Method and device for controlling and monitoring a capacitor bank in a reactive power compensation cabinet

Abstract

Method and device for controlling and monitoring a capacitor bank in a reactive power compensation cabinet. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling and monitoring at least one capacitor bank 20 in a reactive power compensation cabinet, comprising the steps of: determining a lifetime value during an initial energization of the bank 20, during a period P1 subsequent to the initial energization, receiving E1 and storing E2 voltage (U) and temperature (T) values, determining an accelerated aging value (E3) based on predetermined nominal temperature and voltage values, and received values ​​(U, T), determining E4 and storing E5 a remaining lifetime of the bank (20) according to the accelerated aging value and the lifetime value, if the lifetime value is exceeded or negative, sending a bank quarantine command (E7).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling and monitoring a capacitor bank in a reactive power compensation cabinet. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of the reactive power compensation cabinet.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the monitoring of at least one capacitor bank. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a device for the electronic control and monitoring of one or more capacitor banks in such a cabinet. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional electricity distribution networks supply single-phase or three-phase alternating current electricity to consumers in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The electricity distribution network is often a network of electrical distribution wires (more commonly known as "electrical transmission lines") that connect the electricity supplier to its consumers.

[0004] Electrical distribution networks are subjected to a heavier load when large inductive loads are repeatedly connected and disconnected from the distribution network.

[0005] These variations in energy flow can lead to high energy losses. For example, energy losses can occur when large inductive loads are connected to distribution lines, which can produce an excessive amount of reactive current lagging in the line.

[0006] Apparent power, which is generally expressed in volt-amperes (VA) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA), is the product of the current and voltage of the circuit. It is often desirable to approximate the power factor of a system, which is the ratio of the actual (or "active") power used in a circuit to the apparent power used by the circuit.

[0007] Power factor correction (PFC) can be achieved, for example, by activating or deactivating capacitor steps in a reactive power compensation bank.

[0008] A capacitor bank is generally composed of a number of capacitors that can be switched on and off together. A control device is used to control the switching on and off of the different banks. Capacitor banks on distribution lines have power factor controllers that switch the connectivity of one or more capacitor banks as needed to correct the power factor for the load detected at a given time. Conventional power factor controllers switch the capacitor bank in and out of the power line based on several measurable parameters, such as reactive current and voltage.

[0009] Power capacitors are naturally subject to the effects of aging which can alter their electrical characteristics (e.g. capacitance, equivalent series resistance, etc.), which in turn can reduce their efficiency.

[0010] Depending on the materials used, the design type, and the manufacturing details, some capacitors may be subject to different types of failure if their electrical characteristics change at a faster rate than expected due to normal aging. In some cases, these failures can be mitigated by a self-protection mechanism, which is activated, for example, by overpressure, overheating, and / or overcurrent, removing the capacitor from the circuit. Other cases may lead to a failure where the self-protection mechanism does not function, potentially resulting in a cabinet fire.

[0011] It is common today for capacitor bank installations to have very limited or non-existent monitoring and diagnostics, partly due to the expense associated with monitoring capacitors through manual intervention steps involving travel to the cabinet to perform voltage measurements, which are common within a capacitor bank. Furthermore, there is often a maintenance contract with the company that sold the cabinet or the reactive power compensation battery, requiring an operator to travel from outside the site to perform the measurements.

[0012] Due to this limited monitoring and diagnostics, it is very difficult to detect operational problems before they occur in order to mitigate operational issues and minimize service interruptions through regular maintenance efforts. Thus, capacitor banks may often be replaced as a precautionary measure even though they could still function for a long time. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing monitoring of a capacitor bank in a reactive power compensation cabinet based on automatic measurements in the cabinet and sending maintenance information according to an aging state determined according to these values.

[0014] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling and monitoring at least one capacitor bank in a reactive power compensation cabinet, implemented by a control and monitoring module, comprising: • when an initial power-up of at least one stage, starting from an initial power-up time t0, a step of determining a lifetime value, • during a determination period subsequent to the initial setting time t0, including, for at least one determination time, the steps of: • receiving measurements including: • a sub-step for receiving voltage values ​​between at least two phases of the cabinet, at some point during the period, • a sub-step of receiving temperature values ​​at a specific point in the period, • storage of the measured temperature value and the measured voltage value received, • Determination of an accelerated aging value for the step by means of a determination method based on predetermined nominal values ​​of temperature and voltage, and stored received temperature and / or voltage values, • Determination of the remaining service life of the step based on the determined accelerated aging value and the service life value, • storing the remaining lifespan of the step as a lifespan value for lifespan determination at the next determination time, • if the remaining life value is exceeded or negative, a quarantine order and maintenance information including information on the quarantined stand are sent.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the capacitor bank is monitored by measurements of voltage, current, humidity, and cabinet temperature. This is simple to implement, and it is possible to use temperature or voltage sensors already installed in the cabinet. Capacitors age more or less rapidly depending on the stability of the electrical grid supplied by the power provider. Indeed, the grid voltage can have voltage spikes leading to premature aging of the charged capacitors. The same is true with the Due to temperature variations, capacitors have a pre-estimated lifespan based on a given temperature range, but with changing climates, it is not uncommon for the temperature to fall outside this range. Therefore, the invention determines aging based on measurements that consider at least voltage and temperature, two parameters of the environment in which the capacitors are located.

[0016] By initial power-up, it is understood that the stage is powered up for the first time in the cabinet.

[0017] In this first aspect of the invention, the steps disconnected during voltage measurements outside the nominal range are not affected by this overvoltage and therefore do not have a determined aging value.

[0018] When the aging value is later or positive, the steps during period PI are repeated, each repetition forming a new determination point. Quarantine prevents the risk of fire, and sending information allows a platform or maintenance operator to be aware of it in order to place an order to change it.

[0019] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the method for controlling and monitoring at least one tier according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among those mentioned in the following paragraphs, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0020] According to an example, when the aging value is later or positive, and when the remaining life value Dr is less than a predetermined maintenance value (number of days added to the date of the day in the case of a date), the method includes a step of sending a time data indicating a change in the step.

[0021] According to an example, the memorization step memorizes all the values ​​received.

[0022] According to one example, the memorization step memorizes the received values ​​at least when the measured temperature value or the measured voltage value is outside a predetermined nominal temperature or voltage range respectively, or exceeds a predetermined nominal temperature or voltage value respectively

[0023] According to an example, the measured current is respectively an effective or peak current and the measured voltage is an effective or peak voltage.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the means for determining the aging value of the step is according to the formula:

[0025] [Math.l] Vl(T,U)=tT,ve^

[0026] in which t is the aging time, Un the nominal voltage, Tn the nominal temperature, U the measured voltage, T the measured temperature, Ea / kB a predetermined constant.

[0027] Ea is a constant corresponding to the activation energy, which depends on the material used and its aging mechanisms, in electron volts (eV) for the aging of dielectric materials. Ea is therefore a measure of the minimum energy required to initiate degradation. This value is generally determined experimentally on the same step reference, and the predetermined value can thus be stored. For example, for polypropylene, the activation energy at room temperature (approximately 298 K) is about 0.4 to 0.5 eV. The Ea value may also be a reference value in specific manufacturer documents or literature. As an example, the activation energy Ea is on the order of 0.4 eV for aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

[0028] Kb is a Boltzmann constant in electron volts per Kelvin (eV / K) (8.617385 10⁻⁵ eV / °K). The value Ea / KB is therefore a predetermined constant stored in memory.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step of modifying the remaining life value by deducting a safety value from the determined remaining life, the quarantine and information sending step being sent according to this modified remaining life value.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: • Prior to the determination period, a step of measuring the initial current of one phase when the stage is loaded under voltage, • a step of determining an indicative initial value for the capacitance of all the capacitors in the tier, based on at least the initially measured current, • during the determination period pl, pn, a capacity control step of a step comprising the sub-steps of: • Receiving a measurement of the current in one phase when the capacitors of at least one stage are charged under voltage • determination of a diagnostic value indicative of a capacitance value of all capacitors of at least one stage, similar to the initial value, based on at least the value of the measured current received, • Determination of a capacity loss value by comparing the initial indicative capacity value to the determined value to be diagnosed, • comparison of the determined loss value to a first threshold value for capacity comparison, • when the determined loss value is greater than the first capacity comparison threshold value, sending a command to take at least one tier out of service and sending information to take the tier out of service.

[0031] This allows monitoring of the stands using another method to improve monitoring.

[0032] According to an example of this embodiment, the step of checking the capacity of a tier further comprises the substeps of: • comparison of the determined loss value to a second capacity comparison threshold value, the second capacity comparison threshold value being lower than the first threshold value, • when the determined loss value is greater than the second capacity comparison threshold value, a maintenance notification is sent for at least one tier, • When the determined loss value is less than the second capacity comparison threshold value, the diagnostic time and the measured, determined, and compared values ​​are stored during this capacity control step of a stage, and the process repeats the steps of this determination period. This improves monitoring.

[0033] According to an example, the capacity control step of a step further includes, when the comparison of the loss value is greater than the second capacity comparison threshold value, the following substeps: • if the time of diagnosis and the time of determination are different, the time elapsed between the time of diagnosis and the time of determination, • comparison between the determined value of elapsed time and the remaining lifespan determined at the last determination point, then of the period comparison value to a threshold period, • If the elapsed time value exceeds a threshold period, the compared period is sent and / or the determination method is modified, such that the modification allows the determination method to determine, at the time of diagnosis, an aging value of the step, enabling the remaining service life determination step to determine a remaining time corresponding to the elapsed time value plus or minus the threshold period. This improves monitoring.

[0034] According to an example of this embodiment, the process comprises: • During the initial power-up, a step is performed to memorize an identity for each tier, and • During the capacity control step of a tier, a sub-step of receiving and storing at least one fed tier identity for each measurement received during the predetermination period, • in which the values ​​determined during the determination period are associated with at least one step identity, and when there are several steps the values ​​are associated with the set or with each determined value, • in which the predetermined values ​​being compared are each chosen from the number of powered tiers and / or their identities, • The information sent includes the identified stand(s). This allows for improved monitoring.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: • a current balance identification step for each phase of the cabinet supplying the different capacitor banks, including a sub-step: • receiving current measurements in the different phase lines, • comparison of the different values ​​received from current measurements in the different phase lines, and • When the measured current comparison value between two lines exceeds a balancing threshold, a current imbalance alert is sent and stored. This allows an operator or platform to be notified of the problem.

[0036] According to an example of this embodiment, when the current comparison value measured between two lines is greater than a balancing threshold comparison value, the process goes directly to the measurement reception step of the next determination time.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electronic control device for a capacitor bank cabinet, comprising: • a modular industrial electrical cabinet enclosure and • a control and monitoring module housed in the modular enclosure, The control and monitoring module being configured to perform the steps of the process according to the aspect of the invention described above, with or without one or more of the different features of the preceding paragraphs, the control and monitoring module comprising: • inputs to receive information: • the status of a main circuit breaker to receive commissioning information, • a temperature sensor to receive temperature measurement information from a sensor in the cabinet, and • a communication unit to communicate with a regulator of a capacitor bank, information, and send information including maintenance information to an interface.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the control and monitoring module is configured to carry out the steps of the process according to the embodiment including the step of capacitance control of a stage or the step of current balance identification: the module further comprising a measurement input by a three-phase current sensor to receive current measurement values ​​per phase by the current sensor.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the command and monitoring control module comprises: • entries: • smoke detector • emergency push button, • Outputs for piloting: • the main circuit breaker according to information received from the emergency sensor or the smoke or temperature sensor, • at least one fan, • a heating element. Such a control module can, through information received from the smoke sensor or the controlled push button, trip the main circuit breaker and send an emergency alert. The fans can be activated not only in the event of detected smoke but also in the event of excessive temperature.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a reactive power compensation cabinet comprising: • a main circuit breaker comprising one input and one output per phase, the number of phases being equal to at least three, • a battery comprising a plurality of capacitor banks, • a power selection device, comprising: • one input connected to the output of the main circuit breaker and one output per tier, • a power control unit for each tier via its output, and • a regulator controlling each stage, measuring the voltage between each phase, • a current sensor on each current line formed between the output of the main circuit breaker and an input of the selecting device, • the control device according to the aspect described above (with or without the different characteristics of the embodiments described above) connected by its inputs to the current sensor, the regulator and the main circuit breaker.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising the cabinet according to the previous aspect and a maintenance platform, the control and monitoring device sending the various measurements received, the various values ​​determined and the information sent to the maintenance platform.

[0042] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0044] [Fig.IA] represents a diagram showing an example of a method for controlling and monitoring at least one tier.

[0045] [Fig. IB] represents a diagram depicting another example of a method for controlling and monitoring at least one tier.

[0046] [Fig. IC] represents a diagram representing the example of the process shown in [Fig.1A] further including an optional current control block.

[0047] [Fig. 1D] represents a diagram showing another example of the optional block of [Fig.1C] following the example of the method for controlling and monitoring at least one step of [Fig.1A].

[0048] [Fig.2] represents a schematic diagram of an example of an electronic control device comprising a control and monitoring module configured to carry out the steps of the process shown in one of the figures IA to 1D.

[0049] [Fig.3] represents a schematic diagram of a monitoring and maintenance system comprising an electrical cabinet including the electronic control device shown in [Fig.2]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] A first aspect of the invention is a method for controlling and monitoring at least one stage of capacitors 20 of a battery 2 in a cabinet of reactive power compensation A as shown in [Fig.3] according to an example of one aspect of the invention.

[0051] According to one example, a step comprises at least one capacitor per phase, each capacitor comprising a common terminal and a terminal connected to one of the three phases. In this example, when a step is activated, the three phases are compensated.

[0052] According to another example, a step comprises several capacitors connected to a single phase. In this example, when a step is activated, only one phase is compensated.

[0053] [Fig. 1A] shows a schematic representation of a diagram showing steps in an example according to an embodiment of the method for controlling and monitoring at least one of the capacitor banks 20 of battery 2 in the reactive power compensation cabinet A. In this example, the cabinet A comprises six capacitor banks 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, each referred to hereafter as bank 20, unless otherwise specified.

[0054] The steps of the described process are carried out by a control and monitoring module 1 shown in [Fig.2], unless it is specified that the step is carried out by another device / platform / system / regulator / sensor.

[0055] The method first includes, upon initial energization of at least one stage 20, i.e., its first energization in cabinet A, from an initial instant t0 following the initial energization, for example less than one hour after energization, a step E0 of determining a lifetime value V0. The lifetime value V0 can be a value representing the remaining lifetime of the capacitors in the energized stage 20 or an end-of-life date at which a preventive maintenance request will need to be sent to replace the stage 20. This value can be predetermined or received.

[0056] According to another example of the process shown in [Fig. IB], the process may include a step of receiving environmental parameter values ​​E01 prior to the determination step E0, which allows the lifetime value to be determined. For example, the reception of environmental parameter values ​​includes initial voltage values ​​Ui and temperature values ​​T measured during an initial time MO starting before time t0 and including the time of the lifetime value determination step E0. The received initial voltage value Ui may be a predetermined voltage or a voltage measured between two phases of cabinet A. The voltage between two phases E10 may be an RMS or peak voltage value. The voltage measured between two phases may be a single measurement between a first and a second phase or an average of measurements between each phase, i.e., three voltage measurements for a three-phase supply. The process may include, prior to receiving the value E01, a temperature measurement step using a temperature sensor Th or a controller 30 of a power selection device 3 in cabinet A, as shown in [Fig. 3], and a phase-to-phase voltage measurement step using a voltage sensor or the controller 30. The power selection device 3 further includes a power control unit 31 controlled by the controller 30, which controls the phase connections to the different stages 20. In the example shown, the power control unit 31 is a single block, but it could also consist of several power contactors, each controlling the power supply to a stage 20, controlled by the controller 30. Thus, the initial voltage measurement values ​​Ui during the environmental parameter value reception step E01 can be received by a sensor and / or by the controller 30 as shown in the example in [Fig. 3].

[0057] By initial moment MO, we mean during an initial power-up period, which may be before or when an initial power-up of at least one stage 20 is performed. For example, a reception of an initial voltage value Ui may be received at a first instant and that of the temperature at a later instant during this moment MO. This measurement reception step may be performed for all stages 20 or at different times if each stage 20 has an initial power-up at different times.

[0058] During this initial power-up, the remaining lifetime of the capacitors in stage 20 can also be a countdown, in days or hours, for example, before a preventive maintenance notification is sent for the stage 20 in question. In the case of a countdown, the remaining lifetime is therefore counted according to its time index (hours, days, months) as the time that stage 20 has been in cabinet A since that instant t0. For example, the lifetime value V0 of a stage 20 is a predetermined value, for example 15 years, in a stable temperature / voltage environment, i.e., within a nominal voltage range and a nominal temperature range. Six months later, the remaining lifetime is therefore counted by 6 months, or 14.5 years. Each tier 20 has its own memorized lifetime value, whether it is a lifetime time value or an end-of-life date.

[0059] Preferably, during the initial energization of at least one stage 20, only one stage 20 is energized. In this example, the method receives an initial voltage value Ui measured between two phases per stage 20. This allows for a time initialization to determine an aging time value, explained later, and to verify that the initial voltage Ui between two phases corresponds to a nominal voltage range. Otherwise, the method may include a step for sending unstable power grid information, by example to a maintenance platform Pm represented in [Fig.3], or to the regulator 30 or to a device of a maintenance agent Dm or to an alarm of the cabinet to activate it.

[0060] The method comprises, during at least one determination time M1 of a subsequent determination period PI following the initial activation time t0, various successive steps described below. The method includes, during the determination period PI, a repetition of the steps described below at different determination times Mn. The determination time Mn can begin, for example, each time a step 20 is activated, or each time one of the steps 20 is deactivated when several are activated, and these can occur one after the other after a predetermined delay.

[0061] The method includes, for each determination time Mn, a measurement reception step EL. This measurement reception step El comprises a reception substep El1 of temperature values ​​T measured at different times during the period PI and a reception substep E10 of voltage values ​​U measured between at least two phases of the cabinet A. The first and second substeps may occur at the same time or at different times within a moment of the determination period PL.

[0062] The method further includes, for each determination moment Mn, a storage step E2, after the measurement reception step El, of the received measured temperature value T and the received measured voltage value U, at least either when the received measured temperature T is greater than a nominal value Ts or outside a predetermined nominal temperature range, or when the measured voltage U is outside a predetermined nominal voltage range Ul, U2. The values ​​can be stored according to the age of the data. In this example, all received values ​​are stored.

[0063] Of course all temperature and / or voltage values ​​can be measured.

[0064] The method further includes, for each determination moment Mn, a determination step E3 of an aging value VI of the step 20 or of all the activated steps 20. The control and monitoring module 1 includes a determination means for determining the aging value V1 based on previously stored nominal values ​​of temperature Ts, voltage Ul, U2, and measured temperature T and / or voltage U values ​​stored outside the respective range of nominal temperature Ts and voltage Ul, U2. The previously stored nominal voltage values ​​Ul, U2 can be, as in the example of [Fig. 1B], a range based on the value of the initial voltage Ui received at the initial moment M0, for example Ul = 95% of Ui and U2 = 105% of Ui. Ui. Thus, the measurement reception step El can include multiple receptions of voltage U or temperature T measurement values ​​(in a loop or according to a predetermined period) until a received value differs from a range or a nominal value. For example, the measurement reception step El includes receiving a voltage U measurement value every 5 minutes or seconds, and a temperature measurement value either only when it falls outside a range detected by the temperature sensor Th, or, for example, every 5 minutes or seconds.

[0065] According to one example, the means of determination is the means of determining the aging value of the step according to the formula:

[0066] [Math.2] Vl(TC)

[0067] according to which the aging value V1 is an aging time, Un the nominal voltage, here in this case equivalent to the initial voltage Ui, Tn the nominal temperature, U the measured voltage, T the measured temperature, Ea / kB a constant. Ea is a predetermined activation energy value and Kb a Boltzmann constant in electron volts per Kelvin (eV / K) (8.617385 10-5 eV / °K).

[0068] This formula allows two of the environmental parameters influencing the aging of the capacities (temperature and voltage) to be taken into account in the same formula in the event of exceeding the threshold range value by these two environmental parameters.

[0069] According to another example, the means of determining the aging value V1 of step 20 is a table or a matrix or even a graph.

[0070] For example, 6 months after commissioning, if a measured temperature T exceeds a certain temperature range, this temperature will damage the capacitors in the stage(s) 20 and thus reduce their lifespan compared to the previously predetermined lifespan. This temperature T is then used to determine an accelerated aging value, for example, according to the formula described above. The determined aging value V1 can, for example, indicate an accelerated aging time in a unit of time, for example, in hours or days, or even a remaining lifespan.

[0071] The method further comprises, for each determination time Mn, a determination step E4 of a remaining lifetime Dr based on the determined aging value VI and the lifetime value V0. In the case where the lifetime value V0 is a countdown or a date calculated from a predetermined value, the remaining lifetime Dr is equal to the value of the countdown or date less the accelerated aging value. For example, if the aging value V1 is an aging lifetime of 3 months and the lifetime value Life VO is a date, for example 15 / 07 / 2035 or a countdown of 12 years, the remaining life Dr is respectively 15 / 04 / 2035 or 11 years and 9 months.

[0072] The method includes, for each determination time Mn, a step of memorizing the remaining lifetime E5 as the lifetime value V0 for the remaining lifetime determinations Dr at the next determination time Mn + 1.

[0073] The method further includes, for each determination time Mn, in this example, optionally, a step for modifying the remaining lifetime value E6, which can be performed before or after the storage step E5. The step for modifying the remaining lifetime value E6 reduces the remaining lifetime value Dr by a safety value Drs. The safety value Drs is a time, for example, in days if the remaining lifetime value Dr is a date, and is a time in the same unit of time as the remaining lifetime value Dr if it is a count. For example, the safety value Drs is equal to 1440 hours or 60 days. This safety value allows an operator to schedule a maintenance date on site before sending a command to take this step 20 out of service.

[0074] The method further includes a step of sending a quarantine command for the seating area and a maintenance E7 notification if the remaining lifetime value Dr is exceeded (in the case of a date) or is negative (in the case of a period, for example, remaining hours). The notification includes the quarantine order and the seating area's identity. This notification can be sent to the maintenance platform Pm. The notification may also potentially include one, several, or even all of the stored values.Conversely, when the aging value is later or positive, the steps of this determination period PI are repeated, when the remaining life value Dr is less than a predetermined maintenance value (number of days added to the current date if a date is present), the process includes a step of sending a time data indicating a change of step. The succession of these steps of this determination period PI are therefore carried out in a first determination moment Ml and at each reiteration, each step is carried out in determination moments Mn subsequent to the first moment Ml, until at least the step of sending maintenance information E7 for this step 20 is carried out.After the step of sending maintenance information E7, the process of course continues to repeat each of these steps in determination times Mn for the other 20 powered steps, and optionally also for this step 20 whose information was flooded during this determination period PL.

[0075] The method may optionally include, during this period PI, an optional balanced current control step IE represented by a dashed line and optionally a capacity control step of a C-tier represented by a dotted line.

[0076] Each of the two steps IE and C comprises various substeps described below, which can be performed during the determination time, i.e., in parallel with steps E1 to E7, or during a diagnostic time Gn of the determination period, different from the determination times Mn. In this example, the diagnostic time is located between two determination times Mn, i.e., following the maintenance information sending step E7 or the remaining life storage step E5, or, optionally, the remaining life value modification step E6. According to another example, the diagnostic time is offset from the determination time; for example, the determination time depends on the measurement value received being outside a range of values, and the diagnostic time is every minute.

[0077] Figure 1C schematically represents the process comprising the steps as exemplified in Figure 1A, and furthermore the step of current balance identification IE following step E6 or E7. The current balance identification step IE includes a substep of receiving current measurements IE1 in the different comparison phase lines IE1. Of course, the process may further include the steps of current measurements carried out by one or more current sensor(s) 4, only one of which is shown in Figure 3, mounted on each of the lines (phases) of the cabinet.

[0078] The current balance identification step IE further includes a comparison substep IE2 of the different current measurement values ​​received in the different phase lines. When one of the current comparison values ​​measured between two lines is greater than a balancing threshold comparison value, the current balance identification step IE includes a current imbalance alert substep IE3. For example, after the current balance identification step IE, the process repeats a new determination moment Mn+1 and thus proceeds to the measurement reception step El of the next determination moment Mn+1, or optionally to the capacitance control step of a stage C directly after the comparison substep IE2 if each current comparison value measured between two lines is less than the threshold comparison value.

[0079] Figure 1D schematically represents the method comprising the steps according to the example in Figure 1A and, in addition, the capacity check step of a stage C, following step E6 or E7 and optionally the comparison substep IE2. The method includes, to perform the capacity check step of a stage C, during a moment of the initial energization, i.e., prior to the period of PI determination, a step of receiving initial current measurement IC of a phase when at least one step is energized and a step of determining DC an initial indicative value of a capacitance value of all capacitors in the step, based on at least the initially measured current.

[0080] The current measurement reception step IC can be before, after, or during the step of determining a lifetime value E0. The step of determining a DC initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in stage 20 can be carried out at any time before the first capacitance check step of a stage C. In this example, the step of determining the DC initial value CD is carried out at the same time as the step of determining a lifetime value E0.

[0081] The initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in step 20 can be the capacitance but also another value that depends linearly on the capacitance, for example the reactive power.

[0082] In this example, the determination step calculates the capacitance according to the formula CD = I / coUi, where CD is the capacitance of the stage (the set of capacitors), I is the initial current, Ui is the initial voltage (measured or predetermined), and co is the angular frequency expressed in rad / s. Preferably, this step is performed for each new stage during its energization, i.e., stage by stage during the commissioning of cabinet A. In one example, the method includes a step of measuring the initial voltage Ui as described above during initial energization to allow the calculation of the capacitance C. In another example, the initial voltage Ui is a predetermined value. The angular frequency co can be predetermined or determined from the measured initial current and / or the measured initial voltage.

[0083] The capacity control step of a tier C comprises the substeps of: • receiving a measurement of the current Cl of a phase supplying the step 20 when the capacitors of the step are charged under voltage, • determination C2 of a diagnostic value Cd indicative of a capacitance value of all capacitors of at least one step 20, similar to the initial value, based on at least the value of the measured current Id received, for example Cd=Id / coUd, • Determination C3 of a capacity loss value Cp by comparing the initial indicative value of a capacity value CD to the value to be diagnosed Cd, • comparison C4 of the determined capacity loss value Cp to a first capacity comparison threshold value C1S, • when the determined capacity loss value Cp is greater than the first capacity comparison threshold value C1S, step C includes a sub-step of sending a C40 command to take at least one tier 20 out of service and sending a C41 out-of-service information for the tier.

[0084] The first threshold value C1S can be predetermined or calculated as a percentage of the initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in step 20, for example, 5% of the initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in step 20. Thus, this amounts to verifying that the value to be diagnosed Cd has lost less or more than 5% of the initial value CD.

[0085] The value to be diagnosed Cd and the first threshold value C1S can also be dependent on the number of steps supplied by the phase on which the current is measured.

[0086] The shutdown command can be sent to the controller 30, which controls the power control unit 31 of the power selection device 3. The shutdown information can be sent to the maintenance platform Pm or to a maintenance technician's device Dm. According to an example not shown, if the loss value comparison is less than the first capacity comparison threshold value, the process can continue to repeat the steps of this determination period PL.

[0087] The capacity control step of a tier C further includes, in this example shown, the sub-steps of: • comparison C5 of the determined loss value Cp to a second capacity comparison threshold value C2s, the second capacity comparison threshold value C2s being: • lower than the first threshold value Cl s, and • corresponds to a capacitance loss value of all the capacitors in a risk stage, for example 10% of the initial value CD, which is greater than or equal to a stage 20 capacitance loss when the remaining lifetime value DR is zero, • the sending of maintenance information for at least one C50 step, when the determined loss value Cp is greater than the second threshold value C2s for capacity comparison.

[0088] The second threshold value C2S can be predetermined or can be calculated as a percentage of the initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in step 20, for example, 10% of the initial value CD indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors in step 20. Thus, this amounts to verifying that the value to be diagnosed Cd has lost less or more than 10% of the initial value CD.

[0089] The process can continue during this PI determination period to reiterate the steps of this determination moment Ml, Mn and then that of the diagnostic moment Gl, Gn, if the comparison of the loss value is less than the second threshold value for capacity comparison.

[0090] According to an example, after sending maintenance information for at least one stage C50, the capacity check step of a stage C is completed and the process can continue during this determination period PI to reiterate the steps of this determination moment Mn, or the capacity check step of a stage C can, as shown in this example in [Fig. 1D], further include the substeps of: • determination of a time elapsed C51 between the moment of diagnosis Gl, Gn, and the moment of determination Ml, Mn, • comparison C52 between the value of the time spent determined and the remaining lifetime Dr determined at the last time determination Ml, Mn, • if the comparison value of the period is greater than a threshold period, sending of the compared period and / or modification of the determination means C53, such that the modification allows the determination means to determine at the time of diagnosis Gl, Gn, an aging value of stage VI allowing step E4 to obtain a remaining lifetime Dr corresponding to the value of the time spent + or - the threshold period.

[0091] It will now be described how the process works when there are several stages fed during the measurements received during the predetermination period PI.

[0092] The method includes, preferably before the PI determination period, for example during the step of determining a lifetime value E0 or during the step of receiving environmental parameter values ​​E01 or between these two steps, a sub-step of receiving by the regulator 30 an identity for each stage supplied one by one during commissioning.

[0093] The method further includes a substep of memorizing an identity for each step E01, and a step of receiving at least one identity of powered step E12 for each measurement received during the determination period EL. The substep of receiving and memorizing at least one identity of powered step 112 can be received at the same time as the measurement step El and / or the current measurement reception step IE1, and / or the current reception step Cl or even before or after one of these steps.

[0094] The values ​​determined during the PI determination period during the different stages are associated with at least one step identity, and when there are several steps, the values ​​are associated with the set or with each determined value. For example, if steps 1 and 2 are powered during the measurements of Step E1, the step for determining an accelerated aging value for stage E3, will associate the accelerated aging value VI with both stages 1 and 2. Thus, de facto, the remaining service life determined in step E4 for: • Step 1 will be, based on this accelerated aging value VI and the remaining service life value Dr of step 1, • step 2, will be based on the lifetime value Dr of step 2 and this accelerated aging value VI.

[0095] The same applies to the measured current received at step Cl, for example when supplying the stage 2 and 3, the initial indicative value of a capacitance value is therefore according to that of two stages (chosen from the number of stages supplied when determining a capacitance loss value) and the determination of the capacitance value and for stage 2 and 3. Thus the capacitance loss value realized at step C3 is realized for all stages 2 and 3.

[0096] The selection of the ordered step in out of service can be based on the history of the last capacity loss values ​​of each step, for example if step 2 (can be compared to a threshold or a percentage) has a capacity value Cd significantly lower than that of step 3 in another previous measurement, the process can send the step 2 command information to avoid a fire.

[0097] According to an example, during step C and several stages supplied by the same phase, the process can send a request to be supplied stage by stage (also called self-diagnostic routine) when there is a capacity loss value Cp greater than the first or second threshold and carry out steps, for example all the steps of the process of the determination period, or only the sub-steps of the capacity control step of a stage C for each stage.

[0098] Figure 2 represents an electronic control device D for a capacitor bank cabinet, comprising a modular housing DI for an industrial electrical cabinet and a control and monitoring module 1 housed in the modular housing DI. Thus, the control and monitoring module 1 is a single unit enabling the various steps described previously and those described below to be carried out.

[0099] The control and monitoring module 1 includes a memory, a control and determination unit (for example, including a processor) for the digital inputs E, in this case five inputs E. For example, each input is intended to be connected to a device in the compensation cabinet A, for example: • a first input el intended to be connected to an emergency push button 5 mounted on cabinet A, allowing the control module and monitoring 1 to send an urgent shutdown notification for cabinet A, for example to platform Pm, • a second input e2 intended to be connected to an auxiliary contact of the main circuit breaker 6 of the electrical cabinet A, allowing the control and monitoring module 1 to send a power-up or power-down signal for the cabinet, • a third input e3 intended to be connected to a fault contact of the main circuit breaker 6, allowing the control and monitoring module 1 to send a fault disconnection information from the cabinet, • a fourth input e4 intended to be connected to an input of an air conditioning device to cool the inside of the cabinet, • a fifth input e5 intended to be connected to a smoke detector 8 allowing the control and monitoring module 1 to send a smoke detection information and a disconnection command for cabinet A and therefore for the bleachers 20.

[0100] The control and monitoring module 1 includes a power supply input Ualim, for supplying it and intended to be connected between two phases of the cabinet under a voltage U, for example 230 volts, as shown in [Fig. 3]. According to one example, the input also allows the voltage U between these two phases to be measured.

[0101] The control and monitoring module 1 may include a Salim power supply output, to power a device, for example a control contact of a cabinet contactor, having a supply output voltage for example of 24 volts.

[0102] The control and monitoring module 1 may include one or more analog inputs, each to be connected, for example, to a measuring device, for example, to a three-phase current sensor 4.

[0103] The control and monitoring module 1 includes a communication unit Com comprising a wired output / input for example of type Ethernet and / or USB, or wireless means of communication suitable for communicating with a wireless protocol for example Wifi and / or Bluetooth, for communicating with a maintenance platform Pm and / or an interface for example of a user device Dm which may be on site or remotely.

[0104] The communication unit Com includes a first communication bus BUS1, for example of type RJ45, for receiving information from the controller 30 and sending it information, including control information, for example, to switch off an identified seating level. The controller 30 can transmit the identity of the powered seating levels and measurements, such as voltage and / or current and / or reactive power measurements to be compensated and / or compensation, etc.

[0105] In this example, the communication unit Com includes a second communication bus, BUS2, intended to be connected to a temperature sensor Th and, in this case, also to a humidity sensor. According to another example, module 1 includes another analog or digital input instead of a communication bus to receive the temperature (and optionally humidity) measurement values.

[0106] The control and monitoring module 1 may further include outputs, for example: • an output from an AI alarm audio device such as a buzzer; the control module is configured to control or power it, for example in case of excessive temperature and / or smoke detection, for example via a dry contact in series with the module's power supply or a control output to activate it. • a thermal resistance output Rth, the control module 1 is configured to control or power a thermal resistance 7, for example in case of excessively low temperature and / or high humidity, for example by a dry contact in series with the power supply of module 1 or a control output to control it, • a binary (on / off) information output, to send information or a command to a device, for example, the air conditioning unit, • at least one fan output, here in this case two outputs to control or power two fans VI, V2 via a dry contact; the control module is configured to control or power each fan VI, V2 associated (connected) to an output, for example in case of excessively low temperature and / or high humidity, for example via a dry contact in series with the module's power supply or a control output, and • a control output of the main circuit breaker Dj, the control module is configured to control the main circuit breaker 6 to trip the cabinet in case of a received temperature value greater than a risk threshold value.

[0107] In the case of at least one fan, VI, V2, and a main circuit breaker 6 in cabinet A, one control contact of which is connected to one of the power supply outputs of the monitoring and control module 1, the method may further include a temperature monitoring and ventilation control step for the cabinet, carried out by the monitoring and control module 1, comprising a substep of: • a sub-step for receiving temperature measurement values, • to check if a fan is powered, • comparison of the measured temperature value received to: • a first threshold value if no fan is powered, and • at the risk threshold value higher than the first threshold, if at least A fan is powered. • if the temperature is higher than the first threshold value compared, at least one fan will be activated. • if the temperature is below the risk threshold value, a comparison step with a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, in which case if the received temperature value is below the first threshold value, a fan shutdown command, • if the temperature is above the risk threshold value, the main circuit breaker will trip the cabinet.

[0108] The temperature monitoring and ventilation control stage of the cabinet may further include a sub-stage for memorizing the received temperature values ​​and ventilation time.

[0109] In the case of at least one heating element Rth and a humidity sensor in the cabinet, each connected respectively to an output and an input of the control and monitoring module 1, the method may further include a humidity monitoring and heating element control step in the cabinet, carried out by the control and monitoring module 1 comprising: • a sub-step for receiving humidity measurement values, • to check if the resistor is powered, • comparison of the received humidity measurement value to: • a first humidity threshold value if the heating element is not powered, and • at a second humidity threshold value higher than the first humidity threshold value, if the heating element is powered, • if the temperature is higher than the first comparative humidity threshold value, the heating element's power supply control, • if the temperature is below the second humidity threshold value, a control step will stop the power supply to the resistor.

[0110] The temperature monitoring and ventilation control step of the cabinet may further include a sub-step for storing the received humidity values.

[0111] The temperature monitoring and ventilation or heating element control step for the cabinet may include: • a substep to check an air conditioning device before the substep to check if a fan and / or resistor is switched on, and • if an air conditioning unit is active, the step includes a comparison of the measured temperature value with the second threshold value and if the temperature is above the risk threshold value, triggering the main circuit breaker to trip the cabinet.

[0112] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising the control and monitoring module 1 configured to perform the control and monitoring process and the maintenance platform Pm receiving the information sent as well as all the measurement values ​​received and the determined values. The maintenance platform Pm calculates the average of each value based on its age: At the end of one day, average per minute; at the end of one week, average per hour; at the end of one month, average per day.

[0113] This allows for the optimization of memory space and provides a substantial history of the evolution of received and determined values.

[0114] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

Claims

1. Demands Method for controlling and monitoring at least one capacitor bank (20) in a battery within a reactive power compensation cabinet, implemented by a control and monitoring module (1), comprising: - when an initial power-up of at least one step (20), from an initial power-up time t0, a step of determining a lifetime value (E0), - during a determination period (PI) subsequent to the initial setting time tO, comprising, for at least one determination time (Ml, Mn), the steps of: • receiving measurements (El) including:

1. a sub-step for receiving (E10) voltage (U) values ​​between at least two phases of the cabinet, at some instant during the period, 2. a sub-step of receiving (El 1) temperature values ​​(T) at a specific time during the period, • storage (E2) of the measured temperature value (T) and the measured voltage value (U) received, • determination of an accelerated aging value (VI) of the step (E3) by means of a determination means based on predetermined nominal values ​​of temperature and voltage, and stored received temperature and / or voltage values ​​(U, T), • determination of a remaining service life (E4) of the step (20) from the determined accelerated aging value and the service life value, • memorization of the remaining lifetime (E5) of the step (20) as the lifetime value for the determination of lifetime at the next determination time (Mn+1), - in case of remaining lifetime value exceeded or negative, sending a command to quarantine the stand and maintenance information (E7) including information data of the stand (20) quarantined.

2. Control and monitoring method according to the preceding claim, wherein the means for determining the aging value (VI) of the step (20) is according to the formula: Vi(T,U)=tnue^ - in which t is the aging time, Un the nominal voltage, Tn the nominal temperature, U the measured voltage, T the measured temperature, Ea / kB a predetermined constant.

3. Method of controlling and monitoring at least one step according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a step of modifying the remaining life value (E6) by deducing a safety value from the determined remaining life, the quarantine and information sending step (E7) being sent according to this modified remaining life value.

4. A method for controlling and monitoring at least one stage according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - prior to the determination period (PI), a step of measuring the initial current (IC) of a phase when the stage is energized, - a step of determining (ID) an indicative initial value of the capacitance value of all the capacitors in the stage, based on at least the initially measured current, - during the determination period pl, pn, a step of capacitance control of a stage (C) comprising the substeps of: • receiving a measurement of the current (Cl) of a phase when the capacitors of at least one stage (20) are energized • determination (C2) of a diagnostic value (Cd) indicative of a capacitance value of all the capacitors of at least one stage, similar to the initial value, based on at least the value of the measured current received, • determination (C3) of a capacitance loss value (Cp) by comparing the initial value (CD) indicative of a capacitance value to the determined diagnostic value (Cd), • comparison (C4) of the determined loss value (Cp) to a first threshold value (ClS) of capacitance comparison, • when the determined loss value (Cp) is greater than the first threshold value (ClS) of capacitance comparison, sending a command (C40) to take at least one stage out of service and sending a step out of service information (C41).

5. Method for controlling and monitoring at least one step according to the preceding claim, the step of capacity control of a step (C) further includes the substeps of: - comparing the determined loss value (Cp) to a second threshold value for capacity comparison (C5), the second threshold value for capacity comparison being lower than the first threshold value, - when the determined loss value (Cp) is greater than the second threshold value for capacity comparison, sending maintenance information to at least one step (C50), - when the determined loss value (Cp) is less than the second threshold value (C2s) for capacity comparison, storing the diagnostic time and the measured, determined and compared values, during this step of capacity control of a step (C) and the method repeats the steps of this determination period (PI).

6. Method for controlling and monitoring at least one step according to the preceding claim, the capacity control step of a

7. step (C) further includes, when the comparison of the loss value is greater than the second threshold value for capacity comparison, the following sub-steps: • if the time of diagnosis (Gl, Gn), and the time of determination (Ml, Mn) are different, the determination of a time elapsed (C51) between the time of diagnosis (Gl, Gn), and the time of determination (Ml, Mn), • comparison (C52) between the determined elapsed time value and the remaining lifetime (Dr) determined at the last determination time (Ml, Mn), then of the period comparison value to a threshold period, • if the value of the time spent is greater than a threshold period, sending of the compared period and / or modification of the means of determination (C53), such that the modification allows the means of determination to determine, at the time of diagnosis (Gl, Gn), an aging value (VI) of the step (20) allowing the remaining life determination step (E4) to determine a remaining time (Dr) corresponding to the value of the time spent + or - the threshold period. A method for controlling and monitoring at least one tier according to any one of the preceding claims to 4 to 6, comprising: - During the initial power-up, a step is performed to memorize an identity for each tier, and - During the capacity control step of a tier (C), a substep of receiving and storing (112) at least one fed tier identity for each measurement received during the predetermination period (PI), - in which the values ​​determined during the determination period are associated with at least one step identity, and when there are several steps the values ​​are associated with the set or with each determined value, - in which the predetermined values ​​being compared are each chosen from the number of powered tiers and / or their identities, - the information sent includes the identified stand(s).

8. A method for controlling and monitoring at least one stage according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a current balance identification step (IE) of each phase of the cabinet supplying the different capacitor stages, comprising a substep of: - receiving current measurements (IE1) in the different phase lines, - comparing (IE2) the different received values ​​of current measurements in the different phase lines, and - when the current comparison value measured between two lines is greater than a balancing threshold comparison value, sending and storing the comparison value, a current imbalance alert information (IE3).

9. Method of controlling and monitoring at least one stage according to the preceding claim, wherein when the current comparison value measured between two lines is greater than a balancing threshold comparison value, the method goes directly to the measurement reception step (El) of the next determination moment (Mn+1).

10. Electronic control device (D) for capacitor bank cabinet, comprising a modular industrial electrical cabinet housing (Dl) and a control and monitoring module (1) housed in the modular housing (Dl), the control and monitoring module (1) being configured to carry out the steps of the process according to any one of the preceding claims, the control and monitoring module (1) comprising: - inputs (e) for receiving information: • from the state of a main circuit breaker (6) to receive a commissioning information, • from a temperature sensor to receive temperature measurement information from a sensor (TH) in the cabinet (A), and - a communication unit (Com) for communicating information with a regulator (30) of a capacitor bank (2) of steps (20), and sending information to an interface including maintenance information.

11. Electronic control device for capacitor bank cabinet according to the preceding claim, wherein the control and monitoring module 1 is configured to carry out the process steps according to any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising: a measurement input by a three-phase current sensor (4), for receiving current measurement values ​​per phase by the current sensor (4).

12. Electronic control device for capacitor bank cabinet according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control and monitoring control module 1 comprises: - inputs: • smoke sensor (8) • emergency push button (5) - outputs to control: • the main circuit breaker (6) according to information received from the emergency sensor or the smoke sensor, or temperature, • at least one fan (VI, V2), • a heating element (7).

13. Reactive power compensation cabinet (A) comprising: - a main circuit breaker (6) having one input and one output per phase, the number of phases being at least three, - a bank (2) comprising a plurality of capacitor banks (20), - a power selection device (3) comprising: • an input connected to the output of the main circuit breaker (6) and one output per bank (20), • a power control unit (31) for each bank (20) via its output, and • a regulator (30) controlling each bank, measuring the voltage between each phase, - a current sensor (4) on each current line formed between the output of the main circuit breaker (6) and an input of the selection device (3), - the control device according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12 connected by its inputs to the sensor

14. current (4), to the regulator (30) and to the main circuit breaker (6). System comprising the cabinet according to the preceding claim and a maintenance platform (Pm), the control and monitoring device sending the various measurements received, the various values ​​determined and the information sent to the maintenance platform (Pm).

Images