Electric module that is accessible from one side, and cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric module (100) with a first side (102) and a second side (104) opposite to the first side (102). The electric module (100) can be installed in a cabinet (200). The first side (102) of the electric module (100) comprises at least two electrical power interfaces (108) for input and output of a power converter, and the second side (104) of the electric module (100) is connection-free. The invention also relates to an electric cabinet (200) which can accommodate one or more electric modules (100) only from one side.

Description

[0001] One-sided accessible electrical module and cabinet

[0002] The invention relates to an electrical device, for example an electrical module, and a cabinet for accommodating one or more such electrical modules.

[0003] Currently, an electrical cabinet (e.g., a control cabinet) is usually equipped with electrical modules from one side. The modules are then wired to each other—and externally if necessary—from the opposite side. For this to happen, the cabinet must either be centrally positioned within a sufficiently large space, or the equipped cabinet must be moved several times. The latter is not possible for shock-sensitive or heavy modules. The former is particularly impossible for operation in containers, such as those used to feed photovoltaic systems into the power grid and to connect battery storage systems. In these and other cases, the cabinet is only accessible from one side, making wiring from the rear impossible. There are, however, "backplane" solutions (i.e., rear panel solutions) with connector halves in the rear panel of the cabinet.However, these are very complex and expensive to implement and severely limit the flexibility in equipping the cabinet and wiring the modules. Furthermore, backplanes and their connectors are exposed to mechanical forces when inserting massive modules, which can destroy the connectors or negatively impact the contact if the backplane is incorrectly aligned.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a technology that enables switch cabinets to be accessible from one side.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below, partially with reference to the figures.

[0006] A first aspect relates to an electrical module. The electrical module has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The electrical module can be installed in a cabinet along an installation direction. The installation direction extends (or is directed) from the first side to the second side. The first side of the electrical module comprises at least two electrical power interfaces for the input and output of a power converter. The second side of the electrical module is terminal-free.

[0007] The cabinet-installable module may be slide-into the cabinet. In some embodiments, the installation direction may be a slide-in direction. That is, the cabinet-installable module may be slide-into the cabinet along a slide-in direction.

[0008] Thus, one embodiment of the electrical module can have all features requiring access (e.g., all interfaces of the module) on the first side. The same or further embodiments of the electrical module can be used to equip a cabinet whose equipment and wiring are located on the same side.

[0009] The term "electrical" can be interpreted synonymously with "electrotechnical." Here, the term "electrical" includes, for example, "electronic" or "electromechanical." This means that the electrical modules can comprise electronic or electromechanical components. Examples of electronic components are semiconductors, in particular diodes, transistors (e.g., insulated-gate bipolar transistors, or IGBTs for short), and microprocessors. Examples of electromechanical components are contactors or mechanical relays. The electrical module (also: electrical module) and the electrical cabinet (also: electrical cabinet) are also referred to herein as "module" and "cabinet" respectively. The electrical modules can be designed to transmit, convert, distribute, and / or protect electrical current. Lists of the form "A, B, ... and / or C" disclose each listed feature individually ("A or B or ...")."), each partial combination ("A and B", "A and C", ... ) and the whole ("A and B and C").

[0010] The electrical module may have the basic shape of a cuboid (i.e., a right rectangular prism) or an oblique rectangular prism, for example, except for guide and / or fastening elements. The first side may be referred to as the front side or front wall of the electrical module. Alternatively or additionally, the second side may be referred to as the rear side or rear wall of the electrical module.

[0011] The electrical module can include power electronics (e.g., for the DC industry, voltage converters, AC-DC converters, DC-AC converters, current regulators for electrolysis or other so-called "Power-to-X" applications), battery storage and / or an electrolyzer.

[0012] The power interface (also called a "power interface" in technical terms) can be designed to transmit electrical power. The power interface can comprise at least one alternating current (AC) power interface and / or at least one direct current (DC) power interface.

[0013] The electrical module may further comprise two guide rails extending in the installation direction (e.g., the insertion direction). The guide rails may be configured to support the electrical module in the cabinet horizontally and / or longitudinally movable in the installation direction (e.g., the insertion direction).

[0014] The first side of the electrical module can further comprise at least one data interface (e.g., data connection). The at least one data interface can be connected or connectable to one or more data interfaces of another electrical module in the cabinet. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one data interface can enable external networking of the module outside the cabinet (e.g., a data connection to a higher-level controller) or a data connection to the cabinet itself, for example, to detect an open position (open state) or closed position (closed state) of an access door of the cabinet (which is arranged, for example, on a first side of the cabinet corresponding to the first side of the accommodated module).

[0015] The first side of the electrical module can have at least one data interface, optionally two, or at least two data interfaces. The two or more data interfaces can enable modules to be linked (e.g., according to the series connection principle or a daisy chain) (e.g., within the same cabinet). This minimizes the cabling effort within the cabinet (e.g., compared to a star-shaped cabling topology). Within the module, the two or more data interfaces can be connected in parallel or via a bridge or switch (e.g., at the media access control (MAC) layer).

[0016] In addition, the data interface can be connected to a data interface and / or a user interface outside the control cabinet. This allows the higher-level controller or a user to access the data of one or more modules from outside the cabinet. This means that a user interface is not required for each module inside the cabinet, which means more space for a possible air circulation opening (e.g., ventilation opening or opening for a cooling system) on the first side of the electrical module. The first side of the electrical module can also include two fluid connections for a cooling circuit. A coolant or refrigerant (to transport heat out of the module) can circulate through the fluid connections.

[0017] The module (or its housing) may have a volume. The first and second sides, opposite in the installation direction (e.g., in the insertion direction), may refer to surfaces (namely, a front surface and a rear surface, respectively) as edges of the module's volume. The sides of the first side, opposite in the transverse direction (also called transverse sides), may refer to edges as edges of the module's front surface.

[0018] The first side of the electrical module can further comprise a web projecting laterally from the electrical module in a transverse direction (for example horizontally and / or perpendicular to the installation direction) or at least two webs with openings that are opposite one another in the transverse direction and each project laterally (for example, with the first side in view, left and right) from the electrical module, which web or webs are designed to screw the electrical module to the cabinet. The or each web can comprise a surface with the opening or openings. The surface of the or each web can be perpendicular to the installation direction of the module and / or flush with the first side of the module.

[0019] The installation direction and / or the transverse direction can be horizontal.

[0020] The web with the opening or openings for screwing can also be referred to as a screw opening web. At least one web can be arranged on one or each transverse side (for example, with the first side in view, left and right) of the first side of the electrical module. The webs can be parallel to one another or optionally lie in one plane. The web or each web can be fastened to vertically extending sheets or posts of the cabinet with at least one screw, for example using cage nuts. Longitudinal movement of the electrical module along the installation direction (for example along the insertion direction) is not possible when fastened. For example, longitudinal movement is prevented by the aforementioned screwing.

[0021] The first side of the electrical module may further comprise a signaling interface configured to output an acoustic and / or optical signal. The signaling interface may comprise at least one optical (e.g., visual) indicator and / or an acoustic signal generator.

[0022] The display or signal generator can be collectively referred to as a signaling interface. The acoustic signal generator can be configured to emit an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal generator can be, for example, a loudspeaker with a signal generator, a piezoelectric transducer, or a bell. The display can be a signal lamp for emitting a light signal or a screen.

[0023] The first side of the electrical module can further comprise at least one user interface. The user interface (or a control unit of the module that is signal-connected thereto) can be configured to output a signal, for example, a status of the module or a result of an execution of an instruction by the module, to a user and / or to receive instructions from a user.

[0024] The first side of the electrical module can further comprise at least one handle. The handle can be used for installing (in particular pushing) the electrical module or modules into the cabinet or for deinstalling (in particular pulling) the electrical module out of the cabinet. The electrical module can, for example, have one handle on one side of the first side of the electrical module or two handles on two transversely opposite sides of the first side of the electrical module. This allows the module to be pushed into the cabinet on the first side and pulled out of the cabinet. Gripping surfaces (for example cylindrical gripping surfaces) of the handles can be parallel to one another. The handles (for example the cylindrical gripping surfaces) can extend vertically.This means that only a small edge area or a small part of the front surface (e.g. the surface perpendicular to the installation direction) on the first side is occupied by the handles, leaving sufficient space for ventilation openings, interfaces and / or cabling.

[0025] The first side of the electrical module may include vents. The vents of the first side may be in fluid communication with the second side through the electrical module. For example, the second side of the electrical module may include vents, and the vents of the second side may be in fluid communication with the first side (e.g., the vents of the first side).

[0026] The ventilation openings can be designed as ventilation grilles, for example. Optionally, the ventilation openings on the first side of the electrical module can admit cool air. The ventilation openings on the second side of the electrical module can allow warm air to escape. This flow direction, in conjunction with the front-side cabling (e.g., the arrangement of at least one power interface on the first side), can protect cables (e.g., wiring or lines) from waste heat or actively cool them.

[0027] The airflow (or a gas flow with a different composition than air) within the electrical module can contribute to cooling the electrical module. The air (or gas) can flow within the electrical module from the first side to the second side of the electrical module, or vice versa. For example, if the airflow flows from the first side to the second side, the airflow absorbs the excess heat within the electrical module and, when it reaches the second side of the module, has a higher temperature. In this case, the ventilation opening on the first side of the electrical module allows cool air to flow in, and the ventilation opening on the second side of the electrical module allows warm air to flow out, for example, controlled by a control unit of the electrical module, which keeps the internal temperature of the electrical module below a predetermined threshold.

[0028] The electrical module may further comprise a fan (e.g., a blower) configured to drive the airflow from the first side of the electrical module to the second side of the electrical module (or vice versa). A speed of the fan may be controlled by the control unit of the electrical module.

[0029] The fan can be arranged within a housing of the module. The fan can be arranged adjacent to the second side of the module, or closer to the second side than to the first side of the module.

[0030] For example, the fan of the electrical module can be located within the electrical module near the second side of the electrical module and / or away from the first side of the electrical module. In these cases, the fan is located away from the cabling on the first side of the electrical module. The vibrations (and, for example, noise) caused by the fan are thus removed from the interface or all interfaces of the module, a power supply of the module, and / or a user of the module. For example, this means that

[0031] (e.g. at the power interface) connectors on the first side are not exposed to mechanical stress due to vibrations and / or there is no sliding movement between contact surfaces under current flow.

[0032] The at least one power interface may comprise, be connected to, or connectable to at least one of the following devices: a power supply or electrical power source; an electrical load; a DC connection; a multi-phase AC connection; a panel socket or panel plug; one or more terminals; a battery storage device; and a power interface of another electrical module in the cabinet. The power source may, for example, be one or more solar cells or solar modules and / or a wind turbine. The electrical load may, for example, be an electric vehicle.

[0033] The electrical module may further comprise a control unit. The control unit may comprise, be connected to, or connectable to at least one of the following devices: one or more sensors; a signal interface (for example, for connecting the sensor); the user interface; the at least one power interface; the at least one data interface; and the signaling interface. The control unit may be configured to interrupt a current flow at the at least one power interface and / or to de-energize the at least one power interface. The sensor may be a door sensor of the control cabinet. Alternatively or additionally, the signal interface may be connected to, or connectable to, a sensor (for example, the door sensor of the control cabinet).

[0034] For example, the control unit can be configured to de-energize and / or de-energize the at least one power interface in response to a door sensor signal indicating the open position of a cabinet door. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to switch a fan of the module on or off in response to a door sensor signal indicating the open or closed position of a cabinet door.

[0035] A second aspect relates to an electrical cabinet. The cabinet comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side (for example, in the installation direction). The cabinet is configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical modules (for example, each according to the first aspect) in an installable (for example, displaceable) manner along an installation direction (for example, an insertion direction). In the accommodated state, the first side of the cabinet may face and / or be closest to the first side of the electrical module, and the second side of the cabinet may face and / or be closest to the second side of the electrical module.

[0036] "Closest" can refer to a comparison of the distance to the opposite side (i.e. the distance between the first side of the module and the first side of the cabinet compared to the distance between the first side of the module and the second side of the cabinet or the distance between the second side of the module and the first side of the cabinet; and / or the distance between the second side of the module and the second side of the cabinet compared to the distance between the first side of the module and the second side of the cabinet or the distance between the second side of the module and the first side of the cabinet).

[0037] The cabinet (also: cabinet device) can further comprise each of the features described above in the context of the first aspect. For example, the cabinet can be designed to accommodate one or more electrical modules (for example according to the first aspect) from one side each. The cabinet can be designed to accommodate at least one electrical module exclusively from the first side. Alternatively or additionally, the second side of the cabinet can be closed (i.e. a closed rear side). In this case, closed can mean that the second side cannot be removed without destruction. Alternatively, closed can mean that the second side cannot be opened without tools, e.g. that the second side does not comprise a cabinet door or cannot be unlocked.

[0038] A third aspect relates to a switch cabinet system comprising an electrical cabinet according to the second aspect and at least one receivable or accommodated electrical module according to the first aspect.

[0039] In any aspect, the cabinet (e.g., exterior and / or interior) may have the shape of a cuboid (i.e., a rectangular prism). The first side may be referred to as the front side, and the second side may be referred to as the rear side. The installation direction may be perpendicular to the first and / or second side of the cabinet.

[0040] The cabinet may further comprise at least two guide rails extending in the installation direction, which are configured to support the at least one electrical module so that it can be moved longitudinally in the installation direction (e.g., horizontally). For example, a pair of guide rails may be arranged on opposite sides (lateral sides) in the cabinet for each accommodated module.

[0041] The guide rail (for example, on each transverse side) can be a telescopic rail and / or a pull-out rail. For example, the guide rail can comprise a stationary part immovably connected to the cabinet and a movable part mounted on the stationary part for longitudinal movement (for example, mounted on balls or rollers). The module can be immovably connected to the movable part (for example, for installation in the cabinet). The at least one guide rail of the electrical modules can rest against the at least one guide rail of the cabinet, or the rails can interlock.

[0042] The guide rails of the cabinet can be arranged horizontally along the installation direction of the cabinet on opposite inner sides of the cabinet and / or can protrude beyond the first side (for example, opposite to the installation direction) in an extended position.

[0043] The first side of the cabinet can have a first cabinet opening. The cabinet can further comprise a cover element. The first cabinet opening can be covered with the cover element when closed. The cover element can be a swing door (e.g. cabinet door) that is pivotally hinged to the cabinet. Alternatively or additionally, the cover element can be a screwable or lockable front cover. The cabinet can further have a (possibly further) second cabinet opening, for example on the first side, the second side, a top side and / or a bottom side of the cabinet. When reference is made herein to a first feature and a second feature, the existence of the second feature does not necessarily imply the existence of the first feature. For example, the coolant or the refrigerant can be fed to or from the cabinet through (at least two) fluid connections of the cabinet.from the fluid connections of the module (or modules). Alternatively or additionally, the cabinet may have ventilation openings (e.g., ventilation grilles) on the top and / or bottom through which the air flow (or other gas flow) can circulate.

[0044] The first side of the cabinet can be spaced apart from the first side of the module (or the first sides of the modules). Alternatively or additionally, the second side of the module (or the second sides of the modules) can be spaced apart from the second side of the cabinet.

[0045] The space between the first side of the electrical module (or the first sides of the electrical modules) and the first side of the cabinet can contain the cabling of the module (or modules) and / or be part of a first air duct (e.g., a warm or cold air duct). Alternatively or additionally, the space between the second side of the electrical module (or the second sides of the electrical modules) and the second side of the cabinet can be part of a second air duct (e.g., a cold or warm air duct).

[0046] The first sides of all modules accommodated in the cabinet can form a first module level (e.g., vertical and / or closed except for the ventilation openings of the modules). A first air reservoir can be formed between the first sides of all accommodated modules (i.e., the first module level) and the first side of the cabinet. The first air reservoir can be in fluid communication with the ventilation openings on the first sides of the accommodated modules. Alternatively or additionally, the first air reservoir can be or can be brought into fluid communication with a first ventilation shaft, for example, via a first ventilation connection of the cabinet.

[0047] The second sides of all modules accommodated in the cabinet can form a second module level (e.g., vertical and / or closed except for the ventilation openings of the modules). A second air reservoir can be formed between the second sides of all accommodated modules (i.e., the second module level) and the second side of the cabinet. The second air reservoir can be in fluid communication with the ventilation openings on the second sides of the accommodated modules. Alternatively or additionally, the second air reservoir can be in fluid communication with a second ventilation shaft or can be brought into fluid communication with it, for example, via a second ventilation connection of the cabinet.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first air reservoir is cooler than the second air reservoir, and the airflow flows (e.g., driven by the fan) from the first side to the second side. In another embodiment, the first air reservoir is warmer than the second air reservoir, and the airflow flows (e.g., driven by the fan) from the second side to the first side.

[0049] In each embodiment, an interior volume of the cabinet (e.g., the first or second air reservoir) may be in fluid communication (e.g., air exchange) with the exterior volume of the cabinet or one or more air ducts, for example, to form a cooling system. The cooling system may comprise a fan within the cabinet for circulating the coolant (e.g., air) or refrigerant, and / or the circulation may be driven by the fans of the installed modules (i.e., accommodated in the cabinet). Alternatively or additionally, the circulation may be driven by thermal convection, for example, by the warm air reservoir being vented upwards and / or the cold air reservoir being in fluid communication with an air duct rising from the floor. In each embodiment, the fan and / or the air duct may comprise filter mats.

[0050] In each embodiment, the cooling medium (e.g., air) can be introduced into the cabinet from any direction and / or led out of the cabinet in any direction, for example, on the transversely opposite sides of the cabinet.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the cabinet may have a liquid cooling system, for example, a water-cooled cooling system. The cooling system may comprise a closed circuit of the coolant (for example, water) or refrigerant, which connects a heat exchanger for heat absorption within the cabinet with an additional (usually external) unit for heat dissipation.

[0052] The cabinet may further comprise at least one sensor configured to output a signal to the control unit of the electrical module. The signal may indicate a temperature of the first air reservoir, a temperature of the second air reservoir, the closed state of the first side of the cabinet (e.g., the cabinet opening of the cabinet, in particular the cabinet door), and / or the closed state of the first side of the cabinet.

[0053] In the closed state (for example, when the cover element closes or covers the first side of the cabinet, in particular an entire surface of the first side of the cabinet or the cabinet opening, e.g., sealing it fluid-tight), the sensor can send a signal to the control unit of the electrical module indicating the "closed state." In the open state (for example, when the first side of the cabinet is open, in particular not the entire surface of the first side of the cabinet or the cabinet opening is closed or covered, e.g., not fluid-tight), the sensor can send a signal to the control unit of the electrical module indicating the "open state." In exemplary embodiments, the control unit can ensure safety in the open state by deactivating (e.g., de-energizing) the electrical modules.

[0054] The electrical module control unit can send a signal to the electrical module user interface when the cabinet is closed to indicate the "closed state" of the cabinet.

[0055] The cabinet may further comprise at least one power interface configured to be connected to at least one power interface of an electrical module (e.g., accommodated in the cabinet) and / or a power interface of a power grid. The power interface of the cabinet may be electrically connected or connectable to one or more electrical modules (e.g., accommodated in the cabinet). The power grid may be a direct current network or an alternating current network (e.g., three-phase).

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings using preferred embodiments.

[0057] They show:

[0058] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to the prior art;

[0059] Figure 1B is a perspective rear view of rear wiring of electrical modules in a cabinet according to the prior art;

[0060] Figure 1C shows a horizontally sectioned view of a cabinet with rear-side individual wiring of electrical modules according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a horizontally sectioned view of a cabinet with a rear panel for pluggable coupling of electrical modules according to the prior art;

[0061] Figure 3A is a perspective front view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to a first embodiment;

[0062] Figure 3B is a horizontal sectional view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to the first embodiment;

[0063] Figure 4A is a perspective front view of an electrical module according to a second embodiment; and

[0064] Figure 4B is a perspective rear view of an electrical module according to the second embodiment.

[0065] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, identical reference numerals can denote interchangeable features. Furthermore, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the proportionalities shown are only schematic. Identical reference numerals denote identical or corresponding objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary.

[0066] Figure 1A schematically shows several electrical modules 10 accommodated in a cabinet 20 according to the current state of the art. The cabinet 20 has a front door 26 through which the electrical module 10 can be inserted from the front in an installation direction 13. The electrical modules 10 can additionally be provided with a handle 16 that allows the user to move the electrical modules 10 into and out of the cabinet 20.

[0067] The electrical modules 10 may additionally have a stop with a module fastening 12, which allows the user to fasten the electrical modules in the cabinet.

[0068] The cabinet 20 also has a door 28 on the rear side, which allows the user access to the rear side of the electrical modules 10, where all the wiring is located on the rear side of the electrical modules 10. Furthermore, the electrical modules 10 can be equipped with a

[0069] The device must be equipped with a signaling interface 11. The signaling interface 11 can be an LED, for example. Therefore, not only is the access to the rear panel required for wiring a disadvantage, but when changing or checking the wiring, simultaneous access to both the front and rear panels may be necessary to monitor the displayed status.

[0070] Figure 1B shows the rear view of the cabinet 20 of Figure 1A according to the prior art. The plurality of electrical modules 10 in the cabinet 20 are populated from the front of the cabinet 22 shown in Figure 1A and then wired together 15 (e.g., rear wiring) from the opposite side 24 (e.g., rear side) shown in Figure 1B.

[0071] The module can display a signal to the user, e.g., a red light indicating a problem in the electrical module 10 and a green light indicating a functioning electrical module. If the user detects a change in status at the front, the user must be able to reach the rear 14 of the electrical module 10 for troubleshooting or maintenance 18 of the wiring 15. Figure 1C shows a plan view in which the prior art cabinet 20 of Figures 1A and 1B is shown in a horizontal section plane. The user can reach the rear 14 of the electrical modules 10 through the door 28 on the rear 24 of the cabinet 20. In some cases, the door 28 on the rear 24 of the cabinet 20 cannot be opened, e.g., because there is insufficient space. In such cases, the cables for the rear wiring 15 of the electrical module 10 have previously been selected to be long, e.g.,longer than the depth of the cabinet 20 to allow the user to remove the module 10 without having to access the rear cabling 15.

[0072] The longer the wiring 15 cables, the more weight is placed on the cable connections of the electrical module 10 and the greater the risk of damage. Typically, the fans of the cooling system of the electrical modules 10 are located on the rear side 14 of the electrical module 10. Fan vibrations also negatively impact the wiring side 14 (e.g., the rear side) of the module 10, particularly the cable connections.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a top view of an electrical module 10 within another cabinet 20 according to the current state of the art. In some cases, however, the cabinet 20 is only accessible from one side (e.g., the front of the cabinet) 22, making cabling from the other sides 24 impossible. Therefore, there are so-called "backplane" solutions in which a rear panel 21 enables plug-in connections. The cabinet 20 has a rear panel 21 with sockets 23 or plugs or terminals (e.g., for copper cables) that can be connected to plugs 25 or sockets on the rear panel 14 of the module 10.

[0074] This state of the art is not user-friendly, as the user must manipulate the position of the electrical module 10 (which is typically very massive) in a very precise position with very precise force to avoid damaging the rear connections (i.e., the plug-in connectors). In principle, due to manufacturing tolerances of the module or cabinet housing, the backplane may not be accurate enough for contacting, leading to the additional problem of poor contact. Furthermore, backplanes are very complex and therefore costly to implement, severely limiting the flexibility of the system.

[0075] Therefore, a cost-effective, flexible solution with commercially available components must be found that allows the user to easily replace the respective modules in the control cabinet.

[0076] Here, the terms "cabling" and "wiring" can be interpreted synonymously. Each electrical cable at the module interfaces can be single-pole, or, depending on its function, several cables can be bundled into one cable. Furthermore, each electrical cable includes electrical insulation appropriate to its intended use.

[0077] Figure 3A shows a front view of a cabinet 200 (e.g., a switch cabinet or, in technical terms, a "rack") equipped with electrical modules 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cabinet 200 can be installed, for example, in confined spaces or in ISO containers (e.g., with a length of 40 feet or 12.192 m, i.e., a shipping container).

[0078] The cabinet 200 can be installed directly against the wall of the room or container and / or side by side with other cabinets 200. The corresponding second side 104 (ie, the rear) of the electrical module 100 is connection-free.

[0079] Embodiments of the modules 100 and the cabinet 200 (i.e., a rack) are advantageous for situations where only the front 102 or 202 is accessible without moving the heavy rack 200, or where only one aisle exists between the racks for access and cooling. Here, the hot aisle and cold aisle within the rack 200 can be separated from each other on the first side 102 or second side 104 by the modules 100.

[0080] The cabinet 200 has a first side 202 (i.e., front side or front side) and an opposite second side 204 (i.e., rear side). The first side 202 may also be referred to as an open or openable side 202 (i.e., cabinet opening). The cabinet 200 is configured to accommodate one or more electrical modules 100, preferably installable horizontally from the first side 202. The first side 202 of the cabinet has a first cabinet opening. The cabinet opening, which is closed by a cover element 206 in a closed state. The cover element 206 may be configured as a door (e.g., a single- or double-leaf cabinet door).

[0081] The electrical module 100 comprises a first side 102 (i.e., a front side) opposite a second side 104 (i.e., a rear side). The electrical module 100 is installable into the cabinet 200 along an installation direction 103. The installation direction 103 is directed from the first side 202 of the cabinet 200 to the second side 204 of the cabinet 200, or in other words, from the first side 102 of the electrical module 100 to the second side 104 of the electrical module 100. It should be noted that this definition of the installation direction means that the cabinet first comes into contact with the second side 104 of the module and, at the end of the insertion, with the first side 102. The latter preferably serves to (at least horizontally) secure the module 100 in the cabinet 200.

[0082] The first side 102 of the electrical module 102 faces the first side 202 of the cabinet 200, and the second side 202 of the electrical module 202 faces the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 when the electrical module 100 is accommodated in the cabinet 200. If a user can only enter the cabinet 200 from the front 202 or only has access to the cabinet 200 from the front 202, all installation, maintenance, and modification work can advantageously be carried out from the front 202 alone. For example, the user can obtain a complete overview of the installed state of the modules, the functional scope and functional status of the modules, and the wiring of the modules from the front 202 alone. In particular, the contacting at each interface and each module can be checked.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electrical module 100 comprises a battery storage unit, for example, with a plurality of cells and a battery management system (BMS) that controls or monitors the charging, discharging, balancing, and aging of the cells. Such a module 100 is therefore heavy. This makes it difficult to remove the modules for testing long cables on the rear panel, as well as to install the entire cabinet 200.

[0084] Another embodiment of the electrical module 100 includes an electrolyzer, for example, a hydrogen electrolyzer. In this case, the front panel 102 of the module 100 can include fluid connections, such as a water inlet and gas outlets for hydrogen and oxygen. This case is also incompatible with conventional rear-panel cabling techniques due to the module's mass, shock sensitivity, and precise horizontal alignment.

[0085] Each embodiment of the electrical module 100 may include one or more handles 106. Figure 3A shows two handles on the first side 102 of the electrical module 100, preferably located near the edges of the first side 102.

[0086] The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 further comprises a web 112 projecting laterally from the electrical module 102 in a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the installation direction 103, or at least two webs 112 with openings located opposite one another in the transverse direction and projecting laterally from the electrical module 100, which web or webs are designed to screw the electrical module 100 to the cabinet 200. By screwing the electrical module 100 to the cabinet 100, the position of the electrical module 100 is fixed and unintentional displacement or wobbling is prevented.

[0087] The electrical module 100 may include one or more power interfaces 108. The power interface 108 may be connected to power electronics arranged in the module 100, for example, for the direct current industry. Examples of power electronics include voltage converters, AC-DC converters, and current regulators, for example, for power-to-X applications or electrolysis. Alternatively or additionally, the power electronics may be for the alternating current industry. The power interface 108 may be designed to transmit large electrical power outputs, e.g., more than 10 kW, more than 100 kW, or more than 500 kW.

[0088] The power interface 108 comprises, or is connected or connectable to, at least one of the following devices: a power supply or electrical power source; an electrical load; a DC connection; a multi-phase AC connection; a panel socket or a panel plug; one or more terminals; a battery storage device; and a power interface 108 of another electrical module 100 in the cabinet 200.

[0089] As shown schematically in Figure 3A, the or each power interface 108 of the module 100 may be connected by cables 105 (e.g., as part of the cabling) to a corresponding power interface 108 of one or all of the other electrical modules 100 within the cabinet 200.

[0090] Figure 3A further shows a signaling interface 110. The signaling interface 110 can output an acoustic and / or optical (e.g., visual) signal. Figure 3B shows a plan view of a cabinet 200 equipped with electrical modules 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown schematically in Figure 3B, guide rails 207 extend in the installation direction (here, the insertion direction) 103. The guide rails 207 are connected horizontally to the inside of the (opposite in the transverse direction) side walls of the cabinet 200.

[0091] The cabinet 200 may further include one or more sensors 208 (e.g., a door position sensor and / or a temperature sensor, etc.). The sensors may be connected or connectable to a control unit 109 of the electrical module 100 for signal exchange and / or power supply.

[0092] The electrical module 100 includes a control unit 109 that is connected or connectable to one or more components (e.g., the aforementioned devices) of the electrical module 100. For example, the sensor 208 may be located anywhere in the cabinet 200 or attached to the cabinet 200.

[0093] The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 can comprise one or more data interfaces 118. The data interface 118 can be connected or connectable (e.g., connected in parallel) to a data interface 118 of another electrical module 100 in the cabinet so that the modules can be linked for communication with each other and / or with an external system controller (e.g., a higher-level controller), for example, according to a so-called daisy chain. The data interface 118 can also be internally connected to the control unit 109 of the electrical module 100. More complex user signals or user interfaces that go beyond a signal light (e.g., LED) are output via a data interface 118 to a higher-level computer or a display module or an external user interface, or input or control commands are received from them.The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 may further include a user interface 114. The user interface 114 may be internally connected to the control unit 109 or may be externally connectable.

[0094] The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 may further include ventilation openings 116 (e.g., ventilation grilles). The second side 104 of the electrical module 100 is connection-free. The second side 104 of the electrical module 100 may include ventilation openings 116 (e.g., ventilation grilles) communicating with the first side 102.

[0095] In the received state, the first side 102 of the electrical module 102 faces the first side 202 of the cabinet 200, and the second side 202 of the electrical module 202 faces the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 at a distance.

[0096] The electrical module 100 may further comprise a fan (e.g., a ventilator), wherein the fan is arranged to promote gas circulation (e.g., air circulation) within the electrical module 100. The fan may, for example, draw in air through the ventilation openings 116 on the front 102 and expel air (heated in the module 100) through the ventilation openings 116 on the rear 104, or vice versa.

[0097] The space between the second side 104 of the electrical module 100 and the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 can form a vertical channel for airflow. Alternatively or additionally, the space between the first side 102 of the electrical module 100 and the first side 202 of the cabinet 200 can form a vertical channel for airflow and a space for the cabling 105 (e.g., data cabling and / or power cabling).

[0098] The first sides 102 of the modules 100 are flush with the side walls and top and bottom sides of the cabinet 200. Alternatively or additionally, the horizontal edges of the first sides 102 of adjacent modules 100 (top and bottom) abut one another. This allows the first sides 102 to form a continuous module plane that is essentially closed except for the ventilation openings. This enables separation of the cold and warm air flows and prevents access to the rear when installed. For example, the entirety of the first sides 102 forms a single surface except for ventilation openings, terminal openings, and installation sockets. Optionally, panels or foam parts are arranged on the reverse side or all the way around the first side 102 to ensure sealing.

[0099] The control unit 109 of the electrical module 100 can be connected to a sensor 208, which sends a signal (e.g., a message according to a communication protocol) to the control unit 109 indicating whether the cabinet 200 is open or closed at the first side 102. The control unit 109 can reduce a current or turn off the power completely when the cabinet 200 is opened, for example, by sending a command to the power interface 108 or the associated device (e.g., power electronics). The control unit 109 can also turn off the fan when the cabinet 200 is opened.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 109 can send a signal (e.g., a message) to the signaling interface 110 to output a signal indicating the state of the cabinet 200. The control unit 109 can also send a signal (e.g., a message) to the user interface 114 to output a signal indicating the state of the electrical module 100 and / or the cabinet 200, e.g., an electrical operating mode of the module 100, an operating temperature of the module 100, an open or closed state of the cabinet 200, etc.

[0101] Figures 4A and 4B show an exemplary electrical module 100 according to a second embodiment in a perspective front and rear view, respectively. The electrical module 100 can comprise two guide rails 107 extending in the installation direction (here, for example, the insertion direction) 103, for example, a groove extending in the installation direction. The guide rail 107 of the electrical module 100 and the guide rail 207 of the cabinet 200 can touch, for example, interlock, on each side wall to accommodate the electrical module 100 horizontally in the cabinet 200 in the installation direction 103.

[0102] In some embodiments, the guide rails 107 may be attached to the bottom of the electrical module 100 (not shown here).

[0103] In other embodiments, the bottom 107 of the electrical module 100 may rest on the guide rails 207 of the cabinet 200.

[0104] The electrical module can be a slot for a 19-inch rack, for example with a front panel width of 48.26 cm, and optionally designed according to EIA 310-D, IEC 60297 and / or DIN 41494 SC48D.

[0105] Preferably, all embodiments of the module 100 have no operating, display, mounting, and maintenance elements on the rear side 104 of the electrical module 100.

[0106] At the same time, the electronics installed in the electrical module 100 can meet normative, approval-related, and / or safety-related requirements. Overall, the respective electrical modules 100 in the cabinet 200 can meet the normative, approval-related, and / or safety-related requirements. Implementations can be cost-effective and flexible through the use of commercially available cables and wires (for example, compared to application-specific backplanes).

[0107] Individual electrical modules 100 can be installed or removed from the cabinet 200. With conventional rear wiring, replacing an electrical module 100 is only possible by removing the entire cabinet 200 or by moving the cabinet 200 or removing all electrical modules 100 from the cabinet 200. Each embodiment can enable front wiring without free cable loops (e.g., tight). In contrast, with conventional rear wiring, individual electrical modules 100 can only be removed if all cables have additional lengths corresponding to the insertion depth. As a result, the cables exert more tensile weight on the electrical modules 100 and hang on the floor or in the ventilation shaft, where they can become caught on a ventilation grille, for example, when the cabinet 200 is moved.

[0108] At the rear 104 of the electrical module 100 and the rear 204 of the cabinet 200, the air circulation (for example, a duct for cold air from the floor or for warm air to the ceiling) is not disrupted by a backplane (even in a fragmented design) or cables. This allows a ventilation duct at the rear (where space is particularly limited) to have a smaller cross-section than with conventional rear wiring.

[0109] The front panel 102 of the electrical module 100 can include a data connection (e.g., for a CAN bus or Ethernet), e.g., according to RJ45 or Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), Single-Pair Ethernet (e.g., according to IEEE 802.3 CG), and / or coaxial cable. By omitting flat visual signaling on the front panel 102, the area can be used for ventilation grilles (e.g., outlets).

[0110] Flexible wiring in an existing 200-watt cabinet, for example, allows for the replacement of a 100-watt electrical module, for example, with another with a higher power rating. The cross-section of the wiring can be adjusted at the same time. In contrast, rear-panel wiring does not allow access to the cables, and a backplane is always either oversized or inflexible when it comes to electrical power.

[0111] For example, a module 100 with an AC / DC converter (as shown on the right in Fig. 4A) can have five input terminals for three AC phases, a neutral conductor, and a protective conductor (technically known as "physical earth" or PE). These conductors can each have a cross-section of 50 mm 2 The module also includes two terminals for a positive and negative pole of a direct current output (DC output). These cables can each have a cross-section of 100 mm 2 have.

[0112] Another advantage is the ease of repair and maintenance of Module 100. This allows for easy troubleshooting, e.g., by measuring the terminals on the front panel. Preferably, the voltage and / or airflow are automatically shut off (i.e., de-energized or de-energized) when the cabinet door is opened.

[0113] Embodiments can achieve a long service life due to the large and testable contact surfaces of the at least one power interface 108 (for example, plug-in or clamp-on contact surfaces). Whereas, in a conventional backplane, the plug-in contact half must be arranged laterally in a floating manner and centered by guide pins of the module to compensate for lateral tolerances. If the cabinet is not precisely constructed, the mass of the module damages the connectors during insertion. Furthermore, deviations in the cabinet construction can lead to a reduced plug-in length of the pin contact surfaces, which, particularly due to fan vibrations with the high electrical currents and voltages, can cause arcs and destroy the plug-in contact.

[0114] Module design examples and associated cables can be supplied from a single source. However, the selection and installation of a backplane in cabinet construction is not in the hands of the module manufacturer, so the reliability, precision, and compatibility of the system with conventional rear-mounted contacting is uncontrolled.

[0115] In each embodiment, one or all fans in the electrical module 100 are preferably arranged near the rear side 104 or directly on the rear side 104. This provides more space on the front side 102 for interfaces (for example, two power interfaces for the input and output of a power converter and / or a signaling interface). Furthermore, the plug contacts of the interfaces on the front side 102 are spatially decoupled from vibrating fans on the rear side 104.

[0116] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0117] List of reference symbols

[0118] Electrical module (state of the art) 10

[0119] Signaling interface (state of the art) 11

[0120] Stop with module fastening (state of the art) 12

[0121] Insertion direction (state of the art) 13

[0122] Rear of the electrical module (state of the art) 14

[0123] Rear cabling (state of the art) 15

[0124] Handle (state of the art) 16

[0125] Work step, for example cabling or testing (state of the art) 18

[0126] Cabinet (state of the art) 20

[0127] Backplane with power interfaces (state of the art) 21 Front of the cabinet (state of the art) 22

[0128] Power interfaces, e.g. sockets (state of the art) 23

[0129] Back of the cabinet (state of the art) 24

[0130] Power interfaces, e.g. connectors (state of the art) 25

[0131] Front door (state of the art) 26

[0132] Rear door (state of the art) 28

[0133] Electrical Module 100

[0134] First page of the electrical module 102

[0135] Insertion direction 103

[0136] Second side of the electrical module 104

[0137] Cables (front wiring) 105

[0138] Handle 106

[0139] Optional guide rail or support surface of the electrical module 107

[0140] Power interface 108

[0141] Control unit 109

[0142] Signaling interface 110

[0143] Cantilevered bridge 112 User interface 114

[0144] Ventilation opening 116

[0145] Data interface 118 Cabinet 200

[0146] First side of cabinet 202

[0147] Second side of the cabinet 204

[0148] Cover element 206

[0149] Cabinet guide rail 207 Sensor 208

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electrical module (100) comprising a first side (102) and a second side (104) opposite the first side (102), wherein the electrical module (100) is installable in a cabinet (200) along an installation direction (103), wherein the installation direction (103) extends from the first side (102) to the second side (104), and wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) comprises at least two electrical power interfaces (108) for the input and output of a power converter and the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) is connection-free.

2. Electrical module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one data interface (118), optionally wherein the at least one data interface (118) is connected or connectable to one or more data interfaces (118) of a further electrical module (100) in the cabinet (200).

3. Electrical module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises a web (112) projecting laterally from the electrical module (102) in a transverse direction perpendicular to the installation direction (103) or at least two webs (112) opposite one another in the transverse direction and each projecting laterally from the electrical module (100) with openings which are designed to screw the electrical module (100) to the cabinet (200).

4. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising two guide rails (107) or support surfaces (107) extending in the installation direction (103) which are designed to support the electrical module (100) in the cabinet horizontally and longitudinally movable in the installation direction (103).

5. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises a signaling interface (110) configured to output an acoustic and / or optical signal.

6. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one user interface (114).

7. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one handle (106).

8. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) has ventilation openings (116), wherein the ventilation openings (116) of the first side (102) are in fluid communication with the second side (104) through the electrical module (100), and / or wherein the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) has ventilation openings (116), wherein the ventilation openings (116) of the second side (104) are in fluid communication with the first side (102).

9. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a fan configured to drive an airflow from the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) to the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) and / or to drive an airflow from the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) to the first side (102) of the electrical module (100), optionally wherein the fan is disposed within the module (100) and is disposed adjacent to the second side (104) or closer to the second side (104) than to the first side (102).

10. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least two power interfaces (108) comprise or are connected or connectable to at least one of the following devices: a power supply or an electrical power source; an electrical load; a DC connection; a multi-phase AC connection; a panel socket or a panel plug; one or more terminals; a battery storage device; and a power interface (108) of another electrical module (100) in the cabinet (200).

11. The electrical module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control unit (109) comprising, connected to, or connectable to at least one of the following devices: one or more sensors; the user interface (114); the at least two power interfaces (108); the data interface (118); and the signaling interface (110).

12. Electrical cabinet (200) having a first side (202) and a second side (204) opposite the first side (202), wherein the cabinet (200) is designed to accommodate a plurality of electrical modules (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 in a longitudinally movable manner along an installation direction (103), and wherein in the received state the first side (202) of the cabinet (200) faces the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) and the second side (204) of the cabinet (200) faces the second side (104) of the electrical module (100).

13. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 12, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises at least two guide rails (207) extending in the installation direction (103) and configured to support the at least one electrical module (100) horizontally and longitudinally movable in the installation direction (103).

14. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first side (202) of the cabinet (200) has a first cabinet opening and the electrical cabinet (200) further comprises a cover element (206) by means of which the cabinet opening can be covered in an open state and covered in a closed state.

15. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 14, wherein in the closed state the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) is spaced from the first side (202) of the cabinet (200), and / or wherein the second side (104) of the electrical module (104) is spaced from the second side (204) of the cabinet (200).

16. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises a sensor (208) configured to send a signal to a control unit (109) of the electrical module (100), wherein the signal indicates the open and / or closed state of the cabinet opening.

17. Electrical cabinet (200) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises at least one power interface configured to be connected to at least one power interface (108) of the at least two electrical power interfaces (108) of an electrical module (100) and / or a power interface (108) of a power grid.

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