Patent Application
20130015712
The present disclosure relates to a switch unit that is able to reliably perform switching operations in conditions such as a power main drop or lack of power due to plant faults or failures etc. The switch unit according to the present disclosure effectively safeguards end user devices or electric appliances/apparatuses which are operatively connected thereto. The switch unit of the present disclosure is suitable to be used in medium voltage panels or switchboards or other medium voltage appliances.
As used herein, the phrase “medium voltage” refers to applications in the range of between 1 KV and some tens of kV.
A medium voltage panel is known to include a contactor for opening/closing an electric circuit. The contactor is driven by an electromagnetic actuator, such as a solenoid actuator. The panel includes a capacitor bank which is charged by an external power main supply and which stores an amount of electric energy that is used for driving the electromagnetic actuator. The panel includes an electronic board which is supplied by the external power main supply. The electronic board operates for enabling the capacitors bank to be charged by the external power main supply and for commanding the electric discharge of electric energy from the capacitor bank to the electromagnetic actuator when required by an operator.
However, known medium voltage panels are limited in their use and functioning in critical situations. For example, in case of a lack of external main power, due for example to faults or failures of the industrial plant in which the panel is installed, the electronic board is not electrically supplied by the external power mains. As a result, the electronic board is not able to drive the contactor in order to open the electric circuit. Therefore, any downstream electric device operatively connected to the panel remains connected to the latter and without being isolated from the electric circuit. Consequently, the integrity of such downstream devices, or of other devices connected to the panel, are not safely preserved, and may be jeopardized by possible damaging events that affect the panel or an overall system in which the panel is included.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switch unit which includes a current switching device drivable by an electromagnetic actuator for opening/closing an electric circuit associated with the switch unit, and a first energy storage means for storing an amount of electric energy for the electromagnetic actuator. The exemplary switch unit also includes electronic controller means for controlling a supply of the amount of electric energy from the energy storage means to the electromagnetic actuator. The electronic controller means are suppliable by an external power line. In addition, the exemplary switch unit includes emergency procedure operating means associated with the electronic controller means and including a second energy storage means. The emergency procedure operating means are configured for enabling driving of the current switching device and opening the electric circuit in an emergency condition in which there is a decrease in supply of the external power line.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for switching an electric circuit operatively associated with a switch unit including a first energy storage, an electronic controller and a current switching device operatively coupled to an electromagnetic actuator. The exemplary method includes providing in the switch unit a second energy storage, and storing in the first energy storage an amount of electric energy provided by a power line external to the switch unit. The stored energy is suitable to be supplied to the electromagnetic actuator for driving the current switching device to open/close the associated electric circuit. The exemplary method also includes entering an emergency procedure mode in which there is a decrease in supply of the external power line, and supplying the electronic controller through the second energy storage so as to drive the current switching device and open the associated electric circuit when an emergency opening command is generated during the emergency condition.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switch unit which includes a current switching device drivable by an electromagnetic actuator for opening/closing an electric circuit associated with the switch unit, and a first energy storage for storing an amount of electric energy for the electromagnetic actuator. The exemplary switch unit also includes an electronic controller for controlling a supply of the amount of electric energy from the energy storage to the electromagnetic actuator. The electronic controller is suppliable by an external power line. In addition, the exemplary switch unit includes an emergency procedure operating component associated with the electronic controller and including a second energy storage. The emergency procedure operating component is configured to enable driving of the current switching device and opening the electric circuit in an emergency condition in which there is a decrease in supply of the external power line.
Additional refinements, advantages and features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide improvements to known medium voltage panels. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switch unit, which can be associated with a medium voltage panel, and which is able to reliably operate in critical conditions, such as in case of a lack or drop of external main power supply due, for example, to a fault or failure of the plant to which the switch unit is connected.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switch unit which includes a current switching device drivable by an electromagnetic actuator for opening/closing an electric circuit associated with the switch unit, and a first energy storage means for storing an amount of electric energy for the electromagnetic actuator. The exemplary switch unit also includes electronic controller means for controlling a supply of the amount of electric energy from the energy storage means to the electromagnetic actuator. The electronic controller means are suppliable by an external power line. In addition, the exemplary switch unit includes emergency procedure operating means associated with the electronic controller means and including a second energy storage means. The emergency procedure operating means are configured for enabling driving of the current switching device and opening the electric circuit in an emergency condition in which there is a decrease in supply of the external power line.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for switching an electric circuit operatively associated with a switch unit including a first energy storage, an electronic controller and a current switching device operatively coupled to an electromagnetic actuator. The exemplary method includes providing in the switch unit a second energy storage, and storing in the first energy storage an amount of electric energy provided by a power line external to the switch unit. The stored energy is suitable to be supplied to the electromagnetic actuator for driving the current switching device to open/close the associated electric circuit. The exemplary method also includes entering an emergency procedure mode in which there is a decrease in supply of the external power line, and supplying the electronic controller through the second energy storage so as to drive the current switching device and open the associated electric circuit when an emergency opening command is generated during the emergency condition.
Due to the features of the present disclosure, it is possible for a stored amount of energy to be used in an optimal way and an emergency switching operation, if requested, is ensured even if the external main power is missing.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, as will be better understood from the following description, the switch unit is configured so as to be able to continuously monitor a main power supply and to enter a low-consumption mode when a lack of main power is detected. If an opening command occurs while a lack of external power supply is being experienced, or when the external main power supply is below a given threshold (e.g., it is lower than an acceptable operative value), the switch unit temporarily reactivates only the peripheral devices or components associated therewith which are necessary for performing the opening command.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.
With reference to
The switch unit 1 can be used, for example, in a non-limiting way, in medium voltage panels or switchboards, or switchgear, or in connection with other medium voltage apparatuses or devices. In turn, the electric circuit 100 can be, for example, but not limited to, a section of a grid, a load, etc.
The switch unit 1 includes an isolated power supply 2 which is connectable to an external power line/mains 3 from which electric energy is received for operating in normal conditions.
The switch unit 1 includes a current switching device 4 for opening/closing the electric circuit 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switching device includes a medium voltage contactor 4. For example, the contactor can be the so called-“V-Contact VSC” marketed by ABB Group; alternatively, any type of contactor suitable for performing the functionalities required may be used.
An actuator 5, for example, a bistable electromagnetic actuator, is included in the switch unit 1 for driving the contactor 4, and includes at least one coil. Any suitable electromagnetic actuator available on the market can be used in the switching unit 1 according to the present disclosure.
A power drive 6 is configured for electrically activating the coil of the actuator 5 so as to move a movable contact of the contactor 4, thereby opening or closing the associated electric circuit 100. Therefore, the power drive 6 is configured for functioning in normal operating conditions of the switch unit 1 and causing (together with the actuator 5 and the contactor 4) both opening or closing of the associated electric circuit 100 according to operations which are known in the art and therefore will not be described herein in further detail.
The switch unit 1 is provided with an energy storage 7 (e.g., energy storage means), which may include, for example, a first capacitor bank section 7, operatively connected to the isolated power supply 2 and to the power drive 6. The energy storage 7 may hereinafter be referred to as a first energy storage or first energy storage means.
The first capacitor bank section 7 is charged by the isolated power supply 2 with electric energy supplied by the external power mains or line 3. For example, the first capacitor bank section 7 supplies, on request, the stored amount of electric energy to the actuator 5, for opening or closing the electric circuit during normal operating of the switch unit 1, i.e. in normal operating conditions.
The switch unit 1 also includes an electronic controller 8 (e.g., electronic controller means) for handling basic functions and emergency procedures. Basic functions are performed within a basic management mode (B) of operating of the switch unit 1, as shown in
Differently, with the term “emergency procedures” reference is made to an operating condition which implies a low power consumption due to a lack of, drop in, irregular supply, or cessation of main external power to the switch unit 1. In this case, the switch unit 1 operates in a low power management mode (L) (shown in
The electronic controller 8 is configured for operating the first capacitor bank section 7 and the actuator 5. The electronic controller 8 includes a microcontroller, such as a CPU 8 (Central Processing Unit) having a processor. The CPU 8 is electrically supplied by a power supply digital/analog part 9 which is in turn supplied by the isolated power supply 2.
The CPU 8 is able to detect a power supply signal 10 from the power supply digital/analog part 9. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switch unit 1 is provided with a power fail detector through which a possible failure condition of the external power supply from the line 3 (power completely shut-down or dropped below an acceptable operative value) is recognized by the CPU 8. In this way, the external power supply can be continuously monitored by the CPU 8.
The switch unit 1 includes an input open signal port 11 through which an external input open command 15 can be received, for opening the electric circuit, and an input close signal port 12, through which an external input close command can be received, for closing the electric circuit 100.
In normal operating conditions, when an input open command 15 arrives at the input open signal port 11, an input open signal 13 is generated to the CPU 8 which, in turn, sends an open command 17 to the power drive 6, so as to drive the contactor 4, thus opening the circuit 100.
In normal operating conditions, when an input close command 16 arrives at the input close signal Port 12, an input close signal 14 is generated towards the CPU 8 which, in turn, sends a close command 18 to the power drive 6, so as to drive the contactor 4, thus closing the circuit 100.
The switch unit 1 includes an emergency procedure operating component 20 (e.g., emergency procedure operating means) configured for enabling the electronic controller 8 to also operate in an emergency condition, for example, in situations in which a lack or drop of the main power from the external line 3 occurs, or an irregular supply of the external main power is experienced, for example if the external power supply goes below a given threshold (lower than an acceptable operative value).
Owing to the emergency procedure operating component 20, driving of the contactor 4 is also possible in an emergency condition, when it is required.
The emergency procedure operating component 20 is associated with the electronic controller 8. For example, at least part of the emergency procedure operating unit 20 is embedded in the electronic controller 8.
In particular, the emergency procedure operating component 20 includes a low power main controller section 22, which is included in the electronic controller 8, and which performs, through a proper applicative software executed by the processor of the CPU 8, the low power management procedure, that is, it enables the switch unit 1 to be in a state condition that allows for preservation of energy. In other words, the low power main controller section 22 is a subset of the CPU 8 which is able to manage low power conditions.
The emergency procedure operating component 20 includes an emergency power drive 25 for opening the contactor 4 in an emergency situation, for example, to drive the coil of the actuator 5 for opening the contactor 4. The emergency power drive 25 can be a separate drive, or embedded into the power drive 6, or just part of the power drive 6 itself.
The emergency procedure operating means 20 includes also a step-up power drive 26 which is operatively connected to the low power main controller section 22, and to the emergency power drive 25, and an additional energy storage indicated by the reference number 23. The additional energy storage 23 may hereinafter be referred to as a second energy storage or second energy storage means
The additional energy storage 23 includes a backup capacitor section 24 which is also operatively connected to the step-up power drive 26, and a second capacitor bank section 21 which serves to electrically supply the emergency power Drive 25, and which is managed by the low power main controller section 22.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first capacitor bank section 7 and the second capacitor bank section 21 can be completely separated energy storage units and may respectively include a first capacitor or a first capacitor bank and a second capacitor or a second capacitor bank, which are distinct from one another. In another exemplary embodiment, the first capacitor bank section 7 and the second capacitor bank 21 are both part of a single capacitor or of a single capacitor bank. In the example disclosed herein with reference to the attached drawings, the first capacitor bank section 7 and the second capacitor bank section 21 are both included in a single and the same capacitor. This means that the first capacitor bank section 7 is a fraction of such a capacitor intended to operate during normal condition functioning of the switch unit 1, and the second capacitor bank section 21 is a further fraction of the capacitor intended to operate during an emergency condition functioning of the switch unit 1, which implies a low power consumption.
The step-up power drive 26, upon a power supply digital signal 27 and a power drive enabling signal 28 are generated, generates and sends an analog signal 30, for example, a signal for activating voltage, to the emergency power Drive 25 and allows electric energy to be supplied from the second capacitor bank section 21 to the emergency power drive 25, thus opening the electric circuit.
A request to open the circuit 100 associated with the switching unit 1 in an emergency situation can be given, for example, by a user through a dedicated emergency input open port 29.
The backup capacitor section 24 supplies energy to the digital/analog section 9 and includes a capacitor bank which is charged at a proper value, as shown by the charging behaviour curve C1, at the Y2 ordinate in
The backup capacitor section 24 is managed by the CPU 8 which reads the power supply voltage through the power supply signal 10 and activates charging of the backup capacitor section 24, through a charge signal 35. During a first phase P1, other activities can be executed at full CPU speed. After the first phase P1, the electric charge is hold in a second phase P2, for a holding time Th, in which the switch unit 1 operates in normal conditions. During the second phase P2, the CPU 8 runs at maximum speed and all functions are guaranteed.
During functioning in normal conditions (basic management mode), for example, in the second phase P2, a basic operation (B_o) of the switch unit 1 takes place (see
Power supply (PS) is continuously monitored by the CPU 8. Upon an external open request, for example, upon an input open command 15, the switch unit 1 performs a normal circuit opening (N_o). Upon an external close request, for example, upon an input close command 16, the switch unit 1 performs a normal circuit closing (N_c).
During functioning, if a drop of the voltage level related to the power fed by the line 3 under an acceptable level is detected by the CPU 8, the switch unit 1 goes into the low power management mode (L).
For example, the low power main controller section 22 goes into a low power main controller function mode (as shown in
During the third phase P3, in which the external power supply 3 is in a failure condition (e.g., shut-down, or a drop below an acceptable operative value), the charge of the back-up capacitor section 24 progressively runs out. The CPU 8 enters the low power main controller function mode and the power to the electronic controller 8, and in particular to the power main controller section 22 will be given by the back-up capacitor section 24.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, during this third phase P3 various possible activities/functions carried out in normal conditions are left either at full “sleep mode” or completely switched off, just waiting for restoration of the main external power supply or for an external opening command request.
In this situation, the power main controller section 22 puts itself and the entire CPU 8 in an energy low-consumption mode and drains power from the back-up capacitor section 24; the amount of power drained from the back-up capacitor section 24 is, for a predetermined time, enough basically for: continuing to monitor the power supply (Ps) from the main power line 3 (the power signal 10 from the power supply digital/analog part 9 is checked); and checking if an emergency opening command 15 is received (at the input open signal port 11 or at 29). At the same time, the main controller section 22 substantially freezes the second capacitor bank section 21 with the actual residual level of energy stored therein when entering the low power management mode L. In addition, the main controller section 22 switches completely off and/or puts in a stand-by mode (low-energy consumption mode) all peripherals, e.g. devices, units, communications functions, circuits or parts thereof, and the like, operatively associated with or included in the switch unit and operatively connected to the electronic controller 8, which peripherals are not strictly needed to perform monitoring of the power supply (Ps) from the main power line 3 and checking if an emergency opening command 15a is received. Such peripherals may include, for example but not limited to, dip-switches, external serial ports, as well as the emergency power drive 25, the step-up power drive 26, etc.
Hence, in this condition, if the main power from the power line 3 is correctly restored, the CPU 8 enters again the basic management mode (B) condition. If instead, an emergency opening command 15a occurs, while a lack of main power is being experienced, the CPU 8 temporarily reactivates any peripheral required to perform such a command and open the circuit. In other words, the emergency power drive 25 is re-activated, thus acting on the solenoid of the actuator 5, by using the residual energy stored and conserved into the second capacitor bank section 21.
This operation is shown in
Owing to this switch unit 1 configuration, by switching off or putting a stand-by low consumption mode any peripheral not strictly needed, waste of energy is avoided thus enabling the CPU system clock to slow down. The operability of the switch unit 1 is guaranteed a few hours, according to the auto discharge characteristic of the energy storage means used.
Differently from and advantageously with respect to known devices, an opening of the circuit is therefore possible despite the lack of external power supply, owing to the switch unit of the disclosure as above configured. During a power fail, a closing operation of the electric circuit may not be allowed. The CPU 8, for example, the low power main controller section 22, supervises the correctness and completion of the opening operation of the circuit. The switch unit 1 according to the present disclosure thus enables a high safety level to be obtained for a user, and enables to effectively and reliably safeguard any end devices or electric appliances which are operatively connected to, and/or operated by the switch unit 1 itself.
Possible variants and/or additions to the switch unit 1, and any medium voltage panel including the same, can be provided. In particular, the switch unit 1 discussed above may undergo modifications and/or may be implemented in many different versions, and any part of the switch unit 1 herein disclosed may be replaced by a corresponding technically equivalent component according to desired requirements, all coming within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10156853.3 | Mar 2010 | EP | regional |
This application claims priority as a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. §120 to PCT/EP2011/053391, which was filed as an International Application on Mar. 7, 2011 designating the U.S., and which claims priority to European Application 10156853.3 filed in Europe on Mar. 18, 2010. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/EP2011/053391 | Mar 2011 | US |
| Child | 13604215 | US |
