EP4189578A1

EP4189578A1 - Electrical distribution apparatus design and configuration

Info

Publication number: EP4189578A1
Application number: EP21749825.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roman Kolm; Bernhard Swoboda
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2023-06-07
Also published as: GB202011880D0; WO2022023342A1

Abstract

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus for installation in a facility, the method comprising: determining a set of electrical devices for inclusion in the electrical distribution apparatus, and an enclosure for mounting the set of electrical devices; generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to set of layout rules; and validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

Description

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a method for designing and configuring an electrical distribution apparatus. Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method and to a design and configuration system.

BACKGROUND

Buildings commonly include an electrical distribution apparatus, such as a distribution board or a metering board, for safely distributing a supply of electrical power to the various electrical appliances of the building.

For such purposes, an electrical distribution apparatus typically includes a plurality of circuit breakers that provide protection for downstream devices. The circuit breakers may be selectively operated to cut-off the supply of electrical power to one or more subsidiary circuits, known as branch circuits, that connect to one or more electrical appliances of the building.

The arrangement of such an electrical distribution apparatus must be compliant with stringent guidelines and regulatory standards to ensure that sufficient electrical safety is provided for the relevant application. However, the guidelines, requirements and standards differ between applications and geographical regions, amongst other variables. Hence, the design of an electrical distribution apparatus for a given application has traditionally been a complex process that requires the expertise of skilled professionals in the relevant field.

It is against this background that the disclosure has been devised.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus for installation in a facility. The method may comprise one or more selected from the following: determining a set of electrical devices for inclusion in the electrical distribution apparatus, and an enclosure for mounting the set of electrical devices; generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to a set of layout rules; and/or validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

In an example, the method comprises: determining a set of electrical devices for inclusion in the electrical distribution apparatus, and an enclosure for mounting the set of electrical devices generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to a set of layout rules; and validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

In this manner, the method may be advantageously configured to generate standards compliant electrical distribution apparatuses for a range of facilities, i.e. building applications.

In an example, the method may further comprise receiving a set of user inputs for determining the set of electrical devices and/or the enclosure. The set of electrical devices may be determined by selection from a plurality of electrical devices, and/or the enclosure may be determined by selection from a plurality of enclosures, according to a set of selection rules relating the set of user inputs to the set of electrical devices and/or the enclosure.

Hence, the method may be arranged to receive the set of user inputs and to advantageously select a corresponding enclosure and set of electrical devices for forming a standards compliant electrical distribution apparatus for a respective facility.

For example, the user inputs may define an apparatus attribute (for one or more apparatus parameters) that is indicative of a desired feature of the electrical distribution apparatus and/or a facility attribute (for one or more facility parameters) that is indicative of the properties of the facility that the electrical distribution apparatus design is being generated for. In an example, the set of mounting rules may relate each electrical device in the set of electrical devices to a respective position in the enclosure for mounting that electrical device based on one or more attributes ofthat electrical device. The one or more attributes of that electrical device may be based on technical data associated with each device, for example, which may comprise a device attribute for a respective set of device parameters indicative of the configuration, and/or properties, of that device. The mounting rules may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer based, at least in part, on one or more relevant standards and/or regulations related to the safety requirements of electrical distribution apparatuses, for example.

The set of mounting rules may, for example, determine positions for mounting the electrical devices on a set of rails of the enclosure, the set of mounting rules identifying a sub-set of the electrical devices for each rail based on: one or more attributes of those electrical devices, including a device category of each electrical device and a size of each electrical device; and/or one or more attributes of the enclosure, including a size of each rail. In this manner, the mounting rules may relate the electrical devices to respective positions on rails of the enclosure based on the functional categorisation of those electrical devices. For example, the device categories may include a main switch, a surge protection device, a RCD, a meter panel, an arc fault detection device, a residual current breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO), and/or overcurrent protection devices (OCPD)s, such as a fuse and/or a circuit breaker, including a MCB.

In an example, the set of layout rules may relate each electrical device in the set of electrical devices to a respective position in the circuit layout between an inlet terminal and a plurality of outlet terminals based on one or more attributes ofthat electrical device. The one or more attributes of that electrical device may be based on technical data associated with each device, for example, which may comprise a device attribute for a respective set of device parameters indicative of the configuration, and/or properties, of that electrical device.

It shall be appreciated that the layout rules may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer based, at least in part, on one or more relevant standards and/or regulations related to the safety requirements of electrical distribution apparatuses, for example.

The set of layout rules may, for example, determine a relative upstream, downstream or adjacent position, between the inlet terminal and the plurality of outlet terminals, for each of the electrical devices in the set of electrical devices based, at least in part, on a device category of each electrical device.

By upstream, downstream or adjacent positions it is intended to mean the relative position in the path ofthe electrical current, as it flows from the inlet terminal to the outlet terminal(s) of the electrical distribution apparatus.

In this manner, electrical devices may be suitably positioned within the circuit layout based on the functional categorisations of those electrical devices. For example, the main switch device category would include electrical devices intended for connection to an upstream end of the circuit (in order to protect the downstream devices) and the set of layout rules may be suitably configured to position such an electrical device in an upstream position in the circuit layout.

In an example, the set of layout rules may determine the respective position of each electrical device in the circuit layout based, at least in part, on the generated mounting arrangement. Advantageously, the set of layout rules may be based, at least in part, on the generated mounting arrangement so that the electrical devices are connected together within the enclosure in an efficient manner.

Validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout may, for example, comprise: estimating a heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure; estimating a power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use; and comparing the estimate of the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure to the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use.

Consequently, the method may be configured to validate the safety of operating the electrical distribution apparatus in the facility.

Optionally, the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, may be based, at least in part, on the electrical connections provided for the set of electrical devices in the generated circuit layout. In this manner, the estimate may take into account the likely distribution of current between the electrical devices and hence provide a more accurate estimate of the operating temperatures of the electrical devices.

In an example, the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, may be determined based on a set of validation rules that: identify one or more sub-circuits based on the electrical connections provided for the set of electrical devices in the generated circuit layout, each sub-circuit comprising an upstream electrical device connected to one or more downstream electrical devices; determine a group rated current of each device based, at least in part, on the position of that device in the respective subcircuit; and determine the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, based, at least in part, on the group rated current for each electrical device.

In yet another example, registering an electrical device ofthe electrical devices, which has a power management function, on a power management platform in a computer network (e.g., the internet) is caused. In detail, a design tool providing the method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus can cause this registration. Electrical devices in an electrical distribution apparatus can comprise a power management function allowing them to control from where power is drawn, from which kind of power source power is drawn, at which price power is drawn, at which time power may be drawn and so on. In this way, a user ofthe electrical distribution apparatus can define how devices downstream of the electrical distribution apparatus are operated. In the same way, the electrical device with the power management function can also control under which conditions power generated upstream of the electrical distribution apparatus may fed power into the grid. For example, the electric device may control where to power is delivered, at which price power is delivered, at which time power may be delivered and so on. In particular, the electrical device with the power management function can act in a power trading network via the power management platform so as to request or offer power as defined by the user. More particularly, trading and contracting can be based on the blockchain technology and allow peer-to-peer contracts without the need of traditional power suppliers. To make this work, an electrical device with a power management function is registered on a power management platform. According to this embodiment, this registering is caused during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus so that once the electrical device with a power management function is powered and “alive”, it may operate as defined in the power management platform. In particular, the electrical device with a power management function may be an loT-gateway (“internet ofthings”) or may be switching device with such a power management capability.

To provide said functionality, the electrical device with the power management function has stored an address, which it contacts when it is powered. It may also comprise a memory space for an identification (e.g., a number or a name) ofthe electrical device. This memory space can be empty when the electrical device is delivered to the customer or may contain a unique identification, depending on how registration of the electrical device in the power management platform takes place. In one embodiment, the address stored in the electrical device is the address of the power management platform. Accordingly, the electrical device with the power management function contacts the power management platform when it is powered and is then automatically and directly registered on the power management platform. On the power management platform, data associated with the user and associated with the electrical device may be stored. For example, this data can relate to the name of the user, to the location, where the electrical device is installed and so on. This data is generated and stored by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus. In one example, linking of the electric device to said data is done by entering a predefined or arbitrary code on both the electric device and on the power management platform. In this case, memory space for an identification can be empty when the electrical device power management function is delivered to the customer. In another example, the identification is already linked to the user data by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus. In detail, during design of the electrical distribution apparatus said identification may be stored on the power management platform along with the user data by the design tool providing the method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus. So, no code is needed to be entered, because once the electrical device with the power management function contacts the power management platform with its identification, the power management is immediately ready to operate. In this case, a unique identification is already stored in the electrical device when it is delivered to the customer.

In yet another embodiment, the address, which the electric device contacts, leads to a setup server. Data associated with the user and associated with the electrical device may be stored on the setup server, e.g., the name of the user, the location, where the electrical device is installed and so on. This data can be generated and stored by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus by the design tool mentioned before. Linking of the electric device to said data can be done in a similar same way as already disclosed, e.g., by entering a predefined or arbitrary code on both the electric device and on the setup server or by linking the identification to the user data during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus. In one example, the user data may include the address of a power management platform. So, once the electric device with the power management function contacts the setup server and once the linking of the user data with the electric device is done, the setup server can contact the power management platform indicated in the user data and cause registration of said device there. Additional user data can be stored on the power management platform. So, for example, on the setup server the address of the power management platform can be stored, and on the power management platform the name of the user of the electrical distribution apparatus and the location, where the electrical device is installed, can be stored. Generally, the setup server and/or the power management platform may provide the possibility to enter or alter an identification of the electric device.

In an example, registering an electrical device with a power management function on a power management platform in a computer network is caused by default. However, in another example the designer of the electrical distribution apparatus may have the possibility to suppress registering by ticking an associated check box or not or by giving a respective answer to the design tool providing the proposed method.

In another example, parameters for controlling the electrical device having the power management function are caused to be stored on the power management platform. This user data is generated by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus and stored either directly on the power management platform or on the setup server by said design tool, depending on which address the electric device contacts. An example for such a parameter is a preferred power source or a price limit. A preferred power source can be a standard energy source, a renewable power source, a photovoltaic power source, a power source based on a fuel cell, etc. A price limit can be set as an amount of money related to an amount of energy (e.g., 5 ct/kWh) or an open limit. In this way, the electrical device with the power management function may immediately provide its power management function according to the control parameters once it is powered and recognized as powered on the power management platform (either directly or via the setup server). So, according to this embodiment, there is no mandatory need for entering control parameters on the power management platform once the electrical device with the power management function gets “alive”. In particular, it may immediately start trading and contracting based on the control parameters generated and stored during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus.

Concluding, user data like an address of a power management platform, a name of the user of the electrical distribution apparatus a location where the electrical distribution apparatus is mounted, rules or control parameters how power management shall be done, a wallet address or generally data for invoicing, etc. can be generated or entered during the design process of the electrical distribution apparatus and can be stored in relevant locations by the design tool providing the method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus, e.g., in the setup server, the power management platform or the electrical device. In this way, setup of a power management function within an electrical distribution apparatus is substantially eased and for example can be done by the electrician designing the electrical distribution apparatus during the design process.

According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a non-transitory, computer- readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described in a previous aspect of the disclosure.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer- implemented system for configuring an electrical distribution apparatus for installation in a facility. The system comprises a memory and a processor suitably programmed to provide: a user interface for enabling a user to establish a set of electrical devices and/or an enclosure for the electrical distribution apparatus; a mounting arrangement generator for generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; a circuit layout generator for generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to set of layout rules; and a validation module for validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

In this manner, the computer-implemented system may form an interactive system, such as a web-based configurator, whereby user inputs and system outputs may be provided client-side through an appropriate user interface, whilst design, calculation and configuration processes of the system may be carried out on a server-side.

In an example, the user interface is adapted to enable the user to modify a configuration of the electrical distribution apparatus provided by the system, and wherein the validation module is further adapted for validating the modified configuration. Such adaptations provide for reconfigurability and re-validation of the electrical distribution apparatus, for example allowing a user to customise the electrical distribution apparatus by selecting one or more additional, and/or alternative, electrical devices to be included in the electrical distribution apparatus. Optionally, the user interface is adapted to constrain user choices in accordance with selections already made in accordance with a set of selection rules. In this manner, the computer-implemented system may provide for an efficient selection process, whereby the extent of user inputs is minimised.

It will be appreciated that preferred and/or optional features of each aspect of the disclosure may be incorporated alone or in appropriate combination in the other aspects of the disclosure also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of an exemplary electrical distribution apparatus for a building;

Figure 2 shows a view of an interior of an enclosure of the exemplary electrical distribution apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an exemplary circuit layout for connecting a set of electrical devices of the electrical distribution apparatus, shown in Figure 1 , into an electrical circuit;

Figure 4 shows an exemplary mounting arrangement, in which the set of electrical devices, shown in Figure 3, are mounted in the interior of the enclosure shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an exemplary system for designing and configuring an electrical distribution apparatus; Figure 6 shows a method of operating the system, shown in Figure 5, to generate a design of an electrical distribution apparatus, such as the electrical distribution apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows example sub-steps of the method, shown in Figure 6, for determining a mounting arrangement for mounting a set of electrical devices within an enclosure of the electrical distribution apparatus; Figure 8 shows example sub-steps of the method, shown in Figure 6, for determining a circuit layout for connecting a set of electrical devices of the electrical distribution apparatus into an electrical circuit;

Figure 9 shows example sub-steps of the method, shown in Figure 6, for estimating a total power loss of a set of electrical devices and a heat dissipation capacity of an enclosure and Figure 10 shows how an electrical device with a power management function can be registered on a power management platform in a computer network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the disclosure relate to providing a suitably designed and configured electrical distribution apparatus for a building, and in particular a method and a system for achieving this result.

The system is configured to receive a set of user inputs and to determine a corresponding set of electrical devices for inclusion in the electrical distribution apparatus and an enclosure for mounting the set of electrical devices within a common housing. For this purpose, the system may advantageously use a device selection algorithm that includes a set of selection rules relating the user inputs to a selection of devices from a database, or catalogue, of devices that are suitable for use in the electrical distribution apparatus.

The selection rules may be advantageously based, at least in part, on relevant standards and/or regulations so that the device selection algorithm may select an optimised set of devices for use in the electrical distribution apparatus. The system is configured to further design and configure the electrical distribution apparatus by generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure and generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices. As shall become clear, the system may use a mounting algorithm that includes a set of mounting rules relating each electrical device to a respective position in the enclosure. The system may alternatively, or additionally, use a layout algorithm that includes a set of layout rules relating each electrical device to a respective (upstream or downstream) position in the circuit layout such that suitable electrical connections may be determined.

In this manner the system may provide a suitably designed and configured electrical distribution apparatus for a building.

In an example, the system may be further configured to validate the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for electrical configuration apparatus. For this purpose, the system may estimate whether the heat generated by operating the set of electrical devices, connected together in the manner described by the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout, is less than the heat dissipation capacity of the selected enclosure, as shall become clear. In this manner, the system may ensure that the design and configuration of the electrical distribution apparatus is compliant with one or more safety requirements.

Once validated, the system may output the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout for several advantageous uses, including the manufacturing and configuring of the electrical distribution apparatus, for example.

This system may advantageously be provided as a web-based configurator for generating standards compliant electrical distribution apparatuses for a range of buildings and applications.

To give a better appreciation of the subject matter, Figures 1 to 3 show an example electrical distribution apparatus 1 that may be designed and configured by the system for a respective building (not shown) or facility.

In this example, the building takes the form of an apartment and the electrical distribution apparatus 1 is configured to distribute a supply of electrical power to the electrical appliances of the apartment. Accordingly, in this example, the electrical distribution apparatus 1 may take the form of a distribution board, commonly known as a consumer unit. It shall be appreciated that this example is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and in other examples, the electrical distribution apparatus 1 may take other forms, such as an energy metering board or another type of distribution board (e.g. an industrial consumer unit). The form of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 may depend on the intended use of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 and, in particular, the electrical requirements of the respective building or application.

As shown in Figure 1 , the electrical distribution apparatus 1 comprises a set of devices 2 that include a set, or sub-set, of electrical devices 3, forming an electrical circuit, and an enclosure 5 that provides a common housing and support structure for the set of electrical devices 3.

As shown with additional reference to Figure 2, the enclosure 5 is substantially box-shaped in this example and includes a front wall 10 defined, in part, by a cover panel 11 and a rear wall 12 opposite the front wall 10.

On the rear wall 12, the enclosure 5 includes a plurality of support structures for mounting the set of electrical devices 3. In particular, the enclosure 5 includes a set of rails 14a-d, such as DIN rails, that are standardised for supporting the electrical devices used in an electrical distribution apparatus.

In this example, the set of rails 14a-d includes a first rail 14a, a second rail 14b, a third rail 14c and a fourth rail 14d. Each of the first, second, third and fourth rails 14a-d extends laterally across the width of the rear wall 12 from a respective first end 15a-d, proximal to a first side 17 of the rear wall 12, to a respective second end 16a-d, proximal to a second side 18 of the rear wall 12. In this manner, the first, second, third and fourth rails 14a-d are arranged in parallel layers, with the first rail 14a forming a lowermost rail, proximal to a lower side 22 of the rear wall 12, the fourth rail 14d, forming an uppermost rail, proximal to an upper side 20 of the rear wall 12, and the second and third rails 14b-c forming intermediate layers between the first and fourth rails 14a, d.

In other examples, the enclosure may take other shapes, sizes and forms and include any number of rails or other support structures.

Figure 3 shows the set of electrical devices 3 connected together according to a circuit layout that forms the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is configured to distribute electrical power to a plurality of subsidiary circuits, known as branch circuits, that supply electrical power to one or more electrical appliances of the building. Such electrical appliances may include lighting devices, devices connected to electrical sockets and/or special loads, such as dishwashers that may have specific electrical connection requirements.

In this arrangement, the set of electrical devices 3 provide protective fuses, or circuit breakers, for each branch circuit, allowing selective control over the supply of electrical power to the various electrical appliances of the building.

Accordingly, in this example, the set of electrical devices 3 includes a main switch 24, in the form of a fuse switch-disconnector; a surge protection device 26, a group of residual current devices (RCD)s 28a-c and a group of miniature circuit breakers (MCB)s 30a-r.

The main switch 24 is connected to an inlet terminal 31 ofthe electrical circuit for controlling the downstream transfer of electrical power through the electrical distribution apparatus 1 and may be selectively operated to cut the supply of electrical power to all ofthe electrical appliances connected to the electrical distribution apparatus 1 . The surge protection device 26 is connected between the main switch 24 and the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c, providing protection from voltage spikes at the inlet end of the circuit 3.

The first, second and third RCDs 28a-c are connected in parallel to one another and provided in the form of residual current circuit breakers (RCCB)s. Each of the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c connects to a respective downstream group of MCBs and may be selectively operated to cut the supply of electrical power to those MCBs. In particular, the first RCD 28a connects to eight downstream MCBs that are connected together in parallel and include a first to an eighth MCB 30a-h. The second RCD 28b connects to another eight downstream MCBs, connected in parallel to one another, including a ninth to a sixteenth MCB 30i-p, and the third RCD 28c connects to a further two downstream MCBs, connected in parallel to one another, including a seventeenth and an eighteenth MCB 30q- r.

Each MCB 30a-r is connected, in use, to a respective outlet terminal 32a-r of the electrical circuit and each outlet terminal 32a-r connects to a respective downstream branch circuit (not shown). In this manner, each MCB 30a-r may be selectively operated to cut the supply of electrical power to a respective branch circuit, thereby cutting-off the supply of electrical power to one or more electrical appliances of the building.

It shall be appreciated that the collective set of devices 2 are selected by the system on the basis of the user inputs, as mentioned previously.

In other examples, the set of electrical devices 3 may include any electrical devices that are known for use in an electrical distribution apparatus 1 , including, amongst other devices, one or more devices selected from the following device categories: a main switch, a surge protection device, a RCD, a meter panel, an arc fault detection device, a residual current breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO), and/or overcurrent protection devices (OCPD)s, such as a fuse and/or a circuit breaker, including a MCB.

Figure 4 shows the electrical distribution apparatus 1 with the set of electrical devices 3 mounted inside the enclosure 5 and connected together by a set of busbar systems and interconnecting conductors to form the electrical circuit.

As shown in Figure 4, a first group of electrical devices comprising the main switch 24 and the surge protection device 26 are mounted on the first rail 14a and connected together by a first busbar system 34a. A second group of electrical devices, comprising the first RCD 28a and the first to eighth MCBs 30a-h, are mounted on the second rail 14b and connected together by a second busbar system 34b. A third group of electrical devices, comprising the second RCD 28b and the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i-p, are mounted on the third rail 14c and connected together by a third busbar system 34c. Lastly, a fourth group of the electrical devices, comprising the third RCD 28c and the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 30q-r, are mounted on the fourth rail 14d and connected together by a fourth busbar system 34d.

In this manner, the MCBs 30a-r of each group are connected together in parallel to one another, downstream of the respective RCD 28a-c and the surge protection device 26 is connected to the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c by a set of interconnecting conductors 36a-c that includes a first interconnecting conductor 36a, a second interconnecting conductor 36b, and a third interconnecting conductor 36c. A system 100 for designing and configuring an electrical distribution apparatus, such as the electrical distribution apparatus 1 described above, shall now be described with reference to Figure 5.

The system 100 includes an input module 102, a device selection module 104, a design generation module 106, a validation module 108, a memory storage module 110 and an output module 112. That is, in the described example six major functional elements, units or modules are shown. Each of these units or modules may be provided by suitable software running on any suitable computing substrate using conventional or custom processors and memory. Some or all of the units or modules may use a common computing substrate (for example, they may run on the same server, and may be provided by a single application) or separate substrates, or different combinations of the modules may be distributed between multiple computing devices.

In an example, the input and output modules 102, 112 of the system 100 may further connect to a human machine interface system (not shown), such as a computing device, to form an interactive system, such as a web-based configurator. In this manner, user inputs and system outputs may be provided client-side through an appropriate user interface, whilst design, calculation and configuration processes of the system may be carried out on a server-side.

The input module 102 is configured to receive one or more user inputs that may define an apparatus attribute, for one or more apparatus parameters, and/or a facility attribute, for one or more facility parameters.

Each apparatus attribute may be indicative of desired features of the electrical distribution apparatus. For example, the one or more apparatus parameters may include at least one of the following: an electrical distribution apparatus category, for example with apparatus attributes that include a selection from: a consumer unit, an industrial consumer unit, and an energy metering board; a mounting style, such as flush mounting, for mounting the electrical distribution apparatus to the building; a material of the enclosure; inclusion of overvoltage protection; a choice of incoming connection, for example, with apparatus attributes selected from a main switch, with terminals, or without terminals; a product class, for example with apparatus attributes selected from a first product class with standard MCBs, a second product class with RCBOs and MCBs with Plug-in terminals, or a third product class with arc fault detection devices, and MCBs with Plug-in terminals; and/or accessory devices.

Each facility attribute may be indicative of the properties of the facility that the electrical distribution apparatus design is being generated for. For example, the one or more facility parameters may include at least one of the following: a building type, with facility attributes selected from an apartment, an apartment building, a residential building or a commercial building; a size or area of the building; a geographical region or country of the building; an ambient temperature of the building; an indoor, outdoor or in and outdoor application; an earthing, or grounding, system network of the building; a number of outgoing circuits; a number of circuits for lighting; a number of electrical sockets in the building, including for example, a number of special load sockets. In this manner, the facility attributes may be indicative of the electrical requirements of the facility.

Accordingly, the user inputs may define the type, intended use and electrical requirements of the building and/or the electrical distribution apparatus.

The input module may receive the one or more user inputs from the human machine interface system, for example.

The memory storage module 110 is configured to store a database of devices, including a plurality of electrical devices and a plurality of enclosures for mounting such devices, that are suitable for use in an electrical distribution apparatus. Accordingly, the database of devices may include a plurality of devices for each of the device categories typically used in an electrical distribution apparatus, which are mentioned above.

The memory storage module 110 may also be configured to store technical data associated with each device, for example comprising a device attribute for a respective set of device parameters indicative of the configuration, and/or properties, of that device.

For example, in relation to the enclosures, the technical data may include one or more devices attributes that describe the physical configuration of the enclosure, including amongst other device attributes: the size of the enclosure; an operating temperature of the enclosure; the number of DIN rails in the enclosure; and the length of each DIN rail. In relation to the electrical devices, the technical data may include one or more device attributes that describe the physical configuration of the electrical device, such as dimensions or mounting features of said device, and/or the electrical configuration of the electrical device, such as a rated current, and/or a number of poles of the device.

For this purpose, the memory storage module 110 may take the form of a cloud storage system or a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). The computer-readable storage medium may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electrical processors/computational devices, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.

The device selection module 104 is configured to access the memory storage module 110 and to select a set of devices, from the database of devices, for use in the electrical distribution apparatus.

In particular, the device selection module 104 is configured to select a set of devices that includes a set, or sub-set, of electrical devices for forming an electrical circuit, such as the electrical circuit shown in Figure 3, and an enclosure for mounting the electrical devices within a common housing.

Forthis purpose, the device selection module 104 is configured to select the set of devices using a device selection algorithm that includes a set of selection rules relating the one or more user inputs to respective device selections.

For example, for each combination of device attributes and/or facility attributes defined by the user inputs, the device selection algorithm may be configured to identify a corresponding set of devices from a preprogramed combination of device categories corresponding to said user inputs.

The selection rules that relate the user inputs, such as the facility attributes, and/or the apparatus attributes, to the respective device selections may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer and stored as a set of computer readable instructions in the device selection module 104, for example. In this manner, the selection rules may also be configured so as to comply with relevant standards and/or regulations for electrical distribution apparatuses in different applications. In other words, the device selection algorithm may use the facility attributes, defined by the user inputs, to select the set of devices based on selection rules that are compliant with one or more standards and/or regulations related to the indicated properties of the facility, particularly the electrical requirements of the building, for example.

The design generation module 106 is configured to receive the selected set of devices and to generate at least one of: a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the selected enclosure; and/or a circuit layout for connecting the set of electrical devices into an electrical circuit within the enclosure.

The mounting arrangement defines a respective position for mounting each electrical device within the selected enclosure, arranging the set of electrical devices into functional groups on the various rails, or support structures, of the enclosure for efficient storage and electrical connection.

Accordingly, the generated mounting arrangement may be suitable for outputting to a manufacturing, and/or configuration system, for assembling the electrical distribution apparatus, substantially as shown in the example in Figure 4.

The circuit layout defines the upstream and downstream connections extending from each electrical device, thereby arranging the set of electrical devices into functional groups, and/or sub-circuits, that may be connected together to form an efficient circuit structure.

Accordingly, the generated circuit layout may be suitable for outputting to a manufacturing, and/or configuration system, for connecting the set of electrical devices together into an electrical circuit, substantially as shown in the example in Figure 3.

It shall be appreciated that the mounting arrangement and the circuit layout are not independent of one another since the electrical devices may be efficiently stored and connected together within the enclosure. Hence, in an example, the design generation module 106 may be configured to determine the mounting arrangement based, at least in part, on the circuit layout, and vice versa. In this example, the design generation module 106 includes a mounting module 114 for determining the mounting arrangement and a circuitry module 116 for determining the circuit layout.

That is, in the described example the design generation module 106 includes the mounting module 114 and the circuitry module 116 as functional modules. Each of these modules may be provided by suitable software running on any suitable computing substrate using conventional or customer processors and memory. The modules may use a common computing substrate (for example, they may run on the same server). However, the described arrangement is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and, in other examples, the design generation module 106 may be configured to provide the functionality of the mounting module 114 and/or the circuitry module 116 without including such functional modules.

The mounting module 114 is configured to determine the mounting arrangement based on the technical data associated with each of the selected devices and the user inputs provided at the input module 102.

For this purpose, the mounting module 114 may be configured to determine the mounting arrangement using a mounting arrangement algorithm that may be stored as a series of computer readable instructions in the mounting module 114, for example.

When executed, the mounting arrangement algorithm may effectively provide a set of mounting rules, or series of processes, for identifying a respective position for mounting each of the electrical devices in the enclosure, as shall become clear.

The set of mounting rules may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer. In this manner, the set of mounting rules may be based, at least in part, on one or more relevant standards and/or regulations related to the safety requirements of electrical distribution apparatuses. For example, the mounting arrangement algorithm may use the facility attributes (defined by the user inputs) to identify the respective positions of the electrical devices within the enclosure based on a set of mounting rules that are compliant with one or more standards and/or regulations related to the indicated properties of the facility, particularly the electrical requirements of the building, for example. The circuitry module 116 may be configured to determine the circuit layout based on the technical data associated with each ofthe devices selected by the device selection module 104 and the user inputs provided at the input module 102.

Forthis purpose, the circuitry module 116 may be configured to determine the circuit layout using a layout algorithm that may be stored as a series of computer readable instructions in the mounting module 114, for example.

When executed, the layout algorithm may effectively provide a set of layout rules, or series of processes, for determining the relative upstream or downstream positioning of the set of electrical devices within the circuit layout and/or the connections between the electrical devices that produce the electrical circuit, as shall become clear.

The set of layout rules may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer based, at least in part, on one or more relevant standards and/or regulations related to the safety requirements of electrical distribution apparatuses. For example, the layout algorithm may use the facility attributes (defined by the user inputs) to identify the respective u pstre a m/d own stre a m positions ofthe electrical devices within the circuit and to determine the electrical connections between the electrical devices based on layout rules that are compliant with one or more standards and/or regulations related to the indicated properties of the facility, particularly the electrical requirements of the building, for example.

The validation module 108 is configured to validate the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices (when mounted in the enclosure) meets predetermined requirements for electrical distribution apparatuses.

For this purpose, the validation module 108 may be configured to estimate whether a heat dissipation capacity ofthe selected enclosure is greater than or equal to a total power loss of the set of electrical devices when the set of electrical devices are connected together in the manner described by the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout. In this manner, the validation module 108 may effectively review the validity, and/or safety, ofthe selected set of devices, as well as the generated circuit layout and/or the generated mounting arrangement. The validation module 108 may be configured to estimate the total power loss and the heat dissipation capacity of the selected enclosure based on one or more of: the facility attributes, which describe the properties of the facility; the technical data associated with each of the selected devices; the circuit layout; and/or the mounting arrangement; for example.

For this purpose, the validation module 108 may use a validation algorithm to determine the estimates of the total power loss and/or the heat dissipation capacity. The validation algorithm may be stored as a series of computer readable instructions in the validation module 108, for example.

When executed, the validation algorithm may effectively provide a set of validation rules, or series of processes, for estimating the total power loss and/or the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure. The validation rules may be pre-programmed by the developer or manufacturer based, at least in part, on one or more standards and/or regulations related to the safety requirements ofthe application of the electrical distribution apparatus.

If the total power loss of the electrical devices is less than the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure, the validation module 108 may verify that the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout meet the predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

Otherwise, the validation module 108 may require one or more further inputs, such as the selection of one or more further electrical devices, to increase the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure and/or reduce the total power loss of the electrical devices. Based on such further inputs, the validation module 108 can establish that the configuration meets the predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

The output module 112 is configured to output one or more outputs relating to the design and configuration of the electrical distribution apparatus. For example, the output module 112 may be configured to output one or more of: a datasheet, or bill of materials, describing the set of devices forming the electrical distribution apparatus; a circuit configuration based on the generated circuit layout; a mounting arrangement, or assembly, configuration for mounting the set of electrical devices to the enclosure based on the generated mounting arrangement; and/or one or more heat calculations based on the operating temperature of the distribution board. One or more of these outputs may be output to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the electrical distribution apparatus, or to a packaging system for packaging the set of devices together, for example.

The operation of the relevance assessment system 1 shall now be described with additional reference to Figures 6 to 9.

Figure 6 shows an example method 120 of operating the system 100 to design and configure an electrical distribution apparatus for a building.

For the sake of simplicity, the method 120 is described with reference to the example electrical distribution apparatus 1 described above. However, it shall be appreciated that this description is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

In step 122, the system 100 is configured to receive the user inputs that define the apparatus attributes and facility attributes. For example, the input module 102 may receive one or more user inputs from the human machine interface system. The one or more user inputs may define apparatus attributes and facility attributes for a prescribed set of apparatus parameters and facility parameters that describe the intended use of the electrical distribution apparatus and the properties of the building.

The user inputs may be received in intervals, or stages, providing a sequence of user inputs that define successive apparatus parameters and/or facility parameters. For example, a first user input may define a facility attribute for the country of use, e.g. ‘Germany’. A second user input may define a facility attribute relating to the type of building, e.g. ‘an apartment’, and a third user input may define an apparatus attribute for the type of electrical distribution apparatus, e.g. ‘a consumer unit’. In this manner, a user may be effectively guided through a specification sequence, prompted to provide successive user inputs by the human machine interface system. The user inputs may define the apparatus attributes and the facility attributes in the form of selections, values or data entries. For example, the user inputs may define selections from a plurality of apparatus attributes for one or more apparatus parameters and/or selections from a plurality of facility attributes for one or more facility parameters.

In an example, the plurality of apparatus attributes, and/or facility attributes, available for selection may depend on the preceding user inputs. For example, one or more apparatus attributes may be removed from the plurality of apparatus attributes that are available for selection for a respective apparatus parameter following an earlier user input that precluded such apparatus attributes.

To give an example, where the user selects a facility attribute describing the building as ‘an apartment’, the plurality of apparatus attributes relating to the type of electrical distribution apparatus may be limited to an ‘energy metering board’ or a ‘consumer unit’, with the option of an ‘industrial consumer unit’ having been removed due to the other user input.

Similarly, the set of apparatus parameters and/or facility parameters requiring user inputs may depend on the preceding user inputs. For example, if a first user input defined an apparatus attribute as a ‘metering board’, as opposed to a ‘distribution board’ or a ‘consumer unit’, then a subsequent user input may be needed to define an apparatus attribute for the desired rating of a meter panel for the electrical distribution apparatus.

The specification sequence may proceed in this manner until user inputs have been provided for each of the prescribed apparatus and facility parameters, or otherwise sufficient apparatus and/or facility attributes have been defined for the system 100 to identify a set of devices 2 for use in the electrical distribution apparatus 1 .

Accordingly, in step 124, the system 100 is configured to select the set of devices 2 for use in the electrical distribution apparatus 1 based on the user inputs.

For example, the device selection module 104 may select the set of devices 2 from the database of devices stored in the memory storage module 110 using the device selection algorithm.

When executed, the device selection algorithm applies the set of selection rules to relate the facility attributes and/or apparatus attributes (defined by the user inputs) to respective device selections. To give some examples, the device selection algorithm may include a selection rule relating a facility attribute defining the number of electrical sockets in the building, M, to a corresponding number of MCB devices, N. As a result, the set of devices may include an MCB device for each branch circuit that provides electrical power to a respective power socket of the building.

Another selection rule may determine a number and/or specification of devices from a surge protection device category based, at least in part, on whether a user input defined an apparatus attribute for overvoltage protection or not.

A further selection rule may determine a number and/or specification of devices from an RCD device category based, at least in part, on the number of MCBs selected and/or an apparatus attribute defining an earthing system for the electrical distribution apparatus.

Yet another selection rule may determine a size and/or type of enclosure based, at least in part, on the physical properties, such as the width, of the selected electrical devices. This relationship may also account for a suitable spacing between, or limit of, the electrical devices that can be mounted on respective rails of said enclosure in accordance with respective standards and/or guidelines applicable to the intended use of the electrical distribution apparatus.

In this manner, the device selection algorithm may provide a combination of rules, processes, or conditions, for identifying the set of devices 2, described in Figures 1 to 4.

In step 126, the system 100 determines the mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices 2 within the selected enclosure 5.

For example, the mounting module 114 may receive the set of devices 2, and associated technical data, and determine the mounting arrangement using the mounting arrangement algorithm.

When executed, the mounting arrangement algorithm applies the set of mounting rules to determine a respective position for each electrical device 3 on a rail 14a-d of the selected enclosure 5. For example, the set of mounting rules may be configured to group the set of electrical devices into functional groups for mounting on respective rails of enclosure. Such functional groups are referred to as rail groups and the set of mounting rules may be further configured to determine a sub-arrangement of the electrical devices of each rail group on the respective rail.

Considered in more detail, the mounting rules may identify each rail group and determine the sub-arrangement of the electrical devices of each rail group based on one or more device attributes, such as the device category, associated with each device. In this manner, functionally related devices may be grouped together within a respective rail group and the devices in each rail group may ordered in a suitable manner for efficient electrical connection.

The functionality of the mounting module 114 and the mounting arrangement algorithm, in particular, may be illustrated more effectively with reference to sub-steps 128 to 130, as shown in Figure 7, which are described in more detail below.

Sub-steps 128 to 130 describe an example series of processes by which the mounting module 114 may determine the respective positions of each of the electrical devices 3 on the rails 14a-d of the selected enclosure 5.

In sub-step 128, the mounting module 114 may group the selected set of devices 2 into the functional rail groups.

For example, a first mounting rule may use device attributes describing the capacity of the selected enclosure to determine the number of rail groups and the capacity of each rail group. In particular, the number of rail groups may be determined based on the number of rails in the selected enclosure and the capacity of each rail group may be determined based on the width of each rail.

Accordingly, with respect to the selected enclosure 5, shown in Figure 4, the mounting module 114 may be configured to identify four rail groups, each having a respective capacity corresponding to the width of the first, second, third and fourth rails 14a-d respectively. A second mounting rule may be configured to identify a first rail group for positioning on the first rail 14a of the enclosure 5. The second mounting rule may be configured such that the first rail group includes the electrical devices intended for use at an inlet end of the electrical circuit. Accordingly, the first rail group may include devices selected from a first combination of device categories that includes a main switch, an overvoltage protection device, a main RCD device, and/or an MCB for a Water heater, with a busbar system included for connecting the devices together.

Hence, in this example, the first rail group may include the main switch 24, the surge protection device 26 and the first busbar system 34a.

Another mounting rule may be configured to identify a second rail group for positioning on the second rail 14b of the enclosure 5. The mounting arrangement algorithm may be configured such that the second rail group includes electrical devices intended for downstream use in the electrical circuit.

Accordingly, the second rail group may include devices selected from a second combination of device categories that includes RCDs and MCBs, connected together by a respective busbar system.

In this case, the mounting rule may account for the physical limitations associated with mounting the devices of said rail group on the respective rail of the enclosure. Accordingly, the mounting rules may determine a second rail group that includes an RCD and as many MCBs that will fit on the second rail 14b of the enclosure 5 based on the width of the second rail 14b and combined widths of the selected RCD and MCB devices.

Hence, in this example, the second rail group may comprise the first RCD 28a and the first to eighth MCBs 30a-h, with the second busbar system 34b included to connect the devices together.

Further mounting rules, or processes, of the mounting arrangement algorithm may be configured to identify a third rail group for positioning on the third rail 14c of the enclosure 5 and a fourth rail group for positioning on the fourth rail 14d of the enclosure 5. Such mounting rules may be substantially as described for the second rail group. Accordingly, the mounting module 114 may determine a third rail group comprising the second RCD 28b, the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i-p and the third busbar system 34c. The mounting module 114 may also determine a fourth rail group comprising the third RCD 28c, the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 30q-r and the fourth busbar system 34d.

In sub-step 130, the mounting module 114 may determine the sub-arrangements of the electrical devices of each rail group on the respective rail 14a-d.

The sub-arrangements may be identified based, at least in part, on one or more mounting rules that relate the electrical devices to respective positions on the rails 14a-d based on one or more device attributes, such as the device category, associated with each device.

For example, the mounting rules may determine the sub-arrangement of the electrical devices in each rail group based on a pre-programmed sequence of device categories configured to arrange the electrical devices for efficient electrical connection.

To give an example, the mounting arrangement algorithm may include mounting rules for a rail group that includes an RCD device, a plurality of MCB devices and a busbar system. Said mounting rules may be configured to position the RCD device at one end of the respective rail (in a suitable position for connection to adjacent rails by interconnecting conductors), and arrange the plurality of MCB devices in series adjacent to one another next to the RCD device. The mounting rules may also the position the busbar system in a suitable position for connecting the RCD devices and the plurality of MCB devices together.

According to such mounting rules, the mounting arrangement algorithm may relate each of the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c to corresponding positions at the first ends 15b- d of the respective rails 14b-d. The MCBs 30a-r of each rail group may be arranged in sequence, adjacent to the respective RCD 28a-c, extending towards the second ends 16b- d of the respective rail 14b-d. Each of the second, third and fourth busbar systems 34b-d may then be related to respective positions that extend from the first end 15b-d of the respective rail 14b-d towards the second end 16b-d ofthe respective rail 14b-d, connecting the MCBs 30a-r of each rail group and the respective RCD 28a-c together.

Similar mounting rules, adjusted for the devices of the first rail group, may be provided to relate: the main switch 24 to a position on the first rail 14a that is suitable for connection to the inlet terminal 31 of the electrical circuit 3; the surge protection device 26 to a position at the first end 15a of the first rail 14a for connection to the second rail 14b; and the first busbar system 34a to a position that extends between the main switch 24 and the surge protection device 26 to connect the devices together.

To complete the mounting arrangement, as shown in Figure 4, further mounting rules may relate the first, second and third interconnecting conductors 36a-c to respective positions that connect the devices together. For example, positions that extend between the first ends 15a-d of the first, second, third and fourth rails 14a-d and connect the surge protection device 26 and the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c together.

It shall be appreciated that this example is not intended to be limiting and the mounting arrangement algorithm may include similar rules, processes, or conditions for positioning a set of devices in another electrical distribution apparatus on the rails, or support structures, of the selected enclosure.

Returning to Figure 6, in step 132, the system 100 may determine the circuit layout for connecting the electrical devices 3 into the electrical circuit, shown in Figure 3, within the enclosure 5.

For example, the circuitry module 116 may receive the set of devices 2, and associated technical data, and determine the circuit layout using the layout algorithm.

When executed, the layout algorithm applies the set of layout rules to determine the relative upstream/downstream positioning of the electrical devices and the connections between the electrical devices 3 for forming the electrical circuit.

The set of layout rules may include rules for grouping the set of electrical devices into functional groups, such as the rail groups described previously, and determining the relative upstream/downstream positioning of the electrical devices within each functional group for controlling the downstream transfer of electrical power.

Accordingly, the set of layout rules may include rules for identifying the groups of functionally related devices, substantially as described in relation to the mounting arrangement algorithm, or for otherwise identifying those functional groups based on the mounting arrangement, for example. The set of layout rules may also include respective rules for determining the relative upstream or downstream positioning of the electrical devices in each rail group. For example, the relative upstream or downstream positioning ofthe electrical devices in each rail group may depend on one or more device attributes associated with said devices, such as the rated current or the device category of each device.

To give an example, a layout rule may position an RCD device upstream of a plurality of MCB devices so that the RCD device is able to cut-off the delivery of electrical power to the MCB devices in dependence on detecting a leakage current. In this manner, higher ranking electrical devices, or electrical devices having a higher current rating, may be positioned upstream in the electrical circuit to control the delivery of electrical power to the lower ranking electrical devices, or the electrical devices having a lower current ranking. The set of layout rules may also include one or more rules for connecting the electrical devices together and for connecting the electrical devices to the respective inlet and outlet terminals ofthe electrical circuit. Such rules may depend on one or more device attributes, such as the device category, associated with each device. For example, the layout algorithm may include a layout rule for connecting an upstream device to a downstream device and another layout rule for connecting one or more adjacent devices (at the same level in the circuit structure) together. For example, adjacent devices that are either: i) within the same functional group; or ii) upstream devices of respective functional groups; may be connected together in parallel with one another.

Further layout rules may be configured to connect the upstream end of the circuit to the input terminal and the downstream ends of the circuit to respective outlet terminals.

The functionality ofthe circuitry module 116 and the layout algorithm, in particular, may be illustrated more effectively with reference to sub-steps 134 to 138, as shown in Figure 8, which are described in more detail below.

Sub-steps 134 to 138 describe an example series of processes by which the circuitry module 116 may determine the relative upstream or downstream positioning of the electrical devices 3 within the electrical circuit and the respective connections between the set of electrical devices 3. In sub-step 134, the circuitry module 116 may identify the functional groups of electrical devices 3, such as the first, second, third, and fourth rail groups, substantially as described previously.

In sub-step 136, the circuitry module 116 may determine the relative upstream or downstream positioning of the electrical devices 3 based on one or more layout rules for the respective functional groups, as described above. Accordingly, the layout rules may be configured to arrange the first rail group such that the main switch 24 is positioned at the inlet terminal 31 of the electrical circuit and the surge protection device 26 is positioned downstream of the main switch 24.

For the second rail group, the layout rules may position the first RCD 28a adjacent to, or downstream of, the surge protection device 26 and position the first to eighth MCBs 30a- h adjacent to one another downstream of the first RCD 28a.

For the third rail group, the layout rules may position the second RCD 28b adjacent to the first RCD 28b. Whilst, the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i-p may be positioned downstream of the second RCD 28b, adjacent to one another.

For the fourth rail group, the layout rules may position the third RCD 28c adjacent to the first and second RCDs 28a, 28b, and position the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 28q- r positioned downstream of the third RCD 28c, adjacent to one another.

It shall be appreciated that the layout rules for the second, third and fourth rail groups may be identical and generalised for the relevant device categories, for example.

In sub-step 138, the circuitry module 116 may identify the connections between the electrical devices 3.

For example, the layout algorithm may connect adjacent devices in the circuit structure together in parallel so that: the first to eight MCBs 30a-h are connected together in parallel; the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i-p are connected together in parallel; the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 30q-r are connected together in parallel; and the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c are connected together in parallel. The layout algorithm may connect each upstream device to one or more downstream devices in series. For example, the circuitry algorithm may connect the main switch 24 to the surge protection device 26 and connect the surge protection device 26 to the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c. The first RCD 28a may be connected to the first to eighth MCBs 30a-h. The second RCD 28b may be connected to the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i- p and the third RCD 28c may be connected to the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 30q- r. As mentioned previously, further layout rules may connect the main switch 24 to the inlet terminal 31 of the electrical circuit, the surge protection device 26 to ground and each of the first to eighteenth MCBs 30a-rto a respective outlet terminal 32a-r.

At the end of step 132, the system 100 may generate a circuit layout substantially as described in Figure 3.

Returning to Figure 6, in step 140, the system 100 is configured to estimate the power loss ofthe electrical devices and the heat dissipation capacity ofthe selected enclosure in order to validate the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout.

For example, the validation module 108 may use the validation algorithm to estimate the total power loss ofthe set of electrical devices and to estimate the heat dissipation capacity of the selected enclosure. When executed, the validation algorithm applies the set of validation rules to estimate the total power loss by: i) determining a group rated current for each of the electrical devices 3 based, at least in part, on the electrical connections extending from that device to one or more other electrical devices in the electrical circuit; and ii) estimating the power loss at each electrical device 3 based, at least in part, on the group rated current for that electrical device 3.

In particular, the validation algorithm may include one or more validation rules for identifying a plurality of sub-circuits within the electrical circuit based on the electrical connections between the devices in order to determine the group rated current of each device. Each sub-circuit may comprise an incoming, or upstream, electrical device connected to one or more outgoing, or downstream, electrical devices connected to one another in parallel. Accordingly, the validation algorithm may be configured to identify the plurality of sub-circuits based on the circuit layout and/or the mounting arrangement, for example.

The validation algorithm may also include validation rules for determining the group rated current of each electrical device based, at least in part, on the position of that electrical device within the structure of the respective sub-circuit and the technical data, or device attributes, associated with that device, such as the rated current and/or the number of poles of said device.

For example, the power loss algorithm may include a validation rule for determining the group rated current of each electrical device in each sub-circuit based, at least in part, on the number of outgoing, or downstream, electronic devices connected to that electrical device within that sub-circuit. In particular, the power loss algorithm may determine a rated diversity factor for each electrical device and the rated diversity factor of each electrical device may depend on the number of outgoing, or downstream, electronic devices connected thereto within that sub-circuit. In this manner, a first rated diversity factor may be determined for each electrical device that is not connected to any downstream electrical devices and a second rated diversity factor may be determined for each electrical device that is connected to eight downstream electrical device in a sub-circuit.

Another validation rule of the validation algorithm may limit the group rated currents of each of the one or more downstream devices in each sub-circuit so that a combined group rated current of the one or more downstream devices does not exceed the group rated current of the upstream device. The validation module 108 may ensure that such a validation rule is applied consistently for one or more overlapping sub-circuits. For example, where a downstream device of one sub-circuit is also an upstream device of another sub-circuit, the group rated current of that electrical device will be limited based on its downstream positioning in one of the sub-circuits.

A further validation rule of the validation algorithm may limit the group rated current of the upstream device of any sub-circuits that include a single downstream device connected in series to the upstream device. In particular, for such sub-circuits, the group rated current of the upstream device may not exceed the group rated current of the single downstream device. The validation algorithm may be configured to determine the power loss for each electronic device based on the group rated current for that device using one or more known equations and/or algorithms, as shall be appreciated by the skilled person.

Notably, the power loss of each busbar system, and/or interconnecting conductor, may be determined based on the group rated current for the upstream device that said busbar system or interconnecting conductor connects to, for example.

The estimated power losses of the electrical devices may be summed together, or otherwise combined, to estimate the total power loss.

In this manner, the validation algorithm may provide a combination of rules, processes, or conditions, for estimating the total power loss of the set of electrical devices 2.

To estimate the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure, the power loss algorithm may further include one or more validation rules, or equations, configured to estimate the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure based on: the facility attributes, including the ambient temperature of the building; and the technical data associated with the selected enclosure, such as the dimensions of the enclosure and a rated operating temperature of the enclosure.

The functionality of the validation algorithm may be illustrated more effectively with reference to sub-steps 142 to 150, as shown in Figure 9, which are described in more detail below.

In sub-step 142, the validation module 108 may identify the plurality of sub-circuits within the electrical circuit. For example, identifying a respective sub-circuit for each incoming, or upstream, electrical device 3 that is connected to one or more outgoing, or downstream, electrical devices 3 connected in parallel to one another, as mentioned previously.

On this basis, the validation module 108 may identify a first sub-circuit formed by the main switch 24 as the upstream electrical device and the surge protection device 26 and the first, second and third RCDs 28a-c as downstream electrical devices.

The validation module 108 may also identify a second sub-circuit formed by the first ROD 28a as the upstream electrical device and the first to eighth MCBs 30a-h as downstream electrical devices. Similarly, the validation module 108 may identify a third sub-circuit formed by the second RCD 28b as the upstream electrical device and the ninth to sixteenth MCBs 30i-p as the downstream electrical devices. Additionally, the validation module 108 may identify a fourth sub-circuit formed by the third RCD 28c as the upstream electrical device and the seventeenth and eighteenth MCBs 30q-r as downstream devices.

In sub-step 144, the validation module 108 may determine the group rated current of each device 3 using the validation algorithm and the technical data associated with each device 3.

In particular, the validation module 108 may determine the group rated current of each electrical device 3 based on: a rated current attribute for each electrical device 3; a rated diversity factor for each electrical device 3, which may depend on the number of electrical devices 3 connected in parallel to said electrical device 3; a number of poles of said electrical device 3; and/or one or more validation rules of the validation algorithm.

It shall be appreciated that one or more methods for modifying the rated current of each device based on the respective rated diversity factor and the number of poles of said device. However, such methods are not described in detail here, as these will be familiar to the person skilled in the art.

The one or more validation rules of the validation algorithm may limit the group rated current of each of the one or more downstream devices in each sub-circuit so that the combined group rated currents of the first to eighth MCBs 30a-h in the first sub-circuit may not exceed the group rated current of the first RCD 28a. Similarly, the combined group rated currents of the surge protection device 26 and the first to third RCDs 28a-c may be limited so as not to exceed the group rated current of the main switch 24.

In sub-step 146, the validation module 108 may determine the power loss of each electrical device 3 based on the group rated current for said electrical device 3.

It shall be appreciated that one or more methods may be used for determining the power loss of each electrical device 3 based on the rated current for that electrical device 3. Nonetheless, it shall be appreciated that the power loss of each busbar system 34a-d, and/or each interconnecting conductor 36a-c, may be determined based on the group rated current of the upstream device that said busbar system 34a-d, and/or said interconnecting conductor 36a-c, connects to, for example.

In sub-step 148, the validation module 108 may estimate the total power loss by combing the power loss of each electrical device 3.

In sub-step 150, the validation module 108 may estimate the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5 based on the facility attributes, including the ambient temperature of the building, as well as the dimensions of the enclosure 5 and a rated operating temperature of the enclosure 5.

It shall be appreciated that one or more methods for estimating the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5 may be used. However, such methods are not described in detail here.

Returning to Figure 6, in step 152, the system 100 may compare the estimate of the total power loss to the estimated heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5. For example, the validation module 108 may compare the estimate of the total power loss to the estimated heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5.

Ifthe estimate of the total power loss is greaterthan the estimated heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5, the system 100 may determine that the generated design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 does not meet one or more safety requirements and the system 100 may require one or more further user inputs to modify the design.

For example, if the estimate of the total power loss is greater than the estimated heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5, the system 100 may effectively return to step 122 and prompt the user to provide one or more further user inputs. The further user inputs may cause the system 100 to re-determine, or modify, the set of devices 2, the circuit layout and/or the mounting arrangement, substantially as described above in steps 124 to 152.

If the estimate of the total power loss is less than or equal to the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure 5, the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 may be validated as being compliant with the applicable regulations and/or standards and the system 100 may proceed to output one or more outputs relating to the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 , in step 154.

For example, the output module 112 may be configured to output one or more of: a datasheet, or bill of materials, describing the set of devices 2 forming the electrical distribution apparatus 1 ; a circuit configuration based on the generated circuit layout; a mounting arrangement, or assembly, configuration for mounting the set of electrical devices 3 to the enclosure based on the generated mounting arrangement; and/or one or more heat calculations based on the operating temperature of the distribution board.

One or more of these outputs may be output to a manufacturing system for manufacturing the electrical distribution apparatus 1 or a packaging system for packaging the set of devices 2 together, for example.

It shall be appreciated that the steps ofthe method 120 are merely provided as an example of the disclosure and that the steps may be altered, added and removed as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 10 finally shows how an electrical device 2a of the electrical devices 2, which has a power management function, can be registered on a power management platform 156 in a computer network (e.g., the internet).

Generally, electrical devices 2 in an electrical distribution apparatus 1 can comprise a power management function allowing them to control from where power is drawn, from which kind of power source power is drawn, at which price power is drawn, at which time power may be drawn and so on. In this way, a user of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 can define how devices downstream of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 are operated. In the same way, an electrical device 2 with a power management function can also control underwhich conditions power generated upstream ofthe electrical distribution apparatus 1 may fed power into the grid. For example, the electric device 2 may control where to power is delivered, at which price power is delivered, at which time power may be delivered and so on. In particular, an electrical device 2 with a power management function can act in a power trading network via the power management platform 156 so as to request or offer power as defined by the user. More particularly, trading and contracting can be based on the blockchain technology and allow peer-to-peer contracts without the need of traditional power suppliers. To make this work, an electrical device 2 with the power management function is registered on the power management platform 156. According to this embodiment of the disclosed method, this registering is caused during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 so that once the electrical device 2 with the power management function is powered and “alive”, it is registered or recognized by the power management platform 156 and may operate as defined in the power management platform 156.

In the example of Figure 10, the electrical device 2a with the power management function is an loT-gateway (“internet ofthings”) controlling the behaviour ofthe electrical distribution apparatus 1 with regards power management. It may also control the behaviour of single electric circuits if it can communicate with switching devices in the electrical distribution apparatus 1 . However, single switching devices may have such a power management capability, too. In such a case, a separate central electrical device 2a with a power management function may be omitted.

To make the power management feature happen, inter alia the electrical device 2a with the power management function has stored an address, which it contacts when it is powered. It may also comprise a memory space for an identification (e.g., a number or a name) of the electrical device 2a. This memory space can be empty when the electrical device 2a is delivered to the customer or may contain a unique identification, depending on how registration ofthe electrical device 2a in the power management platform 156 takes place.

In a first embodiment, which is indicated by a continuous line in Figure 10, the address stored in the electrical device 2a is the address of the power management platform 156. Accordingly, the electrical device 2a contacts the power management platform 156 when it is powered and is automatically and directly registered on the power management platform 156. On the power management platform 156, data associated with the user and associated with the electrical device 2a may be stored. For example, this data can relate to the name of the user, to the location, where the electrical device 2a is installed, and so on. This data is particularly generated and stored by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 by means of the design tool formed by the system 100.

Linking of the electric device 2a to said data can be done by entering a predefined or arbitrary code on both the electric device 2a and on the power management platform 156. In this case, memory space for an identification can be empty when the electrical device 2a is delivered to the customer. In another example, the identification is already linked to the user data on the power management platform 156 during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 by means of the design tool formed by the system 100. So, no code is needed to be entered, because once the electrical device 2a contacts the power management platform 156 with its identification, the power management is immediately ready to operate. In this case, a unique identification is already stored in the electrical device 2a when it is delivered to the customer.

In another embodiment, which is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 10, the address, which the electric device 2a contacts on powering, leads to a setup server 158. Data associated with the user and associated with the electrical device 2a may be stored on the setup server 158, e.g., again the name ofthe user, the location, where the electrical device 2a is installed, and so on. This data is generated and stored on the setup server 158 by the proposed method during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 by means of the design tool formed by the system 100. Linking of the electric device 2a to said data can be done in a similar way as already disclosed, e.g., by entering a predefined or arbitrary code on both the electric device 2a and on the setup server 158 or by linking the identification to the user data during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 by means of the design tool formed by the system 100. In one example, the user data may include the address of a power management platform 156. So, once the electric device 2a contacts the setup server 158 and once the linking of the user data with the electric device 2a is done, the setup server 158 can contact the power management platform 156 indicated in the user data and cause registration of the electric device 2a there. Additional user data can be stored on the power management platform 156. So, for example, on the setup server 158 the address of the power management platform 156 can be stored, and on the power management platform 156 the name of the user of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 and the location, where the electrical device 2a is installed, can be stored.

Generally, the setup server 158 and/or the power management platform 156 may provide the possibility to enter or alter an identification of the electric device 2a.

Registering an electrical device 2a with a power management function on a power management platform 156 can be caused by default. However, in another example the design tool formed by the system 100 may provide the possibility to suppress registering by ticking an associated check box or not or by giving a respective answer to a question asked by the design tool 100.

In another example, parameters for controlling the electrical device 2a are caused to be stored on the power management platform 156. User data forming these control parameters can be generated or acquired during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 by the design tool 100 and can be stored either directly on the power management platform 156 or on the setup server 158 by the design tool 100, depending on which address the electric device 2a contacts. An example for such a parameter is a preferred power source ora price limit. A preferred power source can be a standard energy source, a renewable power source, a photovoltaic power source, a power source based on a fuel cell, etc. A price limit can be set as an amount of money related to an amount of energy (e.g., 5 ct/kWh) or an open limit. In this way, the electrical device 2a may immediately provide its power management function according to the control parameters once it is powered and recognized as powered on the power management platform 156 (either directly or via the setup server 158). So, according to this embodiment, there is no mandatory need for entering control parameters on the power management platform 156 once the electrical device 2a gets “alive”. In particular, the electrical device 2a may immediately start trading and contracting based on the control parameters generated and stored during the design of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 .

So, in a nutshell, user data like an address of a power management platform 156, a name of the user of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 , a location where the electrical distribution apparatus 1 is mounted, rules or control parameters how power management shall be done, a wallet address or generally data for invoicing, etc. can be generated or entered during the design process of the electrical distribution apparatus 1 and can be stored in relevant locations by the design tool formed by the system 100, e.g., in the setup server 158, the power management platform 156 and/or the electrical device 2a. In this way, setup of a power management function within an electrical distribution apparatus 1 is substantially eased and for example can be done by the electrician designing the electrical distribution apparatus 1 during the design process.

Many modifications may be made to the above-described examples without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of configuring an electrical distribution apparatus for installation in a facility, the method comprising: determining a set of electrical devices for inclusion in the electrical distribution apparatus, and an enclosure for mounting the set of electrical devices; generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to a set of layout rules; and validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

2. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising receiving a set of user inputs for determining the set of electrical devices and/or the enclosure; wherein the set of electrical devices are determined by selection from a plurality of electrical devices, and/or the enclosure is determined by selection from a plurality of enclosures, according to a set of selection rules relating the set of user inputs to the set of electrical devices and/or the enclosure.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the set of mounting rules relate each electrical device in the set of electrical devices to a respective position in the enclosure for mounting that electrical device based on one or more attributes of that electrical device.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the set of mounting rules determines positions for mounting the electrical devices on a set of rails ofthe enclosure, the set of mounting rules identifying a sub-set of the electrical devices for each rail based on: one or more attributes of those electrical devices, including a device category of each electrical device and a size of each electrical device; and/or one or more attributes of the enclosure, including a size of each rail.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the set of layout rules relate each electrical device in the set of electrical devices to a respective position in the circuit layout between an inlet terminal and a plurality of outlet terminals based on one or more attributes of that electrical device.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the set of layout rules determines a relative upstream, downstream or adjacent position, between the inlet terminal and the plurality of outlet terminals, for each of the electrical devices in the set of electrical devices based, at least in part, on a device category of each electrical device.

7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the set of layout rules determines the respective position of each electrical device in the circuit layout based, at least in part, on the generated mounting arrangement.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout comprises: estimating a heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure; estimating a power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use; and comparing the estimate of the heat dissipation capacity of the enclosure to the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, is based, at least in part, on the electrical connections provided for the set of electrical devices in the generated circuit layout.

10. A method according to 9, wherein the estimate of the power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, is determined based on a set of validation rules that: identify one or more sub-circuits based on the electrical connections provided for the set of electrical devices in the generated circuit layout, each sub-circuit comprising an upstream electrical device connected to one or more downstream electrical devices; determine a group rated current of each device based, at least in part, on the position of that device in the respective sub-circuit; and determine the estimate ofthe power loss of the set of electrical devices, in use, based, at least in part, on the group rated current for each electrical device.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising causing registering an electrical device of the electrical devices, which has a power management function, on a power management platform in a computer network.

12. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of any preceding claim.

13. A computer-implemented system for configuring an electrical distribution apparatus for installation in a facility, the system comprising a memory and a processor suitably programmed to provide: a user interface for enabling a user to establish a set of electrical devices and/or an enclosure for the electrical distribution apparatus; a mounting arrangement generator for generating a mounting arrangement for mounting the set of electrical devices within the enclosure according to a set of mounting rules; a circuit layout generator for generating a circuit layout for providing electrical connections to the set of electrical devices according to set of layout rules; and a validation module for validating the mounting arrangement and/or the circuit layout to establish that the configuration of the set of electrical devices when mounted in the enclosure meets predetermined requirements for the electrical distribution apparatus.

14. The computer-implemented system of claim 13, wherein the user interface is adapted to enable the user to modify a configuration of the electrical distribution apparatus provided by the system, and wherein the validation module is further adapted for validating the modified configuration.

15. The computer-implemented system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the user interface is adapted to constrain user choices in accordance with selections already made in accordance with a set of selection rules.