EP2831605A1

EP2831605A1 - Module unit, compound and method for monitoring a power supply network

Info

Publication number: EP2831605A1
Application number: EP13714585.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Schmid; Michael Armbruster; Markus SCHÄTTIN
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2012-05-08
Filing date: 2013-03-25
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Also published as: DE102012207624A1; WO2013167310A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a module unit (DS1), comprising: a first connection device (A1), a second connection device (A2), a switch unit (S1a) connected between the first connection device and the second connection device, a detection unit (E1a), a control unit (SEI), which is connected on the output side to the switch unit (S1a) and on the input side to the detection unit (E1a), and a receiving unit (E1), which is coupled on the output side to the control unit (SE1), and comprising either one additional detection unit (E2a) which detects electrical current or electrical power for a consumer unit (V1), based on a third connection device (A3), or a memory unit (M1), in which a value of the electrical current or of the electrical power for a consumer unit (V1) is saved.

Description

description

Module unit, network and method for monitoring a power supply network

The invention relates to a module unit for monitoring a power supply network. Furthermore, a first network and a second network of modular units for monitoring a power supply network are specified. A method for monitoring a power supply network is also provided.

The energy supply network is, in particular, the electrical system of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle electrical system has a multiplicity of special features:

comparatively low voltage, e.g. less than 100 volts or less than 1000 volts,

- DC voltage,

short cable lengths of, for example, less than 100 meters,

- The network has only a small spatial extent of, for example. Less than 40 square meters.

The invention relates to a module unit comprising:

a first connection device,

a second connection device,

a switching unit connected between the first connecting device and the second connecting device,

a detection unit, which preferably detects an electrical quantity,

a control unit which is connected on the output side with preferably an input of the switching unit and on the input side with preferably an output of the detection unit,

- A receiving unit, which is the output side coupled to an input of the control unit, and containing

either a further detection unit which detects an electric current or an electric power in relation to a third connection unit for a consumption unit, or a storage unit in which a value of the electricity or electric power for one

Consumption unit is stored.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a power supply network, comprising:

Detecting a first current or a first power at a first location of the power supply network,

Detecting a second current or a second power at a second location of the energy supply network,

Detecting or specifying a consumption value for at least one consumption unit connected to a line between the first location and the second location,

Comparing the quantity detected at the first position, the quantity detected at the second position and the consumption value with a setpoint value.

It is an object of the exemplary embodiments to specify a modular unit which is suitable for monitoring a power supply network or power supply network, in particular an electrical system of a motor vehicle. The modular unit should in particular be simple. In addition, an associated composite of the modular units, a further composite and an associated method should be specified. This object is solved by a module unit according to claim 1, by a composite according to the independent device claim, and by a method according to the independent method claim. Further developments are specified in the subclaims.

One embodiment relates to a module unit comprising:

a first connection device, e.g. a solder joint, a Schraubklemmverbindung, or similar,

a second connection device, e.g. a solder joint, a Schraubklemmverbindung, or similar

a switching unit connected between the first connecting device and the second connecting device, eg a Semiconductor switching unit, such as a transistor (IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), FET (Field Effect Transistor), etc.) or a thyristor (GTO or the like), or an electromechanical switching unit, such as a relay,

a detection unit which preferably detects an electrical quantity, e.g. a current detection device and / or a voltage detection device,

a control unit which is connected on the output side preferably to an input of the switching unit and on the input side with preference to an output of the detection unit,

- A receiving unit, the output side is preferably coupled to an input of the control unit, and containing

either a further detection unit which detects an electric current or an electric power in relation to a third connection device for a consumption unit, or a storage unit in which a preferably fixed or a maximum value of the electrical current or the electrical power is stored for a consumption unit is.

This allows errors, in particular short circuits, to be detected quickly on site and switched off by switching off an affected network segment. The receiving unit ensures that also acquisition quantities from adjacent module units can be included.

The spread of the error and greater damage due to errors can thus be avoided. Other units on the electrical system or another power supply network can continue to work. This protection concept is particularly relevant in vehicles because of the safety of persons in the vehicle and also with regard to the health of other road users. The requirements for vehicle electrical systems in vehicles are increasing dramatically. On the one hand, the electrical systems are becoming more complex due to the increasing number of electrical systems. On the other hand, increasingly driver assistance functions are used, which must be fail-safe. It is possible to use redundant systems for the driver assistance functions, which, however, further increases the complexity of the vehicle electrical system. In the event of a fault, it must be selectively switched without jeopardizing the function of the redundant component. In this context, the use of the proposed module units is particularly effective. In particular, the additional effort compared to the achievable effect is acceptable or even classified as small.

Consumption values of consumers can change constantly, e.g. in a data processing system depending on the load of a processor or on / off of a motor, e.g. a windshield wiper motor. Therefore, the consumption values can be recorded or measured after a comparison to SI (System International) variables. Alternatively, maximum consumption values are included, with which the consumption is estimated upward.

The detection can be done by einschieifen a sensor in a line, for example. A shunt resistor. Alternatively, it may be detected on the line, for example, the electric field or the magnetic field may be dependent on a current flow in the line. In particular, Hall sensors or other sensors can be used. Alternatively, a voltage is tapped

The consumption values may concern consumers of a vehicle electrical system, for example, data processing systems, small motors with outputs of less than 1 kilowatt, lamps and the like. In particular, the consumption values then do not relate to short circuits, transmission losses or voltage transformer losses.

The receiving unit can, for example, work according to one of the following data transmission protocols:

- CAN (Controller Area Network),

- LIN (Local Interconnect Network),

- Flexray,

- Ethernet, see IEEE 802.x (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - Profinet bus (PROcess Field NETwork).

These protocols are particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles. The transmission links belonging to these protocols can also be duplicated. The amount of data to be transmitted is relatively manageable and is, for example, less than one kilobyte per second.

Other protection concepts, such as fuses or the use of circuit breakers, can be used in addition to the modular units. Alternatively, however, only a protection concept based on the modular units may be used, i. For example, no fuses and no circuit breaker are used anymore. This creates a simple solution.

The module unit is also referred to below as a protection module in the explanation of the figures. The switching unit may be designed for switching voltages less than 1000 volts or less than 200 volts, i. in particular for conditions such as occur in the direct-voltage electrical system of a motor vehicle. The switching powers may be correspondingly small, e.g. less than 1 kilowatt. The motor vehicle can be driven, for example, by an internal combustion engine or by an electric motor. A hybrid drive is also possible.

If an electric motor is used to drive the vehicle, then in addition to the vehicle electrical system there may also be a drive network which, for example, may have a DC voltage which is greater than 100 volts greater than 200 volts or even greater than 300 volts. Due to the insulation resistance, the voltage of the drive network can be less than 1000 volts. However, the modular units can also be designed and used for the drive network. The modular unit may include a branch from an electrically conductive connection between the first connection device and the second connection device to the third connection device of the modular unit. The branch allows the connection of consumers. The power consumption / power consumption of the connected

Consumers can be easily determined in the module unit with branch in addition to the current flow / power flow on a main line. The consumer is connected to the main line.

The consumer can also be separated from the main line in the module unit, especially if the load is faulty. A defective consumer is detected, for example, by way of an excessively high current flow / power flow to the consumer.

Alternatively, the module unit can also be executed without a branch. The modular unit can then contain only one detection unit or several detection units and only one switching unit between the first connection device and the second connection device. The result is a very simple modular system. Instead of a modular unit with a branch then two modular units can be used without branch.

The switching unit may be connected between the first connection device and the branch. Thus, a main line to the module unit can be interrupted. The switching unit may be a switching unit called a first switching unit. The module unit may include a switching unit called a second switching unit.

Thus, in one embodiment optionally a main line can be interrupted at two points, in particular in front of and behind a branch to a consumer. The number of required module units can be reduced by this measure. In one embodiment, the switching unit may again be a first switching unit. Another switching unit may be connected between a branch and the third connection device. The further switching unit can be used to switch off a consumer. The number of required module units is reduced by using two switching units per module unit. In particular, three switching units can also be present in one module unit, for example for disconnecting a consumer from a main line and for interrupting the main line on both sides of a branch leading to the consumer. The modular unit with three switching units can be used for a variety of network configurations, for example, at a branch or on a main line, the branch can remain unused.

The module unit may include a control unit which is connected on the output side to an input of the switching unit and on the input side to an output of the detection unit. Thus, the control unit is suitable for further processing of the detection result and for actuating the switching unit.

In the case in which the further detection unit exists, the control unit can also be connected on the input side to an output of the further detection unit. Thus, consumption values detected by the further detection unit can be taken into account in the control of the switching unit.

In the case in which a memory unit is provided, the control unit can also be connected on the input side to an output of the memory unit. Thus, in turn, can

Consumption values are considered in the control of the switching unit. The control unit may include a processor or be constructed without a processor.

The module unit can contain at least one of the following units:

a receiving unit, which is connected on the output side to an input of the control unit,

- A transmitting unit, which is the input side connected to an output of the control unit.

In particular, when both a transmitting unit and a receiving unit are present, a complete communication interface is created to the outside. Suitable protocols for the communication are, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), Flexray, Ethernet and Profinet Bus (PROcess Field NETwork).

The control unit may include a comparison unit which is connected on the input side to an output of the detection unit and to the further detection unit or which is connected on the input side to an output of the detection unit and to an output of the memory unit.

The comparison unit forms, for example, a sum or a difference for a network node of the electrical system or the energy supply network. According to Kirchoff's law, the sum of all currents in a network node must be zero. The same applies to a network section or to a part of a network if there is no error. Also for the performance analogue relationships apply. A range around zero or a range starting at zero may be used to allow for smaller fault currents.

Currents may flow into or out of the monitored node or network section. Consequently, for example, differences are to be formed. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the currents / powers flowing therethrough to flow with the current flowing away. me / services are compared, again a tolerance range can be considered.

If deviations are detected, these are usually due to short-circuits in the considered network section. Localization implicitly takes place by including only the values of adjacent module units. These module units can then quickly disconnect the affected network section from the network.

The control unit can control the switching unit in the case of a deviation determined during the comparison, in particular in order to disconnect a load or the main line from the network. The module unit may include a receiving unit, which is connected on the output side to the control unit and / or to the switching unit. The receiving unit can also be connected to the second switching unit and / or the further switching unit. The receiving unit can perform calculations and / or comparisons in the module unit which also take into account currents or powers on adjacent module units. In addition, a remote control is possible. One embodiment relates to a composite of at least two of the module units indicated above. The composite contains a unit which is connected to the module units via a data transmission network. The unit may include a comparison unit that compares quantities detected by the modular units or quantities calculated from these quantities with at least one setpoint,

wherein at least one detected variable contains a consumption value of a consumption unit or wherein in the comparison at least one preferably fixed or a maximum consumption value of a consumption unit is taken into account, which is connected to a line between the module units or to one of the two modular units. The combination of two monitoring methods in the case in which the modular units also contain control units can build up redundancy, which considerably increases the safety of the occupants, in particular in vehicle on-board systems.

In particular, also in the unit, accounting values are taken into account in the comparison which have been recorded in the module units or which have been estimated.

In one configuration of the first composite, the control unit may control at least one switching unit in one or both module units in the event of a deviation of the detected variable or of variables calculated from the detected variables from a nominal variable. As a result, control takes place from a position above the module units.

Preferably, a faulty line can be disconnected at both ends, so that the fault has no influence on the rest of the network and the energy flow to the fault location is interrupted. Alternatively, a faulty load can be disconnected.

In particular, in one embodiment of the module unit or of the first composite, a connection of a module unit that is connected to a faulty line or a defective consumer can be electrically separated from the other terminals. The first composite can be used in particular in an electrical system of a car or motor vehicle. Especially where high redundancy is required and high demands are made on the reliability. The electrical system in which the first composite is used, may have a voltage less than 100 volts but greater than 5 volts. Another embodiment relates to a second composite containing at least two module units, each containing:

a first connection device,

a second connection device,

a detection unit, which preferably detects an electrical quantity,

a transmitting unit, which is connected on the input side preferably to an output of the detection unit,

- A receiving unit, which is connected to the output side of the switching unit. The second composite may include a unit connected to the module units via a communications network. The unit may include a comparison unit that compares quantities detected by the module units or quantities calculated from these quantities with at least one setpoint. The detected variables may contain at least one consumption value of a consumption unit or the comparison may take into account a preferably fixed or maximum consumption value of a consumption unit which is connected to a line between the module units or to the module units.

The modular units can therefore contain control units, but do not have to. This specifies an alternative system to the module units indicated above. Again, the monitoring of a vehicle electrical system by the composite

Consumption values or based on at least one consumption value. In the alternative variant, the modular units can be executed without a control unit or with a control unit, which, however, does not carry out a comparison of current values or power values.

It is therefore a second composite in which the controller is housed in the central unit. Also, the second composite can be used in particular in an electrical system of a car or motor vehicle. Particularly where high redundancy is required and high demands are placed on fail-safety.

The electrical system in which the second composite is used may have a voltage less than 100 volts but greater than 5 volts.

An embodiment also relates to a method for monitoring a power supply network, comprising:

Detecting or specifying a consumption value for at least one consumption unit connected to a line between the first position and the second position, comparing the quantity detected at the first position, the quantity detected at the second position and the consumption value with a setpoint value.

For the method, the technical effects mentioned above for the module units apply. The inclusion of

Consumption values for consumers located between the network sites involved give rise to applications where power supplies can be very selectively disconnected from the rest of the network, especially power supplies to which consumers are also connected.

The method may include detecting a third power or a third power at a third location of the power grid. Thus, the method is also suitable for branches and thus for all network topologies.

In one embodiment, the comparison is performed taking into account the size detected at the third position. This can not only a main line but also a branch or several branches can be included in the monitoring.

In the method, one of the module units explained above, the first composite or the second composite or its embodiments can be included.

Thus, the technical effects mentioned for the module unit and its developments or refinements also apply to the method. The same applies to the first composite and for the second composite or for their developments or refinements.

In one embodiment of the method, a faulty detection unit can be determined automatically. The faulty detection unit or the module unit containing this unit can then be automatically excluded from the method. Thus, in the case of a protection method carried out under adjacent module units, the neighborhoods can be redefined by no longer taking the faulty module unit into consideration when specifying the neighborhoods.

In one embodiment, for example, in a central protection method using the module units, equations relating to variables detected by the faulty module unit can no longer be taken into account. This makes it possible, for example, to find so-called automatic solution units (solvers) of equation systems for describing the Bordnetzes again solutions. Such solvers work, for example, according to the Newton method, according to a recursive method (Kalman) or in another way. In particular, the equation system can be overdetermined several times, for example overdetermined more than twice or overdetermined more than three times. The system of equations can be overdetermined less than five times in order to keep the number of equations in a frame that is acceptable even with fast computation. Faulty module units can be determined comparatively easily in one embodiment if equations that relate to these modular units are not taken into account in the solution of an overdetermined equation system. These equations or the relevant module unit can be determined automatically. This means that all module units can be simply tried one after the other. It is also possible to use strategies that lead to statements more quickly, in particular strategies that take into account prior knowledge and / or the topology of the network.

The monitored network or vehicle electrical system can have at least four or at least six segments which can be switched off from one another in one embodiment. The number of segments can be less than 100. Each segment may be involved in a comparison of the electrical currents or powers. Thus, complete protection can be ensured.

In other words, a protection concept for a vehicle electrical system is specified by means of differential protection.

In applications with high reliability requirements of a technical system, e.g. the vehicle control system, the failure of the power supply in parts may not lead to the failure of the entire system. This particularly concerns faults such as short circuits, over- and under-voltages in the electrical system. These must be identified in good time by suitable mechanisms in order to reduce or avoid damage to equipment. Faulty components must be switched off reliably in order to avoid error propagation and thus a failure of the entire system.

Due to the steady increase in electrical consumers, the on-board electrical system is becoming increasingly complex, the cable lengths used longer and the development, production, installation and maintainability increasingly difficult. Likewise, in recent years, the average energy consumption in a vehicle has steadily increased. It can be assumed that the resulting larger load currents result in an increase of the short-circuit currents.

In vehicles, electrical systems can be used, which follow in their typology of a strand solution. Each line is usually associated with only one energy source. The use of on-board networks in ring solutions is not common.

Fuses and automatic circuit breakers for individual vehicle components and their supply lines can be used. These are usually housed in a central security box. In the vehicle, separate backup groups can be assigned to the individual modules (either functionally or spatially).

Power management system in an electrical power system of a motor vehicle can be characterized by regulation of the on-board voltage and control of the battery current with the aid of data linkage of the generator controller and the intelligent battery sensor The data battery current, voltage, and temperature as well as important data of the connected consumers be functionally linked to a specific regulation of the vehicle electrical system voltage and balancing of the energy balance.

Protection concepts can be used which protect the current by means of differential protection. Measure at the consumer (for example, before and after the consumer) and from the difference between the two streams can make a statement as to whether the transfer is carried out functionally or the current balance is disturbed.

Embodiments of the invention relate to electrical systems of vehicles, which measuring devices with respect to current and / or voltage to consumers and / or at appropriate points in provide the power distribution associated with the communications network and switching devices at the consumers and / or at corresponding locations also connected to the communications network. This relates in particular to the combination of measuring device and switching device in a module which makes it possible to selectively protect the vehicle electrical system, whereby vehicle electrical system segments which are very specifically affected by a fault can be passivated. By comparing the difference between the measuring points can be closed for errors, especially short circuits in a segment of the electrical system. On the one hand, the total balance of the current or the power must be equal to 0, on the other hand, the difference / gradient with respect. Current / power in a previously determined safe bandwidth (eg by adding up the maximum Consumption of the assigned

Consumer) move. The measurements can be determined absolutely or over a defined time range. Likewise, the bandwidth can be defined by fixed thresholds or by time / power dependent limits and the corresponding measurements can be compared.

On the one hand, this information is distributed via the communication network to the neighboring nodes (autonomous decisions to the respective node), on the other hand the

Information for determining the total balance forwarded to a central computer. There, if necessary, a switching command to the node is triggered and taken appropriate action. This information can also be used for a real-time simulation of the vehicle electrical system state (and a corresponding state evaluation), for example, on the central computer. If necessary, the switching thresholds can be adjusted as required. Checking the function of each component or device via the current measurement at the input and output of consumers. The basic idea for this is that each component is the current from the input to the output according to a defined function.

In the case of on-board networks built according to this system, additional measuring / switching modules can be integrated at each point, which enable a finer passivation of the affected on-board electrical system segment. In this case, it may be necessary for the additional measuring / switching module that the module is communicated with the neighboring modules.

An application of the protection concept by means of differential protection in a vehicle electrical system can now be carried out. In particular, the existing communication network and the existing sensors of energy management can be used and expanded to implement a differential protection-like concept in a vehicle. This cross-domain approach is novel and allows for optimal monitoring of energy flows. As a result, the availability of the vehicle electrical system and thus the reliability of the power supply, such as the entire vehicle system, can be better ensured. This is achieved, in particular, by reducing the propagation of a fault (in particular a short circuit) in the vehicle electrical system via the activation of the component or device or the on-board network segment directly affected by the fault.

This protection concept can be used for the energy management of the entire vehicle electrical system and is freely scalable, e.g. from two guards to more than a hundred guards.

A module that is both measuring device and switching device can be developed and produced as a standardized component cost. The application of the module can be used generically in the electrical system. "Generic" means that the protective devices can be installed as desired. Simultaneous triggering is impossible. Thus, must no staggering according to the current or the time are taken into account in comparison with overcurrent fuses or the like in the design. In a house, for example, the connection with 64 A (ampere) is secured. The floor at 32 A and the rooms at 16 A. In the event of a short circuit, currents well above 64 A occur. Consequently, you have to stagger the backups one after the other. This is not necessary for differential protection between direct neighbors, ie it must always be maximally fast.

The embodiments and embodiments explained in the introduction can be combined with one another or with the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the figures.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 shows a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle,

FIG. 2 shows a section of a vehicle electrical system,

FIG. 3 shows a detail of a further vehicle electrical system,

FIG. 4 shows a section of an electrical system with network areas,

Figure 5 shows a detail of an electrical system with branch

or from a power supply network with branch, and

Figure 6 shows a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle, such as a passenger car. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle electrical system 12 or a general energy supply network. The general energy supply network may be a DC network or an AC network. The voltages may be in the low voltage range, medium voltage range or in the high voltage range, in particular at voltages greater than 1000 volts. The monitoring explained below for the vehicle electrical system 12 also applies correspondingly to the general energy supply network.

By contrast, the vehicle electrical system 12 is a DC voltage network of, for example, less than 100 volts.

The vehicle electrical system 12 contains a network 10 of protection modules DS1 to DSn, which may be differential protection modules, in particular, when differences in comparison or monitoring are used.

In a variant I, the composite 10 contains no central control unit ZSE. In the protection modules DS1 to DSn, however, in variant I there are control units SE1 to SEn which carry out monitoring for neighborhood areas, e.g. the protection modules DS1 and DS2 for the line 22 and the immediately adjacent consumers VI and V2, in particular the consumers VI or V2 connected to the protection modules DS1 and DS2.

In a variant II, in addition to variant I, the network 10 also contains a central control unit ZSE, which likewise performs monitoring involving neighborhoods and / or performs monitoring of the detection units, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG ,

In a third variant III, monitoring taking into account neighborhoods of the protection modules DS1 to DSn is carried out only in the central control unit ZSE. In addition, the central control unit ZSE can also carry out, in variant III, monitoring of the detection units in the protection modules DS1 to DSn, as described below with reference to FIG is explained in more detail. The protection modules DS1 to DSn in variant III do not carry out any monitoring taking into account neighborhoods and consumers. In addition to the three variants I to III, a distinction can be made according to whether the consumption values A) included in the monitoring are only estimated upwards or B) are actually recorded or measured. This is explained below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 for the estimation. FIG. 3 or a modification of FIG. 5 explained in the text relates to the variant with measurement of the consumption values. For all three variants I to III, there is therefore both variant A and variant B, which increases the number of variants to the value 6.

The protection modules DS1 to DSn are connected in a line 20 of the electrical system 12. The line 20 is guided as a loop. Other topologies are also possible, e.g. Line, star or mesh. An accumulator EQ is connected to the line 20, e.g. the plus pole of the accumulator EQ.

The protection modules DS1 to DSn can be constructed the same among each other, which is why only the structure of the protection module DSl will be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, the

Protection modules of different from each other, in particular with and without branch.

The protection module DS1 contains:

three connections Ala to A3a, the connection Ala being connected to the line 20, the connection A2a to the line 22 and the connection A3a to a consumer VI,

three switching units Sla to S3a,

two detection units Ela and E2a, which can detect a voltage and / or a current or a power, a voltage node Nla,

an optional control unit SEI,

an optional memory M1, - A receiving unit El and possibly an optional transmission unit Sl.

The following internal interconnection exists:

the detection unit Ela is connected to the terminal Ala and to one terminal of the switching unit Sla, e.g. with the working connection of a power transistor,

the switching unit Sla is connected to another connection at the circuit node Nla, e.g. with the other working terminal of the power transistor,

the switching unit S2a is connected to a connection at the circuit node Nla and to another connection at the connection A2a of the protection module DS1,

at the circuit node Nla there is also a branch 14a which leads to the detection unit E2a,

The switching unit S3a is connected to the third terminal A3a and to the detection unit E2a.

Other circuit arrangements are also possible, for example interchanging detection unit Ela and switching unit Sla or exchanging detection unit E2a and switching unit S3a. In addition, for example, the switching unit S2a, the detection unit E2a and / or the switching unit S3a may be omitted.

The switching units Sla to S3a may be power transistors, in particular IGBT's. The detection units Ela and Elb can be looped into the lines, be arranged in the effective range of an electric field of the relevant line or contact the line at one or more points. Suitable detection units Ela and Elb contain in particular analog-to-digital converters (ADC).

The line 22 is located between the connection A2a of the protection module DS1 and the connection Alb of the protection module DS2. A

Line 24 is between the terminal A2b of the protection module DS2 and the terminal Aln of the protection module DSn, where n is a natural number, eg three or more than three. The other protection modules DS2 to DSn are constructed like the protection module DS1 in the exemplary embodiment. So there is in

Protection module DS3 also:

a circuit node Nlb,

a branch 14b,

- connections Alb to A3b,

Switching units Slb to S3b,

- Detection units Elb and E2b, e.g. for detecting a voltage and / or current or a power,

a voltage node Nlb,

an optional control unit SE2,

- an optional memory M2, and

a receiving unit E2 and optionally an optional transmitting unit S2.

A consumer V2 is connected to the connection A3b of the protection module DS2. A consumer Vn is connected to the terminal A3n of the protection module DSn.

A communication line 32 is located between the reception / transmission unit El / Al and a communication line 30 connecting the protection modules DS1 to DS2. The communication protocols mentioned in the introduction can be used on lines 30 to 36. Lines 30-36 may form different topologies, e.g. a line, a ring, a star or a mesh.

Instead of lines 30 to 36, a radio network may also be used, e.g. Bluetooth or ZigBee.

The protection modules DS1 to DSn can also be implemented without branching, so that there is only one detection unit and one switching unit between the first and the second connection of a protection module DS1 to DSn. This applies to all six variants and will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. In variant I and II, the protection modules DS1 to DSn each contain a control unit SEI to SEn, which perform a monitoring method taking into account neighborhoods and Verbrauswerten. The consumption values are estimated in variant A and stored, for example, in stores M1 to Mn for the respective consumer VI to Vn. In variant B, the consumption values are recorded or measured using the detection units E2a to E2n. In variant I, no central control unit ZSE is required. The central control unit ZSE, on the other hand, is required in variant II. Alternatively, variant II can also use peer-to-peer methods. In variant III, too, the central control unit ZSE, for example a microprocessor or a microcontroller MP, is included. The central control unit ZSE contains a memory M, for example for storing consumption values and / or program instructions which are executed by the processor. Via a line 38, the central control unit ZSE is connected to the line 30. Alternatively, a radio link can be used. In variant III, the protection modules DS1 to DSn do not have to contain their own control units because they can be remotely controlled by the central control unit ZSE. If the protection modules DS1 to DSn in the variant III each contain control units, these however do not carry out a separate monitoring method taking into account neighborhoods and consumption values in addition to the monitoring method carried out in the central control unit ZSE.

The vehicle electrical system is monitored in all three variants for short circuits, see, for example, short circuit 26 on the line 22 or a short circuit elsewhere. Cable breaks can be canceled by redundancy in their effect, for example. In a cable break in line 22, all consumers are still supplied via the line 20 and via the lines 20 and 24 with voltage / current or energy. Also can several accumulators EQ are connected to the line 20. Usually, the body is used as a return conductor in an automobile. An explicit return conductor is therefore not necessary, but may be more advantageous, for example, with regard to interference couplings. A double cable routing can also be used.

The consumers VI to Vn can also be directly included in the monitoring via the detection units S3a to S3n. Indirect monitoring is also possible for protection modules DS1 to DSn without branching, as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. Faults in the consumers then act like short circuits and can thus be detected in the same way and disconnected from the power supply.

FIG. 3 shows the processes for a measurement of the

Consumption of consumers. In variant I in combination with variant A, the following steps are carried out in the low-voltage power grid of the vehicle, for example:

In the protection module / module DS1 is a measured current 1 (1) and possibly a measured voltage U (l), see detection unit Ela. In the protection module DS2 is the measured current 1 (2) and possibly a measured voltage U (2), see detection unit Elb. From the consumer VI, for example, with a defined target consumption, consumption is known.

The measured values 1 (2) and possibly U (2) are transmitted by the protection module DS2 to the protection module DS1.

A comparison of the actual consumption is carried out in the protection module DS1 as the difference between measured values 1 and measured values 2 for the defined nominal consumption. It is in the Protection module DS1 checks whether the value lies within the bandwidth. In the event of a deviation, the short circuit 26 is detected and the shutdown of the electrical system 12 or the line 22 ensues using the switching units S2a.

In variant I, furthermore, the measured values 1 (1) and possibly U (1) are transmitted from the protection module DS1 to the protection module DS2. A comparison of the actual consumption is carried out in the protection module DS2 as the difference between measured values 1 and measured values 2 for the defined nominal consumption. It is checked in the protection module DS2 whether the value is within the bandwidth. In the event of a deviation, the short circuit 26 is detected and the shutdown of the electrical system 12 or the line 22 ensues using the switching units Slb of the protection module DS2.

In variant II, additionally, the measured values 1 (1) and possibly U (1) are transmitted from the protection module DS1 and the measured values 1 (2) and possibly U (2) from the protection module DS2 to the control unit ZSE.

A comparison of the actual consumption is carried out in the ZSE control unit as the difference between measured values 1 and measured values 2 for the defined nominal consumption. It is checked in the ZSE control unit whether the value lies within the bandwidth. In the event of a deviation, the short-circuit 26 is detected and the shut-off of the on-board network 12 or the line 22 is remotely followed using the switching unit S2a of the protection module DS1 and the switching unit Slb of the protection module DS2.

In variant III, the comparison is only carried out in the ZSE control unit, ie not in the protection modules DS1 and DS2. Current strengths I (n) measured on the main line and possibly measured voltages U (n) are also present in the other protection modules DSn, where n is a natural number greater than 2 but, for example, less than 100 or less than 200. The consumers Vn either have a defined target consumption, in particular a defined maximum consumption or the consumption is recorded.

Between the protection module DS2 and the protection module DSn, there is a corresponding neighborhood with respect to the line 24, as between the protection modules DS1 and DS2 with respect to the line 22. Thus, short circuits can also be detected on the line 22 or on other lines of the on-board network 12, as explained Variants I, II and II in combination with variants A (estimating the consumption values) and B

It is also possible to detect errors, for example short circuits, in the consumers, in particular also for variant B, which will be explained in more detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a vehicle electrical system 100 or of a power supply network. The vehicle electrical system 100 is, for example, a section of the vehicle electrical system 12, see FIG. 1, or from the vehicle electrical system 510, see FIG. 6.

The electrical system 100 includes:

an accumulator 102,

two protection modules, e.g. Differential protection modules, DSla, DS2a, and

- two consumers V10, VII.

The following interconnection exists:

a line 104 lies between the accumulator 102 and the protection module DSla,

a line 110 leads from the protection module DSla to the protection module DS2a,

a line 112 leads from the line 110 to the consumer V10, a line 114 leads from the line 110 to the consumer Vll, and

- A line 116 leads from the protection module DS2a to other components of the electrical system 100th

It is assumed that the consumer V10 consumes a maximum of 200 watts. The consumer Vll should consume a maximum of 100 watts. In fact, the consumer V10 is supposed to consume just 100 watts and the consumer Vll 20 watts.

If 600 watts are detected in the protection module DSla and 480 watts in the protection module DS2a, then the difference of 120 watts is smaller than the maximum consumption of 300 watts, so that a faultless state is present.

If, for example, short-circuit 120 occurs on the line 110, then only 100 watts are detected in the protection module DS2a, for example. The difference is 500 watts, which is considerably larger than the maximum consumption of the consumers V10 and Vll of 300 watts. Thus, the disconnection of the line 120 is caused, in variant I in the protection modules DSla and DS2a, in variant III by the central control unit ZSE, and in variant II redundant both the protection modules DSla and DS2a and the central control unit ZSE.

Same relationships apply at constant voltage for the currents. So that in place of the services can also be referred to streams. As well as the short circuit 120 on the line 110, short circuits in the consumers V10 and Vll have an effect. Thus, a monitoring of the consumer V10, Vll is possible without their current consumption must be detected directly, i. with separate or dedicated detection units at the consumers.

The protection modules DSla and DS2a can be constructed like the protection modules DS1, DS2 to DSn, the branch 14a, etc. is unused. Alternatively, the protection modules DSla and DS2a do not include a branch 14a, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of a further on-board network 200 or of a power supply network. The electrical system 200 is, for example, a section of the vehicle electrical system 12, see FIG. 1, or from the vehicle electrical system 510, see FIG. 6.

The on-board network 200 contains:

an accumulator 202,

four protection modules, e.g. Differential protection modules, DSlb, DS2b, DS3b and DS4b, and

- two consumers V20, V21. The following interconnection exists:

a line 204 lies between the accumulator 202 and the protection module DSlb,

a line 210 leads from the protection module DS1b to the protection module DS2b,

a line 212 leads from the line 210 to the protection module DS3b,

- the consumer V20 is connected to the protection module DS3b,

a line 214 leads from the line 210 to the protection module DS4b

- the consumer V21 is connected to the protection module DS4b, and

- A line 216 leads from the protection module DS2b to other components of the electrical system 200th

It is assumed that the protection module DS3b for the

Consumers V20 just recorded a consumption of 100 watts and the protection module DS4b for the consumer V21 a current consumption of 20 watts.

If 600 watts are detected in the DSla protection module and 480 watts in the DS2a protection module, the difference is 120 watts equal to the currently recorded consumption of 120 watts, so that a faultless condition is present.

If, for example, a short circuit 220 occurs on the line 210, then only 100 watts are detected in the protection module DS2b, for example. The difference is 500 watts, which is considerably larger than the recorded consumption value of 120 watts for consumers V10 and Vll. Thus, the disconnection of the line 220 is caused, in variant I in the protection modules DSlb and DS2b or in all adjacent protection modules DSlb to DS4b, in variant III by the central control unit ZSE, and in variant II redundant both of the protection modules DSlb and DS2b or DSlb to DS4b as well as from the central control unit ZSE.

Same relationships apply at constant voltage for the currents. So that in place of the services can also be referred to streams. Short circuits in the consumers V20 and V21 are recorded directly in the protection modules DS3b or DS4b.

The protection modules DSlb to DS4b may be constructed like the protection modules DS1, DS2 to DSn, with the branch 14a, etc. unused. Alternatively, the protection modules DSlb to DS4b do not include a branch 14a, etc.

The protection modules DS1b and DS4b can be combined, for example, into a protection module 222, which is constructed like the protection module DS1, which requires a corresponding segmentation. Likewise, protection modules DS4b and DS2b, for example, can be combined to form a protection module 224, which is constructed like the protection module DS2. FIG. 4 shows a detail of an on-board network 300 or of a power supply network, wherein network areas are defined. The electrical system 300 is, for example, a section from the electrical system 12, see Figure 1, or from the electrical system 510, see Figure 6.

The on-board network 300 contains five network sections, which are connected in series one after the other:

a first network section ends at a detection unit or the protection module A,

a second network section extends from the detection unit A to a detection unit B,

a third network section extends from the detection unit B to a detection unit C,

a fourth network section extends from the detection unit C to a detection unit D,

a fifth network section starts at the detection unit D.

It is assumed that in the first network section, a current of 10 A (ampere) flows to the detection unit A. The second network section is to be connected to a consumer V30, which consumes 1 ampere. On the third network section, a consumer V31 is connected, which also consumes 1 ampere. On the fourth network section, a consumer V32 is connected, which also consumes 1 ampere. Also

Consumers with different power consumption are possible.

A network area 302 includes the second network section. For network area 302, the following equation can be established:

B = A - V30, i. B = 10 amps - 1 ampere = 9 amps. (1)

A network area 304 includes the third network section. For network area 304, the following equation can be established:

C = B - V31, ie C = 9 amps - 1 ampere = 8 amps. (2) A network area 306 includes the fourth network section. For network area 306, the following equation can be established:

D = C - V33, i. D = 8 amps - 1 ampere = 7 amps. (3)

A network area 308 includes the second network section, the third network section, and the fourth network section. For network area 306, the following equation can be established:

D = A - V30 - V31 - V32, i. (4)

D = 10 amps - 1 ampere - 1 ampere - 1 ampere = 7 amps.

Thus, equations (1) to (4) form an overdetermined system of equations which, in the error-free case, is consistent and can be solved by the known methods, e.g. Gaussian method, Newton's method, Runge-Kutta method or similar In particular, linear solvers can be used because, for example, inaccurate values for the solution need not be determined, but because it only has to be determined whether a solution can be calculated, which is explained in more detail below.

For example, the detection unit C detects a false current from e.g. 4 amperes, it comes to contradictions in the system of equations from the equations (1) to (4):

- Equation (1) is correct.

- Equation (2) is correct,

- It results in accordance with equation (3) D = 4 amps - 1 ampere = 3 amps, and

- according to equation (4) D = 7.

Thus, equations (3) and (4) are in direct contradiction. This contradiction can be solved if the equation relating to the detection unit C is not considered in the solution, i. the equation (3).

The same considerations apply to errors in the detection units A, B and C, but in each case two Equations are concerned. An underdetermination of the remaining system of equations could then be avoided by the inclusion of further equations. Thus, it can be automatically determined that the detection unit B detects or measures incorrectly. Thus, this detection unit can be excluded from a neighborhood based procedure. The detection units A to D may also have switching units for disconnecting network sections and / or consumers. In this case, instead of the detection units A to D protection modules can be used, as they have been explained with reference to the figures 1 to 4 above or will be explained with reference to the figure 6 below. In particular, protection modules can be used with and without branch.

Alternatively, it is possible to refer to services when setting up the system of equations. In this case, voltage fluctuations are taken into account.

Equation systems for, for example, 20 to 30 circuit nodes or more can be solved in a short time when using a processor. In a vehicle network, there are, for example, less than 100 circuit nodes or less than 300 circuit nodes with appropriate segmentation. However, the method can also be used advantageously with four or more nodes. FIG. 5 shows a section of an on-board network 400 with a branch or from a power supply network with a branch. The vehicle electrical system 400 is, for example, a section of the vehicle electrical system 12, see FIG. 1, or from the vehicle electrical system 510, see FIG. 6. The vehicle electrical system 400 contains:

an accumulator 402,

- three protection modules, eg differential protection modules, DSlc, DS2c and DS3c, and - three consumers V40, V41 and V42.

The following interconnection exists:

a line 404 is located between the accumulator 402 and the protection module DSlc,

a line 410 leads from the protection module DS1c to the protection module DS2c,

a line 412 leads from the line 410 to the consumer V40,

a line 414 leads from the line 410 to the consumer V41,

a line 416 leads from the protection module DS2c to further components of the on-board network 400,

a line 420 leads from the line 410 to the protection module DS3c, so that there is a branch,

a line 422 leads from the line 420 to the consumer V42, and

- A line 424 leads from the protection module DS3c to other components of the electrical system 400th

If a short circuit 440 occurs on the line 410, then it can be detected in the same way, including the protection modules DS1c, DS2c and DS3c, as explained above for FIG.

Like the short circuit 440 on the line 410, short circuits in the consumers V40, V41 and V42 have an effect, see the explanations to FIG. 2. This also makes it possible to monitor the consumers V40, V41 and V42 without their current consumption being detected directly must be, ie with separate or dedicated detection units at the consumers. Alternatively, however, a capture of the actual consumption values can also be carried out in the case of a branch, as has been explained above with reference to FIG.

The protection modules DS1c to DS3c can be constructed like the protection modules DS1, DS2 to DSn, the branch 14a, etc. is unused. Alternatively, the protection modules DSlc to DS3c do not include a branch 14a, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a vehicle electrical system 510, e.g. of a passenger vehicle. The electrical system 510 contains:

Segments 512 to 526, which each contain a plus lead and possibly a minus lead, and which are connected in the order mentioned in a ring structure,

- For example, two batteries or accumulators 528 and 530, called battery for short, with the battery 528 on the segment 526 and the battery

530 is connected to segment 518,

Separators 532 to 546, e.g. mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic switches, e.g. Power field effect transistors, in particular MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), which are connected in this order between the segments 12 to 26,

a data transmission connection or a bus system 550a, 550b for controlling the separation devices 532 through 546 via control lines 552 through 564 and 551 and for interrogating current and / or voltage sensors via sensor lines 572 through 582, as well as

a control and communication unit SE on the bus system 550a, 550b. In the on-board network 510, the monitoring can be carried out neighborhood-related by the separating devices 532 to 546, wherein the control units SEI, SE2, SEn explained with reference to FIG. 1 are present in the separating devices 532 to 546. Alternatively or additionally, a central monitoring in the control unit SE can be performed. In both cases, consumption sizes of the consumers are included in the segments 512 to 526, see, for example, the consumer 590 and 592. Usually, in an automobile, the body as

Return conductor used. An explicit return conductor is therefore not necessary, but may be more advantageous, for example, with regard to interference couplings. The segments 512 and 524 are mutually redundant and serve, for example, the power supply of control units with central tasks. These control units can each be redundant, ie two control units on the segment 512 and two control units on the segment 524.

The segments 514 and 522 are also mutually redundant and serve the power supply of control units to support the steering of the vehicle, see, for example, the control units 590 and 92 on the segment 22nd

The segments 516 and 538 are also redundant to one another and serve to supply power to control units which serve, for example, to automatically brake the vehicle, in particular brake-by-wire, i. a brake without any mechanical coupling between the pedal and the unit. Automatic braking systems are used, which brake the vehicle without the driver.

The measured data for the methods explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 are detected, for example, only at selected segments 512. Alternatively, measurement data may be acquired at all segments 512 through 516, 520 through 524, and optionally also at segments 518 and 526. The equipment of each segment 512-516, 520-524 may be provided with detection units included in the separators 532-546. In this case, the separation devices 532 to 546 are, for example, constructed like the module units explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In particular, modular units without branch or module units with unused branch can be used.

The consumers 590, 592 may be connected via modular units with branch 14a and so on.

In another embodiment, a more meshed topology is chosen instead of a ring topology. Even with on-board networks without redundancy, the invention is used. The on-board electrical systems, for example, carry voltages less than 100 volts or even less than 60 volts but greater than 5 volts or greater than 10 volts. For electric vehicles, however, the methods described can also be used in the power grid. In this case, the power grid may carry voltages greater than 100 volts or greater than 400 volts. The voltages in the drive network can typically be less than 1000 volts. Due to the use of batteries or rechargeable batteries, mainly DC voltage systems are used. In contrast to signal lines, the voltage on DC on - board networks is comparatively constant and fluctuates, for example, by less than plus / minus 10 percent of a mean value or nominal value. However, the methods are not limited to DC voltage networks and can therefore also be used in AC networks.

The exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures can be combined in particular with the exemplary embodiments mentioned in the introduction. The embodiments are not to scale and are not restrictive. Modifications in the context of expert action are possible. Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

claims

1. module unit (DS1), containing

a first connection device (Ala),

a second connection device (A2a),

a switching unit (Sla) connected between the first connection device and the second connection device, a detection unit (Ela),

a control unit (SEI), which is connected on the output side to the switching unit (Sla) and on the input side to the detection unit (Ela),

a receiving unit (El), the output side of which is coupled to the control unit (SEI), and containing

either a further detection unit (E2a), which with respect to a third connection device (A3) for a

Consumption unit (VI) detects an electric current or an electric power,

or a memory unit (Ml) in which a value of the electric current or the electric power for a

Consumption unit (VI) is stored.

2. module unit (DS1) according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit (Sla) is designed for switching voltages less than 1000 volts or less than 200 volts.

3. module unit (DS1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a branch (14a, 14b) of a between the first terminal device (Ala) and the second terminal device (A2a) lying electrically conductive connection (Nla) to the third terminal device (A3) ,

4. module unit (DS1) according to claim 3, wherein the switching unit (Sla) between the first connection device (AI) and the branch (14a) is connected.

5. module unit (DS1) according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit (Sla) is a first switching unit, and wherein the module contains at least one of the following switching units:

a second switching unit (S2a),

- Another switching unit (S2b).

6. module unit (DS1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit (SEI), the output side of which is connected to an input of the switching unit (Sla), and the input side to an output of the detection unit (Ela) is connected.

7. module unit (DS1) according to claim 6, comprising at least one of the following units:

a receiving unit (El), whose output is connected to an input of the control unit (SEI),

a transmitting unit (Sl), which is connected on the input side to an output of the control unit (SEI).

8. module unit (DS1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control unit (SEI) includes a comparison unit, the input side to an output of the detection unit (Ela) and the further detection unit (E2a) is connected, or the input side with a Output of the detection unit (Ela) and to an output of the memory unit (Ml) is connected.

9. Module unit (DS1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (SEI) controls the switching unit (Sla) in the event of a deviation during the comparison.

10. Module unit (DS1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a receiving unit (El), which is connected on the output side to the control unit (SEI) and / or to the switching unit (Sla).

11. composite (10) comprising at least two modular units (DS1, DS2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular units (DS1, DS2) each contain a transmitting unit (S1, S2) which is connected to the detection unit (Ela, Elb) of the modular unit (DS1, DS2),

the composite (10) comprising a unit (ZSE) connected to the modular units (DS1, DS2) via a communications network (30), and

the unit (ZSE) comprising a comparison unit (MP) which compares quantities detected by the modular units (DS1, DS2) or quantities calculated from these quantities with at least one desired value,

wherein the detected quantities contain at least one consumption value of a consumption unit (VI, V2) or in which comparison at least one consumption value of a consumption unit (VI, V2) is taken into account, which is connected to a line between the modular units (DS1, DS2) or to a the module units (DS1, DS2) is connected.

12. Compound (10) containing,

at least two module units (DS1, DS2), each containing:

a first connection device (Ala, Alb),

a second connection device (A2a, A2b),

one connected between the first connection device (Ala, Alb) and the second connection device (A2a, A2b)

Switching unit (Sla, Slb),

a detection unit (Ela, Elb),

a transmission unit (S1, S2), which is connected on the input side to an output of the detection unit (Ela, Elb),

a receiving unit (El, E2), which is connected on the output side to the switching unit (Sla, Slb),

the unit (ZSE) comprising a comparison unit (MP) which compares quantities detected by the modular units (DS1, DS2) or quantities calculated from these quantities with at least one desired value, wherein the detected quantities contain at least one consumption value of a consumption unit (VI, V2) or in which comparison at least one consumption value of a consumption unit (VI, V2) is taken into account, which is connected to a line between the modular units (DS1, DS2) or to a the module units (DS1, DS2) is connected.

13. A method for monitoring a power supply network (12), comprising

Detecting (Ela) a first current or a first power at a first location of the power supply network (12), detecting (E2a) a second power or a second power at a second location of the power supply network (12),

Acquiring or specifying a consumption value for at least one consumption unit (VI, V2) connected to a line between the first location and the second location, comparing the quantity detected at the first location, the quantity detected at the second location and the consumption value with a setpoint.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising

Detecting (DS3c) a third current or a third power at a third location of the power grid (400),

Make the comparison taking into account the size recorded at the third place.

15. The method claim 13 or 14, wherein a modular unit (DS1, DS2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a composite

(10) according to claim 11 or a composite (10) according to claim 12 is used.