CIRCUIT BREAKER DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A circuit breaker device for a low-voltage circuit has a mechanical isolating contact unit connected in series with an electronic disconnection unit. The mechanical isolating contact unit is switched by opening contacts to prevent current flow or closing the contacts for current flow in the low-voltage circuit. The electronic disconnection circuit is switched by semiconductor-based switching elements into a high-resistance state of the switching elements or into a low-resistance state of the switching elements for current flow in the low-voltage circuit. When the amount of an instantaneous current value of the low-voltage circuit exceeds at least one current threshold value, prevention of the current flow of the low-voltage circuit is initiated. The at least one current threshold value is adjusted according to the magnitude of the voltage of the circuit breaker device.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A circuit breaker device for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit, the circuit breaker device comprising: a housing having first and second connections for conductors of the low-voltage circuit; a series circuit having a mechanical isolating contact unit and an electronic interruption unit and electrically connecting said first and second connections; said mechanical isolating contact unit being configured to be switched by opening contacts to prevent a current flow or by closing the contacts to allow a current flow in the low-voltage circuit; said electronic interruption unit being configured to be switched by semiconductor-based switching elements to a high-impedance state of the switching elements in order to prevent a flow of current or to a low-impedance state of the switching elements to allow a current flow in the low-voltage circuit; a current sensor unit for ascertaining a level of an instantaneous current of the low-voltage circuit to provide instantaneous current values; a voltage sensor unit for ascertaining a level of a voltage in the low-voltage circuit to provide instantaneous voltage values; a control unit connected to said current sensor unit, to said voltage sensor unit, to said mechanical isolating contact unit, and to said electronic interruption unit, and configured to initiate a prevention of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit when at least one current threshold value is exceeded; and wherein said control unit is configured to adjust the at least one current threshold value on a basis of the level of the voltage in the low-voltage circuit.

18. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein: said first connections are grid-side connections and said second connections are load-side connections; and said mechanical isolating contact unit is associated with said load-side connections and said electronic interruption unit is associated with said grid-side connections.

19. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one current threshold value is adjusted by lowering the at least one current threshold when the voltage decreases and by raising the at least one current threshold when the voltage increases.

20. The circuit breaker device according to claim 19, wherein the at least one current threshold value is raised up to a maximum value of the at least one current threshold value.

21. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one current limit value is continually adjusted at a rate faster than 20 ms.

22. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one current limit value is continually adjusted at a rate faster than 1 ms.

23. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, which comprises an analog comparator for comparing the instantaneous current value of the ascertained level of the current with the at least one current threshold value, wherein, when an absolute value of the level of the current exceeds an absolute value of the at least one current threshold value, the prevention of the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated.

24. The circuit breaker device according to claim 23, wherein: the at least one current threshold value is digitally computed, the computed digital current threshold value is converted into an analog current threshold value using a digital-to-analog converter; and the analog current threshold value is supplied to said comparator.

25. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein said control unit is configured: to convert the level of the voltage into a digital voltage value, to normalize the digital voltage value to an amplitude value thereof, to subsequently calculate the absolute value, to then multiply the absolute value by a first factor, and subsequently add a minimum value to yield a scaling factor for the at least one current threshold value; and to multiply the scaling factor by the at least one current threshold value in order to obtain an adjusted current threshold value.

26. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein said control unit is configured: to convert the level of the voltage into a digital voltage value, to subtract the absolute value of the voltage value from the amplitude of the voltage value, and to subsequently multiply a result by a factor to yield a correction value; and to deduct the correction value from the at least one current threshold value in order to obtain an adjusted current threshold value.

27. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein: instantaneous current threshold values are provided, which are dependent on a time characteristic of the instantaneous voltage values; and wherein said control unit is configured to compare the instantaneous current values with the instantaneous current threshold values in a phase-related manner, and, when an absolute value of the instantaneous current threshold value exceeds an absolute value of the instantaneous current threshold values, to initiate an interruption of the low-voltage circuit.

28. The circuit breaker device according to claim 17, wherein the instantaneous current threshold values are periodic instantaneous current threshold values, which are dependent on a periodic time characteristic of the instantaneous voltage values.

29. The circuit breaker device according to claim 26, wherein: the low-voltage circuit has a voltage characteristic that is sinusoidal over time; the instantaneous current threshold values have current threshold value characteristic that is approximately sinusoidal over time, with a minimum value that is greater than zero; time characteristics of the voltage and of the current threshold values are synchronized in a phase-related manner in such a way that a time of the amplitude of the voltage matches a time of the amplitude of the current threshold value.

30. The circuit breaker device according to claim 29, wherein the instantaneous current threshold values have an absolute-value current threshold value characteristic with a minimum value that is greater than 5 to 20% of a maximum value.

31. The circuit breaker device according to claim 29, wherein a zero crossing of the voltage matches a minimum value of the current threshold value.

32. A method for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit in a circuit breaker device, the method comprising: providing the circuit breaker device with a mechanical isolating contact unit that is connected in series with an electronic interruption unit; wherein the mechanical isolating contact unit is configured to be switched by opening contacts so as to prevent a current flow or closing the contacts to allow a current flow in the low-voltage circuit; wherein the electronic interruption unit is configured to be switched by semiconductor-based switching elements to a high-impedance state of the switching elements to avoid a current flow or to a low-impedance state of the switching elements to allow the current flow in the low-voltage circuit; ascertaining a level of a voltage of the low-voltage circuit to provide instantaneous voltage values; ascertaining a level of a current of the low-voltage circuit to provide instantaneous current values; when an absolute value of the instantaneous current value exceeds at least one current threshold value, initiating a prevention of the current flow in the low-voltage circuit; and adjusting the at least one current threshold value on a basis of the level of the voltage in the circuit breaker device.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the adjusting step comprises adjusting the at least one current threshold value based on the level of the voltage such that a decreasing voltage results in a lowering of the at least one current threshold value and an increasing voltage results in an increase of the at least one current threshold value.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the adjusting step comprises adjusting the at least one current threshold value to a maximum value of the at least one current threshold value.

35. A computer program product, comprising computer-readable commands which, when the program is executed by a microcontroller, the microcontroller is prompted assist in, or perform, the method according to claim 32.

36. A computer-readable storage medium storing thereon a non-transitory computer program product which, when a corresponding computer program is executed on a computer, is configured to execute the method according to claim 32.

Description

[0079] The properties, features and advantages of this invention that are described and the way in which they are achieved will become clearer and more distinctly comprehensible in conjunction with the description of the exemplary embodiments that follows, said exemplary embodiments being explained more thoroughly in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a first representation of a circuit breaker device,

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a second representation of a circuit breaker device,

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a first configuration of the circuit breaker device,

[0083] FIG. 4 shows a second configuration of the circuit breaker device,

[0084] FIG. 5 shows voltage and current threshold value characteristics over time.

[0085] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a circuit breaker device SG for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit, in particular low-voltage AC circuit, having a housing GEH, comprising: [0086] connections for conductors of the low-voltage circuit, in particular first connections L1, N1 for a grid-side, in particular energy-source-side, connection EQ of the circuit breaker device SG and second connections L2, N2 for a load-side, in particular energy-sink-sidein the case of passive loads , connection ES (load-side connection) of the circuit breaker device SG, there being able to be provision for specifically phase-conductor-side connections L1, L2 and neutral-conductor-side connections N1, N2; [0087] the load-side connection can comprise a passive load or/and an active load ((further) energy source), or a load that can be both passive and active, e.g. sequentially in time; [0088] a voltage sensor unit SU in order to ascertain the level of the voltage of the low-voltage circuit, with the result that instantaneous voltage values (phase-related voltage values) DU are available; instantaneous (phase-angle-related) voltage values mean in particular analog instantaneous voltage values, i.e. for example an analog equivalent indicating the level of the voltage, for example an analog voltage whose level corresponds to that of the voltage, [0089] a current sensor unit SI in order to ascertain the level of the current of the low-voltage circuit, in such a way that instantaneous (phase-angle-related) current values DI are available; [0090] instantaneous (phase-angle-related) current values mean in particular analog instantaneous current values, i.e. for example an analog equivalent indicating the level of the current, for example an analog voltage whose level corresponds to that of the electric current, [0091] an electronic interruption unit EU that, as a result of semiconductor-based switching elements, has a high-impedance state for the switching elements for the purpose of preventing (in particular interrupting) a flow of current and a low-impedance state for the switching elements for the purpose of current flow in the low-voltage circuit, [0092] a mechanical isolating contact unit MK that can be switched by opening contacts in order to prevent a flow of current or by closing the contacts for a flow of current in the low-voltage circuit, [0093] a control unit SE connected to the voltage sensor unit SU, to the current sensor unit SI, to the mechanical isolating contact unit MK and to the electronic interruption unit EU.

[0094] The mechanical isolating contact unit MK is electrically connected in series with the electronic interruption unit EU.

[0095] The control unit SE can: [0096] be produced with a digital circuit, e.g. with a microprocessor; the microprocessor can also contain an analog part; [0097] be produced with a digital circuit having analog circuit parts.

[0098] The circuit breaker device SG, in particular the control unit SG, is configured in such a way that the exceeding of at least one current threshold value results in prevention of a flow of current in the low-voltage circuit being initiated, in particular being initiated in a first step by the electronic interruption unit EU.

[0099] That is to say that the exceeding of at least one current threshold value, which is generally caused by an, in particular load-side (ES), short circuit, results in the electronic interruption unit EU being switched from the low-impedance state to the high-impedance state in order to interrupt the low-voltage circuit.

[0100] The circuit breaker device is configured in such a way that the at least one current threshold value is adjusted on the basis of the level of the voltage in the low-voltage circuit.

[0101] That is to say that there is provision for at least one current threshold value, the exceeding of which (in particular in terms of absolute value) results in prevention of a flow of current in the low-voltage circuit being initiated. This one current threshold value is then adjusted on the basis of the level of the voltage. This would provide a simple solution for the invention.

[0102] There may also be provision for multiple current threshold values; in particular, there may be provision for instantaneous/phase-angle-related current threshold values, with the result that an instantaneous or phase-angle-related comparison is performed on the basis of the phase angle of the voltage or of the electric current. These instantaneous or phase-angle-related current threshold values can then be adjusted on the basis of the level of the voltage. In particular in a low-voltage AC circuit, an adjusted instantaneous or phase-angle-related current threshold value (or a set of adjusted current threshold values for every half-cycleadjustment every 10 ms in a low-voltage AC circuit at a grid frequency of 50 Hz) can then be made available quickly, for example for the range of rising or falling instantaneous values of the voltage.

[0103] A comparison can be made by virtue of (periodic) instantaneous current threshold values that are dependent on the (periodic) time characteristic of the level of the voltage or of the ascertained instantaneous voltage values being available.

[0104] The instantaneous current threshold values can be available continuously or in relation to phase angle.

[0105] The instantaneous current threshold values may be present for each individual phase angle, a phase angle range (multiple phase angles), e.g. every 2, or a phase angle section (part of a phase angle), e.g. every 0.5 or 0.1. In particular, a resolution of 1 to 5 is particularly advantageous (this corresponds to a sampling rate of 3.5 to 20 kHz).

[0106] The instantaneous current values are compared with the instantaneous current threshold values in a phase-related manner. If the absolute value of the instantaneous current threshold value is exceeded by the absolute value of the instantaneous current value, interruption of the low-voltage circuit is initiated, e.g. by way of a first interrupt signal TRIP from the control unit SE to the electronic interruption unit EU, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0107] The electronic interruption unit EU is shown as a block in the two conductors in FIG. 1. In a first variant, this means no interruption of the two conductors. At least one conductor, in particular the active conductor or phase conductor, has semiconductor-based switching elements. The neutral conductor can be free of switching elements, i.e. without semiconductor-based switching elements. That is to say that the neutral conductor is connected directly, i.e. does not acquire high impedance. That is to say that only single-pole interruption (of the phase conductor) takes place. If there is provision for further active conductors/phase conductors, then, in a second variant of the electronic interruption unit EU, the phase conductors have semiconductor-based switching elements. The neutral conductor is connected directly, i.e. does not acquire high impedance. By way of example, for a three-phase AC circuit.

[0108] In a third variant of the electronic interruption unit EU, the neutral conductor can likewise have a semiconductor-based switching element, i.e. interruption by the electronic interruption unit EU results in both conductors acquiring high impedance.

[0109] The electronic interruption unit EU can comprise semiconductor components such as bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), isolated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), metal oxide layer field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or other (self-commutated) power semiconductors. In particular IGBTs and MOSFETs are particularly suitable for the circuit breaker device according to the invention owing to low flow resistances, high junction resistances and good switching behavior.

[0110] The circuit breaker device SG can preferably comprise a mechanical isolating contact system MK according to the standard with standard-compliant isolator properties, for electrical isolation of the circuit, in particular for standard-compliant isolation (as opposed to breaking) of the circuit. The mechanical isolating contact system MK is connected to the control unit SE, as shown in FIG. 1, with the result that the control unit SE can initiate electrical isolation of the circuit.

[0111] Specifically, further evaluation may be implemented that brings about electrical isolation if other criteria are satisfied. By way of example, there may be provision for overcurrent detection, for example in the control unit SE, that carries out semiconductor-based or/and electrical interruption of the circuit in the event of overcurrents, i.e. when current-time limit values are exceeded, i.e. when a current that exceeds a current limit value is present for a specific time, i.e. for example a specific energy threshold value is exceeded.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, a detected short circuit can also result in electrical isolation being initiated, for example.

[0113] The electrical interruption of the low-voltage circuit is initiated for example by a further second interrupt signal TRIPG that is transmitted from the control unit SE to the mechanical isolating contact system MK, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] In a first variant, the mechanical isolating contact system MK can interrupt on a single-pole basis. That is to say that only one conductor of the two conductors, in particular the active conductor or phase conductor, is interrupted, i.e. has a mechanical contact. The neutral conductor is then free of contacts, i.e. the neutral conductor is connected directly.

[0115] If there is provision for further active conductors/phase conductors, then, in a second variant, the phase conductors have mechanical contacts of the mechanical isolating contact system. In this second variant, the neutral conductor is connected directly. By way of example, for a three-phase AC circuit.

[0116] In a third variant of the mechanical isolating contact system MK, the neutral conductor likewise has mechanical contacts, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0117] Mechanical isolating contact system MK means in particular a (standard-compliant) isolating function, provided by the isolating contact system MK. Isolating function means the points: [0118] minimum air gap according to the standard (minimum distance between the contacts), [0119] contact position indication for the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact system, [0120] opening of the mechanical isolating contact system always possible (no locking of the isolating contact system by the handle), so-called trip-free mechanism.

[0121] With regard to the minimum air gap between the contacts of the isolating contact system, this is substantially voltage-dependent. Other parameters are the degree of soiling, the type of field (homogeneous, inhomogeneous) and the air pressure or the height above sea level.

[0122] There are appropriate regulations or standards for these minimum air gaps or creepage distances. In air, for example, these regulations indicate the minimum air gap for a surge withstand capability for an inhomogeneous and a homogeneous (ideal) electrical field on the basis of the degree of soiling. The surge withstand capability is the strength when an applicable surge voltage is applied. Only if this minimum length (minimum distance) exists does the isolating contact system or circuit breaker device have an isolating function (isolator property).

[0123] Within the context of the invention, the series of standards DIN EN 60947, or IEC 60947, which are mentioned here by way of reference, is relevant to the isolator function and the properties thereof in this instance.

[0124] The isolating contact system is advantageously characterized by a minimum air gap between the open isolating contacts in the OFF position (open position, open contacts) on the basis of the rated surge withstand capability and the degree of soiling. The minimum air gap is in particular between (a minimum of) 0.01 mm and 14 mm. In particular, the minimum air gap is advantageously between 0.01 mm at 0.33 kV and 14 mm at 12 kV, in particular for degree of soiling 1 and in particular for inhomogeneous fields.

[0125] The minimum air gap can advantageously have the following values:

[0126] 9 E DIN EN 60947-1 (VDE 0660-100):2018-06

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 13 minimum air gaps Minimum air gaps mm Case B Rated surge Case A homogeneous field, withstand inhomogeneous field ideal conditions capability (see 3.7.63) (see 3.7.62) U.sub.imp Degree of soiling Degree of soiling kV 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 0.33 0.01 0.01 0.5 0.04 0.2 0.04 0.2 0.8 0.1 0.8 0.1 0.8 1.6 1.5 0.5 0.5 1.6 0.3 0.3 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.6 0.6 4.0 3 3 3 3 1.2 1.2 1.2 6.0 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 2 2 2 2 8.0 8 8 8 8 3 3 3 3 12 14 14 14 14 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 NOTE The smallest air gaps indicated are based on the 1.2/50-s surge voltage at an air pressure of 80 kPa, corresponding to the air pressure at 2000 m above sea level.

[0127] degrees of soiling and types of field are consistent with those defined in the standards. This advantageously allows a standard-compliant circuit breaker device dimensioned according to the rated surge withstand capability to be achieved.

[0128] FIG. 2 shows a representation based on FIG. 1, with the difference that (in the case of the series circuit comprising the mechanical isolating contact unit MK and the electronic interruption unit EU) the mechanical isolating contact unit MK is advantageously associated with the load-side connections and the electronic interruption unit EU is associated with the grid-side connections. Furthermore, the electronic interruption unit EU is embodied as a single-pole electronic interruption unit EU, i.e. in the example is provided in the phase conductor, i.e. between the connections L1, L2. The electronic interruption unit EU also comprises (at least) one semiconductor-based switching element (=power semiconductor), as indicated in FIG. 2. The semiconductor-based switching element further comprises an overvoltage protection element, as is likewise indicated in FIG. 2. The control unit SE comprises an analog first subunit SEA and a digital second subunit SED. The digital second subunit SED may be a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), for example. The analog first subunit SEA comprises at least one (current) comparator, as indicated in FIG. 2.

[0129] FIG. 3 shows a representation based on FIGS. 1 and 2, with a further detailed configuration. The control unit SE comprises two subunits, a, preferably analog, first subunit SEA and a, preferably digital, second subunit SED. The first subunit SEA comprises an analog (current) comparator CI. This is firstly supplied with the instantaneous current values DI from the current sensor unit SI. Secondly, the current comparator CI (in the example) is supplied with (a current threshold value or) the instantaneous current threshold values SWI from the second subunit SED.

[0130] Current comparator in this instance means a comparator that compares two (current) variables with one another, with in particular equivalents of the level of the current being compared with one another in this instance (e.g. two voltages, the voltage level of each of which represents the current level or the level of the current threshold value).

[0131] The (analog) instantaneous current threshold values are in particular an analog voltage characteristic.

[0132] The current comparator CI compares the instantaneous current values DI with the instantaneous current threshold values SWI and, as described, delivers a first current interrupt signal TI, in order to initiate interruption of the low-voltage circuit, if the threshold values are exceeded (in particular in terms of absolute value).

[0133] The current interrupt signal TI can be supplied to a logic unit LG, which combines it with other interrupt signals and delivers the first interrupt signal TRIP to the electronic interruption unit EU for the purpose of semiconductor-based interruption or high-impedance interruption.

[0134] The analog (current) comparator allows in particular immediate, i.e. very fast, detection of the overshoot; this normally takes place in the ns range, i.e. between 1 and 100 ns.

[0135] By comparison, a digital system would currently react in the s range, that is to say for example between 2-100 s, due to the computation and reaction times.

[0136] In one configuration, the current comparator CI buffer-stores the instantaneous (current) threshold values SWI in order to have the values constantly available.

[0137] Wherein the instantaneous current threshold values SWI are in sync with the time characteristic of the instantaneous voltage values (the time characteristic of the voltage). As a result, low instantaneous current threshold values SWI are used (or available) for low instantaneous voltage (phase angle of a sinusoidal AC voltage from e.g. 30 to 0 to 30) and high current threshold values SWI are used (or available) for high instantaneous voltage (phase angle of a sinusoidal AC voltage from e.g. 60 to 90 to 120). As a result, by way of example, the tripping time is advantageously largely independent of the phase angle of the voltage, and so the tripping time is below a temporal first threshold value.

[0138] The analog instantaneous current values DI and the analog instantaneous voltage values DU are also supplied to the second subunit SED. In one preferred configuration, the instantaneous current values DI or/and instantaneous voltage values DU are digitized by an analog-to-digital converter ADC there and supplied to a microprocessor (=microcontroller) CPU. The latter ascertains or computes the instantaneous current threshold values SWI, depending on the level of the voltage/the supplied instantaneous voltage values DU. The instantaneous current threshold values SWI ascertained by the second subunit SED or in particular the microprocessor CPU are in turn supplied to the first subunit SEA, in particular the current comparator CI, by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in order to perform the comparison described above.

[0139] The second subunit SED or the first subunit SEA can comprise a digital-to-analog converter DAC in order to convert the (digital) current threshold values SWI computed in the second subunit SED into analog current threshold values SWI, in order to perform an analog comparison in the first analog subunit SEA. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the digital-to-analog converter DAC is part of the second (digital) subunit SED (or associated therewith).

[0140] The instantaneous current threshold values SWI can advantageously be digitally ascertained in the second subunit SED, or at a slower processing speed than the ongoing comparison of analog instantaneous current values DI with the analog instantaneous current threshold values SWI in the first subunit SEA. This is advantageous because the analog comparison of the current values with the current threshold values by means of the comparator takes place more quickly than the processing time or computation time in the digital second subunit SED.

[0141] The comparison in exact phases is generally ensured by the fast processing speeds of the analog-to-digital converter ADC, the microprocessor (=microcontroller) CPU and the digital-to-analog converter DAC compared with the frequency of the low-voltage circuit, which is normally 50 Hz in Europe.

[0142] In one advantageous configuration of the invention, the first subunit SEA can comprise a voltage comparator CU. This is firstly supplied with the instantaneous voltage values DU of the voltage sensor SU. Secondly, the voltage comparator CU is supplied with instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU from the second subunit SED.

[0143] The voltage comparator CU compares the instantaneous voltage values DU with the instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU and delivers a voltage interrupt signal TU in order to initiate interruption of the low-voltage circuit if the threshold values are exceeded or undershot or in the event of a range check.

[0144] The voltage interrupt signal TU can be supplied to the logic unit LG, which combines it with the (other) interrupt signal(s) and delivers the first interrupt signal TRIP to the electronic interruption unit EU for the purpose of semiconductor-based interruption or high-impedance interruption.

[0145] In one configuration, the voltage comparator CU buffer-stores the instantaneous threshold values SWU in order to have the values constantly available.

[0146] In one configuration, the microprocessor CPU ascertains or computes the instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU. The instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU ascertained by the second subunit SED or in particular the microprocessor CPU are in turn supplied to the first subunit SEA, in particular to the voltage comparator CU, in order to perform the comparison described above. The digital instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU can be converted into analog instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU by a further digital-to-analog converter, which is not shown. Said analog instantaneous voltage threshold values are compared with the analog instantaneous voltage values DU using the voltage comparator CU.

[0147] The instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU can advantageously be digitally ascertained in the second subunit SED, or at a slower processing speed than the ongoing comparison of instantaneous voltage values DU and instantaneous voltage threshold values SWU in the first subunit SEA.

[0148] Depending on the configuration, a second interrupt signal TRIPG can be delivered to the mechanical isolating contact system MK by the second subunit SED of the control unit SG, in particular by the microprocessor CPU, in order to electrically interrupt the low-voltage circuit, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0149] The configuration of the control unit with an analog first subunit and a digital second subunit has the particular advantage that an efficient architecture is available. The first analog subunit can perform a very fast comparison of analog instantaneous values and analog threshold values, which allows fast short-circuit detection. The second subunit can compute threshold values, or make adjustments, independently thereof, according to the invention on the basis of the level of the voltage, which does not need to be performed as quickly as the detection. By way of example, the threshold values can be buffer-stored in order to be available for a fast comparison. The threshold values do not need to be constantly adjusted.

[0150] FIG. 4 shows a further configuration or variant based on FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 4 shows a part of a simple variant of the, preferably analog, first subunit SEAE and a part of an alternative variant of the, preferably digital, second subunit SEDE.

[0151] The part of the simple variant of the first subunit SEAE comprises the current comparator CIE, to which the instantaneous current values DI, in particular the absolute value thereof, and the instantaneous current threshold values SWI, in particular likewise in absolute-value form, are supplied. In this example, the current comparator CIE delivers the first interrupt signal TRIP directly in order to interrupt the low-voltage circuit, analogously to the preceding figures. The absolute values can be calculated by a or further units, which are not shown.

[0152] The part of the alternative variant of the second subunit SEDE comprises a grid synchronization unit NSE. This is supplied with the (analog) instantaneous voltage values DU.

[0153] The grid synchronization unit NSE uses the supplied (analog) instantaneous voltage values DU, which are e.g. a sinusoidal AC voltage of the low-voltage circuit, to ascertain the phase angle (t) of the voltage.

[0154] Alternatively, the amplitude U and an expected time value of the voltage UE, or expected value of the voltage UE, can additionally be ascertained.

[0155] The expected value of the voltage UE is a type of filtered or regenerated or generated equivalent instantaneous voltage value DU.

[0156] The phase angle cp(t) (and the expected value of the voltage UE, or the amplitude U) of the voltage DU can be ascertained for example by what is known as a phase locked loop, PLL for short. A PLL is an electronic circuit arrangement (or a variant programmed in software in the microcontroller) that influences the phase and, in association therewith, the frequency of a variable oscillator by way of a closed control loop in such a way that the phase error between an external periodic reference signal (instantaneous voltage values) and the oscillator or a signal derived therefrom is as constant as possible.

[0157] It is thus possible to ascertain, among other things, the phase angle cp(t), the fundamental frequency and the amplitude thereof for the supplied grid voltage, i.e. the ascertained voltage values, i.e. e.g. also the (unperturbed or filtered) expected value of the (grid) voltage.

[0158] The phase angle (t) (and possibly the amplitude U or/and the expected time value of the voltage UE) ascertained by the grid synchronization unit NSE are supplied to a threshold value unit SWT. The threshold value unit SWT can have a (scaled) curve for the (phase-related) instantaneous current threshold values SWI. By way of example, in the case of a sinusoidal AC voltage of the low-voltage circuit, an (approximately) sinusoidal current threshold value curve, i.e. a characteristic that is sinusoidal in level for the instantaneous current threshold values SWI over the phase angle 0 to 360, or the period duration (or the (corresponding) time).

[0159] The circuit breaker device SG can comprise an, in particular single, adjusting element. This, in particular single, adjusting element on the circuit breaker device SG can be used to set a limit value or maximum value for the current threshold value. Alternatively, the limit value or maximum value for the current threshold value may also be firmly predefined or programmed.

[0160] According to the invention, the current threshold value curve is then scaled in respect of this limit value or maximum value for the current threshold value that has been set by means of the adjusting element or has been firmly predefined. By way of example, the amplitude (or the maximum value) of the current threshold value curve can be scaled using the limit value/maximum value for the current threshold value.

[0161] By way of example, the maximum value of the current threshold value may be 4 times the amplitude of a nominal current (i.e. at least the current that the circuit breaker device needs to carry constantly, depending on the standard) of the circuit breaker device, for example conventional circuit breaker devices have a nominal current of e.g. 16 A. In the example, this results in a maximum value of the current threshold value of:

90 A=(root 2)16 A*4. [0162] (root 2=>amplitude of the nominal current value)

[0163] As a result of the presence of the phase angle cp(t) of the voltage in the threshold value unit SWE, the instantaneous current threshold values SWI can be transferred from the latter to the current comparator CIE in sync with the instantaneous current value DI, with the result that a phase-related (phase-angle-related) comparison between the instantaneous current value DI and the instantaneous current threshold value SWI can take place.

[0164] FIG. 5 firstly shows the characteristic of the level of a grid-side voltage Vgrid in volts [V], on the left-hand vertical axis, of a period of a sinusoidal AC voltage over time t in s [s], on the horizontal axis. By way of example, of a sinusoidal AC voltage in the low-voltage AC circuit. The instantaneous voltage values of the voltage over time are indicated in this case, the time being proportional to the phase angle (f=50 Hz).

[0165] Secondly, it shows a phase-angle-related or phase-angle-dependent (absolute-value) scaled (0 to 1) instantaneous current threshold, threshold, on the right-hand vertical axis, over time t in s [s]. The time (scaled) characteristic of the instantaneous current threshold values threshold corresponds to the (phase-related) instantaneous current threshold values SWI.

[0166] The time characteristic of the instantaneous current threshold value (threshold) is geared to the absolute-value characteristic of the voltage, i.e. the characteristic in the region of the positive voltage half-cycle is identical to the characteristic in the region of the negative voltage half-cycle.

[0167] The time (scaled) characteristic of the instantaneous current threshold values threshold is scaled, according to the invention, on the basis of the limit value/maximum value for the current threshold value that has been set by means of the adjusting element or has been firmly predefined. E.g. the amplitude (scaling 1) is set to 100 A, or e.g. 5 times the nominal current. For a nominal current of e.g. 16 A, e.g. to

5*16A*1.414(root 2)=113 A [0168] (root 2=>peak value of the instantaneous value of the current).

[0169] In general, the characteristic of the instantaneous current threshold values threshold corresponds to the characteristic of the voltage in the circuit, as shown in FIG. 5. That is to say that in the case of a triangular voltage characteristic, for example, a triangular current threshold value curve would be used. The background is that the level of the voltage determines the level of the (short-circuit) current. According to the invention, low threshold values are therefore used for low voltage and high threshold values are used for high voltage, in order to facilitate fast, phase-angle-independent short-circuit detection.

[0170] According to FIG. 5, the (periodic) instantaneous current threshold values SWI have a minimum value. That is to say that the sine curve is not ideal (only approximately or roughly sinusoidal). The minimum value is greater than zero. The minimum value is in the range 5 to 20% of the maximum value, for example (is) 10% or 15%, i.e. of the amplitude, of the current threshold value curve threshold.

[0171] The minimum value occurs at the position or in the region of the zero crossing of the (sine) curve for the current threshold values.

[0172] In the case of a voltage characteristic that is sinusoidal over time in the low-voltage AC circuit, the time characteristics of the voltage and of the current threshold values are synchronized in a phase-related manner in such a way that the time of the amplitude (maximum value) of the voltage matches the time of the amplitude (maximum value) of the current threshold value, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0173] Furthermore, the region of the zero crossing of the voltage matches the region of the minimum value of the current threshold value.

[0174] The phase angle resolution determines the speed at which the threshold values are computed. At a phase angle resolution of 1, i.e. for each full phase angle of the voltage, a threshold value is available, i.e. an instantaneous threshold value is available every 55.5 s, for example. Breaking is preferably effected by way of an analog comparator, i.e. continuously, and is therefore distinctly faster (e.g. in the nanosecond range) than the phase angle resolution.

[0175] Alternatively, the following time characteristic applies for full digital processing. The phase angle resolution determines the speed of detection. If a threshold value is available at a phase angle resolution of 1, i.e. for each full phase angle of the voltage, i.e. an instantaneous threshold value is available every 55.5 s, for example, this means that breaking can take place after a minimum of approximately 60 s. Shorter break times can be attained at higher phase angle resolutions.

[0176] In this example, the values are then processed at at least 18 kHz.

[0177] The current threshold values may also be stored (in scaled form) in a table, in which case the value may be adjusted.

[0178] By way of example, the current threshold values can be computed generally or in a table-related manner as follows:

[0179] The level of the voltage is converted into a digital voltage value.

[0180] The level of the voltage is converted into a digital voltage value, the digital voltage value is normalized to its amplitude value, the absolute value is subsequently calculated, the absolute value is then multiplied by a first factor (k1) and a minimum value (k2) is subsequently added, [0181] and the resulting result yields a scaling factor (FM(t)) for the at least one current threshold value, [0182] which is multiplied by the at least one current threshold value in order to obtain an adjusted current threshold value (which is variable over time).

[0183] The equation for the scaling factor in this regard is: [0184] FM(t)scaling factor [0185] U_Grid(t)instantaneous value of the voltage [0186] U_amplitudeamplitude of the voltage (or maximum instantaneous value of the voltage)

FM(t)=k1(abs(u_Grid(t)/U_amplitude))+k2

Current threshold value(new)=FM(t)current threshold value(old)

[0187] Alternatively, the absolute value of the voltage value is subtracted from the amplitude of the voltage value, the result is subsequently multiplied by a factor (k3), [0188] and the resulting result yields a correction value that is deducted from the at least one current threshold value in order to obtain an adjusted current threshold value (which is variable over time).

[0189] The equation for the correction value FK(t) is: [0190] FK(t)correction value

FK(t)=k3(U_amplitudeabs(u_Grid(t)))

[0191] Although the invention has been more thoroughly illustrated and described in detail by the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of 18 the invention.