Operating method for a field device, computer program product, field device, superordinate control unit and automation system

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Operating procedure for a field device, computer program product, field device, higher-level control unit and automation system

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a field device and a computer program product for implementing the method. The invention also relates to a control device with such a computer program product and a correspondingly equipped field device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding automation system.

[0004] From the previously unpublished German patent application with the official file number 10 2023 203 960 5, a method for operating a field device is known in which power requirements for operating configurations in combination with operating profiles are automatically determined, and thus available functional profiles are determined. The determined available functional profiles are then made available for selection.

[0005] Patent application DE 10 2006 011 501 A1 discloses a field device designed for operation under energy limitations in a potentially explosive atmosphere within a process plant. The field device comprises a first group of components for essential core functions and a second group of components for extension functions. A switchable power supply can be activated for the second group as needed.

[0006] German patent DE 102006 034 422 A1 discloses a method for managing energy transmitted from a central network component to a decentralized network component via a line. In this method, decentralized network components of different power classes are simulated successively, and it is checked whether the central network component responsible for energy transmission supports a simulated decentralized network component.

[0007] Field devices are increasingly used in automation technology, particularly in the process industry, and their functionality is expanding. This also makes the proper configuration of the power supply for such field devices more complex. The invention aims to provide a method that allows for faster, simpler, and more reliable configuration of the power supply for such field devices, while simultaneously utilizing the field device's technical capabilities.

[0008] The problem is solved by a method according to the invention, which is designed for operating a field device. The field device comprises a plurality of components, which, individually or in combination, can provide a plurality of functions. Accordingly, the field device can be designed as a so-called multi-field device, which may have as components a sensor, an actuator, a communication module, and / or an auxiliary unit such as a heating element or a display. The field device can be designed as an automation field device, i.e., designed for use in an automation system. A function provided by the field device can, for example, be condition monitoring of a station of the automation system, which is characterized by a combination of a plurality of measured variables and / or manipulated variables.The field device is provided with an electrical input power to operate the field device, i.e., its components, for example via a power isolator.

[0009] The procedure comprises a first step in which the field device is made available in an active operating state, in which it is operated according to a first functional profile. This first functional profile implements an initial number of functions. The functional profile can include an operating configuration that specifies which components are used. Likewise, the functional profile can include an operating configuration that specifies which components of the field device are to be operated simultaneously, for what duration, and / or with what intensity.

[0010] Furthermore, the method includes a second step in which the available electrical input power of the field device is determined. The available electrical input power corresponds to the maximum usable input power for operating the field device. For this purpose, at least one electrical quantity is measured and / or a value is read from a control unit of the field device, i.e., queried. Alternatively or additionally, at least one environmental variable of the field device is determined in the second step. For this purpose, the field device is equipped with at least one appropriately designed sensor or is connected directly or indirectly to such a sensor.The environmental variable determined in the second step can be a quantity that affects the available electrical input power of the field device. Furthermore, the second step determines whether an electrical input power deficit exists. An input power deficit means that the available electrical input power falls below the electrical power requirement for the first functional profile. The electrical power requirement for the first functional profile can fall below the electrical power requirement if a power reserve is not met. The power reserve can be fixed or specified by a user, a control unit of the field device, and / or a higher-level control unit of the automation system.

[0011] In a third step of the method according to the invention, a parameter set for the field device is determined, which allows a second functional profile with a plurality of functions to be specified. In the second functional profile, at least one of the functions from the first functional profile is provided to a reduced extent. For example, a function can be omitted in the second functional profile, and the second functional profile can thus provide a second set of functions that is smaller than the first. A reduced scope of a function can be understood as a reduced frequency, i.e., for example, less frequent execution of a measurement with a component of the field device. The second functional profile is determined in the third step when the presence of the electrical input power deficit of the field device is determined in the second step.The parameter set, and thus also the second function profile, allows for the specification of an operation with a corresponding range of functions that is suitable for the available electrical input power.

[0012] The method further comprises a fourth step in which the second functional profile, for which the parameter set is determined in the third step, is specified for the field device. In the fourth step, the operation of the field device is thus switched to the second functional profile. According to the invention, the parameter set is selected from a plurality of predefined parameter sets based on the electrical input power determined in the second step and / or the at least one environmental variable determined in the second step. In particular, one of the predefined parameter sets can be selected.The predefined parameter sets can, for example, be determined experimentally and stored in a local control unit of the field device. A predefined parameter set can exist for a plurality of combinations of values, for which at least one environmental variable and the available electrical input power are specified. Selecting the predefined parameter set that specifies the second functional profile can be performed quickly with reduced computing power. The predefined parameter sets are suitable for specifying functional profiles that have been determined through experience. The claimed method can be easily adapted using the predefined parameter sets. Furthermore, the claimed method can be performed independently of any existing communication with a higher-level control unit, for example, with a higher-level control unit of an automation system to which the field device belongs.The claimed method thus enables robust and energy-efficient operation of the field device overall. At the same time, a maximized range of functions is provided within the limits of the available electrical input power, thereby increasing the utility of such a field device for a user.

[0013] In one embodiment of the claimed method, the parameter set defining the second functional profile is selected from a multidimensional array in the third step. The array can have a number of dimensions equal to the sum of the number of environmental variables considered plus one. The dimension considered in addition to the number of environmental variables covers the determined electrical input power. Multidimensional arrays can be efficiently searched, so that the corresponding parameter set can be determined for a given electrical input power and environmental variables. Consequently, the claimed method can be performed during continuous operation of the field device, thus enabling the specification of essentially dynamically adapted functional profiles. This increases the flexibility of the underlying field device through the claimed method.

[0014] Furthermore, the parameter set determined in the third step can be formed and selected by interpolation between predefined parameter sets. For values ​​of the determined electrical input power, or at least one environmental variable, that fall between values ​​stored in predefined parameter sets, the parameters for the parameter set to be determined can be formed by interpolation between corresponding values ​​in the predefined parameter sets. The claimed method is thus precisely adaptable to a wide range of operating states of the field device.Furthermore, at least one environmental variable recorded in the second step can include ambient temperature and / or ambient humidity. The ambient temperature of a field device can affect its electrical performance, for example, by impairing battery performance at low ambient temperatures. Alternatively or additionally, low ambient temperatures may necessitate the operation of a heating element in the field device. The higher the ambient humidity, the more likely creepage discharge paths are to occur, increasing energy consumption.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the claimed method, the parameter set determined in the third step is configured to alternately apply a first and a second operating configuration to the field device. Switching between the first and second operating configurations can be performed at a predefinable frequency. This ensures that even with a significant decrease in the available electrical input power, a large number of functions can be provided in the second functional profile. The frequency at which the first and second operating configurations are alternated, i.e., switched, can be selected such that the number of functions provided by the second functional profile is maximized. The frequency can be chosen such that it corresponds to at least a minimum frequency for a function to be provided in the second functional profile.For example, a frequency at which a radar level measurement is performed can be selected such that the radar level measurement is repeated before, in the event of the fastest assumed level decrease, a critical minimum level is not reached. Accordingly, the claimed method offers a maximum of functions in the specified functional profiles and makes it possible to exploit the technical potential of the underlying field device.

[0016] In the claimed method, a parameter set for the field device can be determined in a fifth step, by which a third functional profile with a plurality of functions can be specified. In this profile, at least one of the functions is provided to an increased extent compared to the first functional profile. The third functional profile is specified in the fifth step if an electrical input power surplus of the field device is determined in the second step. The fifth step thus essentially represents a reversal of the third and fourth steps. With the third functional profile, for example, an additional function can be provided, which can be implemented, among other things, by changing at least one environmental variable. For example, an increase in the ambient temperature can make the operation of a heating element unnecessary, and the electrical input power thus made available can be used elsewhere.The enhanced functionality, at least to an increased extent, can consist of improved communication between the field device and a higher-level control unit. This improved communication can, for example, include increased communication speed and / or the provision of more measurement data to the user or the data interface. Alternatively or additionally, the enhanced functionality can also consist of accelerated updates to a display unit connected to the field device. As part of such improved communication, recorded data can be transmitted to the higher-level control unit to train an artificial intelligence. The claimed method is suitable for automatically providing a wide range of functions for the field device and integrating them into the digital functions of the associated automation system.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the claimed method, virtual representations of the field device's functions can each be provided with an operating prioritization specification. The virtual representations can be described in a meta-language or ontology, for example, an Industry 4.0 specification, and configured to allow the functions provided by the field device to be described or communicated to other devices in the automation system. The prioritization specifications are designed to determine a ranking of the functions that can be provided by the field device. The prioritization specification allows a parameter set for the second or third function profile to be determined by interpolating or extrapolating the predefined parameter data sets, so that functions can be appropriately reduced in scope or...The system can be expanded. For example, the operation of a local control unit of the field device can be assigned a highest-priority operating priority. Conversely, the activation of a display on the field device can be assigned a lower-priority operating priority. The prioritization settings can be defined by a user and / or by the higher-level control unit of the automation system. The operating priority settings can, in particular, result from the requirements for the operation of the automation system.The claimed method is therefore designed to determine a suitable parameter set, even for operating states not covered by the predefined parameter sets, based on the predefined parameter sets. In a further development of the claimed method, a first and a second suggested parameter set can be determined in the third step based on the predefined parameter sets. For a combination of available electrical input power and at least one environmental variable, different function profiles can thus be stored in predefined parameter sets and provided as suggested parameter sets. Based on operating priority specifications of the functions that can be implemented with the first and second suggested parameter sets, a selection can be made between the first and second suggested parameter sets.The selection can be made by the user, the local control unit of the field device, and / or the higher-level control unit of the automation system. By incorporating the operating priority variable when selecting between possible suggested parameter sets, an optimized second functional profile can be automatically determined within the automation system, taking its requirements into account. The operating priority settings can be dynamic and, for example, predefined depending on an operating state of the automation system. The claimed method is thus suitable for integrating the underlying field device essentially automatically into a dynamic operation of the automation system.

[0018] Furthermore, in the claimed method, at least the second to fourth steps for parameterizing the field device can be performed. Alternatively or additionally, at least the second to fourth steps can be performed during continuous operation of the field device. Parameterization can be carried out during commissioning of the field device. Using the claimed method, the field device can, for example, be activated from a default state with a maximum number of functions in the first function profile and automatically switched to the second function profile when integrated into the automation system. During continuous operation of the field device, it is used as intended in the automation system and adapted to changing operating conditions by switching to the second function profile. Overall, this simplifies the handling of the underlying field device and ensures reliable continuous operation.

[0019] Furthermore, in the fourth step of the claimed method, a notification about an intended or actual application of the parameter set that defines the second functional profile for the field device can be sent to the user and / or the higher-level control unit of the automation system. The user can thereby, for example, authorize or acknowledge the application of the second functional profile. The higher-level control unit can correspondingly authorize or acknowledge the application of the second functional profile. In conjunction with the notification, information about the available power reserve of the field device and / or information about an energy storage device of the field device can be sent to the user or the higher-level control unit.By specifying the available power reserve of the field device and / or the availability of energy storage, such as a battery, the urgency with which the switch to the second functional profile must be performed can be communicated. The claimed method thus allows the user or the higher-level control unit to easily make greater use of the technical capabilities of the underlying field device. In particular, the claimed method is suitable for interacting with a higher-level control unit of an automation system based on artificial intelligence. The claimed method is flexible enough overall to interact with, among other things, artificial intelligences that autonomously adapt their control strategies as a result of machine learning.

[0020] In one embodiment of the claimed method, a visual status indicator can be displayed on the field device when an electrical input power surplus is detected in the second step. The visual status indicator is variable depending on the magnitude of the electrical input power surplus. For example, the visual status indicator can be provided by means of a light source whose brightness and / or color can be adjusted depending on the magnitude of the electrical input power surplus.Alternatively or additionally, the light source can be configured to output a sequence of light signals that can be predefined based on the level of the electrical input power surplus. Such a light source can comprise an LED. For example, a constant green light can be output when the input power surplus is high, and a flashing red light can be output when the input power surplus is low. This allows the user to clearly see the state of the field device with regard to its power supply. Furthermore, such a variable visual status indicator can show a planned or completed switch to a second operating profile. The claimed method thus increases the user-friendliness of the underlying field devices and allows a user to more quickly understand the current operating situation in an automation system.The problem described at the outset is also solved by a computer program product according to the invention, which comprises computer program code stored in non-transient memory. The computer program code is configured to be executed by a processor. The computer program product according to the invention is configured to receive and process information about the electrical input power of a field device. Likewise, the computer program product is configured to receive and process information about at least one environmental variable of the field device. For this purpose, the computer program product can have at least one suitably configured data interface.Furthermore, the computer program product is configured to determine a parameter set for specifying a functional profile for the field device. According to the invention, the computer program product is designed to carry out at least one embodiment of the procedure described above. The computer program product can be configured to run on a local control unit of the field device and / or a higher-level control unit of an automation system to which the field device belongs. The computer program product can also be designed at least partially as software, at least partially hardwired, or as a combination thereof. Likewise, the computer program product can be designed monolithically, i.e., capable of running on a single hardware platform.Alternatively, the computer program product can be modular and comprise subprograms that are executable on different hardware platforms and that, through their interaction, provide the functionality described above. The features of the method described above and its technical advantages are readily transferable to the claimed computer program product.

[0021] The claimed computer program product may furthermore have at least one data interface which is designed as an Application Programming Interface, or API for short. The API may be designed to standardize communication between the field device, i.e. its local control unit, and the automation system, i.e. its higher-level control unit.

[0022] The problem outlined above is solved by a control unit according to the invention, which is designed as a local control unit or as a higher-level control unit of a field device. The control unit comprises a memory and a computing unit with which a computer program product can be executed, i.e., its computer program code can be run directly or in compiled form. The control unit is equipped with a computer program product which, according to the invention, is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the features of the method described above are transferable to the claimed control unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the problem described above is solved by a field device according to the invention, which is suitable for operation in an automation system. The field device comprises a plurality of components by which a plurality of functions are provided. The field device is further coupled to a control unit or comprises the control unit. According to the invention, the control unit is configured according to one of the embodiments described above. Consequently, the control unit is equipped with a computer program product configured to implement an embodiment of the method described above. The features of the underlying method, and consequently also the features of the corresponding computer program product and the corresponding control unit, are transferable to the claimed field device.

[0024] Furthermore, the underlying problem is solved by an automation system according to the invention, which comprises a higher-level control unit that is directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of field devices. The automation system can, for example, be configured as a chemical production plant, a petrochemical production plant, or a production line. According to the invention, at least one of the embodiments described above is implemented.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to individual embodiments shown in the figures. The figures are to be read as complementary to each other, insofar as the same reference numerals in different figures have the same technical meaning. The features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the figures can be combined with the features outlined above. Specifically, the figures show:

[0026] FIG 1 shows a schematic setup of an embodiment of the claimed field device on which a first embodiment of the claimed method is carried out: FIG 2 shows a diagram in which details of a further embodiment of the claimed method are shown.

[0027] FIG. 1 schematically shows a setup of an embodiment of the claimed field device 10, on which an embodiment of the claimed method 100 for operating the field device 10 is carried out. The field device 10 belongs to an automation system 60, which is not shown in detail. The field device 10 comprises a housing 11 in which a plurality of components 12 are accommodated, by means of which functions 40 of the field device 10 are provided. The components 12 are designed to be interchangeable, so that the field device 10 is a modular field device 10. The functions 40 provided by the field device 10 result, among other things, from the selection of the installed components 12. The components 12 in the field device 10 are designed specifically as a temperature sensor 13, as a pressure sensor 14, as a level sensor 16, and as a communication unit 18.For the operation of the components 12, the field device 10 is connected to a power network 25, which can optionally also be configured as a fieldbus system. The field device 10 is coupled to the power network 25 via a power isolator 20, so that an electrical input power 15 is provided to the field device 10. Furthermore, the field device 10 is equipped with a measuring device 22, which is configured to record at least one electrical quantity by which the electrical input power can be quantified. The components 12 are also coupled to a control unit 30 of the field device 10, which is configured as a local control unit 32, via communication lines 17. Via the communication lines 17, the control unit 40 can receive measurement data from the components 12 and / or issue commands to the components 12.The control unit 30, i.e., the local control unit 32, is further connected to a plurality of sensors 36, 38, via which at least one environmental variable 35 can be detected. Specifically, the sensors 36 are configured as an ambient temperature sensor 36 and as an ambient humidity sensor 38. A computer program 50 is stored on the control unit 30, via which the claimed method 100 can be implemented. In particular, the computer program 50, and thus the control unit 30, is configured to create operating configurations 33, each corresponding to a selection of used components 12 that are to be used for a corresponding functional profile 40.Likewise, the computer program product 50 is designed to create time profiles 34, which, for an operating configuration 33, specify which component 12 is to be used for which duration and / or with what intensity. Furthermore, the computer program product 50 is configured to determine parameter sets 45, which allow the definition of function profiles 40, 41, 42 for the operation of the field device 10. The function profiles 40, 41, 42, and thus also the corresponding parameter sets 45, are available for selection 46.The field device 10 also has a display unit 47, via which the function profiles 40, 41, 42 can be displayed to a user and made available for selection 46. The field device 10 also has a data interface 48, which is configured as an Application Programming Interface (API), via which the determined function profiles 40, 41, 42 can be made available for selection to a control unit 30, which is configured as a higher-level control unit 37. The higher-level control unit 37 belongs to the automation system 60 and is configured to control not only the field device 10 but also other field devices not shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] The claimed method 100 comprises a first step 110 in which the field device 10 is provided in an active operating state within the automation system 60. In the active operating state, the field device 10 is supplied with electrical input power 15 and is functional as intended. During the first step 110, the field device 10 is operated according to a first functional profile 41, which provides a first number of functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. Each of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is provided based on at least one of the components 12 of the field device 10. Furthermore, the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 can each also be provided by the interaction of several components 12 or by the interaction of at least one component 12 with the local control unit 32.For example, a gas density measurement function can be provided by using the temperature sensor 13 and the pressure sensor 14 to detect the temperature and pressure of a gas sample and calculating the gas density from this via the local control unit 32.

[0029] In a second step 120 of the claimed method 100, the available electrical input power 15 is recorded via the measuring device 22 of the field device 10, and the corresponding measured value is made available to the computer program product 50. Likewise, in the second step 120, at least one environmental variable 35 is recorded and made available to the computer program product 50. In the second step 120, starting from the applied first functional profile 41, the recorded electrical input power 15, and the at least one environmental variable 35, an electrical input power deficit 57 is determined. If the electrical input power deficit 57 is present, reliable operation of the first functional profile 41 is no longer guaranteed.Furthermore, a third step 130 is part of the claimed method 100, in which a parameter set 45 is determined by which a second functional profile 42 for the operation of the field device 10 can be specified. In the second functional profile 42, the fifth function 55, which is also present in the first functional profile, is provided in a reduced scope. Because the fifth function 55 is provided in a reduced scope, the second functional profile 42 requires less electrical input power 15 than the first functional profile 41. In a subsequent fourth step 140, the second functional profile 46 for the operation of the field device 10 is specified. For this purpose, the parameter set 45 determined in the third step 130 can be selected by the user or the higher-level control unit 37.The higher-level control unit 37 is equipped with an artificial intelligence 65, which is trained to control at least the field device 10 in the automation system 60.

[0030] A second embodiment of the claimed method 100 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. Here, the method 100 is carried out on a field device 10 belonging to an automation system 60. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a diagram 70 with a vertical axis 72 along which different stages of the method 100 are arranged. Furthermore, the diagram 70 has a horizontal axis 74 along which an electrical input power 15 or an electrical power requirement of different functional profiles 40, 41, 42 is shown.

[0031] In a first step 110 of the claimed method 100, a first functional profile 41 is applied, by which a first, second, third, fourth and fifth function 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55 is provided. In detail, FIG. 2 shows the electrical energy requirements of the individual functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 along the horizontal axis 74. Accordingly, FIG. 2 also represents virtual representations of the corresponding functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 or the function profiles 40. In the first step 110, the available electrical input power 15 of the field device 10 exceeds the electrical power requirement for the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, so that an electrical power surplus 56 exists, i.e., an electrical power reserve. A minimum value can be specified for the electrical power surplus 56, and thus the electrical power reserve, for example by the higher-level control unit 37.Each of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is assigned an operating priority value 27. The operating priority values ​​27 are shown as letters in FIG. 2. The first function 51 has the highest operating priority value 27, designated A, and can, for example, represent the independent operation of the local control unit. Accordingly, the second, third, fourth, and fifth functions 52, 53, 54, 55 have lower operating priority values ​​27.

[0032] During operation of the field device 10, a decrease 21 in the available electrical input power 15 occurs. In a second step 120, which is essentially carried out during operation, the available electrical input power 15 is recorded and, by comparison with the first function profile 41 or its virtual representation, an electrical input power deficit 57 is detected. As a result, the provision of at least one of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is no longer guaranteed. A third step 130 follows, in which parameter sets 45 are determined with which the fourth and fifth functions 54, 55 are provided to a reduced extent.Since the fourth and fifth functions 54, 55 have the lowest operating priority 27, 130 parameter sets 45 are determined in the third step, in which the first, second, and third functions 51, 52, 53 are provided to an extent essentially unchanged compared to the first function profile 41. A first operating configuration 44 is determined in which the fourth function 54 is provided with a reduced scope compared to the first function profile 41, thus reducing its electrical power requirement. The fifth function 55 is provided in the first operating configuration 44 to essentially the same extent as in the first function profile 41. Similarly, in the second operating configuration 49, the fifth function 55 is reduced in scope, and the fourth function 54 is provided to the same extent as in the first function profile 41.Furthermore, a third operating configuration 59 is determined in which the fourth function 54 is replaced by an alternative sixth function 58. The first and second operating configurations 44, 49 can be operated alternately via a corresponding parameter set 45, which is determined in the third step 130. The first and second operating configurations 44, 49 each have an electrical power surplus 56 that corresponds at least to the specified minimum value. The third operating configuration 59 also has an electrical power surplus 56. Furthermore, the first and second operating configurations 44, 49 together form the second function profile 42.The third operating configuration 59 forms a third functional profile, which can be selected as an alternative to the second functional profile 42, and can thus be specified for the operation of the field device 10. The selection between the second and the third functional profile 42, 59 can be made by the user, a local control unit 32 and / or a higher-level control unit 37. In order to determine the parameter set 45 for the second functional profile 42, at least one environmental variable 35 is recorded and taken into account in the third step 130. Through the at least one environmental variable 35, a changed electrical power requirement for at least one of the functions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 for the second functional profile 42 can be taken into account.

[0033] Method 100, as shown in FIG 2, is implemented by a suitably designed computer program product 50. Method 100, as shown in FIG 2, can be carried out on a field device 10, as shown in FIG 1.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (100) for operating a field device (10) comprising a plurality of components (12, 13, 14, 16, 18) for providing a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55), wherein the field device (10) is supplied with an electrical input power (15), comprising the steps of: a) providing the field device (10) in an active operating state in which it is operated according to a first functional profile (41) in which a first number of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) are performed; b) sensing the available electrical input power (15) and / or at least one environmental variable (35) of the field device (10) and determining an electrical input power deficit (57) of the field device (10);c) Determining a parameter set (45) for the field device (10) by which a second functional profile (42) with a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) can be specified, wherein at least one of the functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) is provided to a reduced extent compared to the first functional profile (41) if, in step b), there is an electrical input power deficit (57) of the field device (10); d) Specifying the second functional profile (42) for the field device (10) based on the parameter set (45) determined in step c); wherein the parameter set (45) is selected in step c) based on the electrical input power (15) determined in step b) and / or at least one environmental variable (35) from a plurality of predefined parameter sets (45).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in step c) the parameter set (45) is selected from a multidimensional array.

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the parameter set (45) in step c) is selected by interpolation between predefined parameter sets (45).

4. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one environmental variable (35) comprises an ambient temperature and / or an ambient humidity.

5. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the parameter set (45) determined in step c) is configured to apply a first and a second operating configuration (44, 49) alternately on the field device (10).

6. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in step e) a parameter set (45) for the field device (10) is determined, by which a third functional profile with a plurality of functions (51 , 52, 53, 54, 55) can be specified, wherein at least one of the functions (51 , 52, 53, 54, 55) is provided to an increased extent compared to the first functional profile (41) when an electrical input power surplus (56) of the field device (10) is determined in step b).

7. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that virtual representations of the functions (51 , 52, 53, 54, 55) of the field device (10) are each provided with an operating priority specification (27).

8. Method (WO) according to claim 7, characterized in that in step c) at least a first and a second set of suggested parameters are determined and, based on the operating prioritization specification (27), the parameter set (45) for specifying the second function profile (42) in step c) is selected from the at least first and second set of suggested parameters (27).

9. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least steps b) to d) are carried out to parameterize the field device (10) and / or are carried out repeatedly during continuous operation of the field device (10).

10. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in step d) a notification of an intended or actual application of the parameter set (45) for the field device (10) is sent to the user and / or a higher-level control unit (37).

11. Method (WO) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a visual status indicator is output on the field device (10) when an electrical input power surplus (56) of the field device (10) is detected in step b), wherein the visual status indicator is variable depending on the magnitude of the electrical input power surplus (56).

12. Computer program product (50) configured to receive and process information about an electrical input power (15) of a field device (10) and at least one environmental variable (35), and configured to determine a parameter set (45) for specifying a functional profile (40, 41, 42), characterized in that the computer program product (50) is configured to carry out a procedure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Computer program product (50) according to claim 12, characterized in that the computer program product (50) comprises a data interface (48) which is designed as an Application Programming Interface.

14. Control unit (30) for a field device (10), which is configured as a local control unit (32) or as a higher-level control unit (37), comprising a memory and a computing unit on which a computer program product (50) can be executed, characterized in that the computer program product (50) is configured according to claim 12 or 13, 15. Field device (10) for an automation system (60), comprising a plurality of components (12, 13, 14, 16, 18) for providing a plurality of functions (51, 52, 53, 54, 55), which is coupled to a control unit (30) or comprises the control unit (30), characterized in that the control unit (30) is configured according to claim 14.

16. Automation system (60) comprising a superior control unit (37) which is directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of field devices (10), characterized in that at least one of the field devices (10) is designed according to claim 15.

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