Regulation of an effective electrical quantity depending on a provided alternating current network

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device having at least one electrical consumer, wherein the device is designed to be connected to a first alternating current network having a first mains voltage and to a second alternating current network having a second mains voltage, wherein the second mains voltage is greater than the first mains voltage, wherein the device has a regulator, the regulator being designed to provide the mains voltage present at an input of the regulator at an output of the regulator in a first state and to provide no voltage at the output in a second state.The regulator is designed to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching patterns and, depending on the connected mains voltage, to select a switching pattern such that an effective electrical variable provided at the output of the regulator substantially corresponds to a target value that is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains, wherein the at least one electrical load is electrically connected to the output of the regulator. Furthermore, a method for regulating an effective electrical variable depending on an AC mains provided for a device is disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of regulation, e.g., control or regulation, of an effective electrical quantity as a function of a provided alternating current network. In particular, the present invention relates to the regulation of an effective electrical quantity, e.g., an effective voltage, for a device based on a mains voltage of the provided alternating current network.

[0002] Mains voltages and frequencies can vary significantly between different power grids. For example, the European power grid operates at a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz, whereas the US power grid operates at a voltage of 120 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. The different voltages of the power grids lead to significantly varying current and energy consumption for devices with a corresponding internal resistance.

[0003] This has the disadvantage that devices operating in a power grid typically have to be adapted to the respective mains voltage and / or frequency to ensure a desired power consumption or desired current. For example, a resistive heating element designed to provide a specified maximum power must be adapted to the respective mains voltage.

[0004] It is known to control the effective value of the voltage for power regulation using phase-cutting or trailing-edge phase-cutting control. However, this type of control is not compatible with all technical devices because current and voltage have a non-sinusoidal curve and are switched under load. A non-sinusoidal voltage can damage electronic components, e.g. due to high-frequency peaks. These can arise because the steep leading or trailing edges can produce a wide spectrum of harmonics. Overall, this can lead to problems with electromagnetic compatibility because the high-frequency peaks or harmonics can lead to radio interference. A non-sinusoidal current can also lead to reactive power because there is a phase shift between voltage and current.

[0005] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least reduce the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art. In general, the object of the present invention may be to regulate an effective electrical quantity, e.g., the effective voltage, for a device, preferably without causing a phase shift.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device having at least one electrical load, wherein the device is designed to be connected to a first AC network having a first mains voltage and to a second AC network having a second mains voltage, wherein the second mains voltage is greater than the first mains voltage. Furthermore, the device comprises a regulator, which is designed to provide the mains voltage present at an input of the regulator at an output of the regulator in a first state and to provide no voltage at the output in a second state.Furthermore, the control is designed to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching patterns and to select a switching pattern depending on the connected mains voltage, which is such that an effective electrical quantity provided at the output of the control substantially corresponds to a target value which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains, wherein the at least one electrical load is electrically connected to the output of the control.

[0008] In other words, the device has a regulator to which a mains voltage is applied during operation of the device, which is then provided by the regulator according to a switching pattern to at least one consumer that is electrically connected to the output of the regulator. The switching pattern is selected by the regulator such that an effective electrical quantity is provided at the output that essentially corresponds to an associated target value, regardless of the AC mains to which the device is connected. This allows the device to be advantageously operated independently of the connected AC mains, in particular without any hardware adaptations. For example, an effective voltage can be provided that essentially corresponds to a target voltage, so that the at least one electrical consumer only "sees" the effective voltage and not the mains voltage.Alternatively, for example, an effective power can be provided at the output of the regulation, so that the power consumption of at least one consumer corresponds to the effective power. It goes without saying that in the latter case, an effective voltage is also provided, but the target value would be a target power.

[0009] It is understood that regulation can encompass both control and regulation, and that "regulate" can accordingly encompass "control" and / or "regulate." Thus, regulation can, in particular, be control and / or rules.

[0010] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be designed to operate at a maximum voltage at the output of the regulator. In particular, the voltage applied to at least one consumer can be limited. For example, to limit the power and / or current consumption of the at least one consumer.

[0011] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the first mains voltage. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the maximum voltage is at most 127 V, preferably at most 120 V.

[0012] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is designed to be operated at most with a predetermined maximum power consumption and / or a predetermined maximum current consumption at the output of the regulation. In particular, the at least one consumer can be designed for a maximum power consumption and / or a maximum current consumption. The predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption can result from safety regulations for the operation of the device and / or desired parameters for the device. For example, it can be desired that the device can heat with a power of up to 180 W, resulting in a desired and thus predetermined power consumption for the device.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device has an internal resistance. The internal resistance can preferably be determined significantly (e.g. at least 90%, preferably at least 99%, e.g. approximately 100%) by the at least one consumer. Furthermore, it can be provided that the internal resistance of the device is designed for the first mains voltage and the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. In other words, the internal resistance can be selected with regard to the first mains voltage and the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. For example, it can be specified that a heating element of the device should have a maximum power consumption of 180 W. Furthermore, it can be provided that the device should be operated at a first mains voltage of 120 V; accordingly, the internal resistance can then be 80 Ω.

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

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is designed to operate at a maximum power at the output of the regulator. Furthermore, it can be provided that the maximum power is provided when the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the regulator. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the maximum power corresponds to the predetermined maximum power consumption.

[0016] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the regulation is designed to switch between the first state and the second state only when the mains voltage of the connected AC network passes through zero.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that switching at the zero crossing comprises switching at an applied voltage value of a maximum of 20% of the amplitude of the connected mains voltage, preferably a maximum of 10% of the amplitude, more preferably a maximum of 5% of the amplitude. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that switching at the zero crossing comprises switching within 500 µs, preferably 250 µs, more preferably 100 µs, after the applied voltage reaches 0 V.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to the target value if a deviation of the effective electrical quantity is a maximum of ±20%, preferably a maximum of ±10%.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be configured to determine the mains voltage of a connected AC network. In other words, the device can be configured to detect the mains voltage of the connected AC network when the device is connected to an AC network. In particular, the device can be configured to determine the mains voltage of the first AC network when the device is connected to the first AC network and to determine the mains voltage of the second AC network when the device is connected to the second AC network.

[0020] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be designed to sample an applied alternating voltage and thus determine the maximum amplitude and the resulting mains voltage. It is understood that the mains voltage corresponds to the effective value of the respective alternating voltage, which can be calculated based on the maximum amplitude.

[0021] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the first AC network has a first network frequency and the second AC network has a second network frequency.

[0022] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be configured to determine the grid frequency of a connected AC network. In other words, the device can be configured to detect the grid frequency of the connected AC network when the device is connected to an AC network. In particular, the device can be configured to determine the grid frequency of the first AC network when the device is connected to the first AC network and to determine the grid frequency of the second AC network when the device is connected to the second AC network.

[0023] In embodiments of the invention, the device may comprise a memory, wherein a plurality of switching patterns are stored in the memory. In other words, a plurality of predetermined switching patterns can be stored in a corresponding memory in the device, so that the switching patterns do not have to be recalculated each time.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is designed, when connected to an AC power system, to automatically select a switching pattern to be used depending on the mains voltage of the connected AC power system. It is understood that the corresponding switching pattern can be selected, in particular, from the plurality of predetermined switching patterns stored in the memory.

[0025] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be designed to determine an adjustment factor depending on the connected mains voltage. The adjustment factor can fundamentally characterize a desired adjustment of the mains voltage. Furthermore, the switching pattern can be selected depending on the adjustment factor.

[0026] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that each switching pattern is characterized by a duty cycle. It is understood that the duty cycle is the ratio of the duty cycle t E and switching pattern duration t0.

[0027] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be a laboratory device. In particular, the device may be at least one of an incubator, a climate-controlled cabinet, an oven, a heating cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer.

[0028] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device comprises at least one processing unit, preferably wherein the regulation comprises at least one processing unit. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one processing unit is designed to initiate the switching between the first state and the second state based on the different switching patterns. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one processing unit is designed to automatically select a switching pattern to be used depending on the mains voltage of a connected AC network. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one processing unit is designed to determine the adaptation factor and to select the switching pattern depending on the adaptation factor.

[0029] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the different switching patterns are each designed such that the energy consumption of the device never deviates from a predetermined, uniform energy consumption by more than the energy of a full sine wave. It is understood that the energy consumption and power consumption of the device are directly related.

[0030] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the predetermined, uniform energy consumption is determined from the duty cycle of the switching pattern.

[0031] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical consumer is an ohmic consumer.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the regulation is a voltage control.

[0033] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the regulation is designed to use a first switching pattern when the device is connected to the first AC network and to use a second switching pattern when the device is connected to the second AC network. Furthermore, it can be provided that the target value is a target voltage. In other words, the first switching pattern and the second switching pattern are such that the effective voltage provided by the regulation essentially corresponds to a target voltage, which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC network or the second AC network.

[0034] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the effective voltage essentially corresponds to the target voltage if a deviation of the effective voltage is essentially a maximum of ±15%, preferably a maximum of ±10%.

[0035] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the first switching pattern and the second switching pattern are stored in the memory of the device. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the adjustment factor is (target voltage / mains voltage). 2 is determined.

[0036] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the switching patterns are selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the adaptation factor.

[0037] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the regulation is a power regulation, the effective electrical variable is an effective power, and the target value is a target power. In others, the regulation can be a power regulation that is designed to select a switching pattern depending on the connected mains voltage, such that the effective power provided to the at least one consumer at the output of the power regulation essentially corresponds to a target power, which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains.

[0038] It is understood that the provision of effective power is achieved by appropriately influencing the voltage and / or current.

[0039] In particular, by switching between the first state and the second state, an effective voltage is provided and, in conjunction with the at least one electrical load, thus an effective power is provided. This means that the power consumption of the at least one load connected to the output of the power control system (averaged over time) corresponds to the effective power provided.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that the target power corresponds at most to the maximum power. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the effective power essentially corresponds to the target power if a deviation from the effective power is essentially a maximum of ±30%, preferably a maximum of ±20%.

[0041] In embodiments of the invention, the power control may comprise a controller. The power control may, for example, comprise a PID controller.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the controller is designed to determine a control factor for the power. Furthermore, it can be provided that the control factor lies in the range from 0 to 1, and the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the control factor. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the control factor is determined as a function of an input variable. The input variable can also generally be referred to as the control deviation.

[0043] In embodiments of the invention in which the regulation is power control, it can be provided that the adjustment factor is determined as (maximum voltage / mains voltage)*. Furthermore, it can be provided that the switching patterns are selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the control factor.

[0044] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for regulating an effective electrical variable as a function of an alternating current network provided for a device. The method comprises determining a network voltage U V of the provided AC network, selecting a switching pattern depending on the mains voltage U V , and providing the effective electrical quantity based on the selected switching pattern, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to a target value.

[0045] It is understood that regulation can include both control and regulation and that “regulate” can accordingly include “control” and / or “regulate”.

[0046] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the provision of the effective electrical quantity by means of oscillation packet control comprises the selected switching pattern.

[0047] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device comprises at least one electrical consumer and wherein the provision of the effective electrical quantity takes place by switching a voltage supply of the at least one consumer on and off based on the selected switching pattern.

[0048] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device has at least one electrical consumer and a regulator, wherein the at least one electrical consumer is electrically connected to an output of the regulator, and wherein the regulator is designed to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulator at the output of the regulator in a first state, and to provide no voltage at the output in a second state; and wherein the provision of the effective electrical variable comprises switching the regulator between the first state and the second state based on the selected switching pattern so that the effective electrical variable is provided at the output of the regulator.

[0049] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is designed to be operated with at most a maximum voltage at the output of the regulation.

[0050] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the voltage supply is switched on at the zero crossing. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the regulation is switched on at the zero crossing.

[0051] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that switching at the zero crossing comprises switching at an applied voltage value of a maximum of 20% of the amplitude of the connected mains voltage, preferably a maximum of 10% of the amplitude, more preferably a maximum of 5% of the maximum voltage. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that switching at the zero crossing comprises switching within 500 µs, preferably 250 µs, more preferably 100 µs, after the applied voltage is 0V.

[0052] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching patterns. Furthermore, it can be provided that each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns has a duty cycle t E and a switching pattern duration t0. The duty cycle and the switching pattern duration can be quantized in units of full sine waves.

[0053] Each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns can be determined by a duty cycle, ie a ratio of duty cycle t E to switching pattern duration t0. In other words, each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns is predetermined for a different duty cycle. Furthermore, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected based on the duty cycle.

[0054] In embodiments of the invention, it may be provided that selecting the switching pattern comprises determining an adjustment factor which depends on the mains voltage.

[0055] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the method comprises predetermining at least one switching pattern of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns.

[0056] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the predetermination of at least one switching pattern comprises the uniform distribution of the duty cycle over the switching pattern duration. It is understood that the uniform distribution of the duty cycle refers in particular to the most uniform distribution of the duty cycle over the switching pattern duration, since these are quantized in full sine waves and, moreover, the switching pattern duration can be limited.

[0057] The at least one switching pattern can be predetermined such that the energy consumption of the device deviates from a uniform energy consumption by a maximum of the energy of a full sine wave. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one switching pattern can be predetermined such that each full sine wave is switched on during which an ideal uniform energy consumption exceeds the actual energy consumption of the device by at least the energy unit of a full sine wave.

[0058] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the determination of the mains voltage, the selection of a switching pattern and the provision of the effective electrical quantity are carried out automatically.

[0059] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be a laboratory device. In particular, the device may be at least one of an incubator, a climate-controlled cabinet, an oven, a heating cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer.

[0060] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device corresponds to a device described above.

[0061] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to the target value if a deviation of the effective electrical quantity is substantially at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%.

[0062] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage. Furthermore, it can be provided that the method is a method for controlling the effective voltage.

[0063] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the target value is a target voltage. Furthermore, it can be provided that the adjustment factor is determined as the square of the ratio of the target voltage to the grid voltage.

[0064] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the adjustment factor. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the adjustment factor rounded to two decimal places.

[0065] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage.

[0066] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the method is a method for controlling an effective electrical variable. Furthermore, it can be provided that the adaptation factor is determined as the square of the ratio of maximum voltage to mains voltage. Additionally or alternatively, the method can comprise determining a control factor. Furthermore, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the product of the adaptation factor and the control factor. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adaptation factor and the control factor rounded to two decimal places. The effective electrical variable can be an effective power, and the target value can be a target power.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be provided that maximum power is delivered when the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the regulation. The control factor can determine the target power in relation to the maximum power.

[0068] It can be provided that the device according to the invention is designed in embodiments of the invention to carry out the determination of the mains voltage, the selection of a switching pattern and the provision of the effective electrical quantity according to the method described above.

[0069] It can be provided that the device according to the invention is designed in embodiments of the invention so that the processing unit is designed to carry out the determination of the mains voltage, the selection of a switching pattern and the provision of the effective electrical quantity according to the method described above.

[0070] It can be provided that the device according to the invention is designed in embodiments of the invention so that the device is designed to carry out the method disclosed above.

[0071] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the processing unit is designed to carry out the method according to one of the above method embodiments.

[0072] The invention is also defined by the following numbered embodiments.

[0073] In the following, reference is made to device embodiments. These embodiments are identified by an A followed by a number. When reference is made below to device embodiments or A embodiments, these embodiments are meant. A1. Device with at least one electrical consumer, wherein the device is designed to be connected to a first AC network with a first mains voltage and to a second AC network with a second mains voltage, wherein the second mains voltage is greater than the first mains voltage, wherein the device has a regulation, wherein the regulation is designed in a first state, to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulation at an output of the regulation, in a second state, not to provide any voltage at the output, wherein the regulation is designed to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching patterns, wherein the control is designed to select a switching pattern depending on the connected mains voltage, which is such that an effective electrical quantity provided at the output of the control substantially corresponds to a target value which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains, wherein the at least one electrical consumer is electrically connected to the output of the control. A2. Device according to the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to be operated at most with a maximum voltage at the output of the regulation. A3. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the first mains voltage. A4. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the maximum voltage is at most 127 V, preferably at most 120 V. A5. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to be operated at most with a predetermined maximum power consumption and / or a predetermined maximum current consumption at the output of the regulation. A6. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device has an internal resistance. A7. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A5, wherein the internal resistance of the device is designed for the first mains voltage and the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. A8. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments and having the features of A2, wherein the device has the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption when the maximum voltage is applied. A9. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to be operated at most with a maximum power at the output of the regulation. A10. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A2, wherein the maximum power is provided when the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the regulation. A11. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments and having the features of A5, wherein the maximum power corresponds to the predetermined maximum power consumption. A12. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the regulation is designed to switch between the first state and the second state only at the zero crossing of the mains voltage of the connected AC mains. A13. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the switching at the zero crossing comprises switching at an amount of an applied voltage of at most 20% of an amplitude of the connected mains voltage, preferably at most 10% of the amplitude, more preferably at most 5% of the amplitude. A14. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing comprises a switching within 500 µs, preferably 250 µs, more preferably 100 µs after the applied voltage is 0V. A15. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to the target value when a deviation of the effective electrical quantity is at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%. A16. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to determine the mains voltage of a connected AC network. A17. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the device is designed to sample an applied alternating voltage and thus determine the maximum amplitude and the resulting mains voltage. A18. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the first AC network has a first network frequency and the second AC network has a second network frequency. A19. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to determine the mains frequency of a connected AC network. A20. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device comprises a memory, wherein a plurality of switching patterns are stored in the memory. A21. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed, when the device is connected to an alternating current network, to automatically select a switching pattern to be used depending on the mains voltage of the connected alternating current network. A22. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to determine an adjustment factor depending on the connected mains voltage. A23. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the switching pattern is selected depending on the adaptation factor. A24. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein each switching pattern is characterized by a duty cycle. It is understood that the duty cycle is the ratio of the duty cycle t E and switching pattern duration t0. A25. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is a laboratory device. A26. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the device is at least one of an incubator, a climate cabinet, an oven, a warming cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer. A27. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device comprises at least one processing unit, preferably wherein the regulation comprises at least one processing unit. A28. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to initiate the switching between the first state and the second state based on the different switching patterns. A29. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one processing unit is designed to automatically select a switching pattern to be used depending on the mains voltage of a connected AC network. A30. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments and having the features of A22, wherein the at least one processing unit is designed to determine the adaptation factor and to select the switching pattern depending on the adaptation factor. A31. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the different switching patterns are each designed such that an energy consumption of the device never deviates from a predetermined, uniform energy consumption by more than an energy of a full sine wave. A32. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A24, wherein the predetermined uniform energy consumption is determined from the duty cycle of the switching pattern. A33. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the electrical load is a resistive load. A34. Device according to any one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage. A35. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the regulation is a voltage control. A36. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the regulation is designed to use a first switching pattern when the device is connected to the first AC mains, and wherein the regulation is designed to use a second switching pattern when the device is connected to the second AC network; where the target value is a target voltage. A37. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A2, wherein the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage. A38. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the effective voltage substantially corresponds to the target voltage when a deviation of the effective voltage is substantially at most ±15%, preferably at most ±10%. A39. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments and having the features of A20, wherein the first switching pattern and the second switching pattern are stored in the memory of the device. A40. Device according to one of the 4 preceding device embodiments and having the features of A22, wherein the adjustment factor is defined as (target voltage / mains voltage) 2 is determined. A41. Device according to one of the 5 preceding device embodiments and having the features of A22 and A24, wherein the switching patterns are selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the adaptation factor. A42. Device according to device embodiment A1-A33, wherein the regulation is a performance regulation, the effective electrical quantity is an effective power, and the target value is a target performance. A43. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A9, wherein the target power corresponds at most to the maximum power. A44. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the effective power substantially corresponds to the target power when a deviation of the effective power is substantially at most ±30%, preferably at most ±20%. A45. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments, wherein the power control comprises a regulator. A46. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the controller is designed to determine a control factor for the power. A47. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A9, wherein the control factor is in the range from 0 to 1 and the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the control factor. A48. Device according to the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the control factor is determined as a function of an input variable. A49. Device according to one of the 7 preceding device embodiments and having the features of A22 and A2, wherein the adjustment factor is defined as (maximum voltage / mains voltage) 2 is determined. A50. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of A46 and A24, wherein the switching patterns are selected such that the duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adaptation factor and the control factor.

[0074] In the following, reference is made to method embodiments. These embodiments are identified by an M followed by a number. Whenever reference is made to method embodiments or M-embodiments, these embodiments are meant.

[0075] M1. A method for regulating an effective electrical quantity as a function of an alternating current network provided for a device, the method comprising: Determining a mains voltage U V the AC power grid provided; Selecting a switching pattern depending on the mains voltage U V ; and Providing the effective electrical quantity based on the selected switching pattern, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to a target value.

[0076] M2. Method according to the above method embodiment, wherein providing the effective electrical quantity comprises oscillation packet control based on the selected switching pattern.

[0077] M3. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the device comprises at least one electrical consumer and wherein the provision of the effective electrical quantity is effected by switching a voltage supply of the at least one consumer on and off based on the selected switching pattern.

[0078] M4. Method according to one of the above method embodiments, wherein the device comprises at least one electrical consumer and a regulator, wherein the at least one electrical consumer is electrically connected to an output of the control, and the regulation is designed in a first state, to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulation at the output of the regulation, and in a second state current does not provide any voltage at the output; and wherein providing the effective electrical quantity comprises switching the regulation between the first state and the second state based on the selected switching pattern so that the effective electrical quantity is provided at the output of the regulation.

[0079] M5. Method according to the preceding method embodiments, wherein the device is designed to be operated with at most a maximum voltage at the output of the regulation.

[0080] M6. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments and having the features of M3, wherein the voltage supply is switched at the zero crossing.

[0081] M7. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments and having the features of M4, wherein the regulation is switched at the zero crossing.

[0082] M8. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing comprises switching at an amount of an applied voltage of at most 20% of an amplitude of the connected mains voltage, preferably at most 10% of the amplitude, more preferably at most 5% of the maximum voltage.

[0083] M9. Method according to one of the three preceding method embodiments, wherein the switching at the zero crossing comprises a switching within 500 µs, preferably 250 µs, more preferably 100 µs after the applied voltage is 0V.

[0084] M10. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the switching pattern is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching patterns.

[0085] M11. Method according to the preceding method embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns has a duty cycle t E and a switching pattern duration t0.

[0086] M12. The method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the duty cycle and the switching pattern duration are quantized in units of full sine waves.

[0087] M13. Method according to one of the three preceding method embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns is characterized by a duty cycle, ie a ratio of duty cycle t E to switching pattern duration t0.

[0088] In other words, each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns is predetermined for a different duty cycle.

[0089] M14. Method according to the above method embodiment, wherein the switching pattern is selected based on the duty cycle.

[0090] M15. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein selecting the switching pattern comprises determining an adjustment factor that depends on the mains voltage.

[0091] M16. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments and having the features of M10, wherein the method comprises predetermining at least one switching pattern of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns.

[0092] M17. Method according to the preceding method embodiment and having the features of M11, wherein predetermining at least one switching pattern comprises evenly distributing the duty cycle over the switching pattern duration.

[0093] M18. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments, wherein the predetermination of the at least one switching pattern is carried out such that the energy consumption of the device deviates from a uniform energy consumption by a maximum of the energy of a full sine wave.

[0094] M19. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments, wherein the predetermination of the at least one switching pattern is carried out such that each full sine wave is switched on during whose duration an ideal uniform energy consumption exceeds the actual energy consumption of the device by at least the energy unit of a full sine wave.

[0095] M20. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the determination of the mains voltage, the selection of a switching pattern, and the provision of the effective electrical quantity are carried out automatically.

[0096] M21. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the device is a laboratory device.

[0097] M22. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the device is at least one of an incubator, a climate cabinet, an oven, a heating cabinet, a refrigerator, and / or a freezer.

[0098] M23. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the device is a device according to one of the preceding device embodiments.

[0099] M24. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to the target value when a deviation of the effective electrical quantity is substantially at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%.

[0100] M25. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage.

[0101] M26. A method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the method is a method for controlling the effective voltage.

[0102] M27. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the target value is a target voltage.

[0103] M28. Method according to the above method embodiment and having the features of M15, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as the square of the ratio of target voltage to grid voltage.

[0104] M29. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments and the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the adaptation factor.

[0105] M30. Method according to one of the three preceding method embodiments and the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the adjustment factor rounded to 2 decimal places.

[0106] M31. Method according to one of the four preceding method embodiments and the features of M5, wherein the target voltage corresponds at most to the maximum voltage.

[0107] M32. Method according to one of the method embodiments M1 to M25, wherein the method is a method for controlling an effective electrical quantity.

[0108] M33. Method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein and with the features of M5 and M15, wherein the adjustment factor is determined as the square of the ratio of maximum voltage to mains voltage.

[0109] M34. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises determining a control factor.

[0110] M35. Method according to the above method embodiment and with the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle is closest to the product of the adaptation factor and the control factor.

[0111] M36. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments and with the features of M14 and M15, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the associated duty cycle corresponds to the product of the adaptation factor and the control factor rounded to two decimal places.

[0112] M37. Method according to one of the three preceding method embodiments, wherein the effective electrical quantity is an effective power and the target value is a target power.

[0113] M38. Method according to the above method embodiment and having the features of M5, wherein a maximum power is provided when the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the regulation.

[0114] M39. Method according to the above method embodiment and having the features of M34, wherein the control factor determines the target power in relation to the maximum power.

[0115] A51. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to carry out the determining of the mains voltage, the selecting of a switching pattern and the providing of the effective electrical quantity according to one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0116] A52. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments and having the features of A27, wherein the processing unit is designed to carry out the determination of the mains voltage, the selection of a switching pattern and the provision of the effective electrical quantity according to one of the preceding method embodiments

[0117] A53. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0118] A54. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments and having the features of A27, wherein the processing unit is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0119] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention only by way of example and not by way of limitation. Fig. 1a and b illustrate a device with a regulator; Fig. 2a illustrates the effective value of an alternating voltage; Fig. Figure 2b illustrates the reduction of the effective voltage by a vibration packet control; Fig. 3 a and b illustrate an exemplary vibration packet control; Fig. 4 illustrates a uniform distribution of the duty cycle; Fig. 5 illustrates a method according to the invention; Fig. 6 illustrates a method for determining a switching pattern with the most even distribution of the duty cycle; and Fig. Figure 7 illustrates switching patterns for duty cycles of 0-72% with a duty cycle that is as evenly distributed as possible.

[0120] It should be noted that not all of the drawings bear all of the reference numerals. Instead, in some of the drawings, some of the reference numerals have been omitted for the sake of brevity and simplicity of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0121] The present invention is directed to a device 1 having at least one electrical consumer 14 and a regulator 12, wherein the regulator 12 is basically designed to provide an effective electrical quantity which is substantially independent of a provided mains voltage U V is.

[0122] A corresponding device 1 with a regulator 12 and two electrical consumers 14 is shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b. The device 1 is designed to be connected to an alternating current network with an associated supply voltage U Vto be connected, whereby the supply voltage is also referred to as the mains voltage. The voltage or power supply of the device is therefore provided by means of an alternating current network connected to it. In particular, the device 1 is designed to be connected to a first alternating current network with a first mains voltage and to a second alternating current network with a second mains voltage, whereby the second mains voltage is greater than the first mains voltage. It goes without saying that the device can also be designed to be connected to further alternating current networks. In any case, however, the device is designed to be connected to at least two alternating current networks with different mains voltages. Furthermore, it is understood that “supply voltage” and “mains voltage” each refer to the effective value of an underlying alternating voltage. For example, the European alternating current network has a mains voltage of 230 V, i.e.i.e. the effective value of the alternating voltage supplied to households is generally 230 V.

[0123] The regulation 12 of the device 1 is designed to, starting from an applied mains voltage U V an effective electrical quantity, e.g. an effective voltage U eff , to provide.

[0124] The regulation 12 is designed to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulation at an output of the regulation in a first state ( Fig. 1a) and in a second state to provide no voltage at the output ( Fig. 1b). In other words, the regulator 12 is designed to supply power to at least one electrical consumer 14 ( Fig. 1a) and in a second state to block current to the at least one electrical consumer 14 ( Fig. 1b). The regulator 12 can therefore specifically interrupt the voltage supply to the at least one electrical load 14, i.e., switch it off and then switch it back on, and thus permit or interrupt the resulting current. It is understood that this also makes it possible to provide electrical power at the output of the regulator, which results from the supplied voltage and the resulting current, and thus the corresponding power consumption of the at least one electrical load 14. In particular, the regulator 12 is thus electrically connected to the at least one electrical load 14. The at least one electrical load is preferably a resistive load.

[0125] Furthermore, the regulator 12 is designed to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching patterns, wherein the switching pattern used depends on the mains voltage and a desired target value for the provided electrical quantity. In particular, the regulator 12 is designed to select a switching pattern depending on the connected mains voltage such that an effective electrical quantity provided at the output of the regulator 12 substantially corresponds to the target value, which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains. In other words, the effective electrical quantity is substantially the same when the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains. The wording "substantially" includes deviations from the target value of ±15%, preferably ±10%.These deviations can be caused, for example, by the fact that the smallest possible adjustment by means of regulation can depend on the connected AC network and / or the at least one electrical load of the device. These can, for example, limit the duration of the switching pattern. Corresponding deviations can also be caused by the mains voltage, which can be subject to voltage fluctuations. For example, the mains voltage in the European power grid can vary by up to ±10%. It is understood that the corresponding switching pattern is repeated cyclically, i.e., it starts again and again from the beginning. The corresponding switching patterns can be redetermined regularly or irregularly, e.g., to adapt the target value to a device requirement.

[0126] The regulator 12 is advantageously designed to switch between the first and the second state only at the zero crossing of the mains voltage of the AC network connected to the device. Switching at the zero crossing advantageously avoids steep leading or trailing edges and / or reactive power. In particular, the regulator 12 can therefore be designed to switch between the first and the second state only when the applied voltage is approximately 0 V. The wording “approximately” here includes deviations with an amount of the applied voltage of a maximum of 20% of a maximum voltage of the connected AC network, preferably a maximum of 10% of the maximum voltage, more preferably a maximum of 5% of the maximum voltage. Switching at the zero crossing can take place within 500 µs, preferably 250 µs, more preferably 100 µs after the applied voltage is 0 V.

[0127] It is understood that regulation can include both control and regulation and that “regulate” can accordingly include “control” and / or “regulate”.

[0128] The device can be designed to be operated at most with the maximum voltage at the output of the regulator 12. In other words, the maximum voltage corresponds to a voltage at which the device may be operated regardless of the regulation. The maximum voltage can therefore correspond to the voltage for which the electrical components connected downstream of the regulator are designed, in particular the at least one electrical consumer 14. However, the maximum voltage can also be deliberately set lower, for example to limit the power consumption. The maximum voltage can advantageously correspond at most to the first mains voltage. It can be provided that the maximum voltage is at most 127 V, preferably at most 120 V, in some cases at most 110 V.

[0129] In general, the device can be designed to be operated with a predefined maximum power consumption and / or a predefined maximum current consumption at the output of the control unit. In particular, the at least one consumer can be designed for a maximum power consumption and / or a maximum current consumption. The predefined maximum power and / or current consumption can result from safety regulations for the operation of the device and / or desired parameters for the device. For example, it may be desired that the device can heat with a power of up to 180 W, resulting in a desired and thus predefined power consumption for the device.

[0130] Furthermore, the device can have an internal resistance which is preferably determined significantly (e.g. 90%, preferably at least 99%, e.g. approximately 100%) by the at least one consumer. The internal resistance preferably refers to the resistance of the device at the output of the regulation. The internal resistance and preferably the at least one consumer can be designed for the first mains voltage and the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. In other words, the internal resistance and preferably the at least one consumer can be selected with regard to the first mains voltage and the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption of the device. For example, it can be specified that a heating element of the device should have a maximum power consumption of 180 W.Furthermore, it can be provided that the device is to be operated at a first mains voltage of 120 V; accordingly, the internal resistance can then be 80 Ω. In particular, it can be provided that the device has the specified maximum power and / or current consumption when the maximum voltage is applied.

[0131] In other words, the device can be designed to operate with a maximum power at the output of the regulator. It is understood that the maximum power at the output of the regulator is determined by the power consumption of the at least one electrical load and, in particular, by the internal resistance. The maximum power preferably corresponds to the specified maximum power consumption and is provided when the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the regulator.

[0132] The switching patterns define when the regulator 12 switches between the first state and the second state, i.e. when voltage is provided by the regulator 12 and when not, and thus also when current is supplied to the at least one electrical load 14 and when not. In other words, the regulator 12 switches the voltage supply of the device and more precisely of the at least one electrical load 14 on and off. In simple terms, the switching pattern determines when the voltage control switches the mains voltage on and off. The "when" can be defined here in time intervals between switching or, preferably, in the number of (half-)periods between switching, the latter having the advantage of being independent of the mains frequency. The regulation can therefore in particular comprise a voltage control or be a voltage control.

[0133] The regulator 12 can therefore generally be designed to switch one or more full or half periods of the mains voltage on or off in order to provide an effective voltage, an effective current, and / or an effective power, with the respective maximum being limited by the mains voltage. The regulator 12 can, in particular, be designed to provide the corresponding effective electrical quantity by means of oscillation packet control based on the respective switching pattern. Oscillation packet control can also be referred to as wave packet control.

[0134] The device can be designed to determine an adjustment factor depending on the connected mains voltage. This adjustment factor can preferably be in the range of 0-1 and describe a percentage of the mains voltage, e.g. a percentage of the mains voltage that is to be provided at the output of the regulation. More generally, the adjustment factor can designate the percentage of a mains voltage that is required to provide a target voltage, e.g. the maximum voltage, at the output of the regulation. The device can in particular be designed to select a switching pattern depending on the adjustment factor. For this purpose, the device can, for example, comprise a memory in which a plurality of switching patterns are stored. The switching patterns can be characterized by a duty cycle that defines the ratio of a duty cycle t E(ie, the time in which the regulation assumes the first state) and a switching pattern duration t0 (ie, the total duration of the switching pattern).

[0135] Basically, an effective voltage is given by the effective value of the alternating voltage, which corresponds to the root mean square of the voltage over time. With reference to Fig. 2a) corresponds to the effective value of a continuous, sinusoidal alternating voltage 12 the maximum voltage, in the European power grid the mains voltage and thus the effective value of the voltage or the effective voltage U eff = U V = 230 V. The effective value of the alternating voltage indicates in principle how large a direct voltage would be that would convert the same electrical energy at an ohmic consumer as the alternating voltage in a representative period of time.

[0136] With reference to Fig. 2b) By selectively switching between the first state and the second state at zero crossings of the voltage or during oscillation packet control, one or more half or preferably whole sine waves can be switched off and thus cut out. This reduces the effective voltage U eff The effective voltage can be calculated from the mains voltage U V and based on the ratio of the duty cycle t E to the switching pattern duration t0, where Ueff=UVtEto.

[0137] In relation to a switching pattern, the duty cycle t EHere, the period of time for which the voltage is applied to at least one electrical load, ie, the regulation is in the first state. The switching pattern duration t0 denotes the total length of the switching pattern and, in the context of oscillation packet control, is also referred to as the oscillation packet duration. Since the respective switching pattern is repeated cyclically (possibly until a change in the switching pattern occurs), the switching pattern duration accordingly denotes the length of one (switching pattern) period. The ratio t E / t0 thus essentially indicates the on-time component, i.e., the portion of the total duration of the switching pattern for which the regulator is in the first state, in which current is supplied to the electrical load or a corresponding voltage is provided to the electrical load. Therefore, the ratio can also be referred to as the duty cycle.

[0138] It is understood that the duty cycle basically corresponds to the switching pattern duration at most, ie t E ≤ t0. In particular, the duty cycle can also correspond to the switching pattern duration. In this case, the effective voltage provided by the regulator 12 would correspond to the mains voltage. In other words, the regulator 12 would remain permanently in the first state and not switch to the second state. A switching pattern can therefore also mean that no switching is performed between the first state and the second state, i.e., that the regulator always remains in the first state in the switching process.

[0139] At a mains voltage of U V =230 V and a ratio of t E / t0=1 / 2 one obtains, for example, an effective voltage U effof 163 V. This means that if half of all sine waves in a periodic switching pattern are switched off, the mains voltage can be reduced by a factor of around 0.71. Accordingly, based on the mains voltage and optionally the mains frequency, a switching pattern can be selected in which the ratio of the switch-on time to the switching pattern duration (i.e. the duty cycle) corresponds at least substantially to the square of the ratio of the mains voltage to a target voltage or the maximum voltage. More generally, a switching pattern can be selected so that it includes a desired duty cycle. With an unlimited switching pattern duration, a desired effective electrical quantity, e.g. a target voltage, can be provided with almost any desired accuracy. However, if a switching pattern only includes an on and an off phase, the switching pattern duration can often be limited and depends in particular on the electrical loads.Highly integrating loads, such as resistive heating elements, can advantageously allow for longer on and off phases. For less integrating loads, the fluctuations can be reduced by using a switching pattern that includes multiple on and off phases. In this case, too, the switching pattern duration refers to the total length of the cyclically repeated switching pattern. In principle, grid operators may also impose restrictions on the switching pattern duration and, if applicable, the on-time.

[0140] It is understood that duty cycle t E and switching pattern duration t0 can be specified in actual time units, e.g., µs, or in the number of zero crossings or half- or full-sine waves. The latter is preferred, as these are independent of the mains frequency.

[0141] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a oscillation packet control for an alternating voltage with a mains frequency of 50 Hz. Fig. Figure 3a shows an implementation for a control variable with a duty cycle of 25%. In other words, a duty cycle of 0.25 or 25% is used. Here, the duty cycle is t E 250 ms with a switching pattern duration t0 of 1 s. In other words, 25 half-sine waves are first passed through, and then the following 75 half-sine waves are switched off. The switching pattern is then repeated. This switching pattern can thus halve the effective voltage. Since switching full sine waves is preferred and may be necessary in some applications, a corresponding reduction can also be achieved with a switching pattern duration of t0 = 2 s and a duty cycle of t E = 500 ms can be realized.

[0142] Fig. Figure 3b shows an implementation for a control variable with a duty cycle of 75%, or a duty cycle of 0.75 or 75%. Here, the duty cycle is t E 750 ms with a switching pattern duration t0 of 1 s. In other words, 75 half-sine waves are first passed through, and then the following 25 half-sine waves are switched off. The pattern is then repeated. This switching pattern can thus reduce the effective voltage to approximately 87%. Here, too, the switching pattern duration can be doubled and the duty cycle t0 is increased. E =1.5 s can be switched into full sine waves accordingly.

[0143] It is understood that the electrical connection to the at least one electrical load also provides an effective current and an effective power through appropriate switching patterns. There is a relationship between the effective voltage, the effective current, and the effective power. Assuming that at a mains voltage U V a current I V and a power P V provided and the switching pattern corresponds to a duty cycle t E / t0, the effective current through I eff = I V √(t E / t0) and the effective power by P eff = P v (t E / t0). The effective value provided by the regulation can depend, in particular, on the value for which the target value is specified. For example, a desired power can be specified, so that the regulation provides an effective power. It goes without saying that this inevitably also provides an effective voltage and an effective current.

[0144] The device can preferably be designed to determine the mains voltage of an applied alternating current network. This means that the device can be designed to determine the corresponding mains voltage of the alternating current network when the device is connected to an alternating current network. For example, the mains voltage can be measured. This can involve sampling the applied alternating voltage, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the maximum voltage and thus also the mains voltage (i.e. the effective value). When determining the mains voltage, it can be taken into account, for example, that the mains voltage is typically 100 V, 110 V, 115 V, 120 V, 127 V, 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V, with 110 V and 230 V being particularly widespread. This means that to determine the mains voltage it can be sufficient if the device can differentiate between these voltages.

[0145] In addition to the mains voltage, AC networks also have a mains frequency. The mains frequency can be relevant for the switching pattern, since the mains frequency determines the time intervals between the zero crossings and thus also the possible switching times. In particular, the first AC network can have a first mains frequency and the second AC network can have a second mains frequency. The device can be designed to determine the mains frequency. This means that when the device is connected to an AC network, the device can be designed to determine the corresponding mains frequency of the AC network. The mains frequency can be determined, for example, using a frequency meter, preferably with a digital frequency counter.When determining the mains frequency, it can be taken into account that only two different mains frequencies are used worldwide, 50 Hz and 60 Hz, so that for determining the mains frequency it may be sufficient if the device can distinguish between these two frequencies.

[0146] Preferably, however, a measurement of the grid frequency is neither required nor intended. Rather, the switching patterns can preferably be based solely on the number of zero crossings and thus the number of (half-)sine waves, so that detection of the grid frequency is not necessary. In particular, the same switching pattern can be used, for example, for AC grids with the same grid voltage but different grid frequencies. This would then lead to different absolute duty cycles t Eas well as switching pattern durations t0 (ie measured in seconds), since a full wave corresponds to a different duration depending on the mains frequency, the ratio of duty cycle t E and switching pattern duration t0 (and thus the duty cycle) remains unaffected, so that the same effective voltage is provided in both cases.

[0147] The device can be designed to automatically select a suitable switching pattern depending on the mains voltage and optionally also the mains frequency in order to provide a desired target value for an effective electrical variable. In addition, an instantaneous requirement of the device can also be taken into account. In particular, the device can have a memory in which a plurality of switching patterns are stored. The device can be designed to automatically select the appropriate switching pattern from the stored switching patterns on the basis of the target value and the specific mains voltage and / or mains frequency. If the device is used solely in Europe and the USA, for example, determining the mains voltage is sufficient since the frequency is derived directly from the specific mains voltage. The appropriate switching pattern can therefore be selected based on the mains voltage alone.The same applies if the switching patterns are defined depending on the number of zero crossings between switching operations. Each switching pattern can be characterized by the associated duty cycle, and the switching pattern can be selected based on the duty cycle, which in some embodiments corresponds to the adjustment factor determined from the mains voltage.

[0148] The device may have at least one processing unit; for example, the regulator may comprise at least one processing unit. The at least one processing unit may be configured to determine the mains voltage and / or mains frequency, for example, based on data acquired by means of corresponding sensors. The at least one processing unit may be configured to control switching between the first state and the second state of the regulator according to a switching pattern, i.e., to initiate switching accordingly according to the switching pattern. The at least one processing unit may also be configured to automatically select a switching pattern to be used from the stored switching patterns based on the mains voltage of the connected AC mains.For example, the device can include a microcontroller designed to sample the incoming voltage and thus detect and possibly even anticipate zero crossings. Switching between the first state and the second state at the zero crossing can then be realized, for example, using triacs (e.g., optotriacs) or thyristors.

[0149] The device can be a laboratory device, e.g., an incubator, a climate chamber, an oven, a heating cabinet, or similar. For example, the device can be an incubator with an ohmic heater, i.e., at least one ohmic heating element. Depending on the application of the incubator, the heater as an electrical consumer can, for example, have a calculated maximum power requirement of 180 W. If the mains voltage is supplied unchanged to the electrical consumers of the device, an electrical resistance of 80 Ω is required for the ohmic heater, for example, at a mains voltage of 120 V, since R = U 2 / P = (120 V) 2 / 180 W = 80 Ω. At a mains voltage of 230 V, however, without voltage adjustment, an electrical resistance of 294 Ω would be required (R = U 2 / P = (230 V) 2 / 180 W = 294 Ω). Different heaters would therefore be necessary to adjust the power at different input voltages. Accordingly, the incubator would typically have to be equipped with a suitable heater depending on its application. This disadvantageously leads to more complex production of the corresponding devices, requiring various components.

[0150] The present invention allows, with reference to this example, to advantageously equip all incubators with the same heating and, more generally, with the same hardware.

[0151] This means that the incubator, which is to be operated at 230 V, is also equipped with a heater with an electrical resistance of 80 Ω. If no further adjustments were made, the power consumption of the incubator operated at 230 V would be considerably higher than 180 W. This is already clear from the above calculation of the required resistors, but is also evident when considering the theoretical currents. At 120 V, a corresponding resistor results in a current of I = U / R = 120 V / 80 Ω = 1.5 A; at 230 V, however, a corresponding resistor would result in a current of I = U / R = 230 V / 80 Ω = 2.9 A. The current would therefore be almost twice as high. However, if the regulation is used with a switching pattern that only allows 14 out of 50 full sine waves to pass, the current is reduced from 2.9 A to 1.53 A, which is essentially the same as the current consumption at 120 V.An even better result could, for example, be achieved with a switching pattern that selects 27 full sine waves from 100 full sine waves. In order to reduce voltage and current fluctuations, a corresponding switching pattern could, for example, be designed so that the regulation is initially in the first state for 14 full sine waves, i.e. these full sine waves are passed, then for 36 full sine waves in the second state, i.e. these full sine waves are blocked, then again for 13 full sine waves in the first state and finally for 37 full sine waves in the second state. The switching pattern would then be repeated as already described. Accordingly, an even better result could be achieved by selecting 268 full sine waves from 1000 full sine waves. Basically, the switching pattern duration determines the maximum resolution with regard to adjusting the mains voltage.

[0152] Because the present invention provides grid-dependent regulation that provides an effective electrical variable that essentially corresponds to a target value, the power consumption and thus the energy consumption of a device can be essentially independent of the connected AC grid. This allows the device to be operated safely in the corresponding AC grids without having to make changes to the device (in particular, changes to the device's hardware). The regulation is configured for at least two different AC grids, but can also be configured for more, possibly all known AC grids.

[0153] As the above example illustrates, the present invention also allows the maximum current consumption of a device to be adjusted, e.g., according to country-specific requirements. Adjusting to country-specific requirements may require user input, as corresponding countries cannot be reliably identified based on the mains voltage. For example, the plugs used in Great Britain can be fused and operated with a maximum of 13 amps, thus the current consumption can be adjusted accordingly. This can be done on a country-specific basis, or alternatively, an adjustment can be selected that meets all country-specific requirements for a corresponding mains voltage.

[0154] For example, if the well-known oscillation packet control is used in conjunction with an ohmic heating element, as in Fig. 3, overloads can occur, at least theoretically, and in particular, the heater can overheat due to long operating times. Therefore, the operating time t E to be distributed (preferably evenly) over the switching pattern duration t0. In other words, the switching patterns can be determined accordingly so that the duty cycle is distributed as evenly as possible over the switching pattern duration. For example, the regulation of the device can be designed to (pre)determine the switching patterns accordingly.

[0155] With reference to Fig. 4 is a corresponding switching pattern for a control variable of 25% duty cycle (cf. Fig. 3a). The switched-on full sine waves are distributed over the switching pattern duration of, for example, 2 s (at 50 Hz). The switching patterns can be precalculated and stored accordingly for different mains voltages and optionally mains frequencies. It is understood that the energy cannot be delivered completely evenly, but always only in multiples of a half-wave, preferably a full wave. A method for determining corresponding switching patterns is described below in connection with Fig. 6 explained below.

[0156] In some embodiments, the effective electrical quantity provided by the regulator 12 at the output may be an effective voltage U effIn particular, the regulator 12 can be a voltage controller. The voltage controller can be configured to use a first switching pattern when the device is connected to the first AC mains and a second switching pattern when the device is connected to the second AC mains. The target value can be a target voltage. The target voltage can preferably correspond at most to the first mains voltage.

[0157] The switching patterns, in particular the first switching pattern and the second switching pattern, can be such that the effective voltage provided by the voltage control substantially corresponds to the target voltage, which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC network or the second AC network. In other words, the effective voltage is substantially the same when the device is connected to the first AC network or the second AC network. The wording "substantially" includes deviations from the target voltage of ± 15%, preferably ± 10%. These deviations can be caused, for example, by the fact that the smallest possible adjustment of the voltage by means of the voltage control can depend on the connected AC network and / or the at least one electrical consumer of the device. These deviations can, for example, limit the duration of the switching pattern.Corresponding deviations can also be caused by the mains voltage, which can be subject to voltage fluctuations. For example, the mains voltage in the European power grid can vary by up to ±10%.

[0158] The target voltage is therefore independent of the AC mains to which the device is connected and can be limited by the maximum voltage. The maximum voltage is typically adapted to an internal resistance and / or a maximum power consumption or current consumption of the device. The internal resistance can be selected, for example, based on a minimum mains voltage at which the device is to be operated, e.g., 110 V or 120 V. The maximum voltage corresponds at most to the minimum mains voltage. The provision of a corresponding voltage control according to the invention advantageously enables the use of the device in AC mains with a voltage that exceeds the maximum voltage.

[0159] The first switching pattern and the second switching pattern can therefore be predetermined. This means that the switching patterns can be predetermined based on a target voltage for the respective mains voltage and, if applicable, the mains frequency. The switching patterns are predetermined such that, for a given mains voltage (and optionally the mains frequency), an effective voltage is provided that essentially corresponds to the desired target voltage. The desired target voltage is limited by the maximum voltage, which is adapted to the internal resistance of the device, as well as the power and / or current requirements of the device. The internal resistance is selected such that the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the minimum mains voltage.

[0160] Accordingly, the duty cycle of the switching pattern used in voltage control may preferably correspond to the adjustment factor, where the adjustment factor corresponds to the square of the ratio of the target voltage and the mains voltage.

[0161] In other words, based on the mains voltage and a target voltage which, for example, corresponds to the maximum voltage or a fraction of the maximum voltage, the adjustment factor can be determined which, in the case of voltage control (i.e., without active feedback), corresponds to the duty cycle of the desired switching pattern, so that only a corresponding switching pattern with a duty cycle corresponding to the adjustment factor is selected. For voltage control, the target value is preferably constant, so that the corresponding switching pattern only needs to be changed when the mains voltage changes. For this purpose, the mains voltage can be checked at regular intervals if necessary, i.e., redetermined by the device. Alternatively, the mains voltage can, for example, only be determined after the device has been restarted, since the mains voltage typically does not change during operation.

[0162] For some applications, however, it may be desirable to regulate the power consumption of at least one load. For example, the at least one load may be a heating element, and the power consumption of the heating element may be regulated depending on a temperature, for example, to provide a desired target temperature.

[0163] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the regulation can be power regulation. The effective electrical variable is then the effective power, and the target value is a target power. The effective power is provided, as previously explained, by switching between the first state and the second state according to a corresponding switching pattern. In principle, the power regulation can thus comprise voltage control, which, however, no longer depends solely on the mains voltage, but also on a control factor. Based on the mains voltage, a corresponding adjustment factor can also be determined, which, in combination with the control factor, then determines the duty cycle for the switching pattern. The target power is then given by the product of maximum power and duty cycle, since the power scales linearly with the duty cycle.

[0164] In general, power control can, in particular, comprise a controller, e.g., a PID controller, designed to determine a control factor for the power. For this purpose, the controller receives an input variable, which can typically represent a measure of the deviation between the actual and target values and can also be referred to as a control deviation. Based on this input variable, the controller then determines a control factor, which is output accordingly and lies in the range from 0 to 1. The control factor is determined such that the target power corresponds to the product of the maximum power and the control factor.

[0165] The device can then be designed to determine the adjustment factor based on the maximum voltage, so that when only the adjustment factor is applied (control factor = 1), the maximum voltage is provided at the output of the power control and the power consumption of the at least one consumer corresponds to the maximum power.

[0166] The duty cycle for the desired switching pattern then corresponds to the product of the adjustment factor and the control factor. A corresponding switching pattern then leads to the provision of the desired effective power at the output of the power regulator. In other words, the switching pattern adjusts the voltage and the corresponding current so that the effective power consumption of at least one electrical load corresponds to the desired target power, which results from the control factor and the maximum voltage.

[0167] Power regulation can, for example, be used to regulate a temperature: For example, the device can be an incubator and the electrical load a heating element. In order to bring the interior of the incubator to a desired temperature and then maintain it, the power regulation can advantageously regulate the power consumption of the heating element using a temperature sensor and a predetermined temperature, by selecting the switching patterns so that a certain proportion of the maximum power is provided by the power regulation. The adjustment factor based on the mains voltage advantageously enables the incubator to be operated at different mains voltages without the hardware and in particular the electrical resistance of the heating element having to be adjusted. In particular, the adjustment factor ensures that the maximum power is provided with a control factor of 1, regardless of the mains voltage.This allows the control factor to be determined advantageously independently of the mains voltage.

[0168] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method for regulating an effective electrical quantity as a function of an alternating current network provided for a device, wherein the effective electrical quantity is substantially independent of the mains voltage. It is understood that the effective electrical quantity (e.g., effective voltage) corresponds to the effective value of the electrical quantity (e.g., voltage) provided over the length of the switching pattern.

[0169] With reference to Fig. 5, the method comprises determining the mains voltage U V(Step 220) provided by the AC grid. According to the method, a grid voltage is determined, which is provided, for example, by a grid operator. The provided grid voltage can, for example, be measured. It is understood that the grid voltage is fundamentally characterized by the effective value of the alternating voltage of the AC grid. Determining the grid voltage is therefore, in particular, determining the effective value of a provided alternating voltage. Accordingly, the term grid voltage or supply voltage can be used synonymously for the effective value of the provided AC grid. For example, by sampling the grid voltage, the maximum amplitude can be detected, on the basis of which the effective voltage can then be determined. This is possible because it is known that the alternating voltage is sinusoidal, so that the effective value is approximately 70.71% (more precisely 12) ) corresponds to the maximum amplitude.

[0170] The method further comprises the step of selecting a switching pattern depending on the mains voltage (step 240) and subsequently providing the effective electrical variable based on the selected switching pattern (step 260). The effective electrical variable can be provided by means of oscillation packet control based on the selected switching pattern or by switching a voltage supply of the at least one electrical load of the device on and off based on the selected switching pattern. The effective electrical variable can in particular be an effective voltage or an effective power. It is understood that an effective voltage is also provided when providing an effective power by means of oscillation packet control or switching a voltage supply on and off, and vice versa (at least insofar as the effective voltage is provided to the at least one load).What is relevant, however, is the size of the regulation and thus the effective size of the switching pattern.

[0171] In other words, a corresponding switching pattern is selected depending on the supplied mains voltage, and the effective electrical quantity is provided by switching the voltage supply of the at least one consumer on and off with voltage supplied by the AC mains based on the switching pattern, or by carrying out oscillation packet control based on the selected switching pattern. In particular, switching only occurs when the AC voltage supplied by the AC mains passes through zero. In other words, full or, if applicable, half-sine curves of the mains voltage are switched on and off based on the switching pattern, so that the effective electrical quantity can be provided. The switching pattern is selected such that the effective electrical quantity essentially corresponds to a target value. It is understood that switching full sine curves is preferred.

[0172] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to provide an effective electrical quantity that essentially corresponds to a target value, regardless of the available mains voltage. This allows the use of a device independent of the respective mains voltage without the need to adjust the internal resistance of the device. In this context, "essentially" means a deviation of the effective electrical quantity from the target value of a maximum of ±15%, preferably a maximum of ±10%.

[0173] Preferably, the switching pattern is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching patterns. For example, corresponding switching patterns can be predefined and stored for common mains voltages (and, if applicable, mains frequencies). This has the advantage that the switching patterns do not have to be redetermined each time, especially since the number of mains voltages is limited.

[0174] More generally, different switching patterns can preferably be predetermined for different duty cycles of the switching patterns. The duty cycle is determined by the ratio of the duty cycle t E to the switching pattern duration t0 of the switching pattern. The duty cycle can thus characterize the respective switching pattern and, in particular, determines the extent to which the effective voltage or the effective power is reduced compared to operation at the mains voltage. Preferably, each predetermined switching pattern can therefore be determined for a corresponding duty cycle. The switching pattern to be used can then be selected based on the desired duty cycle.

[0175] The duty cycle and switching pattern duration can preferably be determined in terms of the number of zero crossings or half- or full-sine waves. This advantageously allows for determination independent of the mains frequency. The total number of full-sine waves or zero crossings, and thus the switching pattern duration, can be predetermined, so that the duty cycle is selected accordingly to provide the desired duty cycle.

[0176] In general, selecting a switching pattern depending on the mains voltage may involve determining the adjustment factor. As already explained, the adjustment factor can preferably be in the range of 0-1 and describes a percentage of the mains voltage required to reduce the mains voltage to the target voltage or the maximum voltage. The switching pattern can then be selected depending on the adjustment factor.

[0177] In order to basically determine a control variable of 0-100% duty cycle (in other words a duty cycle in the range 0-1) with respect to the switching pattern duration by means of full waves that are as evenly distributed as possible (ie power that is as evenly distributed as possible), a uniform distribution method can be applied.

[0178] In principle, the smallest possible energy output is limited, i.e., discretized, since switching only occurs at zero crossing. The smallest possible energy is thus given by the energy of a half-sine wave, preferably a full sine wave. In other words, the energy can only be delivered in units of a half-sine wave or a full sine wave. Likewise, the temporal component is discretized by the duration of a half-sine wave or a full sine wave. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates one possibility for determining the switching pattern for full sine waves. The grid lines show the discretization of energy and time specified by a full sine curve, i.e., the distances between two horizontal grid lines correspond to the energy of a full sine wave, and the distances between two vertical grid lines correspond to the duration of a full sine wave.

[0179] The dashed line shows the desired energy delivered over time. Accordingly, the slope of the dashed line corresponds to the delivered power. In principle, the most uniform energy delivery and thus the most uniform power consumption is desirable in order to avoid temporary overloads of an electrical consumer. Therefore, the desired energy delivered over time preferably increases linearly. The filled (dark gray) squares represent the specified energy by switching on a single full wave. The solid line corresponds to the actually delivered energy, which generally follows the dashed line. The switching pattern is determined according to the following principle: Whenever the dashed line, i.e. the desired energy delivery, intersects one of the horizontal grid lines, the corresponding full sine wave is switched on.This means that a full sine wave is always switched on when the actual energy delivered falls too far short of the desired energy.

[0180] In other words, a full sine wave is switched on when, during the duration of the full sine wave, the desired energy exceeds the actual energy by at least one energy unit of a full sine wave.

[0181] This approach ensures that the error in the actual energy output, or the deviation in the actual energy output, is always smaller than the energy of a full sine wave. It goes without saying that the energy and time of a half-sine wave can also be chosen as the smallest unit.

[0182] Overall, the duty cycle t E, ie, the time during which the mains voltage is applied to the at least one electrical consumer, is advantageously distributed as evenly as possible over the switching pattern duration t0. This advantageously prevents temporary overloads of the at least one consumer, e.g., overheating of a heating element.

[0183] Fig. Figure 7 shows examples of corresponding switching patterns for a control variable of 0-72% duty cycle with respect to the switching pattern duration (i.e., a duty cycle of 0-0.72). To achieve an accuracy of 1%, the switching pattern duration is 100 times that of a full sine wave. In other words, the switching pattern duration corresponds to 100 full sine waves. For a mains frequency of 50 Hz, this is, for example, 2 s. Each line in Fig.7 corresponds to a different duty cycle, which is indicated accordingly on the left. The duty cycle ranges from 0% (top row) to 72% (bottom row). An "X" corresponds to a full sine wave enabled, a space to a full sine wave disabled. The figure illustrates the even and often symmetrical distribution of the full sine waves enabled over the switching pattern duration.

[0184] In some embodiments, the method can be directed in particular to controlling an effective voltage as a function of an alternating current network provided for the device. In other words, the regulation can be a control and the effective electrical variable can be an effective voltage. The switching pattern can then be selected such that the effective voltage corresponds to a predetermined target voltage, which can be determined, for example, based on the maximum voltage. The target voltage can be fixed and correspond, for example, to the maximum voltage or a predefined fraction of the maximum voltage. In other words, in corresponding embodiments, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the network voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, i.e., it does not change during operation of the device.

[0185] In particular, the target voltage is typically limited by the maximum voltage specified by the device, i.e. the device and in particular the hardware of the device is designed for operation up to the maximum voltage. The maximum voltage can be determined taking into account the internal resistance of the device and a desired, i.e. predetermined, maximum power consumption or maximum current consumption. In general, the device can be designed with respect to a specific maximum voltage, i.e. maximum operating voltage. It is understood that the present invention advantageously also enables use of the device in which the applied mains voltage exceeds the maximum voltage. What is relevant is that at most the maximum voltage is provided after the corresponding regulation.

[0186] For example, the device and in particular its electrical load(s) can be designed such that it is intended for operation at a voltage of 120 V. In particular, the device can be designed such that it can be operated at a predetermined minimum mains voltage without this having to be adjusted by means of regulation. This minimum mains voltage can, for example, be predetermined by the planned location of use of the device and correspond to the lowest mains voltage provided by the respective AC network at the intended location. This means that, based on the minimum mains voltage, the internal resistance of the device can be selected such that, for the predetermined maximum power and / or current consumption, the maximum voltage corresponds at most to the minimum mains voltage.The maximum voltage then preferably corresponds to the minimum mains 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 mains voltage). Using the method according to the invention, the device can then be operated at mains voltages of 120 V and higher by appropriate regulation.

[0187] 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 corresponding embodiments, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the mains voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, meaning it does not change during operation of the device.

[0188] The adjustment factor can then be determined based on the grid voltage and the target voltage and corresponds to the square of the ratio of the grid voltage and the target voltage. In the case of voltage control with respect to a target voltage U Z the duty cycle of the switching pattern can advantageously correspond to the adjustment factor tEt0=(UZUV)2

[0189] In other words, the switching pattern can be selected depending on the mains voltage by determining the adjustment factor based on the mains voltage and the desired target voltage, and selecting the switching pattern such that the duty cycle of the switching pattern corresponds to the adjustment factor. It is understood that, for example, the adjustment factor can be rounded to the second decimal place (e.g., if the predetermined switching patterns are predetermined in 1% increments). This allows the appropriate switching pattern to be selected depending on the mains voltage so that an effective voltage is provided that essentially corresponds to the target voltage.

[0190] 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 corresponding embodiments, a predefined target voltage is provided independently of the mains voltage. The target voltage is predetermined and constant, meaning it does not change during operation of the device.

[0191] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the method may be directed in particular to the regulation of an effective electrical quantity, preferably an effective power, as a function of an AC power grid provided for the device. In other words, the regulation may be a closed-loop control, and the effective electrical quantity may preferably be an effective power. However, it is understood that the effective electrical quantity may also be an effective voltage. The preferred example of power regulation is discussed below.

[0192] The switching pattern can be selected so that the effective power corresponds to a predetermined target power, which can be determined, for example, based on the maximum power. The target power can be specified, for example, by a controller in relation to the maximum power. This means that the method can comprise determining a control factor which sets the target power in relation to the maximum power. The control factor can be determined based on an input variable and can be in the range 0-1. The adjustment factor is then determined so that the maximum power is provided with a control factor of 1. The maximum power is typically provided when the maximum voltage is provided, so the adjustment factor is given by the ratio of maximum voltage to mains voltage. The desired duty cycle is then the product of the adjustment factor and the control factor.

[0193] As a result, the method makes it possible, for example, to regulate the power of a heating element as a function of a temperature, independently of the mains voltage with which the device is supplied, since the adjustment factor is determined in such a way that essentially the maximum voltage and thus essentially the maximum power is provided, which is then modified accordingly by means of the control factor in order to provide the desired power or to effect the desired power consumption at the at least one consumer.

[0194] Overall, the present invention thus enables the regulation (i.e., control or regulation) of an effective electrical variable such that it corresponds to a target value that is independent of the mains voltage to which the device is connected. Thus, the present invention advantageously enables a device to be operated on a variety of different AC networks without requiring hardware modifications and / or exceeding the maximum power and / or current consumption of built-in electrical loads. This can advantageously simplify the manufacture of corresponding devices, since they do not have to be specifically designed for their future application.

[0195] Whenever a relative term such as "approximately," "substantially," or "approximately" is used in this description or the claims, such term should also be interpreted to include the exact term. For example, "substantially straight" should be interpreted to include "(exactly) straight."

[0196] Whenever steps have been recited in the above or even in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be random. This means that the order in which the steps are recited may be random unless otherwise stated or it is clear to a person skilled in the art. This means that, for example, when it is stated in the present document that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) occurs before step (B). It is also possible that step (A) is carried out (at least partially) concurrently with step (B) or that step (B) occurs before step (A). Furthermore, when it is stated that one step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not mean that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z).That is, step (X) before step (Z) encompasses the situation where step (X) is executed directly before step (Z), but also the situation where (X) is executed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., followed by step (Z). Similar considerations apply when using terms such as "after" or "before."

[0197] While a preferred embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment has been provided for illustrative purposes only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

[1] Device with at least one electrical consumer, wherein the device is designed to be connected to a first AC network with a first mains voltage and to a second AC network with a second mains voltage, wherein the second mains voltage is greater than the first mains voltage, wherein the device has a regulation, wherein the regulation is designed in a first state, to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulation at an output of the regulation, in a second state no voltage is provided at the output, wherein the regulation is designed to switch between the first state and the second state according to different switching patterns, wherein the control is designed to select a switching pattern depending on the connected mains voltage, which is such that an effective electrical quantity provided at the output of the control substantially corresponds to a target value which is independent of whether the device is connected to the first AC mains or the second AC mains, wherein the at least one electrical consumer is electrically connected to the output of the control. [2] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the regulation is designed to switch between the first state and the second state only at the zero crossing of the mains voltage of the connected AC mains. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to the target value when a deviation of the effective electrical quantity is at most ±20%, preferably at most ±10%. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed to determine the mains voltage of a connected AC network. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed, when the device is connected to an alternating current network, to automatically select a switching pattern to be used depending on the mains voltage of the connected alternating current network. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective electrical quantity is an effective voltage; wherein the regulation is a voltage control; wherein the regulation is designed to use a first switching pattern when the device is connected to the first AC network, and wherein the regulation is designed to use a second switching pattern when the device is connected to the second AC network; and wherein the target value is a target voltage. [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the regulation is a performance regulation, the effective electrical quantity is an effective power, and the target value is a target performance. [8] A method for regulating an effective electrical quantity as a function of an alternating current network provided for a device, the method comprising: Determining a mains voltage U Vthe AC power grid provided; Selecting a switching pattern depending on the mains voltage U V ; and Providing the effective electrical quantity based on the selected switching pattern, wherein the switching pattern is selected such that the effective electrical quantity substantially corresponds to a target value. [9] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the device comprises at least one electrical consumer and a regulator, wherein the at least one electrical consumer is electrically connected to an output of the control, and the regulation is designed in a first state, to provide the mains voltage applied to an input of the regulation at the output of the regulation, and in a second state current does not provide any voltage at the output; and wherein providing the effective electrical quantity comprises switching the regulation between the first state and the second state based on the selected switching pattern so that the effective electrical quantity is provided at the output of the regulation. [10] Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the switching pattern is selected from a plurality of predetermined switching patterns, each of the plurality of predetermined switching patterns having a duty cycle t E and a switching pattern duration t0, and wherein predetermining at least one switching pattern comprises evenly distributing the duty cycle over the switching pattern duration.

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