JP7122678B2 - Switches and test methods for switches - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to switches and methods of testing switches. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch that interrupts an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load, and a test method for the switch.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an earth leakage circuit breaker. This earth leakage circuit breaker includes a zero-phase current transformer whose primary winding is an AC circuit to be detected, and a leakage detector that determines whether or not there is a leakage in the AC circuit based on the secondary output of this zero-phase current transformer. and Further, this earth leakage breaker is equipped with a test device that supplies a simulated earth leakage current for an earth leakage operation test to the test winding wound around the zero-phase current transformer when the test switch is pressed.

JP 2015-032420 A

In the earth leakage breaker (switch) described in Patent Document 1, when the earth leakage operation (breaking operation) of the earth leakage breaker is tested, the electric circuit electrically connected to the earth leakage breaker is cut off. For this reason, the load connected to this circuit cannot be used temporarily until the ground fault circuit breaker returns to its original state after the operation test is performed and the circuit is interrupted. There was a problem that it was easily affected by

The present disclosure provides a switch and a test method for the switch that can reduce the impact on the load due to the interruption of the electric circuit after the operation test is conducted and the electric circuit is interrupted until the original state is restored. intended to provide

A switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a tripping section and a processing section. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. When the processing unit receives a trigger for performing an interruption operation for interrupting the electric circuit including the tripping operation, the operation test is performed in a state in which the power source and the load are connected by a bypass route that does not pass through the contact. to run. The operation test tests an operation of at least part of the breaking operation. The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state that conducts the bypass path and an interrupted state that interrupts the bypass path. The bypass path uses the power supply as a first power supply and is electrically connected to a second power supply different from the first power supply.
A switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a tripping section and a processing section. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. The processing unit determines whether or not the power source and the load are connected to a bypass path that does not pass through the contact when receiving a trigger for performing a disconnection operation for disconnecting the electric circuit including the tripping operation. . When the processing unit determines that the power supply and the load are connected to the bypass path, the processing unit performs an operation test in a state in which the power supply and the load are connected by the bypass path. do. The operation test tests an operation of at least part of the breaking operation. The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state that conducts the bypass path and an interrupted state that interrupts the bypass path.

A test method for a switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a test method for a switch including a tripping portion. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. In this test method, when a trigger for performing an interruption operation for interrupting the electric circuit including the tripping operation is received, an operation test is performed in a state in which the power source and the load are connected by a bypass route that does not pass through the contact. I do. The operation test tests an operation of at least part of the breaking operation. The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state that conducts the bypass path and an interrupted state that interrupts the bypass path. The bypass path uses the power supply as a first power supply and is electrically connected to a second power supply different from the first power supply.
A test method for a switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a test method for a switch including a tripping portion. The tripping unit performs a tripping operation of mechanically shifting a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state. In this test method, upon receiving a trigger for performing an interruption operation for breaking the electric circuit, including the tripping operation, it is determined whether or not the power supply and the load are connected to a bypass path that does not pass through the contact. . In this testing method, an operation test is performed with the power supply and the load connected by the bypass path. The operation test tests an operation of at least part of the breaking operation. The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state that conducts the bypass path and an interrupted state that interrupts the bypass path.

The present disclosure has the advantage that it is possible to reduce the impact on the load caused by the interruption of the electric circuit after the operation test is conducted and the electric circuit is interrupted until the original state is restored.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch (first switch) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same switch (second switch). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distribution board using the same switch. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the same switch. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch (first switch) according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same switch (second switch). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distribution board using a switch according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

(1) Overview As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the switch 2 of the present embodiment has a function of cutting off the electric circuit L1 connecting the power source P1 and the load B1. The “power source” referred to in the present disclosure is a system power source (commercial power source), but may be a distributed power source such as a photovoltaic power generation device or a storage battery, for example. In this embodiment, the switch 2 is a main breaker provided in the distribution board 1 . The switch 2 includes a tripping section 24 and a processing section 22, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift the contact C1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 connecting the power supply and the load B1 from the closed state to the open state. The tripping operation can be performed when a handle attached to the switch 2 is operated, and when the electric line L1 is in an abnormal state different from the normal state. In the present embodiment, the abnormal state may include a state in which an electrical leak has occurred and a state in which the neutral line L13 is open. The former state can occur, for example, when the load B1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 fails or short-circuits, or when the insulator deteriorates. The latter state occurs when the power distribution system to the distribution board 1 is a single-phase three-wire system and, for example, the neutral line L13 is disconnected due to deterioration, or the connection of the neutral line L13 is defective. obtain. When such an abnormal state occurs, a tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24 to cut off the electric circuit L1 and protect the load B1 electrically connected to the electric circuit L1.

When the processing unit 22 receives a trigger for performing a disconnection operation for disconnecting the electric circuit L1 including a tripping operation, the operation test is performed in a state in which the power supply P1 and the load B1 are connected by the bypass route L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. to run. The operation test tests the operation of at least part of the breaking operation. The “trigger” referred to in the present disclosure means that the test button 20 attached to the switch 2 is pushed by the operator. Further, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 22 executes the operation test in a state in which the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected in advance by the bypass path L2. In other words, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 22 does not switch the state of connecting the power supply P1 and the load B1 from the state of connecting the electric line L1 to the state of connecting the power source P1 and the load B1 by the bypass route L2. Of course, as described later in "(4.1) First Modification", the processing unit 22 switches from the state in which the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected by the electric line L1 to the state in which the bypass line L2 is connected. good too.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operation test is performed with the power source P1 and the load B1 connected by the bypass path L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the contact C1 is opened and the electric path L1 is cut off, the power supply P1 can continue to supply power to the load B1 through the bypass path L2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the impact on the load B1 due to the interruption of the electric line L1 can be reduced during the period from when the operation test is performed and the electric line L1 is cut off until the original state is restored. .

(2) Details Hereinafter, the switch 2 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1A to 2. FIG. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the top, bottom, left, and right of FIG. 2 are defined as the top, bottom, left, and right of the distribution board 1 .

(2.1) Distribution Board First, the distribution board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution board 1 includes a switch (master breaker) 2, a plurality of branch breakers 3, a measurement adapter 4, a detection unit 5, and a cabinet 10 that accommodates them. there is In this embodiment, the distribution board 1 is installed in a detached house as an example, but it is not limited to this example. In other words, the distribution board 1 may be installed in facilities such as each dwelling unit of collective housing, offices, shops, factories, hospitals, etc., as long as the facilities are installable.

The switch 2 is arranged inside the cabinet 10 . The switch 2 has a primary side terminal 201 and a secondary side terminal 202 . In the distribution board 1 of the present embodiment, a single-phase three-wire system is assumed as a power distribution system. The service lines are electrically connected. In addition, the secondary side terminal 202 of the switch 2 has a conductive bar of the first voltage pole (L1 phase), a conductive bar of the second voltage pole (L2 phase), and a conductive bar of the neutral pole (N phase). It is connected.

A plurality of branch breakers 3 are divided into upper and lower sides of the conductive bar of the neutral pole, and a plurality of each are arranged so as to line up in the left-right direction. Each branch breaker 3 has a pair of primary side terminals and a pair of secondary side terminals. The branch breaker 3 is available for 100V and 200V. A pair of primary side terminals included in the branch breaker 3 for 100V are electrically connected to one of the conductive bar of the first voltage pole and the conductive bar of the second voltage pole and the conductive bar of the neutral pole, respectively. be. A pair of primary side terminals included in the branch breaker 3 for 200V are electrically connected to the conductive bar of the first voltage pole and the conductive bar of the second voltage pole, respectively. Corresponding wiring is electrically connected to the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 3 . The wiring connected to the secondary terminal of each branch breaker 3 is connected to one or more loads B1, for example, devices such as lighting fixtures, air conditioners, television receivers, hot water supply equipment, or wiring devices such as wall switches. be.

The detector 5 is configured to detect the current flowing through the load B1 connected to each of the multiple branch breakers 3 . The detector 5 has, for example, a substrate and a plurality of coils 51 . The substrate has a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction. A plurality of holes are formed in the substrate. Terminals extending from the conductive bar and connected to the primary terminals of the branch breaker 3 are inserted into the plurality of holes. The coil 51 is, for example, a Rogowski coil and is formed around the hole in the substrate. In this embodiment, the detector 5 detects the current flowing through the load B1 connected to each of the branch breakers 3 by measuring the current induced in each of the multiple coils 51 .

The measurement adapter 4 is arranged inside the cabinet 10 . The measurement adapter 4 has a measurement function of measuring the power passing through at least one of the switch 2 and the branch breaker 3 in the distribution board 1, and a communication function of communicating with devices arranged outside the cabinet 10. there is

More specifically, the measurement adapter 4 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to the main detector and the detector 5 that measure the current flowing through the switch 2 . Here, the master detection unit has a current sensor, for example, a current transformer (CT). The measurement adapter 4 has a function (measurement function) of converting each of the current values measured by the detection unit 5 and the master detection unit into power values.

The measurement adapter 4 also has a function (communication function) to communicate with a controller configured to control a device compatible with HEMS (Home Energy Management System) (hereinafter referred to as HEMS compatible device). ing. A controller is a device arranged outside the cabinet 10 . Here, HEMS-compatible devices include, for example, smart meters, solar power generation devices, power storage devices, fuel cells, electric vehicles, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, water heaters, refrigerators, television receivers, and the like. Note that HEMS-compatible devices are not limited to these devices.

The communication method between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller conforms to communication standards such as a 920 MHz band specific low-power radio station (radio station that does not require a license), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, wireless communication using radio waves as a medium may be used. Also, the communication method between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller may be wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). As a communication protocol for communication between the measurement adapter 4 and the controller, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), or the like may be used.

In the distribution board 1 of the present embodiment, the measurement adapter 4 receives the current value of each of the multiple loads B1 measured by the detection unit 5 from the detection unit 5 . Furthermore, the measurement adapter 4 receives the current value measured by the master detector from the master detector. The measurement adapter 4 converts each of the current values measured by the detection unit 5 and the master detection unit into power values (instantaneous power values). The measurement adapter 4 has a function of calculating power amount data by accumulating collected instantaneous power data over a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the controller that communicates with the measurement adapter 4 can control the HEMS-compatible device based on the instantaneous power and power amount of each of the multiple loads B1.

In addition, the measurement adapter 4 has a function (communication function) of communicating with at least one of a solar power generation device, a power storage device, and a power conversion device (power conditioner) electrically connected to the electric vehicle. have. In addition to power conversion for unidirectional charging from the distribution board 1 to the electric vehicle, the power converter is used for both charging and discharging of the storage battery of the electric vehicle by performing bidirectional power conversion. The configuration may be such that The communication method between the measurement adapter 4, the solar power generation device, the power storage device, and the power conversion device is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as RS-485, for example.

(2.2) Switch Next, the switch 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the switch 2 includes a test button 20 (see FIG. 2), a transmission circuit 21, a processing section 22, a drive circuit 23, a tripping section 24, and a communication section 25. , and a power supply circuit 26 . The switch 2 also includes a switch SW<b>0 that opens and closes an electric circuit between the processing unit 22 and the drive circuit 23 . The switch SW0 is an a-contact (normally open contact) and is a semiconductor element such as a thyristor.

When the switch 2 has a function (first function) of interrupting the electric circuit L1 when an electric leakage occurs, as shown in FIG. , is further provided. Further, when the switch 2 has a function (second function) to cut off the electric circuit L1 when a phase loss of the neutral line L13 occurs, as shown in FIG. 1B, the lead wire 28, the voltage dividing circuit 29, is further provided.

In the following description, when distinguishing between the switch 2 shown in FIG. 1A and the switch 2 shown in FIG. 2 is called "second switch 2B".

The transmission circuit 21 is an analog circuit (Analog Front End) and has an amplifier, a filter, and an A/D converter. The amplifier amplifies the analog signal (voltage signal) input to the transmission circuit 21 . The filter removes noise components contained in the analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 . The A/D converter converts the analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the processing unit 22 .

The processing unit 22 has a computer system with a processor and memory. The computer system functions as the processing unit 22 by the processor executing appropriate programs. The program may be prerecorded in a memory, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card or through an electric communication line such as the Internet.

The processing unit 22 has a function of executing a cutoff process that causes the tripping unit 24 to perform a tripping operation when the state of the electric line L1 becomes abnormal. Further, when the test button 20 is pressed, the processing unit 22 causes the tripping unit 24 to perform a tripping operation while the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected by the bypass path L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. It has a function to execute an operation test to perform The processing unit 22 monitors the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 when executing any of the cut-off process and the operation test.

In each of the blocking process and the operation test, the processing unit 22 turns the switch SW0 on when the signal value (voltage value) of the digital signal output from the transmission circuit 21 exceeds the threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "satisfying the first condition"). By switching from off to on, the driving circuit 23 is operated. By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed.

In this embodiment, the processing unit 22 monitors, for example, whether or not the test button 20 is pressed, and if the first condition is satisfied and the test button 20 is pressed (hereinafter referred to as “second condition ), and perform an operation test. That is, if the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied, the processing unit 22 does not determine whether or not the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass route L2. The removing part 24 is made to perform a tripping operation. On the other hand, when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass route L2. The part 24 is made to perform a tripping operation. The blocking process will be described in detail later in "(3.1) Blocking process". Further, the operation test will be described in detail in "(3.2) Operation test" described later.

The drive circuit 23 has an electromagnet device including a coil. The drive circuit 23 is configured such that current flows through the coil when the switch SW0 is switched from off to on. The driving circuit 23 is configured to move a latch member (described later) of the tripping portion 24 by an attractive force generated by the electromagnet device when current flows through the coil.

The tripping unit 24 has an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the contact C1, and a latch member that mechanically controls the opening/closing mechanism so that the contact C1 is kept closed. The opening/closing mechanism biases the contact C1 in the direction from the closed state to the open state. In the tripping part 24, when the latch member is moved by the drive circuit 23 and the latched state of the opening/closing mechanism by the latch member is released, the contact C1 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the opening/closing mechanism, and the electric circuit L1 is cut off. do. Also, when the operator operates the handle provided on the switch 2, the tripping part 24 also moves the latch member, and the contact C1 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the opening/closing mechanism to open the electric line L1. Cut off. When the contact C1 is in the open state, the operator operates the handle provided on the switch 2 (reverse operation to the above operation), thereby restoring the opening/closing mechanism to the original state (that is, by the latch member). contact C1 is latched to maintain the closed state).

The communication unit 25 has a function of communicating with the measurement adapter 4 . The communication method between the communication unit 25 and the measurement adapter 4 is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 25 acquires information (eg, power value, etc.) possessed by the measurement adapter 4 by communicating with the measurement adapter 4 . In addition, the communication unit 25 acquires information held by the controller (for example, the usage status of the HEMS-compatible device, etc.) by communicating with the controller using the measurement adapter 4 as a relay.

The power supply circuit 26 supplies operating power to the transmission circuit 21 , the processing unit 22 , the driving circuit 23 and the communication unit 25 . The power supply circuit 26 converts the power supplied from the power supply P1 through a lead-in line electrically connected to the switch 2 into a predetermined power using an appropriate circuit such as an AC/DC converter. Generate operating power.

In the first switch 2A, a zero-phase current transformer 27 is provided in the electric line L1. In this embodiment, the first voltage line L11 electrically connected to the first voltage pole, the second voltage line L12 electrically connected to the second voltage pole, and the neutral pole are electrically connected to The second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13 of the neutral line L13 pass through the zero-phase current transformer 27 . Both ends of the secondary winding wound around the zero-phase current transformer 27 are electrically connected to a pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 . Therefore, the voltage induced in the secondary winding of zero-phase current transformer 27 is input to transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal.

In addition, in the first switch 2A, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13 are electrically connected via a series circuit of the switch SW1 and the resistor R0. The switch SW1 is an a-contact (normally open contact), and is configured to be switched from off to on when the operator presses the test button 20 .

In the second switch 2B, one end of the lead wire 28 electrically connected to the neutral line L13 is electrically connected to the first end of the pair of input ends of the transmission circuit 21. As shown in FIG. A voltage dividing circuit 29 formed of a series circuit of resistors R1 and R2 is electrically connected between the first voltage line L11 and the second voltage line L12. The resistance value of resistor R1 and the resistance value of resistor R2 are the same. A connection point between the resistors R1 and R2 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 via the switch SW2.

The switch SW2 is a c-contact, and is in a first state connecting the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 and the input end (second end) of the transmission circuit 21, and the electric wire L4 electrically connected to the processing unit 22. and the input end (second end) of the transmission circuit 21 . The switch SW2 is in the first state when the electric line L1 is in a normal state. Moreover, when the test button 20 is pressed, the switch SW2 is switched from the first state to the second state by being controlled by the processing section 22 .

In this embodiment, a spare breaker D1 is electrically connected in parallel with the switch 2 between the power source P1 and the load B1. The spare breaker D1 is, for example, a main breaker. A primary side terminal of the spare breaker D1 is electrically connected to a primary side terminal 201 of the switch 2 . A secondary side terminal of the spare breaker D1 is electrically connected to the secondary side terminal 202 of the switch 2 . The backup breaker D1 is switched between a conductive state in which the backup circuit L2 passing through the backup breaker D1 is conductive and a cut-off state in which the backup circuit L2 is cut off, for example, by an operator operating a handle attached to the backup breaker D1. is configured to The backup electric line L2 connects the power supply P1 and the load B1 without going through the contact C1 of the switch 2 unlike the electric line L1. That is, the backup electric path L2 is a bypass path L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the “standby circuit” will be referred to as the “bypass route”. In this embodiment, the electric line L1 and the backup electric line (bypass route) L2 are electrically connected to the same power source P1.

In the present embodiment, as described later in "(3.2) Operation test", the spare breaker D1 is used when performing an operation test. Therefore, the spare breaker D1 is in a cut-off state when the operation test is not performed.

(3) Operation The operation of the switch 2 of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, as described above, the switch 2 is the first switch 2A or the second switch 2B, so the operation of each of the first switch 2A and the second switch 2B will be described below.

(3.1) Shutoff Processing First, the shutoff processing of the processing unit 22 in the first switch 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. A pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 receives the induced voltage of the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 . Here, when there is no leakage in the electric line L1, there is a difference between the currents flowing through the two electric wires (here, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13) passing through the zero-phase current transformer 27. Therefore, no induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 . Therefore, when no electric leakage occurs in the electric line L1, a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold value is not input to the processing unit 22, so the processing unit 22 does not perform cutoff processing.

On the other hand, when an electric leakage occurs in part of the electric line L1, a difference occurs between the currents flowing through the two electric wires passing through the zero-phase current transformer 27 . An induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 according to this current difference, and the induced voltage is input to the transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal. The analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 is converted into a digital signal after being processed by the transmission circuit 21 , and the converted digital signal is input to the processing section 22 .

When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value (the first condition is satisfied), the processing unit 22 determines whether the test button 20 is pressed (whether the second condition is satisfied). ) is determined. Here, the test button 20 is not pressed. Therefore, although the processing unit 22 satisfies the first condition, it does not satisfy the second condition, so it executes the blocking process. That is, the processing unit 22 operates the drive circuit 23 by switching the switch SW0 from off to on. By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. In this way, in the first switch 2A, when a short circuit occurs in the electric circuit L1, the tripping operation is performed by the tripping unit 24, whereby the electric circuit L1 is cut off.

Next, the interruption processing of the processing unit 22 in the second switch 2B will be described with reference to FIG. 1B. A pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 have a difference between the potential at the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 (that is, the intermediate potential between the first voltage pole and the second voltage pole) and the potential of the neutral line L13. Voltage is being input. Here, in a state where no open phase of the neutral wire L13 occurs, the voltage of the difference between the potential of the connection point of the resistors R1 and R2 and the potential of the neutral wire L13 (hereinafter referred to as "differential voltage") is almost zero. Therefore, in a state where no open phase of the neutral line L13 occurs, the processing unit 22 does not execute the cutoff processing because a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold value is not input to the processing unit 22.

On the other hand, when an open phase occurs in the neutral wire L13, the potential of the neutral wire L13 becomes unstable, so the differential voltage becomes greater than zero. Then, this differential voltage is input to the transmission circuit 21 as an analog signal. The analog signal input to the transmission circuit 21 is converted into a digital signal after being processed by the transmission circuit 21 , and the converted digital signal is input to the processing section 22 .

When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value (the first condition is satisfied), the processing unit 22 determines whether the test button 20 is pressed (whether the second condition is satisfied). ) is determined. Here, the test button 20 is not pressed. Therefore, although the processing unit 22 satisfies the first condition, it does not satisfy the second condition, so it executes the blocking process. That is, the processing unit 22 operates the drive circuit 23 by switching the switch SW0 from off to on. By operating the drive circuit 23, the tripping unit 24 is driven and the tripping operation is performed. In this manner, in the second switch 2B, when a phase failure occurs in the neutral wire L13, the tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation, thereby breaking the electric circuit L1.

(3.2) Operation Test First, an operation test for the first switch 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. First, an operator switches the spare breaker D1 from the cut-off state to the conducting state by operating the handle provided for the spare breaker D1. As a result, the power supply P1 and the load B1 are connected by the bypass path L2.

Next, when the operator presses the test button 20, the switch SW1 is switched from OFF to ON by directly or indirectly pressing the test button 20. FIG. As a result, a current is branched from the second voltage line L12 and flows through the resistor R0, thereby causing two electric wires (here, the second voltage line L12 and the neutral line L13) penetrating the zero-phase current transformer 27. , and an induced voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the zero-phase current transformer 27 according to the difference. In other words, when the operator presses the test button 20, a state in which a short circuit has occurred in part of the electric line L1, in other words, a state in which a cutoff operation is performed is simulated. As a result, a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold is input to the processing unit 22 .

When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value (the first condition is satisfied), the processing unit 22 determines whether the test button 20 is pressed (whether the second condition is satisfied). ) is determined. Here, the test button 20 is pushed. Accordingly, the processing section 22 satisfies both the first condition and the second condition, and therefore executes the operation test.

In the operation test, the processing unit 22 first determines whether or not the power supply P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass path L2. As an example, the processing unit 22 monitors the current flowing through the bypass route L2 using a current transformer or the like, and determines whether or not the current value of the current flowing through the bypass route L2 exceeds a predetermined current value. It is determined whether or not the path is connected to the bypass route L2. Then, when determining that the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass path L2, the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23 . As a result, the tripping operation by the tripping unit 24 is executed, so that the electric line L1 is cut off. When the electric circuit L1 is cut off, the power supply P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass path L2, so the power supply from the power supply P1 to the load B1 is maintained.

Next, an operator's manual operation test for the second switch 2B will be described with reference to FIG. 1B. First, an operator switches the spare breaker D1 from the cut-off state to the conducting state by operating the handle provided for the spare breaker D1. As a result, the power supply P1 and the load B1 are connected by the bypass path L2.

Next, when the operator presses the test button 20, the switch SW2 is switched from the first state to the second state by being directly or indirectly pressed by the test button 20. FIG. Then, the processing unit 22 applies a voltage greater than zero to the pair of input terminals of the transmission circuit 21 by outputting a voltage signal via the switch SW2 in the second state. In other words, when the operator presses the test button 20, a state in which a phase loss of the neutral line L13 occurs, in other words, a state in which an interruption operation is performed occurs in a simulated manner. As a result, a digital signal having a signal value (voltage value) exceeding the threshold is input to the processing unit 22 .

When the signal value (voltage value) of the input digital signal exceeds the threshold value (the first condition is satisfied), the processing unit 22 determines whether the test button 20 is pressed (whether the second condition is satisfied). ) is determined. Here, the test button 20 is pushed. Therefore, since the processing unit 22 satisfies both the first condition and the second condition, the same operation test as in the case of the first switch 2A is performed.

In other words, the operation test of the switch 2 is performed in the manner shown in FIG. That is, when the operator presses the test button 20 (S1: Yes), the processing unit 22 next determines whether or not the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass route L2 (S2 ). When determining that the bypass route L2 is connected (S2: Yes), the processing unit 22 drives the drive circuit 23. FIG. As a result, the switch 2 performs a breaking operation (S3). On the other hand, when determining that the bypass route L2 is not connected (S2: No), the processing unit 22 does not drive the driving circuit 23. FIG. Therefore, the switch 2 does not perform the breaking operation. Note that the processing unit 22 may notify that the bypass route L2 is not connected, for example, by emitting light from a light emitting element. In this aspect, it is possible to prompt the operator to operate the spare breaker D1 to connect the power supply P1 and the load B1 with the bypass path L2.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operation test is performed with the power source P1 and the load B1 connected by the bypass path L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the contact C1 is opened and the electric path L1 is cut off, the power supply P1 can continue to supply power to the load B1 through the bypass path L2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the impact on the load B1 due to the interruption of the electric line L1 can be reduced during the period from when the operation test is performed and the electric line L1 is cut off until the original state is restored. .

(4) Modifications The above-described embodiment is just one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Moreover, the function similar to the operation test of the switch 2 may be embodied by a test method of the switch 2, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium recording the program.

A test method for the switch 2 according to one aspect is a test method for the switch 2 including the tripping portion 24 . The tripping unit 24 performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift the contact C1 electrically connected to the electric line L1 connecting the power source P1 and the load B1 from the closed state to the open state. In this test method, when a trigger for performing an interrupting operation to interrupt the electric circuit L1 including a tripping operation is received, the interrupting operation is performed in a state in which the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected by a bypass route L2 that does not pass through the contact C1. test the operation of at least a portion of the

Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below. Modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

(4.1) First Modification A switch 2α according to a first modification, as shown in FIGS. It is different from vessel 2. Further, the switch 2α of this modified example differs from the switch 2 of the above-described embodiment in that an auxiliary contact C2 is electrically connected to the electric circuit L1 in parallel with the contact C1. The auxiliary contact C2 is an a-contact (normally open contact) and is configured to receive a signal from the processing section 22 and switch between off and on. This modification differs from the switch 2 of the above-described embodiment in that the path through the auxiliary contact C2 corresponds to the bypass path L2 that does not pass through the contact C1.

In this modification, when the processing unit 22 determines that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing unit 22 does not determine whether or not the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected to the bypass route L2. Switch contact C2 from off to on. As a result, the path between the primary side terminal 201 and the secondary side terminal 202 of the switch 2 is switched from the path (electrical path L1) via the contact C1 to the path (bypass path L2) via the auxiliary contact C2. Thereafter, the processing unit 22 causes the tripping unit 24 to perform the tripping operation by driving the drive circuit 23 . That is, in this modification, when a predetermined condition (in this case, the test button 20 is pressed) is satisfied, the processing unit 22 switches the electric circuit L1 to the bypass route L2 and executes the operation test.

As described above, in this modified example, it is possible to perform an operation test with the power source P1 and the load B1 connected by the bypass path L2, as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, in this modified example, the auxiliary contact C2 built in the switch 2 can be used to switch between the electric circuit L1 and the bypass route L2, so that it is not necessary to use the spare breaker D1 when performing the operation test. There are advantages. This modification is effective when there is no space for installing the spare breaker D1.

(4.2) Second Modification A switch 2β according to a second modification, as shown in FIG. differ. In addition, the distribution board 1α in which the switch 2β of the present modification is used is electrically connected to the power conditioner E11 via the interconnection breaker 31. differ from

In this modification, the distribution board 1α is different from the above embodiment in that the solar cell E12 and the storage battery E13 are electrically connected via the power conditioner E11. Then, in this modification, when the power conditioner E11 switches from the grid connection mode to the self-sustained operation mode, the route switches as follows. That is, the path connecting the power source P1 and the load B1 via the switch 2β is switched to the path connecting the solar cell E12 or the storage battery E13 via the grid breaker 31 and the load B1. That is, in this modified example, the route through the interconnection breaker 31 corresponds to the bypass route L2. In this modification, the bypass path L2 uses the power source P1 as the first power source P1 and is electrically connected to a second power source P2 (solar cell E12 or storage battery E13) different from the first power source P1.

In this modification, when determining that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the power conditioner E11 is in the self-sustained operation mode. is connected to the bypass route L2. As an example, when the processing unit 22 receives information from the power conditioner E11 via the communication unit 25 and the controller indicating that the mode has been switched to the self-sustained operation mode, the bypass route L2 is provided between the power supply P1 and the load B1. Determine that they are connected. When determining that the power source P1 and the load B1 are connected by the bypass route L2, the processing unit 22 drives the driving circuit 23 to cause the tripping unit 24 to perform the tripping operation.

As described above, in this modified example, it is possible to perform an operation test with the power source P1 and the load B1 connected by the bypass path L2, as in the above-described embodiment. Further, in this modification, if the power conditioner E11 is in the self-sustained operation mode, the bypass path L2 is connected to the second power supply P2 different from the first power supply P1. There is an advantage that it does not need to be used. This modification is effective when there is no space for installing the spare breaker D1.

By the way, in this modification, when the processing unit 22 determines that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied and determines that the power conditioner E11 is in the grid connection mode, the power conditioner E11 is The grid connection mode may be switched to the isolated operation mode. As an example, the processing unit 22 can give the above command to the power conditioner E11 via the communication unit 25 and the controller. That is, in this modification, when a predetermined condition (in this case, the test button 20 is pressed) is satisfied, the processing unit 22 switches the power conditioner E11 to the self-sustained operation mode, thereby opening the electric circuit L1. An operation test may be performed by switching to the bypass route L2. In this mode, the operation test can be performed regardless of the operation mode of the power conditioner E11 when the test button 20 is pressed.

(4.3) Other Modifications The switch 2 in the present disclosure includes a computer system in, for example, the processing unit 22 and the like. A computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The functions of the switch 2 in the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer system-readable memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. may be provided. A processor in a computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here is called differently depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partitions inside the LSI, shall also be adopted as the processor. can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed over a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices. A computer system, as used herein, includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Accordingly, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large scale integrated circuits.

Further, it is not an essential configuration of the switch 2 that, for example, a plurality of functions of the processing unit 22 are integrated in one housing. In other words, the constituent elements of the processing unit 22 may be distributed over a plurality of housings. Furthermore, for example, at least part of the functions of the processing unit 22 may be realized by, for example, a server device and the cloud (cloud computing).

In the above-described embodiment, the processing unit 22 may perform the operation test when the load B1 is not used, or when the load B1 is used but the power consumed by the load B1 is small. That is, the processing unit 22 may execute the operation test when the power used by the load B1 is lower than the threshold. As an example, the processing unit 22 acquires a power value based on the current value measured by the master detection unit from the measurement adapter 4 via the communication unit 25, and if the acquired power value is lower than a predetermined power value, the operation test may be executed. Further, as an example, the processing unit 22 acquires a power value based on the current value measured by the detection unit 5 from the measurement adapter 4 via the communication unit 25, and the power value at the predetermined load B1 is the predetermined power value. , an operational test may be performed. In addition, as an example, the processing unit 22 may execute an operation test when receiving a DR (Demand Response) from the electric power company via the communication unit 25 and the controller.

In the above-described embodiments, the contents of the operation test may differ from the contents of the blocking process. In other words, the interruption operation when the state of the electric circuit L1 becomes abnormal may be different from the interruption operation performed when the operator operates the test button 20 . For example, in the operation test, the tripping unit 24 may not be operated. In addition, for example, in an operation test, it is not necessary to operate both the drive circuit 23 and the tripping section 24 . In this case, the operator does not have to operate the handle provided on the switch 2 to restore the switch 2 to its original state (the contact C1 is closed).

In the above-described embodiment, the zero-phase current transformer 27 of the first switch 2A is penetrated by the second voltage line L12 and the neutral wire L13. You may have

(summary)
As described above, the switch (2, 2α, 2β) according to the first aspect includes the tripping section (24) and the processing section (22). The tripping unit (24) performs a tripping operation that mechanically shifts the contact (C1) electrically connected to the electric circuit (L1) connecting the power source (P1) and the load (B1) from the closed state to the open state. I do. When the processing unit (22) receives a trigger for performing a disconnection operation for disconnecting the electrical circuit (L1) including the tripping operation, the power supply (P1) and the load (B1) are bypassed via the contact (C1). An operation test is performed in the state of being connected by the path (L2). The operation test tests the operation of at least part of the breaking operation.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the impact on the load (B1) due to the disconnection of the electric circuit (L1) during the period from when the operation test is performed and the electric circuit (L1) is cut off until the original state is restored. It has the advantage of being able to

In the switch (2α) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the electric line (L1) and the bypass path (L2) are electrically connected to the same power supply (P1).

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare a power supply separate from the power supply (P1) in order to conduct the operation test.

In the switch (2β) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, the bypass path (L2) uses the power source (P1) as the first power source (P1), and the second power source (P1) is different from the first power source (P1). It is electrically connected to the power supply (P2).

According to this aspect, in order to perform the operation test, the state in which the first power supply (P1) and the bypass path (L2) are connected is changed from the state in which the first power supply (P1) and the electric line (L1) are connected. There is an advantage that you do not have to switch to

In the switch (2, 2α, 2β) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the processing unit (22) switches the electric circuit (L1) to the bypass path when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Switch to (L2) and perform an operation test.

According to this aspect, the operator does not need to switch the electrical circuit (L1) to the bypass route (L2), so there is an advantage that convenience is improved.

In the switch (2, 2α, 2β) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the processing unit (22) causes the power used by the load (B1) to be lower than the threshold If so, perform an operational test.

According to this aspect, since the operation test is executed in a state where the load (B1) is operating in a power-saving state or in a non-use state, there is an advantage that the impact on the load (B1) due to interruption is small. There is

A test method for a switch (2, 2α, 2β) according to the sixth aspect is a test method for a switch (2) having a tripping portion (24). The tripping unit (24) performs a tripping operation that mechanically shifts the contact (C1) electrically connected to the electric circuit (L1) connecting the power source (P1) and the load (B1) from the closed state to the open state. I do. In this test method, when a trigger that performs an interruption operation to cut off the electric circuit (L1) including the tripping operation is received, a bypass path ( At least part of the breaking operation is tested while it is connected at L2).

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the impact on the load (B1) due to the disconnection of the electric circuit (L1) during the period from when the operation test is performed and the electric circuit (L1) is cut off until the original state is restored. It has the advantage of being able to

The configurations according to the second to fifth aspects are not essential configurations for the switch (2), and can be omitted as appropriate.

2, 2α, 2β switch 22 processing unit 24 tripping unit B1 load C1 contact L1 electrical circuit L2 bypass path P1 power source (first power source)
P2 2nd power supply

Claims (8)

a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state;
When a trigger for performing a breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is received, at least a part of the breaking operation is performed while the power supply and the load are connected by a bypass path not via the contact. and a processing unit that performs an operation test for testing the operation of
The bypass route is
a backup breaker or an auxiliary contact for switching between a conductive state in which the bypass path is conductive and a cutoff state in which the bypass path is cut off;
The power source is a first power source, and is electrically connected to a second power source that is different from the first power source.
switch. a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power source and a load from a closed state to an open state;
When a trigger for performing an interruption operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is received, it is determined whether or not the power supply and the load are connected to a bypass path not via the contact, and the power supply and the load are connected to each other. When it is determined that the power supply and the load are connected to the bypass path, an operation test is performed to test at least a part of the cutoff operation while the power supply and the load are connected by the bypass path. and a processing unit for
The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state in which the bypass path is conducted and an interrupted state in which the bypass path is interrupted.
switch. the electrical path and the bypass path are electrically connected to the same power source;
The switch according to claim 2. The bypass path is electrically connected to a second power supply different from the first power supply, using the power supply as a first power supply.
The switch according to claim 2. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing unit switches the electric circuit to the bypass route and executes the operation test.
The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The processing unit performs the operation test when the power used by the load is lower than a threshold.
The switch according to any one of claims 1-5. A test method for a switch equipped with a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power supply and a load from a closed state to an open state,
When a trigger for performing a breaking operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is received, at least a part of the breaking operation is performed while the power supply and the load are connected by a bypass path not via the contact. to test the behavior of
The bypass route is
a backup breaker or an auxiliary contact for switching between a conductive state in which the bypass path is conductive and a cutoff state in which the bypass path is cut off;
The power source is a first power source, and is electrically connected to a second power source that is different from the first power source.
Switchgear test method. A test method for a switch equipped with a tripping unit that performs a tripping operation to mechanically shift a contact electrically connected to an electric circuit connecting a power supply and a load from a closed state to an open state,
When a trigger for performing an interruption operation for breaking the electric circuit including the tripping operation is received, it is determined whether or not the power supply and the load are connected to a bypass path not via the contact, and the power supply and the load are connected to each other. When it is determined that the power supply and the load are connected to the bypass path, testing at least a part of the cutoff operation while the power supply and the load are connected by the bypass path ,
The bypass path has a spare breaker or an auxiliary contact that switches between a conducting state in which the bypass path is conducted and an interrupted state in which the bypass path is interrupted.
Switchgear test method.

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