Protection device, protection assembly, electrical panel and associated test method

Abstract

The protection device (300) comprises at least two conductive paths (303) and a cutting device (310) arranged on each conductive path. The apparatus includes a microcontroller (320) configured to measure a differential current in the conductive path with a detection device (312) to evaluate a differential fault and to send a trip signal to the shut-off device when a first type of differential fault is detected. The protection device (300) further comprises a test loop (360), which is different from the detection means. The microcontroller (320) is configured to inject a first test signal representative of a first type of electrical fault into the conductive path by means of the test loop and to measure the first test signal thus injected into the conductive path together with the detection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical protection devices, protective components including such electrical protection devices, and electrical panels including such protection devices or such protective components. The invention also relates to a method for testing such protection devices. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical protection devices capable of detecting differential current faults, such as differential circuit breakers, are of interest here. Several types of differential faults exist, specifically defined in the IEC 60755:2017 standard. In particular, the types of faults include cases where the electrical signal is rectified, cases where the signal includes high-frequency components, and ratings such as 30 mA or 300 mA. Differential circuit breakers are typically configured to detect specific types of differential faults. During manufacturing, the protective device is tested in the factory by injecting a test signal representing the type of fault under consideration into the conductive path to check the proper operation of the differential circuit breaker.

[0003] Once protective devices are installed in electrical installations, such as in electrical panels, to check whether circuit breakers are operating satisfactorily, differential circuit breakers are typically equipped with a test button that allows a representative current to be injected into the circuit breaker's conductive path to automatically trip the circuit breaker. In other words, the check-detect-trip chain is operational, but it is no longer possible to test the circuit breaker using test signals that perfectly correspond to the type of fault under consideration.

[0004] The present invention is more particularly intended to remedy these problems by proposing a protective device that allows for more accurate testing of differential faults. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electrical protection device configured to connect a power supply to an electrical load, the protection device comprising:

[0006] - At least two conductive paths, including a first path and a second path, wherein the first path is configured to be connected to a phase of the power supply, and the second path is configured to be connected to another phase of the power supply or the neutral line of the power supply, each conductive path including:

[0007] • Input terminals, which are configured to be connected to a phase of the power supply or possibly to the neutral line of the power supply.

[0008] • Output terminals, which are associated with input terminals and configured to be connected to terminals of electrical loads, and

[0009] • A disconnecting device configured to switch between a standby configuration and a trip configuration, wherein in the standby configuration each input terminal is electrically connected to an associated output terminal, and in the trip configuration each input terminal is electrically isolated from its associated output terminal.

[0010] - A detection device comprising a measurement circuit configured to measure the current flowing through each conductive path.

[0011] - A microcontroller, which is configured as follows:

[0012] • The differential current measurement value of the detection device is evaluated by means of a first detection filter, which is pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory and designed to detect a first type of differential fault.

[0013] • When a Type I differential fault is detected, a trip signal is sent to the disconnector to switch it from standby mode to trip mode.

[0014] in:

[0015] - The protection device includes a test circuit, which is different from the measurement circuit and is configured to inject an electrical signal into the conductive path.

[0016] -The microcontroller is configured as follows:

[0017] • A first test signal is injected into the conductive path using a test circuit. This first test signal is an electrical signal indicating a first type of electrical fault.

[0018] • The first test signal injected into the conductive path by means of the measurement circuit is measured by means of the test circuit.

[0019] According to the present invention, a differential trip test is performed using a test signal that fully meets the same standards as the detection filter. Therefore, the correct operation of the detection chain can be fully checked, including measurement, analysis of the measurement, and tripping of the disconnecting device. Furthermore, the detection chain through which measurements are performed differs from the test chain through which test signals are injected into the conductive circuit. This ensures the reliability of the measurements and the equipment.

[0020] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a protective device can be used alone or in any technically permissible combination of one or more of the following features:

[0021] - The microcontroller includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), whose analog output is connected to a test loop.

[0022] Each test signal is stored in the microcontroller's memory as a digital test signal.

[0023] Furthermore, each test signal in digital form is converted into an analog signal of the test circuit by a digital-to-analog converter, and the analog signal of the test circuit is the first test signal.

[0024] The microcontroller is configured to detect multiple different types of differential faults, including Type I.

[0025] Each detection filter corresponds to a different differential fault type, and the detection filter associated with each differential fault type is pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0026] Furthermore, the protection device includes a communication device configured to receive configuration information from a device remote from the protection device to specify one or more types of differential faults. For one or more types of differential faults, the microcontroller sends a trip signal to the disconnection device upon detection of the corresponding differential fault.

[0027] - Multiple differential fault types include at least one differential fault type as defined by the IEC 60755:2017 standard.

[0028] - The corresponding test signal corresponds to each differential fault type, and the test signal associated with each differential fault type is pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0029] For each differential fault type considered among the multiple differential fault types, the microcontroller is configured to inject a corresponding test signal into the conductive path, which is an electrical signal representing the type of electrical fault considered.

[0030] In addition to input and output terminals, the protection device includes transmission terminals designed to connect to a transmission bus, which is different from the power bus, to supply power to the microcontroller in a standby or trip configuration independent of the switching mechanism.

[0031] - The communication device is configured to receive configuration information via a transmission terminal and a transmission bus.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a dispensing component comprising:

[0033] - Protection devices as defined above,

[0034] - Distribution equipment with power busbars

[0035] The protection device is installed on the distribution equipment in a reversible manner, and the input terminal is electrically connected to the power bus.

[0036] The present invention also relates to an electrical panel comprising:

[0037] - The outer casing, which has a bottom,

[0038] - Protection devices as defined above, or distribution components as defined above,

[0039] The protective device or distribution component is fixed to the bottom of the housing.

[0040] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for testing electrical protection devices as defined above, the testing method comprising:

[0041] - A first test signal representing a first predetermined type of differential fault is injected into the conductive path and a test loop is used. The characteristics of the first type of differential fault are pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0042] - During the injection of the first test signal, the differential current between the conductive paths is measured using a measurement loop within the conductive path.

[0043] - The differential current measurement is compared with a first detection filter, which is a characteristic of the same type of differential fault as the first test signal. The first detection filter is pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0044] - As a result of the comparison, the differential fault corresponding to the considered differential fault type is determined, and then, if the determination is positive, a trip signal for the disconnecting device is sent via the microcontroller.

[0045] This testing method leads to the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the protective device of the present invention.

[0046] Advantageously, the testing methods include:

[0047] Before injecting the first test signal into the conductive path, configuration information is received via a transmission device to specify a differential fault type from among multiple differential fault types previously stored in the microcontroller's memory. For each differential fault type, the microcontroller sends a trip signal to the disconnection device upon detection of the corresponding differential fault.

[0048] Then, when the first test signal is injected into the conductive path, the first test signal corresponds to the differential fault type specified by the configuration information.

[0049] Then, when comparing differential current measurements, the detection filter corresponds to the specified differential fault type. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will be better understood and its other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of one embodiment of the protection device, distribution components, electrical panel, and testing method provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an electrical panel according to the invention, the electrical panel including a distribution assembly having at least one protective device also according to the invention;

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective of the allocation components;

[0053] Figure 3 The two illustrations a) and b) respectively show Figure 1 A perspective view of the distribution components, some of which are hidden, and a perspective view of the transmission bus of the distribution components;

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective of the assigned components, some of which are hidden;

[0055] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the allocation components, and

[0056] Figure 6 The test is shown. Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a method for protecting equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 An electrical panel 10 according to the invention is shown. The electrical panel 10 includes a housing 12 that defines a housing V12 and has a bottom 14. The bottom 14 lies generally in a plane orthogonal to the depth axis A14. The housing V12 is advantageously closed by a door (not shown).

[0058] The electrical panel 10 includes a distribution assembly 100. The distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the bottom 14 of the housing 12. The distribution assembly 100 is configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source S to at least one electrical load M, such as a motor. Figure 5 The power source S and electrical load M shown schematically are not part of this invention, but are used to explain their operating context. The power source S includes a neutral line and at least one phase line. In the example shown, the power source S is a three-phase source, including a neutral line and three phases. In a variant not shown, the power source S is single-phase, including a neutral line and a single phase. According to another variant, the power source includes three phases and has no neutral line.

[0059] The dispensing assembly 100 advantageously includes a dispensing device 110, a main housing 200, and at least one protective device 300, by which the dispensing device 110 secures the dispensing assembly 100 to the bottom 14. The main housing 200 is preferably reversibly assembled to the dispensing device 110, in this case, seven protective devices 300, each reversibly assembled to the dispensing device 110 at its mounting position. The protective devices 300 are, in this case, outer housings; however, the principles of the invention can, of course, be adapted to different types of protective devices. Therefore, if necessary, the main housing 200 can be replaced in case of failure, while retaining the dispensing assembly 100, the dispensing device 110, and other components of the outer housing(s) 300, which is economical. Similarly, if necessary, one or more protective devices 300 can be replaced, for example, in case of failure, while retaining other components, the dispensing device 110, and the main housing 200, which is also economical.

[0060] The dispensing device 110 has an elongated shape that extends along the main axis A110. When the dispensing assembly 100 is in a normal operating configuration, the main axis A110 is parallel to the bottom 14, in other words, orthogonal to the depth axis A14. Preferably, the main axis A110 is horizontal, as... Figure 1 As shown. The height axis H110 is defined as an axis orthogonal to both the depth axis A14 and the main axis A110. The description is given with reference to the orientation of the various components shown in the figure; it should be understood that this may differ in reality.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the example, the main housing 200 is located to the left of the distribution assembly 100, and the protection device 300 is located to the right of the main housing 200.

[0062] When the dispensing assembly 100 is fixed to the bottom 14, the rear portion 112 of the dispensing device 110 is oriented towards the bottom 14, in other words, towards the rearward direction of the dispensing assembly 100. The rearward direction is therefore parallel to the depth axis A14. The forward direction is also defined as the direction opposite to the rearward direction.

[0063] The dispensing device 110 therefore has a mounting surface 114, which is generally oriented forward and is configured for mounting the main housing 200 and each protective device 300.

[0064] The rear portion 112 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a synthetic polymer. The rear portion 112 here has a generally rectangular shape, extending parallel to the main axis A110 at its maximum dimension. The lesser side of the rectangle is therefore parallel to the height axis H110. The dispensing device 110 here includes two flanges 116 made of an electrically insulating material. The two flanges 116 are assembled to the lesser side of the rear portion 112 to form a basket.

[0065] The dispensing device 110 here includes an insulating wall 118 made of an electrically insulating material and assembled to the rear portion 112 and the flange 116 to form a cavity V110, as shown. Figure 3 As shown.

[0066] In the example shown, the distribution device 110 advantageously includes a cooling device 400 received within the cavity V110 and provided to remove a portion of the heat generated by the main housing 200 during operation of the distribution assembly 100. Thus, the cooling device 400 is located on the rear side of the insulating wall 118, while on the front side of the insulating wall 118, oriented opposite to the rear side, the insulating wall 118 enclosing a recess 120 configured to receive a plurality of buses 122 (here, four buses 122). The buses 122 together form the power bus 124 of the distribution device 110, and extend to form the power bus 124 of the distribution assembly 100. Therefore, the distribution device 110 is a power distribution device.

[0067] Busbars 122 extend parallel to each other along the main axis A110 of the distribution assembly 100 and are aligned along the height axis H110. Together, the busbars 122 define a connecting plane P124, which is a plane orthogonal to the depth axis A14, in other words, parallel to the height axis H110 and parallel to the main axis A110. Mounting surface 114 is generally parallel to the connecting plane P124.

[0068] The cooling device 400 includes a contact plate 410, a radiator 420, and at least one heat pipe 430. The contact plate 410 is configured to capture a portion of the heat released by the main housing 200, the radiator 420 is configured to dissipate the heat into the ambient air, and the at least one heat pipe 430 is, in this case, three heat pipes. The heat pipes 430 connect the contact plate 410 to the radiator 420 and are configured to transfer a portion of the heat captured by the contact plate 410 to the radiator 420.

[0069] The contact plate 410 here has a parallelepiped shape and a contact surface 412 that extends parallel to the connecting plane P124. The contact surface 412 is configured to mate with the back surface 230 of the main housing 200 in a configuration mounted on the dispensing device 110 (particularly via the complementarity of shape) to facilitate heat transfer between the contact plate 410 and the main housing 200.

[0070] Busbar 122 includes at least one phase bar and possibly a neutral bar, the neutral bar being associated with the neutral line of the power source S, and each phase bar being associated with a corresponding phase of the power source S. In the example shown, power busbar 124 includes four buses 122, and the power source S is a three-phase source with a neutral line. Distribution assembly 100 here has a so-called "3P+N", or simply 3PN configuration.

[0071] In a variant not shown, the power supply S is three-phase, with or without a neutral line, and the distribution assembly does not include a busbar associated with the neutral line. In other words, the power busbar 124 (and extends to the distribution assembly 110) comprises only three phase bars, each associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply S. The distribution assembly is then in a so-called 3P configuration. More generally, the power busbar 124 is configured to be connected to the power supply S.

[0072] Regardless of the number of phases in the power supply S, the principle of this invention is convertible. According to another variation not shown, the power supply S is single-phase, meaning it consists only of a neutral line and a single phase. The busbars then consist of single-phase bars and a neutral bar. The distribution components are then in a so-called P+N, or simply PN, configuration. Regardless of the configuration, there are always multiple buses, each comprising at least one phase bar and possibly a neutral bar.

[0073] The main housing 200 will now be described, with particular reference to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 .exist Figure 5 The diagram shows a single-phase circuit; according to known convention, three-phase circuits are shown by three parallel lines crossing the circuit.

[0074] The main housing 200 includes input terminals 202 and output terminals 204. The input terminals 202 are configured to connect to the neutral line and each phase of the power supply S, and the output terminals 204 are configured to connect to a bus. Each output terminal is associated with a corresponding bus and a corresponding input terminal. The input terminals 202 are screw terminals. Advantageously, the output terminals 204 are connecting clips, each configured to reversibly connect to a corresponding bus 122 according to a connection movement oriented towards the rear of the distribution assembly 100. Therefore, during the connection movement of the output terminals 204 to the bus 122, the rear of the main housing 200 abuts against the contact surface 412.

[0075] For each input terminal 202, the main housing includes a corresponding input line 203 connected to the corresponding input terminal 202 and an output line 205 connected to the corresponding output terminal 204.

[0076] The main housing 200 includes a main cut-off device 210 that can switch between a conductive configuration and a cut-off configuration. In the conductive configuration, each input terminal 202 associated with the power supply S is electrically connected to the associated output terminal 204, and the main housing 200 is in the conductive configuration. In the cut-off configuration, the passage of current between the input terminal 202 and the associated output terminal 204 is blocked, and the main housing 200 is in the cut-off configuration.

[0077] In the preferred example shown, the main shut-off device 210 is a static shut-off device, i.e., a power switch based on a semiconductor element, preferably an insulated-gate field-effect transistor, referred to as a JFET or MOSFET. Therefore, in contrast to shut-off devices with moving contacts, the main shut-off device 210 is referred to as "static." The static shut-off device 210 is connected in series between the input line 203 and the associated output line 205. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram is shown schematically. In a variant not shown, the main cutting device 210 is an electromechanical cutting device with separable contacts.

[0078] During operation, the shut-off device 210 releases heat in the order of tens of watts. The shut-off device 210 is advantageously configured to facilitate the transfer of at least part of the released heat to the cooling device 400.

[0079] Specifically, the cutting device 210 is advantageously arranged against the rear wall 231 of the main housing 200, preferably in surface contact with the rear wall 231. For example, the rear wall 231 is present when the main housing 200 is removable from the contact plate 410. The rear wall 231 surrounds the rear end 230, which is oriented opposite to the cutting device 210. Thus, when the main housing 200 is mounted on the dispensing device 110, the rear wall 231 is positioned between the cutting device 210 and the contact plate 410, such that a portion of the heat generated by the cutting device 210 during operation is transferred to the contact plate 410 through the rear wall.

[0080] The rear wall 231 is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material. In the example shown, the rear wall 231 is formed by an assembly of an electrically insulating element 232 and a copper plate 233. The insulating element 232 is made of a synthetic polymer material, and the copper plate 233 provides rigidity to the assembly while promoting thermal conductivity. When the main housing 200 is mounted on the dispensing device 110, the copper plate 233 surrounds the back surface 230 and abuts against the contact plate 410. In a variant not shown, the copper plate 233 is omitted; the back surface 230 is therefore formed directly from the insulating element 232.

[0081] The main housing 200 includes a main detection device 212 configured to measure electrical quantities across the output terminals and detect electrical faults based on the measurements. The main detection device 212 is schematically shown here via a measurement circuit arranged on the output line 205. This schematic representation of the main detection device does not limit the types of electrical faults that the main detection device 212 can detect.

[0082] The main housing 200 is configured to switch from a conductive configuration to a cut-off configuration when the main detection device 212 detects a first electrical fault (e.g., a differential fault or a short-circuit fault).

[0083] The main housing 200 includes a control unit 214, or an ECU representing an electronic control unit, configured to control the static shut-off device 210, in other words, to switch the static shut-off device 210 between a conductive configuration and a shut-off configuration. The control unit 214 is also configured to analyze values ​​measured by the main detection device 212 and determine the presence of a predetermined type of electrical fault based on predetermined criteria corresponding to a predetermined type of electrical fault. Figure 5 The presence of the so-called "main" filter 222, inserted between the main detection device 212 and the control unit 214, schematically illustrates the use of a predetermined standard.

[0084] Therefore, the main detection device 212 is configured to detect electrical faults of the short-circuit type. For example, the main detection device 212 includes current sensors, specifically one current sensor per phase, and the control unit 214 is configured to analyze the measurements taken by the current sensors and detect short circuits.

[0085] Preferably, the main detection device 212 further includes a differential current detection device. Several types of differential faults exist, specifically defined in the IEC 60755:2017 standard. In particular, types of electrical faults include situations where the electrical signal is rectified, the signal includes high-frequency components, and the rated value (e.g., 30 mA or 300 mA), etc. It should be understood that the main filter 222 defines the criteria for detecting electrical faults by the control unit 214 of the main housing 200. Preferably, the main filter 222 defines the criteria for detecting predetermined differential fault types, selected from faults defined in the IEC 60755:2017 standard.

[0086] Preferably, for each input terminal 202, the main housing 202 also includes a universal shut-off device 216, which is a shut-off device with separable contacts, here a disconnect switch. The universal shut-off device 216 is controlled by an electronic control unit 214 and allows the power supply S to be electrically disconnected from the distribution assembly 100, for example, in the event of a failure of the static shut-off device 210. The universal shut-off device 216 is located between each input terminal 202 and the static shut-off device 210.

[0087] Advantageously, the distribution device 110, and by extending the distribution component 100, also includes a transmission bus 150. Figure 3The transmission bus 150, shown separately in b), is provided for operation to supply energy to each protection device 300 in the installation location, that is, connected to bus 122. Therefore, transmission bus 150 is an energy transmission bus, in other words, a power supply bus, which is separate from power bus 124. According to an illustrative example, transmission bus 150 operates at a voltage of several tens of volts, such as 50 V DC, while power bus 124 operates at a voltage of 400 V three-phase AC. Transmission bus 150 is a separate component here, which is assembled into the rest of the distribution device 110.

[0088] The transmission bus 150 includes a body 152 made of an electrically insulating material, the body 152 having an elongated shape extending along the power bus 124. Therefore, the transmission bus 150 extends along the main axis A110.

[0089] The transmission bus 150 defines a plurality of mounting areas 154, which are configured to connect to each protection device at a mounting location. The mounting areas 154 are preferably regularly distributed along the main axis A110, and each mounting area 154 is associated with a unique location along the main axis A110. The transmission bus 150 preferably includes fifteen mounting areas 154, which are here spaced apart from each other at a spacing of 18 mm. Other spacings are, of course, possible. In a variant not shown, the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart from each other at a spacing of 9 mm.

[0090] The transmission bus 150 includes at least two transmission lines 156 that extend along the body 152 and are configured to be electrically connected to each protection device 300 at the installation location. The transmission lines 156 therefore include power supply lines.

[0091] The transmission bus 150 also includes a connection region 158 configured to connect the main housing 200 to a mounting location on the distribution device 110. For example, the main housing 200 includes a complementary terminal block 250 configured to cooperate with the connection region 158, such that the main housing is electrically connected to the transmission line 156. In the preferred example shown, the main housing 200 draws electrical energy from the neutral and phase lines of the power supply S between the static disconnect device 210 and the general disconnect device 216 to supply power to the transmission bus 150. This supplied electrical energy is available for the operation of the protection devices 300, as described below.

[0092] The transmission bus 150 is implemented here by a printed circuit board, the transmission line 156 is a conductive track formed on the surface of the board, and the mounting area 154 and the connection area 158 are tabs formed in the substrate of the board. In the example shown, the transmission bus 150 advantageously integrates the communication bus between the main housing 200 and each protection device 300.

[0093] The protection device 300 will now be described.

[0094] Therefore, each protection device 300 includes an input terminal block reversibly connected to bus 122 and includes at least two input terminals 302, each configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding bus 122. For each protection device 300, the input terminals 302 include a neutral input terminal configured to be electrically connected to the neutral bar, and one or three other input terminals, each configured to be connected to a corresponding phase bar. Each protection device 300 is configured to be reversibly mounted on power bus 114 such that each input terminal 302 is electrically connected to the corresponding bus 122.

[0095] Each protection device 300 also includes an output terminal block configured to connect to a corresponding electrical load M and includes output terminals 304, each output terminal 304 being associated with and connected to a corresponding input terminal 302 via a conductive path 303. The output terminals 304 are located in... Figure 5 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0096] In the non-limiting example shown, the protection device 300 has a different width, measured along the main axis A110. Therefore, the protection device 300 is divided into two subgroups corresponding to two different widths: a thin protection device 300 and a wide protection device 300, the wide protection device 300 being substantially three times wider than the thin protection device 300. Other widths of the protection device 300 are, of course, conceivable. The width of the protection device 300 is preferably a multiple of the spacing between each mounting area 154 of the transmission bus 150, i.e., here 18 mm. In a variant not shown, the protection device 300 has a width that is a multiple of 9 mm.

[0097] In the illustrated example, the protection device 300 configured to supply power to a single-phase electrical load advantageously has a width of 18 mm, while the protection device 300 configured to supply power to a three-phase electrical load has a width three times that of 18 mm, i.e., 54 mm.

[0098] The thinnest protection device 300 is configured to connect to two busbars 122, including a neutral bar and a phase bar, while the widest protection device 300 is configured to connect to four busbars 122. The principles of the invention apply regardless of the number of phases connected to each of the protection devices 300.

[0099] Preferably, the distribution device 110 is configured to receive five protection devices 300, each protection device 300 including four input terminals; in other words, five wide protection devices 300. According to an example not shown, the distribution assembly 100 includes five protection devices 300, each protection device 300 including four input terminals 302. By extension, the distribution device 110 is also configured to receive fifteen thin protection devices 300, each thin protection device 300 including two input terminals 302.

[0100] Each of the busbars 122 includes:

[0101] - Power supply section 126, which is configured to be connected to the associated output terminal 204 of the main housing 200 in the mounting configuration of the main housing, and

[0102] - Connection portion 128 extends on the same side as power supply portion 126. Connection portion 128 is geometrically located on the front side of connection plane P124 and together defines the connection area of ​​power bus 124.

[0103] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, only the power supply portion 126 of bus 122 is visible, while the connection portion 128 is hidden. The connection area is configured to receive at least one protection device 300, such that the protection device is connected to the power bus 129. The protection device 300 can then be connected to an electrical load to supply power to the load.

[0104] Each protection device 300 includes a disconnecting device 310 inserted between each input terminal 302 and a corresponding output terminal 304. The disconnecting device 310 is configured to switch between a standby configuration and a trip configuration. In the standby configuration, each input terminal is electrically connected to its associated output terminal; in the trip configuration, the input terminal is electrically isolated from its associated output terminal. The disconnecting device 310 is formed by an electromechanical mechanism with separable contacts. Thus, the standby configuration of the disconnecting device 310 corresponds to the closed position of the moving contact, in which the protection device 300 is in a closed configuration, while the trip configuration of the disconnecting device 310 corresponds to the open position of the separable contacts, in which the protection device 300 is in a disconnect configuration. In a variant not shown, the disconnecting device 310 of the protection device 300 is a static disconnecting device.

[0105] Each protection device 300 includes a secondary detection device 312 configured to measure the electrical quantity across a corresponding output terminal and detect at least one electrical fault of a predetermined type (i.e., corresponding to a predetermined detection criterion). Specifically, the secondary detection device 312 is configured to measure the current flowing through each conductive path 303. The secondary detection device 312 is schematically shown here via a measurement circuit arranged on the conductive path 303 that connects the input terminal 302 to the output terminal 304. The schematic representation of the secondary detection device 312 does not limit the types of electrical faults that the secondary detection device can detect. Therefore, the secondary detection device 312 is configured to detect differential type electrical faults and optionally short-circuit type electrical faults.

[0106] For example, the secondary detection device 312 includes current sensors, particularly one current sensor per phase, while the protection device 300 includes a microcontroller 320 that receives measurement results from the current sensors and is able to determine whether one or more measured currents exceed a short-circuit threshold.

[0107] Power is supplied to the microcontroller 320 via the transmission bus 150. For this purpose, each protection device 300 includes a transmission terminal block 350, which includes transmission terminals (not shown). The transmission terminal block 350 is configured to connect to the transmission bus 150 such that each transmission terminal is electrically connected to a corresponding transmission line 156. Therefore, the transmission terminal block 350 is, in this context, a power supply terminal block. The transmission terminals are distinct from the input terminals 302 or the output terminals 304. The protection device 300 advantageously includes a first power supply unit 352 (also abbreviated as PSU), which is configured to receive electrical energy from the transmission bus 150 (particularly from transmission line 156 dedicated to supplying operating energy) and supply operating power to the microcontroller 320. By extension, the first power supply unit 352 is also configured to supply operating energy to the secondary detection device 312.

[0108] Advantageously, the transmission bus 150 is also used for transmitting data between each microcontroller 320 and the control unit 214 of the main housing 200. For example, information is transmitted via the same transmission line 156 used for power transmission. As an alternative not shown, the transmission bus 150 includes a specific information transmission line different from the transmission line 156 used for power supply. The information transmission line is preferably formed on the transmission bus 150.

[0109] The protection device 300 advantageously includes a communication device 354 configured to receive information from devices remote from the protection device 300. In the example shown, the communication device 354 is separate from the microcontroller 320. In a variant not shown, the communication device 354 is integrated into the microcontroller 320.

[0110] Communication device 354 is advantageously configured to receive information via transmission terminal 350 and transmission bus 150. In the preferred example shown, protection device 300 is configured to receive information from main housing 200, which constitutes a first example of a remote device. In the example shown, main housing 200 includes main communication device 254, which is represented here by an RJ45 socket and is configured to allow a user to configure main housing 200, and more generally, distribution component 100. According to an advantageous example of use, the configuration of protection device 300 is adapted accordingly for each type of electrical load connected to output terminal 304 to provide the most suitable protection against differential faults.

[0111] In a variant not shown, the communication device 354 of the protection device 300 includes a connection socket for receiving information, such as an RJ45 socket. In this case, information is not transmitted via the transmission bus 150. According to another variant not shown, the communication device 354 of the protection device 300 and / or the main communication device 254 of the main housing 200 are wireless devices.

[0112] In the example shown, the protection device 300 advantageously includes a monitoring circuit 500 and a second power supply unit 356. The monitoring circuit 500 is configured to monitor the proper operation of the microcontroller 320. The second power supply unit 356 differs from the first power supply unit 352 and is configured to receive electrical energy from the transmission bus 150 and supply operating energy to the monitoring circuit 500. These aspects are not described in more detail in the context of this specification.

[0113] The secondary detection device 312 includes a differential current detection device, such as a measurement circuit, configured to measure differential current. Therefore, the microcontroller 320 is configured to use a detection filter 322 to evaluate the differential current measurement, the detection filter 322 being pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300 and adapted to detect a first type of differential fault.

[0114] It should be understood that the secondary filter 322 is defined by criteria for detecting electrical faults detected by the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300. Therefore, a particular secondary filter 322 corresponds to each given type of electrical fault. Preferably, the secondary filter 322 is defined by criteria for detecting a predetermined differential fault type selected from faults defined in the IEC 60755:2017 standard.

[0115] Each microcontroller 320 is powered via transmission bus 150, regardless of the configuration (standby or trip) of the disconnect device 310.

[0116] Each protection device 300 includes an actuator 324 configured to move the electromechanical disconnect device 310 to the open position when the actuator 324 receives a trip signal. The microcontroller 320 is configured to send a trip signal to the actuator 324 when an electrical fault (particularly a short-circuit fault or differential fault) is detected. More generally, each protection device 300 is configured to switch from a closed configuration to an open configuration when a secondary detection device 312 (and via the extended microcontroller 320) detects an electrical fault.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the protection device 300 includes a test circuit 360, which is different from the measurement circuit of the secondary detection device 312, and is configured to inject an electrical signal into a conductive path 303. In the illustrated example, a microcontroller 320 is configured to inject a first test signal into the conductive path 303 via the test circuit 360, the first test signal being an electrical signal indicating a first type of electrical fault. Simultaneously, the microcontroller 320 is configured to measure the first test signal injected into the conductive path 303 via the test circuit 360 via the measurement circuit 312.

[0118] Therefore, a test signal representing a specific type of differential electrical fault can be injected into the conductive circuit 303 using test circuit 360, and the detection of that specific electrical fault, thus injected, can be verified by means of measurement circuit 312 in conjunction with detection filter 322 and microcontroller 320. Thus, the entire detection chain of the protection device 300 is checked, particularly for the differential fault type under consideration. This check is possible when no electrical load is connected to the protection device 300 under consideration.

[0119] Preferably, each first test signal is stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320 as a digital test signal, while the first test signal injected by the test loop 360 is an analog signal. Therefore, the microcontroller 320 includes a digital-to-analog converter 362 configured to convert each test signal in digital form into an analog signal for the test loop. In the illustrative example shown, the digital-to-analog converter 362 is separate from the microcontroller 320 and inserted between the microcontroller 320 and the test loop 360, and includes a digital input connected to the output of the microcontroller 320 and an analog output connected to the test loop 360. In a variant not shown, the digital-to-analog converter 362 is integrated with the rest of the microcontroller 360, for example, in the same integrated circuit or on the same electronic board.

[0120] Advantageously, the microcontroller 320 is configured to detect several different types of differential faults. A corresponding detection filter 322 corresponds to each differential fault type, and the detection filter 322 associated with each differential fault type is previously stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320.

[0121] The communication device 354 of the protection device 300 is advantageously configured to receive configuration information from a device remote from the protection device to specify one or more types of differential faults, for which the microcontroller sends a trip signal to the actuator upon detection of the corresponding differential fault. In other words, the microcontroller 320 is remotely configurable, and the configuration information includes the types of electrical faults that the protection device 300 must protect against. Therefore, the configuration information is used to specify a particular detection filter 322 that must be implemented to detect a specific differential fault. Depending on the situation, multiple detection filters 322 are pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information specifies which of the detection filters 322 must be activated for detecting electrical faults. Alternatively, a single detection filter 322 is stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information includes new detection filters that are stored in place of previous detection filters.

[0122] Symmetrically, a specific test signal corresponds to each differential fault type. When the configuration information specifies a new detection filter 322, a new test signal corresponding to the same type of electrical fault as the new detection filter also needs to be specified. For each differential fault type considered among multiple differential fault types, the microcontroller 320 is configured to inject a corresponding test signal into the conductive path 303, which is an electrical signal representing the type of electrical fault considered.

[0123] Depending on the situation, multiple test signals are pre-stored digitally in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information specifies which test signal must be activated to check the correct operation of the detection chain, specifically checking whether the correct detection filter 322 is activated. Alternatively, a single test signal is stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information includes new test signals that are stored to replace previous test signals.

[0124] Therefore, the protection device 300 described above is configured to implement a test method comprising:

[0125] - Step 611: A first test signal representing a first predetermined type of differential fault is injected into the conductive path 303 and a test loop 360 is used. The characteristics of the first type of differential fault are pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0126] - Step 612: During the injection of the first test signal, the differential current between conductive paths 303 is measured in conductive path 303 using measurement loop 312.

[0127] - Step 613: Compare the differential current measurement result with the first detection filter 322. The first detection filter 322 represents the characteristics of a differential fault of the same type as the first test signal. The first detection filter is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320. Then...

[0128] - Step 614, as a comparison with the result of step 613, determine the differential fault corresponding to the differential fault type under consideration.

[0129] For example, if the result of step 614 is positive, the microcontroller 320 sends a trip signal to the actuator 324 for the disconnecting device 310.

[0130] Advantageously, the test method includes the following steps before injecting the first test signal into the conductive path:

[0131] - Step 610: Receive configuration information via transmission device 354 to specify a differential fault type among a plurality of differential fault types previously stored in the microcontroller’s memory. For this differential fault type, if the corresponding differential fault is detected, the microcontroller sends a trip signal to the disconnection device 310 (here to the actuator 324).

[0132] Then, during step 611, when the first test signal is injected into the conductive path, the first test signal corresponds to the differential fault type previously specified by the configuration information during step 610, when the configuration information is received.

[0133] During step 613, when comparing differential current measurement results, the detection filter corresponds to the differential fault type previously specified by the configuration information during step 610, when receiving configuration information.

[0134] Advantageously, the test results are transmitted to the user via the transmission bus 150, for example, the results are transmitted to the main housing 200. Therefore, each of the protection devices 300 installed on the distribution device 110 can be tested individually.

[0135] The above embodiments and variations can be combined with each other to create new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical protection device (300) configured to connect a power source (S) to an electrical load (M), said protection device (300) comprising: - At least two conductive paths (303), including a first path and a second path, the first path being configured to be connected to a phase of the power source (S), and the second path being configured to be connected to another phase of the power source (S) or the neutral line of the power source (S), each conductive path (303) including: • Input terminal (302), which is configured to be connected to a phase of the power supply (S) or possibly to the neutral line of the power supply (S), • Output terminal (304), which is associated with the input terminal (302) and configured to be connected to the terminal of the electrical load (M), and • A disconnecting device (310) configured to switch between a standby configuration and a trip configuration, wherein in the standby configuration each input terminal (302) is electrically connected to the associated output terminal (304), and in the trip configuration each input terminal (302) is electrically isolated from the associated output terminal (304). - Detection device (312), which includes a measurement loop configured to measure the current flowing through each conductive path (303). - Microcontroller (320), which is configured as follows: • The differential current measurement of the detection device (312) is evaluated by means of a first detection filter (322), which is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320) and designed to detect a first type of differential fault. • When a differential fault of the first type is detected, a trip signal is sent to the disconnecting device (310) to switch the disconnecting device (310) from the standby configuration to the trip configuration. in: The protection device (300) includes a test circuit (360), which is different from the measurement circuit and is configured to inject an electrical signal into the conductive path (303). - The microcontroller (320) is configured to: • A first test signal is injected into the conductive path (303) by means of the test circuit (360), the first test signal being an electrical signal indicating the first type of electrical fault, and simultaneously, • The first test signal injected into the conductive path (303) by means of the measurement circuit (312) is measured.

2. The protection device (300) according to claim 1, wherein: - The microcontroller (320) includes a digital-to-analog converter (362), the analog output of which is connected to the test circuit (360). - Each test signal is stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320) in the form of a digital test signal. Each test signal in digital form is converted into an analog signal of the test circuit by the digital-to-analog converter (362), the analog signal of the test circuit being the first test signal.

3. The protection device (300) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: - The microcontroller (320) is configured to detect multiple different types of differential faults, including the first type. - A corresponding detection filter (322) corresponds to each differential fault type, and the detection filter (322) associated with each differential fault type is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320). The protection device (300) includes a communication device (354) configured to receive configuration information from a device (200) located remote from the protection device (300) to specify one or more types of differential faults. For one or more types of differential faults, the microcontroller (320) sends the trip signal to the disconnection device (310) upon detection of the corresponding differential fault.

4. The protection device (300) according to claim 3, wherein: - The plurality of differential fault types include at least one differential fault type as defined by the IEC 60755:2017 standard.

5. The protection device (300) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein: - The corresponding test signal corresponds to each differential fault type, and the test signal associated with each differential fault type is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320). - For each differential fault type considered among the plurality of differential fault types, the microcontroller (320) is configured to inject a corresponding test signal into the conductive path (303), the corresponding test signal being an electrical signal representing the electrical fault of the considered type.

6. The protection device (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: In addition to the input terminals (302) and output terminals, the protection device (300) includes a transmission terminal (350) designed to connect to a transmission bus (150) to supply power to the microcontroller (320) independently of the standby configuration or the trip configuration of the switching mechanism (310).

7. The protection device (300) according to claim 6, wherein: The communication device (354) is configured to receive the configuration information via the transmission terminal (350) and the transmission bus (150).

8. Assign component (100), including: - The protection device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. - Distribution equipment (110) with power bus (124). in: The protection device (300) is reversibly installed on the distribution device (110), and the input terminal (302) is electrically connected to the power bus (124).

9. Electrical panel (10), comprising: - The outer casing (12) has a bottom (14). - The protection device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the distribution component according to claim 8, in: - The protective device (300) or the distribution component (110) is fixed to the bottom of the housing.

10. A method for testing an electrical protection device (300), said protection device (300) being a protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the testing method comprising: - Using the test circuit, a first test signal representing a first predetermined type of differential fault is injected (611) into the conductive path (303), the characteristics of the first type of differential fault being pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320). - During the injection of the first test signal, the differential current between the conductive paths (303) is measured (612) using the measurement loop in the conductive path (303). - The differential current measurement is compared (613) with a first detection filter (122), the first detection filter (122) being a characteristic of the differential fault of the same type as the first test signal, the first detection filter being pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320), and then... - As a result of the comparison, a differential fault corresponding to the considered differential fault type is determined (614), and then, if the determined result is positive, a trip signal for the disconnect device (310) is sent via the microcontroller (320).

11. The test method according to claim 10, comprising: Before injecting (611) the first test signal into the conductive path (303), configuration information is received (610) by means of the transmission device (354) to specify a differential fault type among a plurality of differential fault types previously stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320), for which the microcontroller (320) sends the trip signal to the disconnection device (310) upon detection of the corresponding differential fault type. Then, when the first test signal is injected (611) into the conductive path (303), the first test signal corresponds to the differential fault type specified by the configuration information. Then, when comparing the differential current measurement (612), the detection filter (122) corresponds to the specified differential fault type.

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