Intelligent electrical switching device for securing electrical distribution means.

0001The present invention relates to the realization of a device Low voltage switchgear and high current for securing means electricity distribution and energy management network associated electrical. The device has its own capabilities decision and internal actions to ensure the optimal management, automated the acquisition, storage and consumption of electrical energy while preserving the safety of equipment and people.

0002It is known in the prior art switching devices electric, consisting mostly of a mechanical switch manual or automatic control. The automatic control can be performed according to the physical measurements on the device, the said measurements being carried out by means of external measuring the device. These devices have the drawback of being relatively independent of the fact that they have few sensors and detectors. These devices not communicate with other power elements, such as charger, a controller, these elements may belong to the system of distribution of electric energy. Communication between the different system components allow optimizing the management of electricity and could correct a defect management system electricity. The current need for safety devices capable of interrupting electricity distribution incident makes such a device essential on many types of vehicles, including transport hazardous materials.

0003The present invention seeks to overcome certain drawbacks of the prior art by providing an intelligent electrical switching device for securing electricity distribution systems and network management of associated electrical energy. This device offers a solution completely autonomous switch architecture for reasons of dependability, but also have ways communication allowing it to function in association with others switches of the same or other equipment involved in the Power management.

0004This object is achieved by an electrical switching device intelligent, for securing the power distribution system Electrical power including various elements of the device Electrical switchgear is characterized in that it comprises, in a single physical unit:<ul><li>an electric switch through which a power network electric;</li><li>a set of measuring means comprising one or more measuring means, each of a different type, achieving Physical measurements of the electrical switching device;</li><li>means of network communication, connected to a network communications, said network being connected to components of power distribution system, said means communication for sending parameters characteristics of the state of the electric communication device to the communication network and for receiving parameters characteristic of the state of the different elements of power of the electrical power distribution system, connected to the communication network;</li><li>storage means for storing all information from measurements carried out by all measuring means, and the information received by the means network communication on the characteristics of different power elements connected to the communication network (8);</li><li>means a decision analyzing simultaneously and locally all information stored in the means storage and measurements, the decision device commander according to his analysis the opening or closing the electrical switch;</li></ul>

0005the decision means being connected to the electric switch, by means of measurement, the network communication means and storage means.

0006In another feature, the electrical switching device operates autonomously with all the means of measurement, the storage means and the decision means, the decision means taking locally decisions based on the measures stored in the storage means and measures made in real time.

0007In another feature, the electric switch device Electrical switching comprises an insulating disc provided with a zone conductive through the disk, said disk being actuated in rotation by an axis, said axis being moved directly by a motor can be controlled by the decision means or by a button command on the electrical switch, the electrical contact of electrical switch being ensured by means of at least two connected electrodes, one to the current source, the other to the load and being contact with the conductive area when the power switch is in closed position.

0008In another feature, the electric switch engine an engine supporting a mechanical manual override.

0009In another feature, the electrical switching device can operate in manual mode by action by a user, the button control located on the electrical switch, which via the axis of the switch will cause the rotation of the disc and make or break the power network.

0010In another feature, the electrical switching device can operate in network mode by means of network communication and exchange information with the system power elements electric energy distributions connected to the communication network.

0011In another feature, the network communication means is Wired optoelectronic type or carrier current type or means network communication is not wired like the radio.

0012In another feature, the power switching device Power can be inserted in a management power grid, said network management of electrical energy being connected to one or more power elements, which belong to a distribution system electrical energy, the management network of electrical energy including a power network conveying electric power and a network communication carrying information concerning the management of electric power, the two networks being connected to the power elements the power distribution system, said power elements being removable, interchangeable and each with its own way decision.

0013In another feature, the electric energy management network can be connected to an interface providing a control means with a user, said interface for setting the network, order distribution system functions of electric power, monitor the status of all elements connected to the network.

0014In another feature, the electric energy management network operates in centralized mode when the communication network is fully available, allowing a user to force a number of the distribution system controls electric power by through the means of control.

0015In another feature, the electric energy management network works in a decentralized fashion, allowing all system components distribution of electric energy to communicate among themselves, each element is completely autonomous.

0016In another feature, the electric energy management network works in default mode, the communication network can be unavailable, and elements of the electrical power distribution system locally reaching their decision based on their own measures.

0017Other features and advantages of the present invention appear more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:<ul><li>1 shows a block diagram of the components of the Electrical switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figure 2 shows a representative schematic of the switch Electrical switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>3 shows a top view of the switch on the disc Power of the electric switching device of the present invention;</li><li>4 shows a diagram representing the distribution network energy to which is connected the electrical switching device the present invention.</li></ul>

00181 shows a block diagram of the components of the Electrical switching device (1) according to one embodiment of the invention. The electrical switching device (1), also called battery switch comprises an electric switch (10) to very high intensity, a decision means (11) receiving all information concerning the state of the electrical distribution system and the device of Electrical switchgear (1), a set of measuring means (13) allowing the decision means (11) to carry out all measures necessary physical and a communication means (12) connected to a external communication network (8) to the switching device electrical connector (1). The electrical switch (10) is connected to a network electric power (7) and serves as a switch to open or close the electrical power network (7). The opening and closing of the switch (10) are controlled automatically by the means decision (11). The decision means (11) is based on physical measurements made by all the measuring means (13) on parameters stored in internal memory means (14) and by information exchanged with other powers connected devices the electrical energy management network. The decision means (11) connected to the communication means (12) connected directly to a network communication (8). The communication means (12) enables the average of decision (11) to obtain information on the different devices powers of an electric power distribution system connected to management means of electrical energy.

0019The electrical switching device (1) of the invention, means action and decision are within a single entity physics, which is capable of operating in several ways. The device (1) can operate autonomously, with its measurement (13), memory (14) and decision (11), the communication means (12) being unavailable. The device (1) can operate on a network, thanks to its means of communication (12), the measuring means (13) may be unavailable. The device ( 1) is operable by taking its decisions on the basis of its internal measurements and measurements from its immediate environment (temperature, mains voltage, current absorbed or supplied by the network), all measurements being stored in the storage means (14). The device (1) can operate manually. Except the switch (10) itself, all its organs may be unavailable without affecting the possibility of local, direct manual control, for example in an emergency. All these operating modes are explained in a little more detail in the subsequent description.

0020The switch is presented with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a representative schematic of the electrical switch (10) Electrical switching device (1) according to one embodiment of the invention. The electrical switch (10) is constituted by a disk insulator (103) provided with at least one conductive area (104) disposed in an orifice disc (103) shown in Figure 3. This orifice is located near the radial disc medium (103). The disc (103) is actuated in rotation by a pin (102) passing through and being fixed to the disc (103) in a hole (107) in the middle of the disk (103). This axis (102) may be carried movement directly and without reduction gear by a motor (101) and a control button (100) on the electrical switch (10). The switch (10) comprises two electrodes (105), thus ensuring the electrical contact and being connected to current sources (106). Each electrode (105) comprises a flexible blade (1051) made in conductive and fixed perpendicularly to a conducting bar (1050) connected at one end to a current source (106). On a end of the flexible blade (1051), close to the record (103) is fixed a conductive tip (1052) may be contacted with the area conductor (104) of the disc (103). The electrodes are arranged each side of the disc so that there is conductivity between the tips (1052) electrodes and the conductive area (104) when a control closure of the electrical power circuit is sought. Suppose initially that the switch (10) in the open position. The area conductor (104) is not in contact with the electrode tips (1052). During a closing command, the disk (103) will be set rotation by the shaft (102), said axis (102) being controlled by the motor (101). The rotation ends when the conductive area (104) of the disc (103) is in contact with the pins (1052) of the electrodes (105). To set this position, at least one measuring means (134) is positioned on the map electronic switch (10) for detecting the position of the conductive region (104) of the disc (103). This sensor (134) Limit also detect the manual action when a user actuates the switch button (100) on the switch (10). This action manual will control the rotation of the motor (101). Functions detection of manual action and detecting the end of the disk race (103) are provided by an electrical or optical sensor (134). The engine (101), or any equivalent device, is characterized by its ability to withstand a manual override its axis (102) output by rotation of the button control, or to be actuated electrically by the electronic command. An engine type "step by step" is particularly well for this purpose.

0021That provision or any other equivalent arrangement, the device (1) allows to constitute an electric switch (10) secure, robust, and flexible. The switch (10) is reliable: the operation of the switch involves no mass displacement, tilt lever or another. The switch is so insensitive to shock and vibration. the switch (10) is resistant: no wear is to be feared, except as regards the sliding contacts (104 -1052), which can be achieved in a suitable material reconciling low electrical resistance and good resistance to wear. The switch (10) is flexible: the rotating disc (103) may be with a variable number of contacts (104), thereby bringing a switch (10) in several ways without questioning the principles basic techniques.

0022The set of measuring means (13) of the switching device electrical connector (1) is mounted directly on the electronic card that supports also the various components performing the functions of decision and communication. The set of measuring means (13) comprises a magnetic current sensor (130), a temperature sensor (135), a voltage sensor (136), a shock sensor (131), an attitude sensor (132), a humidity sensor (133). This all means is not limited and can be supplemented with appropriate sensors to use of the device.

0023This arrangement, or any other equivalent arrangement allows constitute a very cheap battery switch. It requires only little pieces numerous, with simple forms, without great precision adjustment and without final wiring. This ensures, through the reduction of cables and connectors, high dependability for a cost low.

0024The device (1) can operate in manual mode in different situations: a total failure of the electronics or the motor (103) device (1) can take place; the communication means (12) can be unavailable either because of limited electronic device failure or due to a physical disconnection from the grid (8) or also because it does not exist else circuiting means. The device (1) can not take local decision due to lack of information or "experience" of the system. In manual operation, a user acts on the control knob (100), through the axis (102) will cause the rotation of the disk (103) and make or break the circuit (7). The engine technology (101) allows it to be maneuvered either on or off without degradation. The detector (134) allows the electronics, so it is able to do so, to detect said action and operate accordingly, for example by providing outwardly by network, this new state or by taking into account this command to to avoid incurring an automatic action contrary to the manual action. The detector (134) further detects incomplete maneuvers, due to vibration, impact or lack of access to an operator, and allow the complete electronic ensuring positioning proper contact (1052) of the switch (10). Manual operation is not inconsistent with the other modes, but If conflict is the manual control has priority and causes Disabling automatic. The return to automatic mode is carried out the next power.

0025The device can operate in standalone mode. The battery switch has its own decision-making ability. This allows further, adding or removing power elements operatively connected to network management of electrical energy. So no reconfiguration network is needed since all the elements are only read Information transmitted on the network. The stand-alone device also ensures continuous operation even in case of disappearance of the communication network (8). The various elements of power of the electric power distribution system connected normally to the communication network (8) no longer receive information. They continue to provide their services on the basis of past information received, the measurements made locally. In this case their learning ability enables them to estimate certain parameters.

0026The device (1) can operate on a network by using communication network (12) connected to the communication network (8), and to obtain or send information about the different power elements of an electrical power distribution system. By its decision-making abilities, communication and action, the device Electrical switchgear (1) can be integrated into a complex network of management of electrical energy. The aim of the invention is to propose a network architecture solution for distributed intelligence, as well physical and functional, to automate, optimize and secure the supply of electricity irrespective of the conditions Communication. 3 shows a power management network. This comprises two networks: a power network (7) carrying electric power and a communication network (8) allowing different elements of power involved in the management communication between them. This energy network can include one or more sources primary (3) associated with their charger (4), one or more batteries (2) associated with their battery switch (1), one or more controllers (6) controlled by specific uses (5), one or more means of user control (9) such as a computer. The controller is the main interface with the user. It allows you to configure the network, by eg trip current, the battery capacity. It allows to control all functions such as start / stop and all general the desired manual controls. It can be turned off or deleted without affect the state and the electrical network configuration. Any action will be manual directly to the battery level-cuts. In the case where the reliability is not critical, it can be replaced by a simple software a computer.

0027The optimal management of the network requires that the magazines (4), battery switch (1) Regulators (6) and the user control means (9) can communicate, it is the role of the communications network (8). The originality of the device (1) is characterized in that the network communication (8) connects the various power elements of the same so that the power network (7) and that there is no element of central control. The overall behavior is always the result of actions Local individually performed by each element. any item connected to this network will never issue any order to another element. This terminal to regularly transmit information on his condition and the various parameters that characterize the condition as the current flowing, the voltage present, the available load rating. Everything connected element This network monitors all data from the network to deduct the best action to perform locally. To answer so satisfying the requirement for safety of operation of a network management of electrical energy, it is necessary that each element (Source (3) / charger (4) / regulator (6)) is able to take local decisions solely on the basis of a learning it have achieved previously and also based on the steps they can perform locally or can perform its immediate neighbors. Each element has its own decision-making capacity, allowing adding and deleting operating elements in the network, no reconfiguration was necessary since all elements are read that the network information. Autonomy power elements also ensures continuous operation even in case of disappearance of the communication network (8). In this case their ability learning allows them to estimate certain parameters, their ability to decision allows them to infer near-optimal actions.

0028The electrical switching device (1) according to the present invention fully meets the needs of the electricity distribution system. he includes the communication means (12) and remote control enabling it to operate collectively as with other classes of elements of Powers (chargers (4) and regulators (6)) with its counterparts (Other battery switches (1)). Because of its strategic position in the network electrical switching device (1) is capable of monitoring main flow of energy and can perform most physical measurements necessary to the other adjacent elements of the distribution system energy. These other elements (charger (4), controller (6)) may then for a simplified technology not comprising sensors complex. The decision means and learning means of the device electric switching enable it to record most The integrated features situations decision means in each element of the device, such as a microcontroller, can be identical for all the elements, which simplifies the design and reduces costs development and adaptation. The invention enables the device (1) of always ensure a minimum service regardless of the state of degradation of means of communication or the various constituent bodies.

0029The power distribution network can operate in several modes. A first mode is the centralized mode. This is the traditional way, used when the means of communication is fully available and a user wants to force a number of controls such as setting start, stop or programming of various parameters such as thresholds disjunction. Another mode is the decentralized mode. All the elements can still communicate with each other but the entire device is completely autonomous. This is the ordinary operating mode where the system must manage themselves. A final mode is the default mode. The various elements can no longer communicate with the computer network is because of interference, accidental disconnection or even remoteness. The elements of the device will make their decisions locally only on the basis of what they can do. Although action is taken individually, be observed the collective behavior of the device is very close to the optimal.

0030The power distribution system has a response capability chain that allows an item to make a local decision, execute the corresponding action, to inform the other, so to change the situation General who will be the source of a new decision by a other organ. This responsiveness allows the system to manage very complex situations without requiring the implementation local complex algorithms. The application of this very general concept problem of managing electrical power constitutes the body of this invention. All configurations are possible, since the configuration simple consists of a single battery (2) with its circuit breaker (1) to configurations comprising several sources (3), several units storage (2) and more fillers (4). The energy management network electric and management algorithms are identical. The implementation of the previously established principles allows this device ensure the supply of electricity with a level of reliability unattainable to current systems.

0031The proposed electrical power distribution system is arranged especially to remote installations where energy availability is can not be guaranteed predictably, where consumption is also variable and difficult to control and, finally, an operator experienced can not always be present: ships, trucks, stations self-monitoring. The system is also applicable to all acquisition systems, storage, distribution, energy consumption autonomous power for which the safety, security, and simplicity of use are paramount.

0032The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the management electric mobile and remote power stations and, at the cost a very modest extra cost, to better manage electricity available on board without unnecessarily resort to non-available recharging means. The device allows, in addition, ensure high safety due to permanent and automatic monitoring of available resources. The device also makes it possible to ensure high safety operation due to the lack of central controller and ability to function despite the loss of certain elements or even communication network.

0033The device according to the invention is also intended for the management energy, in particular for vessels or remote stations where, in addition to safety, optimal management of electric power is essential.

0034It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments under many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present methods of realization should be considered illustrative, but can be modified in the field defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.