WO2004020955A2

WO2004020955A2 - Electronic quantity converter

Info

Publication number: WO2004020955A2
Application number: PCT/DE2003/002826
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralf Schneiderrat; Raymond Richards
Original assignee: Imeter B.V.
Priority date: 2002-08-23
Filing date: 2003-08-22
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: AU2003263146A8; WO2004020955A3; DE10238709A1; AU2003263146A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic quantity converter comprising a central processor unit (7) for detecting and/or processing a volume flow of proportional counter pulses (16) in order to detect an operation and/or volume under standard conditions. In the case of an error or in order to ensure calibration or adjustment, said quantity converters had hitherto to be fully exchanged and optionally tested in a laboratory as a result of the corresponding sealing or lead sealing (3 and 4) thereof. Building on prior art, the invention relates to a modular quantity converter, wherein only one main module and one sensor module (1 and 2), which are embodied in the form of separable modular units, are respectively sealed in a corresponding manner. As a result, it is possible to examine the quantity converter with an optionally couplable reference module (30).

Description

ELECTRONIC QUANTITY CONVERSION

The invention relates to an electronic volume corrector with a central processor unit for recording and / or processing incoming counting pulses with an optical interface and a digital output for outputting the counting result.

Such an electronic volume corrector is operated with an integrated data memory, for example from the company ELSTER AMCO under the name EK 260. It is a volume measuring device, in particular for measuring gas flows with a self-sufficient energy supply by means of lithium battery modules. The volume corrector has an optical interface and an internal serial interface, preferably an RS 232 or RS 485 interface for connecting a modem. The volume corrector also has digital inputs for connecting pulse generators. The pulse transmitter generally transmits counting pulses proportional to the volume flow to the volume corrector. Due to the fact that, in contrast to liquid volume flows, gas flows are compressible and thus are pressure and temperature dependent, a standard volume must be determined in addition to a so-called operating volume. For this purpose, the prevailing pressure and the current temperature are recorded in connection with the volume flow measured in each case. The volume corrector also has a storage unit in order to be able to archive the recorded measurement results, which can thus be read out periodically. The device has a PTB approval and is therefore sealed and sealed.

Due to this sealing, the meter must be completely removed or replaced at regular intervals in the event of error messages, malfunctions or for calibration or legally required re-calibration in order to carry out maintenance, repair, calibration or calibration in the laboratory before the meter is back in can go counting.

This in turn means that almost every fault leads to a complete replacement of the meter, so that such meter arrangements often have to be implemented redundantly. In addition, the complete replacement of the meters is perceived as complex and cumbersome.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating an electronic volume corrector for the widest possible field of application, in which a complete replacement of the meter can largely be dispensed with.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved in that, according to the features of the main claim, a modular counter is created. The modular design allows for maintenance, calibration or Repair only the components concerned. The operation of the main and sensor module can continue essentially unaffected. Only in exceptional cases are cases conceivable in which the main or sensor module must also be replaced. In this case too, the modular design is advantageous because only the main module or sensor module then has to be replaced.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from claims 2-12.

The first expression of the possibilities gained by the modular design is the fact that the prescribed sealing of the volume corrector is only required for the main and sensor module. All other modules remain freely accessible.

It is particularly advantageous if the main and sensor modules are each provided with separate calibration seals that are separate from one another. This means that one of the modules can be accessed without having to open the sealing of the other module. In particular, the sensor module can be exchanged for a new module in the event of a fault due to the separate sealing without a calibration valve. This is e.g. if the area of application e.g. changes in print area. Changes in the pressure range can result from an increased line throughput. The sensor module can be completely calibrated and calibrated separately.

The main module is provided with an input interface for receiving the counting pulses supplied by a pulse generator. These counts are required to determine an operating volume. In addition, the sensor block records the current temperature and pressure of the measured volume flow. The pressure sensor input and the temperature sensor input are necessary because with gas meters it must be noted that the gas volume to be measured is compressible, so that the measured volume flow, which is referred to above as the so-called operating volume, must be converted into a standard volume that takes environmental influences into account. The temperature and pressure influences on the measured volume are taken into account.

It has proven to be helpful if, in contrast to conventional state volume conversion devices, not only one pressure and temperature sensor can be connected, but two each. This is of interest in two use cases. First, the same measured value can be recorded with the additional sensors. In this way, permanent monitoring of the measurement subject to verification can be implemented, for example by using sensors with different measurement principles. In this way, incorrect measurements, such as those caused by long-term drift of the sensors used, can be recognized in good time. The additional sensors can also be used to open a second and additional measuring rail. In this case, however, the main module must also be provided with a second pulse input. In this embodiment, the volume corrector according to the invention replaces two complete conventional state volume correctors.

In another advantageous embodiment, they are in connection with the volume corrector according to the invention sensor blocks used can be adapted to different pressure and / or measuring ranges by calibration. The adaptation to different pressure or measuring ranges takes place through the implementation of corresponding multipliers or quotients of the counting result, which allow the representation and coverage of different measuring ranges. The different accuracy can be implemented by varying the number of support points for recording the measurement result. In the area between the interpolation points, the measurement result is determined by linearization through interpolation. The number of support points for evaluating the measuring interval is proportional to the achievable measuring accuracy. Without prejudice to this, the adaptation to different pressure and temperature ranges can also be carried out in a simple manner by exchanging the sensor modules or by scaling the measuring range, as has already been explained above.

The volume corrector can be checked in a simple manner at regular intervals or, if necessary, by means of a reference module that can be connected wirelessly to the optical interface of the main module. The structure of the reference module corresponds essentially to that of the main module, so that ideally both modules should deliver the same measurement results in parallel operation. In the event of deviations, either recalibration or recalibration of the main and / or sensor module checked with the reference module is required. The connection of a reference module thus represents a simple method for simple on-site checking of the correct counter function. In a further advantageous embodiment, the reference module has its own memory element for recording a measurement protocol. As with the main module, all counting events are recorded in connection with the measured operating temperature and pressure and stored in a memory element in connection with the respective time stamp. After passing through the desired measuring interval, the reference module can be easily removed again and evaluated in a central laboratory. As a result, the reference module can be used to check a wide variety of counters and then all counters can be checked by evaluating the reference module. The reference module thus replaces the cumbersome connection of measuring and storage devices and can be used and understood as a self-contained control unit. The reference module acts as a usage and control standard.

In another advantageous embodiment, the reference module also has its own energy supply for this purpose, preferably by means of a lithium or dry battery.

The electronic volume corrector is equipped with an additional pulse output module for transmitting counting pulses to further processing devices. The pulse output module can be designed with or without its own intelligence, depending on requirements and equipment. This module is used for pulse shaping. The short and low-energy pulses of the main module are used to form pulses that are accessible for further processing by other devices. The pulse output module also has its own self-sufficient energy supply that is independent of the main module.

In an advantageous embodiment, a further communication module is additionally provided. The communication module has its own processor unit and is therefore able to establish a data connection with telecontrol systems, such as ripple control systems.

The communication module can be supplemented by a GSM module, which enables wireless data communication in connection with its own, preferably battery-based, energy supply. As a result, the data of the volume corrector can be transmitted, for example via e-mail, to a possibly remote center. The correspondingly configured volume corrector is thus able to enable or maintain a remote data connection over a long period of time, if necessary, without its own power supply.

Finally, the electronic volume corrector can additionally be provided with a display module, a separate processor of the display module being used to control an LCD display.

In an optimal design, almost all modules are provided with their own energy supply in the form of commercially available lithium or dry batteries.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown only schematically in the drawing.

Show it: 1: an electronic volume corrector with a main module and a sensor module in a block diagram,

FIG. 2: the volume corrector shown in FIG. 1 with additional modules and

Fig. 3: a schematic diagram for the calibration of main and sensor module.

Fig. 1 shows an electronic volume corrector in a minimum version with a main and a sensor module 1 and 2. Both modules are sealed with calibration seals 3 and 4 or with a main seal 3 and a sensor seal 4 and thus withdrawn from any access from the outside.

The two modules 1 and 2 are powered by an independent energy supply 5 of the required operating voltage, preferably 12 V. In the exemplary embodiment, this is a conventional lithium or dry cell battery 6. The main module 1 has a central computer unit 7 with an optical interface 10.

A memory unit 11 is assigned to the central computer unit 7 of the main module 1. In addition, the central computer unit 7 is connected to a display unit 12 and a reset module 13. The main module 1 also has a real-time clock 38. The sensor module 2 is connected to the main module 1. The sensor module 2 also has its own sensor computer 14, which is connected to an input interface 15.

The main module 1 receives the signals of a pulse generator, not shown, that is, the counting pulses 16. The counting pulses 16 are proportional to a measured volume flow, preferably a gas volume. It is the so-called operating volume

In addition, the temperature 17 and the pressure 18 of the measured gas volume are determined. Based on this data, the sensor module 2 transmits a standard volume, the standard volume differing from the operating volume in that the temperature and pressure influences on the compressible volume flow have been taken into account. This result is then converted within the main module 1 into a count result which is stored in the central storage unit 11 and, if appropriate, is output via the display unit 12 or the optical interface 10.

In the embodiment shown here, sensor module 2 can have a data connection with two sensors each for pressure 17 and temperature 18.

According to the illustration in FIG. 2, a display module 20 is also wirelessly connected to the optical interface 11 and also has a display computer 21. The display module 20 also has its own energy supply with a lithium or dry battery 6. The display computer 21 converts the values supplied by the optical interface into a display on an LCD matrix display 22. In addition, the display module 20 is connected to a conventional computer keyboard 23. about the keyboard 23 can be queried via the bi-directional optical interface 10, modified displays or further measured values, for example from the past. In addition to the display module 20, a pulse output module 24 is connected. The pulse output module 24 converts the short, low-energy counting pulses supplied by the main module 1 into pulses suitable for further processing and evaluation.

In addition, a communication module 25 is provided. The pulse output module 24 and the communication module 25 differ essentially in that the communication module 25 is provided with a communication computer 26 and thus represents an intelligent interface which can, for example, exchange data with a telecontrol system such as ripple control systems.

The pulse output module 24 only serves to output the shaped counting pulses to post-processing devices. Both modules 24 and 25 are each provided with their own energy supply with corresponding lithium or dry cells 6. The communication module 25 enters into a data connection with such additional devices or telecontrol systems via the interfaces 40. In addition, the communication module 25 has a GSM module 37 for setting up a wireless data connection, for example for transmitting the measured values to a remote center.

In addition, a reference module 30 can be connected to the main module 1 via a further optical reference interface 34. The reference module 30 carries out the same evaluation processes in parallel as the main module 1 and thus serves to control the function of the main module 1. For this purpose, the reference module 30 has its own reference storage unit 31 and a reference energy supply 32. The reference module 30 thus represents a self-contained, self-contained unit that can be connected to the volume corrector for control purposes if necessary. After running through a measurement interval, the reference module 30 can be removed again and the stored measurement results can be removed and evaluated at a later point in time in the laboratory. On the basis of the evaluation of the reference module 30, it can be decided whether the main module 1 or the sensor module 2 is still working properly or whether re-calibration or, if necessary, replacement is necessary.

Finally, a data logger module 36 is connected to a common data bus 39 for exchanging the data subject to calibration, which logs the measured values in connection with a time stamp in a memory element 11.

The individual modules are connected to one another via a data bus 39. All or selected modules can also be connected to an external power supply 42.

3, the sensor module 2 is calibrated in the laboratory and then sealed with the sensor seal 4. As part of the calibration, the accuracy of sensor module 2 is set and the number of support points is determined. The accuracy of the measurement result is determined by the number of support points of the interpolation and by the definition of corresponding ones Coefficients of its recommended operating range.

The sensor module 2 is then sealed and can then be operated in connection with the main module 1. The setting of the sensor module 2 by means of calibration makes it clear that the volume corrector according to the invention can be operated in conjunction with a wide variety of measuring ranges and in different accuracy classes as required.

An electronic volume corrector in modular design is thus described above, which has at least one main and one sensor module 1 and 2 and a number of modules that can be added as required. Depending on the application, the modules can be put together as required and individually replaced in the event of a fault, since essentially each module is provided with its own energy supply. A particular advantage of the volume corrector is a reference module 30 that can be connected if necessary, which can save complicated and costly recalibrations, if necessary, by first of all checking the function of the main module 1 in a simple manner. Another advantage of the volume corrector described above is the adaptation to different accuracy classes of operating conditions by means of a corresponding calibration of the sensor module 2 as required.

B E Z U G S Z E I C H E N L I S T E

Main module 24 pulse output module

Sensor module 25 communication module

Main seal 30 reference module

Sensor sealing 31 reference memory

Main power supply 32 reference computers

Dry batteries 33 reference energy supply

Central processor unit 34 reference interface

Optical interface 35 calibration

Storage unit 36 data logger module

Display unit 37 GSM module

Reset build a 38 real time clock

Sensor computer 40 interfaces'

Sensor interface 41 hot-plug controller

Counting pulse 42 external voltage ver

Pressure supply

temperature

display module

display computer

LCD matrix display

keyboard

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R U C H E

Electronic quantity corrector with a central processor unit (7) for detecting and/or processing incoming counting pulses with an optical interface (10) and a digital output for outputting counting signals corresponding to a counting result, characterized in that the quantity corrector is constructed in a modular design, wherein the Quantity corrector at least one main module (1) with the central processor unit (7) and a sensor module

(2), wherein essentially each separable module unit is assigned its own energy supply unit (5), preferably with a battery voltage supply (6).

Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 1, characterized in that only the main and sensor modules (1 and 2), preferably each, are sealed.

3. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 2, characterized in that the main and sensor module (1 and 2) are each provided with separate calibration seals (3 and 4).

4. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main module (1) is supplied with counting pulses (16) proportional to each volume flow to be measured, preferably a gas flow, for determining a respective operating volume.

5. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (2) is provided with a sensor interface (15) which at least measures the pressure (17) of the respectively detected volume flow and/or its respective temperature (18). to determine a respective standard volume and is in data connection with the main module (1).

6. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (2) is provided with a sensor interface (15) to which at least two pressure and two temperature sensors can be connected.

7. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor module (2) comprises a sensor computer (14) which can be adapted to different pressure and/or measuring ranges by way of calibration and/or whose measuring accuracy depends on the number of implemented support points can be preset by means of a calibration (35).

8. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reference module (30) can be connected to the main module (1), preferably via an optical interface (10), the structure of the reference module (30) being at least essentially the same Structure of the main module (1) corresponds.

9. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 5, characterized in that the reference module (30) has a reference memory (31) for recording a measurement protocol, preferably in conjunction with an electronic time stamp.

10. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional pulse output module (24) is provided for transmitting counting pulses to any additional processing devices.

11. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional communication module (25) with its own computer and storage unit, for connecting further units, preferably a control center, an encoder counter, an electronic counter and / or an electronic gas meter, is provided.

12. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 11, characterized in that the communication module (25) is provided with a GSM module (37) in order to operate automatically To wirelessly transmit data, preferably counting data, to a central server unit.

13. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional display module (20) with an LCD display (22) and a display control unit (21) is provided.

14. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 13, characterized in that the display module (20) is provided with a separate, additional calibration seal.

15. Electronic quantity corrector according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the display module (20) comprises an input unit, preferably a keyboard (23).

16. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data logger module (36) and a real-time clock (37) are integrated into the main module, which are used in particular to record measured values such as pressure

(17), temperature

(18), operating and/or standard volume are each integrated in connection with a time stamp and storage in the storage unit (11).

17. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy supply of the separable modules (1, 2, 20, 24, 25 or 30), preferably the reference module (30), by means of one or more lithium or dry batteries (6 ), he follows.

8. Electronic quantity corrector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules are in data connection with one another via a data bus (39), in particular also for the exchange of data subject to calibration.