Sensor assembly for switchgear connector

Abstract

A sensor assembly (26) for a switchgear connector (1), the sensor assembly (26) comprising: a high voltage side (28) facing the switchgear; a low pressure side (30); an isolation barrier (32) providing galvanic isolation between the high voltage side (28) and the low voltage side (30); a sensor device (34) configured to measure at least one physical quantity and a sensor data output device representative of the at least one physical quantity, the sensor device (34) being arranged on the high-pressure side (28); a data interface (36) arranged on the low voltage side (30) and configured to provide the sensor device data accessible from outside the sensor assembly (26); and a transmission path (42) configured to communicate sensor device data (40) between the sensor device (34) and the output interface; wherein the transmission path (42) comprises a wireless portion extending across the isolation barrier (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor assembly for a switchgear connector, a rear plug for a switchgear connector including a part of the sensor assembly, and a kit for a switchgear connector including the rear plug and a sensor unit. Background Art

[0002] Switchgear connectors are typically used in medium-voltage and high-voltage applications to connect switchgear, transformers. They are used in outdoor distribution systems and / or indoor applications (such as in substations), and need to operate under ambient natural environmental conditions which may be extreme in some cases. The reliable performance of these connectors is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of the electrical system.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for switchgear connectors that perform reliably. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This need is addressed by a sensor assembly for a switchgear connector, which includes a high-voltage side facing the switchgear; a low-voltage side; an isolation barrier that provides current isolation between the high-voltage side and the low-voltage side; a sensor device configured to measure at least one physical quantity and a sensor data output device representative of the at least one physical quantity, the sensor device being arranged on the high-voltage side; a data interface arranged on the low-voltage side and configured to provide sensor device data accessible from outside the sensor assembly; and a transmission path configured to convey sensor device data between the sensor device and the output interface, wherein the transmission path includes a wireless portion extending across the isolation barrier.

[0005] This need is further addressed by providing a rear plug for a switchgear connector and a kit for a switchgear connector, the rear plug including the low-voltage side and the isolation barrier of the above-mentioned sensor assembly, the kit including the above-mentioned rear plug and a sensor unit configured to be mounted on a switchgear lug on the high-voltage side.

[0006] Finally, this need is addressed by a switchgear connector including the rear plug or the above-mentioned kit.

[0007] The above solutions are advantageous because they facilitate monitoring the condition of the switchgear connector for protection and maintenance purposes, and help avoid critical failures and damages during operation and maintenance. Thus, sudden and unexpected failures of the switchgear connector can be avoided, and the switchgear connector operates more reliably.

[0008] In addition, the solution can be used to retrofit existing switchgear connectors. As a result, they can be used to modernize existing switchgear installations so that they can be used more effectively and reliably in smart power systems.

[0009] The invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, which are advantageous in themselves and can be combined with each other arbitrarily.

[0010] The data interface of the sensor assembly can be analog and / or digital. Having an analog data interface has the advantages of low latency and easy integration with sensors that measure data in the physical world, since many natural phenomena are continuous and analog. On the other hand, a digital data interface is less susceptible to noise or interference and allows for greater flexibility. The combination of both combines the two advantages and is more versatile, especially in retrofit situations.

[0011] Sensor device data can be transmitted via wires, which provides higher speed and reliable transmission and is easy to set up. Sensor device data can be transmitted wirelessly, which reduces clutter, is quick and easy to install, and allows for a flexible and scalable setup.

[0012] The data interface can be a bus system, especially a standardized bus system. The bus system can include a fieldbus, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. The bus system is simple and cost-effective to implement and has the advantage of consistency, which means that the bus protocol and unified connection technology and devices are standardized, making it easy to expand and change, and the system is highly adjustable. In addition, the bus system is easy to expand, so that the number and type of devices attached to the bus system can vary or change. The data interface can further provide wires and / or connectors. The data interface can be an input and output interface, providing means for inputting sensor data and means for providing information or feedback to the user.

[0013] The transmission path can be configured to provide unidirectional data transmission from the sensor device data to the data interface, which is typically used for real-time monitoring or protecting data transmission. The transmission path can also be configured to provide bidirectional data transmission between the data interface and the sensor device, transmitting data in both directions and being able to send and receive, thus contributing to higher efficiency of data transmission. Using data transmission from the data interface to the sensor device allows, for example, programming or changing parameters of the sensor device.

[0014] The sensor device can include a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature. It can be particularly configured to measure the temperature inside the switchgear connector to monitor whether the maximum temperature threshold of the connector is exceeded at any time.

[0015] The sensor device may include at least one magnetic field sensor configured to measure the magnetic field generated by the switching device. The at least one magnetic field sensor can be used to measure the current within the connector and monitor it.

[0016] The sensor device may include a capacitive voltage sensor. The capacitive voltage sensor may be an active capacitive sensor. The capacitive voltage sensor may further include a primary capacitor and a secondary capacitor. The primary capacitor and the secondary capacitor may be made of the same material to have higher accuracy over a wider temperature range. The capacitive voltage sensor may be temperature compensated and may include a reference capacitor made of the same material as the primary capacitor to reduce the impact of temperature fluctuations on the components of the sensor.

[0017] The primary capacitor may be located on the high voltage side, while the secondary capacitor may be located on the low voltage side. Then, an isolation barrier is located between the primary capacitor and the secondary capacitor. The isolation barrier may also be part of the primary capacitor. The reference capacitor is located on the low voltage side.

[0018] The sensor device may include a microcontroller configured to perform temperature correction based on sensor device data representative of temperature from a temperature sensor.

[0019] The sensor device may include a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor may be configured to measure the ambient humidity. It may also be configured to measure the humidity within the post-plug or within the switching device connector, which may prove important for monitoring as condensation on components increases the risk of corrosion and failure.

[0020] The sensor device may include a line frequency sensor. Monitoring the line frequency proves useful for taking protective steps as the frequency of the electrical system changes, e.g., when the load and power generation change, i.e., to selectively switch off components of the network when a frequency drop is sensed.

[0021] The sensor device may further include a partial discharge sensor. Partial discharges typically occur within solid insulation systems and are not visible to the naked eye. Each partial discharge will deteriorate components such as insulation materials, further increasing the risk of cable system failures, making the monitoring of the occurrence of partial discharges in the connector highly beneficial for preventing such failures and extending the operating life of individual components.

[0022] The sensor device may include an air pressure sensor, which can be another preventive measure when a pressure deviation within the connector is identified.

[0023] The sensor assembly may include a humidity sensor and / or a line frequency sensor and / or a partial discharge sensor and / or an air pressure sensor. The air pressure sensor and / or the humidity sensor and any other type of sensor for measuring environmental conditions may be located on the low voltage side. The transmission path may include any of the sensors in the sensor assembly and connect any of the sensors in the sensor assembly to the data interface.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment of the sensor assembly includes a sensor sub-assembly, wherein the sensor sub-assembly includes a first sensor component on the high voltage side and a second sensor component on the low voltage side. The first sensor component and the second sensor component are configured to cooperatively measure at least one additional physical quantity across the isolation barrier. The second sensor component may be connected to the transmission path and is configured to output sensor data representative of the at least one additional physical quantity. This embodiment may prove useful when using sensors with active and passive parts or sensors that require both high voltage and low voltage.

[0025] The at least one additional physical quantity may be different from the at least one physical quantity measured by the sensor device, thus allowing at least two different physical quantities to be measured within one switchgear connector, enabling a general-purpose sensor to monitor multiple physical quantities within the connector.

[0026] The sensor sub-assembly may include a capacitor, the first sensor component includes a first conductor of the capacitor, the second sensor component includes a second conductor of the capacitor, and the isolation barrier separates the first conductor from the second conductor. This arrangement can be used to measure voltage.

[0027] The sensor sub-assembly may include a capacitive voltage sensor. The capacitive voltage sensor is an active capacitive voltage sensor. It may include a primary capacitor and a secondary capacitor, and the primary capacitor and the secondary capacitor may be made of the same material.

[0028] The capacitor voltage sensor may be temperature compensated and, in addition to the secondary capacitor, may include a reference capacitor made of the same material as the primary capacitor. The reference capacitor may also be the second capacitor.

[0029] At least one of the first sensor component and the second sensor component may include a coil. The coil provides a compact design, is easy to maintain and is suitable for non-contact sensing of changes in, for example, a magnetic field.

[0030] The second sensor component may include a voltage sensor, a magnetic field sensor or a magnetic discharge sensor.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment, the sensor assembly may include a high-voltage side facing the switching device, a low-voltage side, an isolation barrier providing current isolation between the high-voltage side and the low-voltage side, and may further include a sensor sub-assembly including a first sensor component on the high-voltage side and a second sensor component on the low-voltage side. The first and second sensor components may be configured to cooperatively measure at least one physical quantity across the isolation barrier. The second sensor component may be configured to output sensor assembly data representative of the at least one physical quantity. Additionally, the sensor assembly may include a data interface disposed on the low-voltage side and configured to provide sensor data accessible from outside the sensor assembly, which allows for remote access to the acquired data and the feasibility of quickly reacting to data deviations. The sensor assembly may further include a transmission path configured to transfer sensor data from the second sensor component device to the output interface.

[0032] The second sensor component may be configured to output data periodically, which allows the sensor assembly to save power by activating communication at set intervals. This also reduces the overall data load, increases the predictability of data input, and simplifies data processing. The second sensor component may also be configured to output data continuously, which has the advantage of real-time monitoring and faster response to anomalies.

[0033] Furthermore, the first sensor component may be a passive sensor component, and the second sensor component may be an active sensor component.

[0034] The first sensor component may be configured to be mounted on the switching device connection part to directly monitor physical quantities of the connection part, such as temperature. The switching device connection part may correspond to a busbar. The sensor device may be configured to be mounted on the busbar.

[0035] The first sensor component may be mounted in the switching device connector before the back plug. In particular, the first sensor component may be part of a magnetic field sensor positioned at an exact location within the switching device connector, as the magnetic field sensor needs to be correctly aligned within the connector.

[0036] Additionally, the sensor assembly may include a sensor device configured to measure at least one additional physical quantity and output sensor device data representative of the at least one additional physical quantity. The sensor device may be disposed on the high-voltage side, and the transmission path may connect the sensor device to the data interface and may include a wireless portion extending across the isolation barrier.

[0037] The sensor device may include active sensors and / or passive sensors. Compared with active sensors, passive sensors have the advantages of low power consumption and reduced complexity. The use of passive sensors reduces costs.

[0038] The sensor assembly may include a first near - field communication device on the high - voltage side and a second near - field communication device on the low - voltage side, wherein the wireless portion extends between the first near - field communication device and the second near - field communication device.

[0039] The first near - field communication device and / or the second near - field communication device is configured to conform to the NFC standard. Using the NFC standard enables short - range and contactless communication while providing fast data transfer. The NFC device can operate in both read mode and write mode, allowing two - way communication. They also have the advantage of not interfering with the isolation barrier between the high - voltage side and the low - voltage side.

[0040] The wireless portion may end at the first and second near - field communication devices respectively. The wireless portion may be configured to transfer power from the data interface to the sensor device such that the power cable can be negligible. The transmission path may be configured to transfer power to the second sensor component and / or the sensor device.

[0041] The transmission path may include at least one mechanically separable electrical connection in the high - voltage side. The connection may be between mating electrical connectors. The connection may also include a slip ring that allows uninterrupted transmission while also allowing continuous rotation, such as when screwing a rear plug or a component of the sensor assembly into a switchgear connector.

[0042] Another embodiment may be a rear plug including the low - voltage side of the sensor assembly and the isolation barrier. The rear plug may include a housing that houses the low - voltage side and the isolation barrier. The remainder of the sensor assembly may be external to the rear plug.

[0043] In addition, the first near - field communication device may be included in the rear plug. The remainder of the sensor assembly may be external to the rear plug. The high - voltage side of the sensor assembly may be included in the rear plug. This is particularly advantageous for position - sensitive magnetic field sensors as ideal alignment with the rear - plug installation can be ensured before adding the less - sensitive components of the sensor assembly to the switchgear connector.

[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention may be a kit including a rear plug and a sensor unit, the rear plug and the sensor unit being configured to be mounted on a switchgear connection on the high - voltage side. The sensor unit may include at least one of a sensor device and a first sensor component. The sensor unit may include a first near - field communication device. The sensor unit may also include a part of the mechanically separable electrical connection, such as a part of the slip ring.

[0045] The kit may be configured as a retrofit kit that improves the efficiency of closing or updating the sensors within the kit and allows for quick installation.

[0046] The sensor unit may include a first near - field communication device, and the rear plug may include a second near - field communication device, thereby allowing wireless transmission between the two parts of the submission.

[0047] Another embodiment is a switchgear connector including the rear plug or kit as described above. The rear plug is removably accommodated within the switchgear connector, allowing flexibility and scalability of the components. Description of the Drawings

[0048] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The combinations of features shown in the embodiments illustrated by way of example may be supplemented by additional features according to the above statements corresponding to the nature of the invention required for a particular application. If the effects of these features are not relevant to a particular application, individual features may also be omitted according to the above statements from the described embodiments. The same reference numerals in the drawings are always used for elements having the same function and / or the same structure.

[0049] Figure 1 Schematic cross - sectional view showing a switchgear connector;

[0050] Figure 2 Schematic view showing an embodiment of a sensor assembly included in a rear plug;

[0051] Figure 3 Schematic view showing an embodiment of a sensor assembly having a slip ring;

[0052] Figure 4 Schematic view showing an embodiment of a sensor assembly having two locally separated parts of a sensor assembly;

[0053] Figure 5 Schematic view showing a capacitive voltage sensor; and

[0054] Figure 6 Schematic view showing a sensor mounted on a connection part. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a switchgear connector 1 is shown. The switchgear connector 1 can be designed as an elbow connector with a horizontal or proximal portion that includes a switchgear interface 2 and a rear plug 4. The rear plug 4 is inserted into the switchgear connector 1 from the side opposite to the switchgear interface 2. The switchgear interface 2 will be connected to a switchgear (not shown) in the connection direction 6, which is the same as the installation direction of the rear plug 4. The horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1 can be cylindrical, and the switchgear interface 2 is located at the end of the horizontal portion that is on the side farther along the connection direction 6. The rear plug 4 is depicted as a frustum of a cone. The switchgear interface 2 extends into the switchgear connector 1 in the direction opposite to the connection direction 6 and is designed to have a length 8 that is greater than the length 10 of the rear plug 4. In another embodiment, the switchgear interface 2 and the rear plug 4 can have the same length. Alternatively, the length 10 of the rear plug 4 can be longer than the length 8 of the switchgear interface 2.

[0056] The switchgear connector 1 further includes an end cap 12 that is placed onto the switchgear connector 1 after the rear plug 2 is inserted. The end cap 12 can be shaped as a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the base of the cylindrical horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1. The end cap 12 can be shaped as a cap with a circular border that projects from the circle in the connection direction 6 and is designed such that the border of the end cap 12 is flush with the circumference of the horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1 and frictionally engages with the circumference of the horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1. The end cap 12 can also include fins 14 that project from the end cap 12 in any radial direction 16, and when the end cap 12 is removed from the switchgear connector 1, the fins 14 provide a contact point for a user to engage. In this way, the rear plug 4 can be exchanged with another rear plug 4, thus facilitating the update or replacement of components. The end cap 12 can be used to ground sensor components and / or act as a seal to prevent dirt, water, or other substances from outside the switchgear connector 1. One embodiment may not include the end cap 12, and the rear plug can seal the switchgear connector 1.

[0057] The switchgear connector 1 further includes a vertical portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1 and radially extends from the horizontal portion of the switchgear connector 1. The vertical portion can also be cylindrical and is located within the switchgear connector 1 between the switchgear interface 2 and the rear plug 4. The vertical portion is positioned closer to the end cap 12 compared to the outside near the switchgear interface 2.

[0058] The horizontal and vertical portions of the switchgear connector 1 can be integral, i.e., form a single piece. The switchgear connection part 18 is located between the switchgear interface 2 and the rear plug 4. The switchgear connection part 18 extends radially into the vertical portion of the switchgear connector 1 and is also connected to the cable 20. The switchgear connection part 18 includes pins or, alternatively, bolts 22 that extend in both directions of the connection direction 6 towards the switchgear interface 2 and the rear plug 4 and are fastened with nuts 24.

[0059] Figure 2 A schematic view of the sensor assembly 26 is shown. The sensor assembly 26 includes a high-voltage side 28 facing the switchgear (not shown) and a low-voltage side 30 on the opposite side. The sensor assembly 26 can be included in the rear plug 4. The sensor assembly 26 also includes an isolation barrier 32 that electrically isolates the high-voltage side 28 from the low-voltage side 30. In Figure 2 it, the sensor device 34 of the sensor assembly 26 is shown, which can include at least one sensor for measuring a physical quantity. The sensor device 34 is located on the high-voltage side 28.

[0060] The sensor assembly 26 also includes a data interface 36 located on the low-voltage side 30. The data interface 36 can include or consist of a fieldbus interface 38. The fieldbus interface 38 is connected to an external data processing device (not shown) and provides the sensor data 40 of the sensor device 34 to the external data processing device. The data interface 36 can also be a digital data interface. The sensor data 40 can be provided via wires. The sensor data 40 can be provided wirelessly. The data interface 36 can include wires and / or connectors for connection to an external data processing device. Alternatively, the data interface 36 can be an interface connected via Bluetooth or Ethernet. The data interface 36 can also be used as an input interface to input programming, configuration, and / or settings into the sensor assembly 26.

[0061] In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 26 also includes a transmission path 42. The transmission path 42 can be located inside the isolation barrier 32. The transmission path 42 can be used to transfer the sensor device data 40 between the sensor device 34 and the data interface 36. In this way, the data 40 obtained by at least one sensor of the sensor device 34 can be transferred to the data interface 36, while the configuration input by the user can be transferred from the data interface 36 to the sensor device 34, thus enabling bidirectional data transmission.

[0062] The transmission path 42 can include a wireless portion inside the isolation barrier 32. The transmission path 42 can also be used to transfer power from the data interface 36 to the sensor device 34.

[0063] The sensor device 34 may include a temperature sensor 44 to measure the temperature within the switchgear connector 1. The sensor device may also include a capacitive voltage sensor 46. Alternatively or cumulatively, the sensor device 34 may include at least one magnetic field sensor 48, a partial discharge sensor 50, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, or a line frequency sensor. A transmission path 42 connects any of the sensors to the data interface 36.

[0064] The capacitive voltage sensor 46 may include a primary capacitor 52 and a secondary capacitor 54, with the primary capacitor 52 or the passive part 52 of the capacitive voltage sensor 46 located on the high voltage side 28, and the secondary capacitor 54 or the active part 54 of the capacitive voltage sensor 46 located on the low voltage side 30. An isolation barrier 32 may be between the primary capacitor 52 and the secondary capacitor 54. In another embodiment, the isolation barrier 43 may also be part of the primary capacitor 52. The capacitive voltage sensor 46 may include a microcontroller 56 that performs temperature correction for temperature compensation using the sensor device data 40, particularly the sensor device data 40 sensed by the temperature sensor 44.

[0065] The combination of the capacitive voltage sensor 46 having the primary capacitor 52 and the secondary capacitor 54, the isolation barrier 32, and the microcontroller 56 as described above may be a sensor sub - assembly 58, where a first sensor component 60 is located on the high voltage side 28, and a second sensor component 62 is located on the low voltage side 30, and where the first sensor component 60 and the second sensor component 62 measure another physical quantity across the isolation barrier 32. The second sensor component 62 is connected to the transmission path 42 and outputs second sensor data 40. The transmission path 42 may also be used to transfer power from the data interface 36 to the second sensor component. One or both of the sensor components 60, 62 may include coils and may be used to measure a magnetic field. The first sensor component 60 may be a passive sensor component, and the second sensor component 62 may be an active sensor component.

[0066] The first capacitor 52 and the second capacitor 54 may be made of the same material. The sensor sub - assembly 58 may include a reference capacitor 72 made of the same material as the primary capacitor 54 for higher accuracy and temperature measurement.

[0067] The sensor assembly 26 may include the voltage sensor 46 or a part of the voltage sensor 46, at least one magnetic field sensor 48 for measuring current, and / or a partial discharge sensor 50. The sensors may be located on the low voltage side 30. The sensor assembly 26 may also include a data interface 36 on the low voltage side 30 to provide the sensor data 40, and may also include a transmission path 42 that transfers the sensor data 40 from the second sensor component 62 to the output interface 36.

[0068] The second sensor component 62 can be configured to periodically output data 40 for efficient energy management. The data 40 can be configured to be output continuously for real-time monitoring.

[0069] The sensor assembly 26 can also include a first near-field communication device 64 on the high-voltage side 28. Another near-field communication device 64 can be located on the low-voltage side 30, with an isolation barrier 32 between the near-field communication devices 64. Wireless communication and transmission occur across the isolation barrier 32 between the two near-field communication devices 64. At least one of the near-field communication devices 64 can be standardized under the NFC standard. The wireless portion can end at the first and second near-field communication devices 64.

[0070] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the sensor assembly 26 is shown, in which the first sensor component 60 is configured to be mounted on the switchgear connection part 18. The switchgear connection part 18 can include or consist of a busbar. The sensor device 34 or the first sensor component 60 can be configured to be mounted on the busbar.

[0071] The first sensor component 60 can include at least one (here two) magnetic field sensors 48 and a temperature sensor 44. The passive part of the voltage sensor 46 can also be located in the first sensor component 60. The sensors can be connected to a microcontroller 56. The components mentioned can be included within one location, such as a housing. They can also be directly mounted on the switchgear connection part 18.

[0072] The first sensor component 60 can be mounted in the switchgear connector 1 before the rear plug 4. This is advantageous for the precise alignment of the first sensor component 60 because the magnetic field sensor 48 is very sensitive to position.

[0073] The first sensor component 60 and the rear plug 4 can be connected by a mechanically separable electrical connection 66 on the high-voltage side 28. In this embodiment, the mechanically separable electrical connection 66 connects the near-field communication device 64 on the high-voltage side 28 to the sensor component 60 on the high-voltage side 28. The mechanically separable electrical connection 66 can be a mating slip ring or electrical connector. A part of the mechanically separable electrical connection 66 can be included in the rear plug, while another part can be located within the first sensor component 60.

[0074] The isolation barrier 32 is preferably located within the rear plug 4. The first near-field communication device 64 on the high-voltage side 28 can be located in the rear plug 4. The first near-field communication device 64 can be arranged close to the isolation barrier 32 and can be connected to the first sensor component 60 via a transmission path 42 and the mechanically separable electrical connection 66.

[0075] The rear plug 4 may include a second sensor component 62 and a low voltage side 30, a second near field communication device 64, and a data interface 36. The data interface 36 may be used to output sensor data 40 to an external data processing device.

[0076] The rear plug 4 may include a housing 68. The housing 68 may include a low voltage side 28 and an isolation barrier 32, while the remainder of the sensor assembly 26 may be external to the rear plug 4.

[0077] Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown where the high voltage side 28 and the low voltage side 30 are physically separated, such as being included in two different housings 68. On the high voltage side 28, the sensor assembly 26 may include a microcontroller 56 that obtains sensor data 40 from different sensors.

[0078] In this embodiment, the high voltage side 28 includes a temperature sensor 44, two magnetic field sensors 48, and a passive portion of a voltage sensor 46. It is also conceivable to add a humidity sensor, a line frequency sensor, and / or a partial discharge sensor or switch sensors to a humidity sensor, a line frequency sensor, and / or a partial discharge sensor.

[0079] The high voltage side 28 may further include a first near field communication device 64 connected to the microcontroller 56 and located on the side facing the rear plug 4. The first near field communication device 64 may wirelessly communicate across the isolation barrier 32 with a second near field communication device 64, which may be included in the rear plug 4 and located on the low voltage side 30 of the sensor assembly 26.

[0080] The rear plug 4 may include an isolation barrier 32 that provides current isolation between the high voltage side 28 and the low voltage side 30. The second near field communication device 64 may be positioned close to the isolation barrier 32 in the connection direction 6 such that data can be sent and received to and from the first near field communication device 64. The second near field communication device 64 may be connected to the microcontroller 56. The microcontroller 56 obtains data 40 from the partial discharge sensor 50 and the active portion of the voltage sensor 46, and further communicates with the data interface 36, which may be externally connected to another device or interface to provide the sensor data 40.

[0081] In another embodiment, the high voltage side 28 of the sensor assembly 26 is entirely included within the rear plug 4.

[0082] Another embodiment of the present invention is a kit for a switchgear connector 1, which includes a rear plug 4 and a sensor unit 70. The sensor unit 70 can be mounted on a switchgear tab 18 on the high-voltage side 28. The sensor unit 70 can include a sensor device 34 and a first sensor component 60. The sensor unit 70 can include only one of the sensor device 34 or the first sensor component 60. The sensor unit 70 can also include a first near-field communication device 64. In this case, the rear plug 4 can include a second near-field communication device 64. The sensor unit 70 can be connected via a mechanically separable electrical connection 66 and can include a part of the mechanically separable electrical connection 66, while the rear plug 4 can include another part of the mechanically separable electrical connection 66. This embodiment can be a retrofit kit and can be used to update any sensor or component.

[0083] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a capacitive voltage sensor 46 is shown. The capacitive voltage sensor 46 can include an active voltage divider, and the active voltage divider can use an amplifier to measure very low signals. The capacitive voltage sensor 46 can include a capacitive voltage divider, in which a primary capacitor 52 and a secondary capacitor 54 are connected in series. The primary capacitor 52 is located on the high-voltage side 28. The secondary capacitor 54 is located on the low-voltage side 30. With this combination, the capacitive voltage sensor 46 does not require an active part on the high-voltage side 28. The primary capacitor 52 and the secondary capacitor 54 can be formed of the same dielectric and positioned close to each other to achieve high-precision sensing. The secondary capacitor 54 can alternatively or additionally have a reference capacitor 72, which is formed of the same material as the primary capacitor 54 and can be used for temperature compensation. The secondary capacitor 54 can also be formed of a material different from that of the primary capacitor 54. In particular, the secondary capacitor 54 can be manufactured from commercially available components. The voltage sensor 46 can also perform temperature compensation using a component of the sensor data representing temperature.

[0084] In Figure 6 , the switchgear connector 1 is shown as having a switchgear connection part 18 and a rear plug 4. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 26 includes two components, such as a first sensor component 60 and a second sensor component 62. When one component, such as the second sensor component 62, can be included in the rear plug 4, the other component can be the first sensor component 60 configured to be mounted on the switchgear connection part 18.

[0085] The first sensor component 60 may include a mounting plate 74, where at least one sensor 76 (such as the temperature sensor 44) may be attached to the mounting plate 74, and where the at least one sensor 76 projects along the connection direction 6 such that the sensor 76 is allowed to be close enough to and / or in contact with the switchgear connection part 18 to measure the physical quantity on the switchgear connection part 18.

[0086] The first sensor component 60 may also include two or more sensors 76. The two or more sensors 76 may include at least one magnetic field sensor 48 configured to measure a magnetic field to determine current.

[0087] The mounting plate 74 may include mounting holes through which bolts 22 may be fed to attach the mounting plate 74 to the switchgear connection part 18. The mounting plate 74 may then be fixed to the switchgear connection part 18 using nuts 24. The sensor 76 may be fastened to the mounting plate via screws 78 or other fasteners.

[0088] Reference numerals

[0089] 1 Switchgear connector

[0090] 2 Switchgear interface

[0091] 4 Rear plug

[0092] 6 Connection direction

[0093] 8 Length of the switchgear interface

[0094] 10 Length of the rear plug

[0095] 12 End cap

[0096] 14 Flap

[0097] 16 Radial direction relative to the end cap

[0098] 18 Switchgear connection part

[0099] 20 Cable

[0100] 22 Pin, bolt

[0101] 24 Nut

[0102] 26 Sensor assembly

[0103] 28 High voltage side

[0104] 30 Low voltage side

[0105] 32 Isolation barrier

[0106] 34 Sensor device

[0107] 36 Data interface

[0108] 38 Fieldbus Interface

[0109] 40 Sensor Data

[0110] 42 Transmission Path

[0111] 44 Temperature Sensor

[0112] 46 Voltage Sensor

[0113] 48 Magnetic Field Sensor

[0114] 50 Partial Discharge Sensor

[0115] 52 Primary Capacitor

[0116] 54 Secondary Capacitor

[0117] 56 Microcontroller

[0118] 58 Sensor Subassembly

[0119] 60 First Sensor Component

[0120] 62 Second Sensor Component

[0121] 64 Near-Field Wireless Communication Device

[0122] 66 Mechanically Detachable Electrical Connection

[0123] 68 Housing for Rear Plug

[0124] 70 Sensor Unit

[0125] 72 Reference Capacitor

[0126] 74 Mounting Plate

[0127] 76 Sensor

[0128] 78 Screw

Claims

1. A sensor assembly (26) for a switch device connector (1), the sensor assembly (26) comprising: A high voltage side (28) facing the switchgear; Low pressure side (30); an isolation barrier (32) providing galvanic isolation between the high voltage side (28) and the low voltage side (30); sensor means (34) configured to measure at least one physical quantity and sensor data output means representative of said at least one physical quantity, The sensor device (34) is arranged on the high-pressure side (28); a data interface (36) arranged on the low pressure side (30) and configured to provide the sensor device data (40) accessible from outside the sensor assembly (26); and a transmission path (42) configured to transmit sensor device data (40) between the sensor device (34) and the output interface (36); The transmission path (42) includes a wireless portion extending across the isolation barrier (32).

2. The sensor assembly (26) according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly (26) includes a sensor subassembly (58), wherein the sensor subassembly (58) includes: a first sensor component (60) on the high pressure side (28), and a second sensor component (62) on the low-pressure side (30), The first sensor component (60) and the second sensor component (62) are configured to cooperatively measure at least one further physical quantity; The second sensor component (62) is connected to the transmission path (42) and is configured to output second sensor data (40) representing the at least one further physical quantity.

3. A sensor assembly (26) for a switch device connector (1), the sensor assembly (26) comprising: A high voltage side (28) facing the switchgear; Low pressure side (30); an isolation barrier (32) providing galvanic isolation between the high voltage side (28) and the low voltage side (30); A sensor subassembly (58), the sensor subassembly (58) comprising: a first sensor component (60) on the high pressure side (28), and a second sensor component (62) on the low-pressure side (30), The first sensor component and the second sensor component are configured to cooperatively measure at least one physical quantity across the isolation barrier (32), The second sensor component (62) is configured to output sensor assembly data (40) representing the at least one physical quantity; Data Interface (36) is arranged on the low-pressure side (30), configured to provide sensor data (40) accessible from outside the sensor assembly (26); and A transmission path (42) is configured to transmit sensor data (40) from the second sensor component (62) to the output interface (36).

4. The sensor assembly (26) according to claim 2 or 3, in, The first sensor component (60) is a passive sensor component and the second sensor component (62) is an active sensor component.

5. The sensor assembly (26) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in, The first sensor component (60) is configured to be mounted on a switchgear terminal portion (18).

6. The sensor assembly (26) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in, The sensor assembly (26) comprises: a sensor device (34) configured to measure at least one further physical quantity and to output sensor device data (40) representative of the at least one further physical quantity, The sensor device (34) is arranged on the high-pressure side (28); Therein, the transmission path (42) also connects the sensor device (34) to the data interface (36) and includes a wireless portion extending across the isolation barrier (32).

7. A sensor assembly (26) according to claim 1 or 2 or according to claim 6, The sensor assembly (26) includes a first near field communication device (64) on the high voltage side (28) and a second near field communication device (64) on the low voltage side (30), The wireless portion extends between the first near field communication device and the second near field communication device (64).

8. A sensor assembly (26) according to claim 1 or 2 or according to claim 6 or 7, in, The wireless portion is configured to transmit power from the data interface (36) to the sensor device (34).

9. The sensor assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The transmission path (42) comprises at least one mechanically separable electrical connection (66) on the high-voltage side (28).

10. A rear plug (4) for a switchgear connector (1), A sensor assembly (26) comprising the low pressure side (28) and the isolation barrier (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The rear plug (4) according to claim 10, in, The sensor assembly (26) is configured according to claim 7, Wherein, the first near field communication device (64) is included in the rear plug (4).

12. The rear plug (4) according to claim 10 or 11, in, The high-pressure side (28) of the sensor assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is comprised in the rear plug (4).

13. A kit for a switchgear connector (1), The kit includes: The rear plug (4) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, A sensor unit (70) is configured to be mounted on a switchgear connection portion (18) on the high voltage side (28).

14. A kit for a switchgear connector (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor unit (70) comprises the first near field communication device (64), and the rear plug (4) comprises the second near field communication device (64).

15. A switchgear connector (1), A kit comprising a rear plug (4) according to any one of claims 10 to 12 or a kit according to claim 13 or 14.

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