DE102018125262A1 - Remote monitoring of temperature control devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for remote monitoring of temperature control devices (10) for temperature control of systems (2) and / or processes and to a method (100) for operating such a system (1), the temperature control device (10) in addition to the first sensors (11) and further components (13) one or more second sensors (12) for measuring operating data (BD) of the temperature control device (11) is equipped at least during operation and at least one data interface (15) at least for transmitting the operating data (BD) and comprises a control unit (20), which is provided for receiving and evaluating the transmitted operating data (BD) separately for each temperature control device (10), the evaluation by the control unit (20) being designed to deal with deviations of at least some of the operating data ( BD) to send out a maintenance requirement for the relevant temperature control device (10) from a target behavior, the at least one temperature control device Attention (10) and the control unit (20) by means of a suitable data connection (30) for transmitting the operating data (BD) are connected.

Description

The invention relates to a system for remote monitoring of temperature control devices for temperature control of systems and / or processes and a method for operating such a system.

Temperature control systems or temperature control devices are used to provide a temperature of machines, media or substances required for the successful implementation of actions or processes in plant and / or processes and / or to control them according to the process. An example of a field of application for temperature control devices is the plastics processing industry and here in particular the injection molding sector. Controlled mold temperatures are essential for the production of consistently high quality parts. In this respect, a temperature control device in such a process is a core component of the overall process. A faulty temperature control system can stop an entire production process and therefore causes high failure costs. These downtime costs can even increase if the temperature control unit is replaced with a functioning reserve unit and instead has to be repaired by a service technician who may not be immediately available locally in overseas operations. The provision of replacement devices can solve these additional problems, but requires additional financial expenditure due to the presence of replacement devices. If, on the other hand, temperature control devices could be serviced preventively before a failure, the system or the process could be stopped and the device availability of the temperature control device and thus the system increased.

It would therefore be desirable if temperature control devices could be selected for an upcoming maintenance as early as possible before the occurrence of a malfunction, so that unplanned failures of temperature control devices could be avoided or at least their number could be significantly reduced.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a system with which temperature control devices could be selected for an upcoming maintenance as early as possible before the occurrence of a malfunction, in order to avoid unplanned failures of temperature control devices or at least to significantly reduce their number.

• - die Temperiervorrichtung mit ein oder mehreren ersten Sensoren sowie ein oder mehreren weiteren Komponenten zur Sicherstellung des Betriebs der Anlage mit der Temperiervorrichtung und mit ein oder mehreren zweiten Sensoren zur Messung von Betriebsdaten der Temperiervorrichtung zumindest während des Betriebs ausgestattet ist und zumindest eine Datenschnittstelle zumindest zur Übertragung der Betriebsdaten umfasst; und
• - eine Kontrolleinheit zum Empfangen und Auswerten der übertragenen Betriebsdaten separat für jede Temperiervorrichtung vorgesehen ist, wobei die Auswertung durch die Kontrolleinheit dazu ausgestaltet ist, bei Abweichungen zumindest eines Teils der Betriebsdaten von einem Sollverhalten einen Wartungsbedarf für die betreffende Temperiervorrichtung auszusenden,

wobei die mindestens eine Temperiervorrichtung und die Kontrolleinheit mittels einer geeigneten Datenverbindung zum Übertragen der Betriebsdaten verbunden sind.This object is achieved by a system for monitoring at least one temperature control device during operation of these temperature control devices in systems for temperature control thereof, wherein

• - The temperature control device is equipped with one or more first sensors and one or more further components to ensure the operation of the system with the temperature control device and with one or more second sensors for measuring operating data of the temperature control device at least during operation and at least one data interface at least for transmission which includes operational data; and
• a control unit for receiving and evaluating the transmitted operating data is provided separately for each temperature control device, the evaluation by the control unit being designed to send out a maintenance requirement for the relevant temperature control device in the event of deviations of at least some of the operating data from a target behavior,

wherein the at least one temperature control device and the control unit are connected by means of a suitable data connection for transmitting the operating data.

The control unit and the temperature control device can be installed in a common unit. If the control unit and temperature control device are not installed in a common unit, the monitoring can be carried out as remote monitoring. The term remote monitoring describes the monitoring of the temperature control devices from outside the device without the need for a user, operation or service technician to be on site. With a correspondingly extensive data connection, a large number of appropriately equipped temperature control devices can thus be remotely monitored from one location (location of the control unit). Remote monitoring could generally be carried out worldwide using Internet and / or radio connections.

Temperature control devices in the sense of the present invention can, for example, be devices which are traversed by a medium to be temperature-controlled, the medium being temperature-controlled in the temperature control device. Such a medium can be, for example, water or an oil. The temperature control devices include, for example, a hydraulic circuit and are designed with a network connection. The temperature control devices can be used for example for production and test processes, such as in injection molding tools, extruders or other applications. Components of the temperature control device refer to all the subsystems in the temperature control device that are available for operating the temperature control device, such as motors, units, valves, switches, heat exchangers, heaters and their electrical supply, etc. Temperature control devices are not necessarily an integral part of the system to be temperature-controlled, but typically stand next to them and are connected to the system with hydraulic connections such as hoses or pipes. The temperature control devices can furthermore comprise one or more display screens, for example touch-sensitive screens (so-called touch screens) for entering data or for reading information such as, for example, a transmitted maintenance requirement.

Bad environmental conditions and / or poor device or component conditions as well as wear and tear can lead to failures in the temperature control devices. By using second sensors to determine the device status in addition to the first sensors, the measuring density in the device is increased, as a result of which it is possible to conclude more quickly and more clearly that an error source may show up over time, so that the troubleshooting can be carried out preventively. Prevention can be carried out much more precisely and reliably on the basis of the operating data obtained from the existing second sensors than if only the usual first sensors required for the process were present in the temperature control device. Operating data include all relevant data for the operation of the temperature control device and can also include environmental data such as the temperature in the environment around the temperature control device or the cooling water temperature and the air humidity there.

The control unit comprises at least one data interface for receiving the operating data, a data memory for storing the operating data and the evaluations of the operating data, and a processor for executing an evaluation program for processing, storing and evaluating the operating data. The control unit furthermore comprises a transmission unit for transmitting the maintenance requirement to the users of the temperature control devices or to the temperature control devices themselves. This transmission unit can be a radio, WLAN, internet or other-based transmission unit for transmitting data. Correspondingly, the devices or units that receive the signal about an existing maintenance requirement include corresponding receiving units. The same applies to the communication network for connection to the control unit. The data connection can also be made via a fieldbus (e.g. a Profibus) or Ethernet. The data connection can also be established as a hybrid system comprising several or all of these types of communication. The target behavior denotes a behavior of the temperature control device that corresponds to the desired behavior. The target behavior can correspond to a reproduction of the historical behavior so that the measured parameters do not change or do not change differently than expected or remain in the respective target areas for these parameters.

Monitoring or remote monitoring provides the current status of the device, evaluates it and provides information on the current performance of the respective temperature control device. Remote monitoring offers the opportunity to take preventive action before the temperature control device comes to a standstill or stops. The system according to the invention thus optimizes the availability of the device and the so-called up-time of the temperature control device and thus of the entire system. Ideally, a temperature control device will no longer fail. When evaluating the transmitted operating data, various deviations from the target state are determined in the control unit and lead to specific messages which are also passed on to the user of the system or the temperature control device or to a user control unit. In the present concept, the long-term observations are preferably available in the control unit, since the visualization on a user control unit is generally restricted. With the present invention, operating data can be linked across devices.

The system for remote monitoring according to the invention thus makes it possible to select temperature control devices in good time before a malfunction occurs for an upcoming maintenance, so that unplanned failures of temperature control devices can be avoided or at least their number can be significantly reduced.

In one embodiment, the second sensors comprise at least one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors and one or more status sensors for valves and / or switches which are used to measure an engine temperature, a cooling water outlet and / or cooling water inlet temperature, a temperature on a heated surface , a filling pressure, a cooling water differential pressure, a differential pressure at the strainer of the temperature control device and switch and / or valve positions are provided as operating data. These parameters are important parameters for ongoing operation. In the event of deviations from the target values, information and messages can be generated directly via the parameterization, which indicate a need for maintenance. Depending on the parameter, the target values can correspond to the historical values, with a deviation from this being considered a deterioration. Different operating data are also linked to each other for individual evaluations to receive further statements. In addition, long-term observations take place and are evaluated in order to identify deteriorations in the operating data and thus for individual components of the temperature control device. Finally, the running times of wear components are monitored and an existing maintenance requirement is sent as a message at the end of the expected service life.

By observing the heating or cooling output level in the steady state (i.e. after the start-up process has been completed), it can be determined how close the temperature control device is to the maximum load, and warn in good time if the load is very high. Exceeding 100% utilization would mean that the device can no longer fulfill its thermal control tasks, i.e. the process is no longer in order. The reason for a very high output level can be that components get dirty due to poor water quality. There may also be operating errors or design errors (operator connects a temperature control system that is too small).

The pressure and flow rate can be compared to determine whether the operating point of the pump is deteriorating. For this purpose, a pump characteristic curve is stored in the control unit, the user control unit or in the controller. The pump pressure and the flow rate are continuously measured. The control unit now continuously compares whether the measured values are on or below the stored characteristic. If the values are below the characteristic curve, this is a sign of the onset of wear. The operator can then plan maintenance before excessive wear worsens his process or even the temperature control device fails.

The calcification of the heating can be evaluated by comparing the output level, film temperature and flow temperature. The film temperature is measured directly on the heated surface of the electric heater. If there are deposits on the heating, e.g. Calcification, the temperature difference between the heating surface and the flow temperature increases. This effect is measured and observed over a long time. If this difference increases, a maintenance request is sent as a message. However, this value also depends on the output level and must be provided with a correction factor accordingly.

The contamination of the heat exchanger can be determined from the observation of the average cooling efficiency in conjunction with the KW inflow temperature. If deposits are deposited on the heat exchanger due to contamination, the physical transmission capacity of the heat exchanger decreases. The temperature controller responds by changing the output level, i.e. the proportion of the cooling on time increased. Contamination can now be concluded by observing the output level.

The condition of the dirt filter can be deduced from the observation of pump pressure and flow. A blockage of the dirt filter hinders the water flow, which reduces the flow rate. A lower flow is concluded as an indicator of a gradual clogging of the dirt filter. However, since wear on the pump is also a cause of decreasing flow, the pump pressure must be observed at the same time. With a lower pump delivery rate, the pump pressure typically goes up. If a reduced delivery rate in combination with a higher pump pressure can be seen, this is an indicator of a (creeping) blockage of the dirt trap. If a decreasing pump pressure can be observed, this is an indicator of wear of the pump (see explanations above).

The quality of the cooling water: Both an elevated temperature and a too low pressure of the cooling water have negative effects on the cooling performance of the temperature control device. Both parameters can fluctuate over time, e.g. by the consumption of cooling water by more or less other consumers or by a fluctuating temperature depending on the outside temperature over the course of the year. By observing these values and setting limit values, it is possible to react in good time to an insufficient cooling water supply. By observing the values in various devices, it can be concluded whether there is a local problem (e.g. incorrect connection of a device) or whether there is an insufficient cooling water supply in a sub-area or in the entire production.

Motor temperature of the pump: This is measured in the temperature control device and can be evaluated over a longer period of time or in comparison with other temperature values. This enables conclusions to be drawn as to whether there may be a single problem (e.g. a defect in an engine) or a problem in individual production areas or in the entire production, e.g. due to excessive ambient temperature or insufficient air supply to the pump motor due to too narrow a position of the devices.

The temperature control devices count their operating hours and those of their components, the running time of the pump and the switching frequency of valves. These are compared with the manufacturer's lifetime limit values. If exceeded, by the control unit or the temperature control device itself proposes a replacement of these components.

All of these sensor functions are only provided by the second sensors. The otherwise usually only available first sensors for ensuring the operation of the system with the temperature control device are not able to monitor the above parameters. Here, sensors can only be used as first sensors and other sensors can only be used as second sensors. In an alternative embodiment, however, one or more of the sensors can also take on the function of the first sensors as well as the function of the second sensors; if appropriate, these functions can also be performed simultaneously by the corresponding sensor.

In a further embodiment, at least the second sensors measure at least some of the operating data as a function of time. The historical development of the operating data for the corresponding components allows a simple comparison with previous operating data in order to determine a need for maintenance. In a preferred embodiment, the measurement is carried out periodically or continuously in order to increase the measurement data density and, if necessary, to be able to detect brief fluctuations or changes.

In a further embodiment, the temperature control device has a data memory in which at least the operating data to be transmitted are at least temporarily stored until they are transmitted to the control unit. This data buffering enables the temperature control device to supply the operating data measured during the failure to the control unit for evaluation after the data connection to the control unit has failed and has been restored.

In a further embodiment, the data connection is a communication network to which all temperature control devices provided for remote maintenance are connected. The control unit can be connected to a network node in the communication network. Such a communication network provides great flexibility for remote maintenance in that temperature control devices can be added to or removed from the communication network as required.

In a further embodiment, the temperature control device has a unique device identifier which is transmitted to the control unit together with the operating data for the assignment of the operating data to the corresponding temperature control device. As a result, the operating data in a larger communication network with many existing temperature control devices can be automatically assigned to each individual temperature control device, which greatly simplifies data management in the system according to the invention.

In a further embodiment, the communication network comprises a radio and / or internet-based communication network. As a result, the information can be transferred to and retrieved from any desired location, regardless of location, which enables worldwide remote monitoring with a single central control unit or a few control units for individual regions.

In a further embodiment, the control unit provides a website on which the operating data of the respective temperature control devices are visualized with their history. Websites can be accessed from anywhere, so that the information they provide is available regardless of location. Allow websites to access the information provided on the website without installing additional software. In addition, websites can be designed to meet requirements and flexibly and, if necessary, adapted to the needs of customers and users. In a preferred embodiment, setpoints and possibly alarms when maintenance is required are also displayed on the website.

In a further embodiment, the temperature control device comprises a control unit on which a program is installed, which is intended to independently establish a connection between the temperature control device and the control unit after the temperature control device has been connected to the communication network and to uniquely identify itself with the control unit using the device identifier Evaluation of the operational data to be identified. This enables a so-called plug-and-play installation of further temperature control devices in the system according to the invention, regardless of the location of the respective temperature control devices, without additional user actions for the registration or integration of the temperature control device in the communication network having to be carried out.

In a further embodiment, the control unit is a server. A server is very well suited for receiving a large amount of data from a large number of temperature control devices and processing, evaluating and reporting them back to the participants in the communication network.

In a further embodiment, the communication network has one or more further network nodes at which one or more local user control units for local monitoring of a subset of the remotely monitored Temperature control devices are installed. The local user control units enable continuously continued decentralized monitoring of the temperature control devices in the event of a faulty connection to the control unit.

In a further embodiment, the local user control unit comprises the same evaluation functionality as the control unit, so that all important operating data and evaluations are locally available for the users.

In a further embodiment, the system is provided for encrypted communication in the communication network, including the transmission of the operating data. This increases data security against unauthorized interference from outside and thus improves the operational security of the systems and temperature control devices. The encryption can take place, for example, via HTTPS. Alternatively, certificates can make authorized communication partners recognizable, for example.

In a further embodiment, the system also provides a control application for installation on mobile devices, with which a user can use the mobile devices to receive the evaluation of the operating data and, if appropriate, the maintenance requirement sent out for the relevant temperature control devices. This makes the relevant data and evaluations easily and mobile available regardless of location, without the user having to connect complicated devices to the communication network. All that is required for the application is an internet connection or a local network connection. The control application can be equipped so that it installs itself automatically when the control unit's website is called up.

In a further embodiment, the control unit provides user-specific different surfaces of the website for displaying at least one temperature control device and its operating data in the system. As a result, the information presented can be limited to the amount of information that is actually required by the corresponding user. A first surface for machine operators is, for example, an instrument panel (a so-called dashboard) for visualizing the temperature control device in the specific work area, for which purpose the most important process data from multiple devices are displayed on the same first surface. A second interface for maintenance engineers and service technicians, for example, lists all devices with important states as well as an overview of all parameters of a device, as well as historical process data and alarms for assessing error states. A third interface for quality managers, for example, displays current and historical process data for validating process quality and to evaluate the machine utilization. A fourth interface for managers, for example, shows current and historical process data for business management data such as an assessment of energy consumption or device availability time.

In a further embodiment, the maintenance requirement for individual temperature control devices is sent from the control unit via emails or SMS or via other forms of notification to addresses stored in the control unit for the respective temperature control device. This is to enable users to react quickly. In addition, the central storage of the addresses in the control unit minimizes the administrative effort in maintaining the addresses for sending the notifications.

• - Sicherstellen des Betriebs der Temperiervorrichtung in der Anlage zumindest mit ein oder mehrerer erster Sensoren sowie ein oder mehrerer weiterer Komponenten der Temperiervorrichtung;
• - Messen von Betriebsdaten der Temperiervorrichtung zumindest mittels ein oder mehrerer zweiter Sensoren zumindest während des Betriebs der Anlage, vorzugsweise als Funktion der Zeit;
• - Übertragen der Betriebsdaten über zumindest eine Datenschnittstelle der Temperiervorrichtung zum Empfang durch eine Kontrolleinheit, wobei die mindestens eine Temperiervorrichtung und die Kontrolleinheit mittels einer geeigneten Datenverbindung zum Übertragen der Betriebsdaten verbunden sind; und
• - Auswerten der übertragenen Betriebsdaten separat für jede Temperiervorrichtung durch die Kontrolleinheit; und
• - Aussenden eines Wartungsbedarfs für die betreffende Temperiervorrichtung bei Abweichungen zumindest eines Teils der Betriebsdaten von einem Sollverhalten.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a system according to the invention for monitoring at least one temperature control device during operation of these temperature control devices in systems for temperature control thereof, comprising the following steps:

• - Ensuring the operation of the temperature control device in the system with at least one or more first sensors and one or more other components of the temperature control device;
• - Measuring operating data of the temperature control device at least by means of one or more second sensors at least during the operation of the system, preferably as a function of time;
• - Transferring the operating data via at least one data interface of the temperature control device for reception by a control unit, the at least one temperature control device and the control unit being connected by means of a suitable data connection for transferring the operating data; and
• - Evaluation of the transmitted operating data separately for each temperature control device by the control unit; and
• - Sending out a maintenance requirement for the relevant temperature control device in the event of deviations of at least some of the operating data from a target behavior.

The method for remote monitoring according to the invention thus makes it possible to select temperature control devices in good time before a malfunction occurs for an upcoming maintenance so that unplanned failures of temperature control devices can be avoided or at least their number can be significantly reduced.

• 1 eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems;
• 2 eine Ausführungsform der Temperiervorrichtung im erfindungsgemäßen System;
• 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems; und
• 4 eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

zeigt. Auch wenn nachfolgend die Ausführungsformen anhand eines Außenspiegels erläutert werden, kann die zugrundlegende Erfindung auch in anderen Bereichen und Bauteilen eingesetzt werden. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings, in which:

• 1 an embodiment of the system according to the invention;
• 2nd an embodiment of the temperature control device in the system according to the invention;
• 3rd a further embodiment of the system according to the invention; and
• 4th one embodiment of the method according to the invention,

shows. Even if the embodiments are explained below using an outside mirror, the underlying invention can also be used in other areas and components.

1 shows an embodiment of the system according to the invention 1 for remote monitoring of at least one temperature control device with one or more second sensors 12th for measuring operating data BD the temperature control device 11 at least during operation. The second sensors 12th include for generating the operating data BD one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors and one or more status sensors for valves and / or switches which are used to measure an engine temperature, a cooling water outlet and / or cooling water inlet temperature, a temperature on a heated surface, a filling pressure, a cooling water differential pressure, a differential pressure at the strainer of the temperature control device 10th and switch and / or valve positions as operating data BD are provided. Here the operating data BD measured as a function of time, which can be done periodically or continuously. The temperature control device 10th also includes a data interface 15 at least to transfer the operating data BD to a control unit 20th via a suitable data connection 30th that here as a communication network 30th is carried out in which many temperature control devices (here four examples) connected to different systems (here two examples) with the control unit 20th are connected. It can be provided that the communication in the communication network 30th including the transfer of operational data BD and the device identification of the respective temperature control devices 10th runs encrypted. The control unit 20th receives the transmitted operating data BD and evaluates them separately for each temperature control device 10th off, with deviations of at least part of the operating data BD each individual temperature control device 10th from a target behavior a maintenance requirement for the temperature control device in question 10th is sent out. Here the control unit 20th a website 21 available on the operating data BD of the respective temperature control devices 10th can be visualized with their history, preferably together with setpoints and possibly alarms when maintenance is required. Furthermore, there are user control units 40 in addition to the control unit 20th at different positions in the communication network 30th arranged, the local user control units 40 the same evaluation functionality as the control unit 20th include. Here the control unit 20th user-specific different interfaces of the website 21 to represent the temperature control devices 10th and their operating data BD ready, having a first surface 21a for machine operators, a second surface 21b for maintenance engineers and service technicians, a third surface 21c for quality managers and / or a fourth interface 21d for managers or process engineers are designed in such a way that the different users are shown and offered the data relevant to their tasks.

2nd shows an embodiment of the temperature control device 10th in the system according to the invention 1 that have one or more first sensors 11 and one or more other components 13 to ensure the operation of the system 2nd with the temperature control device 11 and one or more second sensors 12th for measuring operating data BD the temperature control device 11 includes at least during operation. Furthermore, the temperature control device comprises a data interface 15 for transferring the operating data BD to a control unit 20th (please refer 1 and 3rd ) using a suitable data connection 30th (please refer 1 and 3rd ). The temperature control device 10th is operated by a medium to be tempered during operation M run through, corresponding outflows and inflows for the medium M are not shown in detail here. In addition, the temperature control device 10th a data store 14 on, in which at least the operating data to be transmitted BD up to the transfer to the control unit 20th at least be cached. All components shown are in the temperature control device 10th appropriately connected to each other with the necessary electrical and data connections. The connections between the components indicated here represent only an example and, depending on the embodiment, can also be designed differently. Furthermore, the temperature control device comprises 10th a control unit 16 on which a program 17th installed, which is intended after connecting the temperature control device 10th via the data interface 15 to the communication network 30th independently a connection between temperature control device 10th and control unit 20th to manufacture and deal with the device identifier ID clearly with the control unit 20th for evaluating the operating data to be transmitted BD to identify. The control unit 16 can also for controlling the temperature control device 10th in normal operation and / or for measuring the operating data BD be used.

3rd shows a further embodiment of the system according to the invention 1 as an extension of the already in 1 shown system. Here is the data connection 30th a communication network to which all temperature control devices provided for remote maintenance 10th are connected, the control unit 20th at a network node 31 in the communication network 30th , in this case the Internet 30a , connected. The temperature control devices also have here 10th each have a unique device identifier ID that when transferring to the control unit 20th together with the operating data BD to identify the respective temperature control device 10th and to assign the operating data BD to the corresponding temperature control device 10th be transmitted. The communication network 30th can completely or in sections a radio and / or internet-based communication network 30a include. The control unit 20th represents in this communication network 30th a website 21 available on the operating data BD of the respective temperature control devices 10th can be visualized with their history, preferably together with setpoints and possibly alarms when maintenance is required. For example, the control unit 20th doing a server. The communication network also includes 30th here several other network nodes 31 , on which several local user control units 40 for local monitoring of a subset of the remotely monitored temperature control devices 10th are connected. The local user control units 40 have the same evaluation functionality as the control unit 20th . Communication in the communication network is running here to improve data security 30th including the transfer of operational data BD encrypted from. The system 1 also provides a control application 50 for installation and execution on mobile devices 60 (for example smartphones, tablet PCs etc.) ready with which a user 70 via the mobile devices 60 the evaluation of the operating data BD and, if applicable, the maintenance requirements sent out for the temperature control devices concerned 10th can receive. The control application preferably offers 50 the same evaluation and display functionality as the user control units 40 or the control unit 20th . The maintenance requirement for individual temperature control devices 10th can from the control unit 20th via email or SMS to in the control unit 20th for the respective temperature control device 10th stored addresses, preferably to the mobile devices 60 is sent.

4th shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention 100 to operate a system 1 for remote monitoring of at least one temperature control device 10th during operation of these temperature control devices 10th in plants 2nd for tempering them according to one of the preceding claims, comprising subsequent steps of ensuring 110 the operation of the temperature control device in the system 2nd at least with one or more first sensors 11 and one or more other components 13 the temperature control device 11 , which corresponds to the normal operation of a temperature control device according to the prior art; of measuring 120 of operating data BD the temperature control device 11 at least by means of one or more second sensors 12th at least during the operation of the system 2nd , preferably as a function of time; of transferring 130 the operating data BD via at least one data interface 15 the temperature control device 10th for reception by a control unit 20th , wherein the at least one temperature control device 10th and the control unit 20th using a suitable data connection 30th for transferring the operating data BD are connected; of evaluating 140 the transmitted operating data BD separately for each temperature control device 10th through the control unit 20th ; and sending out 150 a maintenance requirement for the relevant temperature control device 10th in the event of deviations from at least part of the operating data BD of a target or historical behavior. The maintenance requirement can be sent as an alarm, text message, audio or video message using a suitable communication medium, for example by email or SMS.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

Reference list

1

system according to the invention

2nd

System with temperature control device

10th

Temperature control device

11

first sensors of the temperature control device

12th

second sensors of the temperature control device

13

further components of the temperature control device

14

Data storage of the temperature control device

15

Data interface

16

Control unit

17th

program

20th

Control unit

21

Website provided by control unit

21a

a first surface, for example for machine operators

21b

a second surface, for example for maintenance personnel and service technicians

21c

a third interface, for example for quality managers

21d

a fourth interface, for example for managers

30th

Data connection, communication network

30a

Internet

30b

so-called "firewall"

31

Network node in the communication network

40

User control units

50

Control application

60

mobile device

70

Users

100

Method for operating a system for monitoring temperature devices

110

Ensuring the operation of the temperature control device by means of first sensors

120

Measuring operating data of the temperature control device

130

Transfer of the operating data from the temperature control device to the control unit

140

Evaluation of the transmitted operating data by the control unit

150

Send out a maintenance request for the temperature control device in question

BD

Operating data

ID

Device identification of the temperature control device

M

medium

Claims (18)

A system (1) for monitoring at least one temperature control devices (10) during operation of these temperature control devices (10) in systems (2) for temperature control thereof, wherein - The temperature control device (10) with one or more first sensors (11) and one or more further components (13) to ensure the operation of the system (2) with the temperature control device (11) and with one or more second sensors (12) Measuring operating data (BD) of the temperature control device (11) is equipped at least during operation and comprises at least one data interface (15) at least for transmitting the operating data (BD); and - A control unit (20) for receiving and evaluating the transmitted operating data (BD) is provided separately for each temperature control device (10), the evaluation by the control unit (20) being designed to deal with deviations of at least some of the operating data (BD) from To send out a maintenance requirement for the temperature control device (10) in question, the at least one temperature control device (10) and the control unit (20) being connected by means of a suitable data connection (30) for transmitting the operating data (BD). The system (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the temperature control device (10) is run through by a medium (M) to be temperature-controlled during operation. The system (1) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the second sensors (12) comprise at least one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors and one or more status sensors for valves and / or switches which are used to measure an engine temperature, a cooling water outlet and / or cooling water inlet temperature, a temperature on a heated surface, a filling pressure, a cooling water differential pressure, a differential pressure on the dirt trap of the temperature control device (10) and switch and / or valve positions are provided as operating data (BD). The system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the second sensors (12) measure at least part of the operating data (BD) as a function of time, preferably the measurement is carried out periodically or continuously. The system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature control device (10) has a data memory (14) in which at least the operating data (BD) to be transmitted are at least temporarily stored until they are transmitted to the control unit (20) . The system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data connection (30) is a communication network to which all temperature control devices (10) provided for remote maintenance are connected, the control unit (20) being connected to a network node (31) in the communication network ( 30) is connected. The system (1) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the temperature control device (10) has a unique device identifier (ID) which, when transmitted to the control unit (20), together with the operating data (BD) for assigning the operating data (BD) to the corresponding temperature control device (10) becomes. The system (1) according to Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the communication network (30) comprises a radio and / or internet-based communication network (30a). The system (1) according to Claim 6 to 8th , characterized in that the control unit (20) provides a website (21) on which the operating data (BD) of the respective temperature control devices (10) are visualized with their history, preferably together with setpoints and possibly alarms when maintenance is required. The system (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 9 , characterized in that the temperature control device (10) comprises a control unit (16), on which a program (17) is installed, which is intended for connecting the temperature control device (10) to the communication network (30) via the data interface (15) ) to independently establish a connection between the temperature control device (10) and the control unit (20) and to use the device identifier (ID) to uniquely identify the control unit (20) for evaluating the operating data to be transmitted (BD). The system (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 10th , characterized in that the control unit (20) is a server. The system (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 11 , characterized in that the communication network (30) has one or more further network nodes (31) on which one or more local user control units (40) for locally monitoring a subset of the remotely monitored temperature control devices (10) are installed. The system (1) according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the local user control unit (40) comprises the same evaluation functionality as the control unit (20). The system (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 13 , characterized in that the system (1) is provided to allow communication in the communication network (30) including the transmission of the operating data (BD) to be encrypted. The system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (1) further provides a control application (50) for installation on mobile devices (60) with which a user (70) can use the mobile devices (60) can receive the evaluation of the operating data (BD) and, if applicable, the transmitted maintenance requirement for the temperature control devices (10) in question. The system (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 15 , characterized in that the control unit (20) provides user-specific different surfaces of the website (21) for displaying at least one temperature control device (10) and its operating data (BD) in the system (1), preferably comprising a first surface (21a) for machine operators, a second surface (21b) for maintenance personnel and service technicians, a third surface (21c) for quality managers and / or a fourth surface (21d) for managers. The system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maintenance requirement for individual temperature control devices (10) from the control unit (20) via e-mails or SMS to the for the respective temperature control device (10) in the control unit (20) stored address is sent. A method (100) for operating a system (1) for monitoring at least one temperature control device (10) during operation of these temperature control devices (10) in systems (2) for temperature control according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Ensuring (110) the operation of the temperature control device in the system (2) at least with one or more first sensors (11) and one or more further components (13) of the temperature control device (11); - Measuring (120) operating data (BD) of the temperature control device (11) at least by means of one or more second sensors (12) at least during the operation of the system (2), preferably as a function of time; - Transmission (130) of the operating data (BD) via at least one data interface (15) of the temperature control device (10) for reception by a control unit (20), the at least one temperature control device (10) and the control unit (20) using a suitable data connection ( 30) are connected to transfer the operating data (BD); and - Evaluation (140) of the transmitted operating data (BD) separately for each temperature control device (10) by the control unit (20); and - Sending (150) a maintenance requirement for the relevant temperature control device (10) in the event of deviations of at least some of the operating data (BD) from a target behavior.

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