Control system for a fire protection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control system (1) for a fire protection device of a process plant (2), wherein the control system (1) comprises a plurality of control units (3), wherein the control units (3) each have an interface for connection to a functional unit (4a, 4b) of the fire protection device, wherein the control units (3) are each configured to control the functional unit (4a, 4b) connectable to the interface of the associated control unit (3).

Description

[0001] Control system for a fire protection device

[0002] The present invention relates to a control system for a fire protection device of a process plant, wherein the control system comprises several control units, each of which has an interface for connection to a functional unit of the fire protection device, and wherein each of the control units is configured to control the functional unit that can be connected to the interface of the respective control unit. The present invention further relates to a control system assembly.

[0003] Process plants are used to carry out processes to generate, transform, treat, process, refine, etc., substances (hereinafter also referred to as media). Process plants are used in various industries, such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Other areas of application for process plants include the woodworking industry, the textile industry, the furniture industry, the coal industry, the energy sector, the food and beverage industry (especially the tobacco industry), the animal feed industry, the leather industry, the rubber industry, and the gunpowder and incendiary products industry.

[0004] In such process plants, sparks can be generated, which can trigger fires or even explosions. In the context of this invention, "sparks" can be understood to mean any fire-like phenomena such as sparks themselves, flames, embers, glowing embers, hot particles, etc. In the context of this invention, "fire" can be understood to mean a locally contained fire as well as a spatially extensive fire.

[0005] Fire protection systems are frequently installed in process plants for the early detection of fires and explosions. A fire protection system can be solely designed to detect sparks and issue a warning; however, there are also systems that are solely or additionally designed to extinguish sparks or fires. Spark detectors, which are available in a wide variety of designs, are typically used to detect sparks. Spark detection can be achieved through temperature tracking or optical spark detection. When sparks are detected, an alarm or warning can be issued, allowing appropriate safety measures to be taken. More sophisticated systems also assess whether a detected spark poses a potential fire hazard.These intelligent detectors only trigger an alarm or warning if a detected spark actually poses a potential hazard to the surroundings. Instead of or in addition to issuing an alarm or warning, a fire suppression system (if provided for in the process plant) can also be activated immediately and automatically. The fire suppression system can extinguish sparks or a fire automatically or partially by releasing an extinguishing agent.

[0006] In process plants, it is often necessary for a fire protection system to be not locally limited, but rather to cover multiple locations within the process plant. This typically requires several spark detectors and extinguishing devices. These spark detectors and extinguishing devices are hereinafter (and in the context of the present invention) referred to individually or in combination as functional units. Such functional units must be supplied with electrical power. Furthermore, functional units must be controllable, maintainable, and capable of receiving software updates. Data transmission to and from the functional units is also advantageous.

[0007] Known systems rely on centralized control. This means that multiple functional units are controlled by a common central processing unit (CPU). The functional units are connected to the CPU via cables for data transmission. The "control intelligence" resides in the CPU. This places very high demands on the computing and storage capacity of the CPU. Due to the large amounts of data to be transmitted, the speed of decision-making and the execution of control commands may be affected. Such a system also presents disadvantages in terms of maintenance and repair of the functional units. Since the "control intelligence" of such a system is located in the CPU, maintenance or repair of a functional unit always requires an adjustment of the CPU as well. System expansion (e.g.,The addition of functional units, the repositioning of functional units, etc. (i.e., retrofitting) involves increased effort.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide an improved control system for a fire protection device compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the invention aims to enable the implementation of such a control system in large process plants.

[0009] This problem is solved by a control system according to claim 1 and a control system network according to claim 15.

[0010] Thus, the present invention relates to a control system for a fire protection device of a process plant, wherein the control system comprises several control units, wherein the control units each have an interface for connection with a functional unit of the fire protection device, wherein the control units are each configured to control the functional unit that can be connected to the interface of the respective control unit.

[0011] In process plants, substances, hereinafter also referred to as media, can be transported through a reservoir or stored (temporarily or permanently) in a reservoir. During transport through a reservoir, a medium can flow through the reservoir. A reservoir can therefore be filled with or contain a medium.

[0012] A "medium-flowing" reservoir can be understood as a (at least partially) enclosed conveying path, conveying line, conveyor belt, drop shaft, filter, filter system, pipe, pipe system, or conveying channel in which a medium flows and is transported (e.g., mechanically, pneumatically, or by gravity). In a medium-flowing reservoir, the medium is therefore primarily in a moving state. Depending on the type of medium, its flow velocity, and the shape and size of the reservoir, the movement of the medium can cause, for example, turbulence (especially in turbulent flow), local particle accumulation, deflagrations, etc., which can lead to increased friction between the particles of the medium and between the particles and the reservoir walls.This can be associated with an increased generation of frictional heat. Sparks can also be produced.

[0013] A reservoir "loaded" with a medium can be understood, for example, as a container (e.g., a silo or storage chamber) filled with a bed of solids, particles, or granules, in which the medium is held without active transport (i.e., without active motion induction), and—if any—gravity-based movements of the medium occur. Sparks can also occur in a reservoir loaded with a medium.

[0014] There are also intermediate concepts of both media-flowing and media-filled reservoirs. Such reservoirs can be understood as containers in which a medium is subjected to a forced movement, for example, by a mixing device. Reactors in the chemical industry serve as an example of such reservoirs.

[0015] In the present context, the term "substance" or "medium" can refer in particular to solids, solid particles, dust particles, etc. When such substances or particles are moved, especially at pressure values ​​increased or decreased compared to normal pressure, the risk of sparking increases. However, substances in gaseous or liquid states can also be understood as "substance" or "medium" in the context of the present invention. Aerosols and foams can also be such substances or media.

[0016] Media storage or movement occurs particularly frequently in manufacturing, processing, or transport processes in the woodworking, textile, furniture, coal, food, and beverage industries (especially tobacco), animal feed, leather, rubber, and chemical industries, as well as in the black powder and incendiary industries. These industries often employ facilities for grinding or crushing solids or solid mixtures, drying systems, cooling systems, and compaction systems, all with their pneumatic or mechanical transport and extraction systems. The aforementioned application areas and examples share a common, increased risk of fire, combustion, or explosion, which can result from sparks. This risk is most often present when fine particles of flammable material (e.g., coal, coal, or other materials) are present in a reservoir.Organic material is present or moving in high particle density. If sparks are generated in a system or machine component connected to the reservoir, or in the reservoir itself, for example by impurities, metal particles, stones, etc., this can lead to ignition of the medium (even to the point of explosion). This can be intensified by the aforementioned movement-induced turbulence, deflagration, and heating effects of the media particles.

[0017] As mentioned, the invention relates to a control system for a fire protection device of a process plant.

[0018] Fire protection systems comprise functional units. Functional units are the operational components of the fire protection system, such as spark detectors or extinguishing systems. Functional units can also be combined units consisting of a spark detector and an extinguishing system. Other components belonging to a fire protection system, such as alarm devices (e.g., visual or audible alarms), can also be considered functional units. In principle, any unit of the fire protection system that performs a function can be considered a functional unit. Display units, ventilation units, shutdown devices (e.g., emergency stop devices), etc., can also be functional units.

[0019] Spark detectors are used in a wide variety of applications to detect sparks early and thus contribute to effective fire and explosion prevention. Sparks can be detected early by means of a spark detector. It can be designed so that sparks detected by a spark detector are assessed in terms of their probability of triggering an actual hazardous situation (i.e., a fire or explosion), i.e., their potential fire or explosion hazard, so that further steps can be taken to eliminate the hazard if necessary. This step can also take place in the spark detector itself (i.e., the functional unit), but also in the control unit to which the functional unit is connected.

[0020] Finally, to effectively combat or prevent a fire or explosion, a fire suppression process must be initiated. For this purpose, spark detectors are often linked to fire suppression systems via control technology. This linkage can be implemented so that the spark detector and fire suppression system are in direct signal exchange, or they can be controlled by a single control unit. Alternatively, or in addition to a fire suppression system, a shutdown system (for shutting down the process plant or parts thereof) can also be linked to the spark detector via control technology.

[0021] A spark detector can, for example, be installed in the wall of a reservoir or positioned near a radiation-transparent section of a reservoir (e.g., a pipe or duct) so that sparks within the reservoir can be detected – e.g., optically – using the spark detector. A spark detector can also be positioned directly inside the reservoir.

[0022] As mentioned, the control system comprises several control units. These are preferably decentralized control units. The phrase "several" control units means that two or more control units are provided, not just one. A control unit can generally be understood as a computing unit or data processing unit. A control unit can also be understood as a computer. The control unit can execute software, an algorithm, a routine, a program, an app, etc. A control unit can execute an algorithm or a program based on artificial intelligence or a neural network. A control unit can have data storage. With such a control unit, the associated functional units can be controlled independently.By providing multiple control units and assigning functional units to each of them, the computing capacity required to control the functional units is distributed efficiently.

[0023] Each of the decentralized control units can be configured to control and regulate all functions of the associated functional unit(s). This can include, for example, all functions for operating the functional unit(s), as well as retrieving status information, information on the technical condition, etc. The control units can also provide a communication or data transmission interface between different functional units connected to a particular control unit.

[0024] The control units can each be housed in a separate enclosure. This enclosure can protect the control unit from external influences (e.g., dust, moisture) from the environment or the process plant. An enclosure can also protect the control unit from mechanical influences (e.g., vibrations). Furthermore, such an enclosure can provide thermal insulation.

[0025] Each control unit has an interface for connecting to a functional unit. An interface is a connection device that enables communication and interaction between the control unit and the functional unit. Preferably, each control unit has multiple interfaces for connecting to various functional units. This allows several functional units to be connected to or attached to a single (decentralized) control unit. The interfaces can be for wireless or wired connections, with wired connections being preferred. If the interfaces are designed for wired connections, they can be cable connections, such as sockets or plugs. If a control unit is housed in an enclosure, the interfaces can be accessible through openings in the enclosure.Such interfaces allow for simplified connection of functional units. They also simplify maintenance and retrofitting.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing may have a visual display (e.g. a lighting device such as a light strip) or an acoustic display, which can indicate information such as a status (e.g. a malfunction) of the control unit to the outside.

[0027] A key aspect of the present invention is therefore the independent control of functional units by their respective (decentralized) control units. This enables an efficient distribution of the computing load. Furthermore, it allows the system to be flexibly and as needed expanded with individual functional units, exchanged, restructured, maintained, etc.

[0028] Further aspects of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. These and other features are described below.

[0029] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the control units can each have several interfaces for connection to a functional unit of the fire protection system. As mentioned, these interfaces can be, for example, wired or wireless connections. Preferably, the multiple interfaces of a control unit are wired connections. The wired connections are preferably designed such that a functional unit can be connected to the control unit as easily as possible via a cable. It is advantageous if, when the control unit is arranged in a housing, the connections are accessible from outside the housing, i.e., without the need to open the housing.It is also possible for a control unit to have only wireless connections as interfaces, or for a control unit to have a number of wireless and wired interfaces. A single wired interface (e.g., a data transmission module) can also be assigned to multiple functional units.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control units can each have a number of > 2, > 3, > 4, > 5, > 6, > 7, > 8, > 9 or > 10 interfaces. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control units can each have a number of 8 interfaces. Each control unit is designed to control the functional units connected to its interfaces. The specified number of interfaces can be advantageous with regard to the computing capacity of a respective control unit. Providing multiple interfaces per control unit allows for increased flexibility in the configuration and expansion of the control system, since several functional units can be controlled simultaneously by one control unit.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the functional unit can be configured to detect and / or extinguish a fire. In a fire detection configuration, the functional unit can be a spark detector, a fire alarm, or another type of detector. A characteristic feature of a spark detector, fire alarm, or similar device is that it has one or more sensors capable of detecting a fire-like phenomenon (e.g., ignition points, smoldering embers, sparks, hot particles, flames, or the like). Such a functional unit can also be configured to assess whether a detected fire-like phenomenon poses a risk of triggering a fire or explosion. The functional unit can be configured to issue a message (e.g., to the control unit) only if such a risk is detected.However, it may also be stipulated that such an assessment is carried out in the control unit. If the functional unit is a fire extinguishing unit, then this is understood to mean a fire extinguishing device with which a fire, but also fire-like phenomena such as ignition points, smoldering embers, sparks, hot particles, flames, or the like, can be extinguished. A shutdown device (e.g., an emergency stop) can also be considered a fire extinguishing device. A ventilation device or a device for diluting the medium in the reservoir can also be considered a fire extinguishing device.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control system can include a central unit that is connected to the individual control units via data transmission. The central unit is therefore not directly connected to the functional units. The central unit does not directly control the functional units. A crucial difference from known control systems for fire protection equipment is that the functional units are not connected to and controlled by a central unit (e.g., in a star topology), but rather by their respective (decentralized) control units. As mentioned, the control units are connected to the central unit via data transmission. Thus, data can be retrieved from or transmitted to the functional units indirectly (i.e., via the control units) from the outside (e.g., by users) via the central unit.With such a configuration, the control system can easily be expanded with additional control units. The same applies to removing control units from the control system or repositioning them. The central processing unit (CPU) can include a computing unit or data processing unit. The CPU can be housed in an enclosure. The CPU can also be understood as a computer or server. The CPU can execute software, an algorithm, a routine, a program, an app, etc. A CPU can execute an algorithm or program based on artificial intelligence or a neural network. A CPU can include data storage. The CPU can provide a communication interface between the decentralized control units and a user.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the central unit can be connected to the control units via a power supply connection, allowing the control units to be supplied with electrical energy via the central unit. This means that each control unit can be supplied with electrical energy via an electrical line to the central unit. Therefore, each control unit does not need to be equipped with its own separate power supply. Furthermore, this means that the central unit can be considered the central power source for the various control units in the system topology. This enables central and efficient power distribution, eliminating the need for separate power sources for each control unit. As a result, the control units can also be designed to be more compact and lighter, since they do not require their own power sources. This can increase installation flexibility.Such a central energy supply for the control units is also advantageous because it allows for better monitoring and control of energy demand.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the data transmission and power supply connections between the central unit and each control unit are integrated into a single cable. Integrating data transmission and power supply into one cable significantly simplifies system installation and maintenance. This reduces cabling requirements and minimizes space consumption, which is particularly advantageous in complex process plants. Cost efficiency is another benefit, as less material and labor are needed for cabling. Furthermore, sharing a single cable can improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the overall system.The use of a shared cable also allows for a more flexible and modular system topology, as control units can be added or removed more easily without requiring extensive changes to the cabling. This facilitates the adaptation and expansion of the control system when changes or expansions are made to the process plant. Such a combined data transmission and power supply connection or line can be a "Power over Dataline" connection (for example, SPoE: Single-pair Power over Ethernet). A "Power over Dataline" connection is a line for the simultaneous transmission of electrical power and data (signals) over a shared cable. Depending on the spatial constraints (e.g., large distances between the central unit and the control unit) or the required high power or data transmission capacity, it can be implemented in various ways.Power supply, but it should also be provided that a separate line for data transmission and power supply of the control unit is arranged between the central unit and the control unit.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the central processing unit (CPU) can be configured to selectively send data and / or instructions to individual control units or to all control units collectively. Certain instructions, data, or information that, for example, affect all control units can thus be sent collectively (together) to all control units. Likewise, individual control units can also be addressed specifically. Instructions and / or data can be transmitted in both directions of data flow, namely from the CPU to the control units (and optionally from these to the functional units), as well as from the control units to the CPU (optionally first from the functional units to the respective control units).These communication mechanisms (selective or collective transmission of data and / or instructions) enable flexible and targeted control of the individual functional units of the fire protection system. Selective transmission of data and instructions allows the central unit to respond specifically to particular requirements or situations by addressing only the relevant control units. The ability to collectively transmit data and instructions to all control units enables synchronized control of the fire protection system, which is particularly advantageous in complex process plants.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the central unit can supply electrical energy to more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 control units. Supplying electrical energy to multiple control units from the central unit enables a more flexible and scalable system architecture that can be adapted to the specific requirements of the process plant. The central unit can thus supply electrical energy to a plurality of control units, which facilitates the expandability of the control system and enables the integration of additional components (e.g., control units, functional units). A further advantage of this configuration is improved energy efficiency, since the central unit provides the electrical energy centrally, thereby ensuring optimal energy distribution to the individual control units.This can lead to reduced energy consumption and a longer lifespan for system components. Using a central unit to supply power to multiple control units also simplifies wiring and installation of the control system, as fewer separate power supply lines are required. This can lower installation costs and facilitate system maintenance. Powering multiple control units is also more resource-efficient compared to providing individual power supplies for each unit.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the central unit can obtain the electrical energy required to supply the control units from an electrical supply network of the process plant or from a public electrical supply network. It can also be designed to decide, depending on the load or the availability of electrical energy, whether the electrical energy is drawn from the electrical supply network of the process plant or from the public electrical supply network. A suitable switching device can be provided for this purpose, enabling such switching. This embodiment ensures a continuous and reliable power supply to the control units, thereby increasing the operational readiness and safety of the fire protection system.By utilizing the process plant's electrical supply network, the power supply can be ensured even in the event of a public grid failure. The central unit's ability to draw power from various sources increases the flexibility and adaptability of the control system to different operating conditions and infrastructure. This contributes to increased reliability and minimizes interruptions in the operation of the fire protection system. Drawing electrical power from the process plant's supply network can be advantageous depending on the plant's design. Such a supply network can be the network to which the process plant is connected or which is part of the process plant. However, as mentioned, it can also be a public utility network.However, using the process plant's own power supply network can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This allows for the use of energy that may already be generated during certain processes within the plant.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the central unit can be provided with an emergency power supply, in particular one or more batteries. An emergency power supply is advantageous to ensure a sufficient power supply to the fire protection equipment relevant to the operational safety of a process plant, even in the event of a failure of another power supply. The emergency power supply ensures that the control system remains functional even if the regular power supply fails. The provision of electrical power by batteries offers the advantage of an independent and immediately available power source that is not dependent on external power grids. Batteries can be dimensioned to provide sufficient energy for the operation of the central unit and the connected control units for a desired period of time.Another advantage of using batteries is the ability to regularly check and replace them as needed. Linking an emergency power supply to the central unit also allows for a compact and space-saving design of the control system, as no additional external emergency power supplies are required. Furthermore, the emergency power supply can be designed to activate automatically as soon as a failure of the regular power supply is detected, thus ensuring a reliable power supply.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the central unit can be provided with a display unit and / or an input unit. In principle, the display unit of the central unit can visually show a user certain information, e.g., about the status of the fire protection system. This could include, for example, information about the operating status, warning messages, or error messages. A display unit can, for example, be a screen. Information can be shown to a user via a screen. An input unit allows commands or instructions to be entered directly into the system. An input unit can be combined with a screen (so-called touchscreen). However, an input unit can also be a switch, an input field, a rotary knob, a button, a keypad, a keyboard, etc.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the central processing unit (CPU) can have a communication interface that enables signal and data exchange with an external unit. Such a communication interface can be wireless or wired. This interface ensures that the CPU can exchange data and signals with external systems or devices. The communication interface can support various protocols and standards, including wired and wireless communication technologies. The communication interface also allows integration into existing infrastructures, particularly network infrastructures, such as those of a process plant.

[0041] A communication interface like this can provide a connection between the central processing unit (CPU) and the internet or another network, including a local network. It can also provide a connection to a cloud. The cloud can run on one or more servers or be online-based (e.g., as a web portal). Access to the cloud can be restricted to authorized users. Signals and data (including instructions) can thus be transmitted from external sources to the CPU via the communication interface. Likewise, the CPU can retrieve signals, information, and data from external sources. For example, a user can retrieve the status of the CPU, the control units, and, if applicable, the functional units via the communication interface. This can be helpful for customers, process plant operators, and other stakeholders.Remote maintenance, fault analysis, and troubleshooting can also be performed via the communication interface. This can be particularly advantageous for large or difficult-to-access process plants. Operating data can be analyzed and optimized via the communication interface. It also enables predictive maintenance and early fault detection. Users can also perform updates, especially software updates, via the communication interface. Overall, the provision of such a communication interface leads to improved performance and reliability of the fire protection system, thereby increasing the safety of the process plant.

[0042] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a control system network comprising a plurality of control systems according to the invention, wherein each of the control systems includes a central unit, and the central units are networked. This further increases the range for controlling and setting up a fire protection system, which can be particularly advantageous in large process plants.

[0043] The respective control systems of the control system network each comprise several control units, wherein the control units each have one, preferably several, interfaces for connection with a functional unit of the fire protection device, wherein the control units are each designed to control the functional unit that can be connected to the interface of the respective control unit.

[0044] Preferably, the control system network comprises several control systems, each control system including a central processing unit (CPU). Several control units are connected to the respective CPUs via data transmission and power supply. This means that the control units are supplied with electrical power by the respective CPU, enabling data transmission and signal transmission between the CPU and the respective control units. For example, a central processing unit can be assigned up to ten control units. Each control unit can be connected to one or more functional units, preferably up to eight or exactly eight functional units.

[0045] As mentioned, the central processing units (CPUs) are interconnected. This interconnectedness essentially means that data and signals can be exchanged between them. The CPUs can also share certain resources. For example, one or more CPUs may possess central functions, tasks, tools, or capabilities (such as hardware, software, a program, or similar) that the other CPUs lack. Due to this interconnectedness, the CPUs without these central functions, tasks, tools, or capabilities can still access them. This interconnectedness, therefore, allows the CPUs to communicate with each other, exchange information, and potentially distribute or coordinate tasks or responsibilities.Such a network encompasses the physical and logical structures necessary for networking and connectivity. For example, a network can be wired or wireless. The networking of central processing units (CPUs) can take the form of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an internet-based network, or even a virtual network. The CPUs can also share resources (provided, for example, by one or more CPUs or by external entities), such as storage, databases, a cloud, etc.

[0046] Preferably, it can be provided that one of the several networked central units, a part of the several networked central units or all of the several networked central units, but preferably not all of the several networked central units:

[0047] - are equipped with a display unit and / or control unit of the aforementioned type, and / or

[0048] - are programmable,

[0049] - and / or have (or are connected to) a programmable logic controller (PLC), and / or - have (or are connected to) a visualization (VISU) system

[0050] - have a unit for monitoring the environment, and / or

[0051] - have a unit for controlling units in the environment, and / or

[0052] - have a communication interface, and / or

[0053] - can be controlled externally using software or an app.

[0054] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are not to be understood as limiting the invention and are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These drawings schematically show:

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a process plant with a

[0056] Fire protection equipment;

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a control system according to the

[0058] invention

[0059] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a control system network with multiple control systems.

[0060] Figure 1 schematically depicts a section of a process plant 1. A reservoir R is shown in the form of a transport line, through which a medium M flows. The transport line is bounded by pipe walls. The medium M moves along a transport direction T (see the arrow labeled T, which indicates the transport direction T) along the reservoir R. Alternatively, the medium M can also be stored in a reservoir R in which no transport along a specific preferred direction occurs. In this case, one can speak of a medium-filled reservoir R.

[0061] As illustrated by a star in Fig. 1, a fire-like phenomenon S can occur in such a reservoir R. A fire-like phenomenon S can lead to a fire. To detect and extinguish such fire-like phenomena S at an early stage, a fire protection device can be provided. Such a fire protection device initially comprises a functional unit 4a for detecting a fire-like phenomenon. This functional unit 4a can be, for example, a spark detector or a fire alarm. If a fire-like phenomenon S has been detected by a functional unit 4a of the fire protection device and the fire-like phenomenon is associated with a risk of starting a fire, the fire can be extinguished by means of a functional unit 4b of the fire protection device. The functional unit 4b can be a fire extinguisher.Functional unit 4b can introduce an extinguishing agent L into reservoir R for extinguishing purposes. However, functional unit 4b can also be any other unit that prevents a fire from starting from the fire-like phenomenon S, e.g., a shut-off device.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control system 1 for a fire protection device (e.g., a fire protection device as in a process plant 2 according to Figure 1). The control system 1 comprises several control units 3, each of which has several interfaces (not shown) for connection to several functional units 4a, 4b of the fire protection device. Thus, several functional units 4a, 4b can be connected to each control unit 3. The control units 3 are each configured to control the functional units 4a, 4b connected to the interface of the respective control unit 3.

[0063] The control system 1 also includes a central processing unit 5, which is connected to the control units 3 via data transmission and power supply. In this context, a power supply connection means that the control units 3 are supplied with electrical energy via the central processing unit 5. The data transmission and power supply connections between the central processing unit 5 and the respective control units 3 can each be embodied in a single cable 6. Specifically, this is a Power over Data (PoD) connection. Thus, both data transmission and electrical power supply (current or voltage supply) are provided via each cable 6. The central processing unit 5 can selectively send data and / or instructions to individual control units 3 or to all control units 3 simultaneously.

[0064] The central unit 5 can obtain the electrical energy required to supply the control units 3 from an electrical supply network of the process plant 2 or from a public electrical supply network. The central unit 5 can also have an emergency power supply system. Such an emergency power supply system can be provided by one or more batteries. The batteries can be rechargeable. Furthermore, such an emergency power supply system can also be any other device for storing electrical energy. The emergency power supply system can also include a generator.

[0065] The central processing unit 5 can have a display unit and / or an input unit. Information can be shown externally via a display unit. Input units are used to enter instructions and commands.

[0066] The central unit 5 can also have a communication interface 7, which enables signal and data exchange with an external unit 8. An external unit 8 could, for example, be a cloud. This cloud could be based on a cloud server. The external unit 8 could also be an end device, such as a computer, a mobile device like a smartphone, or the like. A user can use the external unit 8 to retrieve or transmit information or data to the control system 1 and its associated components (central unit 5, control units 3, functional units 4a, 4b). For example, status information can be retrieved. Device updates (e.g., software updates) can also be installed on the aforementioned components in this way. Furthermore, adjustments, corrections, and repairs can be carried out in this manner.Furthermore, remote maintenance or predictive maintenance can be performed in this way.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a control system network with multiple control systems 1, illustrated here by way of example with three control systems 1. The control system network can comprise any number of control systems 1, for example, eight control systems 1. Each of the control systems 1 comprises a central processing unit 5, the central processing units 5 being interconnected. The interconnection of the central processing units 5 is simplified by a box illustrating an associated network 25. The central processing units 5 are interconnected via data transmission / signal connections (not shown). These can be wired or wireless. As shown in Figure 3, a box 20 is assigned to each central processing unit 5. The box 20 represents a combination of several control units 3, as well as the functional units 4a, 4b connected to each of the control units 3; see the marking of the box 20 in Figure 2.This means that each central unit 5 is connected to several control units 3, e.g., ten control units 3. Each control unit 3 is connected to several functional units 4a, 4b, for example, eight functional units 4a, 4b.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Control system (1) for a fire protection device of a process plant (2), wherein the control system (1) comprises several control units (3), wherein the control units (3) each have an interface for connection with a functional unit (4a, 4b) of the fire protection device, wherein the control units (3) are each configured to control the functional unit (4a, 4b) that can be connected to the interface of the respective control unit (3).

2. Control system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control units (3) each have several interfaces for connection with a functional unit (4a, 4b) of the fire protection device.

3. Control system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control units (3) each have a number of > 2, > 3, > 4, > 5, > 6, > 7, > 8, > 9 or > 10 interfaces.

4. Control system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control units (1) each have a number of 8 interfaces.

5. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (4a, 4b) is designed to detect and / or extinguish a fire.

6. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a central unit (5) which is connected to the control units (3) by means of data transmission technology.

7. Control system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the central unit (5) is connected to the control units (3) in terms of power supply technology, so that the control units (3) can be supplied with electrical energy via the central unit (5).

8. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data transmission and power supply connection provided between the central unit (5) and a respective control unit (3) is embodied in a common cable (6).

9. Control system (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the central unit (5) is configured to selectively send data and / or instructions to individual control units (3) or jointly to all control units (3).

10. Control system (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the central unit (5) supplies a number of > 2, > 3, > 4, > 5, > 6, > 7, > 8, > 9 or > 10 control units (3) with electrical energy.

11. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (5) obtains the electrical energy required to supply the control units (3) from an electrical supply network of the process plant (2) or a public electrical supply network.

12. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (5) has an emergency power supply, in particular provided by one or more batteries.

13. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (5) comprises a display unit and / or an input unit.

14. Control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (5) has a communication interface (7) via which signal and data exchange with an external unit (8) is ensured.

15. Control system network comprising a plurality of control systems (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each of the control systems (1) comprises a central unit (5), wherein the central units (5) are networked.

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