Method and automation system for replacing an existing control device in an automation system with a new control device and automation system designed for this purpose

A method for replacing an existing control device in an automation system by a new control device, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving, by the existing control device, measured values from automation components, processing the received measured values, generating control values for at least one of said automation components and other automation components and outputting control values from the existing control device to the at least one automation component, at least some of the automation components being connected to the existing control device over wired communication paths;
• testing the new control device by (i) transmitting the measured values to be received by the existing control device and the control values generated by and output from the existing control device upon receipt of the received measured value wirelessly to the new control device based on a switch position of a changeover unit, (ii) generating, by a regulation algorithm of the new control device, control values and supplying the generated control values through a further changeover unit to a comparison unit and (iii) comparing, via the comparison unit, control values upon receipt of the transmitted measured values generated by the new control device with the control values generated by and output from the existing control device;
• outputting, after successfully testing the new control device, the control values generated by the new control device to the automation components instead of the control values generated by the existing control device;
• and
• disconnecting the wired communication paths from the existing control device after the testing and connecting the wired communication paths to the new control device.