Device for holding electrical components, switching device and power supply system

Abstract

A device (104) for receiving electrical components comprises a housing (110) with an air inlet (116) and an air outlet (118), as well as a first mounting area (124) and a second mounting area for receiving at least one electrical circuit (102), a plurality of fan devices (112) arranged and formed adjacent to each other in the housing (110) to convey air along a flow path (130) leading from the air inlet (116) via the first mounting area (124) and the second mounting area (124) to the air outlet (118), and a temperature control device (114) with a series connection of a heat exchanger (134) and an active climate control device (136).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a device for receiving electrical components, a switching device, for example in the form of a control cabinet, and an energy supply system.

[0002] Control cabinets are used to house electronic components, protecting them from environmental influences. For example, mobile power generators and energy storage systems can be operated using a control cabinet. revelation

[0003] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces an improved device for holding electrical components, an improved switching device, and an improved energy supply system according to the main claims. Advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim are possible through the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0004] Advantageously, the described approach can be used to regulate the temperature of the interior of a control cabinet, for example for cooling control cabinets.

[0005] A device for holding electrical components has the following features: a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the housing encloses a bottom area, a ceiling area, a first mounting area and a second mounting area, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area extend side by side between the bottom area and the ceiling area and at least one of the mounting areas is shaped to accommodate at least one electrical circuit; a plurality of fan devices arranged and shaped adjacent to each other within the housing to convey air along a flow path leading from the air inlet, through the first mounting area, the ceiling area, and the second mounting area to the air outlet; and A temperature control device with an inlet coupled to the air outlet, an outlet coupled to the air inlet, and a series connection of a heat exchanger and an active climate control device arranged between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to pre-temper air flowing from the air outlet and to provide it as pre-tempered air, and wherein the climate control device is configured to actively temper the pre-tempered air and to provide it as tempered air to the air inlet.

[0006] The device can be designed as a control cabinet that is not yet equipped with electronic components, such as an electrical circuit for connecting a power supply unit to a power grid. The housing can be box-shaped or cabinet-shaped, similar to known control cabinet housings. The housing can be made of metal or plastic, for example, and protect the electrical circuit from environmental influences. The air inlet and outlet can be located in an outer wall of the housing. This allows air used to regulate the temperature of the housing's interior to be drawn in and extracted. The bottom section can be located adjacent to the base of the housing, i.e., in the lower part of the housing. The top section can be located adjacent to the top of the housing, i.e., in the upper part of the housing.The bottom area can be separated from the mounting areas above it, for example, by an air-permeable structure. The mounting areas can include compartments, slots, or mounting elements for securing one or more electrical circuits or electronic components. The mounting areas can be aligned parallel to each other. The first and second mounting areas can be separated by a partition, allowing them to form two separate air ducts. For example, the first mounting area can be located adjacent to a front wall of the enclosure, and the second mounting area adjacent to a rear wall, or vice versa. The airflow path can lead from the second mounting area to the bottom area and then to the air outlet.The fan assemblies can be positioned at a suitable location within the airflow path. For example, the fan assemblies can be located in the bottom area opposite the first mounting area, within the first mounting area, or in a transition between the bottom area and the first mounting area. Each assembly can include a fan for conveying the air. The fan assemblies can be arranged parallel to each other and fluidically connected to the air inlet. The fan assemblies can, for example, be distributed along a line across the width of the housing. For example, two, three, four, five, or more fan assemblies can be provided. The fan assemblies can be of identical design.

[0007] The temperature control unit can be used to cool the air introduced into the housing via the air inlet. According to different embodiments, the temperature control unit can also be used to heat and / or dehumidify the air introduced into the housing via the air inlet. The active climate control unit can be operated using electrical energy to cool, heat, and / or dehumidify the pre-tempered air, similar to known air conditioning systems. The heat exchanger can be used to cool the air supplied to the climate control unit.

[0008] Each fan assembly can include a fan. This enables a directed airflow. Each fan assembly can include an air intake cowl to supply air to the fan. A suitable shape for the air intake cowl allows for optimized airflow to the fan. The fan can be an axial fan.

[0009] For example, the air intake cowl can include a spirally shaped wall to form a flow channel leading to the fan and a connection opening into the flow channel to link the air intake cowl to the air inlet. This allows the air within the air intake cowl to be set into rotation. The longitudinal axes of the flow channel and the connection can be angled or perpendicular to each other. This allows the air to be introduced tangentially into the flow channel. The fan can be positioned at one end of the flow channel, enabling a compact design.

[0010] The majority of fan components can be located in the base area, the first mounting area, or in a transition zone between the base area and the first mounting area of ​​the enclosure. For example, the air intake cowl can be located in the base area and the fans in the first mounting area. This allows for optimal airflow through the first mounting area without unnecessarily occupying a large amount of installation space within that area.

[0011] The device can comprise multiple hoses through which multiple fan units are connected to the air inlet in parallel. This allows each fan unit to be supplied with air separately via the air inlet, ensuring a homogeneous airflow across the first assembly area.

[0012] The heat exchanger can be designed as an air-to-air heat exchanger. Optionally, the device can include an external fan to direct ambient air along the heat exchanger. This allows the heat absorbed from the air flowing out of the air outlet to be easily dissipated into the environment by the heat exchanger.

[0013] The air conditioning system can include a compressor to actively cool the pre-tempered air and supply it as cooled air at the air intake. Advantageously, existing compressor designs can be used for this purpose.

[0014] The device may include a control unit configured to activate the majority of fan units and a cooling function of the air conditioning unit when the temperature inside the enclosure exceeds a temperature threshold. For example, the temperature threshold may be 30°C. When the air conditioning unit is operating in cooling mode, the air introduced into the enclosure may be cooled to, for example, below 20°C.

[0015] The control unit can be configured to activate a heating and / or dehumidifying function of the air conditioning unit when the humidity inside the enclosure exceeds a certain threshold. This prevents condensation from forming inside the enclosure.

[0016] The device may include a sensor for detecting temperature and humidity inside the housing. The sensor may be configured to provide a temperature signal and a humidity signal to the control unit.

[0017] The housing may include a cavity, with the air inlet and air outlet located on an outer wall of the cavity. An inner wall of the cavity, adjacent to the bottom area, may include a feedthrough for hoses connecting the air inlet to the multiple fan devices and a passage for allowing air to pass from the bottom area to the air outlet.

[0018] A switching device, for example in the form of a control cabinet, can be used in connection with a power supply system. The switching device comprises an embodiment of such a device and at least one electrical circuit. This at least one electrical circuit is located in at least one of the mounting areas of the device.

[0019] An energy supply system comprises at least one energy supply device and one embodiment of a switching device. The switching device is coupled to the energy supply device for operating it. For example, the energy supply device is configured as a power generator or an energy storage system.

[0020] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching device; Fig. 3 a representation of an exemplary embodiment of an air intake scoop; and Fig. 4 A schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an energy supply system.

[0021] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly, without repeating these elements.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching device 100. For example, the switching device 100 is designed as a control cabinet. The switching device 100 has at least one electrical circuit 102 and a device 104 for receiving the at least one electrical circuit 102. Depending on the application, the device 104 can be equipped with different electrical circuits and / or electronic components.

[0023] The device 104 comprises a housing 110, a plurality of fan devices 112, and a temperature control device 114. The temperature control device 114 is used to temper air used for tempering the interior of the housing 110, for example, to cool it, and the plurality of fan devices 112 are used to convey the tempered air within the housing 110 along a flow path, for example, to absorb waste heat generated during operation of the electrical circuit 102 and to dissipate it from the housing 110.

[0024] The housing 110 has an air inlet 116 through which tempered air can be introduced into the interior of the housing 110 using the tempering device 114, and an air outlet 118 through which the air can be discharged from the housing 110 after passing through it.

[0025] The housing 110 encloses a base area 120, a top area 122, a first mounting area 124, and a second mounting area located adjacent to the first mounting area 124. The base area 120 is located between the first mounting area 124 and the base of the housing 110. The top area 122 is located between the first mounting area 124 and the top of the housing 110. The first mounting area 124 and the second mounting area are fluidically connected to each other in an upper section of the housing 110 via the top area 122.

[0026] The electrical circuit 102 is shown as an example from the first assembly area 124. Additional or alternatively, further circuits or components may be shown from the first assembly area 124 or the second assembly area.

[0027] An airflow 130 is shown by arrows as an example, driven by the fan devices 112, here for example three fan devices 112, from the air inlet 116 along the first mounting area 124 in the direction of the ceiling area 122, over the ceiling area 122 to the second mounting area in the direction of the floor area 120 and from the floor area 120 to the air outlet 118.

[0028] For example, the fan units 112 are arranged adjacent to each other in a transition area between the floor area 120 and the first mounting area 124. According to one embodiment, each of the fan units 112 has a fan and optionally an air intake hood.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fan units 112 are each connected separately to the air inlet 116 via hoses 132. In this way, for example, air is supplied to a first fan unit 112 via a first hose 132, in parallel further air is supplied to a second fan unit 112 via a second hose 132, and in parallel further air is supplied to a third fan unit 112 via a third hose 132.

[0030] The temperature control unit 114 has an inlet coupled to the air outlet 118 and an outlet coupled to the air inlet 116, as well as a series connection consisting of a heat exchanger 134 and an active air conditioning unit 136. The heat exchanger 134 is fluidically connected on its inlet side to the inlet of the temperature control unit 114 and on its outlet side to the air conditioning unit 136. The air conditioning unit 136 is connected on its outlet side to the outlet of the temperature control unit 114. In this way, during operation of the temperature control device 114, air flowing out of the air outlet 118 first flows along a first side of the heat exchanger 134, is pre-tempered using the heat exchanger 134, for example pre-cooled, and is then passed through the air conditioning device 136 as pre-tempered air before the air is introduced back into the housing 110 as tempered air, for example as cooled air, via the air inlet 116.Optionally, the air conditioning unit 136 has a fan to convey air from the air conditioning unit 136 to the air inlet 116.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger 134 is designed as an air-to-air heat exchanger. In this way, heat absorbed by the heat exchanger 134 can be released to the environment. For this purpose, ambient air is drawn, for example, along a second side of the heat exchanger 134 using an external fan 138 and then released back into the environment, for example, via an air duct 140. According to one embodiment, the external fan 138 is part of the temperature control unit 114.

[0032] Optionally, the temperature control unit 114 has a bypass so that the air flowing into the temperature control unit 114 can be directed to the air conditioning unit 136, bypassing the heat exchanger 134, for example if the ambient air exceeds a threshold value.

[0033] The active air conditioning unit 136 is designed to regulate the temperature of the air using electrical energy, for example, by cooling it, or optionally by heating and / or dehumidifying it. For cooling, the active air conditioning unit 136 includes, for example, a compressor. For heating the air, the active air conditioning unit 136 includes, for example, a heating element, such as a heating wire. For dehumidifying the air, the air conditioning unit 136 includes, for example, a heat pump, which can optionally also be used for cooling or heating the air.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device 104 comprises a control unit 142 configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing 110. According to one embodiment, the control unit 142 is configured to activate the plurality of fan units 112 and the temperature control unit 114 for cooling the air to be introduced into the housing 102 when a temperature inside the housing exceeds a temperature threshold. In this case, the air conditioning unit 136 is operated in such a way that it performs a cooling function. According to one embodiment, the device 104 comprises a temperature sensor configured to directly or indirectly detect a temperature inside the housing 110 and to provide a temperature signal representing the temperature to the control unit 142.The control unit 142 is designed to control the operation of the majority of fan units 112 and the temperature control unit 114 depending on the temperature signal.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the control device 142 is configured to activate the temperature control device 114 to heat the air introduced into the housing 102 and, optionally, to activate the plurality of fan devices 112 when the humidity inside the housing exceeds a humidity threshold. In this case, the air conditioning unit 136 is operated in such a way that it performs a heating and / or dehumidifying function. According to one embodiment, the device 104 includes a humidity sensor configured to detect humidity inside the housing 110 directly or indirectly and to provide a humidity signal representing the humidity to the control device 142. The control device 142 is optionally configured to control the operation of the plurality of fan devices 112 and the temperature control device 114 depending on the humidity signal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the housing 110 comprises a cavity 144. In this case, the air inlet 116 and the air outlet 118 are arranged, for example, on an outer wall of the cavity 144. An inner wall of the cavity 144, adjacent to the bottom area 120, has a passage 146 for routing the hoses connecting the air inlet 116 to the plurality of fan devices 112 and a passage 148 for allowing air to pass from the bottom area 120 to the air outlet 118.

[0037] According to one embodiment, Fig. Figure 1 shows a cooling circuit of a switchgear in a frontal view. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switchgear is designed to handle an external power of 200 kW with an internal power of 50 kW. Therefore, the air conditioning system must be able to dissipate not only the internal power of 50 kW but also the external energy of 200 kW and the resulting power losses without causing derating (performance <100%).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the device 104 is based on the development of a cooling system consisting of three axial fans, installed in the three fan units 112 shown, and the heat exchanger 134, here in the form of an air-to-air heat exchanger, as well as hoses 132 and specially designed air intake scoops as part of the fan units 112. The operating principle is explained below.

[0039] First, the operation of a switchgear assembly of the switching device 100 is explained using an exemplary embodiment. The cooled air is supplied by the temperature control unit 114, designed as an air conditioner, via hoses 132 and, for example, 3D-printed air intake vents to three axial fans of the fan units 112 in the lower part of the control cabinet. The air intake vents ensure that the air is directed precisely to the axial fans. The fans blow the air upwards, absorbing waste heat from the front mounting level, here the first mounting level 124. The air is then directed via the ceiling area 122, also referred to as the control cabinet roof, into the rear area and absorbs waste heat from the rear mounting levels on its way down. The heated air is then returned to the air conditioner via an opening in the lower part of the control cabinet.

[0040] The following describes the operation of an internal cooling circuit of the air conditioning system 100, also referred to as the temperature control unit 114, using an exemplary embodiment. Warm air from the control cabinet, i.e., from the housing 110, is first passed through the heat exchanger 134, for example, the air-to-air heat exchanger, and pre-cooled. The actual cooling then takes place in the air conditioning unit 136, also referred to as the air conditioning section, before the air is directed into the switchgear via a fan and three hoses 132.

[0041] The following describes the operation of an external cooling circuit of the air conditioning unit 100, also referred to as the temperature control unit 114, using an exemplary embodiment. Cool air is drawn from outside the unit to the air conditioning unit's heat exchanger 134, which is designed here as an air-to-air heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 134 transfers heat from the internal cooling circuit. The heated air is then discharged to the outside via the fan 138 and an air duct 140.

[0042] The following describes the operation of a control system, implemented for example in the control unit 142, and the switching device 100, using an exemplary embodiment. The temperature control unit 114, also referred to as an air conditioning system, is controlled by a thermostat and a hygrostat. If the temperature in the control cabinet rises above 30°C, the air conditioning compressor and the fans of the air conditioning unit 114 are switched on. If the temperature falls below 30°C, the fans and the compressor switch off.

[0043] If the humidity inside the control cabinet exceeds 60%, a standstill heater in the air conditioning unit is activated. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the cabinet. If the humidity falls below 60%, the heater switches off again. The air conditioning unit is powered by the busbar or an external power supply. This can be selected using a 1S1 selector switch.

[0044] The cooling system developed in this way is scalable and can be transferred to other, similar applications. It can be used in various power classes for both power generator sets and energy storage modules. Furthermore, the concept enables active cooling of the systems even when stored, should the storage temperature exceed 30°C. Thus, the described approach can also be implemented when the electrical circuit 102 is in a standby mode, but the control unit 142 is operational.

[0045] The described approach enables effective cooling of the electrical components installed in the control cabinet, such as the electrical circuit 102. Furthermore, targeted airflow to axial fans is achieved using specially designed air intakes. The described approach is modular and scalable, transferable to other, similar applications. Personnel savings are possible because the cooling system reduces the load on the electrical components, thus decreasing the frequency or even eliminating the need for circuit breakers to trip.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a switching device 100. This could, for example, be an embodiment based on Fig. The switching device described in section 1 is shown in a side cross-sectional view.

[0047] In addition to the first assembly area 124, the second assembly area 224 is shown. Assembly areas 124 and 224 are separated from each other, for example, by a partition wall and connected to each other via the ceiling area 122. Assembly areas 124 and 224 extend between the floor area 120 and the ceiling area 122.

[0048] The airflow 130 is achieved using the fan devices 112, of which in Fig. 2 only one is shown, through the first assembly area 124 to the ceiling area 122 and via the ceiling area 122 through the second assembly area 224 back into the floor area 120.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the fan assemblies 112 each have a fan 250 and an air intake 252 for supplying air to the fan 250. The fan 250 is, by way of example, designed as an axial fan. The air intake 252 has a connection 254 through which the air drawn in via the air inlet is fed into the air intake 252.

[0050] According to one embodiment, Fig. 2 Another view of the cooling circuit of a switchgear from a side view from the left.

[0051] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an air intake scoop 252, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 2 is described. According to one embodiment, each of the in Fig. 1 The fan device shown has a corresponding air intake hood 252.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the air intake cowl 252 has a spirally extending wall 360 for forming a flow channel 362 leading to the axial fan and the connection 254 opening into the flow channel 362 for connecting the air intake cowl 252 to the air inlet.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the connection 254 has a smaller diameter than the flow channel 362. For example, the connection 254 is designed as a tubular connection nozzle.

[0054] According to one embodiment, one side of the wall of the connection 254 transitions smoothly into the wall 360. In this way, the air flowing in through the connection 254 can be guided directly from the spirally extending wall 360 without deflection or turbulence.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the wall 360 is provided on an outer side with two projections 362 to which, for example, the fan can be attached. For this purpose, the projections 362 have, for example, through holes or threaded holes.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an energy supply system 400, which, in addition to an embodiment of a switching device 100, such as those shown, for example, in Fig. As described in Figure 1, the energy supply system 402 comprises a power generator set or an energy storage system. The switching device 100 is used, for example, to operate and / or control the energy supply systems 402 within the energy supply system 400.

[0057] The described approach thus enables cooling of the control cabinet used in power generator sets and energy storage modules. This ensures reliable operation under extreme climatic conditions with minimal performance losses.

[0058] The described approach is suitable for energy supply and energy storage for field camps and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), as well as energy storage modules and cross-sectional power generator sets.

[0059] Cooling the control cabinet of power generator sets and energy storage systems is essential – especially in military applications – to prevent overheating of electronic components and the resulting failures or a shortened lifespan. The challenge in cooling control cabinets lies in maintaining a constant temperature, as the electrical components generate significant heat, and other factors – such as high ambient temperatures and limited space within the cabinet – further complicate the cooling process.

[0060] The switching device can advantageously be cooled by the use of fans, an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and optionally, liquid cooling. The fans ensure air circulation within the control cabinet and expel the heated air to the outside. The air conditioner, for example in the form of the one in Fig.The climate control unit shown in Figure 1 actively cools the air inside the enclosure 110 of the control cabinet. The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the enclosure 110 either to the ambient air or, optionally, to another cooling medium, whereby the outside air does not enter the control cabinet directly, in particular the interior of the enclosure 110. An optional liquid cooling system uses a coolant that circulates in a cooling circuit in the immediate vicinity of the heat-sensitive components.

Claims

[1] Device (104) for receiving electrical components, wherein the device 104 has the following features: a housing (110) with an air inlet (116) and an air outlet (118), wherein the housing (110) encloses a bottom area (120), a ceiling area (122), a first mounting area (124) and a second mounting area (244), wherein the first mounting area (124) and the second mounting area (244) extend side by side between the bottom area (120) and the ceiling area (122) and at least one of the mounting areas (144; 244) is shaped to accommodate at least one electrical circuit (102); a plurality of fan devices (112) arranged and shaped adjacent to one another in the housing (110) to convey air along a flow path (130) leading from the air inlet (116) via the first mounting area (124), the ceiling area (122) and the second mounting area (244) to the air outlet (118); and A temperature control device (114) with an inlet coupled to the air outlet (118), an outlet coupled to the air inlet (116) and a series connection between the inlet and the outlet consisting of a heat exchanger (134) and an active climate control device (136), wherein the heat exchanger (134) is configured to pre-temper air flowing out of the air outlet (118) and to provide it as pre-tempered air, and wherein the climate control device (136) is configured to actively temper the pre-tempered air and to provide it as tempered air to the air inlet (116). [2] Device (104) according to claim 1, wherein each of the fan devices (112) comprises a fan (250) and an air intake hood (252) for supplying air to the fan (250). [3] Device (104) according to claim 2, wherein the air intake scoop (252) comprises a spirally extending wall for forming a flow channel leading to the fan (250) and a connection (254) opening into the flow channel for connecting the air intake scoop (252) to the air inlet (116). [4] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of fan devices (112) are arranged in the bottom area (120), the first mounting area (124) or in a transition between the bottom area (120) and the first mounting area (124) of the housing (110). [5] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of hoses (132) via which the plurality of fan devices (112) are connected parallel to each other to the air inlet (116). [6] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (134) is designed as an air-to-air heat exchanger and is equipped with an external fan (138) for directing ambient air along the heat exchanger (134). [7] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air conditioning device (136) comprises a compressor to actively cool the pre-tempered air and to supply it as cooled air to the air inlet (116). [8] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device (142) configured to activate the plurality of fan devices (112) and a cooling function of the air conditioning device (136) when a temperature inside the housing (110) is greater than a temperature threshold. [9] Device (104) according to claim 8, wherein the control device (142) is configured to activate a heating function and / or dehumidification function of the air conditioning device (136) when the humidity inside the housing (110) is greater than a humidity threshold value. [10] Device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110) comprises an intermediate space (144), wherein the air inlet (116) and the air outlet (118) are arranged on an outer wall of the intermediate space (144), and wherein an inner wall of the intermediate space (144) adjoining the bottom area (120) comprises a passage (146) for passing hoses (132) for connecting the air inlet (116) to the plurality of fan devices (112) and a passage (148) for allowing air to pass from the bottom area (120) to the air outlet (118). [11] Switching device (100), in particular a switch cabinet, for a power supply device (402, 404), wherein the switching device (100) comprises a device (104) according to one of the preceding claims and at least the electrical circuit (102), wherein the at least one electrical circuit (102) is received by at least one of the mounting areas (144; 244) of the device (104). [12] Energy supply system (400) with the following features: an energy supply facility (402); and a switching device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the switching device (100) is coupled to the energy supply device (402, 404) for operating the energy supply device (402). [13] Energy supply system (400) according to claim 12, wherein the energy supply device (402) is configured as a power generator or an energy storage system.

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