WO2022096505A1

WO2022096505A1 - Communication device and electrical apparatus provided with a communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2022096505A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/080512
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ricardo ARRIGONI CARRARE; Puneet Harminder Singh; Eduardo TERZI
Original assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2021-11-03
Publication date: 2022-05-12
Also published as: BR102020022693A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication device (1) associable with an electrical apparatus (10), the communication device (1) comprising a plurality of input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) associated with the electrical apparatus (10), wherein at least one of the input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is suitable for receiving at least one operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus (10), wherein the communication device (1) is furthermore configured to send the operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus (10) to a remote server (RS) by means of a communication protocol (CP), wherein at least one of the input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is a connection port, the connection port being associable with a Rogowski coil (RC).

Description

Description of the patent of invention for "COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH A COMMUNICATION DEVICE" .

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device associable with an electrical apparatus together with an electrical apparatus provided with a communication device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device making use of the concepts of the technology referred to as the Internet of Things (loT) .

[0002] The present invention teaches that the communication device proposed is associable with an electrical apparatus of high or medium tension, such as a transformer.

Description of the state of the art

[0003] Communication devices are usually utilized in the gathering of data connected to the operation of a given apparatus and subsequent dispatch of such data to a remote server (such as a server in the cloud) in order that in this manner such data may be analyzed and processed, in this manner creating better control of the electrical apparatus .

[0004] In the field of application connected with energy systems (such as in the generation, transmission and distribution of energy) the challenge is that such communication devices are associated with electrical apparatuses disposed in locations of difficult access, being subject furthermore to the high values of temperature of the electrical apparatus and susceptible to the high mechanical and electrical loads to which the electrical apparatus is exposed.

[0005] Furthermore, it is important that the costs of maintaining the communication device together with the operation thereof (that is to say, gathering the data and sending them to the remote server) be reduced, otherwise the viability of utilization of such apparatus will be prejudiced.

[0006] It is also indispensable that the communication devices associated with electrical apparatuses be suitable for gathering the operational data of the apparatus and sending them to the remote server in accordance with suitable safety protocols, otherwise the possibility of utilization of the communication device will also be prejudiced.

[0007] It is furthermore important that the association of the communication device with the electrical apparatus may be easily executed, that is to say that the communication device must permit an easy and intuitive association of the electrical apparatus (or with the sensors of the electrical apparatus) such that in this manner the data connected with the operation of the apparatus may be gathered. In this respect there is a requirement from the sector in the sense that the communication devices should not require additional components in order that the association of the device with the apparatus (or with the sensors of the apparatus) may take place .

[0008] In this respect the present state of the art does not reveal a communication device suitable for being associated with an electrical apparatus (such as an electrical apparatus utilized in an energy system) and configured in such manner as to support the mechanical/electrical stresses of the electrical apparatus.

[0009] In addition, in the state of the art a communication device is not found whereof the cost of operation is reduced, furthermore permitting the sending of the data to the cloud in a rapid and secure manner.

[0010] Moreover, there is a lacuna in the state of the art in relation to communication devices of intuitive use, it being the case that the devices currently known are difficult to install and furthermore require additional electri- cal/electronic components in order to render possible the association of the device with the electrical apparatus.

[0011] The present invention has the objective of overcoming the problems encountered in the state of the art by means of a communication device provided with the characteristics set out below.

Brief description of the invention

[0012] A communication device associable with an electrical apparatus is described, the communication device compris- ing a plurality of input ports associated with the electrical apparatus, wherein at least one of the input ports is suitable for receiving at least one operational datum of the electrical apparatus, wherein the communication device is additionally configured to send the operational datum of the electrical apparatus to a remote server by means of a communication protocol, wherein at least one of the input ports is a connection port, the connection port being associable with a Rogowski coil.

[0013] The present invention furthermore describes an electrical apparatus provided with the aforementioned communication device.

Summary description of the drawings

[0014] The present invention shall be described in greater detail below, based upon an example of embodiment illustrated in the drawings. The figures show: figure 1, a representation of a possible manner of association between the communication device and an electrical apparatus, figure 2, an alternative representation of a possible manner of association between the communication device and an electrical apparatus, figure 3, a highlighted representation of the communication device proposed in the present invention, figure 4, a schematic diagram representing the connection of the Rogowski coil to the communication device proposed in the present invention, figure 5, an additional schematic diagram representing the connection of the Rogowski coil to the communication device proposed in the present invention, figure 6, an electrical apparatus comprising the communication device proposed in the present invention.

Detailed description of the figures

[0015] As may be observed on the basis of figures 1 to 6, the present invention relates to a communication device 1 associable with an electrical apparatus 10. In a valid embodi- ment of the present invention the electrical apparatus 10 suitable for receiving the communication device 1 may be understood to be any electrical apparatus utilized in a system of generation, transmission or distribution of energy. More specifically, the electrical apparatus 10 receiving the communication device 1 may be understood to be any electrical apparatus of medium or high tension. In an even more specific manner, the electrical apparatus 10 may be understood to be a power transformer, as shown in figure 6. An electrical apparatus of medium tension shall be understood as that apparatus operating below 33 kV and above this value* it shall be understood to be an apparatus of high tension.

[0016] The present invention teaches that the communication device 1 is associable with the electrical apparatus 10, it being emphasized that the said manner of association does not represent the essential characteristic of the present invention such that any manner of association known in the state of the art may be utilized.

[0017] In one fully valid manner of association the communication device 1 may be directly associated with the body of the electrical apparatus 10, as illustrated in figures 1 and 6. In an equally valid embodiment, and illustrated in figure 2, the communication device 1 may be disposed in a separate manner from the electrical apparatus 10 such that the association between such elements may be realized by cable or even by means of a wireless connection.

[0018] In summary, the manner of association of the communication device 1 with the electrical apparatus 10 does not represent the essential characteristic of the present invention such that it is solely indispensable that the communication device 1 be suitable for receiving at least one operational datum OP, OP1...OPN from the electrical apparatus 10, as shall be set out more fully below.

[0019] By operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus 10 there shall be understood any datum referring to the operation of the electrical apparatus 10. For example, considering the electrical apparatus 10 as a transformer, it shall be understood that at least the following operational data refer to the operation of the electrical apparatus: current value OP, voltage value OP1, power value OP2, temperature value of the electrical apparatus OP3 (whether of the external or internal portion thereof) , ambient temperature value OP4, oil temperature value OP5, oil level OP6, variation in the oil level at intervals of time OP7 (with reference to possible leaks) , location of the electrical apparatus OP8, time in use OP9, inter alia other operational data.

[0020] It is furthermore understood that the operational data OP, OP1...OPN shall be understood to be any data and/or information referring to the use of the electrical apparatus . Normally such operational data OP, OP1...OPN are obtained from sensors associated with the electrical apparatus 10, however the manner of obtainment of the operational data OP, OP1...OPN does not represent an essential characteristic of the present invention. In one embodiment, and as aforementioned, one of the operational data may refer to the location of the electrical apparatus OP8, the said location being obtained by means of a GPS antenna. It shall furthermore be understood that the communication device 1 comprises a GPS antenna 5, as illustrated in figure 5. The manner of association between the GPS antenna 5 and the communication device 1 does not represent the essential characteristic of the invention. It may furthermore be observed in figure 5 that the communication device also possesses a GSM module 3. The manner of association between the GSM module 3 and the communication device 1 does not represent the essential characteristic of the invention.

[0021] In addition, such sensors may be associated with the electrical apparatus 10 in any manner already known in the state of the art.

[0022] In one embodiment of the communication device 1, object of the present invention, the latter is furthermore provided with a plurality of input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. . . 2N (digital and analogue) associated with the electrical apparatus 10. The statements already made and referring to the manner of association between the communication device 1 and the electrical apparatus 10 are also applicable to the association between the input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. . . 2N and the electrical apparatus 10.

[0023] The input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. . . 2N of the communication device 1 are configured such as to receive the operational data OP, OP1...OPN of the electrical apparatus 10 and to send such operational data OP, OP1...OPN to a remote server RS . In this manner it shall be understood that the communication device 1 permits the communication between the electrical apparatus 10 and remote server RS. In addition, it is emphasized that the remote server RS must be disposed remotely in relation to the electrical apparatus 10 and in relation to the communication device 1. In summary, the remote server RS shall be understood to be a server in the cloud.

[0024] Additionally, and referring to figure 5, the communication device 1 may comprise at least one output port 200 having the purpose of connecting the device to a system of source of supply such as, for example, a 230 V AC/50 Hz source of supply. In one valid embodiment the sensors of the electrical apparatus 10 gathering the operational data may also be associated with a system of source of energy and by means of an output port 200.

[0025] The sending of the operational data OP, OP1...OPN from the communication device 1 to the remote server RS occurs by means of a communication protocol CP, reference being made to at least figures 1 and 2.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention it shall be understood that the aforementioned communication protocol CP is at least one from among a first communication protocol CPI and a second communication protocol CP2, furthermore an important characteristic of the present invention resides in the fact that the aforementioned communication protocol CP may be changed by a user of the communication device 1.

[0027] It shall furthermore be understood that the communication device 1 is configured to change between the first CPI and second CP2 communication protocols by means of instructions from a user. Consequently, the user has the possibility of changing the communication protocol being utilized in the communication between the communication device 1 and the remote server RS .

[ 0028 ] In one embodiment the said change occurs through the interaction of the user with software as sociated with the remote server RS and/or the communication device 1 wherein , interacting with the aforementioned software , the user may a s a consequence change between the communication protocol s CPI and CP2 . It i s emphasized that the said software of the remote server RS doe s not nece s sarily require to be disposed in the same locality as the remote server RS , such that the proposal is fully valid that the said software be remotely disposed in relation to the remote server RS . In one embodiment the said software may be acces sed by any computer , cell phone , tablet and/or equivalent means having acces s to the software of the remote server RS and/or the communication device 1 .

[ 002 9 ] For example , the said software may be acces sed by a management team and/or by a maintenance team of the electrical apparatus 10 . Furthermore , the said management team and/or maintenance team may be disposed in the same locality as the electrical apparatus 10 or may be disposed remotely in relation to the electrical apparatus 10 . It shall furthermore be understood that the said management team and/or maintenance team may change the operation of the device 1 between the first communication protocol CPI and the second communication protocol CP2 .

[ 0030 ] In relation to the first communication protocol CPI and to the second communication protocol CP2 , the present invention teaches that these latter shall be considered, respectively, to be an NB-IoT protocol and a Cat-Mi protocol . Consequently the f irst communication protocol CPI i s an NB- loT protocol and the second communication protocol CP2 is a Cat-Mi protocol .

[ 0031 ] It shall furthermore be understood that the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention is suitable for operation both in the first communication protocol NB-IoT and in the second communication protocol Cat-Mi . More specifically, the communication device 1 may operate in both protocols simultaneously or, moreover, operate solely in one of such protocols, selection thereof being realized by the user by means of interaction with the software of the remote server RS and/or of the communication device 1, as aforementioned .

[0032] The importance of having a communication device 1 provided with the communication protocols NB-IoT and Cat-Mi, furthermore permitting that the user may change the operation of the device 1 between such protocols, resides in the fact that by means of this option the user may operate the device based upon the communication networks most utilized worldwide .

[0033] Making reference to at least figures 1 to 5, an important characteristic of the present invention is connected with the plurality of input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of the communication device 1.

[0034] In one valid embodiment, not however limiting the present invention, the communication device 1 comprises five input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, reference being made to figures 1 and 2. As previously described, such input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are suitable for receiving the operational data OP, OP1...OPN of the electrical apparatus 10.

[0035] The present invention teaches that at least one of the input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of the communication device 1 is a connection port. A connection port shall be understood to be an input port from the communication device 1 associa- ble with a Rogowski coil RC .

[0036] It shall furthermore be understood that at least one of the input ports 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of the communication device is a port suitable for association with a Rogowski coil RC . More specifically, it shall be understood that the communication device 1 comprises at least one input dedicated and suitable for being associated with a Rogowski coil RC . In one valid embodiment the communication device 1 may comprise two or more connection ports suitable for receiving two or more Rogowski coils RC .

[0037] It is well known that the Rogowski coil RC consists of a toroidal winding without a ferromagnetic nucleus and utilized to measure electrical current. More specifically, the magnetic field induces a voltage in the coil (mV) proportional to the levels of current of the electrical apparatus (such as the levels of current in the primary of the electrical apparatus ) .

[0038] In other words, the current induces a voltage in the coil (mV) and this signal must pass to an additional integrator to convert the signal into 4 - 20 mA (input which the communication device is capable of reading) . In the state of the art, the Rogowski coil is installed around the conductor and an external integrator is required to be connected to a communication device. This integrator is an additional part which is required to be mounted upon a power transformer (electrical apparatus) , adding more cost and additional connection points at the factories.

[0039] By means of the configuration proposed for the communication device 1, the present invention proposes that the Rogowski coil RC be directly connected to the connection port, that is to say that through the proposed device 1 the utilization of the integrator is not necessary, such that the communication device 1 is capable of directly measuring and integrating the voltage signal and in this manner obtaining the operational datum related to the current value.

[0040] More specifically, in the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention the processing of the voltage signal is realized internally within the communication device 1 and, more specifically, within the internal circuit board P thereof, in conformity with the illustration in figure 3. It is emphasized that the representation of the internal circuit board P, as illustrated in figure 3, shall not be considered to be a limitative characteristic of the present invention. Additionally, and also as a non-limitative characteristic, it is emphasized that the internal circuit board P comprises a first dimension DI of approximately 80 mm and a second dimension D2 of approximately 122 mm. Clearly such values shall be understood to be merely exemplificative.

[0041] Consequently, the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention comprises at least one input to be associated directly with the Rogowski coil RC, and the said input shall be understood to be a connection port. In one non-limitative embodiment, the input port 2D illustrated in figures 1 to 3 may be understood to be a connection port. It is emphasized that any other input port 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of the communication device 1 may be understood to be the connection port.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram representing the connection of the Rogowski coil RC directly to the connection port 2D of the communication device 1. It shall be understood that the connection port is an input in mV from the communication device 1.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an additional schematic diagram of the connection of the Rogowski coil RC to the connection port 2D wherein, in comparison with figure 4, figure 5 furthermore shows the association of the operational data OP7 and OP5 with the communication device 1.

[0044] In one valid embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 is disposed within a casing (preferentially manufactured in a polymer suitable for UV, high temperatures and extreme environments) , in this manner configuring an area A internal to the casing for the disposition of the circuit board P of the device. The said internal area A is defined by the association of the walls (surfaces) of the casing, such as lateral, inferior, superior, posterior and frontal walls. In a non-limitative description, the casing may be manufactured in Lexan Copolymer EXL9330.

[0045] Consequently, the formation of the casing also delimits an area B external to the casing, wherein the said external area B shall be understood to be the external portion of the communication device 1 and, more specifically, as the external portion of the casing.

[0046] Thus there is delimited a peripheral region between the internal area A and the external area B such that the said peripheral region of the communication device (and consequently of the casing) may be understood to be one of the surfaces of the casing itself. [0047] In this manner, the present invention teaches that at least the connection port (such as the port 2D) is disposed upon the periphery of the casing, that is to say the said connection port 2D is disposed upon one of the walls (surfaces) of the casing, such as the surface S shown in figure 3.

[0048] Consequently, by virtue of the disposition of the connection port 2D directly upon the periphery of the communication device 1, the user of the aforementioned device solely requires to connect the Rogowski coil RC to the connection port 2D and the communication device 1 will indicate the operational datum in relation to the connection port 2D, is to say a value of electrical current connected with the electrical apparatus 10. Consequently, the connection port 2D of the communication device 1 acts as a plug and use port wherein the user is solely required to connect the Rogowski coil RC directly to the connection port 2D and, in this manner, the operational datum OP, OP1...OPN connected with said connection port 2D will be obtained and sent to the remote server RS, in this manner being able to receive the due processing and analysis. It shall furthermore be understood that the Rogowski coil RC is directly associated with the connection port, in other words there is no electrical/electronic apparatus /device between the Rogowski coil RC and the connection port.

[0049] Should it also be desirable, the communication device 1 may be disposed within the interior of an additional casing 30, reference being made to figure 5.

[0050] Consequently, there is proposed a communication device 1 provided with an exclusive connection port for association with a Rogowski coil RC wherein the aforementioned communication device 1 is suitable for operating in at least one from among a first communication protocol CPI and a second communication protocol CP2, such that the communication device 1 is configured to change the operation thereof between the first CPI and second CP2 communication protocols through instructions from a user. Furthermore, the first communica- tion protocol CPI is an NB-IoT protocol and the second communication protocol CP2 is a Cat-Mi protocol.

[0051] Consequently, the present invention relates to a communication device 1 suitable for receiving at least one operational datum OP, OP1...OPN from an electrical apparatus and sending the aforementioned operational datum OP, OP1. . . OPN to a remote server RS by means of a communication protocol. It shall furthermore be understood that the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention is suitable for operating as a gateway of an Internet of Things (loT) network .

[0052] Furthermore, and in congruence with the description previously set out for the communication device 1, the present invention also relates to an electrical apparatus provided with the aforementioned communication device 1. It shall furthermore be understood that the aforementioned electrical apparatus is an apparatus utilized in a system of generation, transmission or distribution of energy. More specifically, the electrical apparatus 10 receiving the communication device 1 may be understood to be any electrical apparatus of medium or high tension. In an even more specific manner, the electrical apparatus 10 may be understood to be a power transformer.

[0053] It is furthermore emphasized that the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention conforms to the standards required for high tension applications, such as the standards IEC/EN 61010-1, IEC/EN 61000-4-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, - 8, -11, -16, -18, IEC/EN 55011, IEC/EN 61000-3-2, -3, IEC/EN 60068-2-1, -78, -30, -14, IEC/EN 60068-2-6, IEC/EN 60255-5. [0054] Additional characteristics of the communication device 1 proposed in the present invention are: input protection circuit having a varistor (metal oxide varistor) , TVS (transient voltage suppressor) diodes for protection against spikes in the AC input, 4 kV insulation between energy networks and chassis, Rogowski coil RC, PtlOO, 4 - 20 mA input interfaces supporting up to 2 kV, it furthermore comprises a Zener diode and TVS diode against spikes in corresponding signals and tested for surge immunity in conformity with IEC/EN 61000-4-5, 4 kV line to earth, 2 kV line to line. [0055] Moreover, the communication device 1 has undergone the following environmental tests: damp heat steady (IEC 60068-2-78) , change of temperature (IEC 60068-2-14) , dry heat (IEC 60068-2-2) , cold (IEC 60068-2-1) , damp heat, cyclic (IEC 60068-2-30) , being designed for rating IP65. The material utilized is ABS-PC, in consequence satisfying the general requirements of UV, resistance to oil, salt fog (in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227) , industry fog (sulfur dioxide in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3231) for external parts. The device operates at between - 40 °C and + 70°C.

[0056] The communication device furthermore satisfies the electrical tests IEC 61000-4-2, -3, -4, -5, -8, -11, -17 and CISPR 11. The device 1 has been designed for rating IK07.

[0057] Consequently, there is proposed a communication device 1 having a direct channel to an input for a Rogowski coil RC (in this manner reducing costs) and offering the selection of differentiated communication technologies for gathering information (NB-IoT and Cat-Mi) , these technologies having lower annual fees in comparison with the 4G technology available .

[0058] An example of preferred embodiment having been described it shall be understood that the scope of the present invention covers other possible variations being limited solely by the content of the claims appended, the possible equivalents being included therein.

Claims

1. A communication device (1) associable with an electrical apparatus (10) , wherein the communication device (1) comprises a plurality of input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) associated with the electrical apparatus (10) , wherein at least one of the input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is suitable to receive at least one operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus (10) , wherein the communication device (1) is furthermore configured to send the operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus (10) to a remote server (RS) by means of a communication protocol (CP) , wherein at least one of the input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 20, 2D) is a connection port, the connection port being associable with a Rogowski coil (RC) .

2. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication protocol is configured as at least one from among a first communication protocol (CPI) and a second communication protocol (CP2) .

3. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communication device (1) is configured to change between the first (CPI) and second (CP2) communication protocols through instructions from a user.

4. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first communication protocol (CPI) is an NB-IoT protocol and the second communication protocol (CP2) is a Cat-Mi protocol.

5. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus (10) is configured as at least one from among a high tension apparatus and a medium tension apparatus.

6. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electrical apparatus (10) is a transformer.

7. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication device (1) comprises five input ports (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) .

8. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operational datum (OP, OP1...OPN) of the electrical apparatus (10) is related to at least one from among: an electrical current value, an oil temperature value, an indication in relation to the occurrence of oil leakage and an indication of the location of the electrical apparatus.

9. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication device (1) is disposed within a casing, wherein at least the connection port (2D) is disposed upon the periphery of the casing.

10. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein within the interior of the casing there is disposed a circuit board (P) of the communication device (1) , the circuit board (P) comprising means to measure and integrate a voltage signal induced in the Rogowski coil (RC) .

11. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the circuit board (P) of the communication device (1) provides the operational datum related to a value of current.

12. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Rogowski coil (RC) is directly associated with the connection port.

13. The communication device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote server (RS) is a server in the cloud.

14. An electrical apparatus (10) wherein it is provided with a communication device (1) , as defined in claim 1.