and measurement value archives of the control system of the technical system and makes them available to users. As a rule, the Operator Station Server establishes a communication link to automation systems (such as the technical module) of the technical system and forwards data from the technical system to so-called operating station clients, which are used to operate and monitor the operation of the individual functional elements of the technical system. The operator station server can have client functions to access the data (archives, messages, tags, variables) of other operator station servers. As a result, images of the operation of the technical system on the operator station server can be combined with variables from other operator station servers (e.g. by means of server-server communication). The operator station server can be, but is not limited to, a SIMATIC PCS 7 Industrial Workstation Server from SIEMENS.

[0042] The control system also comprises an operator station client as a visualization system. With the help of such a graphical representation, the technical module can be integrated more easily and efficiently into the technical system for the implementation of a technical process. The visualization system makes it possible to get an overview of the technical functions currently in force or active in the technical module. The visualization information required for the visualization can be transmitted to the visualization system in a formatting in accordance with the above-mentioned standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 and / or the functional mock-up unit standard.

[0043] The previously formulated problem is also solved by a method for operating a technical installation with at least one technical module and a control system, whereby the technical module comprises a plurality of technical objects, each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, and a communication unit designed to exchange data with the control system of the technical installation, the method comprising: - Integration of a technical description file assigned to the technical module, designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, into a control instance of the control system,

[0044] - Control of the technical functions of the technical module by the control unit of the control system, carrying out a data exchange in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard with the communication unit of the technical module.

[0045] The previously formulated problem is also solved by a method for operating a technical installation with a technical module and a control system, where the technical module comprises a plurality of technical objects, each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, and a communication unit designed to exchange data with the control system of the technical installation, the method comprising:

[0046] - Integration of a technical description file assigned to the technical module, which is designed as a functional mock-up unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up interface standard, into a simulation instance of the control system,

[0047] - Simulation of the technical functions of the technical module and their effects by the simulation instance of the control system,

[0048] - Operation of the technical system with the technical module.

[0049] The previously formulated problem is also solved by a method for operating a technical installation with at least one technical module and a control system, whereby the technical module comprises a number of technical objects, each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, and a communication unit designed to exchange data with the control system of the technical installation, the method comprising:

[0050] - Integration of a first technical description file assigned to the technical module, designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, into a control instance of the control system,

[0051] - Integration of a second technical description file assigned to the technical module, which is designed as a functional mock-up unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up interface standard, into a simulation instance of the control system, - Control of the technical functions of the technical module by the control unit of the control system by exchanging data in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard with the communication unit of the technical module,

[0052] - Simulation of the technical functions of the technical module and their effects by the simulation instance of the control system by means of a data exchange with the control instance of the control system,

[0053] - Operation of the technical system with the technical module.

[0054] The previously described properties, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, become clearer and more distinctly comprehensible in the context of the following description of embodiments, which will be further explained in connection with the drawings. It show:

[0055] FIG 1 a technical system according to a first aspect; and

[0056] FIG 2 a technical system according to a second aspect.

[0057] FIG 1 shows a technical system 1 , which has a technical module 2 and a technical description file 3 assigned to technical module 2. The technical module

[0058] 2 is a self-contained unit and has a communication unit 4, four technical objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d as well as a process input 6 and a process output 7.

[0059] The technical objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are designed as common process objects such as stirrers, mixers, heaters or feeders and can each perform a technical function such as "stirring", "mixing", "heating" or "dosing". The technical module 2 is designed to receive one or more media via process input 6, to process them through process objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and to release them again via process output 7. In contrast to well-known technical modules, technical module 2 does not have a computing unit that could process a control code for controlling process objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

[0060] The technical module 2 of the technical system 1 is operated as follows within a technical plant designed as a process plant: First, communication unit 4 of technical module 2 is connected to a control system 9 of the process plant via a plant bus 8. Communications unit 4 is designed to exchange data with control system 9. During the integration of technical module 2 into the process plant, a processor orchestration instance 10 of the control system 9 reads the technical description file 3 from an internal memory of the technical module 2 and generates an observation of the technical module 2 for operators of the technical system.

[0061] The technical description file 3 comprises control information regarding process objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. These are detected by processor orchestration instance

[0062] 10 of control system 9, whereupon processor orchestration instance 10 initiates control instance 11 of control system 9. Control instance 11 and processor orchestration instance 10 can be implemented on the same compute unit or on separate compute units.

[0063] Control instance 11 uses the control information from technical description file 3 as a virtual PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to control process objects 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and their technical functions in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard. In this way, the technical module 2 can be operated within the process plant without the need for its own control hardware on the mode 2.

[0064] The technical description file 3 can also be made available to control instance

[0065] 11 manually, for example by an operator of the process plant. In addition, the technical description file 3 can also be stored externally of the technical module 2 on a memory and from there it can be manually or automatically integrated into the processor orchestration instance 10 and / or the control instance 11.

[0066] FIG 2 shows another technical system T, which comprises a technical module 2' and a first technical description file 3' assigned to technical module 2' and a second technical description file 3a' assigned to technical module 2'. The technical module 2' is a self-contained unit and has a communication unit 4', four technical objects 5a', 5b', 5c', 5d' as well as a process input 6' and a process output 7'. The technical objects 5a', 5b', 5c', 5d' are designed as common process objects such as stirrers, mixers, heaters or dosers and can each perform a technical function such as "stirring", "mixing", "heating" or "dosing". The technical module 2' is designed to receive one or more media via the process input 6', to process them through the process objects 5a', 5b', 5c', 5d' and to release them again via the process output 7'. In contrast to known technical modules, technical module 2' does not have a computing unit that could process a control code for controlling process objects 5a', 5b', 5c', 5d'.

[0067] The technical module 2' of the technical system T is operated as follows within a technical plant designed as a process plant:

[0068] First, the communication unit 4' of the technical module 2' is connected to a control system 9' of the process plant via a system bus 8'. The communication unit 4' is designed to exchange data with the control system 9'. When the technical module 2' is integrated into the process plant, a processor orchestration instance 10' of the control system 9' reads the first technical description file 3' from an internal memory of the technical module 2' and generates an observation of the technical module 2' for operators of the technical system.

[0069] The first technical description file 3' comprises control information regarding process objects 5a', 5b', 5c', 5d'. These are detected by the processor orchestration instance 10' of the control system 9', whereupon the processor orchestration instance 10' initiates a control instance 1 T of the control system 9'. The second technical description file 3a' is designed as a functional mockup unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up Interface standard and includes at least one simulation model. The processor orchestration instance 10' also initiates a simulation instance 12'. The control instance 1 T, the processor orchestration instance 10', and the simulation instance 12' can be implemented on the same compute unit or on separate compute units.

[0070] The simulation instance 12' uses the simulation model to simulate the technical functions of the technical module 2 and their respective effects. In other words, the simulation model encompasses the behavior of the technical processes running with the technical functions and can, for example, model a temporal course of temperatures, flows, pressures or concentrations in technical module 2.

[0071] The simulation can be used during operation to make predictions about process quality, possible fault conditions or maintenance. In combination with the virtualized control of technical module 2, the prediction of a future behavior of technical module 2 can be made with particularly high precision, since technical module 2 is comprehensively represented digitally by using the two technical description files 3', 3a'. The simulation instance 12' and the control instance 1 T can advantageously exchange data with each other and with the process orchestration instance 10'.

[0072] However, the simulation can also be used in combination with the control system carried out by the control instance 1 T in the context of a virtual commissioning of the technical module 2 in the process plant. Due to the comprehensive digital mapping of the functions I behavior of the technical module 2, its suitability for operation in the process plant can be tested even before the actual commissioning of the technical module 2.

[0073] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be inferred by the skilled person without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Patent claims1. Technical system (1 , T), comprising a technical module (2, 2'), which comprises- a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,- and a communication unit (4, 4') designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules (2, 2') or an orchestration instance (10, 10'), preferably a control system (9, 9') of a technical plant, , and a technical description file (3, 3', 3a') assigned to the technical module (2, 2') and designed in accordance with the specifications of the standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658, characterized in that the technical description file (3, 3', 3a') comprises control information that can be used by a control instance (11 , 11') outside the technical module (2, 2') to control the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard.

2. Technical system (1 , T), comprising a technical module (2, 2'), which comprises- a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,- and a communication unit (4, 4') that is designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules (2, 2') or an orchestration instance (10, 10'), preferably a control system (9, 9') of a technical plant, and a technical description file (3, 3', 3a') assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), characterized in that the technical description file (3, 3', 3a') is designed as a functional mockup unit according to the specifications of the Functional Mock-up Interface standard, whereby the description file (3, 3', 3a') comprises at least one simulation model that can beused by a simulation instance (12') outside the technical module (2, 2') to simulate the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') and their effects.

3. Technical system (1 , T), comprising a technical module (2, 2'), which comprises- a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,- and a communication unit (4, 4') designed to exchange data with external communication partners, in particular other technical modules (2, 2') or an orchestration instance (10, 10'), preferably a control system (9, 9') of a technical plant, the communication unit (4, 4') being designed to carry out data exchange in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, and a first technical description file (3, 3') assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, and a second technical description file (3a1) associated with the technical module (2, 2'), characterized in that the first technical description file (3, 3') comprises control information that can be used by a control instance (11 , 1 T) outside the technical module (2, 2') to control the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, and that the second technical description file (3a1) is designed as a functional mockup unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up interface standard, whereby the second description file (3a1) includes at least one simulation model that can be used by a simulation instance (12') outside the technical model (2, 2') to simulate the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') and their effects.

4. Technical system (1 , T) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the technical description file (3, 3', 3a'), or the first and / or the second technical description file (3, 3', 3a'), are stored on a data memory of the technical module (2, 2').

5. Technical system (1 , T) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the technical description file (3, 3', 3a'), or the first and / or the second technical description file (3, 3', 3a'), are stored on a data storage outside the technical module (2, 2') in a retrievable manner.

6. Control system (9, 9') for a technical plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, which is designed to communicate with a technical module (2, 2') of a technical system (1 , T) according to one of claims 1 to 5, and which comprises a control instance (11 , 1 T) which is designed to use the control information of the technical description file (3, 3', 3a') of the technical module (2, 2') according to claim1 to control the technical functions of the technical module in accordance with the specifications of standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658.

7. Control system (9, 9') for a technical installation, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, which is designed to communicate with a technical module (2, 2') of a technical system (1 , T) according to one of claims 1 to 5, and which comprises a simulation instance (12') which is designed to use the simulation model of the technical description file (3, 3', 3a') of the technical module (2, 2') according to claim2 to simulate the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') according to claim 2.

8. Control system (9, 9') for a technical plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, which is designed to communicate with a technical module (2, 2') of a technical system (1 , T) according to one of claims 1 to 5, and which has a control unit (11 , 1 T) trained to control the technical functions of the technical model (2, 2') in accordance with the specifications of standard VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 using the control information contained in the first technical description file (3, 3') of the technical module (2, 2') in accordance with claim 1 , and which comprises a simulation instance (12') designed to simulate the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') according to claim 2 using the simulation model of the second technical description file (3a1) of the technical module (2, 2') according to claim 2.

9. Control system (9, 9') according to one of claims 6 to 8, comprising an operator station server and an operator station client, in which the control instance (11 , 1 T) and / or the simulation instance (12') are implemented on the operator station server and in which the operator station client is designed to visually represent visualizationinformation with respect to the control instance (11 , 11') and / or the simulation instance (12').

10. A method for operating a technical plant comprising at least a technical module (2, 2') and a control system (9, 9'), the technical module (2, 2') comprising a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, and a communication unit (4, 4') which is used to exchange data with the control system (9, 9') of the technical installation, comprising:- integration of a technical description file (3, 3', 3a') assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, into a control instance (11 , 11') of the control system (9, 9'),- Control of the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') by the control unit (11 , 11') of the control system, exchanging data in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard with the communication unit (4, 4') of the technical module (2, 2').

11. A method for operating a technical installation with a technical module (2, 2') and a control system (9, 9'), wherein the technical module (2, 2') comprises a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function, and a communication unit (4, 4') designed to exchange data with the control system (9, 9') of the technical installation, comprising:- Integration of a technical description file (3, 3', 3a') assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), which is designed as a functional mockup unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up interface standard, into a simulation instance (12') of the control system (9, 9'),- Simulation of the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') and their effects by the simulation instance (12') of the control system (9, 9'),- Operation of the technical system with the technical module (2, 2').

12. A method for operating a technical plant comprising at least one technical module (2, 2') and a control system (9, 9'), wherein the technical module (2, 2') comprises a plurality of technical objects (5a, 5a', 5b, 5b', 5c, 5c', 5d, 5d'), each of which is designed and intended to perform a technical function,and a communication unit (4, 4') designed to exchange data with the control system (9, 9') of the technical plant, comprising:- Integration of a first technical description file (3, 3') assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), designed in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard, into a control instance (11 , 11') of the control system (9, 9'),- Integration of a second technical description file (3a1) assigned to the technical module (2, 2'), which is designed as a functional mock-up unit according to the specifications of the functional mock-up interface standard, into a simulation instance (12') of the control system (9, 9'),- control of the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') by the control unit (11 , 11 ') of the control system, exchanging data in accordance with the specifications of the VDI / VDE / NAMUR 2658 standard with the communication unit (4, 4') of the technical module (2, 2'),- Simulation of the technical functions of the technical module (2, 2') and their effects by the simulation instance (12') of the control system (9, 9') by exchanging data with the control unit (11 , 11') of the control system (9, 9'),- Operation of the technical system with the technical module (2, 2').

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