LU504170B1 - One-sided accessible electrical module and cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical module (100) with a first side (102) and a second side (104) opposite the first side (102). The electrical module (100) can be installed in a cabinet (200). The first side (102) of the electrical module (100) comprises at least one electrical power interface (108) and the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) is connection-free. The invention further relates to an electrical cabinet (200) which can accommodate one or more electrical modules (100) from one side only.

Description

One-sided accessible electrical module and cabinet

The invention relates to an electrical device, for example an electrical module, and a cabinet for accommodating one or more such electrical modules.

Currently, an electrical cabinet (e.g. a control cabinet) is usually

side is fitted with electrical modules. The modules are then wired from the opposite side to each other — and if necessary externally. To do this, the cabinet must either be positioned centrally in a sufficiently large room or the fitted cabinet must be moved several times. The latter is not possible with shock-sensitive or heavy modules. The former is particularly impossible when operating in containers, as is the case for feeding photovoltaic systems into the

power grid and for coupling battery storage. In these and other cases, the cabinet is only accessible from one side, so that a

Cabling from the back is not possible. Although there are "backplane"

Solutions (i.e. backplane solutions) with connector halves in the

Back wall of the cabinet. However, these are very complex and expensive to implement and severely limit the flexibility in equipping the cabinet and wiring the modules. In addition, backplanes and their

When massive modules are inserted, connectors are exposed to mechanical forces which, if the backplane is not aligned correctly, can

Can destroy connectors or negatively affect contact.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a technology that enables control cabinets to be accessible from one side.

The problem is solved with the features of the independent claims.

Appropriate embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

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Embodiments of the invention are described below under partial

Described with reference to the figures.

A first aspect relates to an electrical module. The electrical module has a first side and a second side opposite the first side.

The electrical module is installable in a cabinet along an installation direction. The installation direction extends (or is directed) from the first side to the second side. The first side of the electrical module comprises at least one electrical power interface. The second side of the electrical module is connection-free.

The cabinet-installable module may be retractable into the cabinet.

In some embodiments, the installation direction may be

insertion direction. This means that the module that can be installed in the cabinet can be inserted into the cabinet along an insertion direction.

Thus, one embodiment of the electrical module can have all features requiring access (for example, all interfaces of the module) on the first side. The same or further embodiments of the electrical module can be used to equip a cabinet whose equipment and wiring takes place from the same side.

The term "electrical" can be interpreted synonymously with "electrotechnical".

Here, the term "electrical" includes, for example, "electronic" or "electromechanical". This means that the electrical modules can comprise electronic or electromechanical components. Examples of electronic

Components are semiconductors, in particular diodes, transistors (for example bipolar transistors with insulated gate electrode, in short: IGBTs) and microprocessors. Examples of electromechanical components are

Contactors or mechanical relays. The electrical module (also: electrical module) and the electrical cabinet (also: electrical cabinet) are also referred to here as

Module or cabinet.

The electrical modules may be designed for the transmission, conversion, distribution and/or protection of electrical current. Herein, lists of the form "A, B, ... and/or C" disclose each listed

Feature individually ("A or B or ... "), each partial combination ("A and B", "A and

C", ...) and the whole ("A and B and C").

The electrical module can have the basic shape of a cuboid (i.e. a straight rectangular prism) or an oblique rectangular prism, for example, except for guide and/or fastening elements. The first

Side can be used as front or front side or front wall of the electrical

Module. Alternatively or additionally, the second side can be referred to as

back or rear panel of the electrical module.

The electrical module can contain power electronics (e.g. for DC

industry, voltage converters, AC-DC converters, DC-AC converters, current regulators for electrolysis or other so-called "Power-to-X" applications),

battery storage and/or an electrolyzer.

The power interface (also called "power interface" in technical terms) can be designed to transmit electrical power. The

Power interface may be at least one alternating current power interface (AC power interface) and/or at least one direct current

power interface (DC power interface).

The electrical module may further comprise two guide rails extending in the installation direction (for example in the insertion direction). The guide rails may be designed to guide the electrical

Module in the cabinet horizontally and/or in the installation direction (e.g.

To be worn longitudinally movable in the insertion direction).

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise at least one

data interface (e.g. data connection).

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The at least one data interface can be connected to one or more

Data interfaces of another electrical module in the cabinet can be connected or connectable. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one

Data interface enables external networking of the module outside the cabinet (for example a data connection with a higher-level control system) or a data connection with the cabinet itself, for example for

Detection of an open position (open state) or closed position (closed state) of an access door of the cabinet (which is arranged, for example, on a first side of the cabinet corresponding to the first side of the recorded module).

The first side of the electrical module can have at least one

Data interface, optionally two or at least two data interfaces. The two or more data interfaces can enable a chaining (for example according to the series connection principle or a daisy chain) of modules (for example in the same cabinet). This

Cabling effort in the cabinet is minimized (e.g. compared to the star-shaped cabling topology). In the module, the two or more

Data interfaces can be connected in parallel or via a bridge or switch (for example on the layer of a media access control, technical term:

Media Access Control (MAC) interface.

In addition, the data interface can be connected to a data interface and/or a user interface outside the control cabinet.

This allows the higher-level control or a user to access the data of one or more modules from outside the cabinet.

This way, not every module within the cabinet has a

User interface required, which leaves more room for a possible

Air circulation opening (e.g. ventilation opening or opening for a cooling system) on the first side of the electrical module.

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise two fluid connections for a cooling circuit. A coolant or a refrigerant (for transporting heat out of the module) may circulate through the fluid connections.

The module (or its housing) can have a volume. The

The first and second sides opposite to the installation direction (for example, in the insertion direction) may be located on surfaces (namely a front surface or a rear surface) as edges of the volume of the

Module. The sides opposite in the transverse direction (also:

The edges (lateral sides) of the first side can refer to edges as borders of the front surface of the module.

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise a web projecting laterally from the electrical module in a transverse direction (for example horizontally and/or perpendicular to the installation direction) or at least two

Transversely opposite and projecting laterally (for example, with the first side in view, left and right) on the electrical module

webs with openings adapted to screw the electrical module to the cabinet. The or each web may have a surface with the opening or openings. The surface of the or each web may be perpendicular to the installation direction of the module and/or flush with the first side of the module.

The installation direction and/or the transverse direction can be horizontal.

The bridge with the opening or openings for screwing can also be used as

At least one web can be arranged on one or each transverse side (for example, with the first side in view, left and right) of the first side of the electrical module. The webs can be parallel to each other, optionally lying in one plane. The or each

The web can be fixed with at least one screw to vertically extending

Sheet metal or posts of the cabinet, for example by means of

Cage nuts. A longitudinal movement of the electrical module along the

Installation direction (e.g. along the insertion direction) is not possible when fastened. For example, longitudinal movement is prevented by the aforementioned screwing.

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise a

Signaling interface designed to output an acoustic and/or optical signal. The signaling interface can comprise at least one optical (e.g. visual) display and/or an acoustic

signal generators.

The display or signal generator can be summarised as

Signaling interface can be referred to. The acoustic signal generator can be designed to emit an acoustic signal. The acoustic

The signal generator can be, for example, a loudspeaker with signal generator, a

The display can be a signal lamp for emitting a light signal or a screen.

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise at least one

The user interface (or a control unit of the

Module can be designed to send a signal, for example a status of the

module, or a result of an execution of an instruction by the module, to a user and/or to receive instructions from a user.

The first side of the electrical module may further comprise at least one handle. The handle may be used for installing (in particular pushing in) the electrical module or modules into the cabinet or for

The electrical module can be used for uninstalling (in particular for pulling out) the electrical module from the cabinet. The electrical module can have, for example, a handle on one side of the first side of the electrical module or two

Handles on two transversely opposite sides of the first side

LU5041 70 of the electrical module. This allows the module to be connected to the first

The handles can be pushed into and pulled out of the cabinet from one side. The handles' gripping surfaces (e.g. cylindrical gripping surfaces) can be parallel to each other. The handles (e.g. cylindrical gripping surfaces) can extend vertically. This means that only a small edge area or a small part of the front surface (e.g. the surface perpendicular to the

Installation direction) on the first side is occupied by the handles, so that there is sufficient space for ventilation openings, the interfaces and/or the

wiring remains.

The first side of the electrical module may have ventilation openings. The

Ventilation openings of the first side can be in fluid communication with the second side through the electrical module. For example, the second side of the electrical module can have ventilation openings, wherein the

Ventilation openings on the second side can be in fluid communication with the first side (e.g. the ventilation openings on the first side).

The ventilation openings can be designed as ventilation grilles, for example. Optionally, the ventilation openings on the first side of the electrical module can cool

Let air in. The ventilation openings on the second side of the electrical module can let warm air escape. This flow direction in

In connection with the front-side cabling (for example the arrangement of at least one power interface on the first side), cables (for example wiring or lines) can be protected from waste heat or actively cooled.

The air flow (or a gas flow with a different composition than air) within the electrical module can contribute to cooling the electrical module. The air (or gas) can flow within the electrical module from the first side to the second side of the electrical module, or vice versa. For example, if the air flow flows from the first side to the second side, the air flow removes the excess heat within the electrical module.

module and when he reaches the second side of the module, he has a higher

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Temperature. In this case, the ventilation opening on the first side of the electrical module allows cool air to flow in and the ventilation opening on the second side of the electrical module allows warm air to flow out, for example controlled by a control unit of the electrical module, which keeps the internal temperature of the electrical module below a predetermined

threshold value.

The electrical module may further comprise a fan (e.g. a ventilator) configured to drive the air flow from the first side of the electrical module to the second side of the electrical module (or vice versa). A rotational speed of the fan may be controlled by the control unit of the electrical module.

The fan can be arranged inside a housing of the module. The

Fan can be located adjacent to the second side of the module, or closer to the second side than to the first side of the module.

For example, the fan of the electrical module may be located within the electrical module near the second side of the electrical module and/or remote from the first side of the electrical module.

In these cases, the fan is located away from the wiring on the first

Side of the electrical module. The vibrations (and for example noise) caused by the fan are thus separated from the interface or all interfaces of the module, a power supply of the module and/or a user of the

module. For example, at the interfaces (e.g. at the power interface), connectors on the first side are not exposed to mechanical stress due to vibrations and/or there are no sliding movements between contact surfaces under current flow.

The at least one power interface can have at least one of the following

Facilities include or be connected or connectable with: a

power supply or source of electrical power; an electrical load; a direct current connection; a multi-phase alternating current connection; a

Panel socket or panel plug; one or more terminals; a

battery storage; and a power interface of another electrical

module in the cabinet. The power source can be, for example, one or more solar cells or solar modules and/or a wind turbine. The electrical

Consumer can be, for example, an electric vehicle.

The electrical module may further comprise a control unit. The

The control unit may comprise or be connected or connectable to at least one of the following devices: one or more sensors; a

Signal interface (for example for connecting the sensor); the

User interface; the at least one power interface; the at least one data interface; and the signaling interface. The control unit can be designed to control a current flow at the at least one

power interface and/or the at least one

The power interface must be de-energized. The sensor can be a door sensor of the control cabinet. Alternatively or additionally, the signal interface can be connected or connectable to a sensor (e.g. the door sensor of the control cabinet).

For example, the control unit may be designed to, in response to a

Door sensor signal which indicates an open position of a door of the cabinet, to switch the at least one power interface off current and/or voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be designed to switch the at least one power interface off current and/or voltage in response to a door sensor signal which indicates an open position or

Indicates the closed position of a cabinet door, switches a fan of the module on or off.

A second aspect relates to an electrical cabinet. The cabinet comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side (for example in the installation direction). The cabinet is designed to accommodate a plurality of electrical modules (for example each according to the first aspect) in an installable (for example displaceable) manner along an installation direction (for example an insertion direction). In the accommodated

Condition, the first side of the cabinet can be the first side of the electrical

module and/or closest to it, and the second side of the

Cabinet may face and/or be closest to the second side of the electrical module.

In this case, "closest" may refer to a comparison of the distance to the opposite side (i.e. the distance between the first side of the module and the first side of the cabinet compared to the distance between the first side of the module and the second side of the cabinet or the distance between the second side of the module and the first side of the cabinet; and/or the distance between the second side of the module and the second side of the

Cabinet compared to the distance between the first side of the module and the second side of the cabinet or the distance between the second side of the

module and first side of the cabinet).

The cabinet (also: cabinet equipment) can also contain any of the

The characteristics described in the context of the first aspect can be

Cabinet can be designed to accommodate one or more electrical modules (for example according to the first aspect) from one side each. The cabinet can be designed to accommodate at least one electrical module exclusively from the first side. Alternatively or additionally, the second side of the cabinet can be closed (i.e. a closed rear side). In this case, closed can mean that the second side cannot be removed without destruction. Alternatively, closed can mean that the second side cannot be opened without tools, e.g. that the second side does not include a cabinet door or cannot be unlocked.

A third aspect concerns a control cabinet system that includes an electrical

Cabinet according to the second aspect and at least one accommodateable or accommodated electrical module according to the first aspect.

In each aspect, the cabinet may have the shape of a cuboid (i.e., a rectangular prism) (e.g., externally and/or internally). The first side may be designated as the front side and the second

side may be referred to as the back. The installation direction may be perpendicular to the first and/or second side of the cabinet.

The cabinet may further comprise at least two guide rails extending in the installation direction, which are designed to support the at least one electrical module so as to be longitudinally movable in the installation direction (for example horizontally). For example, for each module to be accommodated, a pair of guide rails may be arranged on opposite sides in the transverse direction (transverse sides) in the cabinet.

The guide rail (for example on each transverse side) can have a

Telescopic rail and/or pull-out rail. For example, the

Guide rail is a stationary part that is immovably connected to the cabinet

part and a movable part which is mounted on the stationary part for longitudinal movement (for example mounted on balls or rollers).

The module can be fixedly connected to the movable part (for example for installation in the cabinet). The at least one

Guide rail of the electrical modules can be attached to at least one

guide rail of the cabinet or the rails can interlock.

The guide rails of the cabinet can be arranged horizontally along the installation direction of the cabinet on opposite inner sides of the cabinet and/or in an extended position over the first

side (for example, opposite to the installation direction).

The first side of the cabinet may have a first cabinet opening. The

The cabinet may further comprise a cover element. The first cabinet opening may be coverable with the cover element in a closed state.

The cover element can be a pivoting hinged to the cabinet

Swing door (e.g. cupboard door). Alternatively or in addition, the

The cover element can be a screwable or lockable front cover.

The cabinet may further comprise a (possibly further) second cabinet opening, for example on the first side, the second side, a top and/or a bottom of the cabinet. When reference is made herein to a first feature and a second feature, the existence of the second feature does not necessarily imply the existence of the first feature.

For example, through (at least two) fluid connections of the tap, the

Coolant or refrigerant can be conveyed to or from the fluid connections of the module (or modules). Alternatively or in addition, the

Cabinet ventilation openings (e.g. ventilation grilles) on an upper and/or

bottom through which the air flow (or other gas flow) can circulate.

The first side of the cabinet can be spaced from the first side of the module (or the first sides of the modules). Alternatively or additionally, the second side of the module (or the second sides of the modules) can be spaced from the second side of the cabinet.

The space between the first side of the electrical module (or the first

sides of the electrical modules) and the first side of the cabinet, the

Wiring of the module (or modules) and/or part of a first

air duct (e.g. a warm or cold air duct). Alternatively or additionally, the space between the second side of the electrical module (or the second sides of the electrical modules) and the second side of the

cabinet may be part of a second air duct (e.g. a cold or warm air duct).

The first sides of all modules accommodated in the cabinet can form a first module level (for example vertical and/or closed except for the ventilation openings of the modules). Between the first sides of all modules accommodated (i.e. the first module level) and the first side of the

A first air reservoir may be formed in the cabinet. The first air reservoir may be in fluid communication with the ventilation openings on the first sides of the accommodated modules. Alternatively or additionally, the first

Air reservoir may be or may be capable of being brought into fluid communication with a first ventilation shaft, for example through a first ventilation connection of the

closet.

The second sides of all modules accommodated in the cabinet can form a second module level (for example vertical and/or closed except for the ventilation openings of the modules). A second air reservoir can be formed between the second sides of all modules accommodated (i.e. the second module level) and the second side of the cabinet. The second

Air reservoir can be in fluid communication with the ventilation openings on the second

sides of the modules accommodated. Alternatively or additionally, the second air reservoir can be in fluid connection with a second ventilation shaft or can be brought into fluid connection, for example by a second

ventilation connection of the cabinet.

In one embodiment, the first air reservoir is cooler than the second

air reservoir and the air flow flows (for example driven by the fan) from the first side to the second side. In another embodiment, the first air reservoir is warmer than the second air reservoir and the air flow flows (for example driven by the fan) from the second side to the first side.

In any embodiment, an interior volume of the cabinet (e.g., the first or second air reservoir) may be in fluid communication (e.g.,

air exchange) with the external volume of the cabinet or one or more

Air shafts, for example to form a cooling system.

Cooling system may have a fan in the cabinet to circulate the coolant (e.g. air) or refrigerant, and/or the circulation may be controlled by the

The circulation can be driven by fans of the installed modules (i.e. modules housed in the cabinet). Alternatively or additionally, the circulation can be driven by thermal convection, for example by the warm

Air reservoir is discharged upwards and/or the cold air reservoir is in fluid communication with an air shaft rising from the floor.

In each embodiment, the fan and/or the air shaft

filter mats.

In each embodiment, the cooling medium (e.g. air) can be introduced into the cabinet from any direction and/or in any

Direction out of the cabinet, for example to the

Transversely opposite sides of the cabinet.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cabinet may be a

Liquid cooling system, for example a water-cooled

Cooling system. The cooling system may comprise a closed circuit of the coolant (for example water) or refrigerant, which has a

Heat exchanger for heat absorption in the cabinet with an additional (usually external) unit for heat dissipation.

The cabinet may further comprise at least one sensor configured to output a signal to the control unit of the electrical module. The signal may include a temperature of the first air reservoir, a

Temperature of the second air reservoir, the closed state of the first

side of the cabinet (e.g. the cabinet opening of the cabinet, in particular the cabinet door) and/or the closed state of the first side of the cabinet.

In the closed state (for example when the cover element has the first

side of the cabinet, in particular an entire surface of the first side of the

cabinet or the cabinet opening, closes or covers, e.g. seals fluid-tight), the sensor can send a signal to the control unit of the electrical

module indicating the "closed state". In the open state (for example, when the first side of the cabinet is open, in particular not the entire surface of the first side of the cabinet or the cabinet opening is closed or covered, e.g. not fluid-tight), the

Sensor sends a signal to the control unit of the electrical module, which

"open state". In exemplary embodiments, the

Control unit ensures safety in the open state by switching off (e.g. de-energizing) the electrical modules.

The control unit of the electrical module can send a signal to the

Send to the electrical module user interface when the cabinet is closed to indicate the "closed state" of the cabinet.

The cabinet may further comprise at least one power interface which is designed to be connected to at least one power interface of an electrical module (for example accommodated in the cabinet) and/or a power interface of a power network. The

The power interface of the cabinet can be electrically connected or connectable to one or more electrical modules (e.g. housed in the cabinet). The power network can be a

It can be a direct current network or an alternating current network (e.g. three-phase).

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings using preferred embodiments.

They show:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to the prior art;

Figure 1B is a perspective rear view of rear wiring of electrical modules in a cabinet according to the prior art.

Technology;

Figure 1C is a horizontal section view of a cabinet with rear individual wiring of electrical modules according to the

State of the art;

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of a cabinet with a rear wall for pluggable coupling of electrical modules according to the prior art;

Figure 3A is a perspective front view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to a first embodiment;

Figure 3B is a horizontal sectional view of a cabinet equipped with electrical modules according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4A is a perspective front view of an electrical module according to a second embodiment; and

Figure 4B is a perspective rear view of an electrical module according to the second embodiment.

The invention and the technical environment are described below using the

Figures are explained in more detail. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to use partial aspects of the embodiments shown in the

Figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description and/or figures. In particular, identical reference symbols can denote interchangeable features. It should also be noted that the

Figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. The same reference numerals designate the same or corresponding

Objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary.

Figure 1A shows schematically several electrical modules 10 arranged in a

Cabinet 20 according to the current state of the art. The

Cabinet 20 has a front door 26 through which the electrical

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Module 10 can be inserted from the front in an installation direction 13. The electrical modules 10 can additionally be provided with a handle 16 which enables the user to move the electrical modules 10 into and out of the cabinet 20.

The electrical modules 10 can additionally have a stop with a

Module fixing 12, which allows the user to fix the electrical modules in the cabinet.

The cabinet 20 also has a door 28 on the back, which allows the user to

Allows access to the rear of the electrical modules 10 where all wiring is located on the rear of the electrical modules 10.

Furthermore, the electrical modules 10 can be equipped with a

Signaling interface 11. The signaling interface 11 can be an LED, for example. This means that not only the cable required for wiring

Access to the rear is disadvantageous. Also, when changing or checking the wiring, simultaneous access to the front and rear may be necessary to monitor the displayed status.

Figure 1B shows the rear view of the cabinet 20 of Figure 1A according to the prior art. The plurality of electrical modules 10 in the cabinet 20 are populated from the front of the cabinet 22 shown in Figure 1A and then wired together 15 (e.g. rear wiring) from the opposite side 24 (e.g. rear side) shown in Figure 1B.

The module can display a signal to the user, e.g. a red light as

Signal for a problem in the electrical module 10 and a green light as

Signal for a functioning electrical module. If the user detects a

Changing the status on the front, the user must be able to access the rear panel 14 of the electrical module 10 for troubleshooting or

Maintenance 18 of the wiring 15.

Figure 1C shows a plan view in which the cabinet 20 according to the state of the

Technique of Figures 1A and 1B is shown in a horizontal section plane.

The user can access the rear side 14 of the electrical modules 10 through the door 28 on the rear side 24 of the cabinet 20. In some cases, the

Door 28 on the back 24 of the cabinet 20 cannot be opened, e.g. because there is not enough space. In such cases, the cables for the rear wiring 15 of the electrical module 10 have so far been chosen to be long, e.g. longer than the depth of the cabinet 20, so that the user can

Module 10 can be removed without having to access the rear cabling 15.

The longer the cables for the wiring 15 are, the more weight is placed on the cable connections of the electrical module 10 and the greater the

Risk of damage. Usually the fans of the

Cooling system of the electrical modules 10 on the back 14 of the electrical

Module 10. The vibrations of the fan also have a negative effect on the

wiring side 14 (e.g. the rear side) of the module 10, particularly the cable connections.

Figure 2 shows the top view of an electrical module 10 in another

Cabinet 20 according to the current state of the art. In some cases the

However, the cabinet 20 is only accessible from one side (e.g. front of the cabinet) 22, so that cabling from the other sides 24 is not possible. Therefore, there are so-called "backplane" solutions in which a rear wall 21 enables plug connections. The cabinet 20 has a rear wall 21 with

Sockets 23 or plugs or terminals (e.g. for copper cables) that are

plugs 25 or sockets on the back 14 of the module 10.

This state of the art is not user-friendly, as the user

Position of the electrical module 10 (which is typically very massive) in a very precise position with a very precise force in order to

To avoid damage to the rear connections (i.e. the plug connections). Basically, due to manufacturing tolerances of the module or cabinet housing, the backplane may have insufficient contact

Accuracy, which leads to the additional problem of poor

In addition, backplanes are very complex and costly to implement and severely limit the flexibility of the system.

Therefore, a cost-effective, flexible solution with commercially available

Components can be found that allow the user to easily replace the respective modules in the control cabinet.

Here, the terms cabling and wiring can be interpreted synonymously. Each electrical line at the interfaces of the modules can be single-pole or, depending on the function, several

Cables are bundled in one cable. Furthermore, each electrical

Cable electrical insulation appropriate to its use.

Figure 3A shows a front view of a cabinet 200 (e.g. a switch cabinet or in technical terms "rack") which is equipped with electrical modules 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cabinet 200 can be installed, for example, in narrow spaces or in ISO containers (e.g. with a length of 40 Fuld or 12.192 m, i.e. a shipping container).

The cabinet 200 can be mounted directly on the wall of the room or container and/or

Can be placed side by side with other 200 cabinets.

The corresponding second side 104 (i.e. the back) of the electrical

Module 100 is connection-free.

Embodiments of the modules 100 and the cabinet 200 (i.e. a rack) are advantageous for situations in which only the front 102 or 202 is accessible without moving the heavy rack 200, or in which only one

There is aisle between racks for access and cooling.

Hot aisle and cold aisle can be arranged within the rack 200 on the first

Page 102 and second page 104 are separated from each other by the modules 100.

The cabinet 200 has a first side 202 (i.e., front side or front side) and an opposite second side 204 (i.e., back side). The first

Side 202 may also be referred to as open or openable side 202 (i.e. cabinet opening). The cabinet 200 is designed to accommodate one or more electrical modules 100, preferably installable horizontally from the first side 202. The first side 202 of the cabinet has a first

Cabinet opening. The cabinet opening, which is closed by a cover element 206 in a closed state. The cover element 206 can be designed as a door (for example a single or double-leaf cabinet door).

The electrical module 100 comprises a first side 102 (i.e. a front side or front side) opposite a second side 104 (i.e. rear side). The electrical module 100 is installable in the cabinet 200 along an installation direction 103. The installation direction 103 is from the first side 202 of the

Cabinet 200 to the second side 204 of the cabinet 200, or in other words, from the first side 102 of the electrical module 100 to the second side 104 of the electrical module 100. It should be noted that this

Definition of the installation direction means that the cabinet first comes into contact with the second side 104 of the module and at the end of the

Insert with the first side 102. The latter is preferably used for (at least horizontal) fastening of the module 100 in the cabinet 200.

The first side 102 of the electrical module 102 is the first side 202 of the

Cabinet 200, and the second side 202 of the electrical module 202 faces the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 when the electrical

Module 100 is accommodated in the cabinet 200. If a user can only enter the cabinet 200 from the front 202 or has access to the cabinet 200 only from the front 202, all

Installation, maintenance and conversion work can be carried out from the front 202 alone. For example, the user can get a complete overview of the installation status of the modules, of

Functional scope and functional status of the modules, and the wiring of the

Modules. In particular, the contacting at each interface and each module can be checked.

According to one embodiment, the electrical module 100 comprises a

Battery storage, for example with a large number of cells and a

Battery management system (BMS), which controls charging, discharging,

Charge level equalization (technical term: "balancing") and the aging of the cells are controlled or monitored. Such a module 100 is therefore very heavy.

This prevents the modules from being pulled out to test long cables on the

Back as well as a back wall with sensitive

connectors and installing the entire cabinet 200.

Another embodiment of the electrical module 100 comprises a

Electrolyzer, for example a hydrogen electrolyzer. In this case, the front side 102 of the module 100 can comprise fluid connections, for example a water inlet and gas outlets for hydrogen and oxygen. This

Case is due to mass, shock sensitivity and precise horizontal

Alignment of the module using conventional rear alignment techniques

Wiring not compatible.

Each embodiment of the electrical module 100 may include one or more handles 106. Figure 3A shows two handles on the first side 102 of the electrical module 100, preferably located near the edges of the first side 102.

The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 further comprises a web 112 projecting laterally from the electrical module 102 in a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the installation direction 103 or at least two webs 112 in the

Transversely opposite and laterally projecting webs 112 with openings on the electrical module 100, which are designed to screw the electrical module 100 to the cabinet 200. By screwing the electrical module 100 to the

Cabinet 100 fixes the position of the electrical module 100 and prevents unintentional movement or wobbling.

The electrical module 100 may include one or more power interfaces 108. The power interface 108 may or the multiple

Power interfaces 108 can be connected to a power supply unit 102 arranged in the module 100.

Power electronics, for example for the direct current industry.

Examples of power electronics are voltage converters, AC-DC converters and

Current regulators, for example for Power-to-X applications or electrolysis.

Alternatively or additionally, the power electronics for the AC

Industrial. The power interface 108 may be designed to transmit large electrical powers, e.g. more than 10 kW or more than 100 kW or 500 kW.

The power interface 108 comprises, or is connected or connectable to, at least one of the following devices: a power supply or electrical power source; an electrical load; a

DC connection; a multi-phase AC connection; a

panel socket or a panel plug; one or more terminals; a

battery storage; and a power interface 108 of another electrical module 100 in the cabinet 200.

As shown schematically in Figure 3A, the or each power interface 108 of the module 100 may be connected by cables 105 (e.g. as part of the wiring) to a corresponding power interface 108 of one or all other electrical

Modules 100 must be connected within the cabinet 200.

Figure 3A also shows a signaling interface 110. The

Signaling interface 110 can output an acoustic and/or optical (e.g. visual) signal.

Figure 3B shows a top view of a cabinet 200 equipped with electrical

Modules 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown schematically in Figure 3B, guide rails 207 extend in the

Installation direction (here insertion direction) 103. The guide rails 207 are horizontally aligned with the inside of the (opposite in the transverse direction)

Side walls of the cabinet 200 connected.

The cabinet 200 may further include one or more sensors 208 (e.g., a door position sensor and/or a temperature sensor, etc.). The

Sensors can be connected or connectable to a control unit 109 of the electrical module 100 for signal exchange and/or voltage supply.

The electrical module 100 comprises a control unit 109 which is connected to one or more components (e.g. the aforementioned devices) of the electrical

module 100. For example, sensor 208 may be located anywhere in cabinet 200 or attached to cabinet 200.

The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 may have one or more

Data interfaces 118. The data interface 118 can be connected to a

Data interfaces 118 of another electrical module 100 in the cabinet must be connected or connectable (for example connected in parallel) so that the

Modules for communication with each other and/or with an external

system control (for example a higher-level control), for example according to a so-called daisy chain. The

Data interface 118 can also be internally connected to the control unit 109 of the electrical module 100. More complex user signals or user interfaces that go beyond a signal light (e.g. LED) are transmitted via a data interface 118 to a higher-level

Computer or a display module or an external user interface outputs or receives input or control commands.

24 / 43

LU504170

The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 may further comprise a

User interface 114. The user interface 114 may be connected to the

Control unit 109 may be internally connected or externally connectable.

The first side 102 of the electrical module 100 may further comprise ventilation openings 116 (e.g. ventilation grilles). The second side 104 of the electrical

Module 100 is connection-free. The second side 104 of the electrical module 100 can have ventilation openings 116 communicating with the first side 102 (e.g.

ventilation grilles).

In the recorded state, the first side 102 of the electrical module 102 of the first side 202 of the cabinet 200, and the second side 202 of the electrical module 202 of the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 with a

facing away from each other.

The electrical module 100 may further comprise a fan (e.g., ventilator), wherein the fan is arranged to promote gas circulation (e.g., air circulation) within the electrical module 100. The fan may, for example, draw in air through the ventilation openings 116 on the front side 102 and (in

Module 100 can expel heated air through the ventilation openings 116 on the rear side 104, or vice versa.

The space between the second side 104 of the electrical module 100 and the second side 204 of the cabinet 200 may define a vertical channel for the

Alternatively or additionally, the space between the first

Side 102 of the electrical module 100 and the first side 202 of the cabinet 200 define a vertical channel for the air flow and a space for the

Cabling 105 (e.g. data cabling and/or power cabling).

The first pages 102 of the modules 100 are closed all the way round with the

Side walls and top and bottom sides of the cabinet 200. Alternatively or additionally, the horizontal edges of the first sides 102 of adjacent

Modules 100 (top and bottom) are connected to each other. This allows the first sides 102 to form a continuous module level, which essentially

Ventilation openings are closed. This allows a separation of the cold and

Warm air currents and prevents access to the back in the built-in

Condition. For example, the entirety of the first pages 102 up to

Ventilation openings, terminal openings and installation sockets one surface.

Optionally, 102 panels or

Foam parts are arranged to ensure sealing.

The control unit 109 of the electrical module 100 can be connected to a sensor 208 which sends a signal (for example a message according to a

communication protocol) to the control unit 109 indicating whether the cabinet 200 on the first side 102 is open or closed.

The control unit 109 can reduce a current or turn off the current completely when the cabinet 200 is opened. For example, by sending a command to the power interface 108 or the associated device (e.g., power electronics). The control unit 109 can also turn off the fan when the cabinet 200 is opened.

Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 109 can send a signal (e.g. a message) to the signaling interface 110 to output a signal indicating the state of the cabinet 200. The control unit 109 can also send a signal (e.g. a message) to the user interface 114 to output a signal indicating the state of the electrical

module 100 and/or cabinet 200, e.g. an electrical

Operating mode of the module 100, an operating temperature of the module 100, an open or closed state of the cabinet 200, etc.

Figures 4A and 4B show an exemplary electrical module 100 according to a second embodiment in a perspective front and rear view, respectively.

Rear view. The electrical module 100 can accommodate two

Installation direction (here for example insertion direction) 103 extending

Guide rails 107, for example a guide rail extending into the

Installation direction extending groove. The guide rail 107 of the electrical module 100 and the guide rail 207 of the cabinet 200 may touch, for example interlock, on each side wall to install the electrical module 100 horizontally in the cabinet 200 in the

Installation direction 103.

In some embodiments, the guide rails 107 may be attached to the

bottom of the electrical module 100 (not shown here).

In other embodiments, the bottom side 107 of the electrical

Module 100 rests on the guide rails 207 of the cabinet 200.

The electrical module can be a slot for a 19-inch rack, for example with a front panel width of 48.26 cm, and optionally according to

EIA 310-D, IEC 60297 and/or DIN 41494 SC48D.

Preferably, all embodiments of the module 100 have no operating,

Display, mounting and maintenance elements on the rear 104 of the electrical module 100.

At the same time, the electronics installed in the electrical module 100 can meet normative, approval and/or safety requirements. Overall, the respective electrical modules 100 in the cabinet 200 can meet the normative, approval and/or safety requirements.

requirements. Implementations can be inexpensive and flexible through the use of commercially available cables and wires (for example, compared to application-specific backplanes).

Individual electrical modules 100 can be installed or removed from the cabinet 200. With conventional rear wiring, a

Replacement of an electrical module 100 only by removing the entire

Cabinet 200 or by moving the cabinet 200 or removing all electrical modules 100 from the cabinet 200.

LU5041 70

Each embodiment can have front-side wiring without free

Cable loops (e.g. tight) allow. In contrast, with conventional rear wiring, individual electrical modules 100 can only be removed if all cables have additional lengths according to the

This means that the cables exert more tensile weight on the electrical modules 100 and hang on the floor or in the

Ventilation shaft, where they can get caught on a ventilation grille, for example when moving the cabinet 200.

On the back 104 of the electrical module 100 and the back 204 of the

Cabinet 200, the circulation of air (for example a shaft for cold air from the floor or for warm air to the ceiling) is not disturbed by a backplane (even in a fragmented design) or by cables. This allows a

Ventilation shaft on the back (where space is particularly limited) has a smaller cross-section than the conventional rear

Wiring.

The front side 102 of the electrical module 100 can include data connection (e.g. for a CAN bus or Ethernet), e.g. according to RJ45 or Shielded

Twisted Pair (STP), Single-Pair Ethernet (e.g. according to IEEE 802.3 CG) and/or

Coaxial conductor. By dispensing with flat visual signals on the

The area on the front side 102 can be used for ventilation grilles (e.g. outlets).

The flexible wiring of an existing cabinet 200 makes it possible, for example, to replace an electrical module 100 with another one with a higher output. The cross-section of the wiring can also be adjusted at the same time. On the other hand, with rear wiring, you cannot reach the cables, and a backplane is always either over-dimensioned or inflexible when it comes to electrical output.

For example, a module 100 with an AC/DC converter (such as shown on the right in Fig. 4A) can provide five input terminals for three

AC phases, a neutral conductor and a protective conductor (technically known as "Physical Earth" or PE). These lines can each have a

cross-section of 50 mm?. The module also includes two terminals for a plus and minus pole of a direct current output (DC output). These

Cables can each have a cross-section of 100 mm?.

Another advantage is the easy repair and maintenance of Module 100. This makes it easy to correct errors, for example by measuring the terminals on the

Front side. Preferably, voltage and/or air flow are

When the bar door is opened, the device is automatically switched off (i.e. the voltage is switched off or the power is cut off).

Embodiments can achieve a long service life due to the large and testable contact surfaces of the at least one

Power interface 108 (e.g. plug-in or clamp-on contact surfaces).

Whereas with a conventional backplane, the connector half must be arranged laterally in a floating manner and must be centered by the module's guide pins in order to compensate for lateral tolerances. If the cabinet is not built precisely, the mass of the module will damage the

Plug. Furthermore, deviations in cabinet construction can lead to a reduced

The plug length of the pin contact surfaces can be reduced, which can cause arcing, particularly due to vibrations from the fans and the high electrical currents and voltages, and can destroy the plug contact.

Examples of modules and associated cables can be supplied from a single source. However, the selection and installation of a backplane is

Cabinet construction is not in the hands of the module manufacturer, so the reliability,

Precision and compatibility of the system with a conventional rear

Contacting is uncontrolled.

In each embodiment, preferably one fan or all

Fans are arranged in the electrical module 100 near the rear side 104 or directly on the rear side 104. This leaves more space on the front side 102 for interfaces (for example, two power interfaces for input and

Output of a power converter and/or a signaling interface) for

Furthermore, the plug contacts of the interfaces on the front 102 are spatially decoupled from vibrating fans on the rear 104.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various

Changes may be made and equivalents may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed

embodiments, but includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

LU5041 70

list of reference symbols

Electrical module (state of the art) 10

Signaling interface (state of the art) 11

Stop with module fastening (state of the art) 12

insertion direction (state of the art) 13

Back of the electrical module (state of the art) 14

Rear cabling (state of the art) 15

Handle (state of the art) 16

Work step, for example cabling or testing (state of the art) 18

Cabinet (state of the art) 20

Backplane with power interfaces (state of the art) 21

Front of the cabinet (state of the art) 22

Power interfaces, e.g. sockets (state of the art) 23

Back of the cabinet (state of the art) 24

Power interfaces, e.g. connectors (state of the art) 25

Front door (state of the art) 26 — Rear door (state of the art) 28

Electrical Module 100

First page of the electrical module 102

insertion direction 103

Second side of the electrical module 104

Cable (front wiring) 105

handle 106

Optional guide rail or support surface of the electrical module 107

power interface 108

control unit 109

signaling interface 110

cantilevered bridge 112

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User Interface 114

ventilation opening 116

data interface 118

Cabinet 200

First side of cabinet 202

Second side of the cabinet 204

cover element 206

guide rail of the cabinet 207

Sensor 208

Claims (17)

patent claims 1. Electrical module (100) comprising a first side (102) and a second side (104) opposite the first side (102), wherein the electrical module (100) is installable in a cabinet (200) along an installation direction (103), wherein the installation direction (103) extends from the first side (102) to the second side (104), and wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) comprises at least one electrical power interface (108) and the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) is connection-free. 2. Electrical module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one data interface (118), optionally wherein the at least one data interface (118) is connected or connectable to one or more data interfaces (118) of another electrical module (100) in the cabinet (200). 3. Electrical module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises a web (112) projecting laterally from the electrical module (102) in a transverse direction perpendicular to the installation direction (103) or at least two webs (112) opposite one another in the transverse direction and each projecting laterally from the electrical module (100) with openings which are designed to screw the electrical module (100) to the cabinet (200). 4. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising two guide rails (107) or support surfaces (107) extending in the installation direction (103) which are designed to support the electrical module (100) in the cabinet horizontally and longitudinally movable in the installation direction (103). 5. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises a signaling interface (110) configured to output an acoustic and/or optical signal. 6. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one user interface (114). 7. The electrical module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) further comprises at least one handle (106). 8. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) has ventilation openings (116), wherein the ventilation openings (116) of the first side (102) are in fluid communication with the second side (104) through the electrical module (100), and/or wherein the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) has ventilation openings (116), wherein the ventilation openings (116) of the second side (104) are in fluid communication with the first side (102). 9. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a fan configured to drive an air flow from the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) to the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) and/or to drive an air flow from the second side (104) of the electrical module (100) to the first side (102) of the electrical module (100), optionally wherein the fan is arranged within the module (100) and is arranged adjacent to the second side (104) or closer to the second side (104) than to the first side (102). 10. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one power interface (108) comprises or is connected or connectable to at least one of the following devices: a power supply or an electrical power source; an electrical consumer; a direct current connection; a multi-phase alternating current connection; a built-in socket or a built-in plug; one or more terminals; a battery storage device; and a power interface (108) of a further electrical module (100) in the cabinet (200). 34 / 43 LU504170 11. Electrical module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control unit (109) which comprises or is connected or connectable to at least one of the following devices: one or more sensors; the user interface (114); the power interface (108); the data interface (118); and the signaling interface (110). 12. Electrical cabinet (200) having a first side (202) and a second side (204) opposite the first side (202), wherein the cabinet (200) is designed to accommodate a plurality of electrical modules (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 in a longitudinally movable manner along an installation direction (103), and wherein in the accommodated state the first side (202) of the cabinet (200) faces the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) and the second side (204) of the cabinet (200) faces the second side (104) of the electrical module (100). 13. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 12, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises at least two guide rails (207) extending in the installation direction (103) and adapted to support the at least one electrical module (100) horizontally and longitudinally movable in the installation direction (103). 14. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first side (202) of the cabinet (200) has a first cabinet opening and the electrical cabinet (200) further comprises a cover element (206) by means of which the cabinet opening can be covered in an open state and covered in a closed state. 15. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 14, wherein in the closed state the first side (102) of the electrical module (100) is spaced from the first side (202) of the cabinet (200), and/or wherein the second side (104) of the electrical module (104) is spaced from the second side (204) of the cabinet (200). 16. Electrical cabinet (200) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises a sensor (208) configured to output a signal to a control unit (109) of the electrical module (100), the signal indicating the open and/or closed state of the cabinet opening. 17. Electrical cabinet (200) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the cabinet (200) further comprises at least one power interface which is designed to be connected to at least one power interface (108) of an electrical module (100) and/or a power interface (108) of a power network.