Electrical distribution system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical distribution system comprising a connection input (12) coupled to an input electrical line (15), an electrical distribution line (18), a controlled circuit breaker (2) having an input terminal (21) coupled to the connection input (12) and an output terminal (22) coupled to the electrical distribution line (18), controlled breaker devices (3 to 10) coupled to the electrical distribution line (18), electrical distribution feeds (40) intended to supply power to electrical circuits, and an electronic control unit (11) configured to control the opening and the closure of the breaker devices, the system comprising a controlled switch (50) comprising two thyristors (52, 53) connected back to back, the switch (50) being coupled to the input terminal (21) and output terminal (22) of the circuit breaker, and the electronic control unit is configured to control the opening and the closure of the switch (50) and of the circuit breaker.

Description

[0001] "Electrical distribution system and method"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to electrical distribution, and more particularly to low voltage electrical distribution.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Currently, low-voltage electrical distribution panels are used to manage and distribute electricity, for example in a home. Low voltage refers to a voltage below 1000 V in alternating current. These panels allow the electrical network to be electrically connected to equipment using electrical circuits. These panels are complex because they generally include various protective devices, such as circuit breakers, differentials, and contactors with various breaking capacities. Generally, these devices operate autonomously, but can be controlled manually.

[0006] For example, international application WO2014047733 discloses systems for detecting short-circuit current faults in power transmission and distribution networks using multiple inverter-based power generation facilities. These systems use inverters, which complicates the management of power distribution.

[0007] We can also cite French patent application FR2819951, which discloses an electrical distribution system comprising a controlled cut-off device and four feeders. The device includes control means for controlling the cut-off device. In addition, the device includes current sensors and control means for controlling the opening of the feeders. However, in the event of a short circuit on a feeder, the cut-off device opens and all feeders are no longer supplied with power. The system therefore does not allow the faulty feeder to be isolated in such a way as to maintain a power supply to the other feeders that are not faulty.

[0008] One aim is to overcome these drawbacks, and more particularly to provide simple means to limit power losses to electrical equipment in the event of an electrical fault.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] To achieve this objective, an electrical distribution system is provided, comprising a connection input intended to be coupled to an incoming electrical line, an electrical distribution line, a controlled circuit breaker having an input terminal coupled to the connection input and an output terminal coupled to the electrical distribution line, controlled disconnecting devices coupled to the electrical distribution line, electrical distribution feeders intended to supply electrical circuits, each feeder being coupled to a disconnecting device, and an electronic control unit configured to control the opening and closing of the disconnecting devices.

[0011] The system comprises a controlled switch comprising two thyristors mounted in a head-to-tail manner, the switch being coupled to the input and output terminals of the circuit breaker, and in that the electronic control unit is further configured to control the opening and closing of the switch and the circuit breaker.

[0012] This provides a simple and suitable electrical distribution system to maintain the power supply to circuits that are not faulty, particularly in the event of a short circuit on a single outlet.

[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of electrical distribution, comprising coupling a connection input of an electrical distribution system, as defined above, to an incoming electrical line, coupling the electrical distribution feeders of the system to electrical circuits, and closing the circuit breaker and the disconnecting devices of the system to energize the electrical circuits.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of embodiments and implementations thereof, illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1, schematically illustrates one embodiment of an electrical distribution system; and Figure 2, schematically illustrates another embodiment of an electrical distribution system.

[0016] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments and implementations of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0018] - According to one example, the system comprises devices for measuring the currents flowing in the cut-off devices coupled to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being configured to control the opening of a cut-off device when the current flowing in the cut-off device is greater than or equal to a first fault current threshold and less than or equal to a second fault current threshold, the second threshold being strictly greater than the first threshold.

[0019] - According to one example, the electronic control unit is configured to control the opening of a cut-off device when the current flowing in the cut-off device is less than or equal to a cut-off current threshold.

[0020] - According to one example, the electronic control unit is configured to control the opening of the switch when the current flowing in the switch is less than or equal to an opening current threshold.

[0021] - According to one example, the electronic control unit is configured to control the opening of the circuit breaker, when a current flowing in a breaking device is strictly greater than the second fault current threshold, to control the opening of the breaking device, to control the closing of the switch after the opening of the breaking device, and to control the closing of the circuit breaker after the opening of the breaking device. Thus, thanks to such a sequence, the breaking device can be opened without having to wait for the fault current to pass through zero. According to another advantage, the switch is closed before closing the circuit breaker in order to be able to re-energize as quickly as possible the electrical circuits that are not faulty. Indeed, the closing of the controlled circuit breaker requires a resetting time before its closing which may be longer than the closing time of the switch.For example, the circuit breaker reset time can be at least one second.

[0022] - According to one example, the electronic control unit is configured to control the opening of the switch after the closing of the circuit breaker.

[0023] - According to one example, a first current of a first phase is intended to flow at the connection input, the system comprising a device for detecting a leakage current configured to measure a difference between the first current and a second current intended to supply the electrical circuits and having a second phase distinct from that of the first current, the electronic control unit being configured to, when a current difference is greater than or equal to a leakage current threshold, command the opening, successively, of each cut-off device so as to determine the faulty cut-off device generating the current difference.- According to one example, the method comprises measurements of the currents flowing in the cut-off devices, and an opening of a cut-off device when a current flowing in the cut-off device is greater than or equal to a first fault current threshold and less than or equal to a second fault current threshold.

[0024] - According to one example, the opening of a cut-off device is carried out when the current flowing in the cut-off device is less than or equal to a cut-off current threshold.

[0025] - According to one example, the switch is opened when the current flowing in the switch is less than or equal to an opening current threshold.

[0026] - According to one example, the method comprises opening the circuit breaker, when a current flowing in a cut-off device is strictly greater than the second fault current threshold, then opening the cut-off device, then closing the switch, then closing the circuit breaker.

[0027] - According to one example, the method comprises opening the switch after closing the circuit breaker.

[0028] - According to one example, a current of a first phase flows at the connection input, and the method comprises a measurement of a difference between the first current and a second current supplying the electrical circuits and having a phase distinct from that of the first current, and comprising, when a current difference is greater than or equal to a leakage current threshold, a successive opening of each cut-off device so as to determine the faulty cut-off device generating the current difference.

[0029] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the expression "A coupled to B" or "A electrically coupled to B" is synonymous with "A is in electrical connection with B" and does not necessarily mean that there is no member between A and B. Thus these expressions are understood to mean an electrical connection between two elements, this connection being able or not to be direct, this means that it is possible that between a first device A and a second device B which are electrically connected, a current flows in A, in B, and on the path connecting A to B, this path being able or not to include other electrical equipment.

[0030] Conversely, in the context of the present invention, the term "electrically directly connected" means a direct electrical connection between two elements. This means that between a first device A and a second device B which are electrically directly connected no other equipment is present, other than one or more electrical connections.

[0031] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term "electrically placed" or "electrically located" means positioning a device on a line in which a current flows.

[0032] In Figure 1, an electrical distribution system 1 is shown, comprising a controlled circuit breaker 2, controlled cut-off devices 3 to 10 and an electronic control unit 11. In addition, the system 1 comprises first, second and third connection inputs 12 to 14 intended to be coupled respectively to three incoming electrical lines 15 to 17. In general, the system 1 is adapted to distribute a single-phase alternating current, that is to say that the system 1 is configured to be electrically coupled to two supply lines 15, 16, and a line, called earth or ground 17. A first supply line 15 corresponds to the first line 15, called phase, the second supply line 16 corresponds to the second line 16, called neutral.Thus, there is a phase and voltage difference between the two supply lines 15, 16, in particular a voltage of approximately 230 V, and a voltage of approximately 0 V in the third line 17.

[0033] The system further comprises first, second and third electrical distribution lines 18 to 20 electrically coupled to the respective connection inputs 12 to 14. The circuit breaker 2 comprises an input terminal 21 coupled to the first connection input 12 and an output terminal 22 coupled to the first electrical distribution line 18. The circuit breaker 2 is configured to allow the flow of the electrical current, flowing in the first line 15, and to protect the downstream equipment against damage caused by excessive current, i.e. an overcurrent. Downstream equipment is understood to mean equipment electrically coupled to the output terminal 22 of the circuit breaker 2, for example the cut-off devices 3 to 10. In particular, the circuit breaker 2 comprises a cut-off member 23 capable of opening to interrupt the current and protect the downstream equipment, and of closing to allow the flow of the current and supply the downstream equipment.Circuit breaker 2 has an overcurrent breaking capacity, meaning it is configured to open in the event of an overcurrent without deteriorating. The breaking capacity is characterized by the maximum current intensity that would flow if no circuit breaker interrupted it. The breaking capacity of circuit breaker 2 can be greater than or equal to 3 kA, for example greater than or equal to 6 kA. Generally speaking, there are two types of overcurrent: low overcurrent, for example an overload, and high overcurrent, for example a short circuit. An overload can be due to an overabundance of electrical equipment. A short circuit can correspond to an increase in current beyond a tripping current defined by a circuit breaker tripping curve.

[0034] Generally speaking, a circuit breaker trips, i.e. opens the circuit, according to its characteristics according to a curve representing the tripping of the circuit breaker as a function of the current flowing through it and the time, called the tripping curve. In other words, the tripping curve refers to the graphical representation of the behavior of the circuit breaker. The nominal current In, noted as nominal intensity, corresponds to the normal intensity that the circuit breaker can withstand permanently at room temperature. Beyond the nominal current In (with a tolerance corresponding to 1.2*ln), the circuit breaker trips and cuts the current. Furthermore, a circuit breaker can withstand a higher current, i.e. an intensity greater than 1.2*ln, for a duration determined by the curve, in particular a very short duration.A tripping curve also has a limit corresponding to the magnetic tripping intensity (or trip threshold). The magnetic tripping intensity varies according to the circuit breaker curve. Generally, there are three types of curves: B, C and D. Thus, when the overcurrent is lower than the magnetic tripping intensity, we speak of low current and when the overcurrent is greater than or equal to the magnetic tripping intensity, we speak of high overcurrent. That is to say, the low overcurrent is taken into account by the thermal protection of circuit breaker 2, and the high overcurrent is taken into account by the magnetic protection of circuit breaker 2. Thus, in the event of a high overcurrent, tripping must occur between 3*ln and 5*ln for a circuit breaker set to curve B, between 5*ln and 10*ln for a circuit breaker set to curve C, and between 10*ln and 14*ln for a circuit breaker set to curve D.A short circuit may be due to an accidental connection of two different potential points (for example between the phase and the neutral). Preferably, the circuit breaker 2 is magnetic, that is to say it comprises a coil in which the current flows, which creates a magnetic field to move the cut-off member 23 in the event of an overcurrent. More particularly, the circuit breaker 2 is controlled, that is to say it comprises a control unit 24 configured to open and close the cut-off member 24 when it receives a command. The control unit 24 is electrically coupled, preferably directly, by a connection not shown for the sake of simplification, to the electronic control unit 11 which can transmit an opening and closing command to the control unit 24 of the circuit breaker 2.

[0035] The cut-off devices 3 to 10 are electrically coupled to the supply lines 15, 16. In Figure 1, by way of example, eight cut-off devices 3 to 10 are shown. A cut-off device 3 to 10 is for example a switch comprising a movable element 25, 26 for opening and closing a circuit. A cut-off device 3 to 10 may be an electromechanical relay, that is to say an electrical equipment comprising a control part 27 for issuing a closing or opening order to one or two movable elements 25, 26 of the cut-off device 3 to 10. A cut-off device 3 to 10 may be a bipolar contactor, preferably bistable.Furthermore, each cut-off device 3 to 10 is controlled, i.e. each control part 27 is electrically coupled, preferably directly, by a connection not shown for the sake of simplification, to the electronic control unit 11 which can transmit an opening and closing command to the control part 27 of the cut-off device 3 to 10.

[0036] The particularity of a breaking device 3 to 10 is that it has a low breaking capacity strictly lower than that of the circuit breaker 2. For example, a breaking device has a breaking capacity less than or equal to 50 A. That is to say that it is not possible to command the opening to the moving element 25, 26 when a current greater than or equal to a breaking current threshold flows through the moving element 25, 26 in the closed position. Preferably, the breaking current threshold is close to 0 A. In other words, to open a breaking device 3 to 10, the current flowing through the device must be less than or equal to the breaking current threshold. Such breaking devices are simpler than circuit breakers, which simplifies the system 1.Generally, each cut-off device 2 comprises at least one movable element 25, 26, at least one input terminal 28, 29 electrically coupled to at least one distribution line among the first and second distribution lines 18, 19, and at least one output terminal 30, 31, electrically coupled to at least one movable element 25, 26. Thus, a cut-off device 3 to 10 may comprise a single movable element 25 electrically coupled to a first input terminal 28 and to a first output terminal 30 for opening or closing the first distribution line 18. Advantageously, a cut-off device 2 comprises two movable elements 25, 26 coupled respectively to the input terminals 28, 29 and to the output terminals 30, 31 of the cut-off device 3 to 10. In this case, a first movable element 25 can open and close the first distribution line 18 and a second element mobile 26 can open and close the second distribution line 19.In particular, the cut-off devices are controlled.

[0037] Furthermore, the system 1 comprises electrical distribution outlets 40, 41. Each outlet 40, 41 is intended to supply an electrical circuit 100 to 103 comprising one or more electrical equipment 200 to 203, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each outlet 40, 41 is further electrically coupled, preferably directly, to an output terminal 30, 31 of a cut-off device 3 to 10. In FIG. 2, an electrical distribution system 1 is shown which is particularly suitable for a domestic network, i.e. a network supplied by a single-phase alternating current. By way of example, a first circuit 100 is shown comprising a washing machine 200, a second circuit 101 comprising an air conditioner 201, a third circuit 102 comprising a water heater 202 and a fourth circuit 103 comprising an electrical outlet 203, for example intended to be coupled to a lamp.Each electrical circuit 100 to 103 comprises at least two conductors 300, 301 intended to be electrically coupled, preferably directly, respectively to two outlets 40, 41 of the system 1. In other words, each electrical circuit 100 to 103 comprises two conductors 300, 301 electrically coupled to the output terminals 30, 31 of a cut-off device 3 to 10. According to another example, an electrical circuit 102 may comprise a third conductor 302, called earth, coupled to the third distribution line 20.

[0038] The electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening and closing of the cut-off devices 3 to 10. The electronic control unit 11 may comprise a microprocessor. Preferably, the electronic control unit 11 comprises a microcontroller capable of performing calculations quickly to control the cut-off devices 3 to 10 as quickly as possible.

[0039] More particularly, the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening and closing of the circuit breaker 2. Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a controlled switch 50 coupled to the input 21 and output 22 terminals of the circuit breaker 2. In other words, the switch 50 is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker 2, i.e., it is connected on a parallel line 51 to the circuit breaker 2. The switch 50 is further configured to open or close the parallel line 51 to respectively prevent and allow current flow in the parallel line 51 between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 of the circuit breaker 2. The switch 50 is also electrically coupled, preferably directly, by a connection not shown for the sake of simplification, to the electronic control unit 11 which can transmit an opening and closing command to the switch 50.More particularly, the switch 50 comprises two thyristors 52, 53 mounted head-to-tail, or antiparallel, such a switch is also called a triac (or Triode for alternating current in English, i.e. triode for alternating current). A thyristor is a three-terminal semiconductor electronic switch, i.e. comprising four layers of silicon doped alternately by acceptors (P) and donors (N). A thyristor has two main terminals, denoted anode and cathode, located on either side of the four PNPN layers. The third terminal, called the trigger, is used to control the thyristor. The third terminal is electrically coupled to the P layer located on the cathode side. The thyristors 52, 53 of a triac are connected head-to-tail, i.e. antiparallel, i.e. the anode of one thyristor 52, 53 is coupled directly to the cathode of the other thyristor 53, 52.More precisely, the anode of a first thyristor 52 is directly coupled to the cathode of a second thyristor 53 and the anode of the second thyristor 53 is directly coupled to the cathode of the first thyristor 52. Furthermore, their respective gates are controlled simultaneously. The triac is closed by a closing command applied to the gates of the two thyristors 52, 53 and allows the current to pass as long as the current is greater than or equal to a threshold called the holding current (generally, the holding current is equal to 0.65 A). The closing command can be pulsed because the current flowing through the triac no longer depends on the command applied to the gates. In other words, the triac remains conducting until the current flowing between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 falls below the holding current value.Preferably, and in order to guarantee the closed state of the triac, the closing command is applied continuously to the triggers when the triac is desired to be closed. An opening command applied to the triggers opens the triac, which is no longer conducting. Advantageously, the parallel line 51 may include a resistor 54 located between the input terminal 21 and the switch 50. The resistor 54 is also called a current-limiting resistor. A triac offers the advantage of having a small volume, less than or equal to 1 cm3, which allows for a more compact system 1. According to another advantage, a triac has a faster closing speed than an electromechanical relay. For example, a triac may have a closing speed less than or equal to 1 ms. Thus, the electrical circuits can be re-energized as quickly as possible after the circuit breaker 2 has opened.

[0040] Generally speaking, system 1 is suitable for managing the power supply of several electrical circuits, using at least one circuit breaker 2 and one switch 50, particularly in the event of overcurrent, which makes the system simple and efficient.

[0041] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises measuring devices 60 to 67 for measuring the currents flowing in the cut-off devices 3 to 10. For example, a measuring device 60 to 67 may comprise a resistor electrically coupled between an input terminal 28, 29 of a cut-off device 3 to 10 and a connection input 12 to 14, depending on the current that is to be measured. Preferably, a measuring device 60 to 67 comprises a resistor electrically coupled between the first input terminal 28 of a cut-off device 3 to 10 and the output terminal 22 of the circuit breaker 2, in order to measure the current flowing in the first distribution line. Alternatively, a measuring device 60 to 67 may comprise a Hall effect sensor electrically coupled between an input terminal 28, 29 of a cut-off device 3 to 10 and a connection input 12 to 14.Furthermore, the measuring devices 60 to 67 are electrically coupled, preferably directly, by connections not shown for the sake of simplification, to the electronic control unit 11. Thus, the electronic control unit 11 can control the circuit breaker 2, the cut-off devices 3 to 10 and the switch 50, depending on the values ​​of the currents flowing in the cut-off devices 3 to 10, i.e. in the electrical circuits coupled to the cut-off devices 3 to 10.

[0042] For example, in the event of an overcurrent due to an overload in a cut-off device 3 to 10, it is also said that the cut-off device 3 to 10 is faulty, and the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening of the faulty cut-off device. In particular, the electronic control unit 11 receives the measurement of an overload current transmitted by the measuring apparatus 60 to 67 which is coupled to the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10. When the current flowing in the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10 is greater than or equal to a first fault current threshold and less than or equal to a second fault current threshold, the electronic control unit 11 controls the opening of the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10. The second threshold is strictly greater than the first threshold. For example, the first fault current threshold may be equal to 10*ln and the second fault current threshold may be equal to 1000*ln.For example, the nominal current In can be equal to 32 A.

[0043] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening of a cut-off device 3 to 10 when the current flowing in the cut-off device 3 to 10 is less than or equal to a cut-off current threshold. The cut-off current threshold may be equal to the cut-off capacity of the cut-off device 3 to 10. For example, the cut-off current threshold may be less than or equal to 50 A, for example between 0.1 and 0.5 A.

[0044] For example, in the event of a high overcurrent, for example a short circuit, in a cut-off device 3 to 10, it is also said that the cut-off device 3 to 10 is faulty, and the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening of the circuit breaker 2. In particular, the electronic control unit 11 receives the measurement of a high intensity current transmitted by the measuring device 60 to 67 which is coupled to the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10. When the current flowing in the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10 is strictly greater than the second fault current threshold, the electronic control unit 11 controls the opening of the circuit breaker 2. Then, the electronic control unit 11 controls the opening of the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10, in order to electrically isolate the electrical circuit coupled to the faulty cut-off device.It will be noted that since the circuit breaker 2 is open, there is no current flowing in the cut-off devices, in particular on the distribution line electrically coupling the output terminal of the circuit breaker 2 and the movable element 25, and it is therefore possible to control the opening of the movable element 25 without waiting for the current to cross to zero. The current crossing to zero corresponds to the fact that the current flowing in one of the first and second distribution lines 18, 19 is less than or equal to the cut-off current threshold. Preferably, when a cut-off device 3 to 10 comprises two movable elements 25, 26, the current flowing in the second distribution line 19 is waited for to cross to zero to control the opening of the second movable element 26.Preferably, when a cut-off device 3 to 10 comprises two movable elements 25, 26, the term "controlling the opening and closing of the cut-off device 3 to 10" means the opening and closing of the two movable elements 25, 26 of the cut-off device 3 to 110. Then, the electronic control unit 11 controls the closing of the switch 50, in order to supply the electrical circuits which are not faulty. In particular, the electronic control unit 11 is electrically coupled upstream of the circuit breaker 2 in order to be able to control the switch 50, in particular its closing, after opening of the circuit breaker 2. In other words, the electronic control unit 11 is electrically coupled to the connection inputs 12 to 14 and to the supply lines 15 to 17 for its electrical supply.Advantageously, the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control the opening of the switch 50 when the current flowing in the switch 50 is less than or equal to an opening current threshold. The opening current threshold may be greater than or equal to the breaking current threshold of the breaking devices 3 to 10. For example, the opening current threshold is less than or equal to 50 A, preferably between 0.1 A and 0.5 A. Then, the electronic control unit 11 controls the closing of the circuit breaker 2, in order to put the protection, in particular the protection against high overcurrents, into operation again. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 11 is configured to control, after the closing of the circuit breaker 2, the opening of the switch 50, in particular to avoid allowing a supply current to flow in the switch 50 and thus limit the wear of the switch 50.

[0045] According to another advantage, the system 1 may comprise a device 70 for detecting a leakage current configured to measure a difference between a first current flowing in the first supply line 15 and a second current flowing in the second supply line 16. A leakage current corresponds to a current difference (in amperes) between the two supply lines 15, 16. The detection device 70 is electrically coupled, preferably directly, by a connection not shown for the sake of simplification, to the electronic control unit 11. The electronic control unit 11 is configured to receive the value of the leakage current detected by the detection device 70.Furthermore, when the electronic control unit 11 receives, from the detection device 70, a leakage current greater than or equal to a leakage current threshold, the electronic control unit is configured to determine the faulty cut-off device corresponding to the cut-off device 3 to 10 which is coupled to the electrical circuit which generates the leakage current. When the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10 is determined, the electronic control unit 11 commands the opening of the faulty cut-off device. For example, to determine the faulty cut-off device 3 to 10, the electronic control unit 11 is configured to command the opening, successively, of each cut-off device 3 to 10. Thus, it is possible to determine the faulty cut-off device generating the current difference.More particularly, the electronic control unit 11 controls the opening of a first cut-off device 3 to 10, and if the leakage current disappears, that is to say if the current detected by the detection device 70 is strictly lower than the leakage current threshold, the cut-off device 3 to 10 which is open corresponds to the faulty cut-off device. Otherwise, the electronic control unit 11 controls the closing of the cut-off device 3 to 10 which is open and controls the opening of a second cut-off device 3 to 10 and again compares the current detected by the detection device 70 with the leakage current threshold.The electronic control unit 11 performs the preceding operations, namely opening a cut-off device, comparing the detected leakage current with the leakage current threshold, until the determination of the faulty cut-off device for which the detected leakage current is strictly lower than the leakage current threshold. An electrical distribution method can be implemented by the system 1 as defined above.

[0046] The system just described advantageously allows for the management of overcurrent, overload, short-circuit and leakage current faults using a suitable electronic control unit. With such an electronic control unit, simple protective devices can be used to provide a low-complexity electrical distribution system while ensuring effective protection for electrical circuits and people.

Claims

Claims Electrical distribution system, comprising a connection input (12) intended to be coupled to an incoming power line (15), a power distribution line (18), a controlled circuit breaker (2) having an input terminal (21) coupled to the connection input (12) and an output terminal (22) coupled to the power distribution line (18), controlled switching devices (3 to 10) coupled to the power distribution line (18), power distribution feeders (40) intended to supply electrical circuits, each feeder (40) being coupled to a switching device (3 to 10), and an electronic control unit (11) configured to control the opening and closing of the switching devices (3 to 10), characterized in that the system comprises a controlled switch (50) comprising two thyristors (52, 53) mounted in a back-to-back configuration,the switch (50) being coupled to the input (21) and output (22) terminals of the circuit breaker (2), and in that the electronic control unit (11) is further configured to control the opening and closing of the switch (50) and the circuit breaker (2). System according to claim 1, comprising current-measuring devices (60 to 67) for the currents flowing in the interrupting devices (3 to 10) coupled to the electronic control unit (11), the electronic control unit (11) being configured to control the opening of an interrupting device (3 to 10) when the current flowing in the interrupting device (3 to 10) is greater than or equal to a first fault current threshold and less than or equal to a second fault current threshold, the second threshold being strictly greater than the first threshold. System according to claim 2,wherein the electronic control unit (11) is configured to control the opening of a switching device (3 to 10) when the current flowing through the switching device (3 to 10) is less than or equal to a breaking current threshold. A system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electronic control unit (11) is configured to control the opening of the switch (50) when the current flowing through the switch (50) is less than or equal to an opening current threshold. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electronic control unit (11) is configured to control the opening of the circuit breaker (2) when a current flowing through a switching device (3 to 10) is strictly greater than the second fault current threshold, to control the opening of the switching device (3 to 10), and to control the closing of the switch (50) after the opening of the switching device (3 to 10).and to control the closing of the circuit breaker (2) after the opening of the switching device (3 to 10). A system according to claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit (11) is configured to control the opening of the switch (50) after the closing of the circuit breaker (2). A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first current of a first phase is intended to flow at the connection input (12), the system comprising a leakage current detection device (70) configured to measure a difference between the first current and a second current intended to supply the electrical circuits and having a second phase distinct from that of the first current, the electronic control unit (11) being configured to, when a current difference is greater than or equal to a leakage current threshold, control the opening, successively, of each switching device (3 to 10) so as to determine the faulty switching device (3 to 10) generating the current difference.A method for electrical distribution, comprising coupling a connection inlet (12) of an electrical distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to an incoming power line (15), coupling the electrical distribution feeders (40) of the system to electrical circuits, and closing the circuit breaker (2) and the switching devices (3 to 10) of the system to supply the electrical circuits. A method according to claim 8, comprising measuring the currents flowing through the switching devices (3 to 10), and opening a switching device (3 to 10) when a current flowing through the switching device is greater than or equal to a first fault current threshold and less than or equal to a second fault current threshold.A method according to claim 9, wherein the opening of a switching device (3 to 10) is performed when the current flowing through the switching device (3 to 10) is less than or equal to a breaking current threshold. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening of the switch (50) is performed when the current flowing through the switch (50) is less than or equal to an opening current threshold. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising opening the circuit breaker (2) when a current flowing through a switching device (3 to 10) is strictly greater than the second fault current threshold, then opening the switching device (3 to 10), then closing the switch (50), and then closing the circuit breaker (2). A method according to claim 12, comprising opening the switch (50) after closing the circuit breaker (2).A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein a current of a first phase flows at the connection input (12), the method comprising a measurement of a difference between the first current and a second current supplying the electrical circuits and having a phase distinct from that of the first current, and. including, when a current difference is greater than or equal to a leakage current threshold, a successive opening of each switching device (3 to 10) so as to determine the switching device (3 to 10) in fault generating the current difference.

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