DE102008034989B4 - Circuit arrangement and method for controlling the power consumption of lighting systems with AC power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

Circuit arrangement (100) for controlling the power consumption of consumers (401, 402, 501) designed for operation in an AC voltage network by regulating the output voltage, comprising - a first and a second input connection (11, 12) for connection to a supply voltage of an AC voltage network and a first and second output connection (21, 22) for parallel connection of the loads (401-40N, 501), the second input connection (12) and the second output connection (22) being connected to one another, - a first circuit breaker unit (200) with two connections , of which one is connected to the first input connection (11) and the other is connected to the first output connection (21) via an inductance (190), and - a second circuit breaker unit (300) with two connections, one of which is connected via the inductance (190 ) is connected to the first output connection (21) and the other is connected to the second output connection (22), j Each of the circuit breaker units (200, 300) is designed to be controllable in such a way that they are connected between their respective two connections (1, 2) in ...

Description

The invention relates generally to power electronics and more particularly to a circuit arrangement and method for controlling the power consumption of consumers, in particular for reducing the power of lighting means such as gas discharge lamps.

A known method for controlling the power consumption of consumers connected to an AC voltage network is the phase control. In this method, however, voltage spikes are generated disadvantageously, which burden the power grid with non-sinusoidal currents.

A reduction in power consumption can also be done by lowering the supply voltage. For this purpose, for example, an autotransformer can be used which comprises a coil which has a plurality of output-side taps for taking different output voltages. Advantageous is the robust construction of an autotransformer, as well as the lack of harmonics in its use. However, a disadvantage is the limited range of voltage reduction and the high cost of materials. In addition, the autotransformer is an additional inductive load. Furthermore, many mechanical components are required for a linear reduction of the voltage.

Out US 5,500,575 A. For example, there is known an integrated high frequency switching mode AC power control unit for installation in light dimming devices which serves to produce an output waveform that is identical to the input AC voltage within a reasonable margin of error, for which purpose a radio noise filter interface is provided in the input AC power line The extent of the switching shock peaks limited, which get back into the AC line.

The DE 32 22 443 C2 shows an intensity controller, in particular as a brightness controller for gas discharge lamps, in which between the network and the load and parallel to the load each arranged an electronic bidirectional switch and a control logic circuit is provided. The latter controls the bi-directional switch located between the network and the load such that the current flow from the network to the load is interrupted at least once in each half cycle of the AC voltage. Each electronic bidirectional switch comprises two transistors whose collectors or emitters are connected together. A diode is arranged in parallel with each transistor. The forward direction of the diode extends from the emitter to the collector of the parallel-connected transistor. The transistors in the bidirectional switch located between the network and the load are controlled by the control logic circuit such that in each half cycle of the AC voltage, a current flow from the load to the NEtz can also take place in the times in which the current is interrupted from the mains to the load.

The US 6,346,778 B1 describes an AC converter comprising: an input for receiving a supply voltage, a switching device for controlling a voltage supplied to an output load, a control device for controlling the switching device, first and second sensor circuits for providing first and second signals, represent the voltage and current values at the input or the control device and a detector which detects a polarity difference between the first and the second signal. The switching device may switch between a first ("on") and a second state ("off"). The controller shifts the switching device to the first state when a polarity difference has been detected between the signals to derive residual energy in the converter.

The US 6,995,481 B2 shows a control device and a control method for saving electrical energy. Within several intervals of each half cycle of the alternating voltage, the supply of the load is interrupted by alternating voltage. An alternative way is provided for current flow to provide a sinusoidal current for the load.

Furthermore, the shows DE 101 60 361 A1 a method and apparatus for providing alternating current with turn-off power semiconductors. For this purpose, reverse blocking IGBTs, which are connected in parallel in opposite directions, are controlled in such a way that the IGBTs are switched on and off during the positive and negative half cycles.

Out DE 102 055 52 A1 Furthermore, a method and a circuit arrangement for controlling the brightness of gas discharge lamps is known, wherein a frequency converter with a DC intermediate circuit and a special output circuit for controlling the gas discharge lamps is used. Disadvantageously, the in DE 102 055 52 A1 described circuit arrangement suitable only for gas discharge lamps and does not allow mixed operation of, for example, gas discharge and incandescent lamps. In addition, all connected gas discharge lamps must be rebuilt. Furthermore, this requires in DE 102 055 52 A1 described method a precise vote on the particular conditions and is therefore very prone to failure.

Known systems for power reduction in AC networks with multiple bulbs as consumers, especially in networks that consist to a large extent of gas discharge lamps, are thus either too expensive or only partially suitable for everyday use. The invention is therefore based on the object to show a way how the power consumption of connected to an AC power consumers, which are designed in particular as a series circuit of a gas discharge lamp and an inductor, and a parallel connected capacitance, controlled in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular can be reduced. Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit arrangement for controlling the power consumption of connected to an AC power consumers, which can be integrated into existing AC grids for lighting systems in a simple and cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved by a circuit arrangement according to claim 1, as well as by a method according to claim 14 and a control device according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the respective subclaims.

Accordingly, the invention provides a circuit arrangement for controlling the power consumption of consumers designed to operate in an AC voltage network by regulating the output voltage, which comprises a first and a second input terminal for connection to a supply voltage of an AC voltage network and a first and second output terminal for parallel connection of the consumers , The second input port, which typically forms the network reference point, is connected to the second output port. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement comprises a first power switch unit with two terminals, one of which is connected to the first input terminal and the other via an inductance to the first output terminal, and a second power switch unit with two terminals, one of which via the inductance with the first output terminal and the other is connected to the second output terminal, each of the power switch units being controllable such that it can independently of one another selectively assume a conducting or blocking switching state between its respective two terminals in each of the two directions. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement comprises a device for generating a synchronized with the supply voltage reference AC voltage whose amplitude is reduced to control the power consumption of the consumer relative to the amplitude of the supply voltage by an adjustable factor, and a voltage measuring device for measuring the voltage applied to the output terminals output voltage , and a control unit connected to the first and second power switch unit and the voltage measuring device, comprising means for comparing the measured output voltage with the reference AC voltage, wherein the control unit by driving the first and second power switch units, the output voltage to the value of the reference AC voltage controls.

Basically, the operation of the circuit arrangement is based on the properties of the output side arranged, preferably designed as a coil inductance. It serves to lower the preferably sinusoidal supply voltage without a significant phase shift between the input and output voltage. The adjustable factor by which the amplitude of the reference AC voltage is reduced from the amplitude of the supply voltage corresponds to the factor by which the power consumption of the consumers is to be reduced.

The circuit arrangement is preferably used to reduce the current flow in AC networks with multiple bulbs as consumers, which reduces the reduction in energy consumption. Particularly advantageously, the circuit arrangement is designed for controlling the power consumption of lighting systems, which include a plurality of gas discharge lamps, for example for street lighting.

In existing lighting systems in which gas discharge lamps are used, these typically have an inductive, capacitive and resistive load due to the required wiring. Conventional ballasts of gas discharge lamps have, for example, a current-limiting series choke connected in series with the lamp, and typically a parallel-connected, reactive-current compensating capacitor.

Accordingly, the circuit arrangement is advantageously designed for operating consumers, which comprise at least one consumer, which is designed as a series circuit of a gas discharge lamp and an inductor, and a capacitor connected in parallel thereto, the total load of the consumer preferably having an inductive character. Particularly advantageously, the circuit arrangement is also designed for a mixed operation, ie for controlling the Power consumption of a plurality of differently trained consumers, for example, include both gas discharge lamps and incandescent lamps.

To enable the above-described functionality of the power switch units, these preferably each have two parallel arranged between its two terminals circuit branches, each comprising a diode and a diode connected in series with the power switch, wherein the diodes are arranged in the circuit branches in the opposite passage direction, and the circuit breaker are controllable by means of the control unit. The term circuit breaker designates any type of suitable, controllable by an electronic control unit switch. The circuit breakers may be particularly advantageously designed as electronic switches.

Particularly advantageously, the control unit is designed to control the power switch units in different temporal phases in different ways to achieve the regulation of the output voltage, the beginning and end times of these phases in particular by the zero crossings of the supply voltage and the zero crossings of flowing through the consumer Stroms are defined. Since the total load of the consumers, which typically comprise a plurality of gas discharge lamps, is generally inductive, the voltage profile leads the current profile, so that four temporal phases are defined by the abovementioned zero crossings during a period of the supply voltage, since between two zero crossings of the supply voltage Zero crossing, d. H. a change in the direction of the load current takes place. In particular, in the phases in which the supply voltage and the load current have the same sign and the consumers thus absorb energy, and in the phases in which the supply voltage and the load current have opposite signs and the consumers thus feed energy back into the supply network, one different control of the power switch units by the control unit.

For detecting the zero crossings of the supply voltage, the circuit arrangement preferably has a voltage measuring device connected to the control unit for measuring and / or detecting the sign of the voltage applied to the input terminals, and for detecting the zero crossings of the load current a voltage measuring device connected to the control unit for measuring and / or detecting the sign of the voltage drop across the first power switch unit.

Particularly advantageously, the control unit is configured to control the first and second power switch unit for controlling the output voltage such that in phases in which a positive voltage is applied to the first input terminal relative to the second input terminal and a current flows through the load from the first output terminal to the second output terminal that directs first power switch unit in direction from the first input terminal to the first output terminal when the amount of the output voltage is smaller than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is larger than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and in the opposite direction locks, and the second power switch unit in direction from the second output terminal to the first output terminal conducts and in the opposite direction blocks, and in phases in which the first input terminal relative to the second input terminal is applied a negative voltage and by the consumers, a current flows from the second output terminal to the first output terminal, the first power switch unit conducts from the first output terminal to the first input terminal when the amount of the output voltage is smaller than the amount of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the amount of the output voltage is larger is the amount of the reference AC voltage, and turns off in the opposite direction, and conducts the second power switch unit in the direction from the first output terminal to the second output terminal and blocks in the opposite direction.

In the phases of energy absorption by the consumer, the inductance arranged on the output side is thus alternately connected to the first input terminal and separated therefrom by means of the first power switch unit in order to regulate the output voltage and thus the power consumption. At times, while the inductor is connected to the first input terminal, a magnetic flux builds up in the inductance, the breakdown of which, at times while the inductor is disconnected from the first input terminal, maintains the current flow through the loads through the second power switch unit until the magnetic flux in the coil has dissipated.

The circuit arrangement thus makes particularly advantageous use of the behavior of the inductance during assembly and disassembly of the magnetic flux, in order to achieve a lowering of the output voltage with respect to the supply voltage by means of the power switch units, without a to produce significant phase shift between input and output voltage.

For phases of the energy recovery by the consumers, that is, when the supply voltage and the load current have an opposite sign, the circuit arrangement preferably provides two alternative variants for the control of the first and second circuit breaker units. In the first variant, a regulation of the output voltage is advantageously also carried out in these phases, for which purpose the inductance by means of the second power switch unit alternately with the second input terminal, d. H. with the network reference point, connected or disconnected.

Accordingly, the control unit is advantageously configured to control the first and second power switch unit for controlling the output voltage in such a way that a positive voltage is present at the first input terminal relative to the second input terminal and a current flows from the second output terminal to the first output terminal through the loads is at least temporarily conducts and reverse-blocks the first power switch unit in the direction from the first output terminal to the first input terminal, and the second power switch unit conducts from the first output terminal to the second output terminal when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and locks when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off in the opposite direction, and in phases in which the first input port is negated relative to the second input port ative voltage and by the consumer flows from the first output terminal to the second output terminal, at least temporarily conducts the first power switch unit in the direction from the first input terminal to the first output terminal and blocks in the opposite direction, and the second power switch unit leads in the direction from the second output terminal to the first output terminal, when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage and turns off in the opposite direction.

The second advantageous variant of the control in phases of energy recovery by the consumers provides a direct coupling of the consumers to the supply network.

For this purpose, the control unit is advantageously designed to control the first and second power switch unit in such a way that in phases in which at the first input terminal relative to the second input terminal a positive voltage is applied and flows through the consumer, a current from the second output terminal to the first output terminal, at least temporarily conducts the first power switch unit in the direction from the first output terminal to the first input terminal, and blocks the second power switch unit in both directions, and in phases in which a negative voltage is applied to the first input terminal relative to the second input terminal and through the load a current from the first output terminal second output terminal flows, at least temporarily, the first power switch unit in the direction of the first input terminal to the first output terminal conducts, and the second power switch unit in both directions blocks.

The variants of the control of the power switch units described above can be used in the phases of energy recovery alternatively or in combination. Particularly advantageous, a selection of the variant depending on the set factor by which the power consumption is to be reduced, take place. With a low power reduction can be dispensed with in the phases of energy recovery on a regulation of the output voltage, without resulting in significant distortions of the output voltage curve, and accordingly preferably the second variant are used, which advantageously requires less control effort. For a larger power reduction, however, preferably the first variant is used to avoid distortions of the output voltage.

Advantageously, the first and second variants can also be combined with a greater power reduction, wherein first an activation takes place according to the second variant and is changed over time to the first variant, so that the regulation only starts when there is already a significant voltage difference between reference AC voltage and output voltage.

The limit of the power reduction for the choice of the first variant on the one hand and the second variant or a combination of both variants on the other hand depends on the requirements for freedom from distortion of the output voltage and may for example be 5%, 10%, 20% or 30%.

In order to limit the switching frequency is in the control of the first and second power switch units in the function of the comparison of the magnitude of the output voltage with the amount of the reference AC voltage caused changes in the switching states provided a hysteresis. Preferably, for this purpose, a voltage value is set as the hysteresis value and stored in the control unit, wherein all the switching operations for which have been described above that these are performed when the amount of the output voltage is greater than the amount of the reference AC voltage, only then executed when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage plus the hysteresis value, and all the switching operations described above for being performed when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage are executed when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage minus the hysteresis value.

Depending on the configuration of the control unit, the reaction time with which this causes the change of a switching state of the power switch units when reaching the output voltage predetermined by the reference AC voltage, preferably below 50 microseconds, in particular below 5 microseconds, in particular below 1 microseconds, in particular below 500 nanoseconds , especially below 200 ns. In an exemplary embodiment, the response time of the controller is about 430 ns.

A change in the output voltage continues unregulated during the reaction time of the control unit, but is attenuated by the behavior of the output-side inductance. Accordingly, the dimensioning of the inductance is preferably adapted to the reaction time with which the control unit causes the change of a switching state of one of the power switch units.

Of course, the dimensioning of the output-side inductance also depends advantageously on the set hysteresis, as well as on a set clock frequency with which the output voltage is measured and compared with the reference AC voltage from.

With particular advantage, however, it is not necessary to adapt the circuit arrangement in a special way to the type and number of connected consumers when using the circuit arrangement in existing consumer networks with gas discharge lamps as consumers. In particular, the circuit arrangement for the operation of a plurality of bulbs, which comprise both gas discharge lamps and incandescent lamps, is formed. Preferably, the output side inductance is equal to the output power, i. H. adapted to the power connected or to be connected consumer.

The circuit arrangement may also advantageously comprise a preferably arranged on the input side line filter whose components are used to reduce the effect of interference from the AC voltage network, in particular for smoothing a pulse-shaped power consumption from the AC mains.

The circuit arrangement also particularly advantageous over-and under-voltages of the supply voltage compensated so that they do not occur on the consumer side, with undervoltages can only be compensated insofar as they do not fall below the value of the output voltage. Accordingly, the circuit arrangement makes it possible to compensate for overvoltages or voltage peaks even if no power reduction is undertaken, thus the factor for power reduction is set to 1 or 100%.

For consumers with non-sinusoidal current consumption, a sinusoidal input or output current can advantageously be generated by using ammeters connected to the control unit for measuring the input and / or output current on the supply side and / or on the load side. For this purpose, a reference AC voltage is set with a suitably adapted course. In this context, a sinusoidal input or output current is understood as meaning a current which consists of a multiplicity of individual pulses which, in their entirety, produce a sinusoidal profile.

By means of the ammeters for measuring the input and output currents, monitoring of the power consumption as well as detection of lamp failures can also advantageously take place.

A method according to the invention for controlling the power consumption of consumers designed to operate in an AC voltage network by regulating the output voltage uses a circuit arrangement as described above. The method provides that first a factor for reducing the power consumption is set and, depending on this factor, a reference voltage which is synchronized with the supply voltage is generated, the amplitude of the reference alternating voltage being reduced by the set factor compared to the amplitude of the supply voltage. Furthermore, the method provides to measure the output voltage applied to the output terminals of the circuit arrangement, to compare these with the reference AC voltage and the output voltage to the value of the reference AC voltage by driving the first and second To regulate circuit breaker units by means of the control unit in dependence of the comparison result.

The method may advantageously comprise steps which are configured analogously to the above-described advantageous embodiments of a circuit arrangement according to the invention. In particular, the method according to the invention preferably comprises the activation of the first and second power switch units according to the phases described above by means of the control unit.

Furthermore, a control unit for use in a circuit arrangement as described above, which is designed to carry out the method described above, is also within the scope of the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings designate the same or similar parts.

Show it:

1 : a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement for illustrating the principle of operation of a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention,

2 : a schematic representation of voltage and current curves in the in 1 shown circuit arrangement,

3 FIG. 2: a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a circuit arrangement according to the invention with consumers connected thereto, FIG.

4a FIG. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of a circuit breaker unit for use in a circuit arrangement according to the invention, FIG.

4b FIG. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a circuit breaker unit for use in a circuit arrangement according to the invention, FIG.

4c FIG. 2 schematically shows a third embodiment of a circuit breaker unit for use in a circuit arrangement according to the invention, FIG.

4d FIG. 2 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of a circuit breaker unit for use in a circuit arrangement according to the invention, and FIG

4e FIG. 2 schematically shows a fifth embodiment of a circuit breaker unit for use in a circuit arrangement according to the invention. FIG.

1 shows a schematic diagram to illustrate the principle of the invention, in which a circuit arrangement according to the invention 100 via the input terminals 11 and 12 is connected to an alternating voltage network, wherein the second input terminal 12 forms the network reference point, wherein the output terminals 21 and 22 the circuit arrangement 100 consumer 400 are connected.

In principle, the hardware components required for carrying out a method according to the invention consist of four electronic switches 212 . 222 . 312 and 322 and a coil 190 , The switches are arranged in pairs in parallel and each switch 212 . 222 . 312 and 322 in the serial branch, each with a diode 210 . 220 . 310 respectively. 320 connected is. The diodes 210 and 220 , such as 310 and 320 are connected in opposite direction of passage, relative to the respective parallel arrangement. Are both switches 212 and 222 respectively. 312 and 322 closed in a parallel arrangement, the current can flow in both directions. If only one switch is closed, the current can only flow in the direction specified by the respective diode. The real arrangement of the circuit breaker can vary from the in 1 differ diagrammatically. The functionality remains unchanged. The switches 212 and 222 make up with the diodes 210 and 220 a first circuit breaker unit 200 , and the switches 312 and 322 make up with the diodes 310 and 320 a second circuit breaker unit 300 , Of the two terminals of the first circuit breaker unit 200 is one with the first input port 11 and the other over the coil 190 with the first output terminal 21 connected, while from the two terminals of the second power switch unit 300 one over the coil 190 with the first output terminal 21 and the other with the second input terminal 12 and thus with the second output port 22 connected is. In the further description, the switches 212 . 222 . 312 and 322 also according to the in 1 specified labels, switches 212 as P +, switch 222 as a P, switch 312 as F and switch 322 designated as F +.

A preferred embodiment of a circuit arrangement according to the invention 100 is in 3 shown. Typically, the circuitry is a separate device 100 educated.

As already described, in this invention, the power consumption of consumers is reduced by the output voltage, hereinafter also referred to as U _out , is reduced. For this purpose, a reference sinusoidal voltage, also referred to below as U _ref , is generated and synchronized with the supply voltage, also referred to below as U _in . If no power reduction takes place, the reference voltage U _ref thus essentially corresponds to the supply voltage U _in . If, for example, a reduction of the output voltage U _out by 20% is desired, the reference voltage U _ref is reduced by this amount and over the in 3 shown control unit 160 used as setpoint input for the output voltage U _out .

In the in 3 illustrated exemplary embodiment is in the device 100 On the input side, a line filter 110 integrated, which causes the pulsed current consumption from the supply network is smoothed. The line filter comprises for this purpose a designated with L _N line filter coil 116 , and with C _N1 and C _N2 designated net filter capacitors 112 and 114 ,

In the 3 shown control unit 160 preferably comprises a special hardware with a controller to which a plurality of transducers are connected. The function of the control unit 160 can be fundamentally divided into four phases, which are described below.

Referring again to the 1 is considered a consumer 401 and 402 a network or strand of several gas discharge lamps 421 and 422 considered with appropriate circuitry, the circuit each one with the gas discharge lamp 421 respectively. 422 series reactor connected in series 411 respectively. 412 , and a capacitor connected in parallel with this series circuit 431 respectively. 432 includes. As an additional consumer 501 is in the in 1 illustrated example, a light bulb 511 intended. The resulting power consumption consists of an inductive, capacitive and ohmic load, the total load having an inductive nature. The alternating voltage is thus ahead of the alternating current. The corresponding curves of the input voltage U _in , the regulated output voltage U _out , which essentially corresponds to the reference voltage U _ref , and the output current I _out and the output current I _out * which adjusts without a reduction in output are in 2 shown.

Through the zero crossings of the input voltage U _in and the output current I _out , the four time phases 610 . 620 . 630 and 640 in which preferably a different control of the first and second power switch units 200 and 300 through the control unit 160 he follows. The individual phases are described below. The designations phase 1, phase 2A, phase 2B, phase 3, phase 4A, and phase 4B are used for different phases of the control. The activation phase 1 takes place during the in 2 phase shown 610 , The drive phases 2A and 2B take place alternatively or combined during the in 2 phase shown 620 , The activation phase 3 takes place during the in 2 phase shown 630 , The drive phases 4A and 4B take place alternatively or combined during the in 2 phase shown 640 ,

Phase 1:

Phase 1 begins with the positive edge of I _out , ie the zero crossing from the negative to the positive current or the time at which no negative current flow is detected anymore. The switches P- and F- are opened. The switch F + is closed. When the voltage U _{out is} smaller than the reference voltage U _ref , that is, the setpoint input, the switch P + is closed. This is opened when U _{out is} greater than U _ref . Phase 1 is terminated by phase 2A or 2B.

Phase 2A:

Phase 2A begins with the negative edge of U _in , ie the zero crossing from the positive voltage to the negative. The switches F + and F- are opened and the switch P + is closed. Depending on the requirement, the switch P can also be closed. Phase 2A will be terminated by Phase 3.

Phase 2B:

Phase 2B begins with the negative edge of U _in . The switches F- and P- are opened. The switch P + is closed. When the voltage U _{out is} smaller than the reference voltage U _ref , the switch F + is closed. This is opened when U _{out is} greater than U _ref . Phase 2B will be terminated by Phase 3. Depending on requirements, phase 2B can be used instead of phase 2A; a combination of the two phases is also possible.

Phase 3:

Phase 3 begins with the negative edge of I _out , ie the zero crossing from the positive to the negative current or the time at which no positive current flow is detected anymore. The switches P + and F + are opened. The switch F- is closed. When the voltage U _{out is} greater than the reference voltage U _ref , the switch P- is closed. This is opened when U _out less than U _ref is. Phase 3 is terminated by phase 4A or 4B.

Phase 4A:

Phase 4A begins with the positive edge of U _in . The switches F- and F + are opened and the switch P- is closed. Depending on the requirement, the switch P + can also be closed. Phase 4A will be terminated by Phase 1.

Phase 4B:

Phase 4B begins with the positive edge of U _in . The switches F + and P + are opened. The switch P- is closed. When the voltage U _{out is} greater than the reference voltage U _ref , the switch F- is closed. This is opened when U _{out is} less than U _ref . Phase 4B will be terminated by phase 1. Depending on requirements, phase 4B can be used instead of phase 4A; a combination of the two phases is also possible.

In all phases described above, the switching frequency is preferably limited by an integrated hysteresis.

In the above description of the individual phases, the position of each switch will be described. In the case of a phase transition, however, it is of course only necessary to change the switching states of the switches which are not in the position required for the next phase (on / off).

To the in 3 shown control unit 160 for driving the first and second circuit breaker units 200 and 300 connected to these are also the transducers 130 . 140 . 150 . 170 and 180 connected.

The following describes the function of the individual transducers:
With the sign detector designated as V ₁ 140 the zero crossing to the positive or negative supply voltage is determined. It activates phases 2 A / B and 4 A / B. Instead of the detector, a voltmeter can also be used.

The sign detector designated as V ₂ 150 is used to determine the flow of current across the circuit breaker unit 200 used. With it the sign of the voltage drop over the components within the unit becomes 200 measured and thus determines the current direction. If both circuit breakers are open, the sign of the voltage that is between the terminals of the unit may indicate 200 indicates to be closed to the future direction of the current flow. The detector 150 activates Phase 1 or 3 if Phase 4A or 2A was previously active. Alternatively, the use of a voltmeter is possible.

With the voltmeter called V3 180 the voltage is determined on the consumer side. This value serves as the actual value of the voltage regulation and is compared with the setpoint calculated for the respective time. The voltage readings are used for phases 1, 2B, 3 and 4B. The voltmeter also serves to indirectly measure the direction of current flow I _out from the coil 190 to the consumer 400 , Here, the effect is exploited that during the energy recovery, the amount of the load voltage increases when it is not coupled to the supply voltage and not to the grid reference point. Consequently, by observing the voltage value by means of the voltmeter 180 be concluded within a certain time on the flow direction of the stream. Indirect current measurement is used for Phase 1 or 3 activation if Phase 4B or 2B was previously active.

With the ammeters designated A ₁ 130 Can be used in conjunction with the voltmeter 140 the power consumption in terms of active, reactive and apparent power of consumers are measured. Further, the ammunition becomes 130 used for the generation of a sinusoidal input current on the supply side when consumed with non-sinusoidal current consumption.

For the generation of a sinusoidal output current on the load side in consumers with non-sinusoidal current consumption of the ammeters is referred to as A2 ammeters 170 used. In addition, with the power knives 130 and 170 a monitoring of the current flow done.

Basically, the method is based on the properties of the coil 190 , It serves to lower the sinusoidal supply voltage without a significant phase shift between the input and output voltage. To realize the different voltage levels, the behavior of the coil is used in the construction and reduction of the magnetic flux. In the following, on the one hand, the time range is considered, which supplies the energy to the consumer and, on the other, the area in which the consumer feeds energy back:
In the time frame in which the consumer 400 Energy absorbs, so in phases 1 and 3, voltage and current have the same sign. Considering the case that a reduction of the output voltage U _out of 20% is given, a voltage value U _{ref is} calculated, which is the value the supply voltage U _in , reduced by 20%, at a certain time corresponds. This value U _ref is compared with the output voltage U _out . If | U _out |, ie the amount of U _out , is smaller than | U _ref |, then the coil becomes 190 connected to U _in , until | U _out | equal or greater | U _ref | is. On the spool 190 In other words, this means that the magnetic flux builds up and, at the beginning, the voltage difference between U _in and U _out across the coil 190 drops. As time passes, the difference decreases until | U _out | the value of | U _ref | equivalent. After reaching this state, the coil becomes 190 separated from U _in . The magnetic flux in the coil 190 causes a sign change of the coil voltage and optionally a voltage increase. As a result of this behavior, the current I _out can continue to flow through the switches F + or F- (depending on the sign of U _out ) until the magnetic flux has dissipated or a renewed coupling to U _in occurs.

In the time frame in which the consumer 400 Energy back into the supply network, ie in the phases 2A / 2B and 4A / 4B, voltage and current have opposite signs. A decoupling of the consumer side of the device 100 or from the supply network, the increase in the amount of the consumer voltage has.

Considering for the phases 2B and 4B the case that a reduction of the output voltage U _out of 20% is given, a voltage value U _{ref is} calculated, which corresponds to the value of the supply voltage U _in , reduced by 20%, at a certain time , This value U _ref is compared with the output voltage U _out . If | U _out |, ie the amount of U _out , is greater than | U _ref |, then the coil becomes 190 with the network reference point N, ie the second input terminal 12 , connected, until | U _out | equal or less | U _ref | is. On the spool 190 In other words, this means that the magnetic flux builds up and at the beginning the voltage difference between N and U _out across the coil 190 drops. As time passes, the difference decreases until | U _out | the value of | U _ref | equivalent. After reaching this state, the coil becomes 190 separated from N. The magnetic flux in the coil 190 causes a sign change of the coil voltage and possibly a voltage increase. As a result of this behavior, the current I _out can continue to flow via the switches P + or P- (depending on the sign of U _out ) until the magnetic flux has dissipated or a renewed coupling to N occurs.

In phases 2a and 4A, U _{out goes} through the coil 190 directly connected to U _in . Consequently, U _out equals U _in , except for the voltage drop across the components.

The choice of the phase type, d. H. Phase 2A or 2B or Phase 4A or 4B depends on the one hand on the degree of reduction and on the other hand on the time in the phase of phase 2 or 4.

The phase type A is preferably selected when the set reduction is low. The sinusoidal profile of the output voltage U is maintained because the voltage differences between U _in and U _{ref are} small. If a larger reduction is set, the phase type B is preferably used. If the type A were chosen in this case, the course of U _{out would} no longer be sinusoidal since it corresponds to U _in and at the end of the phase a voltage jump of U _out occurs.

Even with a larger reduction of the output voltage, it may be advantageous to use type A at the beginning of phase 2 or 4 and to switch to type B in the further course of time. By doing so, the comparison between the voltages U _out and U _{ref is} activated only when there is a significant difference.

In the 4a to 4e are various advantageous embodiments for the circuit breaker units 200 and 300 represented, wherein the in 4a embodiment shown corresponds to that in the in 3 illustrated exemplary embodiment of the device 100 for the first and second circuit breaker unit 200 and 300 is used.

In the 4a illustrated embodiment of a circuit breaker unit comprises two power switches 712a and 722a , each with one of the diodes 720a respectively. 710a are connected in parallel, wherein the resulting parallel circuits in series between the terminals 1 and 2 are switched. The circuit breakers 712a and 722a are preferably designed as an electronic semiconductor switch, in particular as a power transistor, for example as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), and accordingly have a defined forward direction. Related to the connections 1 and 2 have the switch 712a and the diode 710a as well as the switch 722a and the diode 720a the same passage direction. The diodes 710a and 720a are further arranged so that these with respect to the terminals 1 and 2 have a different passage direction. Around the circuit breaker unit in the direction of connection 1 to the connection 2 to turn on or off, the switch is used 712a , for the opposite direction is the switch 722a , The structure thus corresponds to a parallel connection of the switch 712a in series with diode 710a and the switch 722a in series with diode 720a ,

Alternatively, the in the 4b . 4c . 4d and 4e used types are used.

At the in 4b shown circuit breaker unit has a to the in 4a embodiment shown analog, wherein the respective transmission directions of the diodes 710b and 720b , as well as the switch 7122b and 722b are turned over.

The in the 4c . 4d and 4e illustrated embodiments each have two parallel between their two terminals 1 and 2 arranged circuit branches, each having a diode 710c . 720c . 710d . 720d . 710e respectively. 720e and a power switch connected in series with the respective diode 712c . 722c . 712d . 722d . 712e respectively. 722E , wherein the diode in the one circuit branch and the diode are arranged in the other circuit branch in the opposite passage direction. In the in the 4c . 4d and 4e illustrated embodiments is also the use of freewheeling diodes 714c . 724c . 714d . 724d . 714E respectively. 724e to protect the respective circuit breaker 712c . 722c . 712d . 722d . 712e respectively. 722E intended.

The implementation of the circuit breaker units in the device 100 can both from reference point 1 to the reference point 2 as well as vice versa, so rotated by 180 ° done.

With the present invention, it is particularly advantageous possible to develop a cost-effective device that can be easily integrated into existing AC grids with bulbs as consumers. Elaborate alterations to the individual lamps omitted and different types of lamps can be operated in a common network.

In addition, the proposed new type of voltage reduction, the power losses in a method for controlling the power consumption of the invention are low, since only a voltage drop across the diodes and circuit breakers. By contrast, prior art methods used in this field disadvantageously incur additional losses in the rectification of the AC voltage and in the DC intermediate circuit.

Claims (14)

Circuit arrangement ( 100 ) for controlling the power consumption of consumers who are to be operated in an AC voltage network ( 401 . 402 . 501 by controlling the output voltage, comprising - a first and a second input terminal ( 11 . 12 ) for connecting to a supply voltage of an AC voltage network and a first and second output terminal ( 21 . 22 ) for the parallel connection of consumers ( 401 - 40N . 501 ), wherein the second input terminal ( 12 ) and the second output terminal ( 22 ), - a first circuit breaker unit ( 200 ) with two terminals, one of which is connected to the first input terminal ( 11 ) and the other via an inductance ( 190 ) with the first output terminal ( 21 ), and - a second circuit breaker unit ( 300 ) with two terminals, one of which via the inductance ( 190 ) with the first output terminal ( 21 ) and the other with the second output terminal ( 22 ), each of the circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) is designed so controllable that between their respective two terminals ( 1 . 2 ) in each of the two directions independently may optionally assume a conductive or blocking switching state, - means for generating a synchronized with the supply voltage reference AC voltage whose amplitude is reduced to control the power consumption of the consumer over the amplitude of the supply voltage by an adjustable factor , - a voltage measuring device ( 180 ) for measuring at the output terminals ( 21 . 22 ) output voltage, and - a control unit connected to the first and second power switch unit and to the voltage measuring device ( 160 ), which has a device for comparing the measured output voltage with the reference AC voltage, wherein the control unit ( 160 ) by driving the first and second circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) regulates the output voltage to the value of the reference AC voltage, characterized in that the control unit ( 160 ) is configured to regulate the output voltage of the first and second circuit breaker unit ( 200 . 300 ) in such a way that - in phases ( 640 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is a positive voltage and by the consumer, a current from the second output terminal ( 22 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ) flows, at least temporarily, the first circuit breaker unit ( 200 ) in the direction from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the first input terminal ( 11 ) and in the opposite direction blocks, and the second circuit breaker unit ( 300 ) in the direction from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the second output terminal ( 22 ) conducts when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage and turns off in the opposite direction, and - in phases ( 620 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is applied a negative voltage and by the consumer, a current from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the second output terminal ( 22 ) flows, at least temporarily, the first circuit breaker unit ( 200 ) in the direction from the first input terminal ( 11 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ) and in the opposite direction blocks, and the second circuit breaker unit ( 300 ) in the direction from the second output terminal ( 22 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ) conducts when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage and turns off in the opposite direction. Circuit arrangement according to Claim 1, designed to operate consumers who have at least one consumer ( 401 . 402 ) connected as a series connection of a gas discharge lamp ( 421 . 422 ) and an inductance ( 411 . 412 ), and a parallel connected capacity ( 431 . 432 ) is trained. Circuit arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) two parallel between their two terminals ( 1 . 2 ) arranged circuit branches, each having a diode ( 210 . 310 . 710a - 710e ; 220 . 320 . 720a - 720e ) and a circuit breaker connected in series with the diode ( 212 . 312 . 712a - 712e ; 222 . 322 . 722a - 722E ), wherein the diode ( 210 . 310 . 710a - 710e ) in the one circuit branch and the diode ( 220 . 320 . 720a - 720e ) are arranged in the other circuit branch in the opposite passage direction. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit ( 160 ) is configured to regulate the output voltage of the first and second circuit breaker unit ( 200 . 300 ) in such a way that - in phases ( 610 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is applied to a positive voltage and by the consumer, a current from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the second output terminal ( 22 ), the first circuit breaker unit ( 200 ) in the direction from the first input terminal ( 11 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ), when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage and turns off in the opposite direction, and the second power switch unit (12) 300 ) in the direction from the second output terminal ( 22 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ) and in the opposite direction, and - in phases ( 630 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is applied a negative voltage and by the consumer, a current from the second output terminal ( 22 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ), the first circuit breaker unit ( 200 ) in the direction from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the first input terminal ( 11 ), when the magnitude of the output voltage is less than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage, and turns off when the magnitude of the output voltage is greater than the magnitude of the reference AC voltage and turns off in the opposite direction, and the second power switch unit (12) 300 ) in the direction from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the second output terminal ( 22 ) and locks in the opposite direction. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit ( 160 ) is adapted to the first and second circuit breaker unit ( 200 . 300 ) in such a way that - in phases ( 640 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is a positive voltage and by the consumer, a current from the second output terminal ( 22 ) to the first output terminal ( 21 ) flows, temporarily the second circuit breaker unit ( 300 ) locks in both directions, and - in phases ( 620 ), in which at the first input terminal ( 11 ) relative to the second input terminal ( 12 ) is applied a negative voltage and by the consumer, a current from the first output terminal ( 21 ) to the second output terminal ( 22 ) flows, temporarily the second circuit breaker unit ( 300 ) locks in both directions. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the control of the first and second circuit-breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) is provided at the depending on the comparison of the amount of the output voltage with the amount of the reference AC voltage caused changes in the switching states, a hysteresis in order to limit the switching frequency. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reaction time with which the control unit ( 160 ) the change of a switching state of one of the circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) on reaching the output voltage predetermined by the reference alternating voltage, is less than 50 μs, in particular less than 5 μs, in particular less than 1 μs, in particular less than 500 ns, in particular less than 200 ns. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inductance ( 190 ) depending on the reaction time with which the control unit ( 160 ) the change of a switching state of one of the circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) is dimensioned. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising line filter components ( 110 ) for smoothing the pulse-shaped current consumption from the AC voltage network. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one to the control unit ( 160 ) connected voltage measuring device ( 150 ) for measuring and / or detecting the sign of the sign on the first power switch unit ( 200 ) decreasing voltage. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one to the control unit ( 160 ) connected voltage measuring device ( 140 ) for measuring and / or detecting the sign of the at the input terminals ( 11 . 12 ) voltage applied. Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one to the control unit ( 160 ) connected ammeters ( 130 . 170 ). Method for controlling the power consumption of loads designed for operation in an AC voltage network ( 401 - 40N . 501 ) by regulating the output voltage, using a circuit arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of - setting a factor for reducing the power consumption, - generating a reference AC voltage synchronized with the supply voltage, the amplitude of which is reduced compared to the amplitude of the supply voltage by the set factor, - measuring the the output connections ( 21 . 22 ) of the circuit arrangement ( 100 ) output voltage, - comparing the measured output voltage with the reference AC voltage, and - regulating the output voltage to the value of the reference AC voltage by driving the first and second circuit breaker units ( 200 . 300 ) by means of the control unit ( 160 ) depending on the comparison result. Control unit ( 160 ) configured to carry out a method according to claim 13.

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