EP1131875A1

EP1131875A1 - System and method for resetting modular circuit breakers

Info

Publication number: EP1131875A1
Application number: EP99956082A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Serge De Nadai
Original assignee: Automatisme Regulation Controle (ARC) SA
Current assignee: Automatisme Regulation Controle (ARC) SA
Priority date: 1998-11-20
Filing date: 1999-11-18
Publication date: 2001-09-12
Also published as: WO2000031850A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a system for resetting (1) modular circuit breakers comprising a main resetting unit (2) and at least a secondary resetting unit (3), and a method for managing said system. Each main or secondary resetting unit monitors the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one modular circuit breaker (4) which is assigned to it and manages the triggering and resetting thereof. The main resetting unit and the secondary resetting units are each provided with at least a programmable microcontroller and are mutually connected by a connecting bus bar (5). The method for managing the resetting comprises the following steps: monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of the circuit breaker, and in case of absence of voltage, triggering a delayed timing for resetting. After the delayed timing for resetting has elapsed, the circuit breaker is reset and a delayed timing for inter-resetting is triggered. The delayed timings for resetting (Trr) and inter-resetting are individually adjustable for each resetting and each modular circuit breaker.

Description

Reclosing system and method for modular circuit breakers

The invention relates to a reclosing system for modular circuit breakers as well as a recloser used in this system and a method for implementing this system.

Such a reclosing system for modular circuit breakers is generally composed of different modules responsible for managing the switching on and / or tripping of modular circuit breakers. A recloser is responsible for monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of a circuit breaker. If the voltage is absent, it can be assumed that the circuit breaker is open or has just opened, the recloser must then react. Systems are known comprising from one to several circuit breakers per box or recloser dependent on one another and managed by a conventional integrated circuit.

In the telecommunications sector, for example, there are usually four elements supplied and protected by a circuit breaker. In other areas, such as industry, the number of circuit breakers may be greater.

In certain cases, the type of fault, permanent or fugitive, is determined by measuring the closing time of the circuit breaker or by external information from an additional detector.

There is also known an adjustable delay of the reset delay. But because of the dependence of the circuit breakers between them, once set, this time delay remains fixed or it is only adjustable for the first circuit breaker and the time delays for the following circuit breakers are multiples of the first. The number of resets allowed is generally fixed and therefore not adjustable.

These known reclosing systems therefore have the drawback of not being provided with intelligent and independent management between the different reclosers and adapted to the different circuit breakers. In addition, the time delay for resetting the circuit breakers is not individually adjustable by circuit breaker but the circuit breakers depend on each other. This has the disadvantage that the system is not open for individual installations taking into account the various specific configurations often required in the industry.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a reclosing system for a modular circuit breaker as well as a corresponding recloser and a method for implementing such a system, in which the circuit breakers can be managed intelligently and independently of each other. others. This system and the method should also allow an opening towards individual and specific applications.

This object is achieved thanks to the reclosing system of modular circuit breakers according to the invention, comprising a main recloser and at least one secondary recloser, each main or secondary recloser monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one circuit breaker module assigned to it and ensuring the triggering and reclosing of the latter. The main recloser and the secondary reclosers are each provided with at least one programmable microcontroller and are interconnected by a link bus.

Advantageously, in the reclosing system according to the invention, the main recloser and the secondary reclosers each comprise at at least one reclosing module per modular circuit breaker to be managed, and each reclosing module is provided with a microcontroller and a memory for storing parameters.

Preferably, according to the invention the parameters stored in the memory of each reclosing module are parameters common to all the modular circuit breakers and / or specific parameters for each modular circuit breaker.

According to the invention, the main recloser is preferably provided with a man / machine interface for exchanging data with the user.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the main recloser interacts with all the reclosing modules of the secondary reclosers via the bus and sends them the specific parameters for each secondary recloser.

Preferably, each secondary recloser is identified by a specific number.

According to the invention, a recloser for modular circuit breakers monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one modular circuit breaker assigned to it, and ensuring the management of the tripping and reclosing of the latter, is provided with a programmable microcontroller.

The recloser according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one reclosing module per modular circuit breaker to be managed, and each reclosing module is provided with a microcontroller and a memory for storing parameters. In addition, the recloser according to the invention is provided with a bus interface so that it can be connected to a communication bus for the exchange of data with other reclosers and / or any local or remote management system. These systems could be, for example, a microcomputer, programmable logic controller, Centralized Technical Management ...

According to the invention, preferably the method for managing the reset of a modular circuit breaker using a reset module comprises the following steps: the presence or absence of voltage downstream of the circuit breaker is monitored; in the event of absence of tension, one launches a delay of resetting delay; after the reset delay time has elapsed, the circuit breaker is reset and an inter-reset delay is started.

The delay times for reclosing and inter-reclosing are individually adjustable for each reclosing and each modular circuit breaker.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the delay times for reclosing and inter-reclosing are individually adjustable for each reclosing and for each modular circuit breaker from a few seconds to several hours. Advantageously, it is determined that a permanent fault is present if the voltage remains downstream for less than a certain predetermined period of time and it is determined that a fugitive fault is present if the disappearance of the voltage occurs within a greater or equal delay. at a predetermined period of time.

Preferably, an authorized number of resets is adjustable for each type of fault.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sector absence delay is calculated which is the delay to be observed before the circuit breaker is reset following a disappearance and a reappearance of the upstream sector as a function of the module to which the circuit breaker concerned belongs.

Preferably, the reclosing is blocked in the event of a permanent fault, or if the number of authorized reclosings is reached.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a reset time delay is applied if the number of authorized resets is not yet reached, making it possible to reset the number of resets already recorded. This reset delay is preferably independent of the reset delay delay. After each sector return, the sector presence time is counted by adding it to the previous one until reaching the reset time delay. Preferably, the reset time is from a few seconds to several hours.

Advantageously, the recloser does not take into account any order to close a circuit breaker from a remote control or from the protocol on the bus if the recloser has previously determined that it was necessary to block this circuit breaker due to permanent fault detection. This has the advantage of ensuring the security of the installation.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of an electrical diagram of the connection of a reclosing system for modular circuit breakers.

FIG. 2 shows the interconnection of the various modules of the reclosing system according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows the structure of the main recloser according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the structure of a secondary recloser according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the diagram of a reset module according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the reclosing.

Figure 7 shows the diagram of a process for the system of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a reset delay according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows an example of an electrical diagram of the connection of a reset system. In general, this diagram shows a circuit breaker main, generally non-differential, which distributes the energy supplied from the electrical network to secondary circuit breakers 4 which are, for example, of differential and motorized type. In some cases, the main circuit breaker is itself modular and can also be motorized and controlled by a recloser. These are the secondary circuit breakers 4 that the reclosing system 1 monitors downstream ("Read" input in Figure 1) and controls ("Cde" output in Figure 1) by motor M. In this example diagram, only four elements supplied and protected by circuit breakers (air conditioning, energy workshop, radio bay, auxiliary) are shown, because this example shows one of the most common applications in the telecommunications field. A reclosing system 1 for modular circuit breaker according to the invention comprises the various modules (not shown) responsible for managing the switching on and / or tripping of secondary circuit breakers 4. These modular secondary circuit breakers can, for example, be type circuit breakers C60 from the company Merlin et Gérin. They can be bi, tri or four-pole, with or without a differential device.

In the example according to FIG. 1, only four circuit breakers 4 are shown, but in other fields such as industry, the number of secondary circuit breakers 4 may be greater.

Preferably, the reset system 1 is a so-called "battery-free" system. The modular circuit breakers 4 are in second position in the electrical diagrams, the energy, making it possible to supply the system and the motorized remote controls for the circuit breakers, is taken upstream of the monitored circuit breaker (s) (the power supply 9 in FIG. 1) . It should be noted that this upstream therefore corresponds to the downstream of the main circuit breaker.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of interconnection of the reclosing system 1 for modular circuit breakers according to the invention. A such a system includes one or more reclosers, main 2 and secondary 3, monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one modular circuit breaker 4 assigned to it, and ensuring the tripping and reclosing of the latter . The main recloser 2 is connected by a bus 5 which can be a standard or specific bus, to several secondary reclosers 3. Another link via a bus-PC interface 6 is provided for dialogue with a standard computer 7 This interface could also be a bus-PLC, bus-BMS interface, etc., depending on the connected peripheral units. Each main 2 or secondary 3 recloser manages two circuit breakers 4. This number of circuit breakers 4 per recloser 2, 3 is not limiting and can vary from one to several circuit breakers 4. Of course, if necessary, the reclosing system 1 for circuit breakers modular could include only one main recloser 2 if this is sufficient.

FIG. 3 shows the general architecture of the main recloser 2. In the preferred embodiment according to the invention, the main recloser 2 comprises two reclosing modules A, B each managing a circuit breaker 4. The number of two modules A, B is not limiting but depends on the number of circuit breakers to be managed. According to the invention, a reset module is provided by circuit breaker.

Each module A, B has an input ("Downstream Sector") for monitoring the downstream sector and an output to the associated circuit breaker 4 for controlling the motorization thereof. In the example in FIG. 3, two indicator lights 10, 11 are linked to each reset module A, B indicating the presence of the downstream sector or of a downstream alarm. Thus each circuit breaker 4 monitored has its own information indicators. Of course, these indicators could be replaced by an LCD display, for example, or any other suitable display. The display of information on the state of the monitored circuit breaker 4 can also be carried out on a computer connected to the reset circuit 1 or on other appropriate peripheral units. A "Test" input and a "Downstream Alarm" output, described in more detail below, are also provided.

A power supply 9 connected to the mains upstream of the monitored circuit breaker (s) 4 supplies the recloser 2.

A man / machine interface (HMI) 8 allows the exchange of information with the user. This man / machine interface 8 can consist of a keyboard and displays or a screen, for example. A remote control interface enables reception of Decl triggering commands, Recl reclosing and Vere locking commands (Prohibition of reclosing).

The main recloser 2 has its own central unit (a microcontroller) with a memory, an EEPROM memory for example, and must manage the memorization of parameters, management of the keyboard and display of information, communication via the link bus 5 between the different units, issuing alarms, managing circuit breakers 4 managed by reclosing modules A, B (reading information downstream of circuit breakers, controlling circuit breakers, etc.) as well as taking into account any remote controls.

The reclosing modules A, B and the man / machine interface 8 are connected to the link bus 5.

FIG. 4 shows the architecture of a secondary recloser 3. The architecture of the secondary reclosers 3 is mainly the same as that of the main recloser 2 with the exception of the man / machine interface which is not provided for in the secondary reclosers 3. Thus, in each secondary recloser 3 of the reclosing modules A, B, a power supply 9, a link bus 5, as well as warning lights and downstream sector presence 10, 11.

Each secondary recloser 3 is identified by a specific and easily modifiable number. The secondary reclosers 3 are managed by microcontrollers 14 (see the description in more detail with respect to FIG. 5) in each reclosing module A, B whose input / output capacity is adapted to the desired use. It is not mandatory that the microcontrollers 14 of the secondary reclosers 3 be of the same type as the central unit of the main recloser 2. Each secondary recloser 3 already has a default setting stored in a memory, for example an EEPROM memory, but also receives modified parameters from main recloser 2 via link bus 5.

These default parameters, specific to each reclosing module A, B, are stored in the memory for independent operation.

Each time the upstream sector is cut, that is to say from the supply to the system, the data is therefore not sent by the central unit of the main recloser 2 to the secondary reclosers 3 because their own memory allows their independence. . Alternatively, the data could be stored by the main recloser 2 and sent to the secondary reclosers 3 on return from the sector.

The secondary reclosers 3 must therefore manage the coding of the module number A, B, the memorization of the parameters, the communication by the link bus 5, as well as the management of the circuit breakers 4 connected to the reclosing modules A, B. The coding of the number of modules A, B can be done using a coding wheel, for example. The main recloser 2 interacts with all the reclosing modules A, B of the different secondary reclosers 3 via the link bus 5, for example a standard bus. All the commands intended for controlling the reclosing modules A, B pass through this link bus 5. These commands are issued by the main recloser 2, by a microcomputer equipped with the corresponding control software and responsible for supervising the system or by all other appropriate means.

FIG. 5 shows in more detail the architecture of a reclosing module A, B as found in the main recloser 2 and the secondary reclosers 3. The reclosing module A, B is a functional subset used in the main recloser 2 and the secondary reclosers 3. This reclosing module A, B includes a bus interface 12 for the connection to the bus 5 and allowing the reception of the commands coming from the main recloser 2 for the secondary reclosers 3 and a system of supervision possibly provided for the main recloser 2.

The resetting modules A, B also include an input / output interface 18 for a "test" input and a "downstream alarm" output, a signaling interface 15, a circuit breaker control interface 17, as well as a detection interface presence of downstream sector 16. Setting the 0 volt potential of the "test" input triggers the test function of the reset module, that is to say the same action as the reset command. The "downstream alarm" output serves as a downstream alarm indicator. The signaling interface 15 is connected to the indicators 10, 11 of mains presence and downstream alarm.

An "MR Address" input allows selection of the address of the reclosing module A, B. This input is preferably a 5-bit input and the address is between 0 and 31. A microcontroller 14 and a memory 13 which may be a memory of the EEPROM type ensures the management of the reset module. The microcontroller 14 is a standard microcontroller and manages the circuit breakers 4. The various parameters used for the management of the circuit breakers 4 are stored in the EEPROM memory 13.

Figure 6 shows the general flowchart of the operation of such a reclosing system. Following the arrival of an electrical problem causing the circuit breaker, the relevant secondary circuit breaker 4 opens. The corresponding recloser then delays for a predetermined reclosing delay delay Trr and then sends the closing order to the motorisation of the circuit breaker 4.

If the fault is still present when the circuit breaker 4 is closed again, the latter will trip again. If the voltage remains present downstream for less than a certain predetermined period of time (2 seconds in the example in FIG. 2), that is to say the circuit breaker opens again before the expiration of this period time, a permanent fault is determined. Consequently, the recloser locks up and causes a "Permanent Downstream Fault" alarm.

In the case where the circuit breaker 4 remains closed, a pulse counter is incremented.

If the circuit breaker reopens after this predetermined closing time period, the fault is declared a so-called fugitive fault and a new attempt to reset may take place. However, the number of successive resets is limited to a predetermined number. The time period of predetermined closure or the delay time can be, for example, 2 seconds and the number of resets allowed Nbra can be equal to 3.

In the presence of a remote control, the closing of the circuit breaker can be forced except in the case where the circuit breaker is blocked following a permanent fault detection.

We will now describe a method for managing the reclosing system for modular circuit breakers according to the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the motor element of the relaunching modules A, B is an automaton implemented by the microcontroller.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the process carried out according to the invention. The PLC has nine stable states ("OUT OF SERVICE", "OUT OF SERVICE PERMANENT", "LOCKING", "PERMANENT STOP", "STOP", "ON", "FUGITIVE FAULT", "PERMANENT FAULT" and "MONITORED ON" ).

Following the appearance of the upstream sector (the powering up of the reclosing module A, B), the PLC is in the "OFF" state, unless the PLC was in the OUT OF SERVICE state before the disappearance of the upstream sector, in which case it will remain in the OUT OF SERVICE state, unless the controller was in the PERMANENT OUT OF SERVICE state before the disappearance of the upstream sector, in which case it will remain in the PERMANENT OUT OF SERVICE state, and unless the the controller was in the PERMANENT STOP state before the disappearance of the upstream sector, in which case it will remain in the PERMANENT STOP state.

There are 7 PLC entry conditions: disappearance / appearance of the downstream sector, Decl trip command, reset command Recl, Vere lockout command, shutdown command, commissioning command and test command.

As the PLC is initially in the "STOP" state, the sequence of phases is as follows:

Being in the OFF state:

- If the downstream sector is present, the PLC goes to the ON state.

- If a locking command occurs, the PLC goes into the LOCKING state.

- If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the OUT OF SERVICE state.

Otherwise, after a delay equal to a Tabs absence time delay, a reclosing is performed and the PLC goes to the ON state.

Being in the ON state:

- If a loss of the downstream voltage occurs within a period of less than a predetermined period of time, 2 seconds for example, of the presence of the automaton in the ON state, then the latter goes to the DEFECT state

PERMANENT.

- If a loss of the downstream voltage occurs within a period greater than or equal to a predetermined period of time, 2 seconds for example, of the presence of the PLC in the ON state, then it goes into the FUGITIVE FAULT state .

- If a trip command occurs, after the trip the PLC goes to FUGITIVE FAULT. If a lock command occurs, the controller enters the LOCK state.

If an out-of-service command occurs, the controller enters the OUT OF SERVICE state.

If a test occurs, the controller goes to STOP.

Being in the PERMANENT FAULT state:

- If the number of reclosings allowed on permanent faults Nbradp = 0, the PLC immediately goes into the PERMANENT STOP state. - If a test occurs, the PLC goes to STOP state.

- If a locking command occurs, the PLC goes into the LOCKING state.

- If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the OUT OF SERVICE state.

Otherwise, after a delay equal to a delay on permanent fault Trdp x (x = 1 to 10, for example), a reclosing is performed and the PLC returns to the ON state.

This maneuver is authorized a number of times less than or equal to Nbradp, after which the PLC goes into PERMANENT STOP state.

Being in the PERMANENT STOP state:

- If a test occurs, the PLC goes to STOP state. - If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the PERMANENT OUT OF SERVICE state. Being in the PERMANENT OUT OF SERVICE state:

- If a commissioning command occurs, the PLC returns to the PERMANENT STOP state.

Being in the FUGITIVE FAULT state:

- If a reset command or a test occurs, the controller goes to STOP.

- If a locking command occurs, the PLC goes into the LOCKING state. - If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the OUT OF SERVICE state.

Otherwise, after a delay equal to a reclosing time delay on Trdf fugitive fault, a reclosing is carried out and the PLC goes to the MONITORED ON state.

From this moment, the presence times of the PLC in the MONITORED ON state are counted. If the sum of these times is greater than or equal to a Traz reset time delay, the PLC returns to the ON state and the cycle of reclosing time delays on fleeting fault (Trdf 1 to Trdf 10) is reset.

Being in the ON MONITORED state again:

- If a loss of the downstream voltage occurs within a period of less than a predetermined period of time, 2 seconds for example, of the presence of the PLC in the ON MONITORED state, then it goes to the PERMANENT FAULT state. - If a loss of the downstream voltage occurs within a delay greater than or equal to a predetermined period of time, 2 seconds for example, of the presence of the PLC in the ON SURVEILLED state, then it goes to the DEFECT state FUGITIVE. - If a trip command occurs after the trip, the PLC goes to the FUGITIVE FAULT state.

- If a locking command occurs, the PLC goes into the LOCKING state.

- If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the OUT OF SERVICE state.

If a test occurs, the controller goes to STOP.

Being in the FUGITIVE FAULT state:

- If the number of reclosings authorized on a fugitive fault Nbradf is reached, the PLC goes into LOCKING state.

- If a reset command or a test occurs, the controller goes to STOP.

Otherwise, after a delay equal to Trdf y (y = 2 to 10, for example), a reclosing is performed and the PLC returns to the MONITORED ON state.

This maneuver is authorized a number of times less than or equal to Nbradf. Being in the LOCKED state:

- If a reset command or a test occurs, the controller goes to STOP. - If a deactivation command occurs, the PLC goes to the OUT OF SERVICE state.

Being in the OUT OF SERVICE state:

- If a commissioning command occurs, the PLC goes into LOCKING state.

The parameters common to all the reclosing modules 3 are the Taav downstream alarm delay, the type of electrical locking Vere with or without tripping, the single delay option Ompt, the delay to be observed in the event of a power cut and reappearance (Tabs sector absence delay), as well as the delay which allows the number of recloses counted to be reset to zero (Traz reset delay).

When an alarm appears following a blocking, the opening of the downstream alarm relay will only take place after the Taav downstream alarm delay. In the case of an upstream alarm, there will be no time delay because it will appear following a mains absence and it will therefore be impossible to power the reset module. A downstream alarm delay Taav therefore indicates the delay until the activation of the downstream alarm output. According to a preferred example of the invention, the minimum value of Taav is 1 second and its maximum value is 17 hours with an increment of 1 second and a default value of 1 second. The essential function of Vere electric locking, also called "Reclosing prohibition", is to prohibit all reclosings whatever their origin, automatic, remote-controlled or test.

The single delay option allows you to define if the system will use a single identical delay for all trips of the monitored circuit breaker 4 or if each of the delays for the same circuit breaker 4 may be different.

The "normal" operation of the reclosing system according to the invention respects the delay delay for reclosing Trr (see below), but in the event that there is an absence from the sector, another delay, the absence delay Tabs sector is used. This time delay for the Tabs sector absence is unique and is preferably calculated as follows depending on the module to which the circuit breaker concerned belongs: Tabs = Ftaps (1 + Admr), Admr being the address of the reclosing module concerned and Ftabs being the sector absence delay factor. It is the time delay to be observed before resetting the circuit breaker following a disappearance and reappearance of the upstream sector. The main recloser 2 is not considered as the reclosing module N ° 1, but the module N ° 1 is the first extension of the system or the first secondary recloser 3. According to a preferred example of the invention, the minimum value of Ftabs is 2 seconds and its maximum value is 255 seconds with an increment of 1 second and a default value of 2 seconds.

The reclosing time delays on fugitive fault Trdf are the time delays to be observed before resetting the circuit breaker following the appearance of a fugitive fault. The TRDF are preferably 10 in number and are used in turn of the ^era to the ^10th. According to a preferred example of the invention, the minimum value of Trdf is 2 seconds and its maximum value is 17 hours with an increment of 1 second and a default value of 2 seconds.

Reclosing time delays on permanent fault Trdp are the times to be observed before resetting the circuit breaker following the appearance of a permanent fault. The TRDP are preferably also 10 in number and are used in turn of the ^era to the ^10th. According to a preferred example of the invention, the minimum value of Trdp is 2 seconds and its maximum value is 17 hours with an increment of 1 second and a default value of 2 seconds.

When tripping on successive fugitive faults followed by resetting after the time delays Trdf y (y = 1 to 10), the downstream sector presence times are counted. If the sum of these times is greater than or equal to a Traz reset delay, the delay cycle is reset. According to a preferred example of the invention, the minimum value of Traz is 30 seconds and its maximum value is 1 hour with an increment of 1 second and a default value of 30 seconds.

FIG. 8 shows the diagram of the Traz reset time delay programmable according to the invention. In normal case, when the number of authorized reclosings Nbra is reached the system must hang. However, this number can be quickly reached if triggers on fugitive defect appear very often. In order to overcome a systematic blocking of the circuit breaker when the number of authorized reclosings Nbra is reached, a time delay is provided which allows the number already counted to be reset to zero. This time delay is unique for all circuit breakers and may, for example, take a value from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. In the example in Figure 8, the default is 160 seconds. The delay is active only when the sector is present downstream of the circuit breaker. That is to say, it is independent of the programmed delay time Trr. After each return to the mains, the system counts the time by adding it to the previous one until reaching the Traz reset time delay (160 seconds in the example). If the number of reclosings authorized Nbra plus a trip is reached before having accumulated the equivalent of the delay at zero Traz, the reset will not be executed.

It should be noted that the times taken into account are only those of the presence of the sector downstream of the circuit breaker and do not take into account the programmed delay time which may very well be longer (in the example from 2 seconds to 99 hours) .

The parameters specific to each circuit breaker 4 are the delay in reclosing of the first circuit breaker (delay reclosing delay Trr), delays in reclosing each of the following circuit breakers (inter reclosing delay Tir) and the number of authorized reclosings Nbra (Nbradf, Nbradp) for this circuit breaker. Thus each reclosing module A, B linked to a specific circuit breaker 4 can be programmed individually and react independently and intelligently to the requirements of the system.

The reclosing system according to the invention makes it possible to differentiate the time delay of all the reclosings. If the same time delay is applicable to all the time delays (case of the single time option, see above), we speak of the delay time to reset Trr (Tir = Trr). In the event of a different time delay for the different reclosings of the monitored circuit breaker 4, we speak of an inter reclosing time delay. According to a preferred example of the invention, the reset delay is programmable from 2 seconds to 99 hours 59 minutes. The number of resets allowed on a fugitive fault Nbradf is the number of resets allowed on a fugitive fault before the resetting module is locked. Preferably the minimum value is 1, the maximum value is 10 and the default value is 5.

The number of resets authorized on permanent fault Nbradp is the number of resets authorized on permanent fault before the resetting module is blocked. Preferably the minimum value is 0, the maximum value is 10 and the default value is 0.

Claims

Reclosing system for modular circuit breakers comprising a main recloser (2) and at least one secondary recloser (3), each main (2) or secondary (3) recloser monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one modular circuit breaker (4) which is allocated to it and which manages the tripping and reclosing of the latter

characterized in that

the main recloser (2) and the secondary reclosers (3) are each provided with at least one programmable microcontroller (14) and are interconnected by a link bus (5).

Reclosing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the main recloser (2) and the secondary reclosers (3) each comprise at least one reclosing module (A, B) per modular circuit breaker (4) to be managed, and in that that each resetting module (A, B) is provided with a microcontroller (14) and a memory (13) for storing parameters.

Reclosing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the parameters stored in the memory (13) of each reclosing module (A, B) are parameters common to all the modular circuit breakers (4) and / or specific parameters for each modular circuit breaker (4). Reclosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main recloser (2) is provided with a man / machine interface (8) for the exchange of data with the user.

Reclosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main recloser (2) communicates with all the reclosing modules (A, B) of the secondary reclosers via the bus (5) and sends them the parameters specific to each secondary recloser.

Reclosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each secondary recloser 3 is identified by a specific number.

Recloser for modular circuit breakers monitoring the presence or absence of voltage downstream of at least one modular circuit breaker (4) assigned to it and ensuring the triggering and reclosing of the latter

characterized in that

it is provided with a programmable microcontroller (14).

Recloser according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one reclosing module (A, B) by modular circuit breaker

(4) to be managed, and in that each resetting module (A, B) is provided with a microcontroller (14) and a memory (13) for storing parameters.

. Recloser according to either of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that it is provided with a bus interface so that it can be connected to a communication bus (8) for the exchange of data with other reclosers (2, 3) and / or any local or remote management system.

0. Method for managing the reset of a modular circuit breaker (4) using a reset module (A, B) comprising the following steps: - the presence or absence of is monitored. voltage downstream of the circuit breaker (4); if there is no voltage, a reset delay delay (Trr) is started; after the reset delay delay (Trr) has elapsed, the circuit breaker is reset and an inter-reset delay (Tir) is started,

characterized in that

the delay for reclosing (Trr) and inter-reclosing (Tir) are individually adjustable for each reclosing and each modular circuit breaker (4), and in determining whether a permanent or fugitive fault is present.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the delay times for reclosing (Trr) and inter-reclosing (Shooting) are individually adjustable for each reclosing and for each modular circuit breaker (4) from a few seconds to several hours.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it determines that a permanent fault is present if the voltage remains downstream for less than a certain predetermined period of time.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it determines that a fugitive fault is present if the disappearance of the voltage occurs within a time greater than or equal to a predetermined period of time.

14. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that a number of authorized resets (Nbra) is adjustable for each type of fault.

15. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a sector absence delay (Tabs) is calculated which is the delay to be observed before the circuit breaker recloses following a disappearance and a reappearance of the upstream sector depending on the module to which the circuit breaker concerned belongs.

16. Method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the reclosing is blocked in the event of a permanent fault or if the number of authorized reclosings is reached.

17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that a reset time delay (Traz) is applied if the number of authorized resets is not yet reached, making it possible to reset the number of resets already recorded.

18. Method according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the reset time delay (Traz) is independent of the reset time delay (Trr).

19. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that after each return sector is counted the time of presence of the sector by adding it to the previous until reaching the reset delay (Traz).

20. Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the reset time delay (Traz) is adjustable from a few seconds to several hours.

21. The method of claim 16, characterized in that the recloser does not take into account any order to close a circuit breaker from a remote control or from the protocol on a bus if the recloser has previously determined that it should take place block this circuit breaker because of a permanent fault detection.