Test system, main device and auxiliary device thereof for testing an electrical device

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a test system for testing an electrical device operated with an electrical voltage or an electrical current.

[0002] In particular, the invention lies in the field of high-voltage and high-current measurement technology and relates in particular to a test system for testing a high-voltage device, a portable main device and a portable additional device for testing a high-voltage device, and a hybrid cable for connecting a portable main device to a portable additional device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In electrical power grids, high-voltage equipment or, more generally, electrical energy equipment such as power transformers or switchgear are typically used to convert and distribute electrical energy. Other electrical energy equipment such as high-voltage converters or high-current converters, circuit breakers, power generators, or relays are also commonly used to generate and distribute electrical energy, or as components of a protection system. Such electrical energy equipment or other electrical energy equipment such as electric power motors are also used in industrial environments.

[0004] For the commissioning or maintenance of systems with such high-voltage devices, it is necessary to test their functions and properties. A suitable test signal is applied to the respective device under test, and the resulting test response of the device under test is recorded and evaluated to measure a corresponding measurand. Examples include measurements of electrical contact resistance, switching behavior, conductivity, transformation ratio, or dissipation factor of such a device under test, as well as insulation measurements or partial discharge measurements, etc.

[0005] Such tests are often conducted in the field—for example, outdoors or in an industrial environment. The equipment used should be lightweight, flexible, and robust for transport to the respective site, especially for field use.

[0006] US 2004 / 047 116 A1 discloses a testing system comprising a first portable device having a first housing and a second portable device having a second housing. The first device can be mechanically detachably connected to the second device by respective connecting arrangements. Furthermore, the devices can be electrically connected.

[0007] US 2012 / 178303 A1 discloses a hybrid cable with multiple conductors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] There is therefore a need for a test system for testing an electrical device, in particular a high-voltage device, which is easy to transport and has high performance and a wide range of functions and, in addition, enables a high level of operational reliability.

[0009] The invention meets this need by a test system for testing an electrical device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments, developments and variants of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention can preferably be used for testing high-voltage equipment, but is not limited thereto. Likewise, the invention can also be used to test equipment in the low-voltage or medium-voltage range, i.e., generally at all voltage levels.

[0011] The test system designed for testing an electrical device comprises a portable main unit with a housing and a mechanical connection arrangement or a corresponding connection mechanism arranged on the housing, as well as an electrical connection arrangement or electrical plug interface arranged on the housing. In addition, the test system comprises a portable additional unit separate from the portable main unit, comprising a housing and a mechanical connection arrangement arranged on this housing, as well as an electrical connection arrangement arranged on this housing. The portable main unit can be detachably mechanically connected to the portable additional unit to form a structural unit by coupling the mechanical connection arrangements, wherein an electrical connection can be established between the portable main unit and the portable additional unit via the electrical connection arrangements.

[0012] The portable main unit has a power amplifier device for generating a power signal to be transmitted to the portable additional unit via the first electrical connection arrangement and the second electrical connection arrangement.

[0013] The portable auxiliary device has a test signal device for generating a test signal to be output to the electrical device based on the power signal of the portable main device.

[0014] The portable main device also has a measuring device for measuring a measured value of the electrical device as a test response to the test signal of the portable additional device.

[0015] The invention is preferably designed for testing a high-voltage electrical device. For the purposes of the invention, a "high-voltage device" is understood to mean any device that operates with a high electrical voltage, i.e., a voltage in the range of at least 1 kV, or a correspondingly high electrical current.

[0016] Furthermore, within the meaning of the invention, "portable" is to be understood as meaning at least that the system or the corresponding device can be transported and, in particular, carried by a user.

[0017] A particular advantage of the portable main unit and the portable additional unit, each with its separate housing, is that they can be transported individually to the respective site of use—especially during field use. It also allows the functionality of the test system to be expanded with various additional devices, depending on the measurements / tests to be performed.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, both the main unit and the additional unit can each be configured as a standalone test device, in particular as a high-voltage test device. By coupling the main unit with the additional unit, a test system with variable function and / or an expanded range of functions is obtained, which externally appears as a structural unit with a correspondingly configured combination measuring device. If the coupling between the main unit and the additional unit is removed, the main unit and the additional unit can each be operated as separate measuring devices again.

[0019] When the main device is coupled to the additional device, the main device can, in particular, control the generation of a test signal for the electrical device to be tested or the automatic control of the entire test sequence and can have a correspondingly designed control device for this purpose.

[0020] The test signal can in particular be a high-voltage test signal with a voltage of at least 1 kV.

[0021] The test response of the electrical device under test to the test signal is evaluated, as defined above, by a measuring device on the main device to measure a desired measured variable of the electrical device. For this purpose, the test response can be recorded by the additional device and transmitted to the main device. In this case, the additional device is equipped with all the measuring inputs and outputs required to perform the measurement itself. This procedure can be particularly recommended for testing voltage transformers, especially high-voltage transformers. However, it is also possible for the test response to be recorded and evaluated directly by the main device. The latter procedure can be recommended for testing current transformers, especially high-current transformers.

[0022] When coupling the main unit with the additional unit, a compact and handy structural unit can be achieved, in particular, if the main unit and the additional unit have identical or substantially similar dimensions at their contact surfaces, at which they can be mechanically coupled or connected to one another by the mechanical connecting arrangements. Preferably, the main unit and the additional unit have the same form factor, i.e., the same or substantially similar external dimensions.

[0023] With a suitable selection of the arrangement of the electrical connections, the portable main unit and the portable additional unit can be electrically connected with (exactly) one cable for testing the electrical device. This can simplify and / or increase reliability, especially in the field. The cable can be designed as a hybrid cable, whereby both power signals and data signals and / or safety signals can be transmitted between the portable main unit and the portable additional unit. In particular, the hybrid cable is designed such that the various signals or information can be transmitted simultaneously. Separate lines can be provided in the hybrid cable for each signal type, although it is also possible for different signals or information to be transmitted via a common line.

[0024] In one embodiment, the portable main unit can be designed without a power transformer or high-voltage / high-current transformer. Instead, the power transformer—if such a power transformer is required for the test system to perform certain tests—is provided only in the respective portable auxiliary unit. This advantageously reduces the weight of the portable main unit and / or makes the test system—optionally divided into several modular parts such as the main unit and the auxiliary unit—easier to transport.

[0025] In general, by using the main unit and the separate auxiliary unit, it is possible to distribute the functions of the desired test system as desired between the main unit and the auxiliary unit, thus increasing overall variability and flexibility as well as operational reliability. When using the main unit with a set of several different auxiliary units, each with different functions and / or components, a modular test system can be created by selecting the appropriate auxiliary unit, whose functionality is optimally adapted to the specific on-site conditions and the desired test conditions.

[0026] Further advantages, features and possible applications emerge from the following detailed description of embodiments and / or from the figures. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using advantageous embodiments. Identical elements or components of the embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise described or the context indicates otherwise. Fig. 1 shows a test system according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a portable main unit according to one embodiment; and Fig. 3 shows a hybrid cable according to one embodiment.

[0028] The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments and / or exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Elements and / or components depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements and / or components depicted in the figures are depicted in such a way that their function and / or purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. In particular, data connections can be wired or wireless, i.e., in particular, as radio connections. Certain connections, such as electrical connections for power supply, may also be omitted for the sake of clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The invention is described below using a test of a high-voltage device, but is not limited thereto. The invention can also be used to test equipment in the low-voltage or medium-voltage range, i.e., generally at all voltage levels.

[0031] In Fig. 1 a test system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention for testing a high-voltage device, ie an electrical device operated with a high electrical voltage or with a corresponding high electrical current, is schematically shown.

[0032] In one embodiment, the test system 10 comprises a portable main device 100 as well as a portable additional device 300 and a further portable additional device 200, which are each connected to one another via a hybrid cable - in some variants a hybrid cable 20 of the test system 10.

[0033] In Fig. 1 The high-voltage device 30 to be tested is also shown.

[0034] The portable main unit 100 has a housing 140 with a bottom surface 141, a side surface 142, and a top surface 143. The bottom surface 141 is designed to face the surface when the portable main unit 100 is placed on the surface. Accordingly, the portable additional unit 200 has a housing 240 with a bottom surface 241, a side surface 242, and a top surface 243. The portable additional unit 300 also has a housing 340, which in some variants can correspond to the housing 240 of the portable additional unit 200 with corresponding electrical connections and mechanical connecting elements. Further details are not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0035] In addition, the housings 140, 240 of the portable main unit 100 and the portable additional unit 200 each have mechanical connecting elements 145, 245, which are configured to releasably connect the portable main unit 100, when placed with its base surface 141 on the top side 243 of the additional unit 200, to this additional unit 200, in particular by force-fitting, form-fitting, or friction-fitting. In this advantageous manner, the main unit 100 and the additional unit 200 can be mechanically connected to one another—for example, during field use—which, in particular, facilitates operation of the portable main unit and / or improves handling of the testing system 10.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit 100 is placed on the additional unit 200, so that the bottom surface 141 of the main unit 100 is located on the top surface 243 of the additional unit. The dimensions of the bottom surface 141 and the top surface 243 are preferably such that they largely correspond to one another, so that overall, when the main unit 100 is coupled to the additional unit, a compact, uniform design can be achieved. As in Fig. 1 As indicated, in general the individual devices 100, 200, 300 can largely have the same form factor, ie the same external dimensions.

[0037] Each of the devices 100, 200, 300 is preferably designed as a standalone measuring device.

[0038] In this regard, the portable main unit 100 has a connection arrangement 120, a further connection arrangement 121, and one or more test connections 130 for connecting the high-voltage device 30, which are arranged on the housing 140. The connection arrangement 120 (and correspondingly the further connection arrangement 121) preferably has only connections 122, 128, all of which are spaced less than a predetermined distance apart such that all of them can be connected to exactly one end of the hybrid cable 20. This makes connecting the hybrid cable easier and, compared to other systems with multiple cables or larger distances, avoids any tangle of cables, thus improving safety. A first group 122 of the connections of the connection arrangement 120 is configured to output a power signal, and a second group 128 of the connections of the connection arrangement 120 is configured for data communication.

[0039] In addition, a further group of connections (not shown) can be provided for transmitting safety signals in order to control safety functions of the test system.

[0040] The further portable accessory device 200 has a corresponding connection arrangement 220 arranged on the side surface 242. The connection arrangement 220 also preferably has connections 222, 228, all of which are spaced less than the predetermined distance apart. A first group 222 of the connections of the connection arrangement 220 is configured to receive the power signal, and a second group 228 of the connections of the connection arrangement 220 of the further portable accessory device 200 is configured for data communication and / or for transmitting the safety signals. One of the hybrid cables 20 is connected at one end to the connection arrangement 120 of the portable main device 100 and at the other end to the connection arrangement 220 of the further portable accessory device 200, thus connecting the main device 100 and the further accessory device 200.

[0041] Accordingly, the portable accessory device 300 has one or more test ports 330 and a port assembly 320 arranged on the housing 340 of the portable accessory device 300. A first group 322 of ports of the port assembly 320 is configured to receive the power signal, and a second group 328 of ports of the port assembly 320 is configured for data communication and / or for transmitting the safety signals, with all of these ports preferably being spaced apart from each other by less than the predetermined distance.

[0042] The portable additional device 300 (and correspondingly in some variants the further portable additional device 200) is operable in a test mode and is configured in this mode to convert the received power signal into a first test signal and to apply it via an output connection 332 of the test connections 330 of the portable additional device 300 to the high-voltage device 30 to be connected there.

[0043] In addition, the portable main unit 100 has a power amplifier device 102 for generating the power signal, a measuring device 160 for measuring measured variables and a control device 180 for controlling the power amplifier device 102 and the measuring device 160 - as well as, in some variants, a timer 106 configured to provide a time signal - which are each arranged within the housing 140 of the main unit 100.

[0044] The portable accessory 300 is available in several variants, as well as in Fig. 1 shown, is designed as a high-voltage test signal device and has a high-voltage transformer 302, a current sensor device 366, and a timer 306 configured to provide a time signal, each of which is arranged in the housing 340 of the portable auxiliary device 300. Furthermore, the control device 180 of the portable main device 100 is configured to control the portable auxiliary device 300 via the connection arrangement 121 and the connection arrangement 320 through one of the hybrid cables 20 for a first test of the high-voltage device 30 in such a way that the portable auxiliary device 300 is caused to activate the test mode of the portable auxiliary device 300. Furthermore, the control device 180 is configured to generate the power signal by means of the power amplifier device 102 and to output it to the portable auxiliary device 300 via the connection arrangements 121, 320 for the first test.

[0045] The high-voltage test signal device - i.e., the portable additional device 300 - is configured in test mode to convert the power signal into the first test signal by means of the high-voltage transformer 302 such that the power signal and the first test signal are galvanically isolated and the first test signal has a voltage of at least 1 kV suitable for a high-voltage test.

[0046] Furthermore, in test mode, the portable auxiliary device 300 is configured to receive a first analog measurement signal, generated as a result of the first test signal, via a measurement input 336 of the test connections 330 and to digitally transmit a data signal, which characterizes the first measurement signal, to the portable main device 100 with galvanic isolation via the connection arrangement 320 and the connection arrangement 121 through one of the hybrid cables 20. The portable main device 100 and the portable auxiliary device 300 can also be spatially separated from one another, which, particularly in combination with the galvanic isolation, increases operational reliability.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the connection arrangements 120, 121, 220, 320 are realized by a booster plug or a booster connection.

[0048] In alternative variants, the additional device 300 can also have a digital measurement input for receiving a corresponding digital measurement signal and / or transmit an analog data signal. The digital transmission of the data signal can have the particular advantage that galvanic isolation can be implemented more easily and / or with greater accuracy and / or that interference in the measurement signal and thus during measurement or testing can be avoided or at least reduced. The sensor device 366 can be configured to detect the first analog measurement signal received at the measurement input 336, digitize it, and provide it as the data signal.

[0049] Finally, the control device 180 is configured to measure a first measured variable based on the first measurement signal for the first test using the measuring device 160. For a loss factor measurement with respect to the high-voltage device 30, the analog measurement signal is an alternating current flowing through an insulating means of the high-voltage device 30 when an alternating voltage is applied. At least the amplitude or the effective value of the alternating current and the phase angle of the alternating current relative to the applied alternating voltage are measured as measured variables, or the temporally determined signal profile of the alternating current is measured.

[0050] In some variants, the control device 180 is also configured to execute a fail-safe communication protocol for data communication via the second group 128 of connections of the connection arrangement 120 and, if a specific error occurs during data communication, to activate a failure mode of the portable main device in which no power signal is output via the first group 122 of connections or in which the control device 180 causes the portable additional device 300 to activate a failure mode of the portable additional device. For example, if data communication is interrupted, this can be determined based on the fail-safe communication protocol and, as a result, no power signal is output, thereby increasing operational reliability.Also, if the data communication is delayed for more than a predetermined period of time, the error mode of the additional device 300 can be activated, wherein the additional device can be configured to then no longer output a test signal or to disconnect the high-voltage device 30 from the test terminals 330 or to no longer acquire the measurement signal or to no longer send it as a data signal to the portable main device 100, thereby increasing operational safety and / or increasing the reliability or accuracy of tests or measurements.

[0051] Likewise, when the aforementioned safety signals are transmitted via the hybrid cable 20, safety functions of the test system can be triggered if appropriate conditions exist and, for example, components of the main device 100 or the additional devices 200, 300 can be deactivated in order to increase operational safety.

[0052] In some variants, the main unit 100 and the auxiliary unit 300 (or also the auxiliary unit 200) can be configured to synchronize with each other. The main unit 100 is configured to output a synchronization signal via the second group 128 of terminals of the connection arrangement 120 for synchronization. Furthermore, the timer 106 of the main unit 100 and the timer 306 of the portable auxiliary unit 300 are configured to align their respective time signals based on the synchronization signal such that a time difference between them is less than a predetermined time period.In some variants, the portable main device 100 and the portable additional device 300 are also configured to synchronize using the IEC 1588 protocol, wherein in some variants, the data communication required for this purpose takes place via the second group 128 of the connections of the connection arrangement 120 and via the second group 328 of the connections of the connection arrangement 320.

[0053] In In some variants, the portable main device 100 is configured - advantageously in combination with a time synchronization and / or a fail-safe communication protocol - to generate the power signal in real time or to control the portable additional device 300 via the connection arrangement 121 in real time so that the portable additional device 300 generates a test signal, and is further configured to measure a measured variable in real time based on a measurement signal generated as a result of the test signal.

[0054] In variants in which the portable additional device 300 is configured to detect a measurement signal and in particular to digitize an analog measurement signal, the portable additional device 300 is configured in some advantageous variants thereof to provide the measurement signal or the digitized measurement signal with a time code that identifies a detection time of the signal and that is based on the time signal of the internal timer 306, and to provide this signal provided with the time code as a data signal via the connection arrangement 320 and in particular the connections of the second group 328 for the portable main device 100.

[0055] In some advantageous variants for a multi-phase high-voltage device, the portable main unit 100 and / or the additional unit 300 or the further additional unit 200 has additional channels with additional test connections - such as output connections or measuring connections - for the multiple phases of the high-voltage device, so that a multi-phase test - such as the insulation resistance, the dissipation factor or the transformation ratio - can be carried out without changing the cabling and thus more efficiently and / or safely.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows schematically a portable main unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for testing an electrical power device or high-voltage device. The portable main unit 100 can be designed according to the portable main unit of Fig. 1 or as described in relation to Fig. 1 be designed and in particular have mechanical connecting elements which are Fig. 2 are not shown for the sake of clarity, since Fig. 2 essentially concerns the internal structure and functioning of the main unit 100.

[0057] The portable main unit 100 comprises a housing 140 and an electrical connection arrangement 120 arranged on the housing 140 for connecting a portable additional device. The connection arrangement 120 preferably has only connections 122, 128, which are all spaced less than a predetermined distance apart such that they can be connected to exactly one end of a cable. The connection arrangement 120 has a first socket 123 containing a first group 122 of the connections of the connection arrangement 120 for outputting a power signal, and a second socket 129 containing a second group 128 of the connections of the connection arrangement 128 for data communication. In alternative variants, the portable main unit 100 or the connection arrangement 120 can also have other electrical connection elements instead of the first or second socket 123, 129, for example a plug or a common plug or a common socket.

[0058] In Fig. 2 The high-voltage device 34 to be tested is also shown.

[0059] The portable main unit 100 further includes a plurality of test terminals 130 for connecting the high-voltage device 34, which are arranged on the housing 140. In addition, the main unit 100 includes a power amplifier device 102 for generating the power signal and a test signal, a measuring device 160 for measuring measured variables, a control device 180 for controlling the power amplifier device 102 and the measuring device 160, and a storage device 186 for storing the measured variables, each of which is arranged within the housing 140.An advantage of variants with integrated measuring device 160, control device 180, and power amplifier device 102 can be, in particular, that such a main device 100 can already provide the full measuring functionality and, by means of the power amplifier device 102, can also already provide a test current for some tests of a high-voltage device or an electrical power device, or a corresponding test signal or a corresponding test voltage, whereby some tests can already be carried out, in particular without a portable additional device. Advantageously, measured variables can be stored, in particular automatically, by means of the storage device 186—for example, for later evaluation or logging—which in particular can improve the handling of the main device 100 and / or a test system with such a main device.Alternative variants thereof may also not have such a storage device.

[0060] In some variants, the test connections 130 are separate from the connections 122, 128 of the connection arrangement 120, ie in particular from the first socket 123 and from the second socket 129, which in particular simplifies handling and / or increases operational reliability.

[0061] For conducting tests without additional devices or expansion modules, in particular for a second test of the high-voltage device 34, the test connections have a first output connection 132, a second output connection 134, a first analog measurement input 136, and a second analog measurement input 138. In some variants, the portable main unit 100 can also have a digital interface 139, which can be designed as a digital measurement input 139, in some variants thereof as part of the test connections 130. Alternative variants can also have only one output connection and an analog measurement input or a digital measurement input as the measurement input.

[0062] For the second test, the control device 180 is configured to generate a second test signal with a suitable current or voltage by means of the power amplifier device 102 and to apply it to the high-voltage device 34 to be connected to the output terminals 132, 134, and to measure a second measured variable by means of the measuring device based on a second electrical analogue measuring signal which is present at or between the analogue measuring inputs 136, 138 when the high-voltage device 34 is also connected there as a result of the second test signal.

[0063] In an alternative or additional variant with a digital measuring input 139, the control device 180 and the measuring device 160 are configured to measure the second measured variable for the second test using a second measuring signal which is generated as a result of the second test signal and is transmitted to the digital measuring input.For a measuring transformer to be tested, for a transformation ratio measurement as the second test, for example, a primary side of this measuring transformer can be connected to the output terminals 132, 134, a test current can be generated as the second test signal by means of the power amplifier device 102 and fed into the measuring transformer via the output terminals 132, 134, and finally a current value detected by the measuring transformer, which current value is generated as a result of the injected test current and is output via a digital interface of the measuring transformer, can be received via the digital measuring input 139 and measured by the measuring device 160, wherein the measuring device 160 further measures or determines the transformation ratio based on the injected current and the measured current value.

[0064] For the second test or for a further test, in some variants, the control device 180 and the digital interface 139 are configured to send control signals to a further component of a test system or a component of the electrical power device under test and to receive (further) digital measurement signals generated as a result from this component or from a still further component, wherein the measuring device 160 or the control device 180 is configured to evaluate these further digital measurement signals. In some variants, the portable main unit 100 is configured to communicate using the IEC 61850 protocol.

[0065] In some variants, the portable main unit 100 has a power supply device 170, in particular within the housing 140, as well as a power connection 172 arranged on the housing 140. When the power grid is connected to the power connection 172, the portable main unit 100 is configured to supply the portable main unit itself, as well as additional devices connected via the connection arrangement 120 or additional devices or expansion modules connected via further connections, with electrical energy from the power grid. For this purpose, in some advantageous variants, the second group 128 of connections of the connection arrangement 120 of the portable main unit 100 is also configured to supply power to the portable additional device to be connected.In alternative variants, the portable main unit and / or additional units or extension modules can also be supplied with electrical energy via an external power supply device or via a respective power supply device of the respective additional unit or extension module.

[0066] In some variants, the connection arrangement 120 has an EtherCAT interface for the second group 128 of connections, and in particular as the second connecting element 129. The control device 180 is configured to communicate with a portable additional device to be connected to the connection arrangement 120 using an EtherCAT protocol via the EtherCAT interface 129. In advantageous variants thereof, the EtherCAT interface is further configured to supply the portable additional device with electrical energy via Power over Ethernet.

[0067] In some variants, the portable main unit 100 has an interface for a protocol according to IEC 1588 with a timer and / or with a fail-safe communication protocol, wherein the control device 180 is configured to serve as a clock for synchronization purposes for communication applications with conventional and / or digital sub-stations.

[0068] Variants in which the power amplifier device 102 is configured to generate freely adjustable signal shapes as the power signal or as a test signal advantageously allow a direct current and / or one or more alternating currents or a direct voltage and / or one or more alternating voltages to be superimposed, which in particular allows a measurement sequence to be shortened in time with at least substantially the same accuracy, or allows non-linear effects to be measured—for example, in a "power quality measurement." It is also advantageously possible to adapt the portable main unit for various tests to be performed by specifying or selecting a signal shape suitable for the respective test, thus increasing flexibility compared to solutions with fixed signal shapes—for example, only direct voltage or only alternating voltage with specific amplitudes or frequencies—and / or improving handling.

[0069] In some advantageous variants with storage device 186, the measuring device 160 and the control device 180 are configured to determine measured variables or variables derived therefrom for testing the high-voltage device or the electrical power device based on an electrical-physical model of the high-voltage device / electrical power device, wherein the measured variables or other variables are numerically optimized as parameters of the electrical-physical model. In this case, multiple runs of such a test or results from multiple different tests relating to the high-voltage device / electrical power device can be combined, which in particular increases the accuracy of the test / measurement, i.e. in particular of the measured variables or other variables determined in this way.Alternatively or additionally, the measured variables or other variables can also be determined using a conventional approach, in which in particular the values ​​to be determined are determined from recorded measured values ​​without numerical optimization, in particular directly, for example, by means of a uniquely solvable formula.

[0070] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the housing 140 of the main unit 100 further includes a module slot 144 for receiving and connecting an expansion module. The portable main unit 100 is configured to supply power to an expansion module received in the module slot 144 and to control it by means of the control device 180.

[0071] Fig. 2 also shows a high-current module for testing the electrical energy device 34 with a test current, wherein the portable main device 100 has this high-current module 400 as the expansion module and a housing 440 of the high-current module 400 is configured for the module slot 144 and, in some variants, is shaped for a positive fit with the module slot 144. In alternative variants, the portable main device 100 can also have other expansion modules or no expansion module or additional module slots. For supplying electrical energy, the module slot 144 has a plug-in connection element 147, and the expansion module or the high-current module 400 has a corresponding plug-in connection element 447 arranged on the housing 440.For control by the control device, the module location 144 has a further plug connection element 148, and the expansion module 400 has a corresponding further plug connection element 448 arranged on the housing 440. Furthermore, the high-current module 400 has a high-current source 401 within the housing 440 and a first and a second high-current connection 432, 434 arranged on the housing 440. The high-current module 400 can be configured, controlled by the control device 180, to generate a high-current signal for a third test using the high-current source 401 and to provide it as a test signal at the high-current connections 432, 434.

[0072] In some variants, the portable main unit 100 further comprises a user interface 188, which is arranged on the housing 140 and which is configured to capture inputs from a user, based on which inputs cause the control device 180 to perform a test of the high-voltage device or the electrical energy device 34, and to output one or more measured variables measured by performing the test to the user. A sequence of tests can also be performed, wherein the measured variables as well as other parameters, properties, or functions of the high-voltage device or the electrical energy device are advantageously determined in a model-based manner, i.e., in particular, using an electrical-physical model into which captured measured values ​​from multiple tests are incorporated.

[0073] The control device 180 is configured to control the power amplifier device 102 and, for additional tests, any portable auxiliary devices or expansion modules in such a way that they generate a suitable test signal or power signal. Furthermore, the control device 180 is configured to measure one or more corresponding measured variables using the measuring device 160 and any auxiliary devices or expansion modules, and to store the measured variables using the memory device 186.

[0074] Fig. 3 schematically shows a hybrid cable 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention for connecting a portable main device to a portable additional device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the hybrid cable 20 has at least one line 22 for transmitting a power signal and at least one line 28 for data communication and / or for transmitting a security signal. Furthermore, the hybrid cable 20 has a first electrical connecting element 23 arranged at one end 24 for the portable main unit for detachable connection to a first electrical connecting element - such as the connecting element 123 of Fig. 2 - a connection arrangement of the portable main device. Furthermore, the hybrid cable has a first electrical connection element 21 arranged at another end 26 for the portable additional device for detachable connection to a first electrical connection element of a connection arrangement - such as the connection arrangement 220 or 320 of Fig. 1 - of the portable additional device.

[0076] In some variants, the hybrid cable 20 has at least one grounding line. In some variants, the first electrical connecting elements 21, 23 are configured to detachably electrically connect the grounding line to corresponding terminals of the connection arrangement of the portable main device and the connection arrangement of the portable additional device. In alternative variants, the hybrid cable 20 has a further electrical connecting element for the grounding line at end 24 and / or end 26, respectively.

[0077] As shown, the hybrid cable 20 also has a second electrical connector 29 arranged at the end 24 for the portable main unit for connection to a second electrical connector of the connection arrangement of the portable main unit - such as the electrical connector 129 of Fig. 2 -. Furthermore, the hybrid cable 20 has a second electrical connecting element 27 arranged at the end 26 for the portable additional device for connection to a second electrical connecting element of the connection arrangement of the portable additional device. The second connecting elements 24, 27 are configured to connect the lines 28 for data communication or safety signal transmission at the end 24 for the portable main device to corresponding connections - for example, the second group 128 of connections from Fig. 1 - the connection arrangement of the portable main unit and at the end 26 for the portable additional unit with corresponding connections - such as the connections 228 or 328 from Fig. 1 - to be detachably electrically connected to the connection arrangement of the portable additional device.

[0078] In some variants, the electrical connecting elements 21, 23, 27, 29 are each designed as a plug. Alternatively, particularly to increase safety, the first electrical connecting element 21 can also be designed as a socket at the end 26, so that it has no exposed contacts and thus protects any power signal present from contact. The second electrical connecting element 27 can also be designed as a socket at the end 26, so that, in combination with an electrical connecting element 21 designed as a socket, several such hybrid cables can be connected to one another to obtain a longer hybrid cable.

[0079] In alternative variants, the hybrid cable can have only the respective first electrical connecting element at each end 24, 26, wherein these are configured to detachably connect the lines 28 for data communication and / or safety signal transmission at end 24 to corresponding connections of the connection arrangement of the portable main device and to detachably electrically connect them at end 26 for the portable additional device to corresponding connections of the connection arrangement of the portable additional device. In this variant, the hybrid cable can then have a hybrid plug for both the portable main device at end 24 and the portable additional device at end 26, in which the functions of the connecting elements 23 and 29 or 21 and 27 are integrated, i.e. all lines and connections are then formed in the one cable 20 and at both ends 24, 26 in just one plug or connecting element.

[0080] The hybrid cable 20 has a cable sheath 25 which, at least in a central section of the hybrid cable, encloses all of the lines 22, 28 and, in an end section at the end 24, encloses the lines 22 and the lines 28 individually, and, correspondingly, in an end section at the end 26, encloses the lines 22 on the one hand and the lines 28 on the other hand.

Claims

1. A test system (10) for testing an electric device (30, 34), comprising: a portable main device (100) with a first housing (140) and a first mechanical connection assembly (145) disposed on the first housing and a first electric connection assembly (120, 121) disposed on the first housing, and a portable additional device (200, 300), separate from the portable main device (100), with a second housing (240, 340) and a second mechanical connection assembly (245) disposed on the second housing and a second electric connection assembly (220, 320) disposed on the second housing, wherein the portable main device (100) can be mechanically connected to the portable additional device (200, 300) in a releasable manner by coupling the first mechanical connection assembly (145) to the second mechanical connection assembly (245) to form a structural unit, and wherein the portable main device (100) can be electrically connected to the portable additional device (200, 300) via the first electric connection assembly (120, 121) and the second electric connection assembly (220, 320), characterized in that the portable main device (100) has a power-amplifying device (102) for generating a power signal (22) which is to be transmitted to the portable additional device (200, 300) via the first electric connection assembly (120, 121) and the second electric connection assembly (220, 320), that the portable additional device (200, 300) has a test signal apparatus (302) for generating a test signal, which is to be output to the electric device (30, 34), on the basis of the power signal (22) of the portable main device (100), and that the portable main device (100) has a measuring device (160) for measuring a measurement variable of the electric device (30, 34) as a test response to the test signal of the portable additional device (200, 300).

2. The test system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the portable main device (100) and the portable additional device (200, 300) can be connected in a releasable manner at contact surfaces (141, 243) of the portable main device (100) and of the portable additional device (200, 300) to form the structural unit, wherein dimensions of the contact surface (141) of the portable main device (100) substantially correspond to dimensions of the contact surface (243) of the portable additional device (200, 300).

3. The test system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first mechanical connection assembly (145) and the second mechanical connection assembly (245) are formed such that the portable main device (100) can be connected to the portable additional device (200, 300) in a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner to form the structural unit.

4. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing (140) of the portable main device (100) and the second housing (240, 340) of the portable additional device (200, 300) have substantially the same dimensions.

5. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable additional device (200, 300) has a transformer (302) as the test signal apparatus and is arranged such that the portable additional device (300) converts the power signal of the portable main device (100) into the test signal by means of the transformer (302) such that the power signal and the test signal are electrically isolated and the test signal has a voltage of at least 1KV.

6. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable additional device (200, 300) is formed such that the portable additional device (200, 300) records the test response to the test signal and transmits it to the measuring device (160) of the portable main device (100).

7. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable main device (100) is formed such that the portable main device (100) records the test response to the test signal of the portable additional device and forwards it to the measuring device (160) of the portable main device (100).

8. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable main device (100) has a controlling device (180) for controlling the power-amplifying device (102) and the measuring device (160).

9. The test system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the controlling device (180) is formed such that, via an electric connection between the first electric connection assembly (120, 121) and the second electric connection assembly (220, 320), it controls the test signal apparatus (302) of the portable additional device (200, 300) to generate the test signal to be output to the electric device (30, 34).

10. The test system (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the controlling device (180) is formed such that, via an electric connection between the first electric connection assembly (120, 121) and the second electric connection assembly (220, 320), it controls the testing of the electric device (30, 40) through the test signal of the portable additional device (200, 300).

11. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hybrid cable (20), which is arranged to electrically connect the portable main device (100) to the portable additional device (200; 300) via the first electric connection assembly (120) and the second electric connection assembly (220, 320) and formed to simultaneously transmit both the power signal (22) and a data signal (28).

12. The test system (10) according to claim 11, wherein the hybrid cable (20) is additionally formed to simultaneously transmit a safety signal.

13. The test system (10) according to claim 12, wherein the hybrid cable (20) comprises: an electric connecting element (23) disposed at one end (24) for the portable main device (100) for releasable connection to the first electric connection assembly (120) of the portable main device (100), an electric connecting element (21) arranged at a different end (26) for the portable additional device (200, 300) for releasable connection to the second electric connection assembly (220, 320) of the portable additional device (200, 300), at least one wire (22) for transmitting the power signal between the portable main device (100) and the portable additional device (200, 300); at least one wire (28) for data communication between the portable main device (100) and the portable additional device (200, 300); and at least one wire for transmitting the safety signal between the portable main device (100) and the portable additional device (200, 300)14. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable main device (100) has an energy supply device (170) and is formed to supply energy to the portable additional device (200, 300) by means of the energy supply device (170).

15. The test system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the portable main device (100) and the portable additional device (200, 300) are formed as an independent measuring device.