EP1681694B1 - Switching device with electronic current limiter - Google Patents
Switching device with electronic current limiter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1681694B1 EP1681694B1 EP06100168A EP06100168A EP1681694B1 EP 1681694 B1 EP1681694 B1 EP 1681694B1 EP 06100168 A EP06100168 A EP 06100168A EP 06100168 A EP06100168 A EP 06100168A EP 1681694 B1 EP1681694 B1 EP 1681694B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- current
- limiter
- electronic
- current limiter
- switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
- H01H9/548—Electromechanical and static switch connected in series
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/0036—Switches making use of microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a current switching device associating at least one current switch and an electronic current limiter.
- the object of the invention is to provide a current switching device in which the opening or closing of a switch is provided on command without arcing.
- a current switching device comprising at least one current switch for switching an electric load in an electric power circuit and characterized in that it also comprises an electronic current limiter connected in series with said power switch.
- current and control means of the electronic current limiter adapted to control the activation or deactivation of the electronic current limiter, these control means being coupled to the current switch so that the control means activate the electronic current limiter to to obtain when switching the switch a current having a value less than or equal to a determined threshold value.
- control means coordinate the activation or deactivation of the current limiter and the switching of the current switch in order to limit the current to a value less than that of the appearance of an electric arc when the opening or closing the current switch.
- This coordination is automatically performed by the respective response times of the current limiter and the current switch or by the use of a timer for example integrated in the control means.
- the timer of the control means is set for a determined duration corresponding to a time interval between the sending of an activation command to the electronic current limiter and the sending of a command. switching to the current switch.
- a timer using such a timer can also be used to maintain activation of the current limiter until the opening and closing maneuvers are completed because failure to follow this procedure would result in damage. of the current switch.
- the threshold value is substantially equal to zero.
- the electronic current limiter is thus used in switch mode.
- the electronic current limiter is manufactured from a substrate adapted to the power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load.
- the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon.
- the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon carbide.
- Silicon carbide may be preferentially used with silicon if the electronic current limiter is to be integrated in a microsystem and if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac.
- the electronic current limiter since the electrical circuit is powered by alternating current, the electronic current limiter must be bidirectional in current and voltage. A JFET component which is unidirectional can not be used as such as an electronic current limiter in the device according to the invention. According to the invention, the electronic current limiter therefore has a structure realized for example on the basis of a JFET silicon or silicon carbide to meet the needs of the invention.
- JFET component In the case where it is desired to use a JFET component without modification, it must be integrated for example in the center of a diode bridge or be associated with another JFET component in parallel and with diodes.
- the current switch is manufactured according to a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or combination of MEMS and micromechanics).
- the current switch manufactured using a microsystems type technology and the electronic current limiter made of silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component.
- the device comprises a plurality of current switches arranged in parallel and coupled to the control means of the electronic current limiter.
- the current switch provides galvanic isolation and has a low resistance in the on state at rated speed. On the other hand, it is not dimensioned to ensure only the breaking of the nominal current. The use of an electronic current limiter to prevent arcing is required.
- the invention relates to a device 1 for switching a load C.
- This switching device 1 uses an electronic current limiter 2 which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc when opening or closing a device.
- a current switch placed in the power supply electrical circuit of the charge C in alternating current.
- the current electronic limiter 2 makes it possible to allow the current switch to pass only a current lower than a determined threshold value substantially equal to the current value of the appearance of an electric arc.
- the contacts of a switch are gold, the current of occurrence of an electric arc is approximately 0.3 ampere. In this case, it will suffice to limit the current to the current switch to a value less than 0.3 amps.
- the simple limitation of the current to a non-zero value less than the value of occurrence of an electric arc is sufficient when the electrical load to be powered is resistive.
- the load is inductive, it is necessary to proceed with the blocking of the current electronic limiter 2 in order to completely cut off the current in the electric power circuit and thus avoid overvoltages across the switch when it is opened.
- the current switching device 1 may comprise on the electric power circuit, one or more switches (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) of current arranged in parallel and put in series with a current electronic limiter 2.
- the electronic current limiter 2 is placed upstream of the current switches.
- the electronic current limiter is set to let pass, once activated, a current having a value less than a determined threshold value, substantially equal to that of occurrence of an electric arc in the switch or switches 10 of current with which it is associated.
- the switching device 1 comprises means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2. These means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2 control the activation or deactivation of the current electronic limiter 2. These control means have the particularity of being coupled to the current switches. Indeed, when a command to open or close the contacts is sent, for example by a user, a signal is received by the control means 20 which before or simultaneously with the transmission of this command to the current switches 10 , send an activation command to the electronic current limiter 2 placed upstream of the current switches. The activation of the current electronic limiter 2 is translated by an increase in its resistance in order to limit the current flowing towards the current switches.
- the electronic current limiter 2 then limits the current to a value which, depending on the nature of the load, resistive or inductive, is zero or non-zero and in both cases lower than that of appearance of an electric arc in the switches. 10 of current.
- the sending of the activation command to the current electronic limiter 2 and the sending of the switching command to the current switches 10 may therefore be, in a first variant, simultaneous, or in a second variant, delayed.
- a delay is used between the sending of the two commands.
- the switching command is sent to the current switches.
- the control means may comprise, for example, a timer 200 set for a specified period of time after which they are responsible for sending the switching command to the current switches.
- the current to the current switches 10 is maintained by the electronic current limiter 2 at a value lower than that of the current of an electric arc. which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc and thus to avoid premature wear of the contacts of the current switches.
- the control means 20 of the current electronic limiter 2 send a deactivation command to the current electronic limiter 2 in order to deactivate it. This is reflected in the electronic current limiter 2 by a reduction of its electrical resistance and thus by a restoration of the normal current to the current switches.
- the current switches may be fabricated in a conventional electromechanical type technology. According to an alternative embodiment, these current switches 10 can be manufactured in a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or MEMS association and micromechanics). Current switch contacts manufactured in microsystem type technology have a small surface area and thickness. In order to preserve these contact surfaces, it is therefore essential to make the openings and the closures of the current switches without the appearance of an electric arc.
- the current electronic limiter 2 is manufactured in a substrate adapted to power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load, and will be example made on a JFET (junction field effect transistor) silicon (Si) or preferably silicon carbide (SiC) if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac and if the electronic current limiter 2 must be integrated into a microsystem.
- Silicon carbide has the particular advantage of having a small chip size and a low resistance in the on state, which limits heat dissipation. Limiting the heat dissipations in the current electronic limiter 2 is all the more important when the switches are small (for example in MEMS technology) because they exhibit a resistive behavior in the closed state.
- the electronic current limiter 2 is designed to have a minimum resistance so as not to disturb the flow of current in the load C when the switch 10 is closed.
- Other materials such as diamond, boron nitride (BN), aluminum nitride (AIN) or gallium nitride (GaN) are also perfectly suited to power electronics.
- An electronic current limiter 2 of silicon carbide having a surface less than 10 mm 2 is able to limit the current for example to 1/10 th of its nominal value.
- the electronic current limiter 2 produced for example on the basis of a silicon carbide JFET and one or more current switches manufactured using a microsystem type technology in the same component.
- control means of the electronic current limiter are able to vary the resistor of the limiter, for example according to a ramp. determined.
Landscapes
- Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
- Tone Control, Compression And Expansion, Limiting Amplitude (AREA)
- Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
- Amplifiers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commutation de courant associant au moins un commutateur de courant et un limiteur électronique de courant.The present invention relates to a current switching device associating at least one current switch and an electronic current limiter.
Dans le but de préserver les contacts d'un commutateur de courant, Il est connu que, lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture du commutateur de courant, il est nécessaire d'éviter la naissance d'un arc électrique entre les contacts afin de limiter l'usure des contacts du commutateur de courant et d'augmenter par conséquent la durée de vie du dispositif. Il est connu par exemple par le document
Le document "
Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de commutation de courant dans lequel l'ouverture ou la fermeture d'un commutateur est assurée sur commande sans apparition d'arc électrique.The object of the invention is to provide a current switching device in which the opening or closing of a switch is provided on command without arcing.
Ce but est atteint par un dispositif de commutation de courant comportant au moins un commutateur de courant pour commuter une charge électrique dans un circuit électrique de puissance et caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte également un limiteur électronique de courant mis en série avec ledit commutateur de courant et des moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant aptes à piloter l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur électronique de courant, ces moyens de commande étant couplés au commutateur de courant de sorte que les moyens de commande activent le limiteur électronique de courant afin d'obtenir lors de la commutation du commutateur un courant ayant une valeur inférieure ou égale à une valeur seuil déterminée.This object is achieved by a current switching device comprising at least one current switch for switching an electric load in an electric power circuit and characterized in that it also comprises an electronic current limiter connected in series with said power switch. current and control means of the electronic current limiter adapted to control the activation or deactivation of the electronic current limiter, these control means being coupled to the current switch so that the control means activate the electronic current limiter to to obtain when switching the switch a current having a value less than or equal to a determined threshold value.
Dans le cas d'un contacteur avec limiteur de courant, la commutation est ainsi réalisée une fois que le courant est limité à une valeur inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique. Une fois la commutation effectuée, les moyens de commande désactivent le limiteur électronique de courant ce qui se traduit par une diminution de sa résistance et ce qui permet de rétablir le courant normal dans le circuit électrique. En limitant ainsi le courant, on limite l'usure des contacts du commutateur de courant et on augmente par conséquent la durée de vie du dispositif.In the case of a contactor with current limiter, switching is thus performed once the current is limited to a value less than that of appearance of an electric arc. Once the switching has been effected, the control means deactivate the electronic current limiter which results in a reduction of its resistance and which makes it possible to restore the normal current in the circuit. electrical circuit. By thus limiting the current, it limits the wear of the contacts of the current switch and therefore increases the service life of the device.
Selon l'invention, les moyens de commande coordonnent l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur de courant et la commutation du commutateur de courant afin de limiter le courant à une valeur inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture du commutateur de courant. Cette coordination est selon les cas réalisée automatiquement de par les temps de réponse respectifs du limiteur de courant et du commutateur de courant ou par l'utilisation d'un temporisateur par exemple intégré dans les moyens de commande.According to the invention, the control means coordinate the activation or deactivation of the current limiter and the switching of the current switch in order to limit the current to a value less than that of the appearance of an electric arc when the opening or closing the current switch. This coordination is automatically performed by the respective response times of the current limiter and the current switch or by the use of a timer for example integrated in the control means.
Selon une particularité de l'invention, le temporisateur des moyens de commande est réglé sur une durée déterminée correspondant à un intervalle de temps entre l'envoi d'une commande d'activation au limiteur électronique de courant et l'envoi d'une commande de commutation au commutateur de courant. Une temporisation à l'aide d'un tel temporisateur peut également permettre de maintenir l'activation du limiteur de courant jusqu'à ce que les manoeuvres d'ouverture et de fermeture soient achevées car le non-respect de cette procédure entraînerait l'endommagement du commutateur de courant.According to one particularity of the invention, the timer of the control means is set for a determined duration corresponding to a time interval between the sending of an activation command to the electronic current limiter and the sending of a command. switching to the current switch. A timer using such a timer can also be used to maintain activation of the current limiter until the opening and closing maneuvers are completed because failure to follow this procedure would result in damage. of the current switch.
Selon une autre particularité, la valeur seuil est sensiblement égale à zéro. Le limiteur électronique de courant est ainsi utilisé en mode interrupteur.According to another particularity, the threshold value is substantially equal to zero. The electronic current limiter is thus used in switch mode.
Selon une autre particularité, le limiteur électronique de courant est fabriqué à partir d'un substrat adapté à l'électronique de puissance, c'est-à-dire adapté pour être intégré dans un circuit d'alimentation d'une charge électrique.According to another feature, the electronic current limiter is manufactured from a substrate adapted to the power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load.
Selon une autre particularité, le substrat du limiteur électronique de courant est en silicium.According to another particularity, the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon.
Selon une autre particularité, le substrat du limiteur électronique de courant est en carbure de silicium. Le carbure de silicium pourra être utilisé préférentiellement au silicium si le limiteur électronique de courant doit être intégré dans un microsystème et si la tension nominale est supérieure à 400 Vac.According to another particularity, the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon carbide. Silicon carbide may be preferentially used with silicon if the electronic current limiter is to be integrated in a microsystem and if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac.
Selon l'invention, étant donné que le circuit électrique est alimenté en courant alternatif, le limiteur électronique de courant doit être bidirectionnel en courant et en tension. Un composant JFET qui est unidirectionnel ne peut donc être utilisé tel quel comme limiteur électronique de courant dans le dispositif selon l'invention. Selon l'invention, le limiteur électronique de courant présente donc une structure réalisée par exemple sur la base d'un JFET en silicium ou en carbure de silicium pour répondre aux besoins de l'invention.According to the invention, since the electrical circuit is powered by alternating current, the electronic current limiter must be bidirectional in current and voltage. A JFET component which is unidirectional can not be used as such as an electronic current limiter in the device according to the invention. According to the invention, the electronic current limiter therefore has a structure realized for example on the basis of a JFET silicon or silicon carbide to meet the needs of the invention.
Dans le cas où on souhaite utiliser un composant JFET sans modification, il doit être intégré par exemple au centre d'un pont de diodes ou être associé à un autre composant JFET en parallèle et à des diodes.In the case where it is desired to use a JFET component without modification, it must be integrated for example in the center of a diode bridge or be associated with another JFET component in parallel and with diodes.
Selon une autre particularité, le commutateur de courant est fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes (micromécanique ou MEMS ou association de MEMS et micromécanique).According to another particularity, the current switch is manufactured according to a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or combination of MEMS and micromechanics).
Selon une autre particularité, le commutateur de courant fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes et le limiteur électronique de courant fabriqué en carbure de silicium sont intégrés dans un seul et même composant.According to another particularity, the current switch manufactured using a microsystems type technology and the electronic current limiter made of silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component.
Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, le dispositif comporte une pluralité de commutateurs de courant disposée en parallèle et couplée aux moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant.According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of current switches arranged in parallel and coupled to the control means of the electronic current limiter.
Selon une autre particularité, à la fermeture du commutateur de courant, l'utilisation d'un tel limiteur électronique de courant permet également de palier l'inconvénient lié aux rebonds éventuels du commutateur de courant.According to another feature, when the current switch is closed, the use of such an electronic current limiter also makes it possible to overcome the disadvantage related to any bounce of the current switch.
Selon l'invention, le commutateur de courant assure l'isolation galvanique et présente une résistance faible à l'état passant en régime nominal. En revanche, il n'est pas dimensionné pour assurer seul la coupure du courant nominal. L'utilisation d'un limiteur électronique de courant pour éviter l'apparition d'arcs électrique est nécessaire.According to the invention, the current switch provides galvanic isolation and has a low resistance in the on state at rated speed. On the other hand, it is not dimensioned to ensure only the breaking of the nominal current. The use of an electronic current limiter to prevent arcing is required.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages vont apparaître dans la description détaillée qui suit en se référant à un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple et représenté par les dessins annexés sur lesquels :
- La figure 1 représente un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant plusieurs commutateurs de courant disposés en parallèle.
- FIG. 1 represents a switching device according to the invention comprising several current switches arranged in parallel.
L'invention porte sur un dispositif 1 de commutation d'une charge C. Ce dispositif 1 de commutation utilise un limiteur électronique 2 de courant permettant d'éviter l'apparition d'un arc électrique lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture d'un commutateur de courant placé dans le circuit électrique de puissance d'alimentation de la charge C en courant alternatif. Ainsi le limiteur électronique 2 de courant permet de ne laisser passer dans le commutateur de courant qu'un courant inférieur à une valeur seuil déterminée sensiblement égale à la valeur de courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique. Lorsque les contacts d'un commutateur sont en or, le courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique est approximativement de 0,3 ampère. Dans ce cas, il suffira donc de limiter le courant à destination du commutateur de courant à une valeur inférieure à 0,3 ampère.The invention relates to a
Avant l'ouverture du commutateur, la simple limitation du courant à une valeur non nulle inférieure à la valeur d'apparition d'un arc électrique est suffisante lorsque la charge électrique à alimenter est résistive. En revanche, lorsque la charge est inductive, il est nécessaire de procéder au blocage du limiteur électronique 2 de courant afin de couper complètement le courant dans le circuit électrique de puissance et ainsi éviter les surtensions aux bornes du commutateur lors de son ouverture.Before opening the switch, the simple limitation of the current to a non-zero value less than the value of occurrence of an electric arc is sufficient when the electrical load to be powered is resistive. On the other hand, when the load is inductive, it is necessary to proceed with the blocking of the current
Le dispositif 1 de commutation de courant peut comporter sur le circuit électrique de puissance, un ou plusieurs commutateurs (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) de courant disposés en parallèle et mis en série avec un limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Dans le circuit électrique de puissance, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est placé en amont des commutateurs 10 de courant. Le limiteur électronique de courant est réglé de manière à ne laisser passer, une fois activé, qu'un courant ayant une valeur inférieure à une valeur seuil déterminée, sensiblement égale à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique dans le ou les commutateurs 10 de courant auquel il est associé.The
Le dispositif 1 de commutation comporte des moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Ces moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant pilotent l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Ces moyens 20 de commande ont la particularité d'être couplés aux commutateurs 10 de courant. En effet, lorsqu'une commande d'ouverture ou de fermeture des contacts est envoyée, par exemple par un utilisateur, un signal est reçu par les moyens 20 de commande qui avant ou simultanément à la transmission de cette commande vers les commutateurs 10 de courant, envoient une commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant placé en amont des commutateurs 10 de courant. L'activation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant se traduit par une augmentation de sa résistance afin de limiter le courant circulant en direction des commutateurs 10 de courant. Le limiteur électronique 2 de courant limite alors le courant à une valeur qui, selon la nature de la charge, résistive ou inductive, est nulle ou non nulle et dans les deux cas inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique dans les commutateurs 10 de courant. Selon les cas, l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant et l'envoi de la commande de commutation aux commutateurs 10 de courant peuvent donc être, dans une première variante, simultanés, ou dans une seconde variante, différés.The
Dans la première variante où l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant est simultané à l'envoi de la commande de commutation au commutateur 10 de courant, ce sont les temps de réponse respectifs entre les commutateurs 10 de courant et le limiteur électronique 2 de courant qui permettent d'obtenir une limitation du courant lors de la commutation. Le temps de réponse des commutateurs 10 de courant est alors inférieur au temps de réponse du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. L'activation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant s'effectue donc avant la commutation des commutateurs 10 de courant.In the first variant where the sending of the activation command to the
Dans la seconde variante, on utilise une temporisation entre l'envoi des deux commandes. Après l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant et après une durée déterminée, la commande de commutation est envoyée aux commutateurs 10 de courant. Les moyens 20 de commande peuvent comporter par exemple un temporisateur 200 réglé sur une durée déterminée après laquelle ils sont chargés d'envoyer la commande de commutation aux commutateurs 10 de courant. Lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture des commutateurs 10 de courant, le courant à destination des commutateurs 10 de courant est maintenu par le limiteur électronique 2 de courant à une valeur inférieure à celle du courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique ce qui permet d'éviter l'apparition d'un arc électrique et donc d'éviter l'usure prématurée des contacts des commutateurs 10 de courant. Ensuite, après l'écoulement d'une durée déterminée, correspondant par exemple à la durée d'ouverture ou de fermeture des commutateurs 10 de courant, réglée par exemple dans le temporisateur 200, les moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant envoient une commande de désactivation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant afin de le désactiver. Cela se traduit au niveau du limiteur électronique 2 de courant par une réduction de sa résistance électrique et donc par un rétablissement du courant normal à destination des commutateurs 10 de courant.In the second variant, a delay is used between the sending of the two commands. After the activation command is sent to the current
Les commutateurs 10 de courant peuvent être fabriqués dans une technologie de type électromécanique classique. Selon une variante de réalisation, ces commutateurs 10 de courant pourront être fabriqués dans une technologie de type microsystèmes (micromécanique ou MEMS ou association de MEMS et micromécanique). Les contacts des commutateurs 10 de courant fabriqués dans une technologie de type microsystèmes ont une surface et une épaisseur faible. Afin de préserver ces surfaces de contact, il est donc indispensable de réaliser les ouvertures et les fermetures des commutateurs de courant sans l'apparition d'arc électrique.The current switches may be fabricated in a conventional electromechanical type technology. According to an alternative embodiment, these
Selon l'invention, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est fabriqué dans un substrat adapté à l'électronique de puissance, c'est-à-dire adapté pour être intégré dans un circuit d'alimentation d'une charge électrique, et sera par exemple réalisé sur la base d'un JFET (Transistor à effet de champ à jonction) en silicium (Si) ou préférentiellement en carbure de silicium (SiC) si la tension nominale est supérieure à 400 Vac et si le limiteur électronique de courant 2 doit être intégré dans un microsystème. Le carbure de silicium présente notamment l'avantage de disposer d'une faible taille de puce et d'une résistance faible à l'état passant, ce qui permet de limiter les dissipations thermiques. Limiter les dissipations thermiques dans le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est d'autant plus important lorsque les commutateurs sont de petite taille (par exemple en technologie MEMS), car ceux-ci présentent un comportement résistif à l'état fermé. Une fois désactivé, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est conçu pour avoir une résistance minimale de façon à ne pas perturber le passage du courant dans la charge C lorsque le commutateur 10 est fermé. D'autres matériaux comme le diamant, le nitrure de bore (BN), le nitrure d'aluminium (AIN) ou le nitrure de gallium (GaN) sont également parfaitement adaptés à l'électronique de puissance.According to the invention, the current
Un limiteur électronique 2 de courant en carbure de silicium présentant une surface inférieure à 10 mm2 est apte à limiter le courant par exemple à 1/10ème de sa valeur nominale.An electronic
Un limiteur de courant réalisé en carbure de silicium, par exemple sur la base d'un JFET, présente par exemple les spécifications électriques suivantes :
- Tension nominale = 400 Vac
- Intensité nominale = 2 Arms
- Résistance du limiteur Rp à l'état passant, c'est-à-dire désactivé < à 100 mΩ
- Surface du composant limiteur de courant en SiC < 10 mm2.
- Rated voltage = 400 Vac
- Rated intensity = 2 Arms
- Resistor Rp resistance in the on state, ie off <at 100 mΩ
- Surface of current limiting component in SiC <10 mm 2 .
A partir de cet exemple, pour obtenir une valeur seuil déterminée égale, par exemple à 0,2 A (pour des contacts en or), la résistance Rb du limiteur activé devra donc être d'au moins 2800 Ω (400√2/0,2 = 2828 Ω).From this example, to obtain a determined threshold value equal, for example to 0.2 A (for gold contacts), the resistor Rb of the activated limiter must therefore be at least 2800 Ω (400√2 / 0 , 2 = 2828 Ω).
Il pourrait notamment être envisagé d'intégrer le limiteur électronique 2 de courant fabriqué par exemple sur la base d'un JFET en carbure de silicium et un ou plusieurs commutateurs 10 de courant fabriqués selon une technologie de type microsystèmes dans un même composant.In particular, it could be envisaged to integrate the electronic
Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, de manière à pouvoir effectuer la limitation de courant souhaitée en fonction du type de commutateur de courant utilisé, les moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant sont aptes à faire varier la résistance du limiteur par exemple suivant une rampe déterminée.According to a particular embodiment, so as to be able to effect the desired current limitation as a function of the type of current switch used, the control means of the electronic current limiter are able to vary the resistor of the limiter, for example according to a ramp. determined.
Comme décrit précédemment, selon un mode de réalisation particulier, il peut également être envisagé d'annuler complètement le courant, avant l'ouverture du commutateur de courant, en bloquant le limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Cela revient à utiliser le limiteur électronique 2 de courant en mode interrupteur ou comme une diode. Le commutateur 10 sert alors à séparer les contacts pour obtenir une distance d'isolement suffisante. Placer le limiteur électronique de courant dans un état bloqué est nécessaire lorsque la charge est inductive.As described above, according to a particular embodiment, it can also be envisaged to completely cancel the current, before opening the current switch, by blocking the current
Claims (13)
- Device for switching current comprising at least one current switch for switching an electrical load in an A.C. electrical power circuit and wherein it also comprises an electronic current limiter placed in series with the said current switch and means of control of the electronic current limiter able to command the activation or the deactivation of the electronic current limiter, these means of control being coupled to the current switch so that the means of control activate the electronic current limiter so as to obtain during switching of the switch a current having a value below or equal to a determined threshold value.
- Device according to Claim 1, wherein the means of control are able to simultaneously dispatch an activation command to the electronic current limiter and a switching command to the current switch.
- Device according to Claim 1, wherein the means of control are able to dispatch a switching command to the current switch deferred with respect to a dispatch of a command for activation of the electronic current limiter.
- Device according to Claim 3, wherein the means of control comprise a timer of a determined duration corresponding to an interval of time between the dispatch of the activation command to the electronic current limiter and the dispatch of the switching command to the current switch.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the means of control are able to dispatch a deactivation command to the electronic current limiter after a determined duration set in a timer.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the threshold value is substantially equal to zero.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic current limiter is fabricated from a substrate suitable for power electronics.
- Device according to Claim 7, wherein the substrate is made of silicon.
- Device according to Claim 7, wherein the substrate is made of silicon carbide.
- Device according to Claim 9, wherein the electronic current limiter is produced on the basis of a JFET made of silicon carbide.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the current switch is fabricated according to a technology of microsystems type.
- Device according to Claim 1, wherein the current switch fabricated according to a technology of microsystems type and the electronic current limiter fabricated from silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein it comprises a plurality of current switches disposed in parallel and coupled to the means of control of the electronic current limiter.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0550137A FR2880984B1 (en) | 2005-01-18 | 2005-01-18 | SWITCHING DEVICE WITH ELECTRONIC CURRENT LIMITER |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1681694A1 EP1681694A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
EP1681694B1 true EP1681694B1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
Family
ID=34953032
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06100168A Active EP1681694B1 (en) | 2005-01-18 | 2006-01-09 | Switching device with electronic current limiter |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060171088A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1681694B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE368930T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602006000049T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2289729T3 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2880984B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11381079B1 (en) | 2021-01-27 | 2022-07-05 | Leach International Corporation | System for protecting electromechanical switchgears and protection circuits in high-voltage applications |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7546214B2 (en) | 2006-09-28 | 2009-06-09 | General Electric Company | System for power sub-metering |
US7493221B2 (en) | 2006-09-28 | 2009-02-17 | General Electric Company | System for power sub-metering |
US8144445B2 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2012-03-27 | General Electric Company | Micro-electromechanical system based switching |
US7612971B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2009-11-03 | General Electric Company | Micro-electromechanical system based switching in heating-ventilation-air-conditioning systems |
US7589942B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2009-09-15 | General Electric Company | MEMS based motor starter with motor failure detection |
US8358488B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2013-01-22 | General Electric Company | Micro-electromechanical system based switching |
US7944660B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-05-17 | General Electric Company | Micro-electromechanical system based selectively coordinated protection systems and methods for electrical distribution |
US7885043B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-02-08 | General Electric Company | Remote-operable micro-electromechanical system based over-current protection apparatus |
US8072723B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2011-12-06 | General Electric Company | Resettable MEMS micro-switch array based on current limiting apparatus |
US7554222B2 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2009-06-30 | General Electric Company | Micro-electromechanical system based switching |
US7839611B2 (en) | 2007-11-14 | 2010-11-23 | General Electric Company | Programmable logic controller having micro-electromechanical system based switching |
US8582254B2 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2013-11-12 | General Electric Company | Switching array having circuitry to adjust a temporal distribution of a gating signal applied to the array |
EP4012738A1 (en) * | 2015-05-05 | 2022-06-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Switching device |
EP3654358A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-20 | Infineon Technologies Austria AG | Mems power relay circuit |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5375027A (en) * | 1992-09-29 | 1994-12-20 | General Dynamics Corporation | Fail safe cartridge fire unit |
DE19734589B4 (en) * | 1997-04-13 | 2005-12-08 | Elan Schaltelemente Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electronic security module |
DE19731269B4 (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 2006-02-23 | Hager Electro Gmbh | Device for switching electrical contacts |
DE19927762A1 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2001-01-04 | Abb Research Ltd | New electrical switching device for overcurrent protection |
DE10062026A1 (en) * | 2000-12-13 | 2002-07-04 | Siemens Ag | Electronic switching device |
-
2005
- 2005-01-18 FR FR0550137A patent/FR2880984B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-01-09 DE DE602006000049T patent/DE602006000049T2/en active Active
- 2006-01-09 AT AT06100168T patent/ATE368930T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-01-09 EP EP06100168A patent/EP1681694B1/en active Active
- 2006-01-09 ES ES06100168T patent/ES2289729T3/en active Active
- 2006-01-12 US US11/330,206 patent/US20060171088A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11381079B1 (en) | 2021-01-27 | 2022-07-05 | Leach International Corporation | System for protecting electromechanical switchgears and protection circuits in high-voltage applications |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1681694A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
ATE368930T1 (en) | 2007-08-15 |
FR2880984B1 (en) | 2007-02-23 |
DE602006000049T2 (en) | 2008-04-17 |
ES2289729T3 (en) | 2008-02-01 |
FR2880984A1 (en) | 2006-07-21 |
US20060171088A1 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
DE602006000049D1 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1681694B1 (en) | Switching device with electronic current limiter | |
EP1950885B1 (en) | Control device of an electronic power switch and infinitely-variable speed transmission comprising such a device. | |
EP2330731B1 (en) | Current-source power converter using normally-on field effect transistors | |
FR2930091A1 (en) | STATIC RELAY SYSTEM COMPRISING TWO JFET-TYPE TRANSISTORS IN SERIES | |
FR3004019A1 (en) | PROTECTIVE COMPONENT AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES | |
FR2951333A1 (en) | POWER CONVERTER USING NORMALLY CLOSED FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS | |
FR3012696A1 (en) | PROTECTION CIRCUIT AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES | |
EP1831636B1 (en) | Pyroelectronic detonator provided with a circuit for shunting an electrothermal bridge | |
EP2842151B1 (en) | Driver circuit for a circuit breaker | |
FR2943474A1 (en) | Power converter for variable speed drive, has normally open type auxiliary switch positioned in series with each switching arm and connected on negative line of power supply bus, and control device controlling each auxiliary switch | |
BE1005336A0 (en) | REMOTE SWITCH WITH CURRENT LIMITING DEVICE. | |
EP3694068B1 (en) | System for static switching and limiting of a direct current | |
EP3568894A1 (en) | Device for protecting electrical equipment | |
EP2555216B1 (en) | Electric appliance comprising two control terminals for placing a mobile unit selectively in the rest position and in the working position | |
FR2969864A1 (en) | LOW-LOSS POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT | |
EP2198507B1 (en) | Variable control device | |
EP2822131A2 (en) | Device and method for protecting against leakage currents | |
EP0163349B1 (en) | Feed circuit for an electromagnetic contactor | |
EP1111787A1 (en) | Analog generator of voltage pulses | |
EP3297112B1 (en) | Current limiter for ac charge | |
FR2924527A1 (en) | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLOSING A FIRE DOOR | |
FR2951015A1 (en) | Protection device for electrical circuit, has limitation unit comprising field-effect transistor to increase voltage drop when current exceeds limitation value, and actuating unit supplied from voltage drop in limitation unit | |
EP4118670A1 (en) | Hybrid switch and control device | |
FR2871616A1 (en) | Load commutation device for e.g. home automation field, has retarding unit that retards and damps movement of movable contact unit of relay, where retarding unit is of mechanical spring type and is connected to movable contact unit | |
FR3117264A1 (en) | SWITCH SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL CONVERTER AND AIRCRAFT |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20060904 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20061018 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 602006000049 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20070913 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
GBT | Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977) |
Effective date: 20071102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071101 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071201 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2289729 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FD4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071102 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080102 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071101 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20080506 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS Effective date: 20080131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080109 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100131 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100131 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230124 Year of fee payment: 18 Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20230228 Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230120 Year of fee payment: 18 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20230124 Year of fee payment: 18 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230127 Year of fee payment: 18 |