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DE-202026001280-U1 - Sensor proxy module for price-based manipulation of existing control systems via sensor simulation

DE202026001280U1DE 202026001280 U1DE202026001280 U1DE 202026001280U1DE-202026001280-U1

Abstract

Device (sensor proxy module) for price-based influencing of an existing control and/or regulating device (21) of a technical plant, characterized by (i) a sensor interface (24) for connection to an existing sensor (22) and a controller interface (25) for connection to the existing control/regulation device (21), wherein the device can be inserted between the sensor (22) and the control/regulation device (21) and/or operated in parallel; (ii) Means (2, 3) for determining an external control variable (in particular electricity price/cost time series, CO2 intensity, grid signal) and for determining a price/cost index and/or offsets derived therefrom; (iii)Means (26) for providing a modified measurement value and/or a substitute signal within the permissible measurement range depending on the index/offset, which is accepted by the control/regulating device (21); (iv) a bypass/failsafe device (27) which, in the event of errors and/or when a limit value is exceeded, automatically restores the unchanged sensor signal path and/or outputs a defined safe substitute value.

Assignees

  • BRAUNGART STEFAN

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20260321
Priority Date
20260321

Claims (12)

  1. Device (sensor proxy module) for price-based manipulation of an existing control and/or regulating device (21) of a technical plant, characterized by (i) a sensor interface (24) for connection to an existing sensor (22) and a controller interface (25) for connection to the existing control/regulating device (21), wherein the device can be inserted between the sensor (22) and the control/regulating device (21) and/or operated in parallel; (ii) means (2, 3) for determining an external reference variable (in particular, electricity price/cost time series, CO2 intensity, grid signal) and for determining a price/cost index and/or offsets derived therefrom; (iii) means (26) for providing a modified measured value and/or a substitute signal within the permissible measuring range as a function of the index/offset, which is accepted by the control/regulating device (21); (iv) a bypass/failsafe device (27), which In case of errors and/or when a limit value is exceeded, it automatically restores the unchanged sensor signal path and/or outputs a defined safe substitute value.
  2. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (22) is designed analogously, in particular as an NTC/PTC, PT100/PT1000, 0-10 V or 4-20 mA signal transmitter, and that the device (26) simulates or shifts the corresponding measured value.
  3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device provides an error coding outside the normal measuring range in order to indicate a diagnostic state to the control/regulating device (21).
  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a digital sensor interface is additionally supported, including - but not limited to - 1-Wire, I 2 C, SPI, CAN, LIN or proprietary sensor networks, wherein a valid substitute value can be provided according to the protocol.
  5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that limit means (28) are provided for safety-relevant quantities (in particular temperature) which enforce a hard constraint independently of the index/offset and trigger failsafe/bypass when approached.
  6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that parameterization means (8) are provided for offset/scaling characteristics, hysteresis, minimum on/off times, blocking/release windows and maximum holding times.
  7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fault/status signaling means (10) and audit-proof logs with timestamps are provided (audit trail).
  8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an override input (6) and/or a watchdog monitoring (7) is provided which allows a local priority circuit and/or an automatic decoupling from the controller (21) in case of malfunction.
  9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feedback interface is provided for reading in an actual switching/operating state (e.g. contactor feedback) and/or a relevant measured variable in order to perform plausibility checks and/or alarms.
  10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed as a retrofit module for control cabinet or sensor close mounting with multi-range supply.
  11. arrangement consisting of a device according to one of the Claims 1 - 10 , a sensor (22) and an existing control/regulation device (21), wherein the device is connected between the sensor (22) and the control/regulation device (21) and provides a modified measured value and/or substitute value depending on external control variables.
  12. order according Claim 11 , characterized in that the technical system is a refrigeration system of a food retail location and/or a refrigeration system of a logistics cold storage facility, wherein safety-relevant temperature limits are monitored and failsafe/bypass is triggered upon approach.

Description

Technical field The invention relates to a retrofit-compatible device for price- or cost-driven influencing of existing control/regulating devices, in which the manipulated variables are influenced via the sensor path by providing modified measured values and/or substitute signals. State of the art For energy optimization, setpoints and operating modes are often changed directly via the controller/bus. However, in many existing systems, the fastest intervention path is the sensor path (temperature sensor, current consumption/power, etc.). Robust retrofit modules are lacking that can selectively shift measured values within permissible ranges based on price/grid conditions, enforce limit values, and simultaneously provide a reliable bypass strategy. Task A sensor proxy module is to be provided that can be installed between sensor and controller without interfering with existing bus/controller configurations, translates reference values into measured value shifts, respects limit values and minimum times, and automatically restores the original path in case of errors. Solution The problem is solved by the device according to claim 1 and the arrangement according to claim 11. Key elements are: (i) loop-in/parallel-operable sensor and controller interfaces; (ii) determination of a price/cost index or offsets; (iii) provision of a modified or replaced measured value within the permissible range; (iv) bypass/failsafe with automatic return to the original signal; (v) limit value, parameterization, diagnostic and logging functions. Examples of implementation • Analog sensor (NTC/PT1000): The module shifts the apparent sensor temperature value depending on temperature and time within defined limits; in case of a fault, the sensor is passed through hard (relay bypass).• 4-20 mA / 0-10 V: The module scales/offsets the signal according to the index; in case of a line break, it generates a defined fault current/voltage range for diagnostic purposes.• Digital sensors: For 1-Wire/PC, the module simulates valid measured values according to the protocol and sets a permissible error code in case of errors; limit values prevent overshoot. Advantages • Intervention without bus access or controller enable requests; particularly suitable for heterogeneous systems.• Operational reliability through defined bypass/failsafe mechanics.• Compliance through limit values, minimum times and audit logs. Reference symbol list (21) Control/regulation unit; (22) Sensor; (24) Sensor interface; (25) Controller interface; (26) Measured value emulation/offset; (27) Bypass/failsafe; (28) Limit value average; (2) Arithmetic unit; (3) Memory; (6) Override; (7) Watchdog; (10) Diagnostics/status. Summary A sensor proxy module is installed between the sensor and the existing control/regulation device and, depending on external price/cost signals, provides a modified measured value and/or substitute value within the range accepted by the controller. A bypass/failsafe device automatically restores the original path in case of errors. Limit value, parameterization, diagnostic, and logging functions ensure reliable operation, especially in refrigeration/HVAC applications.