Outdoor power supply systems including protective bonding systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply system (1), the power supply system (1) comprising a main unit (10), a module unit (30) and a protective connection system (CS), wherein the main unit (10) comprises a protective main housing (11) and a power distribution circuit (20) arranged in the protective main housing (11), and the module unit (30) comprises a protective module housing (31) and a converter module (40) arranged in the protective module housing (31). The protective connection system (CS) is configured to provide a detachable connection between the module unit (30) and the main unit (10); wherein the protective connection system (CS) comprises a first connector device (15), a second connector device (35) and a seal (53).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an outdoor power supply system comprising a protective connection system. Background Art

[0002] An outdoor power supply system is generally used to supply power to an outdoor power system. An example of such an outdoor power system is a telecommunication device, such as a telecommunication base station. Such telecommunication base stations are generally supplied with a 48V direct current (DC) voltage, which is provided from a power supply system adjacent to or close to the base station.

[0003] The power supply system may include an alternating current (AC) / DC converter for converting AC voltage from an AC mains (or an AC generator using fossil fuels, etc.).

[0004] Alternatively, the power supply system may also include a DC / DC converter for converting a DC voltage (from a solar panel system or other type of DC power source).

[0005] The power supply system may also include a rechargeable battery to provide a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) function.

[0006] Outdoor power supply systems also typically include cabinets where the electrical equipment is protected from the environment. The cabinets provide protection from fine particles (dust, sand, etc.) and moisture (rain, snow, etc.). Figure 1 A prior art cabinet is shown, which is called a Type 4 outdoor cabinet and is described in the data sheet "Outdoor telecom power cabinet (Type 4)" published by Eltek ASA. This cabinet has an ingress protection (INGRESSPROTECTION, IP) code of 55 (the protection code defined in IEC standard 60529). Power cables such as AC or DC input power cables and DC output power cables are guided between the inside and the outside of the cabinet through the top or bottom of the cabinet.

[0007] Figure 2aA prior art AC / DC converter module known as the Eltek Flatpack 2SHE converter is shown and described in the brochure "SHE is so cool: Efficiency taken to the next level". Two versions are available, 2000W and 3000W respectively. The power efficiency of this converter is about 98%. Figure 2a As shown, the electrical and electronic components of the converter module are arranged in a cover. The purpose of the cover is to provide protection against electrical shock and for EMI purposes. One or more such converters can be mounted Figure 1 In a rack in the cabinet shown.

[0008] When the converter and other parts of the power supply system generate heat, a cooling system is needed to cool the air inside the cabinet. The cooling system can be a heat exchanger, air conditioner, or fan filter. The cooling system has several disadvantages: it reduces the overall power efficiency, increases the cabinet size, increases the cost of the entire power supply system, and reduces the reliability of the entire system. Figure 2a As shown, the converter itself also has a fan on its front side to provide cooling air flow through the converter.

[0009] Figure 2b A prior art AC / DC converter is shown, in which Figure 2a The power converter module shown in is arranged in a metal housing with a heat sink. This housing has an IP65 rating. This AC / DC converter is sold by Eltek ASA under the name "Chameleon" and is described in the data sheet "Chameleon Standalone 48 / 650HE". This converter is passively cooled, which reduces costs due to the lack of an active cooling system. The housing is made of extruded aluminum alloy, and the printed circuit board (PCB) and all its electrical components are inserted into the top opening or the bottom opening of the housing. The top opening and the bottom opening are then closed by a top cover body and a bottom cover body, respectively, and the bottom cover body includes a cable connector for input / output power. Due to the cumbersome assembly process, this AC / DC converter increases the manufacturing cost.

[0010] Figure 2c The prior art AC / DC power system is shown, which includes a power core connected together. Figure 2bThe system also includes two converters and a battery unit. This AC / DC power system is sold by Eltek ASA and described in the data sheet "Chameleon PS Systems-Compact-based Power Supply System". It is also vulnerable to theft and vandalism. The power / electricity that this system can provide is limited and the manufacturing cost is high.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system with a simple and cost-effective protective connection system for electrically and mechanically connecting converter modules together. Another object is to provide a power supply system with a thermally conductive protective connection system. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a power supply system. One embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply system comprising:

[0013] a main unit including a protective main housing and a power distribution circuit disposed in the protective main housing;

[0014] a module unit comprising a protective module housing and a converter module disposed in the protective module housing; and

[0015] a protective connection system configured to provide a removable connection between the module unit and the main unit;

[0016] The protective connection system comprises a first connector device, a second connector device and a sealing element;

[0017] Wherein, the first connector device comprises:

[0018] a first mechanical connector configured to be secured to the protective main housing;

[0019] a first electrical connector configured to connect to a power distribution circuit; and

[0020] a first closure surface circumferentially surrounding the first mechanical connector and the first electrical connector;

[0021] Wherein, the second connector device comprises:

[0022] a second mechanical connector configured to be secured to the protective module housing;

[0023] a second electrical connector configured to connect to a converter module; and

[0024] a second closure surface circumferentially surrounding the mechanical connector and the electrical connector;

[0025] Among them, when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other:

[0026] The first mechanical connector and the second mechanical connector are connected to each other;

[0027] The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are connected to each other; and

[0028] A seal is sealingly engaged between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

[0029] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including one or more technical features. This does not exclude the existence of other features.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present case, the second mechanical connector includes a securing opening; the first mechanical connector includes a securing element, which is secured to the securing opening when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other; and the securing element is accessible from within the protective main housing.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present case, the fixing opening may include a threaded opening and the fixing element may include a threaded bolt or screw.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present case, the fixing opening is provided as part of the first mechanical connector, and the fixing element is provided as part of the second mechanical connector. In this embodiment, the fixing element is accessible from within the protective module housing.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present case, the first mechanical connector includes a guide opening, and the second mechanical connector includes a guide element, and when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other, the guide element of the second mechanical connector is inserted into the guide opening of the first mechanical connector.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present case, there are more than one guide opening and more than one guide element.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present case, the guide opening is provided as part of the second mechanical connector and the guide element is provided as part of the first mechanical connector.

[0036] By fixing the opening and the fixing element, it is achieved that the first connector component and the second connector component can be fixed to each other. In addition, since the fixing element is only accessible from the inside of the housing, the risk of theft or destruction is reduced.

[0037] By means of the guide opening and the guide element, a higher rigidity is achieved. Thus, a relative movement between the first connector component and the second connector component is significantly reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the guide opening and the guide element make it easier to correctly position the first connector component and the second connector component relative to each other during connection.

[0038] The power distribution circuit and the converter module usually include electrical and electronic components soldered to a printed circuit board. Such a printed circuit board can be easily damaged if bent. According to the connection system of the power supply system described above, mechanical rigidity is ensured.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present case, the first electrical connector is contact-proof. Therefore, an operator can connect the first connector device and the second connector device to each other or disconnect the first connector device and the second connector device from each other even if the power distribution circuit is powered.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present case, the first enclosed surface is configured as part of a protective main housing, and the second enclosed surface is configured as part of a protective module housing.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present case, the first closed surface is configured as part of a groove in the protective main shell; and the second closed surface is configured as a ridge protruding from the second protective shell.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present case, when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other, the ridge protrudes from the second protective shell toward the groove.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present case, the first connector device includes a first heat-conducting element; the second connector device includes a second heat-conducting element; wherein the first heat-conducting element and the second heat-conducting element are configured to contact each other when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present case, the first heat-conducting element circumferentially surrounds the first closed surface, and the second heat-conducting element circumferentially surrounds the second closed surface. In one embodiment of the present case, the first closed surface is arranged to circumferentially surround the first heat-conducting element, and the second closed surface is arranged to circumferentially surround the second heat-conducting element. In one embodiment of the present case, during operation of the power supply system, the first heat-conducting element is vertically arranged below the second heat-conducting element.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present case, the first heat-conducting element is provided as part of the protective main housing, and the second heat-conducting element is provided as part of the protective module housing.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present case, the second connector component comprises a lip circumferentially surrounding the second heat conducting element, wherein the lip protrudes in an axial direction away from the second closing surface.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lip at least partially circumferentially surrounds the first heat conducting element.

[0048] By the heat conducting element circumferentially surrounding the closed surface, moisture will be largely prevented from entering the seal. The risk of moisture passing through the seal is therefore very low.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present case, during operation of the power supply system, the first connector component is disposed on the top surface of the protective main housing, and the second connector component is disposed on the bottom surface of the protective module housing.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present case, during operation of the power supply system, the first mechanical connector and the first electrical connector face upwardly, and the second mechanical connector and the second electrical connector face downwardly.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, during operation of the power supply system, the first enclosed surface and the second enclosed surface are oriented in a horizontal plane.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present case, the first connector device includes a first ventilation channel; and the second connector device includes a second ventilation channel, and when the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other, the second ventilation channel is aligned with the first ventilation channel.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present case, the power supply system further includes a passive cooling system, and the passive cooling system is used to cool the main unit and the module unit.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the passive cooling system includes a heat sink disposed on an outer surface of the protective module housing.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the passive cooling system includes a passive air cooling system that transfers heat generated by the power supply system to the surrounding air.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply system may include an outdoor power supply system. The protective housing protects the interior of the housing from the influence of the outdoor environment.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective module housing is made of a thermally conductive material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective main housing is also made of a thermally conductive material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermally conductive material may include a weather-resistant metal suitable for outdoor environments. The material may include aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0058] Therefore, the protective module housing itself is part of the passive cooling system.The protective main housing can also be considered as part of the passive cooling system.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the converter module may include an active power converter module. In one embodiment of the present invention, the converter module includes an active control switch controlled by a control circuit.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present case, the first mechanical connector includes a first part of the mechanical coding system; the second mechanical connector includes a second part of the mechanical coding system; wherein the module unit can only be connected to the main unit when the first part of the mechanical coding system fits the second part of the mechanical coding system.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply system includes an additional connection system configured to provide a detachable connection between the main unit and the additional module unit, the additional module unit including a protective module housing and a rechargeable battery module disposed in the protective module housing. The additional connection system is preferably the same as the connection system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The above-mentioned power supply system requires a passive cooling system only during the operation of the power supply system (i.e., when the converter module is supplied with power and performs active power conversion). During the manufacturing, transportation, storage, etc., that is, before the power supply system is installed and powered on, no heat is generated and no cooling is required. Therefore, the term "during the operation of the power supply system" is used in this article to specify relevant technical features that are preferred but not necessarily necessary when the power supply is turned on. During the operation of the power supply system, the module unit and the main unit are connected to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 The prior art housing of an outdoor power supply system is shown, and the housing is a cabinet;

[0065] Figure 2a Shows Figure 1 Converter modules used in power supply systems;

[0066] Figure 2b A prior art passively cooled converter module is shown;

[0067] Figure 2c A prior art power supply system having two such passively cooled converter modules is shown;

[0068] Figure 3a Schematically shows a front view of a first embodiment of the power supply system of the present invention having two module units;

[0069] Figure 3b Corresponds to Figure 3a, schematically showing that one of the module units is disconnected from the main unit;

[0070] Figure 3c A top view of a main unit and a bottom view of a module unit are schematically shown, wherein the main unit and the module unit are not connected.

[0071] Figure 4a A front view of an embodiment of the outdoor power supply system of the present invention is shown;

[0072] Figure 4b A rear view of an embodiment of the outdoor power supply system of the present invention is shown;

[0073] Figure 5 Corresponding to FIG. 3 , in which the upper part of the main housing and the corresponding upper part of the converter module housing have been removed;

[0074] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Region AA of the main unit is shown, the main unit having a first connection means of the connection system, of which only the mechanical connector is shown;

[0075] Figure 7 Corresponds to Figure 6 , the mechanical connector and the electrical connector of the first connection device are shown here;

[0076] Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of a module unit with a second connection device of the connection system, wherein only the mechanical connector is shown;

[0077] Fig. 9 Corresponds to Figure 8 , where the mechanical connector and the electrical connector of the second connection device are shown;

[0078] Fig.10 A cross section showing the main unit and module units connecting adjacent areas of the system;

[0079] Fig.11 Shown perpendicular to Fig.10 A cross section taken from a cross section;

[0080] Fig.12 An enlarged view of an electrical connector of the connection system is shown;

[0081] Fig.13 An enlarged view showing some details of the main unit and the left side of the module unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] refer to Figure 3a Here, a power supply system 1 is shown, which includes a main unit 10 and two module units 30. Each module unit 30 is connected by Figure 3aThe protective connection system shown by the middle dashed rectangle CS is detachably connected to the main unit 30 .

[0083] The main unit 10 includes a protective main housing 11 and a power distribution circuit 20 disposed in the protective main housing 11. Each module unit 30 includes a protective module housing 31 and an electric module 40 disposed within the protective module 31.

[0084] Reference now Figure 4a and Figure 4b , which shows another embodiment of the power supply system 1. Here, the main unit 10 is connected to four module units 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. It should be noted that, Figure 4a and 4b Only one connection system (CS) is shown as an example for illustration. The central axis A1 of the first module unit is also Figure 4a As will be apparent from the following description, when the power supply system 1 is in operation, the central axis A1 is generally oriented in the vertical direction. Based on this orientation, the main unit 10 is Figure 4a And / or 4b is further represented by its front side FS, left side LS, right side RS and rear side RS.

[0085] Figure 4a and 4b Only the main housing 11 and four module housings 31 are shown. The module housings 31 are shown as part of a cooling system 70 having cooling fins 71. This will be described in further detail below.

[0086] exist Figure 4b In FIG. 1 , the main housing 11 is shown to include a first main housing section 11a and a second main housing section 11b, wherein the first main housing section 11a forms a front side FS and the second main housing section 11b forms a rear side RS. Fig. 9 , in a similar manner, the module housing 31 includes a first module housing portion 31 a and a second module housing portion 31 b.

[0087] exist Figure 5 , the first main housing portion 11 a of the main unit 10 and the first module housing portions 31 a of the corresponding module units 30 have been removed.

[0088] The power distribution circuit 20 includes cable connectors, circuit breakers / relays, controllers for controlling power through the converter(s), for controlling output voltage, for battery management, etc. Figure 5 The cable is guided from the outside of the main housing 11 to the inside of the main housing 11 via the cable lead-out hole 14 provided on the bottom surface of the main housing 11 (as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 1 ).

[0089] The power supply system 1 further includes a ventilation device 2. The ventilation device 2 makes the air pressure inside the housing 11, 31 equal to the air pressure outside the housing 11, 31. In addition, the air humidity can also be equal to the ambient air humidity through the ventilation device 2. The ventilation device 2 can include a membrane, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Such a ventilation device can be, for example, The ventilating device 2 may be disposed at the rear side of the main housing 11. The power supply system further includes one or more mounting openings 3 for mounting the power supply system 1 to a structure, such as a wall, a pole, a tower, etc. The mounting opening 3 may be disposed at the rear side of the main housing 11.

[0090] The electrical module 40 may typically include a converter module, wherein the input power is power from the AC mains, an AC generator or another AC source, DC power, varying DC power (e.g. from one or more solar panels), etc. The output power may be controlled DC power or controlled AC power. Depending on the expected load connected to the power supply system 1, the system may include only one, two, three or four such units 30. A UPS function may also be provided by connecting a rechargeable battery to the distribution circuit 20. The rechargeable battery may be located outside the housing 11, 31 and connected by a cable, such as Figure 5 However, in addition to the electric module 40 in the form of a converter module, the power supply system 1 may also include one or more electric modules 40 in the form of a rechargeable battery. In this case, the rechargeable battery is located in one of the module housings 31 .

[0091] The power supply system 1 is designed for outdoor use, wherein the electrical components of the power distribution circuit 20 and the electrical module 40 are protected from the external environment by the housings 11, 31. The main housing 11 serves as a protective main housing 11, and the module housing 31 is a protective module housing 31. The system 1 may, for example, have an IP65 classification. Therefore, seals 51, 52 are provided between the first main housing part 11a and the second main housing part 11b and between the first module housing part 31a and the second module housing part 31b, respectively (e.g., Fig.10 shown).

[0092] The cooling system 70 is a passive cooling system, wherein the module housing 31 is part of the cooling system 70 and heat is dissipated from the housing 31 to the environment. The main housing 11 may also be part of the cooling system 70. In one embodiment, the module housing 31 (and the main housing 11) are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal. In one embodiment, preferably, the housing 103 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The heat sink 71 of the passive cooling system can be manufactured together with the converter module housing in a die casting process or a machining process.

[0093] The present invention relates to a connection system CS between the main unit 10 and the module unit 30, and the connection system CS will be described in detail below. It should be noted that in the following description, the connection system CS and other parts of the power supply system 1 are described as being installed during operation of the power supply system 1, and the axis A1 is oriented vertically. Since the axis A1 is oriented vertically, the cooling system 70 including the heat sink 71 will be able to dissipate the heat generated by the power supply system 1 to the environment.

[0094] Reference now Figure 3b , which illustrates Figure 3a The left connection system CS. The connection system CS comprises a first connector device 15 arranged on the top surface TF of the protective main housing 11 and a second connector device 35 arranged on the bottom surface BF of the protective module housing 31. In addition, the connection system CS comprises a seal 53.

[0095] Reference now Figure 3c , showing the bottom surface BF of the module unit 30 and the top surface TF of the main unit 10. Here it is shown that the first connector device 15 includes a first mechanical connector 16 fixed to the protective main housing 11, a first electrical connector 27 connected to the distribution circuit 20, and a first closing surface 17 circumferentially surrounding the first mechanical connector 16 and the first electrical connector 27. Similarly, the second connector device 35 includes a second mechanical connector 36 fixed to the protective module housing 31, a second electrical connector 47 connected to the converter module 40, and a second closing surface 37 circumferentially surrounding the mechanical connector 36 and the electrical connector 47.

[0096] When the module unit 30 and the main unit 10 are connected to each other, the first mechanical connector 16 and the second mechanical connector 36 are connected to each other, and the first electrical connector 27 and the second electrical connector 47 are connected to each other. In addition, the seal 53 is hermetically engaged between the first and second sealing surfaces 17 and 37.

[0097] Connection system CS of modular unit 30

[0098] Reference now Figure 8, wherein the module unit 30 is shown. Here, it is shown that the second mechanical connector 36 includes a fixing opening 362. In this embodiment, the fixing opening 362 is a threaded opening. The second mechanical connector 36 also includes two guide elements 361, which are arranged at a distance from each other and at a distance from the fixing opening 362.

[0099] Fig. 9 Corresponds to Figure 8 , but a second electrical connector 47 is also shown here. The second electrical connector 47 includes multiple power connectors for transferring power into and out of the module 40, and one or more communication connectors for transmitting control signals and sensor signals between the module 40 and the controller of the distribution circuit 20.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, between the guide element 361 and the fixing opening 362, the second mechanical connector 36 comprises a second part of a mechanical coding system, which is indicated as 364. The mechanical coding system 364 comprises a pin opening into which a pin can be inserted. Figure 8 , pins are present in positions 1, 2, and 6 (from left to right), while pins are not present in positions 3, 4, and 5.

[0101] Reference now Fig. 9 The second closing surface 37 is provided as a portion of the protective module housing 31 that circumferentially surrounds the second mechanical connector 36 and the second electrical connector 47 .

[0102] exist Fig. 9 , 10 In FIGS. 1 and 12 , it is shown that the second closing surface 37 is provided as a ridge 37a protruding from the second protective housing 31 in a direction toward the main housing 11. The ridge 37a is intended to come into contact with the seal 53 when the module unit 30 is assembled with the main unit 10.

[0103] It is also shown that the second connector device 35 comprises a second heat conducting element 38 circumferentially surrounding the second closing surface 37. The second heat conducting element 38 is also provided as part of the protective module housing 31 .

[0104] The second connector component 35 further comprises a lip 38 a circumferentially surrounding the second heat conducting element 38 , wherein the lip 38 a protrudes away from the second heat conducting element 38 in the axial direction A1 .

[0105] The second connector device 35 may include a second ventilation channel 39 ( Fig. 9 ) or multiple ventilation channels.

[0106] Connection system CS of main unit 10

[0107] Reference now Figure 6 , showing a part of the top surface TF of the main unit 10. Here it is shown that the first mechanical connector 16 comprises a fixing element 162. In the present embodiment, the fixing element 162 is a bolt or a screw adapted to be fixed to the fixing opening 362. The first mechanical connector 16 also comprises two guide openings 161 adapted to receive the guide element 361.

[0108] exist Figure 5 and Fig.10 , the fixing element 168 is shown to be accessible from within the main housing 11.

[0109] Figure 7 Corresponds to Figure 6 , but here the first electrical connector 27 is shown. The first electrical connector 27 is suitable for connecting to the second electrical connector 47.

[0110] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, between the guide opening 161 and the fixing element 162, the first mechanical connector 16 comprises a first part of a mechanical coding system, which is indicated as 164. The first mechanical coding system 164 comprises a pin opening, which can be open or closed. The pins of the second mechanical coding system 364 will fit into the open pin openings of the first mechanical coding system 164, but will not fit into the closed pin openings of the first mechanical coding system 164.

[0111] Therefore, if the first part of the mechanical coding system is compatible with the second part of the mechanical coding system, the modular unit 30 can be connected to the main unit 10. However, if the first part of the mechanical coding system is not compatible with the second part of the mechanical coding system, the modular unit 30 cannot be connected to the main unit 10.

[0112] As an example, a 48V DC output voltage of a power supply system will require a different fuse in the power distribution circuit 20 of the main unit 10 than a 400V DC output voltage. In addition, connecting a 48V DC module to a 400V DC system will damage the components (capacitors, semiconductors, etc.) within the 48V DC module. Therefore, by this mechanical coding system, it is possible to avoid connecting a converter module with a 48V DC output voltage to the main unit 10 of a power supply system that is only nominally output 400V DC (or vice versa).

[0113] exist Figure 7 , it is shown that the first closure surface 17 is arranged to be a portion of the protective main housing 11 that circumferentially surrounds the first mechanical connector 16 and the first electrical connector 27. The first closure surface 17 is arranged as a groove 17 ( Fig.10 ).

[0114] It is further shown that the first connector device 15 comprises a first heat conducting element 18 circumferentially surrounding the first closing surface 17. Furthermore, the first heat conducting element 18 is arranged as a part of the main housing 11.

[0115] The first connector device 15 may further include a first ventilation channel 19 ( Figure 7 ), the first ventilation passage 19 is aligned with the first ventilation passage 39 when the module unit 30 and the main unit 10 are connected to each other.

[0116] Assembly Operation

[0117] An operation of connecting the module unit 30 to the main unit 10 will now be described in detail.

[0118] However, first, the installation of the main unit 10 will be briefly described, because this is the first step in installing and assembling the power supply system 1. In the first step, the first main housing part 11a and the second main housing part 11b are released from each other. The distribution circuit 20 is fixed to the second main housing part 11b. At this time, the second main housing part 11b (together with the distribution circuit 20) is installed to the structure through the above-mentioned installation opening 3, with its rear side RS facing the structure and its top surface TS facing upward and the cable lead-out hole 14 facing downward.

[0119] The cables can now be led through the cable lead-out opening 14 and connected to the power distribution circuit 20 .

[0120] If not already in place, the seal 53 is inserted into the groove 17a forming the first closing surface groove 17 .

[0121] The module unit 30 does not require any assembly / disassembly at this stage. However, temporary covers may be provided on both the main unit 10 and the module unit 30 to provide protection during transport and storage. These temporary covers have now been removed.

[0122] The module unit 30 is now lifted onto the main unit 10 with its bottom surface BF facing downwards. By inserting the guide element 361 into the guide opening 161 , the module unit 30 will be correctly positioned relative to the main unit 10 .

[0123] The fixing element 162 is now fixed to the fixing opening 362. Fig.10 , the securing element 362 is shown in both its lower disconnected position and its upper connected and secured position.

[0124] Since the ridge 37a will compress the seal 53 between the first closure surface 17 and the second closure surface 37, the seal 53 will now be sealingly engaged in the groove 17a.

[0125] exist Fig.122 shows how the first electrical connector 27 and the second electrical connector 47 are connected to each other.

[0126] exist Fig.10 and 11 , it is also shown how the first heat conducting element 18 and the second heat conducting element 38 are pressed into contact with each other. It should be noted that the contact interface is arranged vertically below the seal 53. In addition, it is also shown how the lip 38a circumferentially surrounds the second heat conducting element 38 and is part of the first heat conducting element 18.

[0127] This serves two purposes: firstly, heat can be transferred between the main housing 11 and the module housing 31 via the first heat-conducting element 18 and the second heat-conducting element 38. Secondly, moisture and dust are prevented from reaching the seal 53. This is illustrated by the water-way (WW), which shows how water must flow upwards on the outside of the first heat-conducting element 18 and the inside of the lip 38a, and then flow between the first heat-conducting element 18 and the second heat-conducting element 38. Then, if water continues to enter, it must flow further upwards again and enter the groove 18a where the seal 53 is located. Therefore, the above-mentioned features of the connection system CS are considered to protect the interior of the housing 11, 31 from water, dust and other weather conditions.

[0128] The ventilation passages 19, 39 also allow air to flow between the main housing 11 and the module housing 39. Fig.10 The air flow is indicated by the dotted arrow AF (Air Flow).

[0129] Other module units 30 can then be connected to the main unit 10. In the above examples, there may be two or four such module units 30 connected to one main unit 10. However, other options are also possible. In addition, it is also possible to connect only one module unit 30 to the main unit 10 and then block the remaining openings in the top surface TS of the main unit 10.

[0130] In a final step, the first main housing part 11a is fixed to the second main housing part 11b.

[0131] In addition to the above mentioned, this connection system CS has more advantages. Fig.12 As shown in , both the power distribution circuit 20 and the converter module 40 usually include electrical and electronic components soldered to a printed circuit board PCB. Such a printed circuit board and the solder thereon are easily damaged if bent. According to the mechanical connection system of the power supply system described above, mechanical rigidity is ensured.

[0132] It is noteworthy that the above-mentioned connection system CS makes it easy to reinstall the power supply system 1 by replacing one modular unit 30 with another modular unit 30 (for example due to a fault), adding additional modular units (if an increase or decrease in load is expected) or removing one of the multiple modular units.

[0133] Another advantage is that the first electrical connector 27 may be contact-proof. Thus, an operator may connect or disconnect the first and second connector devices 15, 35 to each other even if the power distribution circuit 20 is powered.

[0134] Another advantage is that since the securing element 162 is only accessible from within the main housing, the risk of theft or vandalism is reduced.

[0135] Alternative Embodiments

[0136] In one embodiment of the present case, the fixing opening is provided as part of the first mechanical connector and the fixing element is provided as part of the second mechanical connector. In this embodiment, the fixing element is accessible from within the protective module housing.

[0137] In an embodiment of the present case, the guide opening is provided as part of the second mechanical connector and the guide element is provided as part of the first mechanical connector.

[0138] In one embodiment of the present case, the nominal power of the converter module is 1500-3000 W. In one embodiment of the present case, it is preferably 1500-2000 W.

[0139] In one embodiment of the present case, the module unit 30 is configured to convert the first type of power into the second type of power. The first type of power can be 230V AC type power (for example, provided from an AC mains, an AC generator, etc.), variable DC type power (for example, provided from a solar panel), fixed DC type power (for example, 400V DC power). The first type of power can generally be referred to as input power input to the power supply system.

[0140] The second type of power may be 48V DC type power, or another type of power required by the load. The second type of power may generally be referred to as output power output from the power supply system.

[0141] It should be noted that the converter module 40 can be configured to convert power between more than two types of power. For example, one converter module can convert both solar DC type power and AC type power to fixed DC type power. In addition, it is well known that bidirectional power converters are able to transfer power in both directions for such converters, and the use of terms such as input / output power is not very meaningful.

[0142] In the above description, the term "protectiveness" refers to how the electrical equipment needs to be protected from the outdoor environment, such as from fine particles (dust, sand, etc.) and moisture (rain, snow, etc.). Therefore, the term "protectiveness" can be interpreted as "protectiveness against the outdoor environment". As mentioned in the introduction above, the equipment used to protect electrical equipment is classified according to the protection level IP code defined in the IEC standard 60529. The embodiments described here are designed for IP code 65, which is generally required for outdoor power supply systems in Scandinavian countries. Other locations may require other IP codes, such as lower / higher fine particle protection and lower / higher moisture protection.

Claims

1. A power supply system (1), comprising: A main unit (10) comprising a protective main housing (11) and a power distribution circuit (20) disposed in the protective main housing (11); A module unit (30) comprising a protective module housing (31) and an electrical module (40) disposed in the protective module housing (31); and a protective connection system (CS) configured to provide a removable connection between the module unit (30) and the main unit (10); The protective connection system (CS) comprises a first connector component (15), a second connector component (35) and a sealing component (53); The first connector device (15) comprises: a first mechanical connector (16) configured to be fixed to the protective main housing (11); A first electrical connector (27) configured to connect to the power distribution circuit (20); and a first closure surface (17) circumferentially surrounding the first mechanical connector (16) and the first electrical connector (27); Wherein, the second connector device (35) comprises: a second mechanical connector (36) configured to be secured to the protective module housing (31); A second electrical connector (47) configured to connect to the electrical module (40); and a second closure surface (37) circumferentially surrounding the second mechanical connector (36) and the second electrical connector (47); Wherein, when the module unit (30) and the main unit (10) are connected to each other: The first mechanical connector (16) and the second mechanical connector (36) are connected to each other; The first electrical connector (27) and the second electrical connector (47) are connected to each other; and The seal (53) is sealingly engaged between the first sealing surface (17) and the second sealing surface (37); Wherein, the first connector device (15) comprises a first heat conducting element (18); The second connector device (35) comprises a second heat conducting element (38); wherein the first heat-conducting element (18) and the second heat-conducting element (38) are arranged to contact each other when the module unit (30) and the main unit (10) are connected to each other; wherein the first heat-conducting element (18) circumferentially surrounds the first closed surface (17); and Wherein, the second heat conducting element (38) circumferentially surrounds the second closed surface (37).

2. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The second mechanical connector (36) includes a fixing opening (362); The first mechanical connector (16) comprises a fixing element (162), and when the module unit (30) and the main unit (10) are connected to each other, the fixing element (162) of the first mechanical connector (16) is fixed to the fixing opening (362) of the second mechanical connector (36); The securing element (162) of the first mechanical connector (16) is accessible from within the protective main housing (11).

3. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first mechanical connector (16) comprises a guide opening (161); The second mechanical connector (36) includes a guide element (361), and when the module unit (30) and the main unit (10) are connected to each other, the guide element (361) of the second mechanical connector (36) is inserted into the guide opening (161) of the first mechanical connector (16).

4. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first closed surface (17) is provided as a part of the protective main housing (11), and the second closed surface (37) is provided as a part of the protective module housing (31).

5. The power supply system (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The first closure surface (17) is arranged as a part of one of a groove (17a) or a ridge in the protective main housing (11); The second closing surface (37) is provided as a portion of one of a ridge (37a) or a groove protruding from the protective module housing (31).

6. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during operation of the power supply system (1), the first heat conducting element (18) is arranged vertically below the second heat conducting element (38).

7. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heat conducting element (18) is arranged as a part of the protective main housing (11), and the second heat conducting element (38) is arranged as a part of the protective module housing (31).

8. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connector device (35) comprises a lip (38a) circumferentially surrounding the second heat conducting element (38), wherein the lip (38a) protrudes away from the second closing surface (37) in the axial direction (A1).

9. A power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during operation of the power supply system (1), the first connector device (15) is arranged on the top surface (TF) of the protective main housing (11), and the second connector device (35) is arranged on the bottom surface (BF) of the protective module housing (31).

10. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during operation of the power supply system (1), the first mechanical connector (16) and the first electrical connector (27) face upward, and the second mechanical connector (36) and the second electrical connector (47) face downward.

11. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during operation of the power supply system (1), the first closing surface (17) and the second closing surface (37) are oriented in a horizontal plane.

12. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first connector device (15) comprises a first ventilation channel (19); The second connector device (35) comprises a second ventilation channel (39) which is aligned with the first ventilation channel (19) when the module unit (30) and the main unit (10) are connected to each other.

13. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply system (1) further comprises a passive cooling system (70), wherein the passive cooling system (70) is used to cool the main unit (10) and the module unit (30).

14. The power supply system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the passive cooling system (70) comprises a heat sink (71) arranged on an outer surface of the protective module housing (31).

15. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first mechanical connector (16) includes a first portion (164) of a mechanical coding system; The second mechanical connector (36) includes a second portion (364) of the mechanical encoding system; The module unit (30) may be connected to the main unit (10) only when the first part of the mechanical coding system is adapted to the second part of the mechanical coding system.

16. The power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical module (40) comprises an active power converter adapted to convert one type of electrical power into another type of electrical power.

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