Improved Hybrid Switching Device

Abstract

To provide a switching apparatus including an electromechanical contact having high operational reliability and electrical durability.SOLUTION: A switching apparatus 100 includes: a first switching unit 1 that has one or more first electrode contacts 11, each first electric contact being electrically connectable with a corresponding first line conductor 51 of an electric line 50 and includes one or more solid-state switches 10 for operating in a conduction state or in an interdiction state to allow or interrupt a current flow; a second switching unit 2 that has one or more fourth electrode contacts 24, each second electric contact being electrically connectable with a corresponding second line conductor 52 of the electric line, is electrically connected in series with a corresponding first electric contact of the first switching unit, and includes one or more solid-state switches 20 for operating in a coupled state or in an uncoupled state to allow or interrupt current flowing along a second electric contact 12; and a controller 3 for implementing a robust control logic to the operation of the first and second switching units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to switching devices for electric power distribution grids, such as circuit breakers or other devices of a similar type.

[0002] As is well known, low voltage switching devices are used in electrical circuits or power grids to enable the correct operation of a particular circuit or portion of the power grid. For example, these devices may be used to ensure the availability of nominal current for powering some utilities, to enable proper insertion and disconnection of electrical loads, and to protect the power grid and installed electrical loads (particularly circuit breakers) against fault events such as overloads and short circuits.

[0003] Most conventional switching devices include an electromechanical switching unit having one or more electrodes, each with a pair of electrical contacts adapted to be coupled or uncoupled to allow or interrupt the flow of electrical current.

[0004] Although these devices have proven to be very robust and reliable, they exhibit relatively long interrupting times in direct current ("DC") applications, primarily at relatively high voltages (1 to 1.5 kV DC). As a result, electrical arcs that typically occur between separated electrical contacts can last for a relatively long period of time. This often leads to severe wear of the electrical contacts, resulting in a significant decrease in operational reliability and electrical durability.

[0005] To overcome these technical problems, switching devices (also called "SSCB" Solid-State Circuit Breakers) have been designed that include switching units with one or more solid-state switches at each electrode. A solid-state switch is a semiconductor-based switch adapted to operate in a conducting or blocking state to allow or block the flow of electric current.

[0006] The primary advantage of SSCBs is that they have potentially unlimited electrical endurance due to the circumstances under which interruption occurs without the formation of an electrical arc. Furthermore, their tripping times are significantly shorter than those of electromechanical switching devices.

[0007] A significant drawback of SSCBs is that they generally do not provide galvanic isolation between the conductors connected to them. In fact, when a voltage is applied to the power terminals of a solid-state switch (such as the collector or emitter terminals of an IGBT), a leakage current typically flows even when the switch is in a blocking state.

[0008] More recently, switching devices have been developed that include an SSCB switching unit and an electromechanical switching unit electrically connected in series.

[0009] These switching devices (commonly called "hybrid switching devices") are able to utilise all the advantages offered by SSCBs in terms of reliability and reduced interruption times, whilst at the same time providing galvanic isolation between the connected conductors.

[0010] However, these switching devices typically require tight time synchronization between the switching actions of the SSCB switching unit and the electromechanical switching unit in order to operate properly. As a result, they typically require complex and expensive control resources to ensure an acceptable level of efficiency and reliability. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] It is a primary aim of the present invention to provide a hybrid type switching device, in particular a switching device of the type including an SSCB switching unit and an electromechanical switching unit electrically connected in series, which overcomes or mitigates the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0012] Within this goal, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid switching device whose operation can be easily controlled without the deployment of complex and expensive control resources.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid switching device which ensures a high level of efficiency and reliability during operation.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid type switching device which is relatively easy and cheap to manufacture on an industrial scale.

[0015] This aim and these objects, together with other objects which will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, are achieved according to the invention by a switching device according to claim 1 and the associated dependent claims set out below.

[0016] The switching device of the present invention comprises a first switching unit having one or more first electrodes. Each first electrode is electrically connectable with a corresponding first line conductor of the electrical wire and comprises one or more solid-state switches adapted to operate in a conductive or interruptive state to allow or interrupt the flow of electrical current. The first switching unit is adapted to reversibly switch between a closed state, in which the solid-state switch is in a conducting state, and an open state, in which the solid-state switch is in a blocking state.

[0017] The switching device of the present invention comprises a second switching unit having one or more second electrodes. Each second electrode is electrically connectable with a corresponding second line conductor of the electric wire and is electrically connected in series with a corresponding first electrode of the first switching unit.

[0018] Each second electrode includes an electrical contact adapted to operate in a coupled or uncoupled state to permit or block the flow of electrical current along the second electrode. The second switching unit is adapted to reversibly switch between a closed state, in which the electrical contacts are in a mated state, and an open state, in which the electrical contacts are in an unmated state.

[0019] The switching device of the present invention comprises a controller adapted to control the operation of said device, in particular said first and second switching units.

[0020] According to the invention, a controller is configured to control said first and second switching units such that said first and second switching units operate in combination only according to the following operational configurations: a first operating configuration corresponding to a closed state of the switching device, in which both the first and second switching units are in a closed state; or a second operating configuration corresponding to a standby state of the switching device, in which the first switching unit is in an open state and the second switching unit is in a closed state, or - a third operating configuration corresponding to an open state of the switching device, in which both the first and second switching units are in an open state.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the first operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired operational state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operational configuration.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the second operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired operational state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the first operational configuration or to switch to the third operational configuration.

[0023] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the third operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired operational state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operational configuration.

[0024] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the first operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired open state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operational configuration and thereafter to the third operational configuration.

[0025] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the third operating configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired closed state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operating configuration and thereafter to switch to the first operating configuration.

[0026] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the first operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired standby state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operational configuration.

[0027] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the second operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired closed state of the switching device, the controller commands the first and second switching units to switch to the first operational configuration.

[0028] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the third operating configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired standby state of the switching device, the controller instructs the first and second switching units to switch to the second operating configuration.

[0029] Preferably, the controller is configured such that, when the first and second switching units operate in combination according to the second operational configuration, in response to receiving an input command indicating a desired open state of the switching device, the controller commands the first and second switching units to switch to the third operational configuration.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the controller comprises an interface section including one or more input ports adapted to receive said input commands indicative of a desired operational state of the switching device.

[0031] Preferably, said switching device comprises a human machine interface in communication with said interface section, said human machine interface being adapted to provide said input commands when interacting with a user.

[0032] Preferably, said interface section is capable of communicating with a remote computing device to receive said input commands.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the controller is included in the first switching unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, purely by way of example and without limitation, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a switching device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the operation of a controller provided in a switching device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] With reference to the above figures, the present invention relates to a switching device 100 for an electrical grid, such as a circuit breaker, disconnect switch, contactor, etc.

[0036] The switching device 100 is particularly adapted for installation in low voltage power grids and systems, but can also be used without problem in medium voltage power grids and systems.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "low voltage" (LV) relates to operating voltages below 1 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC, and the term "medium voltage" (MV) relates to operating voltages up to several tens of kV, e.g. up to 72 kV AC and 100 kV DC.

[0038] The switching device 100 comprises a first switching unit 1 of the SSCB type (hereinafter also referred to as the "SSCB switching unit") and a second switching unit 2 of the electromechanical type (hereinafter also referred to as the "electromechanical switching unit"), both units being electrically connected in series.

[0039] The first switching unit 1 comprises one or more first electrodes 1A.

[0040] The number of electrodes of the first switching unit may vary as required. In the embodiment shown in the cited figures, the first switching unit 1 is of the three-phase type and consists of three electrodes. However, according to other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the first switching unit may include a different number of electrodes.

[0041] Each electrode 1A is intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding first line conductor 51 of an electric wire 50. The first line conductor(s) 51 of the electrical line 50 may be connected to an equivalent power source, which may be, for example, a power supply or generation system, or a section of a power grid.

[0042] Preferably, for each electrode 1A, the first switching unit 1 comprises a first electrode contact 11 and a second electrode contact 12.

[0043] Each first electrode contact 11 is electrically connectable to a corresponding line conductor 51 of the electric wire 50, while each second electrode contact 12 is electrically connected in series with an electrode contact 23 of a corresponding electrode 2A of the second switching unit 2.

[0044] Each electrode 1A comprises one or more solid-state switches 10 adapted to operate in a conducting or blocking state to allow or block the flow of electric current along said electrode.

[0045] Solid-state switch 10 may include, for example, a MOSFET, an insulated gate bipolar transistor ("IGBT"), a gate turn-off thyristor ("GTO"), an integrated gate commutated thyristor ("IGCT"), or the like.

[0046] The solid-state switch 10 of each electrode 1A is electrically connected with this latter electrode contact 11, 12, for example according to a series circuit configuration or other more complex circuit configuration of known type.

[0047] In operation, the first switching unit 1 can reversibly switch between a closed state ON, in which the solid-state switch 10 of electrode 1A is in a conducting state, and an open state OFF, in which the solid-state switch 10 of electrode 1A is in a blocking state.

[0048] When the first switching unit is in the closed state ON, the line current is allowed to flow through the electrode 1A. Instead, when the first switching unit 1 is in the open state OFF, no line current flows along the electrode 1A. However, leakage currents that can typically affect solid-state switches in the blocking state can still circulate along electrode 1A.

[0049] A transition from the closed state ON to the open state OFF forms an opening operation of the first switching unit, and a transition from the open state OFF to the closed state ON forms a closing operation of the first switching unit.

[0050] Upon receiving a first trip signal T1 from the controller 3, the first switching unit 1 can perform an opening or closing operation.

[0051] Preferably, the first switching unit 1 includes one or more first drive circuits (not shown) adapted to receive a first trip signal T1 and drive a control terminal (e.g., a gate terminal or a base terminal) of the solid-state switch 10 in response to said first trip signal T1.

[0052] The second switching unit 2 comprises one or more second electrodes 2A.

[0053] Also, the number of electrodes 2A of the second switching unit may vary as required. Generally, the number of electrodes 2A corresponds to the number of electrodes 1A of the first switching unit.

[0054] Each electrode 2A is electrically connected in series with a corresponding electrode 1A of the first switching unit 1 and is intended to be electrically connected with a corresponding second line conductor 52 of the electric wire 50. The second line conductor(s) 52 of the electrical line 50 may be connected to an equivalent electrical load, which may be, for example, an electrical power system or device, or a section of an electrical power grid.

[0055] Preferably, for each electrode 2A, the second switching unit comprises a third electrode contact 23 and a fourth electrode contact 24.

[0056] Each third electrode contact 23 is electrically connected in series with the second electrode contact 12 of the corresponding electrode 1A of the first switching unit, and the fourth electrode contact 24 is electrically connectable with the corresponding second line conductor 52 of the electric wire 50.

[0057] Each second electrode 2A is provided with an electrical contact 20 operable in a coupled or uncoupled state to allow or block the flow of electrical current along said second electrode.

[0058] Advantageously, the electrical contacts 20 of each electrode 2A consist of a fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact (not shown), each of which can be actuated to couple or separate from the fixed electrical contact.

[0059] In operation, the second switching unit 2 can reversibly switch between a closed state ON, in which the electrical contacts 20 of the electrode 2A are in a coupled state, and an open state OFF, in which the electrical contacts 20 of the electrode 2A are in a non-coupled state.

[0060] When the second switching unit is in the closed state ON, the line current is allowed to flow through the electrode 2A. Instead, when the second switching unit is in the open state OFF, no line current flows along the electrode 2A.

[0061] A transition from the closed state ON to the open state OFF forms an opening operation of the second switching unit, and a transition from the open state OFF to the closed state ON forms a closing operation of the second switching unit.

[0062] Preferably, the second switching unit 2 comprises one or more trip actuators 25 (which may be of known type) adapted to cause actuation of movable contacts of said switching units in order to perform the above-mentioned opening and closing operations.

[0063] As an example, the trip actuator 25 may include an open coil actuator adapted to cause actuation of the movable contact of electrode 2A to perform an opening operation, and a closed coil actuator adapted to cause actuation of the movable contact of electrode 2A to perform a closing operation.

[0064] The trip actuator 25 is operably connectable to a suitable actuating mechanism (not shown) adapted to actuate the movable contacts of the second switching unit. Such an operating mechanism, which may be of a known type, is conveniently designed to move the movable contact of the second switching unit 2 upon actuation by said trip actuator.

[0065] The second switching unit 2 can perform an opening or closing operation upon receiving a second trip signal T2 from the controller.

[0066] Preferably, the second switching unit 2 may include one or more second drive circuits (not shown) adapted to receive the second trip signal T2 and drive the trip actuator 25 in response to the second trip signal T2.

[0067] When the trip actuator 25 is driven in accordance with the trip signal T2, it starts the above-mentioned operating mechanism, thereby operating the movable contact of the second switching unit to perform the closing or opening operation of the second switching unit.

[0068] Preferably, the second switching unit 2 comprises one or more sensing devices 26 adapted to provide a sensing signal S to the controller indicative of an operating state of said second switching unit.

[0069] By way of example, the detection device 26 may consist of a closed state microswitch (which may be of a known type) adapted to provide a detection signal indicative of a closed state ON of the second switching unit, and an open state microswitch (which may be of a known type) adapted to provide a detection signal indicative of an open state OFF of the second switching unit.

[0070] Preferably, the second switching unit 2 comprises one or more enable devices 27 adapted to provide an enable signal E to the controller to allow or prevent the second switching unit 2 from operating in the closed state ON. As an example, the one or more enabling devices 27 may include an acknowledgement microswitch (which may be of a known type) adapted to provide an enabling signal E to enable the second switching unit 2 to operate in the closed state ON.

[0071] According to some embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the switching device 100 is of the "withdrawable type."

[0072] In this case the switching units 1, 2 are movable relative to the fixed part of the switching device. In particular, each switching unit is reversibly movable between an inserted position and an extracted position relative to a fixed part of the switching device. For this purpose, each switching unit 1, 2 is preferably mounted on a respective carriage which is slidably movable relative to a fixed part of the switching device.

[0073] Since the switching unit is movable, the first and fourth electrode contacts 11, 24 of the switching device are adapted to be electrically coupled to or separated from corresponding line terminals (not shown) that are arranged on a fixed part of the switching device and are electrically connected to corresponding line conductors 51, 52 of the electrical line.

[0074] Generally, the first and second switching units 1, 2 may be arranged at an industrial level according to solutions of known type. Therefore, in the following, for the sake of brevity, further structural details thereof will not be described.

[0075] According to the invention, the switching arrangement 100 comprises a controller 3 adapted to control the operation of said switching arrangement, in particular the first and second switching units 1,2.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the invention (FIG. 1), the controller 3 is a standalone device and is not integrated into any of the switching units 1, 2.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1A), the controller 3 is integrated into one of the switching units 1 and 2, preferably into the first switching unit 1. In this case, the controller 3 may be the controller of the first switching unit and is suitably configured to perform the functions described below (in addition to other functions dedicated to the first switching unit).

[0078] Preferably, the controller 3 comprises a data processing unit 31 adapted to process and provide data or control signals to achieve the required functions. In general, the data processing unit 31 may include data processing resources of the digital or analog type, for example one or more microprocessors or DSPs.

[0079] Preferably, the controller 3 comprises a trip section 32 adapted to interact with the data processing section 31 in order to generate trip signals T1, T2 for controlling the operation of the switching units 1, 2. In general, the trip unit 32 may include data processing resources of the digital or analog type, for example one or more microprocessors or DSPs.

[0080] Preferably, the controller 3 is adapted to receive and process input commands CM1, CM2, CM3 (e.g. formed by suitable control signals) indicating a desired operating state of the switching device 100 in order to control the operation of the switching units 1, 2.

[0081] Preferably, the controller 3 comprises an interface section 33 including one or more input ports adapted to receive input commands CM1, CM2, CM3.

[0082] Preferably, the switching device 100 comprises a human machine interface 5 which communicates with an interface portion 33 of the controller 3 . The human machine interface 5 is adapted to provide input commands CM1, CM2, CM3 when interacting with a user.

[0083] By way of example, the human machine interface 5 may include suitable buttons that the user can press to generate the input commands CM1, CM2, CM3.

[0084] As another example, the human-machine interface 5 may comprise a touch screen including suitable graphical resources (eg digital buttons) that the user can activate to generate the input commands CM1, CM2, CM3.

[0085] As a further example, the human machine interface 5 may interact (eg, wirelessly) with a user's computing device to generate the input commands CM1, CM2, CM3.

[0086] Preferably, the human machine interface 5 is a stand-alone device not integrated into either of the switching units 1, 2.

[0087] According to another embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1A), the human machine interface 5 is integrated in one of the switching units, preferably in the first switching unit 1 . In this case, the human machine interface 5 may be the human machine interface of the first switching unit suitably configured to perform the above functions (in addition to other functions dedicated to the first switching unit).

[0088] According to some embodiments of the invention, the interface portion 33 of the controller 3 is adapted to communicate with a remote computing device 9 (which is typically not part of the switching device 100), for example a digital relay. Advantageously, the interface 33 may receive input commands CM1, CM2, CM3 from the computing device 9.

[0089] Preferably, the switching device 100 comprises an auxiliary power supply 4 adapted to supply a suitable supply voltage to the controller 3 and to other possible electrical or electronic components of the switching device, such as the above-mentioned driver circuits included in the switching unit. In general, auxiliary power supply 4 may include any power supply and control circuitry of the digital or analog type, as desired.

[0090] Preferably, the auxiliary power supply 4 is a stand-alone device, however, different types of arrangements are available to those skilled in the art.

[0091] In general, the controller 3, the human machine interface 5 and the auxiliary power supply 4 may be arranged at an industrial level according to known types of hardware solutions. Therefore, in the following, for the sake of brevity, further details of their structure or circuits will not be described.

[0092] An important aspect of the present invention is that the controller 3 implements a special control logic for controlling the operation of the first and second switching units 1,2 and thereby the operation of the switching arrangement 100.

[0093] According to such control logic, the first and second switching units 1, 2 may be considered as a combination of only certain operational configurations among the configurations corresponding to predetermined operating states of the switching device 100 (FIG. 2).

[0094] More specifically, according to the invention, the controller 3 controls the first and second switching units 1, 2 such that they can operate in combination only according to the following operational configurations: - a first operating configuration [I] in which both the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the closed state ON; or - a second operating configuration [X] in which the first switching unit 1 is in the open state OFF and the second switching unit 2 is in the closed state ON; or A third operating mode [O] in which both the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the open state OFF.

[0095] When the first and second switching units 1, 2 operate in combination according to a first operating configuration [I], line current is allowed to flow through the electrodes 1A, 2A of the switching units 1, 2. This ensures electrical continuity between the line conductors 51, 52 of the electric wire 50. A first operating configuration [I] of the first and second switching units corresponds to a closed state of the switching devices.

[0096] When the first and second switching units 1, 2 operate in combination according to the second operating mode [X], the first switching unit 1 is in the open state OFF, so that no line current flows along the electrodes 1A, 2A of the switching unit 1. As a result, the line conductors 51 and 52 of the electric wire 50 are cut. However, there is no galvanic isolation between them since the second switching unit 2 is in the closed state ON and leakage currents may flow along the electrodes 1A, 2A which may affect the solid-state switch 10 of the first switching unit 1. The second operating configuration [X] of the first and second switching units corresponds to a standby state of the switching devices intermediate between the closed and open states.

[0097] When the first and second switching units 1, 2 operate in combination according to the third operating mode [O], both switching units 1, 2 are in the open state OFF, so that no line current and possible leakage current flows along the electrodes 1A, 2A of the switching units. The line conductors 51 and 52 of the electric wire 50 are separated from each other, and galvanic insulation between them is ensured. The third operating configuration [O] of the first and second switching units corresponds to an open state of the switching device 100 .

[0098] Preferably, the controller 3 is configured to command the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch from one operational configuration to another operational configuration in response to receiving the above-mentioned input commands CM1, CM2, CM3 indicating a desired operational state of the switching apparatus 100.

[0099] However, according to the control logic realized by the controller 3, the transition between the operating configurations of the first and second switching units 1, 2 must always include the second operating configuration [X], which corresponds to the standby state of the switching device 100 (Figure 2).

[0100] That is, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1,2 so as to prevent a direct transition of the switching units 1,2 between the first operating configuration [I] and the third operating configuration [O].

[0101] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in a first operating configuration [I] (corresponding to a closed state of the switching device 100), in response to receiving input commands CM2, CM3 indicating a desired operating state of the switching device 100, the controller 3 commands the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to a second operating configuration [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100).

[0102] In practice, according to the control logic realised by the controller 3, the first and second switching units 1, 2 can switch from the first operating configuration [I] to the other operating configuration simply by passing through the second operating configuration [X].

[0103] This means that when in a closed state (first operating configuration [I] of switching units 1, 2), in response to receiving input commands CM2, CM3 indicating a desired different operating state, the switching device 100 can switch to another operating state simply by passing through a wait state (second operating configuration [X] of switching units 1, 2).

[0104] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the second operating configuration [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100), in response to receiving input commands CM1, CM3 indicating a desired operating state of the switching device 100, the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the first operating configuration [I] (corresponding to a closed state of the switching device 100) or to switch to the third operating configuration [O] (corresponding to an open state of the switching device 100).

[0105] In practice, according to the control logic realised by the controller 3, the first and second switching units 1, 2 can switch from the second operating mode [X] to either the first operating mode [I] or the third operating mode [O] depending on the received input commands CM1, CM3.

[0106] This means that in response to receiving input commands CM1, CM3 indicating a desired different operating state when in a standby state (second operating configuration [X] of the switching units 1, 2), the switching device 100 can switch to either a closed state (first operating configuration [I] of the first and second switching units 1, 2) or an open state (third operating configuration [O] of the first and second switching units 1, 2) depending on the received input commands CM1, CM3.

[0107] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the third operating configuration [O] (corresponding to an open state of the switching device 100), in response to receiving input commands CM1, CM2 indicating a desired operating state of the switching device 100, the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the second operating configuration [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100).

[0108] In practice, according to the control logic realised by the controller 3, the first and second switching units 1, 2 can switch from the third operating configuration [O] to other operating configurations by simply passing through the second operating configuration [X].

[0109] This means that when in the open state (third operating configuration [O] of switching devices 1, 2), in response to receiving input commands CM1, CM2 indicating a desired different operating state, the switching device 100 can switch to the other operating state simply by passing through the wait state (second operating configuration [X] of switching devices 1, 2).

[0110] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of controller 3 when switching device 100 must perform an opening operation, i.e., transition from a closed state to an open state, in response to receiving input command CM3 (open input command) indicating a desired open state of switching device 100.

[0111] In this case, the controller 3 has to manage the transition of the first and second switching units 1, 2 from the first operational configuration [I] to the third operational configuration [O].

[0112] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the first operating mode [I] (corresponding to a closed state of the switching device 100), in response to receiving an open input command CM3, the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100), and then instructs them to switch to the third operating mode [O] (corresponding to an open state of the switching device 100).

[0113] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that during an opening operation of the switching arrangement 100, the switching units 1, 2 must always be in the second operating configuration [X]. This means that the switching device 100 must always go through a wait state when performing an opening operation in response to receiving an open input command CM3.

[0114] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the controller 3 when the switching device 100 must perform a closing operation, i.e., transition from an open state to a closed state, in response to receiving an input command CM1 (close input command) indicating a desired closed state of the switching device 100.

[0115] In this case, the controller 3 has to manage the transition of the first and second switching units 1, 2 from the third operational configuration [O] to the first operational configuration [I].

[0116] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the third operating mode [O] (corresponding to the open state of the switching device 100), in response to receiving a close input command CM1, the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to the standby state of the switching device 100), and then instructs them to switch to the first operating mode [I] (corresponding to the closed state of the switching device 100).

[0117] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that during a closing operation of the switching device 100, the switching units 1, 2 must always be in the second operating configuration [X]. This means that the switching device 100 must always go through a wait state when performing a close operation in response to receiving a close input command CM1.

[0118] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of controller 3 when switching device 100 must transition from a closed state to a standby state in response to receiving input command CM2 (standby input command) indicating a desired standby state of switching device 100.

[0119] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the first operating mode [I] (corresponding to the closed state of the switching device 100), the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to the standby state of the switching device 100) in response to receiving a standby input command CM2.

[0120] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that the switching units 1, 2 can switch directly from a first operating configuration [I] to a second operating configuration [X]. This means that the switching device 100 can always transition directly from the closed state to the standby state in response to receiving a standby input command CM2.

[0121] FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the controller 3 when the switching device 100 must transition from the standby state to the closed state in response to receiving a close input command CM1.

[0122] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100), the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the first operating mode [I] (corresponding to a closed state of the switching device 100) in response to receiving a close input command CM1.

[0123] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that the switching units 1, 2 can switch directly from the second operating configuration [X] to the first operating configuration [I]. This means that the switching device 100 can always transition directly from the standby state to the closed state in response to receiving a close input command CM1.

[0124] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the controller 3 when the switching device 100 must transition from the open state to the standby state in response to receiving a standby input command CM2.

[0125] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the third operating mode [O] (corresponding to the open state of the switching device 100), the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to the standby state of the switching device 100) in response to receiving a standby input command CM2.

[0126] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that the switching units 1, 2 can switch directly from the third operating configuration [O] to the second operating configuration [X]. This means that the switching device 100 can always transition directly from the open state to the standby state in response to receiving a standby input command CM2.

[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the controller 3 when the switching device 100 must transition from the standby state to the open state in response to receiving an open input command CM3.

[0128] Preferably, when the first and second switching units 1, 2 are in the second operating mode [X] (corresponding to a standby state of the switching device 100), the controller 3 instructs the first and second switching units 1, 2 to switch to the third operating mode [O] (corresponding to an open state of the switching device 100) in response to receiving an open input command CM3.

[0129] In practice, the controller 3 is configured to control the switching units 1, 2 such that the switching units 1, 2 can switch directly from the second operating configuration [X] to the third operating configuration [O]. This means that the switching device 100 can always transition directly from the standby state to the open state in response to receiving a release input command CM3.

[0130] The switching device 100 of the present invention offers related advantages over corresponding solutions available in the art.

[0131] Unlike known solutions in the art, the controller 3 of the switching device 100 is configured to control the first and second switching devices 1, 2 such that the switching device 100 can assume a standby state (second configuration [X] of the first and second switching devices 1, 2) in addition to a closed state (first configuration [I] of the first and second switching devices 1, 2) and an open state (third configuration [O] of the first and second switching devices 1, 2).

[0132] Such a solution allows relaxing the time synchronization constraints between the switching operations of the switching units 1 and 2 when the switching device 100 has to perform an opening operation (i.e., a transition from a closed state to an open state) or a closing operation (i.e., a transition from an open state to a closed state).

[0133] Therefore, the switching device 100 can operate according to a stable control logic that does not require complex and expensive control resources for its implementation.

[0134] Therefore, the switching device 100 ensures a high level of efficiency and reliability in operation.

[0135] At the same time, the switching device 100 can be manufactured on an industrial scale at a cost that is competitive with similar equipment of the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 1st switching unit, 2 second switching unit, 3 controllers, 4 auxiliary power supply, 5 Human-machine interface, 9 Computer equipment, 10 Solid-state switches, 11 first electrode contact, 12 second electrode contact, 20 Electrical contacts, 23 third electrode contact, 24 fourth electrode contact, 25 Trip actuator, 26 Detection devices, 27 Enabling device, 31 Data processing section, 32 Trip section, 33 Interface section, 50 electric wire, 51 first line conductor, 52 second line conductor, 100 switching device, 1A electrode, 2A electrode, CM1 close input command, CM2 Wait input command, CM3 Open input command, E enable signal, S detection signal, T1 First trip signal, T2 Second trip signal

Claims

1. A switching device (100) for a power grid, comprising a first switching unit (1), a second switching unit (2) and a controller (3), The first switching unit (1) has one or more first electrodes (1A), each first electrode comprises one or more solid-state switches (10) electrically connectable with a corresponding first line conductor (51) of the electric wire (50) and adapted to operate in a conductive or interruptive state to allow or interrupt the flow of electric current; the first switching unit (1) is adapted to reversibly switch between a closed state (ON), in which the solid-state switch (10) is in the conducting state, and an open state (OFF), in which the solid-state switch (10) is in the blocking state; The second switching unit (2) has one or more second electrodes (2A), Each second electrode is electrically connectable with a corresponding second line conductor (52) of the electric wire (50) and is electrically connected in series with a corresponding first electrode (1A) of the first switching unit, and each second electrode comprises an electrical contact (20) adapted to operate in a coupled or uncoupled state to allow or interrupt a current flow along the second electrode; the second switching unit (2) is adapted to reversibly switch between a closed state (ON) in which the electrical contacts (20) are in the coupled state and an open state (OFF) in which the electrical contacts are in the uncoupled state; The controller (3) is configured to control the first and second switching units (1, 2); The first and second switching units have the following three operational configurations: a first operating configuration ([I]) corresponding to a closed state of the switching device, in which both the first and second switching units (1, 2) are in a closed state (ON); a second operating configuration ([X]) corresponding to a standby state of the switching device, in which the first switching unit (1) is in the open state (OFF) and the second switching unit (2) is in the closed state (ON), or a third operating configuration ([O]) corresponding to an open state of the switching device, in which both the first and second switching units (1, 2) are in an open state (OFF); They work in combination according to the The controller (3) has a control logic: The first and second switching units (1, 2) when operating in combination according to the first operating configuration ([I]), in response to receiving an input command (CM2) indicating a standby state, an input command (CM3) indicating an open state or input commands (CM2, CM3) indicating an open state as a desired operating state of the switching device, instruct the first and second switching units (1, 2) to switch to the second operating configuration ([X]), and if the received input command includes (CM3), instruct the first and second switching units (1, 2) to switch to the third operating configuration ([O]) after the second operating configuration ([X]); when operating in combination according to the third operating configuration ([O]), in response to receiving an input command (CM1), an input command (CM2) or an input command (CM1, CM2) indicating a closed state as a desired operating state, instruct the first and second switching units (1, 2) to switch to the second operating configuration ([X]), and if the received input command includes (CM1), instruct the first and second switching units (1, 2) to switch to the first operating configuration ([I]) after the second operating configuration ([X]); When operating in combination according to the second operating configuration ([X]), in response to receiving an input command (CM1) as a desired operating state, the first and second switching units (1, 2) are instructed to switch to the first operating configuration ([I]), in response to receiving an input command (CM3), the first and second switching units (1, 2) are instructed to switch to the third operating configuration ([O]), and in response to receiving input commands (CM1, CM3), the first and second switching units (1, 2) are instructed to switch to the first operating configuration ([I]) or to switch to the third operating configuration ([O]). A switching device (100) for a power grid, characterized in that it is configured as follows.

2. 2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (3) comprises an interface section (33) including one or more input ports adapted to receive the input commands (CM1, CM2, CM3) indicating a desired operating state of the switching device.

3. A human-machine interface (5) that communicates with the interface unit (33), 3. A switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that said human machine interface is adapted to provide said input commands (CM1, CM2, CM3) in interaction with a user.

4. 4. A switching device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said interface part (33) is capable of communicating with a remote computer device (9) for receiving said input commands (CM1, CM2, CM3).

5. 5. A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the controller (3) is included in the first switching unit (1).

6. A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching device is of the extractable type.

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