electronic switch
By incorporating short-circuit switches and fuses into the electronic switch, combined with current sensors and dynamic threshold control, the problems of arc risk and semiconductor switch damage in DC power grids are solved, achieving a compact and low-cost electronic switch design suitable for any energy flow direction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic switches pose a risk of arcing in DC power grids, mechanical switches occupy a large space and are expensive, semiconductor switches are easily damaged under high current or short circuits, and known electronic switches are mostly only applicable to one energy flow direction, with many components and large structural volume.
Design an electronic switch in which a short-circuit switch is arranged between two corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power terminals and between two semiconductors. A single short-circuit switch is used to switch the current direction. A fuse and a current sensor are combined to detect the short-circuit current. A dynamic threshold control is used to trigger the fuse by the short-circuit switch, thereby realizing arbitrary energy flow.
It realizes a compact and low-cost electronic switch that can effectively disconnect short-circuit current, avoid damage to semiconductor switches, pass short-circuit tests, and does not require detection of current polarity.
Smart Images
Figure CN122249995A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic switch for disconnecting current between first and second bipolar power supply terminals according to the preamble of claim 1, a power grid according to claim 11, and a method for operating the electronic switch according to claim 12. Background Technology
[0002] Such electronic switches include a semiconductor switch having two semiconductors, wherein the semiconductor switch is adapted to switch currents of different polarities, and the semiconductor switch is arranged between two corresponding first terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. Furthermore, such electronic switches also include first and second fuses and a short-circuit switch adapted to switch short-circuit current through at least one of the fuses to trigger the at least one fuse and disconnect the current between the first and second bipolar power supply terminals.
[0003] The application of such electronic switches in direct current (DC) power grids is becoming increasingly important. Unlike alternating current (AC) voltage, DC voltage does not have a zero-crossing point, thus posing a greater risk of arcing during improper disconnection. In particular, mechanical switches are slow to disconnect current paths with high DC current, and the arcs generated during disconnection require costly extinguishing. Furthermore, mechanical switches are space-consuming and expensive. Semiconductor switches, primarily using semiconductors such as transistors, provide switching functionality, do not generate arcs, and can achieve high switching speeds. Compared to mechanical switches, semiconductor switches also occupy less space and are less expensive to manufacture.
[0004] However, semiconductor switches also pose an overload risk under high or short-circuit current conditions, potentially damaging the electronic switch or rendering it unable to switch current. To address this overload risk, known electronic switches typically incorporate fuses. Triggering these fuses prevents switch failure and damage during the disconnection process, as current is interrupted through the fuse. After resetting or replacing the fuse, the electronic switch can be put back into use. Furthermore, fuses also protect connected loads and wiring from overloads.
[0005] An electronic switch known from US 11,437,987 B2 employs a series connection of a fuse and a short-circuit switch. This configuration allows switching of the short-circuit current that causes the fuse to respond, thereby protecting the semiconductor switch and one or more loads connected to the electronic switch from overload.
[0006] EP 3 327 886 A1 also describes an electronic switch having a fuse element that can be triggered in the event of a short circuit.
[0007] However, most known electronic switches in the prior art are only applicable to one direction of energy flow. The few known electronic switches that allow arbitrary energy flow directions require detection of the polarity of the short-circuit current and have many components and a large structural size. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic switch that is designed for arbitrary energy flow direction, has a compact structure, and is cost-effective to manufacture.
[0009] This objective is achieved by a technical solution having the features of claim 1.
[0010] According to the present invention, a short-circuit switch is arranged between two corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals and between two semiconductors.
[0011] The electronic switch has first and second bipolar power terminals. For example, the first terminal of each of the first and second bipolar power terminals can be designed as positive, with one positive terminal located at the input of the switch and the other positive terminal located at the output of the switch. Similarly, the second terminal of each of the first and second bipolar power terminals can be designed as negative, with one negative terminal located at the input of the switch and the other negative terminal located at the output of the switch.
[0012] A semiconductor switch has at least two semiconductors, particularly two power semiconductors configured as transistors, such as two Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs). Furthermore, the semiconductor switch is suitable for switching currents of different polarities, wherein the semiconductor switch is arranged between two corresponding first terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. For example, when the electronic switch is used as a DC switch, the semiconductor switch can be arranged in the positive or negative wire between the respective first positive or negative terminals of the electronic switch. In one embodiment, the electronic switch can include an analysis and control unit capable of correspondingly controlling the two semiconductors of the semiconductor switch.
[0013] The fuse element can be positioned in the current path through which the short-circuit current flows in the event of a short circuit in the first or second bipolar power grid, so as to interrupt the current between the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. Therefore, the fuse element can be connected in series between two corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. Alternatively, the first and second fuse elements can also be positioned respectively between corresponding first terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. In another alternative, one of the two fuse elements can be positioned between the corresponding first terminals, and the other fuse element can be positioned between the corresponding second terminals.
[0014] These two fuses can be designed independently of each other and, upon triggering, interrupt the current between the second terminals of the power supply. These fuses can be designed, for example, as circuit breakers or as resettable fuses. The fuses can be designed to trigger when a predetermined current value is reached. This predetermined current value can correspond to the current flowing through the semiconductor switch in a short-circuit condition.
[0015] A short-circuit switch is used to switch short-circuit current through at least one of the fuse elements. A short-circuit switch can be understood as a switching element, such as another transistor or thyristor, that closes upon detecting a short circuit to switch the short-circuit current to flow through at least one of the fuse elements, thereby triggering it. For example, the current in the positive or negative conductor can be measured by at least one current sensor and compared with a defined current value, or a threshold corresponding to the short-circuit current. When a short circuit is detected, the short-circuit switch can be controlled accordingly to trigger at least one fuse element. Instead of the current measured by the current sensor, the temperature of the semiconductor switch, particularly the temperature of the barrier layer of at least one semiconductor, measured by a temperature sensor, can also indicate the presence of a short circuit, and the short-circuit switch can be controlled based on the detected short-circuit temperature of the semiconductor switch. Control can be performed, for example, by an analysis unit or analysis circuit connected to the short-circuit switch and the current or temperature sensor.
[0016] According to the present invention, a short-circuit switch is arranged between the first and second fuse elements and between the two semiconductors. This arrangement can be understood as follows: the short-circuit switch is located with a first terminal between the first and second fuse elements and with a second terminal between the two semiconductors, so as to establish an electrical connection between the first and second fuse elements and between the two semiconductors when a short circuit is detected, i.e., when a short-circuit current flows through the semiconductor switch.
[0017] Since only a single short-circuit switch is used to switch the current direction, the detection of current polarity can be eliminated. Furthermore, using only a single short-circuit switch reduces cost and decreases the size of the electronic switch.
[0018] The electronic switch described in this article can also successfully pass the short-circuit test for AC switching elements according to IEC 60947-4-2.
[0019] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a current sensor disposed between corresponding first or second terminals. For example, in an embodiment where the electronic switch is designed as a DC switch, the current sensor is capable of measuring the current in the positive or negative conductor.
[0020] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has an analysis and control unit adapted to compare a current value received by a current sensor with a threshold and detect a short-circuit current when the threshold is exceeded.
[0021] The analysis and control unit can be connected to semiconductor switches, short-circuit switches, and current sensors. Furthermore, the analysis and control unit can be configured as electronic circuits and / or integrated circuits. The threshold can be a dynamic threshold, adjustable according to source or load conditions. This dynamic threshold also allows for the time variation, or delay, between the occurrence of a short-circuit event and the actual response by switching the short-circuit switch. Additionally, the dynamic threshold allows for variable adjustment of the rate of increase of the short-circuit current.
[0022] In one implementation, the analysis and control unit is adapted to operate a short-circuit switch when a short-circuit current is detected.
[0023] In one embodiment, the electronic switch is configured as a DC switch. Alternatively, the electronic switch may also be configured as an AC switch.
[0024] In one embodiment, the corresponding first terminal is configured as a connection point for a negative conductor, and the corresponding second terminal is configured as a connection point for a positive conductor.
[0025] In one implementation, the two semiconductors of the semiconductor switch each have a transistor. For this purpose, the two semiconductors can be designed as power semiconductors, such as IGBT power semiconductors (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors).
[0026] In one embodiment, the semiconductor switch has two diodes, each of which is connected in antiparallel to a corresponding semiconductor arrangement.
[0027] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a thyristor. The thyristor can withstand high overloads for short periods and therefore can also switch high short-circuit currents.
[0028] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a bridging switch, particularly a bypass relay switch contact, wherein the bridging switch is arranged in parallel with the semiconductor switch between two corresponding first terminals. When the bridging switch is operated, the current path through the semiconductor switch can be bridged.
[0029] By using bypass relays, power losses in electronic switches can be saved, thus providing a larger proportion of energy to the load.
[0030] In one embodiment, the first and second fuse elements are respectively arranged between the corresponding first terminals and / or the corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals.
[0031] For example, two fuses can be connected in series between two corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals. Alternatively, the first and second fuses can also be arranged between corresponding first terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals, respectively. In another alternative, one of the two fuses can be arranged between the corresponding first terminals, and the other fuse can be arranged between the corresponding second terminals.
[0032] The present invention also relates to an electrical grid comprising at least one electronic switch as described herein.
[0033] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for operating an electronic switch, particularly an electronic switch as described herein, the method comprising: A current sensor is used to detect the short-circuit current between corresponding first or second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals of an electronic switch, wherein a semiconductor switch having two semiconductors is suitable for switching currents of different polarities and is arranged between two corresponding first terminals; and Based on the detection of short-circuit current, a short-circuit switch is used to short-circuit the path between the corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power terminals and the two semiconductors, thereby triggering the first or second fuse element and disconnecting the current between the first and second bipolar power terminals. Attached Figure Description
[0034] The core idea of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A view of an electronic switch with the bridge switch in the closed state is shown; Figure 2 A view of an electronic switch with the bridging switch in the open state is shown; Figure 3 A view of an electronic switch with the bridge switch in the open state and the first and second terminals arranged in opposite directions is shown. Figure 4 A view of an electronic switch is shown with the bridge switch in the open position and the fuse element arranged between the second terminals; and Figure 5 The method steps for operating an electronic switch are shown. Detailed Implementation
[0035] Figure 1 A view of electronic switch 1 with bridge switch 34 in the closed state is shown.
[0036] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic switch 1 is configured to disconnect the current between the first bipolar power terminal 10 and the second bipolar power terminal 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminals 101 and 121 of each of the first and second bipolar power terminals 10 and 12 are configured as negative terminals, with one negative terminal located at the input terminal of the electronic switch 1 and the other negative terminal located at the output terminal of the electronic switch 1. Similarly, the second terminals 121 and 123 of each of the first and second bipolar power terminals 10 and 12 can be configured as positive terminals, with one positive terminal located at the input terminal of the electronic switch 1 and the other positive terminal located at the output terminal of the electronic switch 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy flow direction can be arbitrarily selected. Therefore, the first bipolar power terminal 10 can be used as an input terminal, and the second bipolar power terminal 12 can be used as an output terminal. However, alternatively, the first bipolar power terminal 10 can also be used as an output terminal, and the second bipolar power terminal 12 can be used as an input terminal.
[0037] Positive or negative wires extend from the corresponding terminals 101, 121, 103, and 123 in the electronic switch 1. Furthermore, positive or negative wires can be arranged at the corresponding terminals 101, 121, 103, and 123 to electrically connect the electronic switch 1 to the first power supply 200 and the second power supply 400. The first power supply 200 and the second power supply 400 are exemplarily represented by dashed connecting lines arranged on the corresponding terminals 101, 121, 103, and 123. On these dashed connecting lines, for example, an energy storage device, or an energy storage device connected to the AC grid via an inverter, or a power supply device from a renewable energy source connected to a battery via a switch, can be arranged.
[0038] also, Figure 1 The diagram shows a semiconductor switch 3 with two semiconductors 30A and 30B, which is suitable for switching currents of different polarities. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the semiconductor switch 3 is connected between two corresponding first terminals 101 and 121 of the first and second bipolar power terminals 10 and 12.
[0039] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the two semiconductors 30A and 30B are shown as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). These two semiconductors 30A and 30B are configured to form a bidirectional switch. Figure 1 As shown, the first semiconductor 30A is designed as an n-channel transistor, and the second semiconductor 30B is designed as a p-channel transistor. These two semiconductors, 30A and 30B, share a common emitter terminal.
[0040] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a diode 32A, 32B is arranged in anti-parallel with each of semiconductors 30A, 30B. In the illustrated embodiment, a bridging switch 34, configured as a bypass relay switch contact, is also arranged in parallel with the semiconductor switch 3 between two corresponding first terminals 101, 121. When the bridging switch 34 is operated, the current path through the semiconductor switch 3, or through semiconductors 30A, 30B, is bridged. Figure 1 As shown in the image.
[0041] Figure 1 The first and second fuses 5A and 5B shown are arranged in series between two corresponding second terminals 103 and 123 of the first and second bipolar power terminals 10 and 12. These two fuses 5A and 5B are designed independently of each other and interrupt the current between the two second terminals 103 and 123 upon triggering. In the illustrated embodiment, these two fuses 5A and 5B are constructed as fuses. In an alternative embodiment, these two fuses 5A and 5B are designed as resettable fuses. The fuses 5A and 5B are designed to trigger at a defined current value, which corresponds to the current flowing through the semiconductor switch 3 in the event of a short circuit.
[0042] Figure 1 The short-circuit switch 7 in the illustrated electronic switch 1 is adapted to switch the flow of short-circuit current through at least one of fuse elements 5A and 5B. In the illustrated embodiment, the short-circuit switch 7 is implemented by a thyristor, which is controlled when a short circuit is detected to allow the flow of short-circuit current through at least one of fuse elements 5A and 5B, thereby triggering fuse elements 5A and 5B.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the current in the negative conductor is measured by the illustrated current sensor 9 and compared with a defined current value, or a threshold corresponding to the short-circuit current. When a short circuit is detected, the analysis and control unit 40, connected to the current sensor 9 and the short-circuit switch 7, can correspondingly control the short-circuit switch 7 to trigger at least one fuse element 5A, 5B. In another embodiment, a short circuit can also be detected and the short-circuit switch 7 controlled by detecting the barrier layer temperature of at least one of the semiconductors 30A, 30B.
[0044] The short-circuit switch 7 is positioned between the first and second fuse elements 5A and 5B, and between the two semiconductors 30A and 30B. For example... Figure 1As shown, the short-circuit switch 7 is connected to two fuses 5A and 5B via a first terminal, such that one fuse 5A is located between the short-circuit switch 7 and terminal 103 of the positive wire, and the other fuse 5B is located between the short-circuit switch 7 and terminal 123 of the positive wire. Therefore, depending on the terminal wiring, the short-circuit switch 7 can switch the flow of short-circuit current through one of the two fuses 5A and 5B, thereby triggering one of the two fuses 5A and 5B.
[0045] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the second terminal of the short-circuit switch 7 is connected to the common emitter terminal of the first and second semiconductors 30A and 30B, such that one semiconductor 30A is located between the short-circuit switch 7 and the terminal 101 of the negative wire, and the other semiconductor 30B is located between the short-circuit switch 7 and the terminal 121 of the negative wire.
[0046] Therefore, if using Figure 1 When the semiconductor switch 3 shown is turned on (in the absence of a short circuit), either the first semiconductor 30A or the second semiconductor 30B is turned on first, depending on the energy flow direction. For example, if the energy flow direction is from the first power source 200 to the second power source 400, the second semiconductor 30B is turned on. If the energy flow direction is unknown, both semiconductors 30A and 30B can be turned on. In the absence of a short circuit, the first semiconductor 30A and the second semiconductor 30B can be turned on and off arbitrarily. This can be done, for example, by the analysis and control unit 40.
[0047] By closing the bridging switch 34, electronic switch 1 enters energy-saving mode, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. In energy-saving mode, disconnecting semiconductors 30A and 30B is ineffective because short-circuit current flows through bridge switch 34. Therefore, in order to disconnect the current without short-circuit switch 7, bridge switch 34 must be opened. However, this disconnection process is usually too slow for safely disconnecting short-circuit current, or the mechanical contacts may fail and be damaged by arcing during a short circuit.
[0048] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown with short-circuit switch 7, the short-circuit current is interrupted by fuse element 5A or 5B in a very short time. The polarity of the short-circuit current does not need to be determined beforehand, because both the short-circuit current flowing from the first power supply 200 to the second power supply 400 and the short-circuit current flowing from the second power supply 400 to the first power supply 200 flow through short-circuit switch 7.
[0049] For example, when a short circuit occurs in the first power supply 200, the short-circuit current is first detected by the current sensor 9, and the short-circuit switch 7 is activated based on the detected short-circuit current. At this time, a portion of the short-circuit current flows through the first semiconductor 30A or diode 32A and the bridge switch 34, and in parallel flows through the semiconductor 30B or diode 32B. As a result, the second fuse element 5B is triggered.
[0050] Due to the parallel connection of the bridging switch 34, when the bridging switch 34 is turned on, the current load on semiconductors 30A and 30B or diodes 32A and 32B is halved.
[0051] When the second power supply 400 is short-circuited, the first fuse element 5A is triggered, similar to what was described earlier.
[0052] Figure 2 A view of electronic switch 1 with bridging switch 34 in the open state is shown. Therefore, Figure 2 The electronic switch 1 shown is connected to the one already in use. Figure 1 The electronic switch 1 shown is basically the same, the only difference being that the bridge switch 34 is in the open state.
[0053] For example, when a short circuit occurs in the first power supply 200 and the bridge switch 34 is opened, there are several ways to interrupt the resulting short-circuit current: First, the short-circuit current can be interrupted by the first semiconductor 30A based on the detection of the short-circuit current.
[0054] Alternatively, the short-circuit switch 7 can be opened based on the detection of a short-circuit current, thereby triggering the second fuse element 5B.
[0055] Preferably, based on the detected short-circuit current, the short-circuit switch 7 is opened and the first semiconductor 30A is disabled. This provides redundancy, ensuring that if a single component fails, disconnection can always be achieved through another component. This also ensures that in the event of a short circuit, one of the fuses 5A or 5B is always triggered. This allows for reliable tracing of short-circuit events.
[0056] Figure 3 A view of electronic switch 1 with bridging switch 34 in the open state is shown. Figure 3 The embodiment of the electronic switch 1 shown is similar to that already implemented in [the previous version]. Figure 2 The electronic switch 1 shown is basically the same, the only difference being its layout. Figure 2 The arrangement shown is a horizontal mirror image, i.e., the first terminals 101 and 121 are... Figure 3 The middle terminal is located at the top, and the second terminals 103 and 123 are located at the bottom.
[0057] Figure 4A view of an electronic switch 1 is shown with the bridge switch 34 in the open state and the fuse elements 5A and 5B arranged between the first terminals 101 and 121. Figure 4 The embodiment of the electronic switch 1 shown is similar to that already implemented in [the previous version]. Figure 2 The electronic switch 1 shown is basically the same, the only difference being that the fuse elements 5A and 5B are respectively arranged between a semiconductor 30A and 30B and a first terminal 101 and 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the current sensor 9 is arranged between the second terminals 103 and 123.
[0058] Figure 5 The method steps for operating an electronic switch 1000 are shown.
[0059] Method 1000 comprises the following steps: A current sensor is used to detect the short-circuit current between corresponding first or second terminals of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals of the 1010 electronic switch, wherein a semiconductor switch having two semiconductors is suitable for switching currents of different polarities and is arranged between two corresponding first terminals; and Based on the detected short-circuit current, a short-circuit switch is used to short-circuit the path 1020 between the corresponding second terminals of the first and second bipolar power terminals and the two semiconductors to trigger the first or second fuse element and disconnect the current between the first and second bipolar power terminals.
[0060] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0061] 1 Electronic switch
[0062] 10, 12 Bipolar power terminals
[0063] 101,121 First terminal
[0064] 103,123 Second terminal
[0065] 3 Semiconductor Switches
[0066] 30A, 30B Semiconductors
[0067] 32A, 32B diodes
[0068] 34 Bridge switch
[0069] 5A, 5B Fuse Elements
[0070] 7. Short-circuit switch
[0071] 9. Current sensor
[0072] 40 Analysis and Control Unit
[0073] 200, 400 First and second power supplies
[0074] 1000 methods
[0075] 1010 test
[0076] 1020 Short circuit.
Claims
1. An electronic switch (1) for disconnecting current between first and second bipolar power supply terminals (10, 12), comprising: A semiconductor switch (3) having two semiconductors (30A, 30B), wherein the semiconductor switch (3) is adapted to switch currents of different polarities, and wherein the semiconductor switch (3) is arranged between two corresponding first terminals (101, 121) of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals (10, 12); as well as The first and second fuse elements (5A, 5B) and A short-circuit switch (7) is configured to switch short-circuit current through at least one of the fuse elements (5A, 5B) to trigger at least one fuse element (5A, 5B) and disconnect the current between the first and second bipolar power terminals (10, 12). Its features are, The short-circuit switch (7) is arranged between the two corresponding second terminals (103, 123) of the first and second bipolar power terminals (10, 12) and between the two semiconductors (30A, 30B).
2. The electronic switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a current sensor (9), which is arranged between the corresponding first or second terminals (101, 103, 121, 123).
3. The electronic switch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Includes an analysis and control unit (40) adapted to compare the current value received by the current sensor (9) with a threshold and detect a short-circuit current when the threshold is exceeded.
4. The electronic switch (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The analysis and control unit (40) is adapted to operate the short-circuit switch (7) when a short-circuit current is detected.
5. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The electronic switch (1) is a DC switch.
6. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The corresponding first terminal (101, 121) is configured as the connection point of the negative conductor, and the corresponding second terminal (103, 123) is configured as the connection point of the positive conductor.
7. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two semiconductors (30A, 30B) each have a transistor.
8. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The semiconductor switch (3) has two diodes (32A, 32B), and each diode (32A, 32B) is connected in antiparallel to a semiconductor (30A, 30B).
9. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The short-circuit switch (7) has a thyristor.
10. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes a bridging switch (34), particularly a bypass relay switch contact, wherein the bridging switch (34) is arranged in parallel with the semiconductor switch (3) between two corresponding first terminals (101, 121).
11. The electronic switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first and second fuse elements (5A, 5B) are respectively arranged between the corresponding first terminals (101, 121) and / or the corresponding second terminals (103, 123) of the first and second bipolar power terminals (10, 12).
12. An electrical grid having at least one electronic switch (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. A method (1000) for operating an electronic switch (1), particularly for operating an electronic switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: A current sensor (9) is used to detect (1010) the short-circuit current between the corresponding first terminal (101, 121) or second terminal (103, 123) of the first and second bipolar power supply terminals (10, 12) of the electronic switch (1), wherein a semiconductor switch (3) having two semiconductors (30A, 30B) is adapted to switch currents of different polarities and is arranged between the two corresponding first terminals (101, 121); as well as Based on the detected short-circuit current, a short-circuit switch (7) is used to short-circuit (1020) the path between the corresponding second terminals (103, 123) of the first and second bipolar power terminals (10, 12) and the two semiconductors (30A, 30B) to trigger the first or second fuse element (5A, 5B) and disconnect the current between the first and second bipolar power terminals (10, 12).