Regulation based on the provided active power of the ac grid

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus having at least one electrical device, wherein the apparatus is configured to be connected to a first AC power grid having a first line voltage and a second AC power grid having a second line voltage, wherein the second line voltage is greater than the first line voltage, wherein the apparatus includes a controller configured to provide a line voltage applied to an input terminal of the controller at its output terminal in a first state, and not provide any voltage at its output terminal in a second state. The controller is configured to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching modes, and to select the switching mode based on the connected line voltage, the switching mode being of the type in which the effective electrical quantity provided at the output terminal of the controller substantially corresponds to a target value, for which it is not important whether the apparatus is connected to the first AC power grid or the second AC power grid, wherein the at least one electrical device is electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller. Furthermore, a method for adjusting the effective electrical quantity based on the AC power grid provided to the apparatus is disclosed.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of regulation (e.g., open-loop or closed-loop control) of the effective electrical quantity of a device based on the provided AC power grid. More specifically, this invention relates to the regulation of the effective electrical quantity (e.g., effective voltage) of a device based on the line voltage of the provided AC power grid.

[0002] In different power grids, line voltage and frequency can vary significantly. For example, the European power grid operates with a line voltage of 230V and a line frequency of 50Hz, while the US power grid operates with a line voltage of 120V and a line frequency of 60Hz. These different line voltages result in significant differences in current and energy or power consumption for devices with corresponding internal resistances.

[0003] This disadvantageously means that devices operating within the power grid must typically be adapted to the corresponding line voltage and / or frequency in order to ensure the desired power consumption or desired current. For example, an ohmic heating element designed to provide a specified maximum power must be adapted to the corresponding line voltage.

[0004] It is known that open-loop control is used to control the effective value of voltage for closed-loop power control via open-loop leading-edge phase control or open-loop trailing-edge phase control. However, the corresponding open-loop control is not compatible with all technical devices because the current and voltage have non-sinusoidal waveforms and switch under load. Non-sinusoidal voltages can damage electronic components, for example, due to high-frequency peaks. These problems arise because steep leading or trailing edges generate broadband harmonics. Overall, electromagnetic compatibility issues may exist because high-frequency peaks or harmonics can cause radio interference voltages. Because of the phase shift between voltage and current, non-sinusoidal currents can also lead to reactive power.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to overcome or at least mitigate the disadvantages and defects of the prior art. Generally speaking, the object of the present invention may preferably be to adjust the effective electrical quantity of the device, such as the effective voltage, without causing a phase shift.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described through the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus having at least one electrical device, wherein the apparatus is configured to be connected to a first AC power grid having a first line voltage and a second AC power grid having a second line voltage, wherein the second line voltage is greater than the first line voltage. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a controller configured to provide a line voltage applied to an input terminal of the controller at its output terminal in a first state, and not provide any voltage at its output terminal in a second state. Furthermore, the controller is configured to switch between the first and second states according to different switching modes, and to select the switching mode according to the connected line voltage, such that the effective electrical quantity provided at the output terminal of the controller substantially corresponds to a target value, which is independent of whether the apparatus is connected to the first or second AC power grid, wherein at least one electrical device is electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller.

[0008] In other words, the device includes a controller to which a line voltage is applied during operation, and which then supplies this voltage to at least one electrical device electrically connected to its output, depending on a switching mode. The controller selects the switching mode in such a way that it provides an effective electrical quantity at its output that substantially corresponds to the associated target value, regardless of which AC power the device is connected to. This allows the device to advantageously operate independently of the connected AC power grid, particularly without any hardware adjustments. For example, an effective voltage substantially corresponding to the target voltage can be provided, and thus at least one electrical device only “sees” the effective voltage and not the line voltage. Alternatively, for example, effective power can be provided at the controller's output such that the power consumption of at least one electrical device corresponds to the effective power. Needless to say, in the latter case, an effective voltage is also provided, but the target value will be the target power.

[0009] It goes without saying that the controller may include both open-loop and closed-loop control devices, and "regulation" may accordingly include "open-loop control" and / or "closed-loop control". Therefore, regulation can be, in particular, open-loop and / or closed-loop control.

[0010] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of the controller. Specifically, the voltage applied to at least one electrical device may be limited, for example, to limit the power and / or current consumption of at least one electrical device.

[0011] In embodiments of the present invention, the maximum voltage may be specified to correspond at most to the first line voltage. Alternatively, the maximum voltage may be specified to not exceed 127V, preferably not exceeding 120V.

[0012] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to operate at the output of the controller at a maximum predetermined maximum power consumption and / or a maximum predetermined maximum current consumption. Specifically, at least one electrical appliance may be configured to operate at the maximum power consumption and / or maximum current consumption. The specified maximum power and / or current consumption may be generated by safety regulations and / or desired device parameters for operating the device. For example, it may be expected that the device can heat with up to 180W of power, resulting in the desired and therefore predetermined power consumption for the device.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be specified to include an internal resistance. The internal resistance may preferably be largely determined by at least one electrical appliance (e.g., at least 90%, preferably at least 99%, e.g., approximately 100%). Furthermore, the internal resistance of the device may be configured with respect to a first line voltage and a specified maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. In other words, the internal resistance may be selected with respect to the first line voltage and the specified maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. For example, it may be specified that the heating element of the device is designed to have a maximum power consumption of 180W. Furthermore, it may be specified that the device operates at a first line voltage of 120V; accordingly, the internal resistance may then be 80Ω.

[0014] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the device has a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption when the maximum voltage is applied.

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to operate at up to maximum power at the output of the controller. Furthermore, it may be specified that maximum power is provided when maximum voltage is provided at the output of the controller. Alternatively, it may be specified that maximum power corresponds to a designated maximum power consumption.

[0016] In embodiments of the invention, the controller may be configured to switch between a first state and a second state only at the zero-crossing point of the line voltage of the connected AC power grid. Furthermore, the switching at the zero-crossing point may include switching when the applied voltage is no greater than 20% of the amplitude of the connected line voltage, preferably no greater than 10% of the amplitude, and more preferably no greater than 5% of the amplitude. Alternatively or additionally, the switching at the zero-crossing point may include switching within 500 μs, preferably 250 μs, and more preferably 100 μs when the applied voltage is 0V.

[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be stipulated that if the deviation of the effective power does not exceed ±20%, preferably not exceeding ±10%, then the effective power substantially corresponds to the target value.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to determine the line voltage of the connected AC power grid. In other words, when the device is connected to an AC power grid, it may be configured to detect the line voltage of the connected AC power grid. Specifically, the device may therefore be configured to determine the line voltage of a first AC power grid when the device is connected to a first AC power grid, and to determine the line voltage of a second AC power grid when the device is connected to a second AC power grid.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to sample the applied AC voltage and thus determine the maximum amplitude and the resulting line voltage. Needless to say, the line voltage corresponds to the effective value of the corresponding AC voltage, which can be calculated based on the maximum amplitude.

[0020] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the first AC power grid includes a first line frequency, and the second AC power grid includes a second line frequency.

[0021] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to determine the line frequency of the connected AC power grid. In other words, when the device is connected to an AC power grid, it may be configured to detect the line frequency of the connected AC power grid. Specifically, the device may therefore be configured to determine the line frequency of a first AC power grid when connected to a first AC power grid, and to determine the line frequency of a second AC power grid when connected to a second AC power grid.

[0022] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may include a memory in which multiple switching modes are stored. In other words, multiple predetermined switching modes can be stored in the corresponding memory of the device, so that the switching modes do not need to be recalculated each time.

[0023] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may be configured to automatically select the switching mode to use based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid when the device is connected to the AC power grid. Needless to say, the corresponding switching mode may be specifically selected from a plurality of predetermined switching modes stored in a memory.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to determine an adjustment factor based on the connected line voltage. The adjustment factor essentially characterizes the desired adjustment of the line voltage. Furthermore, the switching mode may be selected based on the adjustment factor.

[0025] In embodiments of the present invention, each switching mode may be characterized by a duty cycle. Needless to say, the duty cycle guides the on / off duration t. E The ratio to the duration t0 of the mode switching.

[0026] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may be specified as a laboratory device. In particular, the device may be at least one of the following: an incubator, a climate chamber, an oven, a heating cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer.

[0027] In embodiments of the invention, the device may include at least one processing unit, preferably wherein the controller includes at least one processing unit. Furthermore, at least one processing unit may be configured to initiate switching between a first state and a second state based on different switching modes. Alternatively, at least one processing unit may be configured to automatically select the switching mode to use based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid. Alternatively, at least one processing unit may be configured to determine an adjustment factor and select a switching mode based on the adjustment factor.

[0028] In embodiments of the present invention, different switching modes may be configured such that the energy consumption of the device never deviates from a predetermined uniform energy consumption exceeding the energy of a full sine wave. Needless to say, the energy consumption and power consumption of the device are directly related.

[0029] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that a predetermined uniform energy consumption is determined based on the duty cycle of the switching mode.

[0030] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the electrical equipment is an ohmic electrical equipment.

[0031] In embodiments of the present invention, the effective electrical quantity may be defined as the effective voltage. Alternatively, the controller may be an open-loop voltage control device.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention, the controller may be configured to use a first switching mode when the device is connected to a first AC power grid, and a second switching mode when the device is connected to a second AC power grid. Furthermore, the target value may be specified as a target voltage. In other words, the first and second switching modes are of the type where the effective voltage provided by the controller substantially corresponds to the target voltage, regardless of whether the device is connected to the first or second AC power grid.

[0033] In embodiments of the invention, the target voltage may be specified to correspond at most to the maximum voltage. Alternatively, it may be specified that the effective voltage substantially corresponds to the target voltage if the deviation of the effective voltage substantially does not exceed ±15%, preferably not exceeding ±10%.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, the first switching mode and the second switching mode may be stored in the device memory. Alternatively, the adjustment factor may be determined as (target voltage / line voltage).2 .

[0035] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that a switching mode is selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to an adjustment factor.

[0036] In embodiments of the invention, the controller may be defined as a closed-loop power control device, the effective quantity is the effective power, and the target value is the target power. In other embodiments, the controller may be a closed-loop power control device configured to select a switching mode based on the connected line voltage, wherein the mode is of the type in which the effective power supplied to at least one electrical device at the output of the closed-loop power control device substantially corresponds to the target power, which is independent of whether the device is connected to a first AC power grid or a second AC power grid.

[0037] It goes without saying that the provision of effective power is achieved by appropriately influencing the voltage and / or current. In particular, effective voltage is provided by switching between a first state and a second state, and effective power is provided in conjunction with at least one electrical device. In other words, the provision of effective power means that the power consumption (averaged over time) of at least one electrical device connected to the output of the closed-loop power control device corresponds to the provided effective power.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be specified that the target power corresponds at most to the maximum power. Alternatively, it can be specified that the effective power substantially corresponds to the target power if the deviation of the effective power substantially does not exceed ±30%, preferably not exceeding ±20%.

[0039] In embodiments of the present invention, the closed-loop power control device may be specified as a closed-loop controller. The closed-loop power control device may, for example, include a closed-loop PID controller.

[0040] Furthermore, the closed-loop controller can be configured to determine a closed-loop control factor for power. It can also be specified that the closed-loop control factor is in the range of 0 to 1, and that the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the closed-loop control factor. Alternatively, it can be specified that the closed-loop control factor is determined based on the input quantity. The input quantity is often also referred to as the closed-loop control deviation.

[0041] In embodiments of the invention where the controller is a closed-loop power control device, the adjustment factor may be specified as (maximum voltage / line voltage). 2 Furthermore, it can be specified that the switching mode is selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor.

[0042] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for regulating effective electrical quantity based on an AC power grid supplied to a device. The method includes determining the line voltage of the supplied AC power grid.U V Based on line voltage U V To select a switching mode and provide effective power based on the selected switching mode, wherein the selected switching mode is chosen so that the effective power substantially corresponds to the target value.

[0043] It goes without saying that the controller may include both open-loop and closed-loop control devices, and “regulation” may accordingly include “open-loop control” and / or “closed-loop control”.

[0044] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the selected switching mode is used to provide effective power by means of open-loop multi-cycle control.

[0045] In embodiments of the invention, the device may include at least one electrical device, and wherein effective electrical power is provided by switching the voltage supply of at least one electrical device on and off based on a selected switching mode.

[0046] In embodiments of the invention, the device may include at least one electrical device and a controller, wherein the at least one electrical device is electrically connected to the output of the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to provide a line voltage applied to the input of the controller at the output of the controller in a first state, and not provide any voltage at the output in a second state; and wherein providing effective power includes switching the controller between the first state and the second state based on a selected switching mode, such that effective power is provided at the output of the controller.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may be configured to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of the controller.

[0048] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the voltage supply is switched at the zero-crossing point. Alternatively, it may be specified that the controller is switched at the zero-crossing point.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, the switching at the zero-crossing point may be defined as switching when the applied voltage is no greater than 20% of the amplitude of the connected line voltage, preferably no greater than 10% of the amplitude, and more preferably no greater than 5% of the maximum voltage. Alternatively, the switching at the zero-crossing point may be defined as switching within 500 μs, preferably 250 μs, and more preferably 100 μs when the applied voltage is 0V.

[0050] In embodiments of the present invention, the switching mode may be selected from a plurality of predetermined switching modes. Furthermore, each of the plurality of predetermined switching modes may include an on-time duration. t Eand the duration of mode switching t 0 The conduction duration and switching mode duration can be quantized in full sine wave units.

[0051] Each of the multiple predetermined switching modes can be determined by... duty cycle (i.e., conduction duration) t E Duration of switching modes t 0 The ratio is used to characterize the switching mode. In other words, for different duty cycles, each of a plurality of predetermined switching modes is predetermined. Furthermore, it can be specified that the switching mode is selected based on the duty cycle.

[0052] In embodiments of the present invention, selecting a switching mode may include determining an adjustment factor that depends on the line voltage.

[0053] In embodiments of the present invention, the method may include pre-determining at least one of a plurality of pre-determined switching modes.

[0054] In embodiments of the invention, it may be specified that at least one switching mode is predetermined, comprising uniformly distributing the conduction duration over the switching mode duration. Needless to say, the uniform distribution of the conduction duration specifically refers to the most uniform distribution of the conduction duration over the possible switching mode durations, since these conduction durations are quantized as a full sine wave, and furthermore, the switching mode durations may be finite.

[0055] At least one switching mode can be predetermined in such a way that the deviation of the device's energy consumption from the uniform energy consumption does not exceed the energy of a full sine wave. Alternatively, at least one switching mode can be predetermined such that each full sine wave is switched on for a duration during which the ideal uniform energy consumption exceeds the device's actual energy consumption by at least one unit of the energy of a full sine wave.

[0056] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be specified that the line voltage determination, switching mode selection, and effective power supply can be performed automatically.

[0057] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may be specified as a laboratory device. In particular, the device may be at least one of the following: an incubator, a climate chamber, an oven, a heating cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer.

[0058] In embodiments of the present invention, the device may be specified as described above.

[0059] In embodiments of the present invention, it may be stipulated that if the deviation of the effective power is substantially no more than ±20%, preferably no more than ±10%, then the effective power substantially corresponds to the target value.

[0060] In embodiments of the present invention, the effective electrical quantity may be defined as the effective voltage. Furthermore, the method may be defined as an open-loop control method for the effective voltage.

[0061] In embodiments of the present invention, the target value may be specified as a target voltage. Furthermore, the adjustment factor may be specified as the square of the ratio of the target voltage to the line voltage.

[0062] In embodiments of the invention, a switching mode may be specified such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the adjustment factor. Alternatively, a switching mode may be specified such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to an adjustment factor rounded to two decimal places.

[0063] In embodiments of the present invention, the target voltage may be specified to correspond at most to the maximum voltage.

[0064] In embodiments of the present invention, the method may be specified as a closed-loop control method for effective electrical quantity. Furthermore, the adjustment factor may be specified as the square of the ratio of the maximum voltage to the line voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include determining a closed-loop control factor. Furthermore, a switching mode may be selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor. Alternatively or additionally, a switching mode may be selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor rounded to two decimal places. Effective electrical quantity may be effective power, and the target value may be a target power.

[0065] Furthermore, it can be specified that maximum power is provided when maximum voltage is supplied at the controller output. A closed-loop control factor can be established to target power relative to the maximum power.

[0066] It can be specified that, in embodiments of the present invention, the device according to the present invention is configured to determine the line voltage, select the switching mode, and provide effective power according to the above method.

[0067] It can be specified that, in embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the processing unit is configured to determine the line voltage, select the switching mode, and provide effective power according to the method described above.

[0068] It can be specified that, in embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the apparatus is configured to perform the methods disclosed above.

[0069] In embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit may be configured to perform the method according to any one of the above method embodiments.

[0070] The present invention is also limited according to the embodiments numbered below.

[0071] The following refers to device embodiments. These embodiments are designated by the letter D followed by a number. Referring to device embodiments or D embodiments in the following text means these embodiments.

[0072] D1. An apparatus having at least one electrical device.

[0073] The device is configured to be connected to a first AC power grid having a first line voltage and to a second AC power grid having a second line voltage, wherein the second line voltage is greater than the first line voltage.

[0074] The device includes a controller, wherein the controller is configured to

[0075] In the first state, a line voltage is provided at the output of the controller, which is then applied to the input of the controller.

[0076] In the second state, no voltage is supplied at the output terminal.

[0077] The controller is configured to switch between a first state and a second state based on different switching modes.

[0078] The controller is configured to select a switching mode based on the connected line voltage, such that the effective electrical charge provided at the controller's output substantially corresponds to a target value, regardless of whether the device is connected to a first or second AC power grid.

[0079] At least one of the electrical devices is electrically connected to the output of the controller.

[0080] D2. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of the controller.

[0081] D3. The apparatus according to the foregoing embodiment, wherein the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the first line voltage.

[0082] D4. The device according to any one of the two foregoing device embodiments, wherein the maximum voltage is at most 127V, preferably at most 120V.

[0083] D5. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to operate at the output of the controller at a maximum predetermined power consumption and / or a maximum predetermined current consumption.

[0084] D6. The device according to any one of the foregoing device embodiments, wherein the device includes internal resistance.

[0085] D7. A device according to the foregoing device embodiments and having the features of D5, wherein the internal resistance of the device is configured for a first line voltage and a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device.

[0086] D8. A device according to any one of the three foregoing device embodiments and having the feature of D2, wherein when a maximum voltage is applied, the device has a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption.

[0087] D9. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to operate at up to maximum power at the output of the controller.

[0088] D10. A device according to the foregoing device embodiment and having the feature of D2, wherein maximum power is provided when maximum voltage is provided at the output of the controller.

[0089] D11. The device according to any one of the two foregoing device embodiments and having the feature of D5, wherein the maximum power corresponds to a predetermined maximum power consumption.

[0090] D12. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a first state and a second state only when the line voltage of the connected AC power grid passes zero.

[0091] D13. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing point includes switching at an applied voltage of up to 20% of the amplitude of the connected line voltage, preferably up to 10% of the amplitude, and more preferably up to 5% of the amplitude.

[0092] D14. The device according to any one of the two foregoing device embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing includes switching within 500 μs, preferably 250 μs, more preferably 100 μs when the applied voltage is 0V.

[0093] D15. The device according to any one of the foregoing device embodiments, wherein when the deviation of the effective charge is at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%, the effective charge substantially corresponds to the target value.

[0094] D16. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the line voltage of the connected AC power grid.

[0095] D17. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to sample the applied AC voltage and thus determine the maximum amplitude and the resulting line voltage.

[0096] D18. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the first AC power grid includes a first line frequency, and the second AC power grid includes a second line frequency.

[0097] D19. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the line frequency of the connected AC power grid.

[0098] D20. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus includes a memory in which a plurality of switching modes are stored.

[0099] D21. The device according to any one of the foregoing device embodiments, wherein when the device is connected to an AC power grid, the device is configured to automatically select the switching mode to be used based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid.

[0100] D22. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine an adjustment factor based on the connected line voltage.

[0101] D23. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the switching mode is selected based on an adaptation factor.

[0102] D24. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein each switching mode is characterized by a duty cycle.

[0103] It goes without saying that the duty cycle guides the duration t of the communication. E The ratio to the duration t0 of the mode switching.

[0104] D25. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is a laboratory apparatus.

[0105] D26. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is at least one of the following: incubator, climate chamber, oven, heating cabinet, refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0106] D27. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus includes at least one processing unit, preferably wherein the controller includes at least one processing unit.

[0107] D28. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein at least one processing unit is configured to initiate a switch between a first state and a second state based on different switching modes.

[0108] D29. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein at least one processing unit is configured to automatically select the switching mode to be used based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid.

[0109] D30. An apparatus according to any one of the three foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature of D22, wherein at least one processing unit is configured to determine an adjustment factor and select a switching mode based on the adjustment factor.

[0110] D31. The device according to any one of the foregoing device embodiments, wherein the different switching modes are each configured such that the energy consumption of the device never deviates from a predetermined uniform energy consumption exceeding the energy of a full sine wave.

[0111] D32. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiment and having the features of D24, wherein a predetermined uniform energy consumption is determined based on the duty cycle of the switching mode.

[0112] D33. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the electrical device is an ohmic electrical device.

[0113] D34. The device according to any one of the foregoing device embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity is the effective voltage.

[0114] D35. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the controller is an open-loop voltage control device.

[0115] D36. The apparatus according to any one of the two foregoing apparatus embodiments,

[0116] The controller is configured to use a first switching mode when the device is connected to a first AC power grid, and

[0117] The controller is configured to use a second switching mode when the device is connected to a second AC power grid;

[0118] The target value is the target voltage.

[0119] D37. A device according to the foregoing device embodiments and having the feature D2, wherein the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage.

[0120] D38. The apparatus according to any one of the two foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein when the deviation of the effective voltage is substantially at most ±15%, preferably at most ±10%, the effective voltage substantially corresponds to the target voltage.

[0121] D39. An apparatus according to any one of the three foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature of D20, wherein the first switching mode and the second switching mode are stored in the apparatus memory.

[0122] D40. The apparatus according to any one of the four foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature of D22, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as (target voltage / line voltage). 2 .

[0123] D41. An apparatus according to any one of the five aforementioned apparatus embodiments and having features D22 and D24, wherein a switching mode is selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to an adjustment factor.

[0124] D42. The apparatus according to embodiments D1-D33, wherein

[0125] The controller is a closed-loop power control device.

[0126] Effective charge is effective power, and

[0127] The target value is the target power.

[0128] D43. The apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature D9, wherein the target power corresponds at most to the maximum power.

[0129] D44. The apparatus according to any one of the two foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the effective power substantially corresponds to the target power when the deviation of the effective power is substantially at most ±30%, preferably at most ±20%.

[0130] D45. The apparatus according to any one of the three foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the closed-loop power control device is a closed-loop controller.

[0131] D46. The apparatus according to the foregoing embodiment, wherein the closed-loop controller is configured to determine the closed-loop control factor of the power.

[0132] D47. An apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiment and having the feature of D9, wherein the closed-loop control factor is in the range of 0 to 1, and the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the closed-loop control factor.

[0133] D48. The apparatus according to the two aforementioned apparatus embodiments, wherein the closed-loop control factor is determined based on the input quantity.

[0134] D49. An apparatus according to any one of the seven foregoing apparatus embodiments and having features D22 and D2, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as (maximum voltage / line voltage). 2 .

[0135] D50. An apparatus according to the foregoing apparatus embodiment and having features D46 and D24, wherein a switching mode is selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor.

[0136] The following refers to method embodiments. These embodiments are indicated by the letter M followed by a number. Whenever the terms "method embodiment" or "M embodiment" are used below, these embodiments are intended to refer to.

[0137] M1. A method for regulating effective electrical quantity based on an AC power grid supplied to a device, the method comprising:

[0138] Determine the line voltage of the provided AC power grid. U V ;

[0139] Based on line voltage U V To select the switching mode; and

[0140] Provide effective power based on the selected switching mode.

[0141] The selection of switching modes ensures that the effective power consumption essentially corresponds to the target value.

[0142] M2. The method described in the above method embodiments, wherein providing effective power includes using open-loop multi-cycle control based on the selected switching mode.

[0143] M3. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the apparatus includes at least one electrical device, and wherein effective power is provided by switching the voltage supply of at least one electrical device on and off based on a selected switching mode.

[0144] M4. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments,

[0145] The device includes at least one electrical appliance and a controller.

[0146] At least one of the electrical devices is electrically connected to the output of the controller.

[0147] And the controller is configured as

[0148] In the first state, a line voltage applied to the input of the controller is provided at the output of the controller, and

[0149] In the second state, no voltage is supplied at the output; and

[0150] Providing effective power includes switching the controller between a first state and a second state based on the selected switching mode, thereby providing effective power at the controller's output.

[0151] M5. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the device is configured to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of the controller.

[0152] M6. A method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M3, wherein the voltage supply is switched at a zero crossing.

[0153] M7. A method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M4, wherein the controller is switched at a zero crossing.

[0154] M8. The method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing point includes switching when the applied voltage is no greater than 20% of the amplitude of the connected line voltage, preferably no greater than 10% of the amplitude, and more preferably no greater than 5% of the maximum voltage.

[0155] M9. The method according to any one of the three foregoing method embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing includes switching within 500 μs, preferably 250 μs, more preferably 100 μs when the applied voltage is 0V.

[0156] M10. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the switching mode is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching modes.

[0157] M11. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined switching modes includes an on-time duration. t E and the duration of mode switching t 0 .

[0158] M12. The method described in the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the conduction duration and the switching mode duration are quantized in full sine wave units.

[0159] M13. The method according to any one of the three foregoing method embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined switching modes is determined by a duty cycle (i.e., on-time duration). t E Duration of switching modes t 0 The ratio is used to characterize this.

[0160] In other words, for different duty cycles, each of a plurality of predetermined switching modes is predetermined.

[0161] M14. The method described in the above method embodiments, wherein the switching mode is selected based on the duty cycle.

[0162] M15. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein selecting the switching mode includes determining an adjustment factor that depends on the line voltage.

[0163] M16. A method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M10, wherein the method includes pre-determining at least one of a plurality of pre-determined switching modes.

[0164] M17. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M11, wherein pre-determining at least one switching mode includes uniformly distributing the conduction duration within the switching mode duration.

[0165] M18. The method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments, wherein at least one switching mode is predetermined such that the energy consumption of the device deviates from the energy of the maximum full sine wave from the uniform energy consumption.

[0166] M19. The method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments, wherein at least one switching mode is predetermined in such a way that each full sine wave is turned on during a duration during which the ideal uniform energy consumption exceeds the actual energy consumption of the device by at least the energy unit of the full sine wave.

[0167] M20. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the determination of line voltage, the selection of switching mode, and the provision of effective power are performed automatically.

[0168] M21. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the apparatus is a laboratory apparatus.

[0169] M22. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the apparatus is at least one of the following: incubator, climate chamber, oven, heating cabinet, refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0170] M23. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the apparatus is the apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments.

[0171] M24. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the effective power quantity substantially corresponds to the target value when the deviation of the effective power quantity substantially does not exceed ±20%, preferably not exceeding ±10%.

[0172] M25. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the effective charge is the effective voltage.

[0173] M26. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the method is for using open-loop control to control the effective voltage.

[0174] M27. The method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments, wherein the target value is a target voltage.

[0175] M28. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the characteristics of M15, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as the square of the ratio of the target voltage to the line voltage.

[0176] M29. The method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments and the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching mode is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the adjustment factor.

[0177] M30. The method according to any one of the three foregoing method embodiments and the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching mode is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to an adjustment factor rounded to two decimal places.

[0178] M31. The method according to any one of the four foregoing method embodiments and the feature of M5, wherein the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage.

[0179] M32. The method according to any one of the method embodiments M1 to M25, wherein the method is a method for controlling effective power using closed-loop control.

[0180] M33. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M5 and M15, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as the square of the ratio of the maximum voltage to the line voltage.

[0181] M34. The method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments, wherein the method includes determining a closed-loop control factor.

[0182] M35. A method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M14 and M15, wherein a switching mode is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor.

[0183] M36. A method according to any one of the two foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M14 and M15, wherein a switching mode is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor rounded to two decimal places.

[0184] M37. The method according to any one of the three foregoing method embodiments, wherein the effective quantity is the effective power and the target value is the target power.

[0185] M38. The method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M5, wherein maximum power is provided when maximum voltage is provided at the output of the controller.

[0186] M39. A method according to the foregoing method embodiments and having the features of M34, wherein the closed-loop control factor establishes a target power relative to the maximum power.

[0187] A51. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine line voltage, select switching mode, and provide effective power according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0188] A52. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature D27, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the line voltage, select a switching mode, and provide effective power according to any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0189] A53. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing apparatus embodiments, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to any one of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0190] A54. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing apparatus embodiments and having the feature D27, wherein the processing unit is configured to perform the method according to any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0191] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to be exemplary and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0192] Figures 1a and 1b show the device including the controller;

[0193] Figure 2a shows the effective value of the AC voltage;

[0194] Figure 2b illustrates the reduction of effective voltage using open-loop multi-cycle control;

[0195] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate exemplary open-loop multi-cycle control;

[0196] Figure 4 shows the uniform distribution of conduction duration;

[0197] Figure 5 illustrates the method according to the present invention;

[0198] Figure 6 illustrates the method used to determine the switching mode with the most uniform possible conduction duration distribution; and

[0199] Figure 7 illustrates, as an example, a switching mode with a duty cycle of 0-72%, where the conduction duration is distributed as evenly as possible.

[0200] Note that not all figures have all reference numerals. Instead, for brevity and ease of illustration, some reference numerals have been omitted from some figures. Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0201] The present invention relates to an apparatus 1 having at least one electrical device 14 and a controller 12, wherein the controller 12 is configured in principle to determine substantially independently of the supplied line voltage. U V Effective power.

[0202] A corresponding device 1, having a controller 12 and two electrical appliances 14, is shown in Figures 1a and 1b. Device 1 is configured to be connected to a supply voltage with an associated voltage. U V The AC power grid to which the device is supplied voltage is also called the line voltage. Therefore, the voltage or current supply to the device is provided by means of the AC power grid to which it is connected. Specifically, device 1 is configured to connect to a first AC power grid having a first line voltage and to a second AC power grid having a second line voltage, wherein the second line voltage is greater than the first line voltage. Needless to say, the device can also be configured to connect to other AC power grids. However, in any case, the device is configured to connect to at least two AC power grids having different line voltages. Needless to say, "supply voltage" and "line voltage" each refer to the effective value of the base AC voltage. For example, the European AC power grid contains a line voltage of 230V, meaning that the effective value of the AC voltage supplied to households is essentially 230V.

[0203] The controller 12 of device 1 is configured to operate based on the applied line voltage. U V To provide effective electrical energy, such as effective voltage. U eff .

[0204] The controller 12 is configured to provide a line voltage applied to the input of the controller at its output in a first state (FIG. 1a), and not provide any voltage at its output in a second state (FIG. 1b). In other words, the controller 12 is configured to supply current to at least one electrical device 14 (FIG. 1a), and to block the current to at least one electrical device 14 in the second state (FIG. 1b). Therefore, the controller 12 can selectively interrupt the voltage supply to at least one electrical device 14, i.e., cut it off and then reconnect it, and thus allow or interrupt the generated current. Needless to say, this also allows electrical power to be provided at the output of the controller, generated by the supplied voltage and the generated current, and thus the corresponding power consumption of at least one electrical device 14. Specifically, the controller 12 is electrically connected to at least one electrical device 14. The at least one electrical device is preferably an ohmic electrical device.

[0205] Furthermore, controller 12 is configured to switch between a first state and a second state according to different switching modes, wherein the switching mode used depends on the line voltage and the desired target value of the supplied power. Specifically, controller 12 is configured to select a switching mode based on the connected line voltage, such that the effective power supplied at the output of controller 12 substantially corresponds to the target value, which is independent of whether the device is connected to a first AC grid or a second AC grid. In other words, the effective power is substantially the same whether the device is connected to a first AC grid or a second AC grid. The term "substantially" includes deviations from the target value of ±15%, preferably ±10%. These deviations can be caused, for example, by the fact that the minimum possible adjustment by means of the controller may depend on the connected AC grid and / or at least one electrical appliance of the device. For example, these may limit the duration of the switching mode. The corresponding deviations can also be caused by the line voltage, which may be affected by voltage variations. For example, the line voltage in a European power grid may have varied by as much as ±10%. Needless to say, the corresponding switching mode is cyclically repeated, i.e., always starting from the beginning. The corresponding switching mode can be redetermined in a regular or irregular manner, for example, to adapt the target value to the requirements of the device.

[0206] The controller 12 is advantageously configured to switch between the first and second states only when the line voltage of the AC grid connected to the device crosses zero. Switching at the zero-crossing advantageously avoids steep leading or trailing edges and / or reactive power. Specifically, the controller 12 can therefore be configured to switch between the first and second states only when the applied voltage is approximately 0V. The term "approximately" here includes, with respect to the applied voltage, a deviation of up to 20% from the maximum voltage of the connected AC grid, preferably up to 10% of the maximum voltage, more preferably up to 5% of the maximum voltage. Switching at the zero-crossing can occur within 500µs, preferably 250µs, more preferably 100µs, of the applied voltage reaching 0V.

[0207] It goes without saying that the controller may include both open-loop and closed-loop control devices, and “regulation” may accordingly include “open-loop control” and / or “closed-loop control”.

[0208] The device can be configured to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of controller 12. In other words, the maximum voltage corresponds to the maximum voltage at which the device can operate independently of the controller. Therefore, the maximum voltage can correspond to the voltage of electrical components (in particular at least one electrical appliance 14) configured to be connected downstream of the controller. However, the maximum voltage can also be intentionally set lower in order to, for example, limit power consumption. The maximum voltage can advantageously correspond to at most the first line voltage. The maximum voltage can not exceed 127V, preferably not more than 120V, and in some cases not more than 110V.

[0209] Generally, the device can be configured to operate at the controller output at a maximum predetermined power consumption and / or a maximum predetermined current consumption. More specifically, at least one electrical appliance can be configured to operate at a maximum power consumption and / or a maximum current consumption. The specified maximum power and / or current consumption can be generated by safety regulations and / or desired device parameters for operating the device. For example, it may be expected that the device can heat with up to 180W of power, resulting in the desired and therefore predetermined power consumption for the device.

[0210] Furthermore, the device may have an internal resistance, which is preferably largely (e.g., 90%, preferably at least 99%, e.g., approximately 100%) determined by at least one electrical device. The internal resistance preferably refers to the resistance of the device at the output of the controller. The internal resistance and preferably at least one electrical device can be configured with respect to a first line voltage and a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. In other words, the internal resistance and preferably at least one electrical device can be selected with respect to the first line voltage and a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. For example, it can be specified that the heating element of the device is designed to have a maximum power consumption of 180W. Furthermore, it can be specified that the device operates at a first line voltage of 120V; correspondingly, the internal resistance can then be 80Ω. In particular, it can be specified that the device has a predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption when the maximum voltage is applied.

[0211] In other words, the device can be configured to operate at maximum power at the controller's output. It goes without saying that the maximum power at the controller's output is generated by the power consumption of at least one electrical device, particularly by its internal resistance. The maximum power preferably corresponds to a specified maximum power consumption, and is provided when the maximum voltage is applied at the controller's output.

[0212] The switching mode defines when the controller 12 switches between a first state and a second state, that is, when the controller 12 provides voltage and when it does not, and therefore when and when current is supplied to at least one electrical device 14 and when it is not. In other words, the controller 12 switches the voltage supply to the device, or more precisely, switches the voltage supply to at least one electrical device 14. Simply put, the switching mode determines when the open-loop voltage controller turns the line voltage on and off. Here, "when" can be defined as the time interval between switching, or preferably the number of (half) cycles between switching, the latter having the advantage of not depending on the line frequency. The controller may therefore specifically include or may be an open-loop voltage controller.

[0213] Therefore, controller 12 can be configured in principle to switch on or off one or more full-cycle or half-cycle line voltages to provide effective voltage, effective current, and / or effective power, wherein the maximum value in each case is limited by the line voltage. Controller 12 can be specifically configured to provide the corresponding effective electrical quantity based on the corresponding switching mode using open-loop multi-cycle control. Open-loop multi-cycle control can also be referred to as open-loop wave packet control.

[0214] The device can be configured to determine an adjustment factor based on the connected line voltage. The adjustment factor is preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and describes a percentage of the line voltage, such as the proportion of the line voltage to be provided at the output of the controller. More generally, the adjustment factor can refer to the percentage of the line voltage required to provide a target voltage (e.g., maximum voltage) at the output of the controller. The device can be specifically configured to select a switching mode based on the adjustment factor. For this purpose, the device may, for example, include a memory storing multiple switching modes. The switching mode can be characterized by a duty cycle, which can be a guide on-time t. E The ratio of the duration of the controller in its first state to the duration of the switching mode t0 (i.e., the total duration of the switching mode).

[0215] In principle, the effective voltage is given by the effective value of the AC voltage, which corresponds to the root mean square of the voltage over time. Referring to Figure 2a), a continuous sinusoidal AC voltage... The effective value corresponds to the maximum voltage; in the European power grid, the line voltage, and therefore the effective value of the voltage, or effective voltage, is... U eff = U V = 230V. The effective value of AC voltage, in principle, indicates how much DC voltage is needed to convert the same electrical energy at an ohmic electrical device within a representative time period.

[0216] Referring to Figure 2b), by selectively switching between the first and second states at the voltage zero-crossing point or during open-loop multi-cycle control, one or more half-sine waves, or preferably full-sine waves, can be cut off and thus eliminated. This reduces the effective voltage. U eff The effective voltage can be determined based on the line voltage. U V and based on conduction duration t E Duration of switching modes t 0 The ratio is used to determine, where

[0217] .

[0218] Regarding the switching mode, the conduction duration here... t E This refers to the time period during which voltage is applied to at least one electrical device, i.e., the time period during which the controller is in its first state. Switching mode duration. t 0This refers to the total duration of the switching mode, and in the context of open-loop multi-cycle control, it is also called the oscillation packet duration. Since the corresponding switching mode repeats cyclically (potentially until the switching mode is changed), the switching mode duration accordingly refers to the length of the (switching mode) cycle. Therefore, t E / t 0 The ratio similarly indicates the on-time percentage, that is, the percentage of the total duration of the switching mode during which the controller is in the first state, in which current or the corresponding voltage is supplied to the electrical device. Therefore, this ratio can also be called the duty cycle.

[0219] It goes without saying that, in principle, the conduction duration corresponds at most to the switching mode duration, that is... t E ≤ t 0 Specifically, the conduction duration can also correspond to the switching mode duration. In this case, the effective voltage provided by controller 12 will correspond to the line voltage. In other words, controller 12 will remain in the first state indefinitely and will not switch to the second state. Therefore, the switching mode can also mean that no switching occurs between the first and second states, i.e., the controller remains in the first state throughout the switching process.

[0220] For example, online voltage U V = 230V and ratio t E / t 0 When the value is 1 / 2, an effective voltage of 163V is obtained. U effThis means that if half of the sine waves in the entire sine wave are cut off each time using a periodic switching mode, the line voltage can be reduced by approximately 0.71 times. Accordingly, based on the line voltage and optionally the line frequency, a switching mode can be selected, for example, where the ratio of the conduction duration to the switching mode duration (i.e., the duty cycle) corresponds at least substantially to the square of the ratio of the line voltage to the target voltage or maximum voltage. More generally, a switching mode can be selected to include the desired duty cycle. With an unlimited switching mode duration, the desired effective electrical quantity, such as the target voltage, can therefore be provided with almost any desired accuracy. However, if the switching mode only includes on and off phases, the switching mode duration is generally limited and depends particularly on the electrical equipment. Highly integrated electrical equipment, such as ohmic heating elements, can advantageously allow for longer on and off phases. For less integrated electrical equipment, fluctuations can be reduced, if necessary, by using a switching mode that includes multiple on and off phases. In this case, the switching mode duration refers to the total duration of the cyclically repeating switching mode. In principle, grid operators can also impose limitations on the switching mode duration and the optional conduction duration.

[0221] It goes without saying that the duration of conduction t E and the duration of mode switching t 0 It can be specified using actual time units (e.g., µs) or the number of zero-crossing points, half-sine waves, or full sine waves. The latter is preferred because it does not depend on the line frequency.

[0222] Figure 3 illustrates an example of open-loop multi-cycle control of an AC voltage with a line frequency of 50 Hz. Figure 3a shows a specific implementation of the manipulated variable with a 25% on-time. In other words, a duty cycle of 0.25 or 25% is used. Here, the on-time t... E The switching mode duration is 250ms, where the switching mode duration is t0 and the actual voltage is 1s. In other words, 25 half-sine waves are initially allowed to pass through, and then the subsequent 75 half-sine waves are cut off. This switching mode is then repeated. This switching mode can thus halve the effective voltage. Since full sine wave switching is preferred, and may be necessary in some applications, a switching mode duration of 2s t0 and a conduction duration of 500ms t can also be used. E This will achieve the corresponding reduction.

[0223] Figure 3b illustrates the specific implementation of the manipulated variable with a 75% on-time or a duty cycle of 0.75 or 75%. Here, the on-time t... EThe duration is 750ms, where the switching mode duration is t0 and the conduction duration is 1s. In other words, 75 half-sine waves are first allowed to pass through, and then the subsequent 25 half-sine waves are cut off. This pattern is then repeated. This switching mode allows the effective voltage to be reduced to approximately 87%. Similarly, by combining the switching mode duration with the 1.5s conduction duration t... E Doubling the frequency will, of course, allow you to switch to a full sine wave.

[0224] It goes without saying that, due to the electrical connection with at least one electrical device, the corresponding switching mode also provides effective current and effective power. There is a connection between effective voltage, effective current, and effective power. Assume that a line voltage U is provided... V、 Current I V and power P V And the switching mode includes duty cycle t E At / t0, the effective current is from Given, and the effective power is determined by The effective quantities provided by the controller can be specifically dependent on the quantity of the specified target value. For example, a desired power can be specified so that the controller provides effective power. Needless to say, this also inevitably provides effective voltage and effective current.

[0225] Preferably, the device can be configured to determine the line voltage of the applied AC power grid. That is, the device can be configured to determine the corresponding line voltage of the AC power grid when the device is connected to the AC power grid. For example, the line voltage can be measured. This may include sampling the applied AC voltage, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the maximum voltage, and therefore also about the line voltage (i.e., the effective value). For example, when determining the line voltage, line voltages can be considered to be typically 100V, 110V, 115V, 120V, 127V, 220V, 230V, or 240V, with 110V and 230V being particularly widely used. That is, if the device can distinguish these voltages, determining the line voltage may be sufficient.

[0226] In addition to line voltage, an AC power grid also has a line frequency. The line frequency can be associated with the switching mode because it specifies the time interval between zero crossings and therefore also specifies the possible switching time. Specifically, a first AC power grid may have a first line frequency, and a second AC power grid may have a second line frequency. The device can be configured to determine the line frequency. That is, the device can be configured to determine the corresponding line frequency of the AC power grid when the device is connected to it. For example, a frequency meter, preferably a digital frequency counter, can be used to determine the line frequency. When determining the line frequency, it is possible to consider using only two different line frequencies globally—50Hz and 60Hz—and therefore this may be sufficient if the device can distinguish between these two frequencies to determine the line frequency.

[0227] Preferably, however, neither line frequency measurement is required nor provided. Instead, the switching mode can preferably be based solely on the number of zero crossings, and therefore on the number of (half)sine waves, so that line frequency detection is unnecessary. In particular, for example, the same switching mode can be used for AC power grids with the same line voltage but different line frequencies. This will then result in different absolute conduction durations t. E The switching mode duration t0 (i.e., measured in seconds) varies because the full wave corresponds to different durations, specifically depending on the line frequency, but the conduction duration t E The ratio of the switching mode duration t0 (and therefore the duty cycle) remains unaffected so that the same effective voltage is provided in both cases.

[0228] The device can be configured to automatically select a suitable switching mode based on line voltage and optionally also on line frequency to provide a desired target value of effective power. Furthermore, the device's instantaneous requirements can be considered. Specifically, the device may include a memory storing multiple switching modes. The device can be configured to automatically select the corresponding switching mode from the stored switching modes based on the target value and the determined line voltage and / or line frequency. For example, if the device is only used in Europe and the United States, determining the line voltage is sufficient because the frequency is directly generated by the determined line voltage. Therefore, the corresponding switching mode can be selected based solely on the line voltage. This also applies if the switching mode is defined based on the number of zero crossings between switching operations. In this case, each switching mode can be characterized by an associated duty cycle, and the selection of the switching mode can be based on the duty cycle, which in some embodiments corresponds to an adjustment factor determined from the line voltage.

[0229] The device may include at least one processing unit, for example, a controller may include at least one processing unit. The at least one processing unit may be configured to determine, for example, based on data acquired by means of corresponding sensors. The at least one processing unit may be configured to use open-loop control to control the switching of the controller between a first state and a second state according to a switching mode, i.e., to initiate switching accordingly based on the switching mode. The at least one processing unit may also be configured to automatically select the switching mode to be used from a stored set of switching modes based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid. For example, the device may include a microcontroller configured to sample the input voltage and thus detect and possibly even predict zero-crossing points. Switching between the first and second states at the zero-crossing point can then be achieved, for example, by means of a bidirectional thyristor (e.g., an optical bidirectional thyristor) or a thyristor.

[0230] The device can be a laboratory apparatus, such as an incubator, climate chamber, oven, heating cabinet, etc. For example, the device could be an incubator with an ohmic heater (i.e., at least one ohmic heating element). Depending on the application of the incubator, the heater in the form of an electrical appliance may, for example, have a calculated maximum power requirement of 180W. If the line voltage supplied to the electrical appliance of this device is not changed, then, for example, when the line voltage is 120V, the ohmic heater would therefore require a resistance of 80Ω, because... R = U 2 / P = (120V) 2 / 180W = 80Ω. However, when the line voltage is 230V, without adjusting the voltage, a resistor of 294Ω will be required. R = U 2 / P = (230V) 2 ( / 180W = 294Ω). Therefore, different heaters are needed to adjust the power for different input voltages. Accordingly, incubators must typically be equipped with appropriate heaters depending on the application. This unfavorably complicates the production of the corresponding equipment, requiring various components.

[0231] Referring to this example, the present invention makes it advantageous to equip all incubators with the same heater, and more generally, the same hardware. This means that an incubator operating at 230V will also be equipped with a heater containing an 80Ω resistor. Without further adjustments, the power consumption of an incubator operating at 230V will be significantly higher than 180W. This is already evident from the calculations of the required resistor above, but also when considering the following theoretical current. At 120V, the corresponding resistor produces a current of I = U / R = 120V / 80Ω = 1.5A, while at 230V, the corresponding resistor will produce a current of I = U / R = 230V / 80Ω = 2.9A. Therefore, the current will be almost twice as high. However, if the switching mode used by the controller only allows 14 out of 50 full sine waves to pass through, the current drops from 2.9A to 1.53A, which essentially corresponds to the current consumption at 120V. For example, even better results can be achieved using a switching mode that selects 27 full sine waves from 100. To reduce voltage and current fluctuations, a corresponding switching mode can be configured, for example, such that the controller initially remains in a first state for 14 full sine waves (allowing these full sine waves to pass), then in a second state for 36 full sine waves (blocking these full sine waves), then back to the first state for 13 full sine waves, and finally in the second state for 37 full sine waves. This switching mode is then repeated as described. Accordingly, even better results can be obtained by selecting 268 full sine waves from 1000. In principle, the duration of the switching mode determines the maximum resolution regarding the adjusted line voltage.

[0232] Because this invention provides a line-dependent controller that provides effective electrical charge substantially corresponding to a target value, the power consumption or current consumption of the device, and therefore its energy consumption, can be substantially independent of the connected AC power grid. This allows the device to operate safely in a corresponding AC power grid without requiring any modifications to the device (particularly to its hardware). The controller is configured for at least two different AC power grids, but can also be configured for more (potentially all) known AC power grids.

[0233] As illustrated in the examples above, the present invention also makes it possible, for example, to adjust the maximum current consumption of the device with respect to country-specific requirements. Adjustments based on country-specific requirements may require user input (if necessary) because the corresponding country cannot be reliably identified based on line voltage. For example, plugs used in the UK can be protected and operate at up to a maximum of 13 amps, and therefore the power consumption can be adjusted accordingly. On one hand, this can be done according to country-specific conditions, or alternatively, adjustments can be selected to meet all country-specific requirements corresponding to the line voltage.

[0234] For example, if a known open-loop multi-cycle control is used in conjunction with an ohmic heating element, as shown in Figure 3, this could (at least theoretically) adversely lead to overload, particularly as the heater may overheat due to the long on-time. Therefore, the on-time t... E The conduction duration can be (preferably uniformly) distributed over the switching mode duration t0. In other words, the switching mode can be determined accordingly so that the conduction duration is distributed as uniformly as possible over the switching mode duration. For example, the controller of the device can be configured to (pre-determine) the switching mode accordingly.

[0235] figure 4 The corresponding switching modes for a manipulated variable with a 25% conduction duration are shown (see Figure 3a). The full sine wave during turn-on is distributed over a switching mode duration of, for example, 2 seconds (at 50 Hz). For different line voltages and optional ground line frequencies, the switching modes can be pre-calculated and saved accordingly. Needless to say, energy cannot be released completely uniformly, but only in multiples of half-wave (preferably full-wave). This will be discussed in conjunction with... figure 6 Explain the method used to determine the corresponding switching mode.

[0236] In some embodiments, the effective electrical quantity provided by the controller 12 at the output terminal may be an effective voltage. U eff Specifically, controller 12 may be an open-loop voltage controller. The open-loop voltage controller may be configured to use a first switching mode when the device is connected to a first AC power grid, and a second switching mode when the device is connected to a second AC power grid. The target value may be a target voltage. The target voltage may preferably correspond to at most a first line voltage.

[0237] The switching modes, particularly the first and second switching modes, can be of the type where the effective voltage provided by the open-loop voltage controller substantially corresponds to a target voltage, regardless of whether the device is connected to a first or second AC grid. In other words, the effective voltage remains substantially the same whether the device is connected to the first or second AC grid. The term "substantially" includes deviations from the target voltage of ±15%, preferably ±10%. These deviations can be caused, for example, by the fact that the minimum possible adjustment of the voltage by means of the open-loop voltage controller can depend on the connected AC grid and / or at least one electrical appliance of the device. For example, these may limit the duration of the switching mode. Corresponding deviations can also be caused by line voltage, which may be affected by voltage variations. For example, line voltage in the European power grid may have varied by as much as ±10%.

[0238] Therefore, the target voltage is independent of the AC power grid to which the device is connected and can be limited by the maximum voltage. The maximum voltage typically matches the device's internal resistance and / or maximum power or current consumption. For example, the internal resistance can be selected based on the minimum line voltage required for the device to operate (e.g., 110V or 120V). The maximum voltage corresponds at most to the minimum line voltage. Providing a corresponding open-loop voltage controller according to the invention advantageously allows the device to be used in AC power grids with voltages exceeding the maximum voltage.

[0239] Therefore, a first switching mode and a second switching mode can be predetermined. This means that the switching mode can be predetermined based on the target voltage corresponding to the line voltage and the line frequency (if applicable). Predetermining the switching mode ensures that, for a given line voltage (and optionally the line frequency), an effective voltage substantially corresponding to the desired target voltage is provided. The desired target voltage is limited by a maximum voltage that adapts to the internal resistance of the device and to the power and / or current requirements of the device, wherein the internal resistance is selected such that the maximum voltage corresponds at most to a minimum line voltage.

[0240] Accordingly, in the case of open-loop voltage control, the duty cycle of the switching mode used can preferably correspond to an adjustment factor, wherein the adjustment factor corresponds to the square of the ratio of the target voltage to the line voltage.

[0241] In other words, the adjustment factor can be determined based on the line voltage and a target voltage, such as a maximum voltage or a fraction of the maximum voltage. In open-loop voltage control (i.e., without active feedback), the adjustment factor corresponds to the duty cycle of the desired switching mode, so that only the switching mode whose duty cycle corresponds to the adjustment factor is selected. For open-loop voltage control, the target value is preferably constant, so that the corresponding switching mode only needs to be changed when the line voltage changes. For this purpose, the line voltage can be checked periodically if necessary, and the device can then re-determine the line voltage. Alternatively, for example, the line voltage can also be determined only after restarting the device, since the line voltage typically does not change during operation.

[0242] However, for some applications, it may be desirable to use closed-loop control to control, for example, the power consumption of at least one electrical device. For instance, at least one electrical device may be a heating element, and the power consumption of the heating element may be controlled using closed-loop control based on temperature in order to provide, for example, a desired target temperature.

[0243] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the controller may be a closed-loop power control device. The effective charge is then the effective power, and the target value is the target power. As previously explained, effective power is provided by switching between a first state and a second state according to a corresponding switching mode. In principle, closed-loop power control can therefore include open-loop voltage control; however, this open-loop voltage control no longer depends solely on the line voltage but also on the closed-loop control factor. Using the line voltage, a corresponding adjustment factor can also be determined, which is then combined with the closed-loop control factor to determine the duty cycle of the switching mode. The target power is then given by the product of the maximum power and the duty cycle, since the line voltage scales linearly with the duty cycle.

[0244] Generally, a closed-loop power control device may specifically include a closed-loop controller, such as a closed-loop PID controller, configured to determine a closed-loop control factor for the power. For this purpose, the closed-loop controller receives an input quantity, which typically represents a measured value of the deviation between the actual quantity and the target quantity, and may also be referred to as the closed-loop control deviation. Based on this input quantity, the closed-loop controller then determines the closed-loop control factor, which is output accordingly and is within a range from 0 to 1. The closed-loop control factor is determined such that the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the closed-loop control factor.

[0245] The device can then be configured to determine the adjustment factor based on the maximum voltage, such that when the adjustment factor is used alone (closed-loop control factor = 1), the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the closed-loop power control device, and the power consumption of at least one electrical device corresponds to the maximum power.

[0246] The desired duty cycle of the switching mode then corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor. The corresponding switching mode then results in the desired effective power being provided at the output of the power controller. In other words, the switching mode adjusts the voltage and the corresponding current so that the effective power consumption of at least one electrical device corresponds to the desired target power generated by the closed-loop control factor and the maximum voltage.

[0247] For example, temperature can be controlled by a power controller using closed-loop control: the device could be an incubator, and the electrical equipment could be a heating element. To bring the incubator's interior to a desired temperature and then maintain that temperature, the closed-loop power control device advantageously controls the power consumption of the heating element using closed-loop control by means of a temperature sensor and a predetermined temperature, by selecting a switching mode, such that a specific proportion of the maximum power is provided by the closed-loop power control device. An adjustment factor based on line voltage advantageously allows the incubator to operate at different line voltages without adjusting the hardware, and particularly the resistance of the heating element. Specifically, the adjustment factor ensures that maximum power is provided when the closed-loop control factor is 1, regardless of the line voltage. This allows the closed-loop control factor to be advantageously determined independently of the line voltage.

[0248] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method for regulating effective electrical quantity based on the AC power grid provided to the device, wherein the effective electrical quantity is substantially independent of the line voltage. It goes without saying that the effective electrical quantity (e.g., effective voltage) corresponds to the effective value of the electrical quantity (e.g., voltage) provided during the duration of the switching mode.

[0249] refer to figure 5 The method includes determining the line voltage provided by the AC power grid. U V (Step 220). According to this method, the line voltage, which is provided, for example, by the grid operator, is thus determined. For example, the supplied line voltage can be measured. It goes without saying that the line voltage is characterized in principle by the effective value of the AC voltage of the AC grid. Therefore, determining the line voltage specifically means determining the effective value of the supplied AC voltage. Accordingly, the terms "line voltage" or "supply voltage" can be used as synonyms for the effective value of the supplied AC grid. For example, by sampling the line voltage, the maximum amplitude can be recorded and then used as the basis for determining the effective voltage. This is possible because AC voltage is known to be sinusoidal, and therefore the effective value corresponds to approximately 70.71% (more precisely). The maximum amplitude of ).

[0250] The method further includes the following steps: selecting a switching mode based on the line voltage (step 240), and then providing effective electrical energy based on the selected switching mode (step 260). Effective electrical energy can be provided based on the selected switching mode by means of open-loop multi-cycle control or by switching the voltage supply to at least one electrical device of the device on and off based on the selected switching mode. Effective electrical energy can specifically be effective voltage or effective power. Needless to say, when providing effective power by means of open-loop multi-cycle control or by switching the voltage supply on and off, effective voltage can be provided and blocked (at least within the range of providing effective voltage to at least one electrical device). However, what is relevant is which amount of regulation is performed, and therefore which effective amount of switching mode is selected.

[0251] In other words, based on the provided line voltage, a corresponding switching mode is selected, and effective electrical energy is provided by either switching on and off the voltage supply to at least one electrical device with voltage supplied by the AC grid based on the switching mode, or by performing open-loop multi-cycle control based on the selected switching mode. Specifically, switching occurs only when the AC voltage supplied within the AC grid passes zero. In other words, the full sine wave or half-sine wave of the line voltage (if necessary) is switched on or off based on the switching mode to provide effective electrical energy. The switching mode is selected such that the effective electrical energy substantially corresponds to the target value. Needless to say, switching to a full sine wave is preferred.

[0252] Therefore, the method according to the invention enables the provision of an effective electrical charge that substantially corresponds to a target value, specifically independent of the supplied line voltage. This allows the device to be used each time independently of the line voltage without adjusting the device's internal resistance. In this context, "substantially" means that the deviation of the effective electrical charge from the target value does not exceed ±15%, preferably not exceeding ±10%.

[0253] Preferably, the switching mode is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching modes. For example, appropriate switching modes can be predetermined and saved for a common line voltage (and line frequency, if applicable). The advantage of doing so is that the switching mode does not have to be determined each time, especially since the number of line voltages is limited.

[0254] More generally, for different duty cycles of the switching mode, different switching modes can preferably be predetermined. The duty cycle is determined by the conduction duration. t E Duration of switching modes t 0The ratio is determined. Therefore, the duty cycle characterizes the corresponding switching mode and, in particular, determines the degree of reduction in effective voltage or effective power compared to operation at line voltage. Preferably, each predetermined switching mode can thus be determined for a corresponding duty cycle. The switching mode to be used can then be selected based on the desired duty cycle.

[0255] The conduction duration and switching mode duration can preferably be determined by the number of zero-crossing points, half-sine waves, or full sine waves. This advantageously allows these durations to be determined in a manner independent of the line frequency. In principle, the total number of full sine waves or zero-crossing points and thus the switching mode duration can be specified, such that the conduction duration is selected accordingly to provide the desired duty cycle.

[0256] Generally, selecting a switching mode based on line voltage may involve determining an adjustment factor. As already explained, the adjustment factor is preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and describes the percentage of line voltage required to reduce the line voltage to the target or maximum voltage. The switching mode can then be selected based on the adjustment factor.

[0257] To determine, in principle, the manipulation variable (in other words, the duty cycle in the range of 0 to 1) of the on-time relative to the switching mode duration by means of a full wave that is distributed as evenly as possible (i.e., power that is distributed as evenly as possible), a uniform distribution method can be applied.

[0258] In principle, the minimum possible energy output is finite, i.e., discretized, because the switching only occurs at zero crossings. Therefore, the minimum possible energy is given by the energy of a half-sine wave (preferably a full sine wave). In other words, the energy can only be output in units of a half-sine wave or a full sine wave. Similarly, the time component is discretized by the duration of the half-sine wave or the full sine wave. figure 6 One possibility for determining the switching mode of a full sine wave is shown. The grid lines represent the discretization of energy and time given by the full sine wave, where the distance between two horizontal grid lines corresponds to the energy of the full sine wave, and the distance between two vertical grid lines corresponds to the duration of the full sine wave.

[0259] The dashed lines represent the desired energy output over time. Correspondingly, the slope of the dashed lines corresponds to the output power. Ideally, the energy output should be as uniform as possible, and therefore the power consumption should be as uniform as possible, to avoid temporary overload of the equipment. Therefore, the desired energy output over time preferably increases linearly. Solid (dark gray) squares represent the energy specified by switching on a single full-wave. The solid lines correspond to the actual output energy, which in principle follows the dashed lines. The switching mode is determined according to the following principle: whenever the dashed line (i.e., the desired energy output) intersects one of the horizontal grid lines, the associated full sine wave is switched on. This means that the full sine wave is always switched on when the actual output energy differs too much from the desired energy.

[0260] In other words, a full sine wave is turned on when the energy of the desired quantity exceeds the energy of the actual quantity by at least one unit of the energy of the full sine wave during the duration of the full sine wave.

[0261] This program ensures that the error or deviation from the actual output energy is always less than the energy of a full sine wave. It goes without saying that, conversely, the energy and time of a half-sine wave can also be chosen as the smallest unit.

[0262] Overall, conduction duration t E That is, the time for applying line voltage to at least one electrical device can therefore be advantageously distributed as evenly as possible over the duration of the switching mode. t 0 This can advantageously prevent temporary overload of at least one electrical appliance, such as overheating of a heating element.

[0263] figure 7 The example illustrates the switching modes corresponding to the manipulated variable for 0% to 72% conduction duration relative to the switching mode duration (i.e., duty cycles of 0 to 0.72). To achieve 1% accuracy, the switching mode duration is correspondingly 100 times the duration of a full sine wave. In other words, the switching mode duration corresponds to 100 full sine waves. For example, for a line frequency of 50 Hz, this duration is therefore 2 seconds. figure 7 Each line in the graph corresponds to a different duty cycle, indicated accordingly on the left. The duty cycle ranges from 0% (top line) to 72% (bottom line). An "X" corresponds to a full sine wave on, and a space corresponds to a full sine wave off. The graph shows a uniform and generally symmetrical distribution of the full sine waves on during the switching mode duration.

[0264] In some embodiments, the method may specifically involve controlling the effective voltage using open-loop control based on the AC power grid supplied to the device. In other words, the controller may be an open-loop control device, and the effective voltage may be the effective charge. A switching mode may then be selected so that the effective voltage corresponds to a predetermined target voltage, which may be determined, for example, based on a maximum voltage. The target voltage may be fixed and, for example, correspond to the maximum voltage or a predefined fraction of the maximum voltage. In other words, in a corresponding embodiment, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the line voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, i.e., it does not change during the operation of the device.

[0265] Specifically, the target voltage is typically limited by the maximum voltage specified by the device, i.e., the device, and particularly its hardware, is configured to operate at up to the maximum voltage. The maximum voltage can be determined taking into account the device's internal resistance and the desired (i.e., predetermined) maximum power consumption or maximum current consumption. Generally, the device can be configured relative to a specific maximum voltage (i.e., the maximum operating voltage). Needless to say, the invention also advantageously allows the use of the device when the applied line voltage exceeds the maximum voltage. Relatedly, the maximum voltage is provided at most after appropriate adjustment.

[0266] For example, the device, and particularly its electrical components, can be configured to operate at a voltage of 120V. Specifically, the device can be configured to operate at a predetermined minimum line voltage without the need for adjustment. For example, this minimum line voltage can be specified by the planned application location of the device and corresponds to the lowest line voltage provided by the corresponding AC power grid at the intended application location. This means that, starting from the minimum line voltage, the internal resistance of the device can be selected such that, for a specified maximum power and / or current consumption, the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the minimum line voltage. The maximum voltage then preferably corresponds to the minimum line voltage, or can be determined based on the internal resistance and the specified maximum power and / or current consumption (if the maximum voltage is lower than the minimum line voltage). By means of the method according to the invention, the device can operate at line voltages of 120V and higher due to appropriate adjustment.

[0267] The target voltage can be fixed and, for example, correspond to the maximum voltage or a predefined fraction of the maximum voltage. In other words, in the corresponding embodiment, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the line voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, meaning it does not change during the operation of the device.

[0268] The adjustment factor can then be determined based on the line voltage and the target voltage, and corresponds to the square of the ratio of the line voltage to the target voltage. When controlling in an open-loop manner relative to the target voltage... UZ When the voltage is such that the duty cycle of the switching mode can be advantageously matched with the adjustment factor.

[0269]

[0270] In other words, the adjustment factor and switching mode can be determined based on the line voltage and the desired target voltage, with the duty cycle of the switching mode corresponding to the adjustment factor. Needless to say, the adjustment factor can be rounded to two decimal places (e.g., if the predetermined switching mode is predetermined in 1% steps). This allows for the selection of an appropriate switching mode based on the line voltage to provide an effective voltage that substantially corresponds to the target voltage.

[0271] The target voltage can be fixed and, for example, correspond to the maximum voltage or a predefined fraction of the maximum voltage. In other words, in the corresponding embodiment, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the line voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, meaning it does not change during the operation of the device.

[0272] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the method may specifically involve closed-loop control based on the effective electrical quantity (preferably effective power) of the AC grid supplied to the device. In other words, the controller may be a closed-loop control device, and the effective electrical quantity may preferably be effective power. However, it goes without saying that the effective electrical quantity may also be effective voltage. Preferred examples of closed-loop power control will be discussed below.

[0273] A selectable switching mode allows the effective power to correspond to a predetermined target power, which may be determined, for example, based on the maximum power. The target power with respect to the maximum power may be specified, for example, by a closed-loop controller. That is, the method may include determining a closed-loop control factor to establish the target power with respect to the maximum power. The closed-loop control factor may be determined based on the input quantity and may be in the range of 0 to 1. An adjustment factor is then determined so that maximum power is provided when the closed-loop control factor is 1. Typically, maximum power is provided when the maximum voltage is provided, such that the adjustment factor is given by the ratio between the maximum voltage and the line voltage. The desired duty cycle is then the product of the adjustment factor and the closed-loop control factor.

[0274] Therefore, this method allows, for example, the power of the heating element to be controlled using closed-loop control based on temperature, i.e., independent of the line voltage supplied to the device, since the adjustment factor is determined in a way that provides substantially maximum voltage and thus substantially maximum power, and then the power is modified accordingly by means of a closed-loop control factor as necessary to provide the desired power or induce the desired power consumption at at least one electrical device.

[0275] In general, the present invention thus allows for the regulation of effective electrical quantity (i.e., open-loop or closed-loop control) such that the quantity corresponds to a target value independent of the line voltage to which the device is connected. Therefore, the present invention advantageously allows the device to operate in multiple different AC power grids without requiring changes to the hardware and / or exceeding the maximum power and / or current consumption of the integrated electrical equipment. This advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the corresponding devices, as they do not need to be specifically configured for future locations of use.

[0276] Whenever relative terms such as “about,” “substantially,” or “essentially” are used in this specification or claims, such terms should be interpreted to include precise terms as well. That is, for example, “substantially straight” should be interpreted to also include “(completely) straight.”

[0277] Where steps are mentioned in the foregoing and / or appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which steps are listed herein may be random. That is, unless otherwise stated or obvious to those skilled in the art, the order in which steps are listed may be random. For example, if this document indicates that the method includes steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) occurs before step (B), but it could mean that step (A) is performed (at least partially) simultaneously with step (B), or that step (B) occurs before step (A). Furthermore, when it is mentioned that step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not mean that there are no steps between steps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) includes cases where step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), and cases where (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), ... followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations also exist when using terms such as "after" or "before".

[0278] The preferred embodiments have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one electrical device, The device is configured to be connected to a first AC power grid having a first line voltage and to a second AC power grid having a second line voltage, wherein the second line voltage is greater than the first line voltage. The device includes a controller, wherein the controller is configured to In the first state, a line voltage is provided at the output of the controller and applied to the input of the controller. In the second state, no voltage is supplied at the output terminal. The controller is configured to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching modes. The controller is configured to select a switching mode based on the connected line voltage, wherein the switching mode is of the type in which the effective electrical charge provided at the controller's output substantially corresponds to a target value, regardless of whether the device is connected to the first or second AC power grid. The at least one of the electrical devices is electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller.

2. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to switch between the first state and the second state only at the zero-crossing point of the line voltage of the connected AC power grid.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective charge substantially corresponds to the target value when the deviation of the effective charge is at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the line voltage of the connected AC power grid.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically select a switching mode to use based on the line voltage of the connected AC power grid when the apparatus is connected to the AC power grid.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage; wherein the controller is an open-loop voltage controller; wherein the controller is configured to use a first switching mode when the apparatus is connected to the first AC power grid, and The controller is configured to use a second switching mode when the device is connected to the second AC power grid; and the target value is a target voltage.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The controller is a closed-loop power controller. The effective quantity is the effective power, and The target value is the target power.

8. A method for regulating effective electrical quantity based on an AC power grid supplied to a device, the method comprising: Determine the line voltage of the provided AC power grid. U V ; Based on the line voltage U V To select the switching mode; and The effective power is provided based on the selected switching mode. The switching mode is selected such that the effective power level substantially corresponds to the target value.

9. The method according to the preceding claims, The device includes at least one electrical appliance and a controller. The at least one of the electrical devices is electrically connected to the output of the controller. And the controller is configured as follows: In the first state, a line voltage applied to the input of the controller is provided at the output of the controller, and In the second state, no voltage is supplied at the output terminal; and Providing the effective power includes switching the controller between the first state and the second state based on the selected switching mode, such that the effective power is provided at the output of the controller.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the switching mode is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching modes, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined switching modes includes an on-time duration tE and a switching mode duration t0, and wherein the predetermined at least one switching mode includes uniformly distributing the on-time duration within the switching mode duration.

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