WO2018083350A1

WO2018083350A1 - Test apparatus for functionally testing protective switching devices

Info

Publication number: WO2018083350A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/078506
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan HASLINGER; Michael Bartonek; Michael Koch
Original assignee: Eaton Industries (Austria) Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-11-07
Filing date: 2017-11-07
Publication date: 2018-05-11
Also published as: DE102016121268A1

Abstract

In the case of a test apparatus (1) for functionally testing protective switching devices (28), in particular a fault current circuit breaker and/or an arc circuit breaker, and/or fault detectors, in particular an arc detector, of an electrical installation (12), it is proposed that the test apparatus (1) has a test signal memory (2) having at least indirectly stored test signals, wherein the test signal memory (2) is at least indirectly connected to an amplifier (3) of the test apparatus (1), wherein amplifier outputs (4) of the amplifier (3) are connected to first electrical connection means (10), in particular a first protective-earth contact plug (11), for connecting the test apparatus (1) to an electrical installation (12), wherein the test apparatus (1) has second electrical connection means (13), in particular a second protective-earth contact plug (14), for connecting a load or a bridge.

Description

Test device for the functional test of protective switching devices

The invention relates to a test device according to the preamble of

Claim 1.

It is known and prescribed to protect electrical installations against the consequences of electrical faults. Residual current circuit breakers, for example, are used to protect against ground fault currents or differential currents. In addition to purely sinusoidal fault currents with line frequency, as they occurred practically only for decades, but more and more high-frequency fault currents occur, which meanwhile also appropriate circuit breakers are known, which should grant protection for high-frequency fault currents protection, or mixed fault currents. However, devices for testing safety in electrical installation environments are not capable of doing so

To test circuit breakers in a practical way. Therefore, only the function at mains frequency is still checked.

Furthermore, electrical installation environments are increasingly with

Arc detectors or arc circuit breakers equipped. Particularly problematic to detect are in particular serial arcs. Since these cause neither a fault current nor an overcurrent, these are not recognized by the conventional circuit breakers, and can not be switched off accordingly, but represent a significant threat to the integrity of people and equipment due to the immense heat at the fault. Known devices for testing such arc detectors cause a real arc at a real break in contact, and thus simulate a cable fault. This is associated with a wealth of disadvantages. In such a device arcs are generated by means of special electrodes. The generated arcs therefore already differ from cable defects. The generated or producible arcs have considerable variations in their design, since it is a mechanical system. In addition, the electrodes are subject to one

Wear and aging effect. A reproducible test is therefore not possible. Furthermore, there is a risk of fire or explosion due to the generation of a real arc, which is why this method is not applicable in a correspondingly vulnerable environment. Exactly where the proper function of a

Arc detector is most important, they can therefore not be safely tested with these devices.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a test device of the type mentioned above, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, with which protective switching device or fault detectors can be safely tested in an installation environment, reproducible and close to reality.

This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

As a result, protective switching devices or fault detectors in one

Installation environment safe, realistic and tested according to the extent of their respective capabilities reproducible. It is possible to determine the function of such protective switching devices or fault detectors very accurately by these can be tested about with interference signals, which should not be recognized as errors. Especially at

Arc detectors also differ from those used

Detection methods or algorithms of different detectors or

quite different from different manufacturers. With a figurative

In addition to testing whether relevant standards are met, the test apparatus can be based on the different detection of different devices by using manufacturer-specific or device-specific test signals. This is an even more accurate

Functional check possible, which go beyond the mere fulfillment of a standard and help to ensure safety within an electrical system.

The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

It is hereby expressly referred to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims at this point are incorporated by reference into the description and are considered to be reproduced verbatim. The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. Showing:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an electrical electrical installation with a protective switching device and a power outlet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an objective test apparatus; FIG. and

3 is a block diagram of a part of the test device according to FIG. 2.

2 shows a block diagram of a test device 1 for the functional test of protective switching devices 28, in particular a fault current circuit breaker and / or arc protection switch, and / or fault detectors, in particular one

Arc detector, an electrical installation 12, wherein the test device 1 has a test signal memory 2 with at least indirectly stored test signals, the test signal memory 2 is at least indirectly connected to an amplifier 3 of the test device 1, wherein amplifier outputs 4 of the amplifier 3 with first electrical connection means 10, in particular a first

Safety plug 11, for connecting the test device 1 to a

Electrical installation 12 is connected, wherein the test device 1 second electrical connection means 13, in particular a second safety plug 14, for connecting a load or bridge.

As a result, protective switching devices 28 or fault detectors in one

Installation environment safe, realistic and tested according to the extent of their respective capabilities reproducible. In this case, it is possible to determine the function of such protective switching devices 28 or fault detectors very accurately by being able to test them with interference signals, for example, which should not be recognized as faults. Especially at

Arc detectors also differ from those used

Detection methods or algorithms of different detectors or

quite different from different manufacturers. With a figurative

Test device 1 can not only be checked as to whether relevant standards are met, but rather can be differentiated to the different detection Devices can be received by manufacturer-specific or device-specific test signals can be used. This is an even more accurate

Functional check possible, which go far beyond the mere fulfillment of a standard and which help to ensure safety within an electrical system.

As electrical installation 12 is a by protective switching devices and / or

Fault detectors secured electric environment viewed. In particular, an electrical installation 12 is a low voltage electrical installation. When

Low voltage is referred to as usual the range up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC.

Exemplary only one variant of the test device 1 for a network consisting of outer conductor L and neutral conductor N is described, in particular, variants are also provided for three-phase networks, which are to expand or adapt accordingly

The protective switching devices 28 of the electrical installation 12 may be any type of protective switching device 28, wherein in particular the testing of

Residual current circuit breakers and / or arc circuit breakers is provided. Accordingly, an error detector can be any type of

Error detector act, in particular, the testing of arc detectors is provided.

The test device 1 has first electrical connection means 10, which are designed in particular as first earthing contact plug 11, which, however, can also be designed as terminals or other contact means. The first electrical connection means 10 are used to connect the test device 1 with the electrical installation 12, wherein it is preferably provided that the

Test device 1 for this purpose to a socket 21 of the electrical installation 12th

is connected.

The test device 1 further has second electrical connection means 13, which are designed in particular as a second safety plug 14, which, however, also be designed as terminals or other contact means can. The second electrical connection means 13 serve to connect a load or bridge to the test device 1.

Preferably, the first connection means 10 are connected in terms of circuitry to the second connection means 13. It is provided in particular that a first outer conductor terminal 15 of the first connection means 10 with a second

Outer conductor terminal 16 of the second connection means 13 is connected, that a first neutral terminal 17 of the first connection means 10 is connected to a second neutral terminal 18 of the second connection means 13, and that a first protective conductor terminal 19 of the first connection means 10 with a second protective conductor terminal 20 of the second connection means 13 is connected is.

The test apparatus 1 has an amplifier 3 and a test signal memory 2, which are preferably arranged together in a signal-forming unit 27. The signal-forming unit 27 may be a functional and / or structural unit.

In the test signal memory 2 at least indirectly test signals are stored. As at least indirect storage of the test signals is understood to mean that it is provided that test signals are stored digitally, wherein on the one hand can be provided to store a direct or uncompressed test signal,

Comparable to an audio signal on a CD or SACD, and where provided on the other to be stored only parameters or a parameter set, from which or from their information then one or more test signals can be formed or generated. The number of parameters or coefficients and optionally the time resolution and bit depth are in accordance with

Possibilities and requirements, but in any case not limited by the examples CD and SACD to the values used there.

It is particularly preferred that a large number of different test signals are stored in the test signal memory 2 in order to be able to test different electrical installations or different protective switching devices 28 or different detectors. The individual preferred test signals are each described in the singular, wherein it is preferably provided that in each case a plurality of individually different test signals of the individual Test signal groups are stored in the test signal memory 2.

It is preferably provided that in the test signal memory 2 at least a first test signal for testing a residual current circuit breaker is stored.

In particular, it is provided that the first test signal for testing a

certain type of residual current device, preferably type F or type B / B +, is formed. A corresponding first test signal therefore preferably has high-frequency signal components up to 20 kHz with optionally superposed

DC component on. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first test signal is designed for testing a residual current circuit breaker of a specifiable manufacturer, and is matched to the respective detection algorithm.

It is preferably provided that in the test signal memory 2 at least a second test signal for testing an arc detector on the detection of serial

Arcs is stored, which may be provided in particular to tune the second test signal to the detection algorithm of an arc detector of a predetermined manufacturer.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in the test signal memory 2 at least a third test signal for testing an arc detector is stored on the detection of parallel arcs between outer conductor and neutral conductor, which may be provided in particular, the third test signal on the

Matching detection algorithm of an arc detector of a specified manufacturer.

It is also preferably provided that in the test signal memory 2 at least a fourth test signal for testing an arc detector is stored on the detection of parallel arcs between outer conductor and protective conductor, wherein

In particular, the fourth test signal may be provided on the

Matching detection algorithm of an arc detector of a specified manufacturer.

The second, third and fourth test signals particularly preferably have high-frequency signal components with frequencies of at least a few kilohertz up to a few

Mega heart, in particular up to 25 MHz, on to a realistic simulation of the To allow effects of an arc.

It is particularly preferably provided that at least a fifth test signal is stored in the test signal memory 2, which corresponds to a real error of a real device. It records the current or

Voltage history of real error stored. This is a special

Practical test of the protective measures of an electrical installation possible.

According to a preferred further embodiment of an objective test apparatus 1, it is provided that at least one sixth test signal is stored in the test signal memory 2, which at least one sixth test signal is such that it is not recognized as an error by the protective switching device 28 to be tested and / or the arc detector , Often, non-hazardous electrical conditions or, for example, transient processes cause them to be considered as dangerous faults by an electrical protective device

be misinterpreted, which can lead to unnecessary power cuts. With the sixth test signal, the protective measures can also be tested in such a way that they do not switch off in such everyday or harmless processes, or it can be ascertained which of such processes have become one

unexpected power failure. It is provided in particular that the at least one sixth test signal comprises a signal of a real electrical machine, in particular a DC motor with brushes, a frequency converter, a welding device and / or a dimmer.

According to a further preferred embodiment of an objective test device 1, it can be provided that at least one seventh test signal, which stores the frequency of a locally prevailing network voltage, preferably 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 400 Hz and / or 16.6 Hz, is stored in the test signal memory 2. and preferably has the corresponding nominal voltages.

As a result, a device can be tested in such a way that it does not indicate an error under the standard conditions.

Furthermore, at least one eighth test signal is preferably provided, which preferably imitates the effects of a phase control, it being possible to provide that both corresponding test signals are involved a portion of the rising, as well as the falling edge are stored in the test signal memory 2.

As such, it can be provided that each of the test signals is also tuned to specific manufacturers and / or specific devices of specific manufacturers.

When storing the test signals in a conventional manner that

Consider sampling theorem. Also known per se modules of digital signal processing are provided, such as low-pass filter and corresponding converter or decoder units.

The test signal memory 2 is at least indirectly connected to an amplifier 3 of the test device 1. It is preferably provided that between the test signal memory 2 and the amplifier, a signal generator 22 is arranged, which generates a test signal at only stored data or parameters, which is then supplied to the amplifier 3.

The amplifier 3 is preferably designed as a switching amplifier. Such amplifiers 3 are referred to in the audio technology as a Class D amplifier.

Switching amplifiers have a very high efficiency and, in addition, a large bandwidth or a high upper limit frequency can easily be realized with them as well as a high power supply capability. It is particularly preferred that an upper limit frequency of the amplifier 3 is preferably 25 MHz.

It may be provided that the amplifier 3 is designed as an amplifier module or as a discretely constructed amplifier 3 comprising active power semiconductor components. It is preferably provided that the test signals current strengths between 1 mA and 10 A, and the amplifier 3 is designed to be able to deliver such currents.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the amplifier 3 and the

Test signal memory 2 functionally and / or structurally combined in the signal-forming unit 27. It is preferably provided that the test signal memory 2 is connected to an input means 25 for selecting a particular test signal. The test signal memory 2 is connected to the signal generator 22, which the output side is connected to the amplifier 3. At one of the

Amplifier outputs 4 of the amplifier 3, a shunt 23 is arranged, which is connected to a current measuring arrangement 26, which in turn is preferably connected to the signal generator 22, wherein the signal generator 22 is preferably adapted to predictably generated and output signals to synchronize with a phase of the current , At the further amplifier output 4 of the amplifier 3, a resistor 24 is arranged to limit the current.

The test apparatus 1 preferably has switching means for specifiable simulation of a serial error within the connection between the first

Outer conductor terminal 1 5 and second outer conductor terminal 16 or a fault between the first outer conductor terminal 15 and the first neutral terminal 17 or a fault between the first outer conductor terminal 15 and the first

Protective conductor connection 19. Due to the switching means it is possible the

Signaling unit 27 to be arranged either serially in the outer conductor, in which case the second electrical connection means 13 must be short-circuited, or the signal-forming unit 27 between the outer conductor and the

Neutral conductor or to close the protective conductor, which is provided to connect a test load to the second electrical connection means 13.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a test device 1 with corresponding switching means.

Preferably, it is provided that the switching means comprise a first changeover switch 5 and a second changeover switch 6, which for the circuit-wise serial arrangement of the amplifier 3 in the connection between the first

Outer conductor terminal 1 5 and second outer conductor terminal 16 are arranged.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the switching means a third

Switch 7 and a fourth switch 8 include, which for

circuit arrangement of the amplifier 3 between the first

Neutral terminal 17 and the first protective conductor terminal 19 are arranged.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that the Switching means a fifth switch 9 for short-circuiting the second

Outer conductor terminal 16 with the second neutral terminal 18 include.

In order to simulate a serial error, it is provided that the first and the second change-over switch 5, 6 are closed in such a way that the direct current flow between them is interrupted and instead leads via the signal-forming unit 27. In the presence of a third changeover switch 7, this is to be switched correspondingly conductive, so that the current path is ensured by the signal forming unit 27 to the second switch 6, while this is interrupted for the fourth switch 8 out. Furthermore, a bridge is to be placed on the second electrical connection means 13, which connects the second outer conductor connection 16 to the second neutral conductor connection 18, or to close the fifth changeover switch 9 in order to bridge the second electrical connection means 13 accordingly.

In order to simulate a parallel fault between the outer conductor and the neutral conductor, it is provided that the first changeover switch 5 is connected in such a way that the current can flow both to the second changeover switch 6 and to the signal formation unit 27. The second changeover switch 6 is switched such that the connection to the third changeover switch 7 is interrupted, while the current flow to the second electrical connection means 13 is ensured. The third changeover switch 7 is switched such that the connection from the signal-forming unit 27 to the fourth change-over switch 8 is conductively closed. The fourth changeover switch 8 is connected such that the third changeover switch 7 is conductively connected to the neutral conductor or the first or second neutral conductor connection 17, 18. To the second electrical connection means 13 is to attach a test load.

In order to simulate a parallel fault between the outer conductor and the protective conductor, provision is made for the first changeover switch 5 to be connected such that the current can flow both to the second changeover switch 6 and to the signal-forming unit 27. The second changeover switch 6 is switched such that the connection to the third changeover switch 7 is interrupted, while the current flow to the second electrical connection means 13 is ensured. The third changeover switch 7 is switched such that the connection from the signal-forming unit 27 to the fourth change-over switch 8 is conductively closed. The fourth switch 8 is connected in such a way the third changeover switch 7 is conductively connected to the protective conductor or the first or second protective conductor connection 19, 20. To the second electrical connection means 13 is to attach a test load.

The first, second, third, fourth and / or fifth switch 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are to be selected accordingly to ensure the described functionality. These can be designed as mechanical contacts and / or in solid state technology. The switches 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are preferably controlled by a correspondingly programmed control unit and / or a discrete logic circuit, so that it is only necessary for a user to select a specific operating mode.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1 . Test device (1) for the functional test of protective switching devices (28), in particular a residual current circuit breaker and / or arc protection switch, and / or fault detectors, in particular an arc detector, a

Electrical installation (12), wherein the test device (1) has a test signal memory (2) with at least indirectly stored test signals, wherein the

Test signal memory (2) at least indirectly with an amplifier (3) of

Test device (1) is connected, wherein amplifier outputs (4) of the amplifier (3) with first electrical connection means (10), in particular a first

Safety plug (1 1), for connecting the test device (1) to a

Electrical installation (12) is connected, wherein the test device (1) second electrical connection means (13), in particular a second safety plug (14), for connecting a load or bridge.

2. Test device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first outer conductor terminal (15) of the first connection means (10) is connected to a second outer conductor terminal (16) of the second connection means (13), that a first neutral terminal (17) of the first terminal means (10) is connected to a second neutral conductor terminal (18) of the second terminal means (13), and that a first protective conductor terminal (19) of the first

Connection means (10) with a second protective conductor terminal (20) of the second connection means (13) is connected.

3. Test device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a first test signal for testing a residual current circuit breaker, in particular a residual current circuit breaker of a predetermined type, preferably type F or type B / B +, and / or one

Residual current circuit breaker of a specified manufacturer, is stored.

4. test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a second Test signal for testing an arc detector, in particular a

Arc detector of a specified manufacturer, is stored on the recognition of serial arcs.

5. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a third

Test signal for testing an arc detector, in particular a

Arc detector of a specified manufacturer, is stored on the detection of parallel arcs between outer conductor and neutral.

6. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a fourth

Test signal for testing an arc detector, in particular a

Arc detector of a predeterminable manufacturer, is stored on the detection of parallel arcs between outer conductor and protective conductor.

7. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a fifth

Test signal is stored, which corresponds to a real error of a real device.

8. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the test signal memory (2) at least a sixth test signal is stored, which is at least a sixth test signal is such that this of the test to be tested protective device and / or Arc detector is not detected as an error.

9. Test device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one sixth test signal comprises a signal of a real electric machine, in particular a DC motor with brushes, a frequency converter, a welding device and / or a dimmer.

10. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the test device (1) switching means for specifiable simulating a serial error within the connection between the first outer conductor terminal (15) and second outer conductor terminal (16) or a fault between the first outer conductor connection (15) and the first neutral conductor connection (17) or a fault between the first outer conductor connection (15) and the first one

Protective conductor terminal (19).

11. Test device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the switching means comprise a first changeover switch (5) and a second changeover switch (6), which for the circuit-wise serial arrangement of the amplifier (3) in the connection between the first outer conductor connection (15). and second

Outer conductor terminal (16) are arranged.

12. Test device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the switching means comprise a third switch (7) and a fourth switch (8), which for the circuit arrangement of the amplifier (3) between the first neutral terminal (17) and the first

Protective conductor terminal (19) are arranged.

13. Test device (1) according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized

characterized in that the switching means comprise a fifth changeover switch (9) for

Shorting the second outer conductor terminal (16) with the second

Neutral connection (18) include.

14. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the amplifier (3) is designed as a switching amplifier.

15. Test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an upper limit frequency of the amplifier (3) is 25 MHz.