CN110634659A - Current transformer assembly for monitoring current flowing in a circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

A current transformer assembly for monitoring current flowing in an electrical circuit is disclosed. The assembly comprises a primary module (100) comprising at least one current transformer unit, and a secondary module (200) for processing electrical signals, the primary module (100) and the secondary module (200) acting independently of each other, and a secondary module (200) being detachable for receiving electrical signals for sending at least one output from said at least one current, electrically connected to the unit of said primary module (100) transforming said primary module (100) to generate a processed output. The current transformer is compact to assemble, allowing modules to be replaced or repaired, providing value savings and commercial advantages.

Description

Current transformer assembly for monitoring current flowing in a circuit

Technical Field

The invention relates to a current transformer assembly with an attachable functional adapter.

Background

Current transformers are used to measure the current in an AC electrical circuit. They are usually used together with measuring, control or protection devices for deriving parameters such as current, voltage, power factor, power, energy, etc. In general, the current transformer may be of the following type: a) core types, shapes and configurations having different sizes, wires and insulated windings, b) core types having different sizes, shapes and configurations, having hall effect sensor components, c) having a coil form or air core known as a Rogowski coil. These current transformers are designed for single phase and three phase use. The current transformer may be further connected to one or more measurement, control and protection devices.

Typically, the output signal of the current transformer needs to be further conditioned to be compatible with the desired form of input signal that the measurement, control or protection device to which it is connected is designed to receive. The regulating means or device may comprise a resistor or a combined circuit of active and passive components designed to produce the desired output. The conditioned output signal may be a millivolt signal, an AC/DC signal conversion, or a so-called meter type signal, such as a 0-10 volt, or 4-20 milliamp, DC signal, or a digital form commonly referred to as "digitizing". A signal. Sometimes the output of the transformer may need to be limited, e.g. over-current or over-voltage. Using diodes, resistors, zener diodes, transistors, fuses or other passive or active devices, it is generally known to limit the output of a current transformer to a level that is safe for the circuit in operation or human life, and related circuitry. Alternatively, a protection device may be used to prevent the danger of an open secondary side in the current transformer circuit under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, a conversion device may be provided which gives a conversion of the output signal from the current transformer in the common sense of the measurements of current, voltage, energy, power factor, power, frequency, etc.

Typically, one or more of these regulating, limiting, measuring, protecting and controlling means are integrated in the current transformer assembly. Us patent No.4309652 discloses one such current transformer circuit comprising current developing means and impedance means operatively connected to one another to provide a current flow therethrough to substantially null the voltage induced in the primary winding of the current transformer by excitation. In which an electric current is present. U.S. patent No.6469882 discloses another current transformer with initial state correction. The current transformer assembly integrally includes an analog-to-digital converter and a controller for determining a trip condition.

In known current transformer assemblies, the auxiliary devices are integrally formed with the current transformer circuitry. Thus, the end user does not have the flexibility to select or change the current transformer function. This limits the application or use of the current transformer in a particular device or main circuit. Furthermore, in case of a functional error requiring maintenance or repair, the current transformer apparatus must be returned to the manufacturer/distributor for repair or replacement without selecting a quick solution at the user end. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that may be a current transformer

Customized to the end application and which will overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of known current transformer assemblies.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular, adaptable current transformer assembly wherein a first module includes a current transformer and a second module includes one or more auxiliary devices selected from the group consisting of regulating, limiting, measuring, protecting, controlling and communicating devices such that each module can be connected in a seamless and modular manner to provide enhanced efficiency.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular current transformer assembly wherein the first and second modules are adapted to work independently when unassembled, thereby allowing either module to be replaced or repaired, thereby saving cost and commercial advantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular current transformer assembly that is compact and may be assembled by an end user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular current transformer assembly in which the current transformer is connected to a forward function device and does not require external current transformer signal wiring and installation of the function device elsewhere.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular current transformer assembly whose functionality can be varied according to the end use by simply changing the second module.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular current transformer assembly that can be remotely connected to increase the range of interconnection thereof.

These objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses a current transformer assembly, said assembly comprising: the main module comprises at least one current transformer unit for monitoring current flowing in an electrical circuit to generate at least one output electrical signal, and a secondary module for processing the electrical signal, wherein the main module and the secondary module are functionally independent from each other, and the secondary module is adapted to be detachably, electrically connected to the main module for receiving the at least one output electrical signal from the at least one current transformer unit of the main module to generate a processed output such that the main module and the secondary module function as a single device when connected.

In general, the master module of the present invention includes at least one interconnection means, which may be one or more means selected from the group consisting of a slave terminal, a connector, a transmitter, a control and a communication means.

Preferably, the auxiliary module of the invention comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a regulating device, a limiting device, a measuring device, a protecting device, a controlling device and a communicating device. The supplementary module of the present invention comprises an input device and an output device, which may be one or more devices selected from a terminal, a connector, a transmitter, a display, a control and a communication device. More preferably, the main module of the invention comprises at least one interconnection means for receiving said input means of said auxiliary module. Preferably, the primary module and the secondary module are connected by at least one mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap-fit, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting.

The inventive primary module and said secondary module may further comprise one or more accessories selected from the group consisting of mounting devices, tamper-evident devices, security devices and environmental protection devices.

The current transformer assembly of the present invention may further comprise an input module comprising at least one device selected from the group consisting of a functional adaptor, an extension and a plug adapted to receive at least one external device selected from the group consisting of a circuit breaker, a relay and a bus bar, said input module being detachably connected to said main module by at least one mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting.

The current transformer assembly of the present invention may be designed for single phase or multiphase circuits.

The current transformer assembly of the present invention may be designed for use in residual current or differential current systems.

Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a current transformer assembly according to the present invention, showing a primary module 100 and a secondary module 200;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a current transformer assembly according to the present invention;

fig. 3 shows a partially exploded view of a secondary module 200 of a preferred embodiment of a current transformer assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a current transformer assembly having a split core current transformer in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 5 shows a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of a current transformer assembly according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting examples in the following description. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Thus, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

The present invention contemplates a modular, adaptable current transformer assembly that includes two distinct modules, a primary module and a secondary module. The current transformer assembly is adapted to monitor current in a single or multi-phase circuit or for monitoring current in a residual current system or a differential current system. The auxiliary module is an auxiliary device for adjusting, limiting, measuring, protecting, controlling and communicating the main module or its output signal. The primary and secondary modules are adapted to function independently, providing the opportunity to service, replace or repair either module at a given time, thereby providing cost savings in operation and manufacture. Also, the end user is allowed to adjust the current transformer assembly according to the end application and requirements, or to change a given assembly as needed. The novel design is compact and can be assembled or disassembled by the end user, enhancing the usability of the device. In a modular current transformer assembly, the current transformer is connected to a forward function device without the need for external current transformer signal wiring and installation of the function device elsewhere. The current transformer assembly of the present invention may be adapted for different applications, such as simple current sensors, or for devices used in combination for energy monitoring, earth fault or earth leakage protection, and which adjustments may be made to any current transformer type and single or multiple current transformers. Since the modules are distinct and can work independently, the present invention can be provided with telecommunication or connectivity to enhance the range of their interconnection, where the modules can include built-in wired or wireless communication. The assembly of the present invention provides a means for designing individual modules based on the desired electrical and/or electronic sub-assemblies.

Referring to fig. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the current transformer assembly of the present invention is disclosed. The current transformer assembly comprises a main module 100, the main module 100 comprising at least one current transformer unit for monitoring the current through the circuit. The first main module part 100a and the second main module part 100b define a housing of the main module 100. The first and second main module parts 100a, 100b may be attached by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap, fastening. Locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting/welding.

An exploded view of the main module 100 is shown in fig. 2. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one current transformer unit may be a magnetic core type current transformer having wires and insulated windings, a magnetic core type current transformer. A current transformer of the air core type with a hall effect sensor assembly, and/or with a Rogowski coil. The current transformers may have various sizes, shapes and configurations. The main module 100 includes at least one interconnect means 101a, as shown in fig. 2. The interconnect 101a is supported by the connecting means 101 as shown in fig. 2. The connection device 101 may comprise a printed circuit board. The interconnect 101a may be one or more devices selected from terminals, connectors, transmitters, control and communication devices. The communication means may provide wired or wireless communication or optical communication. The interconnect 101a may include a display device such as an LCD or LED screen, a touch screen, control knobs, keys, connectors, and the like. The main module 100 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices and environmental protection devices.

The auxiliary module 200 is adapted to function independently of the main module 100. Relatedly, the auxiliary module 200 is received at the interconnection means 101a of the main module 100 so as to be removably and electrically connected to at least one current transformer unit. A portion of the main module 100 such that the main module 100 and the supplementary module 200 function as a single device when connected. The first and second auxiliary module parts 200a and 200b define a housing of the auxiliary module 200. The first and second auxiliary module parts 200a and 200b may be attached by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap, fastening. Locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting/welding. The auxiliary module 200 comprises a functional component 201, an input device 201a and an output device 201 b. The input device 201a and the output device 201b may be one or more devices selected from a terminal, a connector, a transmitter, a display, a control and a communication device. The communication means may provide wired or wireless communication or optical communication. The input device 201a and the output device 201b may include a display device, such as an LCD or LED screen, a touch screen, control knobs, keys, connectors, and the like. In operation, the input device 201a is adapted to be connected to the interconnect device 101a to receive an output electrical signal from at least one current transformer unit of the main module 100. The secondary module 200 processes the electrical signals. The supplementary module 200 may include one or more devices selected from a regulating device, a limiting device, a measuring device, a protecting device, a controlling device and a communicating device. The auxiliary device 200 receives the output electrical signal from the primary module 100 and processes it to provide a processed electrical output. Alternatively, the supplementary module 200 may control or protect the main module 100 or display its output signal. The auxiliary module 200 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The position of the input means 201a is flexible and depends on the interconnect means 101 a. The processed output is obtained at the output means 201 b. The position of the output means 201b is flexible. The auxiliary device 200 receives the output electrical signal from the primary module 100 and processes it to provide a processed electrical output. Alternatively, the supplementary module 200 may control or protect the main module 100 or display its output signal. The auxiliary module 200 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The position of the input means 201a is flexible and depends on the interconnect means 101 a. The processed output is obtained at the output means 201 b. The position of the output means 201b is flexible. The auxiliary device 200 receives the output electrical signal from the primary module 100 and processes it to provide a processed electrical output. Alternatively, the supplementary module 200 may control or protect the main module 100 or display its output signal. The auxiliary module 200 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The position of the input means 201a is flexible and depends on the interconnect means 101 a. The processed output is obtained at the output means 201 b. The position of the output means 201b is flexible. The auxiliary module 200 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The position of the input means 201a is flexible and depends on the interconnect means 101 a. The processed output is obtained at the output means 201 b. The position of the output means 201b is flexible. The auxiliary module 200 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-proof devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The position of the input means 201a is flexible and depends on the interconnect means 101 a. The processed output is obtained at the output means 201 b. The position of the output means 201b is flexible.

Fig. 1A shows individual units of the main module 100 and the supplementary module 200, and fig. 1B shows components of the main module 100 and the supplementary module 200. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the main module 100, showing the connection means 101. And an interconnect 101 a. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the auxiliary module 200 showing the functional components 201, the input device 201a and the output device 201 b.

Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings shows another preferred embodiment of the current transformer assembly of the present invention comprising a main module 300 adapted to include at least one split core current transformer unit. The arrangement of the first and second main module parts 300a, 300b is shown in fig. 4.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings shows yet another preferred embodiment of the current transformer assembly of the present invention. The current transformer assembly is provided with an input module 400. the input module 400 is at least one device selected from a functional adapter, an extension, and a plug. The input module 400 is further adapted to receive at least one external device selected from a circuit breaker, a relay, and a bus bar. The input module 400 is detachably connected to the main module 100 by at least one mechanism selected from snap-fitting, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding, and connecting. The input module 400 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the main module 100. The input module 400 may also be provided with the embodiment of fig. 4. The input module 400 may include accessories such as mounting devices, tamper-resistant devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices. The input module 400 comprises a first input module portion 400a, a second input module portion 400 b. The first input module portion 400a and the second input module portion 400b may be attached by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap-fit, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting/welding. The first input module part 400a and the second input module part 400b define a housing of the input module. The input module 400 includes connection elements 400c of various sizes and configurations and made of different components, such as prongs for a standard MCCB, copper or brass connectors, custom lugs, barrier elements or copper between pads, brass connectors, with or without internal potting or insulation or external elements made of insulating material, which may be mounted separately on the portions 400a and 400 b. The input module 400 may have any of the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for many purposes and other embodiments than those discussed herein can be developed. The most preferred embodiments and uses thereof are described herein for illustrative purposes only, and illustrate the advantages obtained by the present invention over the prior art. The present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments or to their particular uses. Accordingly, the forms of the invention herein described are to be taken as illustrative only and other embodiments may be selected without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A current transformer assembly, the assembly comprising: a primary module (100) comprising at least one current transformer unit for monitoring a current flowing in an electrical circuit to produce at least one output electrical signal, and a secondary module (200) for processing the electrical signal, wherein the functions of the primary module (100) and the secondary module (200) are independent of each other, and the secondary module (200) is adapted to be removably electrically connected to the primary module (100) for receiving the at least one output electrical signal from the at least one current transformer unit of the primary module (100) to produce a processing output such that, when connected, the primary module (100) and the secondary module (200) act as a single device.

2. The current transformer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary module (100) comprises at least one interconnection means (101 a), the at least one interconnection means (101 a) being one or more means selected from the group consisting of a terminal, a connector, a transmitter.

3. The current transformer assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module (200) comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a regulating device, a limiting device, a measuring device, a protection device, a control device and a communication device.

4. The current transformer assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module (200) comprises an input device (201 a) and an output device (201 b), the input device (201 a) and the output device (201 b) being one or more devices selected from a terminal, a connector, a transmitter, a display, a control and a communication device.

5. The current transformer assembly according to claim 4, wherein the primary module (100) comprises at least one interconnection means (101 a) adapted to receive the input means (201 a) of the auxiliary module (200).

6. The current transformer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary module (100) and the secondary module (200) are connected by at least one mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap-fit, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting.

7. The current transformer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary module (100) and the secondary module (200) further comprise one or more accessories selected from the group consisting of mounting devices, tamper-resistant devices, security devices, and environmental protection devices.

8. The current transformer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said assembly further comprises an input module (400) comprising at least one device selected from the group consisting of a functional adaptor, an extension and a plug adapted to receive at least one external device selected from the group consisting of a circuit breaker, a relay and a bus bar, said input module (400) being removably connected to said main module (100) by at least one mechanism selected from the group consisting of snap-fit, fastening, locking, interlocking, guiding and connecting.

9. The current transformer assembly of claim 1, wherein the current transformer assembly is designed for single phase or multiphase circuits.

10. The shunt transformer assembly of claim 1, wherein said current transformer assembly is designed for use in a residual current or differential current system.

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