WO2020089533A1

WO2020089533A1 - Auxiliary shunt module for a differential protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2020089533A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/052682
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bastien DOLISY; Arnaud JEHL
Original assignee: Hager-Electro Sas
Priority date: 2018-10-29
Filing date: 2018-10-29
Publication date: 2020-05-07
Also published as: EP3874535A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an auxiliary shunt module (1) for a differential protection device (2), comprising: - a first shunt line (D1) suitable and intended for being connected in parallel to the first line to be protected (L1) of the differential protection device (2), - a first output terminal (20) electrically connected to the first shunt line (D1) downstream thereof, - a second shunt line (D2) suitable and intended for being connected in parallel to the second line to be protected (L2) of the differential protection device (2), - a second output terminal (21) electrically connected to the second shunt line (D2) downstream thereof, the first and second shunt lines (D1, D2) having a discontinuity, - a third pair of contacts electrically connected to the first shunt line (D1) and to the first output terminal (20) upstream thereof into a single first connection node (N1), and, - a fourth pair of contacts electrically connected to the second shunt line (D2) and to the second output terminal (21) upstream thereof into a single second connection node (N2).

Description

Auxiliary bypass module for differential protection device

The present invention relates to the field of differential protection devices, and more particularly to the field of auxiliary bypass modules for differential protection device.

Differential protection devices, such as differential switches, differential circuit breakers and differential blocks, are considered to be ultimate protection devices, in the event of direct or indirect electrification. As such, their proper functioning must be periodically tested, conventionally by means of a test button located on the front of the differential protection device. The differential protection device test aims to verify the entire trip chain, from detecting the fault to cutting off the power supply. In doing so, the power supply to the downstream circuits of the installation, to which the differential protection device is connected, is temporarily interrupted during the test operation.

However, such an interruption in the supply of downstream circuits, however brief, is incompatible with certain types of installations for which continuity of service is essential. Examples of non-limiting examples are hospital installations, data centers, industrial sites, etc. In some cases, the testing of differential protection devices, which in principle should be carried out periodically, is simply not carried out, at the expense of safety.

The publications EP 2 107 662 A2 and EP 1 562 231 A1 already mention such a problem, and thus aim to provide a differential protection device which makes it possible to test its correct operation while continuing to supply the downstream circuits of the installation.

In document EP 2 107 662 A2, it is a question of combining two differential protection devices, a main and a secondary, to do this a series of secondary contacts is added in parallel with the first series of contacts of the main device, and a secondary electrical transformer is also added. Thus, during the test of the main device, the secondary device takes over from the other. In document EP 1 562 231 A1, it is also a question of adding secondary contacts connected in parallel which are controlled by a control unit.

The architectures proposed in these two publications have the disadvantage of requiring the addition of an auxiliary part to each differential protection device, involving numerous additional electronic components. This results in a significant additional cost multiplied by the number of differential protection devices concerned.

The present invention aims in particular to overcome at least some of these drawbacks.

The invention relates to an auxiliary bypass module for a differential protection device,

the differential protection device comprising:

- At least a first line to be protected, disposed between a first suitable upstream connection terminal and intended to be supplied by an electrical network and a first downstream connection terminal, said first line to be protected comprising a first pair of contacts comprising a first contact fixed and a first movable contact which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- at least a second line to be protected, disposed between a second suitable upstream connection terminal and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a second downstream connection terminal, said second line to be protected comprising a second pair of contacts comprising a second contact fixed and a second movable contact which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- a first mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the first and second pairs of contacts,

a differential trip device comprising a differential current detector and an actuator controlled by the differential current detector and being configured to control the first control mechanism, so as to switch at least the first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device of the closed position to the open position, in the event of a differential current,

- a test circuit, connected in parallel, on the one hand, to the first line to be protected by a first connection point located upstream of the differential current detector and, on the other hand, to the second line to be protected by a second connection point located downstream of differential current detector, the test circuit comprising a resistor and a test button interconnected in series, the test button being configured to be operable, so as to close the test circuit and to generate a differential fault current through the resistance,

the auxiliary bypass module is characterized in that it comprises:

at least one first branch line suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the first line to be protected by the differential protection device, on the one hand, upstream of the first upstream connection terminal and, on the other hand, downstream of the first downstream connection terminal,

- at least one first output terminal adapted and intended to be connected to at least one load, and electrically connected to the first branch line downstream thereof,

at least one second branch line suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the second line to be protected from the differential protection device, on the one hand, upstream of the second upstream connection terminal and, on the other hand, downstream of the second downstream connection terminal,

at least one second suitable output terminal intended to be connected to said at least one load, and electrically connected to the second branch line downstream thereof,

the first branch line comprising a first discontinuity,

the second branch line comprising a second discontinuity,

- at least a third pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the first downstream connection terminal of the differential protection device and being electrically connected to the first branch line and to the first output terminal upstream of that -this in a single first connection node, and,

- at least a fourth pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the second downstream connection terminal of the differential protection device and being electrically connected to the second branch line and to the second output terminal upstream of that - this in a single second connection node. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an auxiliary bypass module and a differential protection device, the differential protection device comprising:

- At least a first line to be protected disposed between a first suitable upstream connection terminal and intended to be supplied by an electrical network and a first downstream connection terminal, said first line to be protected comprising a first pair of contacts comprising a first fixed contact and a first movable contact which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- a differential trip device comprising a differential current detector and an actuator controlled by the differential current detector and being configured to control the control mechanism, so as to switch at least the first and second pairs of contacts from the closed position to the position open, in the event of a differential current,

- a test circuit, connected in parallel, on the one hand, to the first line to be protected by a first connection point located upstream of the differential current detector and, on the other hand, to the second line to be protected by a second connection point located downstream of the differential current detector, the test circuit comprising a resistor and a test button interconnected in series, the test button being configured to be actuable, so as to close the test circuit and generate a differential fault current across the resistor,

said assembly is characterized in that the auxiliary bypass module is according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a method for testing a differential protection device associated with an auxiliary bypass module according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a step of normal operation, during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device are in a closed position, said at least first bypass line of the auxiliary bypass module is open and has a first discontinuity and said at least second branch line of the auxiliary branch module is open and has a second discontinuity and said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary branch module are in a closed position,

a step of connecting a branch unit, during which the branch unit is connected to said at least first and second branch lines, so as to close the first discontinuity of the first branch line and the second discontinuity of the second branch line,

- a step of isolating the differential protection device, during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module switch from the closed position to the open position,

- a step of testing the differential protection device, during which the test button of the differential protection device is pressed,

a step of verifying the triggering of the differential protection device, consisting in verifying that said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device switch from the closed position to the open position following the step of testing the differential protection device,

a step for resetting the differential protection device, during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device switch from the open position to the closed position,

a step of reconnecting the differential protection device, during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module switch from the open position to the closed position,

a step of disconnecting the bypass unit, during which the bypass unit is disconnected from said at least first and second bypass lines, so as to open the first discontinuity of the first branch line and the second discontinuity of the second branch line.

The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an auxiliary module according to the invention, the contacts of which are in the closed position, which is associated with a differential protection device according to the invention, the contacts of which are in the closed position,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an auxiliary module according to the invention, the contacts of which are in the closed position, comprising a bypass unit, which is associated with a differential protection device according to the invention, the contacts of which are in closed position, Figure 3 is a schematic view of an auxiliary module according to the invention, the contacts of which are in the open position, comprising a bypass unit, which is associated with a differential protection device according to the invention, the contacts are in the closed position, FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an auxiliary module according to the invention, the contacts of which are in the open position, comprising a bypass unit, which is associated with a differential protection device according to the invention , the contacts of which are in the open position, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the test method according to the invention of a protective device differential tion associated with an auxiliary bypass module according to the invention.

The present invention relates to an auxiliary bypass module 1 for differential protection device 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the differential protection device 2 comprises:

- At least a first line to protect LL, disposed between a first upstream connection terminal 3 suitable and intended to be supplied by an electrical network and a first downstream connection terminal 4, said first line to protect LL comprising a first pair of contacts comprising a first fixed contact 5 and a first movable contact 6 which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

at least one second line to be protected L2, disposed between a second upstream connection terminal 7 suitable and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a second downstream connection terminal 8, said second line to be protected L2 comprising a second pair of contacts comprising a second fixed contact 9 and a second movable contact 10 which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- a first control mechanism 11, 11 ′ for the opening and closing of the first and second pairs of contacts,

a differential trip device 12 comprising a differential current detector 13 and an actuator 14 controlled by the differential current detector 13 and being configured to control the first control mechanism 11, so as to switch at least the first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device 2 from the closed position to the open position, in the event of a differential current,

a test circuit 15, connected in parallel, on the one hand, to the first line to be protected L1 by a first connection point 16 located upstream of the differential current detector 13 and, on the other hand, to the second line to protect L2 by a second connection point 17 located downstream from the differential current detector 13, the test circuit 15 comprising a resistor 18 and a test button 19 connected together in series, the test button 19 being configured to be actuable, so as to close the test circuit 15 and to generate a differential fault current through the resistor 18.

In accordance with the invention and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the auxiliary bypass module 1 is characterized in that it comprises:

- At least one first branch line Dl suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the first line to be protected Ll of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, upstream of the first upstream connection terminal 3 and, on the other hand, downstream of the first downstream connection terminal 4,

at least one first output terminal 20 suitable and intended to be connected to at least one load, and electrically connected to the first branch line Dl downstream thereof,

- At least one second branch line D2 suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the second line to be protected L2 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, upstream of the second upstream connection terminal 7 and, on the other hand, downstream of the second downstream connection terminal 8,

at least one second output terminal 21 suitable and intended to be connected to said at least one load, and electrically connected to the second branch line D2 downstream thereof,

the first branch line Dl comprising a first discontinuity,

the second branch line D2 comprising a second discontinuity,

- At least a third pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the first downstream connection terminal 4 of the differential protection device 2 and being electrically connected to the first branch line Dl and to the first output terminal 20 upstream of the latter in a single first connection node Nl, and,

- At least a fourth pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the second downstream connection terminal 8 of the differential protection device 2 and being electrically connected to the second branch line D2 and to the second output terminal 21 upstream of this in a single second N2 connection node.

Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in so-called normal operation of the differential protection device 2, that is to say when said at least first and second pairs of contacts are in the closed position, the current can flow in the first line to be protected L1 and in the second line to be protected L2 from the differential protection device 2 from the first and second upstream connection terminals 3, 7 to the first and second downstream connection terminals 4, 8. The auxiliary bypass module 1 a, in this case, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, its say at least third and fourth pairs of contacts in the closed position. Thus, from the first and second downstream connection terminals 4, 8 of the differential protection device 2, the current can flow in the auxiliary bypass module 1 through the third and fourth pairs of contacts in the closed position, then the first and second nodes N1, N2 and finally the first and second output terminals 20, 21. When the first and second output terminals 20, 21 are connected to downstream circuits, for example to at least one load, this is advantageously supplied at the output of the auxiliary bypass module 1. As a result, in this configuration, the differential protection device 2 performs its function of protection against fault currents and the auxiliary bypass module 1 makes it possible to ensure the continuity of the power supply to the downstream circuits. When a test of the differential protection device 2 is envisaged, the first and second discontinuities of the first and second branch lines D1, D2 are closed (FIG. 2), for example by means of the branch unit 35 described below , and said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts are switched from the closed position (FIG. 2) to the open position (FIG. 3). In this way, part of the current upstream of the first and second upstream connection terminals 3, 7 can be diverted to the first and second branch lines Dl, D2, up to the first and second output terminals 20, 21 of the module auxiliary bypass 1. When the first and second output terminals 20, 21 are connected to the downstream circuits, for example to at least one load, the latter is advantageously supplied at the output of the auxiliary bypass module 1. As a result, in this configuration, the auxiliary bypass module 1 ensures continuity of the electrical supply to the downstream circuits. Furthermore, the differential protection device 2 is advantageously isolated from the downstream circuits. When a test of the differential protection device 2 is carried out, the test button 19 is actuated, which causes the test circuit 15 to close (FIG. 4). A differential fault current can thus be generated through the resistor 18. Since the differential protection device 2 is advantageously isolated, only the test current can be detected by the differential current detector 13. Consequently, when the first and second output terminals 20, 21 are connected to the downstream circuits, for example to at least one load, this is supplied at the output of the auxiliary bypass module 1, during the test of the differential protection device 2. Continuity of service can be guaranteed during the test of the differential protection device 2. At the end of the test of the differential protection device 2, and in the event that a trip has taken place, the latter can be reset and said at least first and second pairs can be switched from the open position to the closed position. Said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts are then switched from the open position to the closed position and the first and second discontinuities of the first and second branch lines D1, D2 can be reopened, for example by disconnecting the branch unit 35.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first branch line Dl is configured to be connected in parallel with the first line to be protected Ll of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, by a third connection point 22 suitable and intended to be connected upstream of the first upstream connection terminal 3 and, on the other hand, by a fourth connection point 23 suitable and intended to be connected downstream of the first downstream connection terminal 4. The fourth connection point 23 that includes the auxiliary bypass module 1 forms the single first connection node Nl and is electrically connected to the first output terminal 20. In addition, the second bypass line D2 is configured to be connected in parallel with the second line to be protected L2 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, by a fifth connection point 24 suitable and intended for be connected upstream of the second upstream connection terminal 7 and, on the other hand, by a sixth connection point 25 suitable and intended to be connected downstream of the second downstream connection terminal 8. The sixth connection point 25 that comprises the auxiliary bypass module 1 forms the single second connection node N2 and is electrically connected to the second output terminal 21.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first branch line D1 comprises a pair of first connection points respectively upstream and downstream 26, 27 forming the first discontinuity in the first branch line D1. In addition, the second branch line D2 comprises a pair of second connection points respectively upstream and downstream 28, 29 forming the second discontinuity in the second branch line D2. The first upstream connection point 26 is configured to be electrically connected to the third connection point 22 and the first downstream connection point 27 is electrically connected to the fourth connection point 23. The second upstream connection point 28 is configured to be electrically connected at the fifth connection point 24 and the second downstream connection point 29 is electrically connected to the sixth connection point 25.

Advantageously, the pair of first connection points respectively upstream and downstream 26, 27 and the pair of second connection points respectively upstream and downstream 28, 29 allow a fast closing / opening of the first and second discontinuities, for example using the bypass unit 35 described below. In this case, the bypass unit 35 is preferably compatible and configured to allow connection with these first and second upstream and downstream connection points 26, 27, 28, 29. The first and second upstream and downstream connection points 26, 27, 28, 29 may each consist of connection means of the connection terminal or contact or connector type or a plug-in connector or the like.

Preferably, the third pair of contacts has a third fixed contact 30 and a third movable contact 31, and is electrically connected to the fourth connection point 23. In addition, the fourth pair of contacts has a fourth fixed contact 32 and a fourth movable contact 33, and is electrically connected to the sixth connection point 25.

Preferably, the auxiliary bypass module 1 comprises a second control mechanism 34 for the opening or closing of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts.

Advantageously, this second control mechanism 34 makes it possible to control the opening or closing of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts. This second control mechanism 34 can be mechanical or electromechanical or electronic. For example, an actuating member provided on the front of the auxiliary bypass module 1 associated with a mechanical and / or electromechanical and / or electronic system, itself associated with said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts, can form such a mechanism. 34.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the auxiliary bypass module 1 comprises a bypass unit 35 configured to close at least the first discontinuity of the first branch line D1 and to close at least the second discontinuity of the second branch line D2.

Advantageously, the fact of providing a bypass unit 35 makes it possible to lighten the auxiliary bypass module 1 in terms of functions performed by the latter. As a result, the auxiliary bypass module 1 is less costly in development and in production. This bypass unit 35 makes it possible to establish only when necessary, that is to say for the purpose of testing the differential protection device 2, at least, on the one hand, a first bridge between the first connection points respectively upstream and downstream 26, 27 and, on the other hand, a second bridge between the second connection points respectively upstream and downstream 28, 29.

Preferably, the branch unit 35 comprises first electrical conduction means 36 electrically connecting the first upstream connection point 26 and the first downstream connection point 27, so as to close the first discontinuity of the first branch line D1 and second electrical conduction means 37 electrically connecting the second upstream connection point 28 and the second downstream connection point 29, so as to close the second discontinuity of the second branch line D2.

These first electrical conduction means 36 and these second electrical conduction means 37 may each consist of an electrical cable or the like.

These first electrical conduction means 36 and these second electrical conduction means 37 may each be provided with a pair of connection means, of the connection terminal or contact type or connector or connector or plug-in connector or the like, configured to allow rapid connection. respectively with the first upstream and downstream connection points 26, 27 and with the second upstream and downstream connection points 28, 29.

According to a possibility not illustrated, the bypass unit 35 may include a differential protection unit (not shown).

Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to guarantee the protection of the circuits downstream of the auxiliary bypass module 1 against fault currents, during the bypass using the auxiliary bypass module 1 of the differential protection device 2 to be tested.

The bypass unit 35 can be configured to control the second control mechanism 34, so as to control the opening or closing of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts.

This advantageous configuration makes it possible to almost synchronize, or even synchronize the connection of the bypass unit 35, and therefore the closing of said at least first and second discontinuities, with the opening of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts. Thus, the opening of the third and fourth pairs of contacts can be controlled by the connection of the bypass unit 35 at said discontinuities.

By way of nonlimiting example, a first mechanical or electromechanical connection can be provided at the pair of first connection points respectively upstream and downstream 26, 27 and can be associated with the second control mechanism 34 of the third pair of contacts . This first mechanical link can be configured to be actuated when the bypass unit 35 is connected, so as to switch the third pair of contacts from the closed position to the open position. Similarly, a second mechanical connection can be provided at the pair of second connection points respectively upstream and downstream 28, 29 and can be associated with the second control mechanism 34 of the fourth pair of contacts. This second mechanical link can be configured to be actuated when the bypass unit 35 is connected, so as to switch the fourth pair of contacts from the closed position to the open position.

According to another nonlimiting example, the bypass unit 35 may comprise an electronic module (not shown) configured to transmit an electronic command for the opening of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts, preferably via an electrical signal, to the second control mechanism 34 of the auxiliary bypass module 1.

In all cases, the bypass unit 35 may consist of a separate and removable entity from the auxiliary bypass module 1.

Advantageously, the bypass unit 35 can thus be easily transportable. It is possible to have only one bypass unit 35 for testing a large number of differential protection devices 2 each associated with an auxiliary bypass module 1 according to the invention. It is thus possible to envisage making such a bypass unit 35 available to inspection bodies for electrical installations or maintenance services, in particular industrial sites, which will be in charge of carrying out the tests.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an auxiliary bypass module 1 and a differential protection device 2 (Figures 1 to 4).

In such an assembly, the differential protection device 2 comprises: - At least a first line to protect LL, disposed between a first upstream connection terminal 3 suitable and intended to be supplied by an electrical network and a first downstream connection terminal 4, said first line to protect LL comprising a first pair of contacts comprising a first fixed contact 5 and a first movable contact 6 which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- At least one second line to protect L2, disposed between a second upstream connection terminal 7 suitable and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a second downstream connection terminal 8, said second line to protect L2 comprising a second pair of contacts comprising a second fixed contact 9 and a second movable contact 10 which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- a first control mechanism 11, 1 G for the opening and closing of the first and second pairs of contacts,

a differential trip device 12 comprising a differential current detector 13 and an actuator 14 controlled by the differential current detector 13 and being configured to control the control mechanism 11, so as to switch at least the first and second pairs of contacts of the closed position to open position, in the event of a differential current,

According to the invention, said assembly is characterized in that the auxiliary bypass module 1 is according to the invention as described above.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the third pair of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module 1 is electrically connected in series with the first downstream connection terminal 4 of the differential protection device 2. The fourth pair of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module 1 is electrically connected in series with the second downstream connection terminal 8 of the differential protection device 2. The first bypass line Dl is connected in parallel with the first line to be protected Ll of the differential protection device 2, d on the one hand, upstream of the first upstream connection terminal 3 and, on the other hand, downstream of the third pair of contacts. In addition, the second branch line D2 is connected in parallel with the second line to be protected L2 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, upstream of the second upstream connection terminal 7 and, on the other hand, downstream of the fourth pair of contacts.

According to one possibility, the auxiliary bypass module 1 consists of an entity distinct from the differential protection device 2.

Advantageously, in this case the auxiliary bypass module 1 can be attached to a differential protection device 2 existing in an existing installation. The complete replacement of the differential protection device 2 is thus avoided.

According to an alternative possibility, the auxiliary bypass module 1 is integrated into the differential protection device 2, so as to form a one-piece electrical device.

Advantageously, in this case the auxiliary bypass module 1 can be directly integrated into the differential protection device 2 during manufacture. For example, an enclosure may include both the constituent elements of the auxiliary bypass module 1 and of the differential protection device 2. Thus, once the differential protection device 2 installed in the electrical installation, no more direct intervention on the electrical installation is not required.

According to one possibility, said assembly can be in the form of a kit comprising at least one differential protection device 2 and at least one auxiliary bypass module 1 according to the invention, each in the form of a separate entity.

According to another possibility, said assembly can be in the form of a kit comprising at least one differential protection device 2 and at least one auxiliary bypass module 1 and a single bypass unit 35 according to the invention, each under the as a separate entity. In all cases, the differential protection device 2 can consist of a differential switch or a differential circuit breaker or a differential block.

The differential protection device can only comprise two lines to be protected, namely a first line to be protected L1 and a second line to be protected L2.

The differential protection device can also be multipolar and include more than two lines to protect L1, L2, L3, L4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the differential device can be four-pole and include a first line to protect L1, a second line to protect L2, a third line to protect L3 and a fourth line to protect L4.

The third line to be protected L3 is disposed between a third upstream connection terminal 38 suitable and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a third downstream connection terminal 39. The third line to be protected L3 comprises a fifth pair of contacts comprising a fifth fixed contact 40 and a fifth movable contact 41 which is movable between an open position and a closed position.

The fourth line to be protected L4 is arranged between a fourth upstream connection terminal 42 suitable and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a fourth downstream connection terminal 43. The fourth line to be protected L4 comprises a sixth pair of contacts comprising a sixth fixed contact 44 and a sixth movable contact 45 which is movable between an open position and a closed position.

In this case, the auxiliary bypass module 1 for four-pole differential protection device 2 may include, in addition to what has been described above:

a third branch line D3 suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the third line to be protected L3 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, upstream of the third upstream connection terminal 38 and, on the other hand , downstream of the third downstream connection terminal 39,

a third output terminal 46 suitable and intended to be connected to said at least one load, and electrically connected to the third branch line D3 downstream thereof,

- a fourth branch line D4 suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the fourth line to be protected L4 of the device differential protection 2, on the one hand, upstream of the fourth upstream connection terminal 42 and, on the other hand, downstream of the fourth downstream connection terminal 43,

a fourth output terminal 47 suitable and intended to be connected to said at least one load, and electrically connected to the fourth branch line D4 downstream thereof,

the third branch line D3 comprising a third discontinuity,

the fourth branch line D4 comprising a fourth discontinuity,

a seventh pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the third downstream connection terminal 39 of the differential protection device 2 and being electrically connected to the third branch line D3 and to the third output terminal 46 upstream from it into a single third connection node N3, and,

an eighth pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the fourth downstream connection terminal 43 of the differential protection device 2 and being electrically connected to the fourth branch line D4 and to the fourth output terminal 47 upstream from it into a single fourth connection node N4.

The third branch line D3 is configured to be connected in parallel with the third line to be protected L3 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, by a seventh connection point 48 suitable and intended to be connected upstream of the third upstream connection terminal 38 and, on the other hand, by an eighth connection point 49 suitable and intended to be connected downstream of the third downstream connection terminal 39.

The fourth branch line D4 is configured to be connected in parallel with the fourth line to be protected L4 of the differential protection device 2, on the one hand, by a ninth connection point 50 suitable and intended to be connected upstream of the fourth upstream connection terminal 42 and, on the other hand, by a tenth connection point 51 suitable and intended to be connected downstream of the fourth downstream connection terminal 43.

This eighth connection point 49 can form the third node N3 and this tenth connection point 51 can form the fourth node N4. These eighth and tenth connection points 49, 51 are configured similarly to the connection points 23, 25 described above.

The third branch line D3 comprises a pair of third connection points respectively upstream and downstream 52, 53 forming the third discontinuity in the third branch line D3. In addition, the fourth branch line D4 comprises a pair of fourth connection points respectively upstream and downstream 54, 55 forming the fourth discontinuity in the fourth branch line D4. The pairs of third and fourth connection points respectively upstream and downstream 52, 53, 54, 55 have configurations similar to those of the pairs of first and second connection points respectively upstream and downstream 26, 27, 28, 29 described above.

Preferably, the seventh pair of contacts includes a seventh fixed contact 56 and a seventh movable contact 57, and is electrically connected to the eighth connection point 49.

In addition, the eighth pair of contacts preferably comprises an eighth fixed contact 58 and an eighth movable contact 59, and is electrically connected to the tenth connection point 51.

The first, second, third and fourth upstream and downstream connection terminals 3, 7, 38, 42, 4, 8, 39, 43 may be of the cage connection terminal type.

The control mechanism may include a mechanical lock 1 1 and a control handle 1 G well known to those skilled in the art.

The differential current detector 13 can comprise at least one current transformer, for example at least one measurement toroid.

The actuator 14 may consist of an electromagnetic actuator of the relay type or of an electronic actuator of the thyristor type or the like.

The invention also relates to a method for testing a differential protection device 2 associated with an auxiliary bypass module 1 according to the invention as described above. According to the invention and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

a step of normal operation, during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the device differential protection 2 are in a closed position, said at least first branch line D1 of the auxiliary branch module 1 is open and has a first discontinuity and said at least second branch line D2 of the auxiliary branch module 1 is open and has a second discontinuity and said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module 1 are in a closed position (FIG. 1, sequence 0 of FIG. 5),

a step of connecting a branch unit 35, during which the branch unit 35 is connected to said at least first and second branch lines D1, D2, so as to close the first discontinuity of the first branch line Dl and the second discontinuity of the second branch line D2 (FIG. 2, sequence 1 of FIG. 5),

a step of isolating the differential protection device 2, during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module 1 switch from the closed position to the open position (FIGS. 2 and 3, sequence 2 of the figure 5),

a step of testing the differential protection device 2, during which the test button 19 of the differential protection device 2 is actuated (FIG. 4, sequence 3 of FIG. 5),

a step of verifying the triggering of the differential protection device 2, consisting in verifying that said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device 2 switch from the closed position to the open position following the step of test of the differential protection device 2 (FIG. 4, sequence 3 of FIG. 5),

a step for resetting the differential protection device 2, during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device 2 switch from the open position to the closed position (sequence 4 of FIG. 5),

a step of reconnecting the differential protection device 2, during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module 1 switch from the open position to the closed position (sequence 5 of FIG. 5),

a step of disconnecting the bypass unit 35, during which the bypass unit 35 is disconnected from said at least first and second bypass lines D1, D2, so as to open the first discontinuity of the first branch line D1 and the second discontinuity of the second branch line D2 (sequence 6 in FIG. 5).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Auxiliary bypass module (1) for differential protection device (2),

the differential protection device (2) comprising:

- at least a first line to be protected (L1), disposed between a first upstream connection terminal (3) suitable and intended to be supplied by an electrical network and a first downstream connection terminal (4), said first line to be protected ( Ll) comprising a first pair of contacts comprising a first fixed contact (5) and a first movable contact (6) which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- at least a second line to be protected (L2), disposed between a second upstream connection terminal (7) suitable and intended to be supplied by the electrical network and a second downstream connection terminal (8), said second line to be protected ( L2) comprising a second pair of contacts comprising a second fixed contact (9) and a second movable contact (10) which is movable between an open position and a closed position,

- a first control mechanism (11, 1 G) for the opening and closing of the first and second pairs of contacts,

- a differential trip device (12) comprising a differential current detector (13) and an actuator (14) controlled by the differential current detector (13) and being configured to control the first control mechanism (11), so as to toggle at least the first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device (2) from the closed position to the open position, in the event of the occurrence of a differential current,

- a test circuit (15), connected in parallel, on the one hand, to the first line to be protected (Ll) by a first connection point (16) located upstream of the differential current detector (13) and, d secondly, to the second line to be protected (L2) by a second connection point (17) located downstream of the differential current detector (13), the test circuit (15) comprising a resistor (18) and a button test (19) connected together in series, the test button (19) being configured to be operable, so that close the test circuit (15) and generate a differential fault current through the resistor (18),

the auxiliary bypass module (1) is characterized in that it comprises:

- at least a first branch line (Dl) suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the first line to be protected (Ll) of the differential protection device (2), on the one hand, upstream of the first connection terminal upstream (3) and, on the other hand, downstream of the first downstream connection terminal (4),

- at least one first output terminal (20) suitable and intended to be connected to at least one load, and electrically connected to the first branch line (Dl) downstream thereof,

- at least one second branch line (D2) suitable and intended to be connected in parallel with the second line to be protected (L2) of the differential protection device (2), on the one hand, upstream of the second connection terminal upstream (7) and, on the other hand, downstream of the second downstream connection terminal (8),

- at least one second output terminal (21) suitable and intended to be connected to said at least one load, and electrically connected to the second branch line (D2) downstream thereof,

the first branch line (Dl) comprising a first discontinuity,

the second branch line (D2) comprising a second discontinuity,

- at least a third pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the first downstream connection terminal (4) of the differential protection device (2) and being electrically connected to the first branch line (Dl) and to the first output terminal (20) upstream thereof in a single first connection node (Nl), and,

- at least a fourth pair of contacts suitable and intended to be electrically connected in series with the second downstream connection terminal (8) of the differential protection device (2) and being electrically connected to the second branch line (D2) and to the second output terminal (21) upstream thereof in a single second connection node (N2).

2. auxiliary bypass module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first bypass line (Dl) is configured to be connected in parallel with the first line to be protected (Ll) of the differential protection device (2), d ' on the one hand, by a third connection point (22) suitable and intended to be connected upstream of the first upstream connection terminal (3) and, on the other hand, by a fourth connection point (23) suitable and intended for be connected downstream of the first downstream connection terminal (4), the fourth connection point (23) which comprises the auxiliary bypass module (1) forming the single first connection node (Nl) and being electrically connected to the first output terminal (20), and in that the second branch line (D2) is configured to be connected in parallel with the second line to be protected (L2) of the differential protection device (2), on the one hand, published n fifth connection point (24) suitable and intended to be connected upstream of the second upstream connection terminal (7) and, on the other hand, by a sixth connection point (25) suitable and intended to be connected downstream from the second downstream connection terminal (8), the sixth connection point (25) which comprises the auxiliary bypass module (1) forming the single second connection node (N2) and being electrically connected to the second output terminal (21).

3. auxiliary bypass module according to claim 2, characterized in that the first bypass line (Dl) comprises a pair of first connection points respectively upstream and downstream (26, 27) forming the first discontinuity in the first bypass line (Dl), and in that the second branch line (D2) comprises a pair of second connection points respectively upstream and downstream (28, 29) forming the second discontinuity in the second branch line (D2), the first point connection point (26) being configured to be electrically connected to the third connection point (22) and the first downstream connection point (27) being electrically connected to the fourth connection point (23), the second upstream connection point (28 ) being configured to be electrically connected to the fifth connection point (24) and the second downstream connection point (29) being electrically connected to the sixth connection point (24) connection (25).

4. auxiliary bypass module according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the third pair of contacts includes a third fixed contact (30) and a third movable contact (31), and is electrically connected to the fourth connection point (23), and in that the fourth pair of contacts has a fourth fixed contact (32) and a fourth movable contact (33), and is electrically connected to the sixth connection point (25 ).

5. Auxiliary bypass module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a second control mechanism (34) for the opening or closing of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts.

6. auxiliary bypass module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a bypass unit (35) configured to close at least the first discontinuity of the first bypass line (Dl) and for close at least the second discontinuity of the second branch line (D2).

7. auxiliary bypass module according to claim 6 combined with any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the bypass unit (35) comprises first electrical conduction means (36) electrically connecting the first point of upstream connection (26) and the first downstream connection point (27), so as to close the first discontinuity of the first branch line (Dl) and of the second electrical conduction means (37) electrically connecting the second upstream connection point (28) and the second downstream connection point (29), so as to close the second discontinuity of the second branch line (D2).

8. Auxiliary bypass module according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the bypass unit (35) may include a differential protection unit.

9. auxiliary bypass module according to claim 5 combined with any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the bypass unit (35) is configured to control the second control mechanism (34), so as to controlling the opening or closing of said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts.

10. Auxiliary bypass module according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the bypass unit (35) consists of a separate and removable entity from the auxiliary bypass module (1).

11. Assembly comprising an auxiliary bypass module (1) and a differential protection device (2), the differential protection device (2) comprising:

- a differential trip device (12) comprising a differential current detector (13) and an actuator (14) controlled by the differential current detector (13) and being configured to control the control mechanism (11), so as to switch to the minus the first and second pairs of contacts from the closed position to the open position, in the event of a differential current,

- a test circuit (15), connected in parallel, on the one hand, to the first line to be protected (Ll) by a first connection point (16) located upstream of the differential current detector (13) and, d secondly, to the second line to be protected (L2) by a second connection point (17) located downstream of the differential current detector (13), the test circuit (15) comprising a resistor (18) and a button test (19) connected together in series, the test button (19) being configured to be actuable, so as to close the test circuit (15) and generate a differential fault current through the resistor (18),

said assembly is characterized in that the auxiliary bypass module (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The assembly of claim 11, characterized in that the third pair of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module (1) is electrically connected in series with the first downstream connection terminal (4) of the differential protection device (2), in that the fourth pair of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module (1) is electrically connected in series with the second downstream connection terminal (8) of the differential protection device (2), that the first branch line (Dl) is connected in parallel with the first line to be protected (Ll) of the differential protection device (2), on the one hand, upstream of the first upstream connection terminal (3) and, on the other hand, downstream of the third pair of contacts, and in that the second branch line (D2) is connected in parallel with the second line to be protected (L2) of the differential protection device (2), d ' on the one hand, upstream of the second upstream connection terminal (7) and, on the other hand, downstream of the fourth pair of contacts.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the auxiliary bypass module (1) consists of a separate entity from the differential protection device (2).

14. An assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the auxiliary bypass module (1) is integrated with the differential protection device (2), so as to form a one-piece electrical device.

15. Method for testing a differential protection device (2) associated with an auxiliary bypass module (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- a normal operation step, during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device (2) are in a closed position, said at least first bypass line (Dl) of the auxiliary bypass module (1 ) is open and has a first discontinuity and said at least second branch line (D2) of the auxiliary branch module (1) is open and has a second discontinuity and said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary branch module ( 1) are in a closed position,

- a step of connecting a bypass unit (35), during which the bypass unit (35) is connected to said at least first and second bypass lines (Dl, D2), so as to close the first discontinuity of the first branch line (Dl) and the second discontinuity of the second branch line (D2), a step of isolating the differential protection device (2), during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module (1) switch from the closed position to the open position,

a step of testing the differential protection device (2), during which the test button (19) of the differential protection device (2) is actuated,

a step of verifying the triggering of the differential protection device (2), consisting in verifying that said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device (2) switch from the closed position to the open position following the step of testing the differential protection device (2),

a step for resetting the differential protection device (2), during which said at least first and second pairs of contacts of the differential protection device (2) switch from the open position to the closed position,

a step of reconnecting the differential protection device (2), during which said at least third and fourth pairs of contacts of the auxiliary bypass module (1) switch from the open position to the closed position,

- a step of disconnecting the bypass unit (35), during which the bypass unit (35) is disconnected from said at least first and second bypass lines (Dl, D2), so as to open the first discontinuity of the first branch line (Dl) and the second discontinuity of the second branch line (D2).