Device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels

Abstract

A device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels may include a casing, a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein the PCB incorporates a microprocessor and an electrical current sensor; a female connector and a male connector, the female connector and the male connector being connected electrically; and a communications terminal with remote control equipment. In some non-limiting embodiments, the device may be configured to: connect a wire of the power circuit to the female connector of the casing; connect the male connector of the casing to the connection hole of protection equipment of an electrical panel; measure the amperage of the electrical current circulating through the wire, and; process and digitize the measurement of the amperage of the electrical current circulating through the wire, and transmit it, through the communications terminal, to the remote control equipment.

Claims

1. A device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, comprising: a casing made of electrically-insulating material; a printed circuit board (PCB) inside the casing, wherein the PCB incorporates a microprocessor and an electrical current sensor; a female connector and a male connector in the casing, the female connector and the male connector being connected electrically; and a communications terminal with remote control equipment; wherein the device is configured to: connect a power circuit electrically-conducting wire to the female connector of the casing; connect the male connector of the casing to a connection hole of a protection equipment of an electrical panel; measure the amperage of the electrical current circulating through the power circuit electrically-conducting wire, and; process and digitize the measurement of the amperage of the electrical current circulating through the power circuit electrically-conducting wire, and transmit the measurement, through the communications terminal, to the remote control equipment.

2. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the communications terminal comprises at least one connection port of a data communication channel.

3. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 2, wherein the connection port is a multi-pin port.

4. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the PCB comprises a copper insert, and wherein the device is configured to enable the circulation of currents of up to 65 amperes.

5. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an internal memory configured to store electrical variables that are measured and/or calculated based on the measurements performed by the device.

6. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an internal power source.

7. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to receive electrical power for the operation thereof through a power source connected, by means of a power BUS, to a power port.

8. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 7, wherein the connection port incorporates the power port, and the power BUS makes up, together with the data communication channel, part of a connection BUS, configured to be connected into the connection port.

9. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 7, wherein the device comprises a DC/DC converter for adjusting the power voltage level of the power BUS to the level required for the operation of the device.

10. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device is made up of an individual module, configured for the connection of a single electrically-conducting wire of the power circuit.

11. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device is made up of a three-phase module, configured for the connection of four electrically-conducting wires of the power circuit, wherein three of said wires correspond to three phases of a three-phase circuit, and one of said wires corresponds to the neutral of said three-phase circuit.

12. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 11, wherein the device comprises a voltage sensor for each phase, configured to perform voltage measurements between phases and/or between a phase and neutral.

13. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device is made up of a single-phase module, configured for the connection of two electrically-conducting wires of the power circuit, wherein one of said wires corresponds to a phase of a single-phase circuit, and another of said wires corresponds to the neutral of said single-phase circuit.

14. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 13, wherein the device comprises a voltage sensor for each phase, the voltage sensor configured to perform voltage measurements between phases and/or between a phase and a neutral.

15. The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises fastening means for fastening the wire to the female connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) As part of the explanation of at least one non-limiting embodiment of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, the following figures have been included.

(2) FIG. 1: shows a front schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the individual variant thereof.

(3) FIG. 2: shows a rear schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the individual variant thereof.

(4) FIG. 3: shows a front schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the three-phase variant thereof.

(5) FIG. 4: shows a rear schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the three-phase variant thereof.

(6) FIG. 5: shows a front schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the single-phase variant thereof.

(7) FIG. 6: shows a rear schematic perspective view of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the single-phase variant thereof.

(8) FIG. 7: shows a schematic diagram of the different internal modules of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the individual variant thereof.

(9) FIG. 8: shows a schematic diagram of the different internal modules of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, according to the three-phase variant thereof.

(10) FIG. 9: shows a first configuration by way of example of the connection of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(11) FIG. 10: shows a second configuration by way of example of the connection of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(12) FIG. 11: shows a third configuration by way of example of the connection of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) The present invention relates to, as mentioned previously, a device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(14) Below, and without prejudice to the general nature of the invention, as described previously, at least one embodiment of the invention is described below, with help from the figures.

(15) The device of the invention comprises a body with small dimensions, equipped with a plastic casing. Preferably, the size of the device is somewhat smaller than the size of the protection equipment (18) for the electrical panel (not shown) to which the device is coupled.

(16) The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels object of the present invention is configured to be connected, in a simple manner, to any electrical panel of a domestic or industrial electrical installation. To connect the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, it is enough to take out the wire (17) for conducting the electrical current of the protection equipment (18) or switch (circuit breaker, differential, etc.) or of the fuse box of the electrical panel, and insert the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels between said wire and said switch or fuse box.

(17) Preferably, there are three variants of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(18) The first variant, or individual module (1) is shown schematically in perspective in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

(19) According to a preferred embodiment, the size of the individual module (1) is (approximate measurements) 3.9 cm long, 1.7 cm wide and 2.2 cm deep.

(20) The second variant, or three-phase module (2), is shown schematically in perspective in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

(21) According to a preferred embodiment, the size of the three-phase module (2) is (approximate measurements) 3.9 cm long, 7.2 cm wide and 2.85 cm deep.

(22) The third variant, or single-phase module (1′), is shown schematically in perspective in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

(23) According to a preferred embodiment, the size of the single-phase module (1′) is (approximate measurements) 3.9 cm long, 3.6 cm wide and 2.85 cm deep.

(24) In order to install the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, the wire of the corresponding switch or fuse box of the electrical panel is disconnected, and said wire is introduced by a socket or female connector (3) of the individual module (1), the single-phase module (1′) or the three-phase module (2). Subsequently, the wire is fastened to the female connector (3) by means of fastening means (4) provided in the device. These fastening means (4) typically comprise a fastening screw.

(25) Below, a “comb” or male connector (5) of the individual module (1), the single-phase module (1′) or the three-phase module (2) is introduced into the corresponding connection hole of the switch or fuse box, said connection hole conventionally provided for the direct connection of the wires for conducting the electrical current. Subsequently, by means of the conventional fastening screws of the switches or fuse boxes, the male connector (5) of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels is secured to said switch or fuse box.

(26) According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the dimensions of the “comb” or male connector (5) (approximate measurements) are 11 mm long, 5 mm wide and 2.1 mm thick. These dimensions facilitate the male connector (5) being able to be comfortably and easily fit into the connection hole, with standardized dimensions, of practically all the protection equipment (18) (switches, fuse boxes, etc.) present on the market.

(27) The three-phase module (2) comprises a quadruple comb, made up of four male connectors (5), corresponding to the three phases and the neutral of a three-phase circuit. Likewise, in a corresponding manner, the three-phase module (2) comprises four female connectors (3).

(28) The neutral wire (17) is drawn with stripes in the figures, while the phase wires (17) are drawn in plain white.

(29) The single-phase module (1′) comprises a double comb, made up of two male connectors (5), corresponding to a phase and the neutral of a single-phase circuit with alternating current. Likewise, in a corresponding manner, the single-phase module (1′) comprises two female connectors (3).

(30) The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels comes equipped with at least one multi-pin connection port (6), for connecting a data communication channel (7) for sending the measured electrical variables to remote reading/control equipment (not shown), typically a computer.

(31) According to an embodiment by way of example, the multi-pin connection port (6) comprises five pins, for connecting a communication channel (7) with five threads.

(32) Preferably, the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels comprises at least two multi-pin connection ports (6a, 6b), wherein a first connection port (6a) is provided for connecting a data communication channel (7) for communicating between distinct individual modules (1), single-phase modules (1′) and/or three-phase modules (2), and a second connection port (6b) is provided, for the same aim (connection between modules), or for connecting one data communication channel (7) for sending the electrical variables measured by at least one individual module (1), single-phase module (1′) and/or at least one three-phase module (2), to remote reading/control equipment. Preferably, one and a further multi-pin connection port (6a, 6b) are indistinctly provided to be connected to remote control/reading equipment or to a further individual (1), single-phase (1′) or three-phase (2) module of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(33) In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, corresponding to the single-phase (1′) and three-phase (2) modules, the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels comprises three multi-pin connection ports (6a, 6b, 6c). In these cases, a first multi-pin connection port (6a) is provided, either for being connected to the remote control/reading equipment, or for being connected to other modules of the same category (three-phase modules to each other and/or single-phase modules to each other); a second multi-pin connection port (6b) is provided to be connected to other modules from the same category, and; a third multi-pin connection port (6c) is provided to be connected to other modules of different categories.

(34) As seen in FIGS. 3 to 6, the single-phase (1′) and three-phase (2) modules comprise a reset button (19).

(35) The device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels object of the present invention internally comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) that integrates at least one current sensor (8).

(36) Preferably, said PCB is manufactured with technology that enables said PCB to be crossed by relatively elevated current amperages, typically of up to 65 amps (A).

(37) According to a preferred embodiment, a commercial Wirelaid® brand PCB (manufactured by the German company JUMATECH GmbH) or similar is used.

(38) The individual module (1) internally comprises a current sensor (8), configured to measure the amperage of the electrical current that crosses said individual module (1).

(39) According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the single-phase module (1′) and the three-phase module (2) internally comprise, for each of the phases (including the neutral), a current sensor (8) and a voltage sensor (9), respectively configured to measure the amperage of the electrical current in each of the phases and the neutral, and the voltage level between the different phases, and between the phases and the neutral.

(40) Likewise, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual module (1), the single-phase module (1′) and the three-phase module (2) comprise respective internal memories (10) for storing the electrical variables measured in each of said individual (1), single-phase (1′) or three-phase (2) modules.

(41) Likewise, the individual module (1), the single-phase module (1′) and three-phase (2) module comprise respective microprocessors (11) for digitizing and processing the electrical measurements performed, for storing them in the internal memory (10), and for sending said calculated measurements and/or variables through the connection port (6) and the communication channel (7) to another individual (1), single-phase (1′) or three-phase (2) module.

(42) Furthermore, the device incorporates a transceiver (12) or media converter. As introduced previously, said transceiver (12), in those embodiments wherein there is a connection port (6) for transmitting data through a data communication channel (7), is configured to perform the adjustment of the parameters of the communication used for transmitting data through the communication channel (7). In these cases, among other functions, the transceiver (12) is configured to adjust the voltage levels of the data transmission to values that are suitable for the data communication channel (7).

(43) According to an embodiment by way of example, a connection port (6), a BUS (7) and an RS-485 transceiver (12) are used.

(44) Additionally, the communication channel (7) also acts as a power supply channel for the different individual (1), single-phase (1′) and/or three-phase (2) modules. Each module (1, 1′, 2) receives a power supply voltage in direct current (DC) from the communication channel (7) and, by means of a DC/DC converter (13) provided internally in each individual (1), single-phase (1′) and three-phase (2) module, it adjusts said power source voltage to values suitable for the operation of the device.

(45) In order to power the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, an alternating current (AC) output is connected, by means of an AC terminal (16) of the three-phase module (2), to a power source (14). Said power source (14) in turn comprises a multi-pin connection port (6) for connecting the communication channel (7) that provides the power source in direct current (DC) to all the individual (1), single-phase (1′) and/or three-phase (2) modules installed in the electrical panel.

(46) Therefore, the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels, apart from measuring/calculating the electrical variables in an electrical panel, takes the electrical energy that it needs for the operation thereof from the electrical energy that circulates through at least one of the circuits of said electrical panel.

(47) According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the three-phase module (2) is configured to act as a master of the individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules, which in turn act as slaves.

(48) However, the individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules are also configured to be able to perform the function thereof of measuring and sending electrical measurements, without intermediation from a three-phase module (2).

(49) In the master/slave configuration, the three-phase module (2) performs a reading of the electrical variables that are measured and stored in the internal memories (10) of the individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules connected to the communication channel (7), and then the three-phase module (2) records in its own internal memory (10) the electrical variables recorded by the individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules.

(50) The individual module (1), as well as the single-phase module (1′) and the three-phase module (2) are all configured to measure electrical currents, both alternating (AC) and direct (DC).

(51) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the distinct elements that make up each of the individual (1) and three-phase (2) modules of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels.

(52) FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show different types of connection of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels (only individual (1) and three-phase (2) modules have been represented)).

(53) According to a first configuration shown in FIG. 9, the device enables, as mentioned previously, a three-phase module (2) to be connected, by means of a communication channel (7), to different individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules (not shown), such that the three-phase module (2) performs its own current and voltage measurements, saving them in the internal memory (10) thereof, while it performs the function of master, reading the measurements that had been previously performed by the individual (1) and single-phase (1′) modules (not shown) and stored in the respective internal memories (10) thereof (in this configuration, the individual and single-phase modules (not shown) act as slave modules).

(54) According to a second configuration, shown in FIG. 10, the individual modules act autonomously (not as slaves), performing the measurements thereof, storing them in the internal memories (10) thereof and sending them by means of a communication channel (7) to remote control/reading equipment.

(55) Likewise, FIG. 11 shows a third configuration, similar to that of FIG. 9, but wherein the power source (14) has been detailed, forming a portion of the connection of the device for measuring electrical variables in electrical panels. According to this configuration, the power source (14), which has an alternating current (AC) input port (15), is connected to the AC terminal (16) of the three-phase module (2).

(56) Despite the fact that in FIG. 11 the power source (14) has been shown inserted between the master (three-phase module (2)) and the slaves (individual modules (1)), the power source (14) also has the possibility of being located at the beginning of the communication channel (7), before a master.

(57) The power source (14) delivers a DC power source voltage through a multi-pin connection port (6) to the communication channel (7) which distributes said power between the distinct individual (1), single-phase (1′) (not shown) and three-phase (2) modules of the device.

(58) Alternatively, the alternating current input port (15) of the power source can be connected to an alternative source (14), instead of connecting it to the AC terminal (16) of a three-phase module (2).