EP2575152B1 - Tragbare Lichtbogenverhinderungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Tragbare Lichtbogenverhinderungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2575152B1
EP2575152B1 EP11007967.0A EP11007967A EP2575152B1 EP 2575152 B1 EP2575152 B1 EP 2575152B1 EP 11007967 A EP11007967 A EP 11007967A EP 2575152 B1 EP2575152 B1 EP 2575152B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shunt device
zero
electrical connection
portable shunt
portable
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP11007967.0A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2575152A1 (de
Inventor
Jason Johnson
Melvyn Mc Gann
Leslie Allan
Philip FOXLEY
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Tyco Electronics UK Ltd
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Tyco Electronics UK Ltd
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Priority to EP11007967.0A priority Critical patent/EP2575152B1/de
Publication of EP2575152A1 publication Critical patent/EP2575152A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2575152B1 publication Critical patent/EP2575152B1/de
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541—Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542—Contacts shunted by static switch means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices for preventing arc, and in particular, to a device that can be connected to an electrical connection that has to be opened or closed under load conditions. Further, the present invention relates to a method for opening or closing an electrical connection under load conditions. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a portable device for opening or closing an electrical connection under load conditions.
  • LV low voltage
  • Urban low voltage network in the United Kingdom are for instance supplied from medium voltage/low voltage (MV/LV) substations having a primary voltage of 11 kV and a secondary voltage of 240 V.
  • MV/LV medium voltage/low voltage
  • a fundamental issue related to high power AC distribution networks is the large arc flashing generated when making or breaking an existing connection. Arc discharge is caused when a connection is opened or closed at a random part of the AC sine wave cycle, thereby suddenly switching the current to zero or full load.
  • an arc flash is an explosive electrical event that represents a hazard to the technicians working on the line.
  • the current load on the electrical connection to be maintained or repaired is interrupted, by for instance, switching off the link box to which the affected electric line is connected. This leads to an interruption of the energy supply to the customers possibly for a number of hours, thereby representing a clear economic damage for the electricity provider and the customers.
  • Electronic circuits such as triacs and the like, embedded in automatic control circuits or similar systems for preventing arc flashing, are known in the art.
  • US 2008/0048807 A1 describes an alternating-current (AC) relay including a circuit for avoiding the arc discharge phenomenon.
  • a triac is connected to an AC input and further connected in parallel to an electromechanical switch.
  • a control circuit waits for the next zero-crossing of the AC input and subsequently turns on both the triac and a winding coil driving the switch.
  • the triac switches on immediately while the winding coil needs more time to move the armature and close the contact.
  • US 5,818,710 relates to an intelligent electric socket which has incorporated a semiconductor switch, an electromechanical switch and a signal processor.
  • the electromechanical switch is connected in parallel across the semiconductor switch.
  • the signal processor receives the command signal, it controls operation of the semiconductor switch and the electromechanical switch.
  • the semiconductor switch is closed and maintained in the closed state, followed by closing the electromechanical switch.
  • the opening of the intelligent socket is achieved by first opening the electromechanical switch and then opening the semiconductor switch.
  • the signal processor may analyze the wave form of the alternating current input voltage and to trigger the opening and closing of the semiconductor switch at instants in which the AC voltage passes through zero.
  • the arc-preventing circuitry described above can be implemented in switch gear modules to be embedded in link boxes across the low voltage distribution network. However, if a fault occurred on a different portion of the network or if a connection along an electric line has to be maintained or replaced, this solution requires switching off the node (link box) to which the affected portion of the electric line is connected thereby causing disruption of the electricity supply to a wide portion of the network.
  • the present invention aims at providing a device that allows a technician to make or break a connection at any arbitrary location along the network without cutting off the energy supply.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for breaking or making an electrical connection under load condition without causing arc.
  • a portable shunt device that can be connected at any arbitrary location of an electric line in a LV network or the like so as to form a bridge for redirecting the flow of current and bridging a portion of the electric line including the electrical connection that has to be opened or closed.
  • a first advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides a portable shunt device for preventing arcing in an electrical connection to be opened or closed under load conditions.
  • the portable shunt device comprises a zero cross circuit; a control unit adapted to send control impulses for controlling the conduction state of the zero cross circuit in response to a control signal; a pair of terminals connected to the zero cross circuit for releasably connecting the portable shunt device across the electrical connection to be opened or closed so as to bridge the electrical connection.
  • the section of the electrical line bridged by the portable shunt device is in an "off-load" condition. Hence a connection included in the bridged section of the electric line can be broken or closed without causing arcing. Further, since the current keeps flowing through the shunt device, the current supply does not need to be interrupted.
  • the pair of terminals of the portable shunt device of the present invention may include two insulated leads.
  • a first end of each insulated lead may be connected to the zero-cross circuit, and a second end thereof may include a clamping means for releasably connecting the insulated lead across the electrical connection.
  • the pair of connection terminals are conducting terminals located on the housing of the portable shunt device and are connectable across a section of the electric line including an the electrical connection by means of a pair of flying leads.
  • the pair of flying leads may be fixed to the connection terminals and to the electric line by means of clamping means.
  • the portable device is designed to be connected to any kind of electric line or cable.
  • the first one of the pair of terminals is connectable to a cable terminal connected to a voltage supply and a second one of the pair of terminals is connectable to a cable terminal connected to a load.
  • the portable shunt device may further include a user interface for inputting a control signal to the portable shunt device. Accordingly, the conduction state of the zero-cross circuit may be controlled by the control unit based on the input control signal.
  • the user interface may comprise means for manually activating the portable shunt device. According to this realization, the user can decide when the portable shunt device has to start conducting.
  • the user interface may further include a visual indicator for indicating when the connection across which the device is connected can be safely opened or closed.
  • the zero-cross circuit may include a thyristor module.
  • the thyristor module can be activated by sending a burst of signals to its gate. In its active mode is conducting and it turns off automatically at the zero crossing of the AC current. Further, once the connection has been safely closed, the resistance of the contact making the connection will be very little. Thus, the presence of the thyristor will make little or no difference. In case the connection is opened, the voltage drop across the terminals being disconnected is determined by the thyristors in the thyristor module and is only a few volts. This suppresses the arcing at break.
  • the portable shunt device may further advantageously include a power supply unit for energising the control unit and the user interface.
  • a power supply unit for energising the control unit and the user interface.
  • the present invention further provides a method for preventing arcing in an AC electrical connection to be opened under load conditions.
  • the method includes the step of connecting a first and a second terminal of a portable shunt device across the electrical connection so as to bridge the electrical connection to be opened.
  • the first and second terminals are connected to a zero cross circuit.
  • the portable shunt device can be switched on so as to activate the zero-cross circuit, wherein the zero-cross circuit is conducting in its active state.
  • the electrical connection may be opened at a position within a section bridged by the portable shunt device. Subsequently, the portable shunt device will break the current now flowing in it at the zero crossing and then may be disconnected from the electrical connection.
  • the present invention further provides a method for preventing arcing in an AC electrical connection to be closed under load conditions. Accordingly, a first and a second terminal of the portable shunt device are connected to the electrical connection so as to form a bridge across a first open terminal and a second open terminal of the electrical connection, wherein the first and second terminals are connected to a zero-cross circuit.
  • the portable shunt device is switched on so as to activate the zero-cross circuit at the zero crossing point of the AC current, so that the zero-cross circuit starts conducting. Then, the first open terminal can be connected to the second open terminal. Finally, the portable shunt device can be disconnected from the first and second open terminals.
  • a section of an electric line including a connection to be opened or closed is bridged by the shunt device. Consequently, the connection is opened or closed in an "off-load" condition, since the current is redirected through the thyristor module 210 in the portable shunt device.
  • This allows preventing arc flashover, which could damage the terminals to be opened, connectors, fuses or relays present on the electric line.
  • a faulty or obsolete connection or switch on an electric line may be repaired or replaced without switching off the entire node of the network, to which the electric line including the connection to be opened is connected, and without exposing specialized teams working on the line to any hazard.
  • connecting the first and a second terminal may comprise connecting a connection element to the second open terminal of the electrical connection and connecting the first connection terminal of the portable shunt device to the connection element, and the second terminal of the portable shunt device to the first open terminal of the electrical connection.
  • the first open terminal of the electrical connection may be connected to a voltage supply and the second open terminal of the electrical connection may be connected to a load.
  • the step of connecting the first open terminal to the second open terminal may comprise connecting the first open terminal to the connection element.
  • the portable shunt device of the present invention may be used for bridging a section of an electric line comprising an electrical connection to be opened or closed under load conditions.
  • the problem underlying the present invention is based on the observation that commonly used security circuitry for preventing arcing when connecting or disconnecting electric lines are normally embedded in link boxes located along current networks. If an electrical connection needs to be opened or closed at an arbitrary location along an electric line in the network, the node to which the affected electric line is connected has to be shut off completely by switching off the switch gear module embedded in a link box, thereby causing economical losses for the current provider and for the users attached to the particular node of the LV network.
  • the present invention provides a portable shunt device that can be connected at any arbitrary location of an electric line in a LV network or the like so as to form a bridge for redirecting the flow of current and bridging a portion of the electric line including the electrical connection that has to be opened or closed.
  • a portable shunt device that can be connected at any arbitrary location of an electric line in a LV network or the like so as to form a bridge for redirecting the flow of current and bridging a portion of the electric line including the electrical connection that has to be opened or closed.
  • the use of the portable shunt device of the present invention therefore allows performing maintenance on an arbitrary portion of an electrical line under load conditions in a safe manner.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example of a portable shunt device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the portable shunt device 100 is a standalone device and includes a zero-cross circuit 110 connected to a control unit 120.
  • the control unit 120 is connected to a user interface 130 and to input means 140 adapted to receive an input signal for controlling the portable shunt device.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 is connected to a first and a second terminal 141, which may be electrical contacts arranged on a housing 101 of the portable shunt device 100.
  • a first and a second insulated electric cable 151 may be connected through clamping means (not shown) to the first and second electric contacts.
  • Each of the first and second electric cables 151 may include at a free end thereof a conducting clamping means 161 for temporary clamping the first and second cables 151 to an electrical line (not shown).
  • the electric cables 151 may be soldered to the zero-cross circuit 110 at the manufacturing stage.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 includes an electrical circuit that starts conducting upon a signal from the control unit when the AC load voltage is at or close to the zero-phase.
  • the control circuit 120 includes a voltage zero-crossing detection circuit (not shown), which is adapted to be driven from the portion of the electrical connection to be opened or closed connected to the voltage supply.
  • the voltage zero-crossing detection circuit is capable of detecting the timing of the zero voltage crossing and issues a control signal to the zero-cross circuit 110 for controlling its conduction state.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 may include any kind of relay, such as triacs, silicon-controlled rectifiers, or thyristor modules. The function of the zero-cross circuit and its possible configurations will be described in more detail with reference to figures 2 and 3 .
  • the portable shunt device 100 may further include a power supply (not shown) for powering the user interface and the control unit.
  • the power supply may be a battery or a power cable to be connected to a current network.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a portable standalone shunt device 200 according to a further realization of the present invention.
  • the parts of the portable shunt device 200, which were already described in relation with figure 1 are indicated with the same reference signs and will not be described again.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 includes a thyristor module 210.
  • the thyristor module 210 is controlled by the control unit 120 and its functioning is described in full detail in the co-pending not prepublished application PCT/GB/2010/052151 (publication number WO2012/085492 ).
  • control unit 120 may be controlled by a relay on/off signal provided from an external source.
  • the input signal could be directly input into the control unit 120 or it could be input to the control unit 120 through a user interface 130.
  • the control unit 120 is connected to the thyristor module 210, which includes a pair of thyristors 210, 212 connected in an anti-parallel arrangement across the connecting terminals 141. In other words, the thyristor pair is connected with reversed polarities and in parallel.
  • the gate terminals of the thyristors 211, 212 are respectively connected to the control unit 120 so that the control unit 120 can control the state of the thyristor module.
  • One of the thyristors conducts current during positive AC half-cycles and the other thyristor conduct current during negative AC half-cycles.
  • the thyristor module 210 has an Inactive mode, whereby the thyristor module in non-conductive, and an Active Mode.
  • the control unit 120 Upon receiving a switch-on signal through the user interface 130, the control unit 120 sends a switch-on pulse to the thyristor module 210, which changes its state from the Inactive Mode to the Active Mode and starts conducting.
  • one of the thyristors 211, 212 conducts current during positive AC half-cycles and the other thyristor conducts current during the negative AC half-cycle. Current will then flow through the first and second terminals 141 via the thyristor module 210. If the first and second connecting terminals 141 are connected to an AC load so as to bridge a section of an electric line that has to be connected, the current continues to flow in the thyristors until a number of AC cycles later, when the connection is completely closed. Once the connection operation is completed, a signal is sent by the control unit 120 to the thyristor module 210 so as to remove drive to the thyristors at the first available zero-crossing of the AC voltage.
  • the thyristor module 210 reverts to the non-conducting, Inactive Mode. As the connection has been closed, AC-current will then flow through the primary electrical line. Since during the connection of the two sections of the electric line current was flowing through the thyristor module 210 in the portable shunt device 200, the section of the electric line bridged by the portable shunt device 200 was in an "off-load" condition. Therefore, there is no arc flashover that could damage the electrical line or could represent a hazard for the technician working on the line.
  • the portable shunt device 200 can be connected through the first and second connection terminals 141 to a cable of an electric line across a portion including an electrical connection to be opened.
  • the first and second connection terminals 141 may be connected to the electric line through a connection cable 151, which can be clamped via a clamping means 161.
  • the clamping means 161 may be any means adapted to be releasably connected to an electric cable or to a connector so as to establish a stable and firm connection. If the thyristor module 210 is in the inactive mode, no current will flow to the portable shunt device 200.
  • the control unit 120 Upon activating the portable shunt device 200, the control unit 120 will issue a pulse signal to switch the thyristor module 210 from the inactive to the active mode. After this operation, the thyristor module 210 will be in a "latent" conduction mode, so that it can conduct AC current once the electric line is broken.
  • the control unit 120 sends a burst of pulses to the thyristor module 210 to turn the thyristors 211 and 212 on at the zero-crossing of the AC current and keep the thyristors 211, 212 in a conductive state.
  • the electric line (not shown) can be cut or opened and as a consequence of opening the electric line under load conditions, the AC current will be redirected through the portable shunt device 200 and will begin to flow through the thyristor module 210.
  • the portable shunt device can be switched off.
  • the control unit 120 removes the drive from the thyristor module 210 prior to the first subsequent AC zero-crossing, which causes the thyristor module 210 to revert to the non-conducting state at the zero-crossing of the AC current.
  • the section of the electric line bridged by the shunt device 200 is opened in an "off-load” condition, since the current is redirected through the thyristor module 210 in the portable shunt device 200.
  • This allows preventing arc flashover, which could damage the terminals to be opened, connectors, fuses or relays present on the electric line.
  • a faulty or obsolete connection or switch on an electric line may be repaired or replaced without switching off the entire node of the network, to which the electric line to be opened is connected, thereby preventing exposing a technician working on the line to any hazard.
  • a high-frequency signal such as a square wave may be used. This would allow for simpler implementation of the coupling arrangement to the thyristor gates, generally using a transformer to provide voltage isolation. Also, when the electric line is being opened, it is essential for the thyristor module to be in a conducting state prior to the opening, even though the precise time when this occurs is unknown.
  • a high frequency gate drive would ensure that the thyristors are in a "latent" conductive state, and will conduct as soon as current flows through them instead of through the electric line.
  • Such a gate drive signal could be obtained by gating the output from a high-frequency source with a logic signal that defines the "ON" time required of the thyristors.
  • An insulating transformer (not shown) may be provided across the control unit 120 and the connection terminals 141.
  • the insulating transformer enables the AC path through the switching circuit to be completely isolated from the control unit, for improved safety and reduced EMC interference.
  • the switch-off or switch-on command can be generated according to several design options.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 can be activated in a fully automatic manner.
  • the control unit 120 detects that the first and second connection terminals 141 of the portable shunt device 200 are connected across an electrical connection and automatically sends the signal pulse for switching the thyristor module 210 to the active or inactive mode.
  • the circuit will have a start delay of a predetermined time and the control unit 120 sends an input signal to the user interface 130, which will visually indicate to a user of the portable shunt device 200 when it is safe to make or break the connection in the electric line and when not.
  • the user interface 130 may include a display for displaying a counter indicating the time left for opening or breaking the connection safely.
  • the device may include visual indicators, such as an LED of a predetermined colour, which turns on when operation on the electric line can be safely performed.
  • the control circuit 120 will detect a drop in the current through the thyristor. After a further predetermined time delay, a further indicator in the user interface may indicate that the portable shunt device can be safely removed.
  • the portable shunt device 200 can be switched off or on by a user operation through the input means 140.
  • the input means may be a push button 140 to be pushed and held in order to enable the thyristor module 210.
  • releasing the button would turn off the portable shunt device 200 and cause the control unit 120 to remove the drive from the thyristor module 210 so as to revert same to the non-conducting state at the first next zero-crossing of the AC current.
  • the portable shunt device may include a button to be pushed down a first time for starting the portable shunt device 200 and cause the control unit 120 to send a burst of pulses for activating the thyristor module 210.
  • the portable shunt device 200 can be switched off so that the control unit 120 can remove the drive from the thyristor module 210.
  • the portable shunt device 200 may include a push button for switching on the device and make the thyristor module 210 conductive as explained above.
  • the control unit 120 has in this realization an incorporated timer, which automatically switches off the thyristor module 210 once the connection has been made.
  • the push button may be provided on the housing 201 of the portable shunt device 200 so as to be activated with a hand.
  • the input means 140 may be a detachable control panel that can for instance be activated by a foot.
  • Co-pending not prepublished European patent application 11003205 discloses an arrangement that avoids failure of the thyristor module 210 in case a fault current that exceeds the surge overload current rating of the thyristors 211, 212 flows through the electric line. Accordingly, the thyristors 211, 212 are closed just prior to the zero-crossing point of the voltage and the thyristor module 210 will switch off automatically at the zero-crossing point.
  • the load current flowing in the portable shunt device 200 is measured. If the load current is within a normal range of switching load currents, a closing operation sequence is initiated, in which an additional firing of the thyristors 211, 212 will take place just prior to the zero-crossing voltage point and at a timing that would be incrementally earlier from the zero-crossing point used for the first thyristor energization. Thus, after the first thyristor energization, each subsequent firing takes place at an instant of time, with respect to the next zero-voltage crossing point that differs from the immediately proceeding firing instant by a predetermined time increment.
  • the firing process is repeated for each consecutive zero-crossing until a stage is reached when the thyristors 211, 212 are conducting for the full duration of the half-cycle.
  • the control unit 120 provides a signal to the user interface 130, which in turn indicates to the user of the portable shunt device 200 that an open connector or the like in the portion of the electric line bridged by the portable shunt device 200 can be safely closed.
  • the control unit 120 no longer fires the thyristors 211, 212 prior to the zero-crossing point.
  • a signal will be sent to the user interface, which will then be visually indicate to the user that the electric line cannot be safely closed.
  • This feature might be implemented by providing a current sensor 213 connected across a connection terminal 141 and the control unit 120.
  • the current sensor 213 may be adapted to detect the current flowing though the shunt device and to generate a signal based on the sensed value of current.
  • the generated signal could be analogue voltage or current.
  • the current sensor may generate a digital output.
  • the generated signal can be fed to the control unit 120, which drives the thyristor module 210 accordingly as described above. Additionally, the generated signal can be utilized to display the measured current through the user interface.
  • the generated signal may be also stored in a memory (not shown), which may be provided in the shunt device, for further analysis.
  • the current sensor 213 may provide sensor data also to an over-current detection circuit (not shown).
  • an over-current detection circuit for example, a current transformer or a Hall-Effect device could be used, but whatever means is used, it must have sufficient bandwidth to respond accurately to the narrow current pulses that may occur at the start of the Active Mode; otherwise, the response to a potentially severe overload condition could take too long.
  • Abnormal currents occurring when opening or closing the electric line may for example be detected as follows.
  • a first means of detection is by direct comparison of the peak level of the current signal generated by the current sensor 213, on a cycle-by-cycle basis, with a predetermined reference value.
  • the second means of detection is by the detection of the absolute peak amplitudes of successive pulses, and then performing a calculation to establish the rate of rise of the current. This can be compared to a predetermined value.
  • the latter method may be implemented by a software algorithm.
  • the Active Mode can be aborted thereby preventing overheating and/or damage to the thyristor module.
  • the control unit 120 may issue a signal to the user interface 130, which may in turn indicate to the user of the portable shunt device 200 to brake up the closing operation of an open connector or the like in the portion of the electric line bridged by the portable shunt device 200. The closing of the electric line into a fault condition can therefore be prevented.
  • the visual indicators indicating whether the electric line can be safely closed or opened may be any kind of indicators suitable for this purpose.
  • a green light indicator may indicate that the electric line can be safely closed
  • a red light indicator may indicate that the conditions for safely closing the electric line are not met.
  • the portable shunt device 200 may include only one light indicator, which emits light only if a connection can be safely opened or closed.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a portable standalone shunt device 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the portable shunt device 300 includes a zero-cross circuit 110 comprising a thyristor module 210 arranged and connected to the control unit 120 and to the first and second terminals 141 as already described with reference to figure 2 .
  • the thyristors 211, 212 may have a high overload current rating and the zero-cross circuit 110 further comprises an over-current protection device 320 installed in series with the pair of anti-parallel thyristors 211, 212.
  • the additional over-current protection device may be a positive temperature coefficient PTC referred to as PTC device 320.
  • the resistance of the PTC device 320 varies significantly with temperature and/or when the current flowing through the PTC device 320 is significantly increased.
  • the control unit 120 senses the fault current and decides whether it is safe to open or close the electrical line or whether to blow the fuse.
  • the current may be sensed by means of a current sensor (not shown) connected as described with reference to the embodiment of figure 2 . If the control unit 120 decides that the electric line can be safely opened, the thyristors 211, 212 are driven to their active mode so as to prevent arcing.
  • control unit 120 issues a command to the user interface 130 to visually indicate that the connection can be safely opened as already described with reference to figure 2 .
  • the control unit 120 switches off the thyristors 211, 212 at the first zero-crossing.
  • the insertion of the PTC device 320 in series with the pair of anti-parallel thyristors 111, 112 limits the current flowing into the thyristors, which can otherwise fail above a moderate fault current (2.5-5 Ka) in case of large short circuit currents.
  • the load current ranges from 400 to 800A and the operating voltage is 240 Vac/50 Hz for the UK and 110 Vac/60 Hz for the US.
  • the dimensions of the PTC element 320 are preferably selected so as to allow the PTC element 320 to be accommodated underneath the pair of anti-parallel thyristors 211, 212.
  • the portable shunt device of the present invention may comprise an over-current protection device or a fuse (not shown), for instance, a 315A or 400A LV J-tag fuse, which is connected across the connection terminals 141.
  • a fuse for instance, a 315A or 400A LV J-tag fuse, which is connected across the connection terminals 141.
  • the purpose of the fuse is to provide additional backup protection and also to clear network faults above the overload current rating of the thyristors.
  • the thyristor module 210 is used to redirect currents flowing in the electric line to be opened or closed up to a certain threshold level, e.g. 6kA rms.
  • the fuse is configured to blow if a current above this level is sensed. Existing network safety and protection is guaranteed by this arrangement.
  • the current may be sensed by means of a current sensor (not shown) connected as described with reference to the embodiment of figure 2 . Based on the sensed current values sampled at a predetermined timing, for instance, 256 times per cycle, and depending on the threshold level the control unit 120 determines if the thyristor module 210 should be driven into the Active Mode or the fuse should be blown. The operating time characteristic of the shunt device is matched to the fuse operational curve.
  • the shunt device may warn the user not to close an open electric line if there are two different phases on the connection terminals 141. This may be achieved by checking the voltage on both the connection terminals 141 or by measuring the time difference between the zero voltage crossings of the voltage on both sides. This prevents the shunt device creating a phase-phase fault on the network.
  • the user interface 130 will indicate not to open the electric connection if load current exceeds a predefined threshold. This is achieved by verifying the load current before commencing an opening operation and allows preventing damage to the thyristors.
  • Figures 4 to 6 show an electric line 400 connected to an AC load (not shown) and a portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 according to the present invention, and illustrates the steps needed for safely closing or opening an electrical connection 450 in the electric line 400 under load conditions. This process is summarized in the flowcharts of figure 7 and 8 .
  • Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for closing an electrical connection along an electric line without causing arcing.
  • a connector 450 is connected to a live terminal 420 of the electric line 400.
  • the live terminal 420 is the portion of the electric line connected to the voltage supply.
  • the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 is connected to the connector 450 and to a dead cable 410 of the electric line 400.
  • the dead cable 410 is the portion of the electric line 400 that supplies the load.
  • the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 is connected to the dead cable 410 and to the live cable 420 by means of two insulated cables or fly leads 151 connected to the terminals of the zero-cross circuit 110 and depicted in figure 5 .
  • the fly leads 151 are fixed to the dead cable 410 and to the live portion of the connector 450 through clamping means 161.
  • step S73 the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 is turned on so that the control unit 120 can drive the zero-cross circuit 110 from the inactive to the active mode. Accordingly, the zero-cross circuit 110 driven by the control unit 120 starts conducting at the zero crossing point of the AC voltage, as described with reference to figures 1 to 3 .
  • step S74 the dead cable 410 and the live cable 420 of the electric line 400 can be connected together by connecting the dead cable 410 to the connector 450 as illustrated in figure 6 .
  • figure 6 illustrates a situation, wherein the electric line is connected through a connector 450
  • a connection can also be established in alternative ways, such as by operating a switch, a conductor, a link or a fuse or by piercing the insulation with a conducting bolt or the like.
  • step S75 the dead connector 410 is connected to the connector 450 and activated, while the zero-cross circuit 110 is in its active mode. Since the current is flowing to the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300, the electric line 400 can be activated without risk of arc flashing.
  • step S76 the control unit 120 turns off the zero-cross circuit at the first zero-crossing point of the AC. Subsequently, the portable shunt device can be disconnected from the electric line 400.
  • FIG 8 is a flowchart diagram describing a method for opening a connection 450 of an electric line 400 under load conditions.
  • step S81 the two insulated file leads 151 of the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 are connected across a section of the electric line 400 including the connection to be opened.
  • the section to be opened may be a connector 450 as shown in figure 6 .
  • the use of the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 of the present invention is not limited to this type of connections and may also be used for opening a switch, a conductor, a link, a fuse or the like.
  • step S82 the portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 is switched on and the control unit 120 drives the zero-cross circuit 110 to its active mode.
  • the zero-cross circuit 110 will be in a "latent" conduction mode as described in the previous paragraphs.
  • the electric line 400 can be opened by removing one portion of the electric line 400, such as the dead terminal 410 from the connector 450 in step S83.
  • opening the electric line may be obtained by removing a link or a fuse, or operating a switch or a contactor.
  • the voltage drop across the dead terminal 410 and the live terminal 420 being disconnected will be determined by the voltage drop across the zero-cross circuit 110.
  • the zero-cross circuit includes a pair of anti-parallel thyristors 211, 212 as depicted in figures 2 and 3 , the voltage drop will be determined by the voltage drop across the thyristors 211, 212. Since the voltage drop across the zero-cross circuit will only be of a few volts, arcing caused by electric discharge due to the high voltage difference between the two terminals 410, 420 of the connection 450 being opened is suppressed. The zero-cross circuit 110 will then turn off automatically at the zero-current point. In step S84, the device can be turned off and disconnected from the opened terminals 410, 420 of the electric line 400.
  • a zero-cross circuit 110 including a semiconductor device, such as a thyristor module 210 is integrated in a portable shunt device 100, 200, 300 including two open terminals 141, 142 adapted to be connected across a section of an electric line 400 including a connection 450 to be opened or closed.
  • the portable shunt device of the present invention allows opening or closing an electrical connection under load condition, while preventing arc discharge. In this manner, any arbitrary portion of an electric line along a current network can be opened or closed for repair or maintenance work in a safe manner under load conditions.
  • the portable shunt device of the present invention allows to open or close a connection while preventing arc discharge, detrimental effects on the terminals on the terminals being connected or disconnected is avoided, thereby extending the lifetime of the electric line.
  • the portable device of the present invention allows opening or closing an arbitrary portion of an electric line under live load conditions, customer minutes lost (CML) for utilities are reduced, thereby reducing economic losses of the electricity provider and the customers of said provider.
  • CML customer minutes lost
  • the portable shunt device of the present invention prevents arcing while making or breaking a connection, switches, connectors, contactors, link, fuses or the like used for opening or closing the connection no longer need to be designed so as to withstand arc damage. Consequently, costs related to such parts can be drastically reduced.

Landscapes

  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) zur Verhinderung einer Lichtbogenbildung in einer elektrischen Verbindung (450), die unter Lastbedingungen zu öffnen oder zu schließen ist, wobei die tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) aufweist:
    eine Benutzerschnittstelle (130), die ausgebildet ist, ein Steuersignal in eine Steuereinheit (120) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) einzuspeisen;
    eine Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110);
    eine Steuereinheit (120), die ausgebildet ist, Steuerimpulse zur Steuerung des Leitzustands der Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) auf der Grundlage des eingespeisten Steuersignals zu senden;
    zwei Verbindungsanschlüsse (141) als Paar, die mit der Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) zum lösbaren Anschließen der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) an der elektrischen Verbindung (450), die zu öffnen oder zu schließen ist, verbunden derart sind, dass die elektrische Verbindung (450) überbrückt ist;
    wobei die Steuereinheit (120) ferner ausgebildet ist, die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) an dem Nulldurchgangspunkt der Wechselstromspannung zu aktivieren, wenn die Steuerimpulse anzeigen, dass die tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) einzuschalten ist, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem aktiven Zustand leitend ist; und
    wobei die Steuereinheit (120) ferner ausgebildet ist, die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) am Nulldurchgangspunkt des Wechselstroms zu deaktivieren, wenn die Steuerimpulse anzeigen, dass die tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) auszuschalten ist, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem deaktivierten Zustand nicht leitend ist.
  2. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die zwei Verbindungsanschlüsse (141) zwei isolierte Anschlussleitungen (151) aufweisen, wobei
    ein erstes Ende jeder isolierten Anschlussleitung (151) mit der Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) verbunden ist, und
    ein zweites Ende jeder isolierten Anschlussleitung (151) eine Klemmeinrichtung (161) zum lösbaren Anschließen des isolierten Anschlussdrahtes (151) an der elektrischen Verbindung aufweist.
  3. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die zwei Verbindungsanschlüsse (141) leitende Anschlüsse sind, die geeignet sind, an der elektrischen Verbindung (450) mittels zweier Schnellanschlüsse (151) angeschlossen zu werden, wobei die zwei Schnellanschlüsse (151) mittels einer Klemmeinrichtung (161) an den Anschlüssen (141) und der elektrischen Verbindung fixiert sind.
  4. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei der erste der zwei Verbindungsanschlüsse (141) ausgebildet ist, mit einem Kabelanschluss (410) verbunden zu werden, der mit einer Versorgungsspannung verbunden ist, und der zweite der zwei Verbindungsanschlüsse (141) ausgebildet ist, mit einem Kabelanschluss (420), der mit einem Verbraucher verbunden ist, verbunden zu werden.
  5. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Benutzerschnittstelle (130) eine Einrichtung zum manuellen Aktivieren der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) aufweist.
  6. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Benutzerschnittstelle eine visuelle Indikatoreinheit aufweist, die anzeigt, wann eine sichere Verbindung sicher geöffnet oder geschlossen werden kann.
  7. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) ein Thyristormodul (210) aufweist.
  8. Tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, die ferner eine Leistungsversorgungseinheit zur Speisung der Steuereinheit (120) und der Benutzerschnittstelle (130) aufweist.
  9. Verfahren zur Verhinderung einer Lichtbogenbildung in einer elektrischen Verbindung (450), die unter Lastbedingungen zu öffnen ist, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:
    Anschließen eines ersten und eines zweiten Verbindungsanschlusses (141) einer tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) an der elektrischen Verbindung (450) derart, dass die elektrische Verbindung (450), die zu öffnen ist, überbrückt wird, wobei der erste und der zweite Verbindungsanschluss (141) mit einer Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) verbunden werden;
    Einspeisen, durch eine Benutzerschnittstelle (130), eines Steuersignals in eine Steuereinheit (120) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300);
    Steuern, auf der Grundlage des eingespeisten Steuersignals, des Leitzustands der Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) durch Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120);
    auf der Grundlage der jeweiligen Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120), Einschalten der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) derart, dass die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) am Nulldurchgangspunkt des Wechselstroms aktiviert wird, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem aktiven Zustand leitend ist;
    Öffnen der elektrischen Verbindung (450) an einer Stelle innerhalb eines Abschnitts, der durch die tragbare Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) überbrückt wird;
    auf der Grundlage der entsprechenden Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120), Ausschalten der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) derart, dass die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) am Nulldurchgangspunkt des Wechselstroms deaktiviert wird, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem deaktivierten Zustand nicht leitend ist; und
    Abkoppeln der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) von der elektrischen Verbindung (450).
  10. Verfahren zur Verhinderung einer Lichtbogenbildung in einer elektrischen Wechselstromverbindung (450), die unter Lastbedingungen zu schließen ist, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:
    Verbinden eines ersten und eines zweiten Verbindungsanschlusses (141) einer tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) mit der elektrischen Verbindung (450) derart, dass eine Brücke über einen ersten offenen Anschluss (410) und einen zweiten offenen Anschluss (420) der elektrischen Verbindung (450) gebildet wird, wobei der erste und der zweite Verbindungsanschluss (141) mit einer Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) verbunden werden;
    Einspeisen, durch eine Benutzerschnittstelle (130), eines Steuersignals in eine Steuereinheit (120) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300);
    Steuern, auf der Grundlage des eingespeisten Steuersignals, des Leitzustands der Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) durch Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120);
    auf der Grundlage der entsprechenden Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120), Einschalten der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) derart, dass die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) am Nulldurchgangspunkt der Wechselstromspannung aktiviert wird, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem aktiven Zustand leitend ist;
    Verbinden des ersten offenen Anschlusses (410) mit dem zweiten offenen Anschluss (420);
    auf der Grundlage der entsprechenden Steuerimpulse aus der Steuereinheit (120), Ausschalten der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) derart, dass die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) an dem Nulldurchgangspunkt des Wechselstroms deaktiviert wird, wobei die Nulldurchgangsschaltung (110) in ihrem deaktivierten Zustand nicht leitend ist; und
    Abkoppeln der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) von dem ersten offenen Anschluss (410) und dem zweiten offenen Anschluss (420).
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Schritt des Anschließens eines ersten und eines zweiten Verbindungsanschlusses (141) umfasst:
    Verbinden eines Verbindungselements (450) mit dem zweiten offenen Anschluss (420) der elektrischen Verbindung; und
    Verbinden des ersten Verbindungsanschlusses (141) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung (100, 200, 300) mit dem Verbindungselement (450) und des zweiten Verbindungsanschlusses (141) der tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung mit dem ersten offenen Anschluss (410) der elektrischen Verbindung.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei der erste offene Anschluss der elektrischen Verbindung mit einer Versorgungsspannung und der zweite offene Anschluss der elektrischen Verbindung mit einem Verbraucher verbunden werden.
  13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei der Schritt des Verbindens des ersten offenen Anschlusses (410) mit dem zweiten offenen Anschluss (420) umfasst: Verbinden des ersten offenen Anschlusses (410) mit dem Verbindungselement (450).
  14. Verwendung einer tragbaren Shunt-Einrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 zur Überbrückung eines Abschnitts einer elektrischen Leitung (400), die eine elektrische Verbindung (450) aufweist, die unter Lastbedingungen zu öffnen oder zu schließen ist.
EP11007967.0A 2011-09-30 2011-09-30 Tragbare Lichtbogenverhinderungsvorrichtung Active EP2575152B1 (de)

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CN204189670U (zh) 2014-03-07 2015-03-04 广州市金矢电子有限公司 电流反馈式电子灭弧装置
CN105428118B (zh) * 2014-12-11 2018-06-22 广州市金矢电子有限公司 灭弧装置及无弧开关

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US3388295A (en) * 1964-08-20 1968-06-11 Hubbell Inc Harvey Current interrupter
FR2696055B1 (fr) * 1992-09-23 1994-12-09 Sgs Thomson Microelectronics Prise électrique intelligente.
CN201004435Y (zh) 2006-08-25 2008-01-09 百利通电子(上海)有限公司 一种交流继电器

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