BYPASS SWITCH WITH ONE IGNITION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement with a bypass switch for a module of a modular multilevel converter, wherein the bypass switch can be driven by a pyrotechnic propellant charge. Such a bypass switch is known, for example, from international patent application WO 2011 / 107363 A1.

[0002] Modular multilevel converters consist of numerous modules connected electrically in series. If one of the modules in the series fails or enters an uncontrollable state during operation of the multilevel converter, this module is electrically bypassed by a bypass switch. This ensures that the multilevel converter can continue operating even if one or more modules fail. Such failures can take various forms, ranging from a short circuit to faults that can result in the explosive destruction of module components.

[0003] To trigger such a bypass switch, it is known from patent application WO 2020 / 030262 A1 to ignite the propellant charge by means of a pyrotechnic ignition cable. However, it is necessary to replace the burned-out ignition cable with a new one after each use.

[0004] From US patent 4,343,242 A, it is known to ignite a drive charge of a switch in a high-voltage application using a laser, wherein the laser beam is transmitted to the drive charge via a fiber optic cable.

[0005] European patent application EP 2 983 286 A1 discloses a submodule for a modular power converter circuit, wherein the submodule can be bypassed by a bypass switch. Two redundant electrical ignition circuits are provided for igniting a pyrotechnic force element of the bypass switch.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement and a method in which, after closing the bypass switch, no costly renewal of an energy-transmitting line is necessary.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arrangement and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement and the method are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] An arrangement with a bridging switch for a module of a modular multilevel power converter, wherein the bridging switch is drivable by a propellant charge, and a first ignition device for igniting the propellant charge, wherein the first ignition device has a first light guide (associated with the propellant charge) for supplying light energy to the propellant charge (for igniting the propellant charge).

[0009] It is advantageous that electrical potential separation is present when supplying / transmitting the light energy to the propellant charge via the electrically insulating optical fiber. In particular, optical ignition of the propellant charge can be achieved using the optical fiber. Such optical ignition can advantageously be implemented in a interference-resistant manner, for example, resistant to electromagnetic fields. The optical fiber can, in particular, be a waveguide.

[0010] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The first optical fiber connects the propellant charge to a first light source, in particular a first laser light source. Specifically, one end of the first optical fiber can be coupled to the first light source and a second end of the optical fiber can be coupled to the propellant charge.

[0011] The arrangement can also be designed in such a way that The first light source is arranged at a distance from the module. Since the first light guide (and also the second light guide) are electrically insulating, this is easily possible even with a module operating at a high electrical potential (especially high-voltage potential). Thus, a large electrical potential difference can advantageously exist between the module and the light source.

[0012] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The first light source is arranged substantially at ground potential. As already mentioned above, this is readily possible due to the electrically insulating first and second light guides. The first light source can, for example, be arranged near a central control device of the multilevel power converter, wherein the central control device is connected to ground potential.

[0013] According to the invention, the arrangement comprises A second ignition device is provided for igniting the propellant charge, comprising an electric igniter (associated with the propellant charge) and an electrical conductor for supplying electrical energy to the electric igniter (for igniting the propellant charge). The propellant charge can be ignited independently of the first ignition device by means of the second ignition device. This increases safety (redundant operation) and allows for versatile control of the bypass switch. The second ignition device includes the electrical conductor for supplying electrical energy.

[0014] The arrangement is designed so that the electrical conductor connects the electric igniter to an electrical power source.

[0015] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The first light source is a laser light source with a power output (laser power) of at least 1 watt. Specifically, the power output can be between 1 watt and 10 watts (including 1 watt and 10 watts). It has been shown that with such power, the propellant charge can be ignited very quickly, and consequently, the bypass switch can be closed very quickly when needed.

[0016] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The electrical power source is located on the module and / or is situated at an electrical potential that differs from ground potential during operation of the modular multilevel converter. In particular, the electrical power source can be essentially at the electrical potential of the module. This results in only a small potential difference between the electrical power source and the module during operation of the multilevel converter, thus avoiding insulation problems. This is because the modules are partially situated at a high electrical potential during operation of the multilevel converter.

[0017] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that the module has a first module terminal, a second module terminal, a first electronic switching element and a second electronic switching element.

[0018] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The first and second electronic switching elements are arranged in a half-bridge circuit. Such a module is also called a half-bridge module.

[0019] The arrangement can be designed in such a way that The module comprises a third and a fourth electronic switching element, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth electronic switching elements are arranged in a full bridge circuit. Such a module is also referred to as a full bridge module.

[0020] Furthermore, a modular multilevel power converter with a plurality of arrangements according to one of the variants described above is disclosed.

[0021] In such a modular multilevel converter, the modules can be two-pole modules that are electrically connected in series.

[0022] Also disclosed is a method for electrically bridging (short-circuiting) a module of a modular multilevel power converter according to the features of claim 12.

[0023] The first light source can be arranged at a distance from the module.

[0024] The described method and the described arrangements have the same or similar advantages.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. The same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent elements. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a modular multilevel converter, Figure 2 shows an exemplary module of the multilevel converter with an arrangement, Figure 3 shows another exemplary module of the multilevel converter with an arrangement, Figure 4 shows an example of a propellant charge with two ignition devices, and Figure 5 shows another example of a propellant charge with two ignition devices.

[0026] In Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a power converter 1 in the form of a modular multilevel power converter 1. This multilevel power converter 1 has a first AC voltage connection 5, a second AC voltage connection 7, and a third AC voltage connection 9. The first AC voltage connection 5 is electrically connected to a first phase module branch 11 and a second phase module branch 13. The first phase module branch 11 and the second phase module branch 13 form a first phase module 15 of the power converter 1. The end of the first phase module branch 11 facing away from the first AC voltage connection 5 is electrically connected to a first DC voltage connection 16; the end of the second phase module branch 13 facing away from the first AC voltage connection 5 is electrically connected to a second DC voltage connection 17.The first DC voltage terminal 16 is a positive DC voltage terminal; the second DC voltage terminal 17 is a negative DC voltage terminal.

[0027] The second AC terminal 7 is electrically connected to one end of a third phase module branch 18 and to one end of a fourth phase module branch 21. The third phase module branch 18 and the fourth phase module branch 21 form a second phase module 24. The third AC terminal 9 is electrically connected to one end of a fifth phase module branch 27 and to one end of a sixth phase module branch 29. The fifth phase module branch 27 and the sixth phase module branch 29 form a third phase module 31.

[0028] The end of the third phase module branch 18 opposite the second AC terminal 7 and the end of the fifth phase module branch 27 opposite the third AC terminal 9 are electrically connected to the first DC terminal 16. The end of the fourth phase module branch 21 opposite the second AC terminal 7 and the end of the sixth phase module branch 29 opposite the third AC terminal 9 are electrically connected to the second DC terminal 17. The first phase module branch 11, the third phase module branch 18, and the fifth phase module branch 27 form a positive-side converter section 32; the second phase module branch 13, the fourth phase module branch 21, and the sixth phase module branch 29 form a negative-side converter section 33.

[0029] Each phase module branch comprises a plurality of modules (1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4 ... 1_n; 2_1 ... 2_n; etc.) that are electrically connected in series (via their module terminals). Such modules are also referred to as submodules. In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 Each phase module branch has n modules. The number of modules electrically connected in series via their module terminals can vary considerably; at least three modules are connected in series, but there can also be, for example, 50, 100, or more modules electrically connected in series. In the exemplary embodiment, n = 36: the first phase module branch 11 therefore has 36 modules 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, ... 1_36. The other phase module branches 13, 18, 21, 27, and 29 are structured identically.

[0030] Modules 1_1 to 6_n are controlled by a central control unit (not shown). Optical messages or signals are transmitted from this central control unit to the individual modules via an optical communication link (for example, a fiber optic cable). For instance, the control unit sends each module a setpoint for the output voltage that the respective module should provide.

[0031] Each module 1_1 to 6_n of the modular multilevel converter 1 is assigned a bypass switch. For example, module 1_1 of the first phase module branch 11 is assigned a first bypass switch S1_1. Similarly, the second module 1_2 is assigned a second bypass switch S1_2, and the nth module 1_n of the first phase module branch 11 is assigned an nth bypass switch S1_n. Each module of the other phase module branches is also assigned a bypass switch; however, for clarity, these bypass switches are not shown in the diagram. Figure 1 Not shown. The bypass switches each have a fixed contact and a moving contact. They are therefore primarily mechanical bypass switches.

[0032] The first bypass switch S1_1 bypasses (in its closed state) the first module 1_1. For this purpose, the fixed contact of the first bypass switch S1_1 is electrically connected to the first module terminal 212; the moving contact of the first bypass switch S1_1 is electrically connected to the second module terminal 215. The first bypass switch S1_1 has a pyrotechnic propellant charge T1_1 (propellant T1_1). This pyrotechnic propellant charge T1_1 is in the Figure 1 This is symbolized as a small square. This propellant charge T1_1 is designed to close the bypass switch S1_1 upon ignition. This occurs in particular because, upon ignition, the pyrotechnic propellant charge T1_1 accelerates the moving contact of the first bypass switch S1_1 towards the fixed contact, thereby closing the first bypass switch S1_1.

[0033] In Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of a module of the multilevel power converter 1 with an arrangement according to the invention is shown. This module can be, for example, module 1_1 (or one of the other modules) of the modular multilevel power converter 1.

[0034] The module 1_1 is designed as a half-bridge module 1_1. The module 1_1 has a first (switchable) electronic switching element 202 (first switchable semiconductor valve 202) with a first antiparallel-connected diode 204. Furthermore, the module 1_1 has a second (switchable) electronic switching element 206 (second switchable semiconductor valve 206) with a second antiparallel-connected diode 208 and an electrical energy storage device 210 in the form of a capacitor 210. The first electronic switching element 202 and the second electronic switching element 206 are each designed as an IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor). The first electronic switching element 202 is electrically connected in series with the second electronic switching element 206. A first (galvanic) module connection 212 is arranged at the connection point between the two electronic switching elements 202 and 206.A second (galvanic) module connection 215 is arranged at the terminal of the second electronic switching element 206, which is opposite the connection point. The second module connection 215 is also electrically connected to a first terminal of the energy storage device 210; a second terminal of the energy storage device 210 is electrically connected to the terminal of the first electronic switching element 202, which is opposite the connection point.

[0035] The energy storage device 210 is therefore electrically connected in parallel to the series connection of the first electronic switching element 202 and the second electronic switching element 206. By appropriately controlling the first electronic switching element 202 and the second electronic switching element 206 via the control unit of the power converter, it can be ensured that either the voltage of the energy storage device 210 is output between the first module terminal 212 and the second module terminal 215, or no voltage is output (i.e., a zero voltage is output). Through the interaction of the modules of the individual phase module branches, the desired output voltage of the power converter can thus be generated.

[0036] The energy storage device 210 is optional and can be omitted in other embodiments. In these embodiments, the module then has only one or more electronic switching elements; it is then a switching module.

[0037] A bypass switch S1_1 is connected in parallel to module 1_1. The bypass switch S1_1 has a fixed contact 220 and a moving contact 222. The fixed contact 220 is electrically connected to one of the two module terminals; the moving contact 222 is electrically connected to the other of the two module terminals. In the exemplary embodiment, the fixed contact 220 is connected to the first module terminal 212; the moving contact 222 is connected to the second module terminal 215.

[0038] The mechanical bypass switch S1_1 is connected between the first module terminal 212 and the second module terminal 215. When the mechanical bypass switch S1_1 transitions to the closed / on state, it bypasses module 1_1; the module is then short-circuited by means of the mechanical bypass switch S1_1. The bypass switch thus constitutes a short-circuiting device. The operating current of the converter then flows, for example, from the first module terminal 212 via the mechanical bypass switch S1_1 to the second module terminal 215 (and not via the other components of module 1_1, in particular not via the switching elements 202, 206 and the diodes 204, 208).

[0039] The bypass switch S1_1 has the propellant charge T1_1. A first ignition device 235 is assigned to the bypass switch S1_1 (or to the module 1_1). The first ignition device 235 has a light guide 240 and a first light source 245.

[0040] The propellant charge T1_1 is connected to the first light source 245 via the light guide 240. The first light source 245 can, in principle, be any light source. In the exemplary embodiment, it is a laser light source 245. A first end 241 of the light guide 240 is coupled to the first light source 245; a second end 242 of the first light guide 240 is coupled to the propellant charge T1_1.

[0041] The first light source 245 is positioned at a distance from module 1_1 and thus also at a distance from the bypass switch S1_1. The distance between the first light source 245 and module 1_1 can easily be several tens of meters or even a three-digit number of meters.

[0042] The first light source 245 is, in particular, part of a switch control unit 255. This switch control unit 255 can be part of the central control device / central controller of the multilevel power converter 1. The switch control unit 255 is preferably arranged at ground potential. The switch control unit 255 can be a central switch control unit of the multilevel power converter 1. This means that the switch control unit 255 can control several or all bypass switches of the multilevel power converter 1.

[0043] By means of the first light source 245, an optical ignition signal 253 is generated (in the event of a fault in the first module 1_1), which is fed into the first light guide 240 at its first end 241. The optical ignition signal 253 is then transmitted to the second end 242 of the first light guide. At the second end 242, the optical ignition signal 253 leaves the light guide 240 and strikes the propellant charge T1_1. The propellant charge T1_1 is then ignited by the optical ignition signal 253. Subsequently, the bypass switch S1_1 is closed and module 1_1 is electrically bypassed.

[0044] The optical ignition signal 253 can, in particular, be laser light; the first light source 245 is then a laser light source. This laser light source 245 emits laser light / laser light pulses. In principle, however, other light can also be used. The light used only needs to transmit an amount of energy sufficient to ignite the propellant charge. It has been found that a laser with a power of at least 1 W is advantageous because with such a laser power, the propellant charge can be ignited sufficiently quickly. A laser with a power between 1 W and 10 W is therefore particularly advantageous. A commercially available propellant charge, available, for example, under the designation BKNO3, can be used as the propellant charge.

[0045] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a module of the modular multilevel converter with an arrangement according to the invention. This module is module 1_4 of the modular multilevel converter 1. However, this module could also be one of the other modules of the modular multilevel converter 1.

[0046] In addition to the already from Figure 2 The known first electronic switching element 202, second electronic switching element 206, first freewheeling diode 204, second freewheeling diode 208 and energy storage device 210 are shown in Figure 3The illustrated module 1_4 includes a third electronic switching element 302 with an antiparallel connected third freewheeling diode 304 and a fourth electronic switching element 306 with a fourth antiparallel connected freewheeling diode 308. The third electronic switching element 302 and the fourth electronic switching element 306 are each designed as an IGBT. In contrast to the circuit of the Figure 2 The second module connection 315 is not electrically connected to the second electronic switching element 206, but to a midpoint (connection point) of an electrical series circuit consisting of the third electronic switching element 302 and the fourth electronic switching element 306.

[0047] Module 1_4 of the Figure 3is a so-called full-bridge module 1_4. This full-bridge module 1_4 is characterized by the fact that, with appropriate control of the four electronic switching elements between the first (galvanic) module connection 212 and the second (galvanic) module connection 315, either the positive voltage of the energy storage device 210, the negative voltage of the energy storage device 210, or a voltage of zero (zero voltage) can be output. Thus, the polarity of the output voltage can be reversed using the full-bridge module 1_4. The multilevel power converter 1 can have either only half-bridge modules, only full-bridge modules, or both half-bridge modules and full-bridge modules.

[0048] The mechanical bypass switch S1_4 is connected in parallel with module 1_4. The mechanical bypass switch S1_4 is connected between the first module terminal 212 and the second module terminal 315 (the first module terminal 212 and the second module terminal 315 are thus connected to each other via the bypass switch S1_4). When the mechanical bypass switch S1_4 enters its on / electrically conductive state, the mechanical bypass switch S1_4 bypasses module 1_4; the mechanical bypass switch S1_4 short-circuits module 1_4. The operating current of the converter then flows, for example, from the first module terminal 212 via the mechanical bridging switch S1_4 to the second module terminal 315 (and not via the other components of module 1_4, in particular not via the switching elements 202, 206, 302, 306 and / or the diodes 204, 208, 304, 308).The mechanical bypass switch S1_4 can be constructed in the same way as the mechanical bypass switch S1_1.

[0049] The bypass switch S1_4 has a propellant charge T1_4, which is connected to the first light source 245 via the first light guide 240. The ignition of the propellant charge T1_4 by means of the first light source 245 and the closing of the bypass switch S1_4 occur in the same manner as in connection with the Figure 2 described.

[0050] The problem of different electrical potentials can be seen particularly well in the example of module 1_4. Depending on the switching position of the third electronic switching element 302 and the fourth electronic switching element 306, the second module connection 315 can be connected either to the upper connection of the electrical energy storage device 210 or to the lower connection of the electrical energy storage device 210, i.e., to two different electrical potentials. However, due to the first optical fiber 240, an electrical galvanic isolation advantageously takes place between the bypass switch S1_4 and the switch control unit 255, so that the switch control unit 255 is not affected by the (often high) changing electrical potentials of module 1_4.By means of the first optical fiber 240, a galvanic isolation between the module 1_4 and the switch control unit 255 can be achieved very easily and cost-effectively.

[0051] In Figure 4 An embodiment of a propellant charge T with two ignition devices is shown. The propellant charge T can be, for example, the propellant charge T1_1 or the propellant charge T1_4. The propellant charge T is located in a recess 401 of the bypass switch, shown only schematically. The recess 401 can, in particular, be a chamber 401 (propellant charge chamber).

[0052] The first ignition device 235 is as in the Figure 2 and 3In addition, the propellant charge T is provided with a second ignition device 404. In the exemplary embodiment, this second ignition device 404 comprises an electrical igniter 407, one or two electrical conductors 410 for supplying electrical energy to the electrical igniter 407, and an electrical energy source 413. The electrical conductor(s) 410 serve to supply electrical energy to the electrical igniter 407. The electrical conductor 410 connects the electrical igniter 407 to the electrical energy source 413.

[0053] The electric igniter 407 is designed to ignite the propellant charge T in response to an electrical signal 416. This can be achieved, for example, by the electric igniter generating a hot or glowing spot on the propellant charge based on the energy of the electrical signal. This hot or glowing spot ignites the propellant charge. In particular, the electric igniter can be designed to generate increased pressure in addition to the hot or glowing spot. This allows the propellant charge to be ignited by the combination of heat and pressure.

[0054] The electrical power source 413 generates the electrical ignition signal 416 (in the event of a fault in the module). This electrical ignition signal 416 is transmitted via the electrical conductor(s) 410 to the electric igniter 407. Upon receiving the electrical ignition signal 416, the electric igniter 407 ignites the propellant charge. T. The corresponding bypass switch is then closed and the module is electrically bypassed.

[0055] In the example of Figure 4 The second ignition device 404, and thus also the electrical power source 413, is located at a position where the electrical potential 420 of the module is essentially present. This electrical potential 420 of the module essentially corresponds to the electrical potential of the bypass switch. Therefore, there are no increased electrical insulation requirements for the second ignition device 404.

[0056] The second ignition device 404 allows the closing of the bypass switch to be initiated directly from the respective module. This closing may be necessary, for example, if the module voltage reaches impermissible values, such as if the maximum permissible voltage value or the maximum permissible voltage rise rate is exceeded. This enables (self-sufficient) protection of the module.

[0057] The first light source 245 of the first ignition device is (as in the Figure 2 and 3 The propellant charge is arranged at a distance from the module (and thus also at a distance from the bypass switch), in particular at approximately ground potential. This embodiment allows for selective or combined ignition of the propellant charge via a light pulse and / or an electrical signal.

[0058] In Figure 5Another example of a propellant charge T with two ignition devices is shown, which does not belong to the present invention. The first ignition device 235 is as in the Figure 2 and 3 In addition, the propellant charge T is provided with a second ignition device 504. This second ignition device 504 has a second light guide 54C and a second light source 545. The ignition of the propellant charge T by means of the second ignition device 504 proceeds in a similar manner to the ignition with the first ignition device 235. In the exemplary example, the first light source 245 and the second light source 545 are arranged at a distance from the bypass switch, in particular arranged at ground potential. The example thus shows a bypass switch with two electrical ignition circuits.

[0059] In particular, all bypass switches of the modular multilevel converter are each equipped with at least one separate ignition device.

[0060] An arrangement and a method have been described for safely and reliably bypassing a module of a modular multilevel converter in the event of a fault. A key advantage is that the drive charge can be ignited remotely (e.g., from the converter's central control unit) using the fiber optic cable, without requiring additional electrical insulation. This effectively provides a directly light-triggered or light-triggerable bypass switch.

[0061] Alternatively, the propellant charge can also be ignited by means of the electrical conductor, whereby an associated electrical energy source can, for example, be located directly at the module and at its electrical potential.

[0062] The described arrangement and method have the following advantages in particular: Enabling the control of a (pyrotechnically driven) bypass switch located at a high voltage potential from earth potential Enabling interference-free optical control Enabling direct control of the bypass switch from a distance, in particular from the control level / central control device of the power converter.

[0063] One or two light guides run directly to the pyrotechnic propellant charge. Alternatively, a light guide and an electrical conductor can be used. This enables potential-free ignition of the propellant charge by introducing light, which provides the necessary energy to ignite the propellant charge.

[0064] The second ignition device (which provides a second channel for igniting the propellant charge) can be implemented as a light-triggered channel, either with galvanic isolation and ESD protection, or as an electrically ignited channel using a fiber optic cable. Increased availability through the use of different control channels with different media and sources (high-voltage assembly / control assembly) is a further advantage of the described arrangement and method.

Claims

1. Arrangement having - a bypass switch (S1_1) for a module (1_1) of a modular multilevel converter (1), wherein the bypass switch (S1_1) can be driven by a propellant charge (T1_1), and - a first ignition device (235) for igniting the propellant charge (T1_1), wherein - the first ignition device (235) has a first light guide (240) for supplying light energy to the propellant charge (T1_1), - the arrangement has a second ignition device (404) for igniting the propellant charge, wherein the second ignition device (404) comprises an electric igniter (407) and an electrical conductor (410) for supplying electrical energy to the electric igniter (407), and - the electrical conductor (410) connects the electric igniter (407) to an electrical energy source (413).

2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that - the first light guide (240) connects the propellant charge (T1_1) to a first light source (245), in particular a first laser light source.

3. Arrangement according to Claim 2, characterized in that - the first light source (245) is arranged at a distance from the module (1_1).

4. Arrangement according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that - the first light source (245) is essentially arranged at earth potential.

5. Arrangement according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that - the first light source (245) is a laser light source with a power of at least 1 watt.

6. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the electrical energy source (413) is arranged on the module and / or is arranged at an electrical potential (420) that differs from the earth potential when the modular multilevel converter (1) is in operation.

7. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the module (1_1) has a first module terminal (212), a second module terminal (215), a first electronic switching element (202) and a second electronic switching element (206).

8. Arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that - the first electronic switching element (202) and the second electronic switching element (206) are arranged in a half-bridge circuit.

9. Arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that - the module (1_4) has a third electronic switching element (302) and a fourth electronic switching element (306), wherein the first electronic switching element (202), the second electronic switching element (206), the third electronic switching element (302) and the fourth electronic switching element (306) are arranged in a full-bridge circuit.

10. Modular multilevel converter (1) having a plurality of arrangements according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

11. Modular multilevel converter according to Claim 10, characterized in that - the modules are two-pole modules (1_1 ... 6_n) which are connected electrically in series.

12. Method for electrically bypassing a module (1_1) of a modular multilevel converter (1), wherein a bypass switch (S1_1) is connected in parallel with the module (1_1), which bypass switch can be driven by a propellant charge (T1_1), - having a first ignition device (235) for igniting the propellant charge (T1_1), - wherein the first ignition device (235) has a first light source (245) and a first light guide (240) for supplying light energy to the propellant charge (T1_1), - having a second ignition device (404, 504) for igniting the propellant charge, wherein the second ignition device (404) comprises an electric igniter (407) and an electrical conductor (410) for supplying electrical energy to the electric igniter (407), and - wherein the electrical conductor (410) connects the electric igniter (407) to an electrical energy source (413), wherein, in the method, - light, in particular laser light, is fed into the first light guide (240) by means of the first light source (245), - the light is then transmitted from the first light guide (240) to the propellant charge (T1_1), and - the light ignites the propellant charge (T1_1), which causes the bypass switch (S1_1) to close and the module (1_1) to be electrically bypassed as a result, or - an electrical ignition signal (416) is generated by means of the electrical energy source (413), - this electrical ignition signal (416) is transmitted via the electrical conductor (410) to the electric igniter (407), and - the electric igniter (407) ignites the propellant charge (T) in response to the electrical ignition signal (416), whereupon the bypass switch (S1_1) is closed and the module (1_1) is electrically bypassed as a result.

13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that - the first light source (245) is arranged at a distance from the module (1_1).