Board using semiconductor circuit breaker

Abstract

A board (100) using a semiconductor circuit breaker has a semiconductor switch unit (4). The semiconductor switch unit (4) includes: an on / off signal input part (45) to which a signal for turning on or off is inputted; and make-and-break contacts (43a, 43b, 43c) and semiconductor elements (441, 442) connected in series. The board (100) using a semiconductor circuit breaker further has: a control unit (5) that outputs, to the semiconductor elements (441, 442) and the make-and-break contacts (43a, 43b, 43c), a signal for turning on or off the semiconductor elements (441, 442) and the make-and-break contacts (43a, 43b, 43c), detects a current flowing through the semiconductor switch unit (4), and outputs a signal for turning off the semiconductor switch unit (4) when an anomaly occurs; a load unit (6) connected to the load side of the semiconductor switch unit (4); and a base unit (3) into which the semiconductor switch unit (4) and the load unit (6) can be removably inserted.

Description

Panel using semiconductor circuit breaker

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0002] Conventionally, a static control relay has been proposed that has a base unit and multiple pole units that can be inserted into the base unit, each pole unit including a semiconductor switching device such as a thyristor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The pole unit is a switching module. The static control relay is a relay. Multiple pole units can be inserted into the base unit, and in this static control relay, the multiple pole units can be connected in parallel to meet the required current capacity.

[0003] Special Publication No. 52-7140

[0004] However, in conventional static control relays, multiple pole units including semiconductor switchgears can only be connected in parallel to meet the required current capacity, and therefore there is a problem that the semiconductor circuit breaker cannot be controlled in accordance with the unit connected to the load side of the semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker that can change the current capacity so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity, and can control the semiconductor circuit breaker to suit the unit connected to the load side of the semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to the present disclosure includes a semiconductor switch unit. The semiconductor switch unit includes an on / off signal input section to which an on / off signal is input, and a semiconductor element and a switch connected in series. The panel using the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the present disclosure further includes a control unit that outputs a signal to the semiconductor element and the switch to turn the semiconductor element and the switch on or off, and that detects a current flowing through the semiconductor switch unit and outputs a signal to turn the semiconductor switch unit off in the event of an abnormality, a load unit connected to the load side of the semiconductor switch unit, and a base unit into which multiple semiconductor switch units and multiple load units can be inserted and removed. The base unit can be fitted with multiple semiconductor switch units connected in parallel.

[0007] A panel using the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the present disclosure has the advantage that the current capacity of the semiconductor circuit breaker can be changed so that it meets the required current capacity, and the semiconductor circuit breaker can be controlled to suit the unit connected to the load side of the semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0008] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base unit provided in a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a semiconductor switch unit mounting portion of the base unit shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a load unit mounting portion of the base unit shown in FIG. 2; 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing the terminals of the unit and the receiving terminals of the base unit shown in FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 1 is a first perspective view schematically showing the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a second perspective view schematically showing the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switch unit possessed by the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply unit possessed by the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery unit possessed by the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an AC / DC (Alternating Current / Direct Current) power supply possessed by the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a semiconductor circuit breaker unit possessed by the load unit shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processor in a case where at least some of the functions of the control unit possessed by a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment are realized by the processor is a diagram showing a processing circuit in a case where at least some of the functions of the control unit possessed by a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment are realized by the processing circuit

[0009] Hereinafter, a panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a panel 100 using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base unit 3 included in a panel 100 using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a semiconductor switch unit mounting portion of the base unit 3 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a load unit mounting portion of the base unit 3 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one semiconductor switch unit 4 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the semiconductor switch unit 4 shown in FIG. 5, viewed from another angle. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the semiconductor switch unit 4 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a first diagram showing the configuration of semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing the configuration of semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing the configuration of semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing the terminals of one semiconductor switch unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 and the receiving terminals of the base unit 3 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a first perspective view schematically showing the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a second perspective view schematically showing the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switch unit 61 included in the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the control unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining processing by the control unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply unit 62 included in the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery unit 63 included in the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an AC / DC power supply 64 included in the load unit 6 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of the semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 included in the load unit 6 shown in FIG.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , a panel 100 using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment includes a power supply connection terminal 2 connected to a power supply 1, a base unit 3 provided with the power supply connection terminal 2, and four semiconductor switch units 4 that constitute a semiconductor circuit breaker by being inserted into the base unit 3. Hereinafter, the panel 100 using a semiconductor circuit breaker may be referred to as a "panel 100." The panel 100 is not limited to having four semiconductor switch units 4. The panel 100 also includes at least one semiconductor switch unit 4. The panel 100 further includes a control unit 5 that is attached to the base unit 3 and outputs an on / off signal to each semiconductor switch unit 4, and a load unit 6 that is inserted into the base unit 3 and connected to the load 7 side of each semiconductor switch unit 4. The panel 100 may include two or more load units 6.

[0012] The load unit 6 includes a switch unit 61 that switches the current of the load 7 using a switching contact. Two switch units 61 are shown in FIG. 1 . The load unit 6 also includes an uninterruptible power supply unit 62 and a battery unit 63. Hereinafter, the uninterruptible power supply unit 62 will be referred to as an "Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) unit 62." When the power supply is normal, the UPS unit 62 supplies power from each semiconductor switch unit 4 to the load 7. When the power supply is abnormal, the UPS unit 62 converts DC power from a power storage unit provided in the battery unit 63 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the load 7. For example, the power storage unit is implemented by a storage battery. The load unit 6 also includes an AC / DC power supply 64 that converts AC power from each semiconductor switch unit 4 into DC power, and a semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 that performs circuit breaker using a semiconductor element.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the base unit 3 is provided with a semiconductor circuit breaker space 31 in which each semiconductor switch unit 4 is mounted, a control unit space 32 in which the control unit 5 is mounted, and a load unit space 33 in which the load unit 6 is mounted. The power supply connection terminal 2 has terminals 2a, 2b, and 2c. The base unit 3 is further provided with a first current sensor 34 that measures the current flowing through each of the terminals 2a, 2b, and 2c. If the panel 100 has multiple semiconductor switch units 4, the first current sensor 34 measures the total current flowing through the multiple semiconductor switch units 4 mounted on the base unit 3. In this embodiment, the first current sensor 34 is provided between the power supply connection terminal 2 and each semiconductor switch unit 4 mounted in the semiconductor circuit breaker space 31. If multiple semiconductor switch units 4 are mounted in the semiconductor circuit breaker space 31 and a current sensor is provided for each of the multiple semiconductor switch units 4, the control unit 5 may add up the current values ​​obtained by each current sensor.

[0014] 3 , the semiconductor circuit breaker space 31 is provided with four semiconductor unit spaces 311 to 314 so that each of the four semiconductor switch units 4 can be installed independently. Each of the four semiconductor unit spaces 311 to 314 is provided with a power supply side receptacle connected to the power supply connection terminal 2 and a load side receptacle for supplying power to the load unit 6. Specifically, each of the four semiconductor unit spaces 311 to 314 is provided with a corresponding power supply side receptacle among the four power supply side receptacle terminals 3111, 3121, 3131, and 3141 connected to the power supply connection terminal 2, and a corresponding load side receptacle among the four load side receptacle terminals 3112, 3122, 3132, and 3142 for supplying power to the load unit 6. The power supply side receptacle and the load side receptacle may be referred to as receptacle terminals.

[0015] The power supply side receiving terminal 3111 has receiving terminals 3111a, 3111b, and 3111c. The power supply side receiving terminal 3121 has receiving terminals 3121a, 3121b, and 3121c. The power supply side receiving terminal 3131 has receiving terminals 3131a, 3131b, and 3131c. The power supply side receiving terminal 3141 has receiving terminals 3141a, 3141b, and 3141c. In order to increase the rated capacity of the semiconductor circuit breaker by increasing the number of semiconductor switch units 4 mounted on the base unit 3, the receiving terminals 3111a, 3121a, 3131a, and 3141a are connected to terminal 2a of the power supply connection terminal 2, the receiving terminals 3111b, 3121b, 3131b, and 3141b are connected to terminal 2b of the power supply connection terminal 2, and the receiving terminals 3111c, 3121c, 3131c, and 3141c are connected to terminal 2c of the power supply connection terminal 2.

[0016] The load-side receiving terminal 3112 has receiving terminals 3112a, 3112b, and 3112c. The load-side receiving terminal 3122 has receiving terminals 3122a, 3122b, and 3122c. The load-side receiving terminal 3132 has receiving terminals 3132a, 3132b, and 3132c. The load-side receiving terminal 3142 has receiving terminals 3142a, 3142b, and 3142c.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the load unit space 33 is provided with load unit spaces 331 to 338 so that eight load units 6 can be installed.

[0018] Each of the load unit spaces 331 to 338 is provided with a power receiving terminal. Specifically, the load unit space 331 is provided with power receiving terminals 331a, 331b, and 331c. The load unit space 332 is provided with power receiving terminals 332a, 332b, and 332c. The load unit space 333 is provided with power receiving terminals 333a, 333b, and 333c. The load unit space 334 is provided with power receiving terminals 334a, 334b, and 334c. The load unit space 335 is provided with power receiving terminals 335a, 335b, and 335c. The load unit space 336 is provided with power receiving terminals 336a, 336b, and 336c. The load unit space 337 is provided with power receiving terminals 337a, 337b, and 337c. The load unit space 338 is provided with power receiving terminals 338a, 338b, and 338c.

[0019] Power receiving terminals 331a, 332a, 333a, 334a, 335a, 336a, 337a, and 338a are connected to receiving terminals 3112a, 3122a, 3132a, and 3142a. Power receiving terminals 331b, 332b, 333b, 334b, 335b, 336b, 337b, and 338b are connected to receiving terminals 3112b, 3122b, 3132b, and 3142b. Power receiving terminals 331c, 332c, 333c, 334c, 335c, 336c, 337c, and 338c are connected to receiving terminals 3112c, 3122c, 3132c, and 3142c.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit space 32 is provided with a semiconductor circuit breaker on / off command terminal 321 for outputting on / off commands to each semiconductor switch unit 4, and a load-side unit on / off command terminal 322 for outputting on / off commands to the load unit 6. The on / off commands include an on command and an off command. The control unit space 32 is further provided with an overall current measurement terminal 323 for transmitting a current signal indicating the value of a current measured by the first current sensor 34 to the control unit 5. The current measured by the first current sensor 34 is the current flowing through the terminals 2a, 2b, and 2c of the power supply connection terminal 2. The control unit space 32 is further provided with a load-side current measurement terminal 324 for transmitting a current signal transmitted from the load unit 6 to the control unit 5.

[0021] 2, a semiconductor on / off receiving terminal 3113 is provided in the semiconductor unit space 311, a semiconductor on / off receiving terminal 3123 is provided in the semiconductor unit space 312, a semiconductor on / off receiving terminal 3133 is provided in the semiconductor unit space 313, and a semiconductor on / off receiving terminal 3143 is provided in the semiconductor unit space 314. The semiconductor circuit breaker on / off command terminal 321 is connected to each of the semiconductor on / off receiving terminals 3113, 3123, 3133, and 3143 provided in each of the semiconductor unit spaces 311 to 314.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the load unit space 331 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 331d, the load unit space 332 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 332d, the load unit space 333 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 333d, the load unit space 334 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 334d, the load unit space 335 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 335d, the load unit space 336 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 336d, the load unit space 337 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 337d, and the load unit space 338 is provided with a load side on / off receiving terminal 338d. The load side unit on / off command terminal 322 is connected to each of the load side on / off receiving terminals 331d, 332d, 333d, 334d, 335d, 336d, 337d, and 338d provided in each of the load unit spaces 331 to 338.

[0023] 5 and 6, a power supply side terminal 41 is provided on the back surface of each semiconductor switch unit 4. The power supply side terminal 41 is fitted into one of the power supply side receptacle terminals 3111, 3121, 3131, and 3141, and the load side terminal 42 is fitted into one of the load side receptacle terminals 3112, 3122, 3132, and 3142. The power supply side terminal 41 is made up of power supply side terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c, and the load side terminal 42 is made up of load side terminals 42a, 42b, and 42c.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7 , each semiconductor switch unit 4 has switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c, one end of which is connected to a corresponding one of the power supply terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c. The switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c are collectively referred to as "switch contacts 43." Each semiconductor switch unit 4 further has semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c, one end of which is connected to the other end of the corresponding one of the switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c. The other end of each of the semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c is connected to a corresponding one of the load terminals 42a, 42b, and 42c. The semiconductor module 44a has semiconductor elements 441a and 442a, the semiconductor module 44b has semiconductor elements 441b and 442b, and the semiconductor module 44c has semiconductor elements 441c and 442c. Each semiconductor switch unit 4 further has an ON / OFF signal input section 45 to which a signal for turning on or off the semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, 44c is input from the control unit 5. In Fig. 7, the ON / OFF signal input section 45 is written as "ON / OFF signal input section 45".

[0025] Each of the open / close contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c is controlled to close before the corresponding one of the semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c is turned on and to open after the corresponding semiconductor module is turned off. A control signal for controlling the open / close contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c is input from the control unit 5 to the on / off signal input unit 45. Hereinafter, the semiconductor modules 44a, 44b, and 44c will be collectively referred to as "semiconductor modules 44." The semiconductor elements 441a, 441b, and 441c will be collectively referred to as "semiconductor element 441." The semiconductor elements 442a, 442b, and 442c will be collectively referred to as "semiconductor element 442."

[0026] As shown in FIG. 8 , the semiconductor module 44 has a semiconductor element 441 and a semiconductor element 442, which are connected in series in the reverse direction. FIG. 8 shows that the source of the semiconductor element 441 is connected to the source of the semiconductor element 442. As shown in FIG. 9 , the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 may be connected in series in the reverse direction to that shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 shows that the drain of the semiconductor element 441 is connected to the drain of the semiconductor element 442. As shown in FIG. 10 , the source of the semiconductor element 441 is connected to the drain of the semiconductor element 442, and the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 may be connected in anti-parallel. FIG. 10 shows that the source of the semiconductor element 441 is connected to the drain of the semiconductor element 442.

[0027] Next, the receiving terminals 3111, 3112, 3121, 3122, 3131, 3132, 3141, and 3142 of the base unit 3 and the power supply side terminal 41 and the load side terminal 42 of each semiconductor switch unit 4 will be described.

[0028] 11 , each of the receiving terminals 3111, 3112, 3121, 3122, 3131, 3132, 3141, and 3142 is a component in which a pair of terminals is arranged opposite each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. The power supply side terminal 41 and the load side terminal 42 of each semiconductor switch unit 4 are each shaped like a blade. By mounting each semiconductor switch unit 4 on the base unit 3, each of the power supply side terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c constituting the power supply side terminal 41 and the load side terminals 42a, 42b, and 42c constituting the load side terminal 42 of each semiconductor switch unit 4 is fitted between a pair of terminals constituting a corresponding receiving terminal among the receiving terminals 3111, 3112, 3121, 3122, 3131, 3132, 3141, and 3142. The thickness of each of the blade-shaped terminals of the power supply side terminals 41a, 41b, 41c and the load side terminals 42a, 42b, 42c is such that contact pressure is ensured when each of the power supply side terminals 41a, 41b, 41c and the load side terminals 42a, 42b, 42c is pressed into a corresponding pair of terminals.

[0029] As described above, the base unit 3 can be fitted with a plurality of semiconductor switch units 4 connected in parallel, so the current capacity can be changed so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity by increasing the number of fitted semiconductor switch units 4. For example, when the panel 100 using the semiconductor circuit breaker is initially installed, it may be fitted with only one 100 A semiconductor switch unit 4. However, suppose that at a later date it becomes necessary to add a load unit 6 to be connected, and the current capacity of the semiconductor circuit breaker must also be increased.

[0030] In a conventional panel, the only option is to replace the semiconductor circuit breaker with one having a larger current capacity, but in this embodiment, by adding another semiconductor switch unit 4 to the base unit 3, it is possible to increase the current capacity to the combined current capacity of the existing semiconductor switch unit 4 and the additional semiconductor switch unit 4.

[0031] Next, the control unit 5 will be described. As shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 5 has a first current input section 51 that is connected to the overall current measurement terminal 323 when the control unit 5 is attached to the base unit 3, and a second current input section 52 that is connected to the load side current measurement terminal 324 when the control unit 5 is attached to the base unit 3. The control unit 5 further has a first current measurement section 53 to which each current signal from the first current sensor 34 is input via the overall current measurement terminal 323 and the first current input section 51, and a second current measurement section 54 to which current signals measured by each of second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c (described later) are input via the load side current measurement terminal 324 and the second current input section 52.

[0032] The control unit 5 further includes a control unit 55 that outputs commands to control each semiconductor switch unit 4 and the load unit 6 based on the current signal from the first current measurement unit 53 and the current signal from the second current measurement unit 54. The control unit 5 further includes a main command output unit 56 that outputs commands to turn each semiconductor switch unit 4 on or off based on the command from the control unit 55. In FIG. 12 , the main command output unit 56 is referred to as a "main semiconductor ON / OFF command output unit 56." The control unit 5 further includes a load unit command output unit 57 that outputs a command to "close" or "open" the load unit 6 based on the command from the control unit 55. In FIG. 12 , the load unit command output unit 57 is referred to as an "opening / closing unit open / close command output unit 57."

[0033] When the control unit 5 is attached to the base unit 3 , the main command output unit 56 is connected to the semiconductor circuit breaker on / off command terminal 321 , and the load unit command output unit 57 is connected to the load side unit on / off command terminal 322 .

[0034] Next, the load unit 6 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the load unit 6 has power terminals 6Na, 6Nb, and 6Nc protruding from the rear surface. Each of the power terminals 6Na, 6Nb, and 6Nc is fitted into a power receiving terminal in the load unit space 33. The N above indicates the type of load-side unit. Specifically, N=1 indicates a switch, N=2 indicates a UPS, N=3 indicates a first battery unit, N=4 indicates an AC / DC power supply, N=5 indicates a semiconductor circuit breaker with a UPS, and N=6 indicates a second battery unit.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 14, the load unit 6 has, on its surface, load terminals 6Nd, 6Ne, and 6Nf to which the load 7 is connected.

[0036] The load unit 6 will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 15 , the switch unit 61 constituting the load unit 6 includes switch contacts 611a, 611b, and 611c, one end of which is connected to a corresponding one of the power supply terminals 61a, 61b, and 61c, and load terminals 61d, 61e, and 61f, the other end of which is connected to a corresponding one of the switch contacts 611a, 611b, and 611c. The load terminals 61d, 61e, and 61f are connected to the load 7. The switch unit 61 further includes second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c, which measure the current flowing through the corresponding one of the switch contacts 611a, 611b, and 611c. The switch unit 61 further includes a switch signal input unit 614 to which a switch signal from the control unit 5 is input. The switch unit 61 further includes an opening / closing mechanism 615 that opens and closes the opening / closing contacts 611a, 611b, and 611c in accordance with a drive signal from the opening / closing signal input unit 614, and a current signal output unit 616 that transmits each current signal measured by the second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c to the control unit 5.

[0037] Next, the processing of the control unit 5 when the switch unit 61 is mounted as the load unit 6 in the load unit space 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 16. The flowchart also shows processing other than that performed by the control unit 5. As shown in Fig. 16, in step S1, the first current measuring unit 53 measures the current value I Ｍ In FIG. 16, the process of step S1 is to measure the current I of the first current sensor 34. Ｍ The process proceeds to step S2.

[0038] In step S2, the second current measuring unit 54 measures the current I of the second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c in all the switch units 61 attached to the base unit 3. ＳＷ In FIG. 16, the process of step S2 is to measure the current I of each second current sensor. ＳＷ The process proceeds to step S3. Note that the description of the process of the control unit 5 is based on the assumption that a plurality of switch units 61 are present.

[0039] In step S3, the control unit 5 calculates the current value I of the first current sensor 34 measured in step S1. Ｍ Determine whether the current value I is greater than the first threshold. Ｍ If it is determined that the current value I is greater than the first threshold value (Yes in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. Ｍ If it is determined that the difference is equal to or less than the first threshold value (No in S3), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0040] In step S4, the control unit 5 immediately turns off and interrupts the current in each semiconductor module 44. Since it may be difficult to perform current limiting control using each semiconductor module 44 and it may also be difficult for the load-side switch unit 61 to interrupt the current, the control unit 5 interrupts the current in each semiconductor module 44.

[0041] In step S5, the control unit 5 calculates the current value I of the first current sensor 34 measured in step S1. Ｍ Determine whether the current value I is greater than the second threshold. Ｍ If it is determined that the current value I is greater than the second threshold value (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to step S6. Ｍ If it is determined that the second threshold value is equal to or less than the second threshold value (No in S5), the process returns to step S1. Note that the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value.

[0042] In step S6, the current value I of the first current sensor 34 is Ｍ is greater than the second threshold value and equal to or less than the first threshold value, the control unit 5 causes each semiconductor module 44 to perform a switching operation and starts current limiting control of the fault current. Ｍ is greater than the second threshold, some kind of accident or overcurrent has occurred, but the current value I Ｍ is equal to or less than the first threshold, current limiting control is possible in each semiconductor module 44, and limiting the current makes it possible for the load-side switch unit 61 to interrupt the current. In Figure 16, the processing of step S6 is indicated by the phrase "start current limiting control by semiconductor element."

[0043] When starting current limiting control, if the load unit 6 includes a UPS unit 62 described later, the control unit 5 outputs a current limiting control start signal to the UPS unit 62 indicating that current limiting control is to be started.

[0044] 17, at time t0, power is turned on and current begins to flow, but because a short circuit occurs in the branch circuit of the first load, the current in the first load increases, and the overall current also increases. At time t1, the control unit 5 detects the fault current, and the semiconductor switch unit 4 starts current-limiting control to suppress the increase in current.

[0045] In the next step S7, the current I of the second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c of the switch unit 61 measured in step S2 is ＳＷ 1-I ＳＷ For N, the control unit 5 determines in turn whether the current value is greater than the reference value I REF.

[0046] Measured current I ＳＷ 1-I ＳＷ If it is determined that N is greater than the reference value I reference (Yes in S7), the process proceeds to step S9, and the measured current I ＳＷ 1-I ＳＷ If it is determined that N is equal to or smaller than the reference value I (No in S7), the process proceeds to step S8, and after the process of step S8 is executed, the process of step S7 is executed. When the control unit 5 executes the process of step S7 again, the control unit 5 determines whether the current I measured by the current sensor of the next branch circuit is equal to or smaller than the reference value I. ＳＷ 1-I ＳＷ A determination is made regarding N.

[0047] In step S9, the control unit 5 identifies in which branch circuit an excessive current has flowed, based on the current values ​​of the second current sensors 613a, 613b, and 613c in each switch unit 61. In Fig. 16, the process of step S9 is indicated by the phrase "identify fault location in branch circuit."

[0048] In the next step S10, the control unit 5 outputs a command to open the switch contacts 611 to the switch unit 61 of the branch circuit identified in step S9 from among the switch units 61 of the branch circuits. At this time, the fault current is limited by each semiconductor module 44, so the switch unit 61 can interrupt the current. In Figure 16, the processing of step S10 is indicated by the phrase "open the switch of the branch circuit in which the fault was detected."

[0049] In the subsequent step S11, since the switch contact 611 of the switch unit 61 of the branch circuit in which the accident occurred in step S10 is opened, the control unit 5 stops the current-limiting control of each semiconductor module 44 and turns on each semiconductor module 44. In Fig. 16, the processing of step S11 is indicated by the phrase "stop current-limiting control of semiconductor elements and turn on semiconductor elements."

[0050] 17, the switch opens and the current of the first load is interrupted, and thereafter the control unit 5 stops the current limiting control of each semiconductor module 44. Since each semiconductor module 44 is turned on, the current of the second load continues to flow.

[0051] As shown in Figure 18, the UPS unit 62 constituting the load unit 6 includes a contact C 621 having one end b connected to the power supply terminal 62a, a capacitor 622 having one end connected to the power supply terminal 62b, and a power converter 623 connected in parallel to the capacitor 622 and converting the DC power of the capacitor 622 into AC power. The UPS unit 62 also includes a discharge circuit 624 that discharges the DC power of a power storage unit provided in the battery unit 63 connected to the UPS unit 62 by increasing the voltage to charge the capacitor 622, a load terminal 62d connected to the common terminal c of the contact C 621, and a load terminal 62e connected to the ground of the AC output side of the power converter 623. The contact terminal a of the contact C 621 is connected to the positive terminal of the AC output side of the power converter 623. Figure 18 also shows the power supply terminal 62c and the load 7.

[0052] 19 , the battery unit 63 constituting the load unit 6 has a charging circuit 631 connected to power supply terminals 63 a and 63 b, and a power storage means 632 provided on the DC side of the charging circuit 631. The charging circuit 631 converts AC power into DC power. The power storage means 632 supplies the DC power to the UPS unit 62. For example, the power storage means 632 is realized by a device or processing circuit that supplies DC power.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the UPS unit 62 when the switch unit 61 and the UPS unit 62 are simultaneously mounted in the load unit space 33 as the load unit 6. As described above in the description of step S6 in Fig. 16, when starting current limiting control by each semiconductor module 44, the control unit 5 outputs a current limiting control start signal to the UPS unit 62 included in the load unit 6, indicating that current limiting control is to be started.

[0054] When the UPS unit 62 receives the current limiting control start signal, if the UPS unit 62 itself is a type that is always powered by a commercial power source, the voltage is likely to become unstable during current limiting control, so the UPS unit 62 switches to backup operation in which power is supplied from the power storage unit.

[0055] Furthermore, if the UPS unit 62 that has received the current limiting control start signal is itself a constant inverter type, it can supply normal AC voltage to the load 7 even if the input AC voltage is unstable as long as power is being supplied, and so will continue normal operation.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 20, an AC / DC power supply 64 constituting the load unit 6 has an AC / DC converter 641 connected to power supply terminals 64a, 64b, 64d, and 64e and converting AC power into DC power. The voltage of the DC power is, for example, DC 24 V. A load 7 is also shown in Fig. 20.

[0057] 21 , the semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 constituting the load unit 6 has switch contacts 651a, 651b, and 651c, one end of which is connected to a corresponding one of the power supply terminals 65a, 65b, and 65c. The switch contacts 651a, 651b, and 651c are collectively referred to as "switch contacts 651." The semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 further has semiconductor modules 652a, 652b, and 652c, one end of which is connected to the other end of the corresponding one of the switch contacts 651a, 651b, and 651c. The semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 further includes load terminals 65d, 65e, and 65f connected to the other ends of corresponding semiconductor modules among the semiconductor modules 652a, 652b, and 652c, and second current sensors 653a, 653b, and 653c that measure currents flowing through corresponding semiconductor modules among the semiconductor modules 652a, 652b, and 652c. The semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 further includes an on / off signal input unit 654 to which an on / off signal from the control unit 5 is input. In FIG. 21 , the on / off signal input unit 654 is referred to as an "ON / OFF signal input unit 654." The semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 further includes a current signal output unit 655 that transmits a signal indicating the value of the current measured by each of the second current sensors 653a, 653b, and 653c to the control unit 5.

[0058] The semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 has a soft starter function that gradually increases the output voltage by switching the semiconductor modules 652a, 652b, and 652c when the load 7 is a three-phase motor.

[0059] As described above, the panel 100 using the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the embodiment includes an on / off signal input section 45 to which a signal for turning on or off is input, a semiconductor switch unit 4 including a semiconductor module 44 and an on / off contact 43 connected in series, a control unit 5 that outputs a signal to the semiconductor module 44 and the on / off contact 43 to turn on or off the semiconductor module 44 and the on / off contact 43, and detects the current flowing through the semiconductor switch unit 4 and outputs a signal to turn off the semiconductor switch unit 4 in the event of an abnormality, a load unit 6 connected to the load side of the semiconductor switch unit 4, and a base unit 3 into which the semiconductor switch unit 4 and the load unit 6 can be inserted and removed.Since the base unit 3 can be fitted with a plurality of semiconductor switch units 4 connected in parallel, the current capacity can be changed by increasing the number of fitted semiconductor switch units 4 so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity.

[0060] A panel 100 using a semiconductor circuit breaker includes at least one semiconductor switch unit 4. Each semiconductor switch unit 4 includes an on / off signal input section 45 to which an on / off signal is input, and semiconductor elements 441 and 442 and switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c connected in series. The panel 100 also includes a control unit 5 that outputs signals to the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 and the switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c to turn the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 and the switch contacts 43a, 43b, and 43c on or off, detects the current flowing through each semiconductor switch unit 4, and outputs a signal to turn each semiconductor switch unit 4 off in the event of an abnormality. The panel 100 also includes a load unit 6 connected to the load 7 side of each semiconductor switch unit 4, and a base unit 3 to which each semiconductor switch unit 4 and the load unit 6 can be inserted or removed. Therefore, the current capacity of the panel 100 can be changed so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity.

[0061] Each semiconductor switch unit 4 has a power supply side terminal 41 and a load side terminal 42, and the load unit 6 has a power supply terminal and a load terminal. The base unit 3 has a plurality of power supply side receiving terminals 3111, 3121, 3131, and 3141 into which the power supply side terminal 41 can be inserted and removed, a plurality of load side receiving terminals 3112, 3122, 3132, and 3142 into which the load side terminal 42 can be inserted and removed, and a plurality of power supply receiving terminals 331a to 331c, 332a to 332c, 333a to 333c, 334a to 334c, 335a to 335c, 336a to 336c, 337a to 337c, and 338a to 338c into which the power terminals can be inserted and removed. The plurality of power supply side receiving terminals 3111, 3121, 3131, and 3141 are connected to one another, and the plurality of load side receiving terminals 3112, 3122, 3132, and 3142 are also connected to one another, and the plurality of power supply receiving terminals 331a to 331c, 332a to 332c, 333a to 333c, 334a to 334c, 335a to 335c, 336a to 336c, and 337a to 337c are also connected to one another. Furthermore, a plurality of load side receiving terminals 3112, 3122, 3132, 3142 are connected to a plurality of power supply receiving terminals 331a to 331c, 332a to 332c, 333a to 333c, 334a to 334c, 335a to 335c, 336a to 336c, 337a to 337c, 338a to 338c. Therefore, the panel 100 can change the current capacity so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity.

[0062] The panel 100 is provided with a first current sensor 34 that is mounted on the base unit 3 and measures the total current flowing through the semiconductor switch unit 4 attached to the base unit 3, so that the current capacity can be easily changed so that the semiconductor circuit breaker meets the required current capacity.

[0063] When the switch unit 61 is attached to the base unit 3, the control unit 5 measures the current flowing through the switch unit 61. When the control unit 5 detects an overcurrent, it limits the overcurrent by controlling the switching of the semiconductor module 44, and after limiting the overcurrent, opens the switch unit 61. After opening the switch unit 61, the control unit 5 stops the switching control of the semiconductor module 44 and turns on the semiconductor module 44. Therefore, the switch unit 61 can be used in the branch circuit, and the panel 100 can be configured simply and inexpensively.

[0064] When the load 7 is a three-phase motor, the semiconductor circuit breaker unit 65 has a soft starter function that gradually increases the output voltage by switching the semiconductor elements, thereby preventing malfunction due to inrush current into the three-phase motor.

[0065] When the UPS unit 62 is attached to the base unit 3, the control unit 5 outputs a current-limiting signal to the UPS unit 62 to notify that current limiting will be performed by switching control of the semiconductor module 44. Therefore, if the UPS unit 62 is a unit that always provides commercial output, it can switch to backup operation upon receiving the current-limiting signal, and can continuously supply stable power to the load 7.

[0066] As described above, the board 100 may have a plurality of semiconductor switch units 4, and the base unit 3 allows a plurality of semiconductor switch units 4 to be inserted or removed.

[0067] The load unit 6 is one of a semiconductor circuit breaker unit, a switch unit, an uninterruptible power supply unit, and an AC / DC conversion unit.

[0068] When the load unit 6 is a switch unit and the switch unit is attached to the base unit 3, the control unit 5 measures the current flowing through the switch unit, and when an overcurrent is detected, the control unit 5 limits the overcurrent by switching control of the semiconductor elements 441 and 442, opens the switch unit after limiting the overcurrent, and after opening the switch unit, stops the switching control of the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 and turns on the semiconductor elements 441 and 442.

[0069] When the load unit 6 is a semiconductor circuit breaker unit and the load 7 is a three-phase motor, the semiconductor circuit breaker unit has a soft starter function that gradually increases the output voltage by switching the semiconductor elements 441 and 442.

[0070] When the load unit 6 is a semiconductor circuit breaker unit, the semiconductor circuit breaker unit suppresses the inrush current flowing through the circuit by using a soft starter function that gradually increases the output voltage by switching on the semiconductor elements 441 and 442 when the power is turned on.

[0071] When the load unit 6 is an uninterruptible power supply unit and the uninterruptible power supply unit is attached to the base unit 3, the control unit 5 measures the current flowing in the uninterruptible power supply unit, and when an overcurrent is detected, outputs a current-limiting signal to notify that the overcurrent will be limited by switching control of the semiconductor elements 441, 442. When the uninterruptible power supply unit is a unit of the continuous commercial output type, the uninterruptible power supply unit switches to backup operation when it receives the current-limiting signal.

[0072] 22 is a diagram showing a processor 91 when at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 included in the panel 100 using the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the embodiment are realized by the processor 91. In other words, at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 may be realized by the processor 91 executing a program stored in a memory 92. The processor 91 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing system, an arithmetic system, a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is also shown in FIG.

[0073] When at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 are realized by the processor 91, the functions are realized by the processor 91 together with software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. The processor 91 realizes at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92.

[0074] When at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 are realized by the processor 91, the board 100 has a memory 92 for storing a program that results in the execution of at least some of the steps executed by the control unit 5. It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 92 causes a computer to execute at least some of the procedures or methods executed by the control unit 5.

[0075] The memory 92 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0076] 23 is a diagram illustrating a processing circuit 93 when at least a part of the functions of the control unit 5 included in the panel 100 using the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the embodiment is realized by the processing circuit 93. In other words, at least a part of the functions of the control unit 5 may be realized by the processing circuit 93.

[0077] The processing circuitry 93 is dedicated hardware, and may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0078] Some of the functions of the control unit 5 may be realized by dedicated hardware separate from the hardware that realizes the remaining functions.

[0079] Some of the functions of the control unit 5 may be implemented by software or firmware, and the remaining functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware. In this way, the functions of the control unit 5 can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0080] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, and parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0081] 1 Power supply, 2 Power supply connection terminal, 2a, 2b, 2c Terminal, 3 Base unit, 4 Semiconductor switch unit, 5 Control unit, 6 Load unit, 6Na, 6Nb, 6Nc, 61a, 61b, 61c, 62a, 62b, 62c, 63a, 63b, 64a, 64b, 64d, 64e, 65a, 65b, 65c Power supply terminal, 61d, 61e, 61f, 62d, 62e, 65d, 65e, 65f, 6Nd, 6Ne, 6Nf Load terminal, 7 Load, 31 Semiconductor circuit breaker space, 32 Control unit space, 33 Load unit space, 34 First current sensor, 41, 41a, 41b, 41c Power supply side terminal, 42, 42a, 42b, 42c Load side terminals, 43, 43a, 43b, 43c, 611, 611a, 611b, 611c Switching contacts, 44, 44a, 44b, 44c, 652a, 652b, 652c Semiconductor module, 45, 654 On / off signal input unit, 51 First current input unit, 52 Second current input unit, 53 First current measurement unit, 54 Second current measurement unit, 55 Control unit, 56 Main command output unit, 57 Load unit command output unit, 61 Switch unit, 62 UPS unit, 63 Battery unit, 64 AC / DC power supply, 65 Semiconductor circuit breaker unit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 93 Processing circuit, 100 Panel using semiconductor circuit breaker, 311 to 314 Semiconductor unit space, 321 Semiconductor circuit breaker on / off command terminal, 322 Load side unit on / off command terminal, 323 overall current measurement terminal, 324 load side current measurement terminal, 331 to 338 load unit spaces, 331a, 331b, 331c, 332a, 332b, 332c, 333a, 333b, 333c, 334a, 334b, 334c, 335a, 335b, 335c, 336a, 336b, 336c, 337a, 337b, 337c, 338a, 338b, 338c power receiving terminals, 331d, 332d, 333d, 334d, 335d, 336d, 337d, 338d Load side on / off receiving terminals, 441, 441a, 441b, 441c, 442, 442a, 442b, 442c: semiconductor elements, 613a, 613b, 613c, 653a, 653b, 653c: second current sensor, 614: switching signal input unit, 615: switching mechanism, 616,655 Current signal output section, 621 C contact, 622 Capacitor, 623 Power conversion section, 624 Discharge circuit, 631 Charging circuit, 632 Power storage means, 641 AC / DC conversion section, 651, 651a, 651b, 651c Open / close contact, 3111, 3121, 3131, 3141 Power supply side receiving terminal, 3112, 3122, 3132, 3142 Load side receiving terminals, 3111a, 3111b, 3111c, 3112a, 3112b, 3112c, 3121a, 3121b, 3121c, 3122a, 3122b, 3122c, 3131a, 3131b, 3131c, 3132a, 3132b, 3132c, 3141a, 3141b, 3141c, 3142a, 3142b, 3142c receiving terminals, 3113, 3123, 3133, 3143 semiconductor on / off receiving terminals, a, b contact terminals, c common terminal.

Claims

1. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker comprising: an on / off signal input section to which a signal for turning on or off is input, and a semiconductor switch unit including a semiconductor element and a switch connected in series; a control unit that outputs a signal to turn on or off said semiconductor element and said switch to said semiconductor element and said switch, and that detects a current flowing through said semiconductor switch unit and outputs a signal to turn off said semiconductor switch unit in the event of an abnormality; a load unit connected to the load side of said semiconductor switch unit; and a base unit into which a plurality of said semiconductor switch units and a plurality of said load units can be inserted and removed, wherein said base unit can be fitted with a plurality of said semiconductor switch units connected in parallel.

2. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that the semiconductor switch unit further has a first power supply side terminal and a first load side terminal, the load unit has a second power supply side terminal and a second load side terminal, the base unit has a plurality of first power supply side receiving terminals into which the first power supply side terminal can be inserted and removed, a plurality of first load side receiving terminals into which the first load side terminal can be inserted and removed, and a plurality of second power supply side receiving terminals into which the second power supply side terminal can be inserted and removed, the plurality of first power supply side receiving terminals are connected to each other, the plurality of first load side receiving terminals are connected to each other, the plurality of second power supply side receiving terminals are connected to each other, and the plurality of first load side receiving terminals and the plurality of second power supply side receiving terminals are connected.

3. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more second semiconductor switch units having the same configuration as the semiconductor switch unit, and the base unit further enables the insertion and removal of the one or more second semiconductor switch units.

4. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 3, further comprising a current sensor provided on the base unit for measuring the total current flowing through the semiconductor switch unit and the one or more second semiconductor switch units mounted on the base unit.

5. The panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the load unit is one of a semiconductor circuit breaker unit, a switch unit, an uninterruptible power supply unit, and an AC / DC conversion unit.

6. The load unit is the switch unit, and when the switch unit is attached to the base unit, the control unit measures the current flowing in the switch unit, and when an overcurrent is detected, limits the overcurrent by switching control of the semiconductor element, opens the switch unit after limiting the overcurrent, and after opening the switch unit, stops switching control of the semiconductor element and turns on the semiconductor element. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 5, characterized in that 7. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that the load unit is the semiconductor circuit breaker unit, the load connected to the load unit is a three-phase motor, and the semiconductor circuit breaker unit has a soft starter function that gradually increases the output voltage by switching the semiconductor elements.

8. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 5, characterized in that the load unit is the semiconductor circuit breaker unit, and the semiconductor circuit breaker unit suppresses inrush current flowing through the circuit by using a soft starter function that gradually increases output voltage by switching the semiconductor element when power is turned on.

9. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 5, characterized in that the load unit is the uninterruptible power supply unit, and when the uninterruptible power supply unit is attached to the base unit, the control unit measures the current flowing in the uninterruptible power supply unit, and when an overcurrent is detected, outputs a current limiting signal indicating that the overcurrent will be limited by switching control of the semiconductor element.

10. A panel using a semiconductor circuit breaker as described in claim 9, wherein the uninterruptible power supply unit is a unit of a constant commercial output type, and switches to backup operation when the current limiting signal is received.

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