DETERMINING A LOAD OF A DRIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining a load of a drive device are disclosed. The drive device is provided with at least one sensor system which is coupled to a computing unit. By the sensor system, different data relating to the drive device in operation are detected. The detected data are transmitted to the computing unit and the detected data are compared to load-typical information stored in the computing unit. A type of load is determined based on the compared data.

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. A method for operating a drive apparatus, the method comprising: connecting a load, i.e. a working machine of an automation system, to the drive apparatus; coupling a sensor system of the drive apparatus to a computing unit; detecting data relating to the drive apparatus in operation with the sensor system; transmitting the detected data to the computing unit; comparing the detected data with information typical of the load that is characteristic for a type of the working machine stored in the computing unit in order to establish the type of the working machine; and operating the drive apparatus according to the established type of the load.

15. (canceled)

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: coupling the sensor system to a data processing unit; processing the detected data locally with the data processing unit; and transmitting the processed data with the data processing unit to a database of the computing unit.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting with the sensor system data from at least one member selected from the group consisting of temperature measurement, vibration measurement, airborne sound measurement, rotating field measurement, slippage measurement and current measurement.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: analyzing the detected data; and establishing a temporal order of the detected data and/or a continuous series of measurements.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising storing data from previous measurements at the same drive apparatus as information typical of the load.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising storing data from previous measurements at different drive apparatuses as information typical of the load.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising carrying out a simulation of the drive apparatus, with information about the type of the load, for evaluation of a usage model accompanying operation and/or of a predictive usage model.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing the load with the sensor system.

23. Apparatus for operating a drive apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a load, i.e. a working machine of an automation system, connected to the drive apparatus; a sensor system coupled to the drive apparatus and configured to detect data relating to the drive apparatus in operation and to transmit the detected data; and a computing unit with Information typical of the load stored in the computing unit coupled to the sensor system and receiving the detected data transmitted from the sensor system, said computing unit configured to compare the detected data with information typical of the load characteristic for a type of the working machine stored in the computing unit, determine with aid of the compared data a type of the working machine, and operate the drive apparatus according to the established type of the load.

24. (canceled)

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sensor system comprises a number of sensors for temperature measurement, vibration measurement, airborne sound measurement, rotating field measurement, slippage measurement and/or current measurement.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a data processing unit coupled to the sensor system and configured to receive the data detected the sensor system, to process the detected data locally, and to transmit the processed data to the computing unit.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sensor system is coupled to the load and configured to detect data relating to the operation of the load.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the working machine is embodied as a pump, a motor-driven valve, a fan, a winch, or a conveyer belt.

Description

[0040] The characteristics, features and advantages of this Invention described above as well as the manner in which these are achieved, will become clearer and easier and to understand in conjunction with the description of exemplary embodiments given below, which is explained in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 shows schematically a form of embodiment of an apparatus for determining a load of a drive apparatus,

[0042] FIG. 2 shows schematically a further form of embodiment of an apparatus for determining a load of a drive apparatus,

[0043] FIG. 3 shows schematically a form of embodiment of a drive apparatus, which is coupled to the apparatus for determining a load, and

[0044] FIG. 4 shows schematically a further form of embodiment of a drive apparatus, which is coupled to the apparatus for determining a load.

[0045] Parts corresponding to one are provided with the same reference characters in the figures.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows schematically a form of embodiment of an apparatus V for determining a load of a drive apparatus 1 shown schematically in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

[0047] The apparatus V comprises a sensor system 2 able to be coupled to the drive apparatus 1. Furthermore the apparatus V comprises a computing unit 3 coupled by wire or wirelessly to the sensor system 2. The computing unit 3 is in particular a decentralized computing unit 3, such as for example a server facility. The sensor system 2 is configured to detect data relating to the drive apparatus 1 in operation and to transmit the data detected to the computing unit 3. Load-typical information is stored in the computing unit 3. For example the computing unit 3 comprises at least one database 4, in which information typical of the load is stored. The computing unit 3 is configured to compare the data detected with the stored load-typical information and, with the aid of the compared data, to determine a type of the load n. For example the load Is assigned a drive task. Through this a type of the drive apparatus is determined. Through this information a lifetime and/or rest of useful lifetime of the drive apparatus and its technical and economic benefit and the duration of its use can be established. For example the type of the load is assigned a kind of drive apparatus and it is established whether what is involved here for example is a pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically driven drive.

[0048] Data from previous measurements at the same drive apparatus 1 is stored as Information typical of the load. This means that the information typical of the load stored in the computing unit 3, in particular in the database 4, is based on data that has already been established from a number of measurements at the same drive apparatus 1. For example the newly detected data and time series are compared with data of the same drive apparatus 1 already obtained earlier, in particular compared statistically.

[0049] Furthermore data from previous measurements at different drive apparatuses 1 is stored in addition as information typical of the load. This means that the Information typical of the load stored in the computing unit 3, in particular in the database 4, is based on data that has been established from a number of measurements of different drive apparatuses 1. For example the newly detected data and time series are compared with data of other drive apparatuses 1 already obtained earlier, in particular compared statistically.

[0050] The sensor system 2 comprises a number of sensors for temperature measurement and/or vibration measurement and/or airborne sound measurement and/or rotating field measurement and/or slippage measurement and/or current measurement.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows schematically a further form of embodiment of an apparatus V for determining a load of a drive apparatus 1 shown schematically in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0052] In the further form of embodiment the apparatus V comprises a data processing unit 5, which Is coupled to the sensor system 2. The data processing unit 5 is configured to receive the data detected by means of the sensor system 2 and to process it locally. For example the data detected by the sensor system 2 is analyzed and a temporal order of the data and/or a continuous series of measurements is established. The analysis of the data detected and establishment of the temporal order and/or the series of measurements is carried out by the data processing unit 5. In one development the sensor system 2 comprises the data processing unit 5. The sensor system 2 is then for example configured to use the data detected of its sensors for further data processing. Subsequently this data is transferred to the computing unit 3. For example changes and/or deviations of the load over a period of time are established and monitored in the computing unit 3. For example time series of the data established are employed for statistical comparisons and mathematical calculations. Through this it is made possible to make diagnoses for errors and for the rest of useful life and also for setting parameters. With aid of the diagnoses setting parameters for correcting the errors and for increasing the rest of useful life of the drive apparatus 1 are established and suggested. In an automated environment U of the drive apparatus 1 (as shown schematically in FIG. 2) the established and suggested setting parameters can be transmitted to the controller of the drive apparatus 1 and implemented by said device. This means that an operative intervention at the controller can be undertaken automatically. As an alternative or in addition a suggestion for changing the setting parameters and reparametrizing the drive apparatus 1 is output for example via a display apparatus, such as s screen. In this way a user can be shown so-called Key Performance Indicators (abbreviated to KPIs) and potential optimizations in respect of the operation of the drive apparatus 1. The reparameterization is carried out manually as required by the user of the drive apparatus 1. In one development dynamic and operative warning limits are set.

[0053] The data processing unit 5 is furthermore configured to transmit the data detected by means of the sensor system 2 to the computing unit 3. The data processing unit 5 is for example a local data processing unit 5, in particular a so-called edge device and/or edge computer. The data processing unit 5 for example comprises a processor, a working memory and/or program memory as well as communication interfaces that make communication with the environment U possible. The data processing unit 5 is for example arranged locally in the environment U of the drive apparatus 1. The data processing unit 5 is further embodied to store and to change parameter settings of the drive apparatus 1. The data processing unit 5 is coupled via at least one bidirectional communication channel to the computing unit 3. Through this an ability of the drive apparatus 1 to be manipulated from outside in respect of a reparameterization of the drive apparatus 1 is avoided. For example the computing unit 3 is configured, with the aid of the information established about the type of the load, to establish suitable setting parameters and to transmit these to the data processing unit 5 and/or to an open-loop and/or closed loop control unit of the drive apparatus 1. The data processing unit 5 is for example coupled to an open-loop and/or closed loop control unit of the drive apparatus 1. The open-loop and/or closed loop control unit is accessible to a user of the drive apparatus 1, who, with the aid of the setting parameters transferred, can set and/or inspect the reparameterization of the drive apparatus 1. In addition or as an alternative the data processing unit 5 is configured to undertake the reparameterization of the drive apparatus 1 automatically.

[0054] For example the sensor system 2 is coupled to the data processing unit 5 and the data processing unit 5 is coupled to the computing unit 3 via a wireless and/or wired connection. For example the respective communication takes place via a so-called LAN, VPN, DSL and/or radio connection.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows schematically a form of embodiment of a drive apparatus 1, which Is coupled to the apparatus V for determining a load of the drive apparatus 1. The drive apparatus 1 is employed for example in conveyor systems, pumps, compressors, fans, machine tools and in other industrial applications.

[0056] The sensor system 2 is not linked to either switchgear, for example to a so-called Motor Control Center (abbreviated to MCC), of the drive apparatus 1 or to an automation system of the environment U. The sensor system 2 thus has no Influence on an operation of the drive apparatus 1.

[0057] The sensor system 2 is for example coupled to the drive apparatus 1 in the area of a motor 6, a valve facility 7, a working machine 8 and/or a bearing 9, as shown in FIG. 3. For example sensors of the sensor system 2 are able to be arranged in any area of the drive apparatus 1 that is subjected to temperatures and/or vibrations and/or in which an airborne sound measurement, rotating field measurement, slippage measurement and/or a current measurement is able to be carried out. For example the sensor system 2 comprises pressure sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, oscillation sensors, magnetic field sensors, sound sensors, acceleration sensors, current sensors and/or other magnetic, inductive and/or optical sensors.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows schematically a further form of embodiment of a drive apparatus 1 that is coupled to an apparatus V for determining a load of the drive apparatus 1.

[0059] The drive apparatus 1 comprises for example a plurality of components acting on one another, which at least in part are arranged on a base frame 10. For example the drive apparatus 1 comprise a first motor 6, which is connected to a converter 11 via a cable arrangement 12. For this the motor 6 has an interface 13, for example in the form of a terminal or a junction box. The motor 6 is provided on both sides with a bearing 9. Furthermore the motor 6 is provided with a sensor system 2 or with a number of sensors. Via one of the bearings 9 the motor 6 is connected to a clutch 14, which in its turn Is connected to a further bearing 9 and subsequently to a working machine 8, for example a pump. The working machine 8 is for example provided with the sensor system 2 or with a number of sensors. The working machine 8 is connected for example with two bearings 9. These bearings 9 are likewise provided with a sensor system 2 or with sensors of the sensor system 2. Furthermore the working machine 8 is coupled via a tube arrangement to a plurality of valve facilities 7. For example one of the valve facilities 7 is coupled to a further motor 6. Both the further motor 6 and also the valve facilities 7 are provided with a sensor system 2 or sensors of the sensor system 2. The sensor system 2 of the sensors of the sensor system 2 are each configured to detect data from at least one temperature measurement, vibration measurement, airborne sound measurement, rotating field measurement, slippage measurement and/or current measurement.

[0060] The respective sensors of the sensor system 2 are for example coupled via a communication connection K1, such as a LAN connection and/or wireless radio connections, to the data processing unit 5. The data processing unit 5 receives the data detected by means of the sensors and processes this locally.

[0061] The data processing unit 5 is for example coupled via a further communication connection K2, for example a remote network connection such as a VPN or DSL connection, to the computing unit 3. The computing unit 3, in the example shown, is represented as a Cloud. The computing unit 3 comprises the database 4, on which information typical of the load is stored. The computing unit 3 is configured to compare the new data transferred from the data processing unit 5 with the stored information typical of the load and make a deduction about the type of the load.

[0062] The computing unit 3 is coupled for example to plurality of data processing units 5 of other drive apparatuses 1 in other environments U. This enables a mass of information, for example Information typical of the load, from a plurality of the same and/or different drive apparatuses 1 and environments U to be collected and processed.

[0063] Although the invention has been Illustrated and described in greater detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention Is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived herefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.