Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing module for a modular automation system, for instance a modular stored-programmable control, in which the automation system includes a central unit and peripheral units such as input/output modules, subordinate to the central unit. The peripheral units can be coupled to each other via a device bus. A processing module comprises a processor, a memory, a blockable bus coupling element which can be coupled to the device bus, and a blockable central unit coupling element which can be coupled to the central unit, all of which are connected to each other via a module bus that is internal in the processing module. The processing module has a communication interface which is connected with the processor. In this way the central unit can be relieved to a considerable extent of communication activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronization methods for a redundantly structured automation system including at least two subsystems. According to the present invention, the sequences of machine instructions for the subsystems contain run-time queries. When the run-time queries are reached, the actual run time since the last synchronization of the subsystems is determined. However, a synchronization is only carried out when the actual run time exceeds a preselectable synchronization reference pattern. The run-time queries are always inserted then into the sequence of machine instructions when a summed run-time expected value of the machine instructions exceeds a preselectable critical time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for flexibly configuring an automation system for a technical process. The invention permits a user to determine a configuration for one or more peripheral channels of the automation system based on desired fault behaviors. In one embodiment of the invention, a user is prompted to specify a peripheral channel of the automation system to be configured, along with a required fault behavior for that peripheral channel. In other words, the user must specify how the peripheral channel is to handle the occurrence of a fault. Once the required fault behavior is identified, a programming unit accesses a knowledge base of stored configurations and associated fault behaviors to identify a configuration meeting the user-specified requirements. The programming unit then communicates instructions for configuring the peripheral channel to a user and/or actually configures a programmable controller of the automation system.

Abstract: A method for detecting addressing errors in an electrical unit. The electrical unit may, e.g., include a central processing unit and modules that respond to the central processing unit via a communication system by means of addresses specific to the modules. Addressing errors caused by faulty modules can be detected. For at least a portion of the accesses made by the central processing unit on one of the modules, an identifier is transmitted from the addressed module to the central processing unit. The identifier transmitted to the central processing unit is compared to a reference identifier. Addressing errors are recognized when the transmitted identifier deviates from the reference identifier.

Abstract: An update method is described for a supplementary automation system, which is to be coupled to a starting automation system, where the starting automation system controls a technical system. In the present invention, updating takes place free of update-interruption as opposed to interrupting program execution by the starting automation system, performing the updating and resuming program execution by both automation systems. In one embodiment, a non-time-critical system state is awaited and then updating is performed. In a second embodiment, the updating is interspersed in small time slices into the program execution.

Abstract: The system synchronizes data processing systems coupled together using a synchronization operation that is only implemented as a function of events that necessitate synchronization. The system differentiates between the immediate synchronization of internal commands and the indirect synchronization of interrupt events. When an internal command appears, then the synchronization of the data processing systems takes place immediately after the command is executed. In the case of interrupt events, the synchronization operation takes place at defined program points such as block limits or program sections of programs so partitioned.

Abstract: A control device for an electrostatic precipitator including a plurality of filter chambers connected in series to one another comprises a first component connected to a particle density sensor at the output of the last filter chamber for computing desired values of the particle densities at the outlets of the individual filter chambers in response to the difference between a desired particle density and a measured particle density of the outflowing gases at the output of the last filter chamber.

Abstract: A method for operationally determining the existence of an optimal rapping interval for the collector electrodes of an electrostatic precipitator comprises the comparison of the current-voltage characteristics for precipitator operation under pure-gas conditions and actual use conditions. If the comparison indicates that the resistance of accumulated dust layers is greater than the resistance of air, then an optimal rapping interval exists. This interval may be calculated analytically or approximated by means of an iterative process.

Abstract: A method for detecting breakdowns in an electrostatic filter in which single measured values of equal phase of successive half waves of the filter voltage and crest values of successive half waves of the primary current are compared with one another and in which the differences of the measured values at which a breakdown signal is delivered are made dependent on the existing filter voltage or the primary current.

Abstract: A system for controlling the voltage of an electrofilter of the type which, after a voltage breakdown, substantially reduces the magnitude of the electrofilter voltage. After a predetermined deionization time, the filter voltage is raised to a new level which is lower than the filter voltage at which the initial voltage breakdown occurred, by a predetermined amount. The filter voltage is subsequently raised in accordance with a predetermined voltage-time function until a further voltage breakdown occurs. The electrofilter voltage is controlled by a microcomputer system in accordance with stored control parameter values. The stored control parameter values are advantageously recalled to control the electrofilter voltage in response to the operating state of a plant in which the electrofilter is employed.

Abstract: The optimum knock frequency of an electrofilter installation consisting of several filters is determined. Each filter includes a microcomputer controller and a knocking device. The knock frequency is controlled by a superimposed master computer and the optimum knock frequency for a given knock frequency, varying the frequency by the master computer, again measuring the long-term average of the dust loading, and continuing to change the frequency and measure the dust loading until the dust loading value reaches a minimum.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the voltage of an electrostatic filter with respect to its breakdown voltage limit. The detection of secondary voltage breakdowns which occur within a post-breakdown time period after an initial voltage breakdown cause the filter voltage to be lowered to zero value. After a deionizing time period, the filter voltage is gradually raised during a predetermined rise time period until it reaches a new value. The duration of the deionizing time period and the rise time period may be advantageously computed in response to the history of voltage breakdowns, by a microcomputer system.

Abstract: The automatic recording of the current-voltage characteristic of an electrostatic filter in which the characteristic obtained upon stepwise variation of the control is displayed to the operating personnel and at the same time saturation phenomena and voltage maxima are picked up.

Abstract: A method for controlling the voltage of an electrostatic filter at the breakdown limit in which, when a breakdown occurs, the voltage is reduced by an amount which is determined by the breakdown voltage and the prior history of the breakdown and the waiting time to the next increase of the filter voltage is made dependent on the ratio of the voltages at successive breakdowns by comparing voltage amplitudes which immediately precede the breakdowns.