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EP1681694A1 - Switching device with electronic current limiter - Google Patents

Switching device with electronic current limiter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1681694A1
EP1681694A1 EP06100168A EP06100168A EP1681694A1 EP 1681694 A1 EP1681694 A1 EP 1681694A1 EP 06100168 A EP06100168 A EP 06100168A EP 06100168 A EP06100168 A EP 06100168A EP 1681694 A1 EP1681694 A1 EP 1681694A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
current
limiter
electronic
switch
control means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP06100168A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1681694B1 (en
Inventor
Sébastien c/o Schneider Electric Ind. Carcouet
Thierry c/o Schneider Electric Industries Boudet
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Publication of EP1681694A1 publication Critical patent/EP1681694A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/548—Electromechanical and static switch connected in series
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/0036—Switches making use of microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a current switching device associating at least one current switch and an electronic current limiter.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a current switching device in which the opening or closing of a switch is provided on command without arcing.
  • a current switching device comprising at least one current switch for switching an electric load in an electric power circuit and characterized in that it also comprises an electronic current limiter connected in series with said power switch.
  • current and control means of the electronic current limiter adapted to control the activation or deactivation of the electronic current limiter, these control means being coupled to the current switch so that the control means activate the electronic current limiter to to obtain when switching the switch a current having a value less than or equal to a determined threshold value.
  • control means coordinate the activation or deactivation of the current limiter and the switching of the current switch in order to limit the current to a value less than that of the appearance of an electric arc when the opening or closing the current switch.
  • This coordination is automatically performed by the respective response times of the current limiter and the current switch or by the use of a timer for example integrated in the control means.
  • the timer of the control means is set for a determined duration corresponding to a time interval between the sending of an activation command to the electronic current limiter and the sending of a command. switching to the current switch.
  • a timer using such a timer can also be used to maintain activation of the current limiter until the opening and closing maneuvers are completed because failure to follow this procedure would result in damage. of the current switch.
  • the threshold value is substantially equal to zero.
  • the electronic current limiter is thus used in switch mode.
  • the electronic current limiter is manufactured from a substrate adapted to the power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load.
  • the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon.
  • the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon carbide.
  • Silicon carbide may be preferentially used with silicon if the electronic current limiter is to be integrated in a microsystem and if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac.
  • the electronic current limiter since the electrical circuit is powered by alternating current, the electronic current limiter must be bidirectional in current and voltage. A JFET component which is unidirectional can not be used as such as an electronic current limiter in the device according to the invention. According to the invention, the electronic current limiter therefore has a structure realized for example on the basis of a JFET silicon or silicon carbide to meet the needs of the invention.
  • JFET component In the case where it is desired to use a JFET component without modification, it must be integrated for example in the center of a diode bridge or be associated with another JFET component in parallel and with diodes.
  • the current switch is manufactured according to a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or combination of MEMS and micromechanics).
  • the current switch manufactured using a microsystems type technology and the electronic current limiter made of silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component.
  • the device comprises a plurality of current switches arranged in parallel and coupled to the control means of the electronic current limiter.
  • the current switch provides galvanic isolation and has a low resistance in the on state at rated speed. On the other hand, it is not dimensioned to ensure only the breaking of the nominal current. The use of an electronic current limiter to prevent arcing is required.
  • the invention relates to a device 1 for switching a load C.
  • This switching device 1 uses an electronic current limiter 2 which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc when opening or closing a device.
  • a current switch placed in the power supply electrical circuit of the charge C in alternating current.
  • the current electronic limiter 2 makes it possible to allow the current switch to pass only a current lower than a determined threshold value substantially equal to the current value of the appearance of an electric arc.
  • the contacts of a switch are gold, the current of occurrence of an electric arc is approximately 0.3 ampere. In this case, it will suffice to limit the current to the current switch to a value less than 0.3 amps.
  • the simple limitation of the current to a non-zero value less than the value of occurrence of an electric arc is sufficient when the electrical load to be powered is resistive.
  • the load is inductive, it is necessary to proceed with the blocking of the current electronic limiter 2 in order to completely cut off the current in the electric power circuit and thus avoid overvoltages across the switch when it is opened.
  • the current switching device 1 may comprise on the electric power circuit, one or more switches (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) of current arranged in parallel and put in series with a current electronic limiter 2.
  • the electronic current limiter 2 is placed upstream of the current switches.
  • the electronic current limiter is set to let pass, once activated, a current having a value less than a determined threshold value, substantially equal to that of occurrence of an electric arc in the switch or switches 10 of current with which it is associated.
  • the switching device 1 comprises means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2. These means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2 control the activation or deactivation of the current electronic limiter 2. These control means have the particularity of being coupled to the current switches. Indeed, when a command to open or close the contacts is sent, for example by a user, a signal is received by the control means 20 which before or simultaneously with the transmission of this command to the current switches 10 , send an activation command to the electronic current limiter 2 placed upstream of the current switches. The activation of the current electronic limiter 2 is translated by an increase in its resistance in order to limit the current flowing towards the current switches.
  • the electronic current limiter 2 then limits the current to a value which, depending on the nature of the load, resistive or inductive, is zero or non-zero and in both cases lower than that of appearance of an electric arc in the switches. 10 of current.
  • the sending of the activation command to the current electronic limiter 2 and the sending of the switching command to the current switches 10 may therefore be, in a first variant, simultaneous, or in a second variant, delayed.
  • a delay is used between the sending of the two commands.
  • the switching command is sent to the current switches.
  • the control means may comprise, for example, a timer 200 set for a specified period of time after which they are responsible for sending the switching command to the current switches.
  • the current to the current switches 10 is maintained by the electronic current limiter 2 at a value lower than that of the current of an electric arc. which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc and thus to avoid premature wear of the contacts of the current switches.
  • the control means 20 of the electronic current limiter 2 send a deactivation command to the current electronic limiter 2 in order to deactivate it. This is reflected in the electronic current limiter 2 by a reduction of its electrical resistance and thus by a restoration of the normal current to the current switches.
  • the current switches may be fabricated in a conventional electromechanical type technology. According to an alternative embodiment, these current switches 10 can be manufactured in a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or MEMS association and micromechanics). Current switch contacts manufactured in microsystem type technology have a small surface area and thickness. In order to preserve these contact surfaces, it is therefore essential to make the openings and the closures of the current switches without the appearance of an electric arc.
  • the current electronic limiter 2 is manufactured in a substrate adapted to power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load, and will be example made on a JFET (junction field effect transistor) silicon (Si) or preferably silicon carbide (SiC) if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac and if the electronic current limiter 2 must be integrated into a microsystem.
  • Silicon carbide has the particular advantage of having a small chip size and a low resistance in the on state, which limits heat dissipation. Limiting the heat dissipation in the current electronic limiter 2 is all the more important when the switches are small (for example in MEMS technology) because they exhibit a resistive behavior in the closed state.
  • the electronic current limiter 2 is designed to have a minimum resistance so as not to disturb the flow of current in the load C when the switch 10 is closed.
  • Other materials such as diamond, boron nitride (BN), aluminum nitride (AIN) or gallium nitride (GaN) are also perfectly suited to power electronics.
  • An electronic current limiter 2 of silicon carbide having a surface less than 10 mm 2 is able to limit the current for example to 1/10 th of its nominal value.
  • the electronic current limiter 2 produced for example on the basis of a silicon carbide JFET and one or more current switches manufactured using a microsystem type technology in the same component.
  • control means of the electronic current limiter are able to vary the resistor of the limiter, for example according to a ramp. determined.

Landscapes

  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Tone Control, Compression And Expansion, Limiting Amplitude (AREA)
  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
  • Amplifiers (AREA)

Abstract

The device has an electronic current limiter (2) in series with current switches (10, 10a-10e). An electronic current limiter control unit (20) controls the activation or deactivation of the limiter. The control unit is coupled to the switches such that the control unit activates the limiter in order to obtain a current having a value lower than or equal to a determined threshold value, during the switching of the switches.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commutation de courant associant au moins un commutateur de courant et un limiteur électronique de courant.The present invention relates to a current switching device associating at least one current switch and an electronic current limiter.

Dans le but de préserver les contacts d'un commutateur de courant, Il est connu que, lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture du commutateur de courant, il est nécessaire d'éviter la naissance d'un arc électrique entre les contacts afin de limiter l'usure des contacts du commutateur de courant et d'augmenter par conséquent la durée de vie du dispositif. Il est connu par exemple par le document DE 195 30 494 d'utiliser un limiteur électronique de courant dans un disjoncteur. Dans un disjoncteur, la limitation du courant est réalisée de manière automatique lorsqu'un certain seuil de courant est dépassé. En outre, l'information d'ouverture des contacts du commutateur n'étant pas prévisible, il est impossible de limiter le courant lors de l'ouverture des contacts.In order to preserve the contacts of a current switch, it is known that, when opening or closing the current switch, it is necessary to avoid the birth of an electric arc between the contacts so to limit the wear of the contacts of the current switch and consequently increase the life of the device. It is known for example from DE 195 30 494 to use an electronic current limiter in a circuit breaker. In a circuit breaker, the limitation of the current is carried out automatically when a certain current threshold is exceeded. In addition, the opening information of the switch contacts is not predictable, it is impossible to limit the current when opening contacts.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de commutation de courant dans lequel l'ouverture ou la fermeture d'un commutateur est assurée sur commande sans apparition d'arc électrique.The object of the invention is to provide a current switching device in which the opening or closing of a switch is provided on command without arcing.

Ce but est atteint par un dispositif de commutation de courant comportant au moins un commutateur de courant pour commuter une charge électrique dans un circuit électrique de puissance et caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte également un limiteur électronique de courant mis en série avec ledit commutateur de courant et des moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant aptes à piloter l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur électronique de courant, ces moyens de commande étant couplés au commutateur de courant de sorte que les moyens de commande activent le limiteur électronique de courant afin d'obtenir lors de la commutation du commutateur un courant ayant une valeur inférieure ou égale à une valeur seuil déterminée.This object is achieved by a current switching device comprising at least one current switch for switching an electric load in an electric power circuit and characterized in that it also comprises an electronic current limiter connected in series with said power switch. current and control means of the electronic current limiter adapted to control the activation or deactivation of the electronic current limiter, these control means being coupled to the current switch so that the control means activate the electronic current limiter to to obtain when switching the switch a current having a value less than or equal to a determined threshold value.

Dans le cas d'un contacteur avec limiteur de courant, la commutation est ainsi réalisée une fois que le courant est limité à une valeur inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique. Une fois la commutation effectuée, les moyens de commande désactivent le limiteur électronique de courant ce qui se traduit par une diminution de sa résistance et ce qui permet de rétablir le courant normal dans le circuit électrique. En limitant ainsi le courant, on limite l'usure des contacts du commutateur de courant et on augmente par conséquent la durée de vie du dispositif.In the case of a contactor with current limiter, switching is thus performed once the current is limited to a value less than that of appearance of an electric arc. Once the switching has been effected, the control means deactivate the electronic current limiter which results in a reduction of its resistance and which makes it possible to restore the normal current in the circuit. electrical circuit. By thus limiting the current, it limits the wear of the contacts of the current switch and therefore increases the service life of the device.

Selon l'invention, les moyens de commande coordonnent l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur de courant et la commutation du commutateur de courant afin de limiter le courant à une valeur inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture du commutateur de courant. Cette coordination est selon les cas réalisée automatiquement de par les temps de réponse respectifs du limiteur de courant et du commutateur de courant ou par l'utilisation d'un temporisateur par exemple intégré dans les moyens de commande.According to the invention, the control means coordinate the activation or deactivation of the current limiter and the switching of the current switch in order to limit the current to a value less than that of the appearance of an electric arc when the opening or closing the current switch. This coordination is automatically performed by the respective response times of the current limiter and the current switch or by the use of a timer for example integrated in the control means.

Selon une particularité de l'invention, le temporisateur des moyens de commande est réglé sur une durée déterminée correspondant à un intervalle de temps entre l'envoi d'une commande d'activation au limiteur électronique de courant et l'envoi d'une commande de commutation au commutateur de courant. Une temporisation à l'aide d'un tel temporisateur peut également permettre de maintenir l'activation du limiteur de courant jusqu'à ce que les manoeuvres d'ouverture et de fermeture soient achevées car le non-respect de cette procédure entraînerait l'endommagement du commutateur de courant.According to one particularity of the invention, the timer of the control means is set for a determined duration corresponding to a time interval between the sending of an activation command to the electronic current limiter and the sending of a command. switching to the current switch. A timer using such a timer can also be used to maintain activation of the current limiter until the opening and closing maneuvers are completed because failure to follow this procedure would result in damage. of the current switch.

Selon une autre particularité, la valeur seuil est sensiblement égale à zéro. Le limiteur électronique de courant est ainsi utilisé en mode interrupteur.According to another particularity, the threshold value is substantially equal to zero. The electronic current limiter is thus used in switch mode.

Selon une autre particularité, le limiteur électronique de courant est fabriqué à partir d'un substrat adapté à l'électronique de puissance, c'est-à-dire adapté pour être intégré dans un circuit d'alimentation d'une charge électrique.According to another feature, the electronic current limiter is manufactured from a substrate adapted to the power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load.

Selon une autre particularité, le substrat du limiteur électronique de courant est en silicium.According to another particularity, the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon.

Selon une autre particularité, le substrat du limiteur électronique de courant est en carbure de silicium. Le carbure de silicium pourra être utilisé préférentiellement au silicium si le limiteur électronique de courant doit être intégré dans un microsystème et si la tension nominale est supérieure à 400 Vac.According to another particularity, the substrate of the electronic current limiter is made of silicon carbide. Silicon carbide may be preferentially used with silicon if the electronic current limiter is to be integrated in a microsystem and if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac.

Selon l'invention, étant donné que le circuit électrique est alimenté en courant alternatif, le limiteur électronique de courant doit être bidirectionnel en courant et en tension. Un composant JFET qui est unidirectionnel ne peut donc être utilisé tel quel comme limiteur électronique de courant dans le dispositif selon l'invention. Selon l'invention, le limiteur électronique de courant présente donc une structure réalisée par exemple sur la base d'un JFET en silicium ou en carbure de silicium pour répondre aux besoins de l'invention.According to the invention, since the electrical circuit is powered by alternating current, the electronic current limiter must be bidirectional in current and voltage. A JFET component which is unidirectional can not be used as such as an electronic current limiter in the device according to the invention. According to the invention, the electronic current limiter therefore has a structure realized for example on the basis of a JFET silicon or silicon carbide to meet the needs of the invention.

Dans le cas où on souhaite utiliser un composant JFET sans modification, il doit être intégré par exemple au centre d'un pont de diodes ou être associé à un autre composant JFET en parallèle et à des diodes.In the case where it is desired to use a JFET component without modification, it must be integrated for example in the center of a diode bridge or be associated with another JFET component in parallel and with diodes.

Selon une autre particularité, le commutateur de courant est fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes (micromécanique ou MEMS ou association de MEMS et micromécanique).According to another particularity, the current switch is manufactured according to a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or combination of MEMS and micromechanics).

Selon une autre particularité, le commutateur de courant fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes et le limiteur électronique de courant fabriqué en carbure de silicium sont intégrés dans un seul et même composant.According to another particularity, the current switch manufactured using a microsystems type technology and the electronic current limiter made of silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, le dispositif comporte une pluralité de commutateurs de courant disposée en parallèle et couplée aux moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant.According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of current switches arranged in parallel and coupled to the control means of the electronic current limiter.

Selon une autre particularité, à la fermeture du commutateur de courant, l'utilisation d'un tel limiteur électronique de courant permet également de palier l'inconvénient lié aux rebonds éventuels du commutateur de courant.According to another feature, when the current switch is closed, the use of such an electronic current limiter also makes it possible to overcome the disadvantage related to any bounce of the current switch.

Selon l'invention, le commutateur de courant assure l'isolation galvanique et présente une résistance faible à l'état passant en régime nominal. En revanche, il n'est pas dimensionné pour assurer seul la coupure du courant nominal. L'utilisation d'un limiteur électronique de courant pour éviter l'apparition d'arcs électrique est nécessaire.According to the invention, the current switch provides galvanic isolation and has a low resistance in the on state at rated speed. On the other hand, it is not dimensioned to ensure only the breaking of the nominal current. The use of an electronic current limiter to prevent arcing is required.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages vont apparaître dans la description détaillée qui suit en se référant à un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple et représenté par les dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant plusieurs commutateurs de courant disposés en parallèle.
Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows with reference to an embodiment given by way of example and represented by the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a switching device according to the invention comprising several current switches arranged in parallel.

L'invention porte sur un dispositif 1 de commutation d'une charge C. Ce dispositif 1 de commutation utilise un limiteur électronique 2 de courant permettant d'éviter l'apparition d'un arc électrique lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture d'un commutateur de courant placé dans le circuit électrique de puissance d'alimentation de la charge C en courant alternatif. Ainsi le limiteur électronique 2 de courant permet de ne laisser passer dans le commutateur de courant qu'un courant inférieur à une valeur seuil déterminée sensiblement égale à la valeur de courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique. Lorsque les contacts d'un commutateur sont en or, le courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique est approximativement de 0,3 ampère. Dans ce cas, il suffira donc de limiter le courant à destination du commutateur de courant à une valeur inférieure à 0,3 ampère.The invention relates to a device 1 for switching a load C. This switching device 1 uses an electronic current limiter 2 which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc when opening or closing a device. a current switch placed in the power supply electrical circuit of the charge C in alternating current. Thus, the current electronic limiter 2 makes it possible to allow the current switch to pass only a current lower than a determined threshold value substantially equal to the current value of the appearance of an electric arc. When the contacts of a switch are gold, the current of occurrence of an electric arc is approximately 0.3 ampere. In this case, it will suffice to limit the current to the current switch to a value less than 0.3 amps.

Avant l'ouverture du commutateur, la simple limitation du courant à une valeur non nulle inférieure à la valeur d'apparition d'un arc électrique est suffisante lorsque la charge électrique à alimenter est résistive. En revanche, lorsque la charge est inductive, il est nécessaire de procéder au blocage du limiteur électronique 2 de courant afin de couper complètement le courant dans le circuit électrique de puissance et ainsi éviter les surtensions aux bornes du commutateur lors de son ouverture.Before opening the switch, the simple limitation of the current to a non-zero value less than the value of occurrence of an electric arc is sufficient when the electrical load to be powered is resistive. On the other hand, when the load is inductive, it is necessary to proceed with the blocking of the current electronic limiter 2 in order to completely cut off the current in the electric power circuit and thus avoid overvoltages across the switch when it is opened.

Le dispositif 1 de commutation de courant peut comporter sur le circuit électrique de puissance, un ou plusieurs commutateurs (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) de courant disposés en parallèle et mis en série avec un limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Dans le circuit électrique de puissance, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est placé en amont des commutateurs 10 de courant. Le limiteur électronique de courant est réglé de manière à ne laisser passer, une fois activé, qu'un courant ayant une valeur inférieure à une valeur seuil déterminée, sensiblement égale à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique dans le ou les commutateurs 10 de courant auquel il est associé.The current switching device 1 may comprise on the electric power circuit, one or more switches (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) of current arranged in parallel and put in series with a current electronic limiter 2. In the power circuit, the electronic current limiter 2 is placed upstream of the current switches. The electronic current limiter is set to let pass, once activated, a current having a value less than a determined threshold value, substantially equal to that of occurrence of an electric arc in the switch or switches 10 of current with which it is associated.

Le dispositif 1 de commutation comporte des moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Ces moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant pilotent l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Ces moyens 20 de commande ont la particularité d'être couplés aux commutateurs 10 de courant. En effet, lorsqu'une commande d'ouverture ou de fermeture des contacts est envoyée, par exemple par un utilisateur, un signal est reçu par les moyens 20 de commande qui avant ou simultanément à la transmission de cette commande vers les commutateurs 10 de courant, envoient une commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant placé en amont des commutateurs 10 de courant. L'activation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant se traduit par une augmentation de sa résistance afin de limiter le courant circulant en direction des commutateurs 10 de courant. Le limiteur électronique 2 de courant limite alors le courant à une valeur qui, selon la nature de la charge, résistive ou inductive, est nulle ou non nulle et dans les deux cas inférieure à celle d'apparition d'un arc électrique dans les commutateurs 10 de courant. Selon les cas, l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant et l'envoi de la commande de commutation aux commutateurs 10 de courant peuvent donc être, dans une première variante, simultanés, ou dans une seconde variante, différés.The switching device 1 comprises means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2. These means 20 for controlling the current electronic limiter 2 control the activation or deactivation of the current electronic limiter 2. These control means have the particularity of being coupled to the current switches. Indeed, when a command to open or close the contacts is sent, for example by a user, a signal is received by the control means 20 which before or simultaneously with the transmission of this command to the current switches 10 , send an activation command to the electronic current limiter 2 placed upstream of the current switches. The activation of the current electronic limiter 2 is translated by an increase in its resistance in order to limit the current flowing towards the current switches. The electronic current limiter 2 then limits the current to a value which, depending on the nature of the load, resistive or inductive, is zero or non-zero and in both cases lower than that of appearance of an electric arc in the switches. 10 of current. Depending on the case, the sending of the activation command to the current electronic limiter 2 and the sending of the switching command to the current switches 10 may therefore be, in a first variant, simultaneous, or in a second variant, delayed.

Dans la première variante où l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant est simultané à l'envoi de la commande de commutation au commutateur 10 de courant, ce sont les temps de réponse respectifs entre les commutateurs 10 de courant et le limiteur électronique 2 de courant qui permettent d'obtenir une limitation du courant lors de la commutation. Le temps de réponse des commutateurs 10 de courant est alors inférieur au temps de réponse du limiteur électronique 2 de courant. L'activation du limiteur électronique 2 de courant s'effectue donc avant la commutation des commutateurs 10 de courant.In the first variant where the sending of the activation command to the electronic current limiter 2 is simultaneous with the sending of the switching command to the current switch 10, these are the respective response times between the current switches 10. and the electronic current limiter 2 which make it possible to obtain current limitation during switching. The response time of the current switches 10 is then less than the response time of the electronic current limiter 2. Activation of the current electronic limiter 2 is therefore performed before the switching of the current switches 10.

Dans la seconde variante, on utilise une temporisation entre l'envoi des deux commandes. Après l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant et après une durée déterminée, la commande de commutation est envoyée aux commutateurs 10 de courant. Les moyens 20 de commande peuvent comporter par exemple un temporisateur 200 réglé sur une durée déterminée après laquelle ils sont chargés d'envoyer la commande de commutation aux commutateurs 10 de courant. Lors de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture des commutateurs 10 de courant, le courant à destination des commutateurs 10 de courant est maintenu par le limiteur électronique 2 de courant à une valeur inférieure à celle du courant d'apparition d'un arc électrique ce qui permet d'éviter l'apparition d'un arc électrique et donc d'éviter l'usure prématurée des contacts des commutateurs 10 de courant. Ensuite, après l'écoulement d'une durée déterminée, correspondant par exemple à la durée d'ouverture ou de fermeture des commutateurs 10 de courant, réglée par exemple dans le temporisateur 200, les moyens 20 de commande du limiteur électronique 2 de courant envoient une commande de désactivation au limiteur électronique 2 de courant afin de le désactiver. Cela se traduit au niveau du limiteur électronique 2 de courant par une réduction de sa résistance électrique et donc par un rétablissement du courant normal à destination des commutateurs 10 de courant.In the second variant, a delay is used between the sending of the two commands. After the activation command is sent to the current electronic limiter 2 and after a determined period of time, the switching command is sent to the current switches. The control means may comprise, for example, a timer 200 set for a specified period of time after which they are responsible for sending the switching command to the current switches. When the current switches are opened or closed, the current to the current switches 10 is maintained by the electronic current limiter 2 at a value lower than that of the current of an electric arc. which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc and thus to avoid premature wear of the contacts of the current switches. Then, after the lapse of a predetermined period, corresponding, for example, to the duration of the opening or closing of the current switches, set for example in the timer 200, the control means 20 of the electronic current limiter 2 send a deactivation command to the current electronic limiter 2 in order to deactivate it. This is reflected in the electronic current limiter 2 by a reduction of its electrical resistance and thus by a restoration of the normal current to the current switches.

Les commutateurs 10 de courant peuvent être fabriqués dans une technologie de type électromécanique classique. Selon une variante de réalisation, ces commutateurs 10 de courant pourront être fabriqués dans une technologie de type microsystèmes (micromécanique ou MEMS ou association de MEMS et micromécanique). Les contacts des commutateurs 10 de courant fabriqués dans une technologie de type microsystèmes ont une surface et une épaisseur faible. Afin de préserver ces surfaces de contact, il est donc indispensable de réaliser les ouvertures et les fermetures des commutateurs de courant sans l'apparition d'arc électrique.The current switches may be fabricated in a conventional electromechanical type technology. According to an alternative embodiment, these current switches 10 can be manufactured in a microsystems type of technology (micromechanical or MEMS or MEMS association and micromechanics). Current switch contacts manufactured in microsystem type technology have a small surface area and thickness. In order to preserve these contact surfaces, it is therefore essential to make the openings and the closures of the current switches without the appearance of an electric arc.

Selon l'invention, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est fabriqué dans un substrat adapté à l'électronique de puissance, c'est-à-dire adapté pour être intégré dans un circuit d'alimentation d'une charge électrique, et sera par exemple réalisé sur la base d'un JFET (Transistor à effet de champ à jonction) en silicium (Si) ou préférentiellement en carbure de silicium (SiC) si la tension nominale est supérieure à 400 Vac et si le limiteur électronique de courant 2 doit être intégré dans un microsystème. Le carbure de silicium présente notamment l'avantage de disposer d'une faible taille de puce et d'une résistance faible à l'état passant, ce qui permet de limiter les dissipations thermiques. Limiter les dissipations thermiques dans le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est d'autant plus important lorsque les commutateurs sont de petite taille (par exemple en technologie MEMS), car ceux-ci présentent un comportement résistif à l'état fermé. Une fois désactivé, le limiteur électronique 2 de courant est conçu pour avoir une résistance minimale de façon à ne pas perturber le passage du courant dans la charge C lorsque le commutateur 10 est fermé. D'autres matériaux comme le diamant, le nitrure de bore (BN), le nitrure d'aluminium (AIN) ou le nitrure de gallium (GaN) sont également parfaitement adaptés à l'électronique de puissance.According to the invention, the current electronic limiter 2 is manufactured in a substrate adapted to power electronics, that is to say adapted to be integrated in a power supply circuit of an electric load, and will be example made on a JFET (junction field effect transistor) silicon (Si) or preferably silicon carbide (SiC) if the nominal voltage is greater than 400 Vac and if the electronic current limiter 2 must be integrated into a microsystem. Silicon carbide has the particular advantage of having a small chip size and a low resistance in the on state, which limits heat dissipation. Limiting the heat dissipation in the current electronic limiter 2 is all the more important when the switches are small (for example in MEMS technology) because they exhibit a resistive behavior in the closed state. Once deactivated, the electronic current limiter 2 is designed to have a minimum resistance so as not to disturb the flow of current in the load C when the switch 10 is closed. Other materials such as diamond, boron nitride (BN), aluminum nitride (AIN) or gallium nitride (GaN) are also perfectly suited to power electronics.

Un limiteur électronique 2 de courant en carbure de silicium présentant une surface inférieure à 10 mm2 est apte à limiter le courant par exemple à 1/10ème de sa valeur nominale.An electronic current limiter 2 of silicon carbide having a surface less than 10 mm 2 is able to limit the current for example to 1/10 th of its nominal value.

Un limiteur de courant réalisé en carbure de silicium, par exemple sur la base d'un JFET, présente par exemple les spécifications électriques suivantes :

  • Tension nominale = 400 Vac
  • Intensité nominale = 2 Arms
  • Résistance du limiteur Rp à l'état passant, c'est-à-dire désactivé < à 100 mΩ
  • Surface du composant limiteur de courant en SiC < 10 mm2.
A current limiter made of silicon carbide, for example on the basis of a JFET, has for example the following electrical specifications:
  • Rated voltage = 400 Vac
  • Rated intensity = 2 Arms
  • Resistor Rp resistance in the on state, ie off <at 100 mΩ
  • Surface of current limiting component in SiC <10 mm 2 .

A partir de cet exemple, pour obtenir une valeur seuil déterminée égale, par exemple à 0,2 A (pour des contacts en or), la résistance Rb du limiteur activé devra donc être d'au moins 2800 Ω (400√2/0,2 = 2828 Ω).From this example, to obtain a determined threshold value equal, for example to 0.2 A (for gold contacts), the resistor Rb of the activated limiter must therefore be at least 2800 Ω (400√2 / 0 , 2 = 2828 Ω).

Il pourrait notamment être envisagé d'intégrer le limiteur électronique 2 de courant fabriqué par exemple sur la base d'un JFET en carbure de silicium et un ou plusieurs commutateurs 10 de courant fabriqués selon une technologie de type microsystèmes dans un même composant.In particular, it could be envisaged to integrate the electronic current limiter 2 produced for example on the basis of a silicon carbide JFET and one or more current switches manufactured using a microsystem type technology in the same component.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, de manière à pouvoir effectuer la limitation de courant souhaitée en fonction du type de commutateur de courant utilisé, les moyens de commande du limiteur électronique de courant sont aptes à faire varier la résistance du limiteur par exemple suivant une rampe déterminée.According to a particular embodiment, so as to be able to effect the desired current limitation as a function of the type of current switch used, the control means of the electronic current limiter are able to vary the resistor of the limiter, for example according to a ramp. determined.

Comme décrit précédemment, selon un mode de réalisation particulier, il peut également être envisagé d'annuler complètement le courant, avant l'ouverture du commutateur de courant, en bloquant le limiteur électronique 2 de courant. Cela revient à utiliser le limiteur électronique 2 de courant en mode interrupteur ou comme une diode. Le commutateur 10 sert alors à séparer les contacts pour obtenir une distance d'isolement suffisante. Placer le limiteur électronique de courant dans un état bloqué est nécessaire lorsque la charge est inductive.As described above, according to a particular embodiment, it can also be envisaged to completely cancel the current, before opening the current switch, by blocking the current electronic limiter 2. This amounts to using the electronic current limiter 2 in switch mode or as a diode. The switch 10 then serves to separate the contacts to obtain a sufficient isolation distance. Placing the electronic current limiter in a blocked state is necessary when the load is inductive.

Il est bien entendu que l'on peut, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, imaginer d'autres variantes et perfectionnements de détail et de même envisager l'emploi de moyens équivalents.It is understood that one can, without departing from the scope of the invention, imagine other variants and refinements of detail and even consider the use of equivalent means.

Claims (13)

Dispositif (1) de commutation de courant comportant au moins un commutateur (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) de courant pour commuter une charge électrique (C) dans un circuit électrique de puissance en courant alternatif et caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte également un limiteur électronique (2) de courant mis en série avec ledit commutateur (10) de courant et des moyens (20) de commande du limiteur électronique (2) de courant aptes à piloter l'activation ou la désactivation du limiteur électronique (2) de courant, ces moyens (20) de commande étant couplés au commutateur (10) de courant de sorte que les moyens (20) de commande activent le limiteur électronique (2) de courant afin d'obtenir lors de la commutation du commutateur (10) un courant ayant une valeur inférieure ou égale à une valeur seuil déterminée.Current switching device (1) having at least one current switch (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) for switching an electric load (C) in an AC power circuit and characterized in that it also comprises an electronic limiter (2) current connected in series with said switch (10) current and means (20) for controlling the electronic limiter (2) of current able to drive the activation or deactivation of the limiter electronic control unit (2), said control means (20) being coupled to the current switch (10) so that the control means (20) activate the current electronic limiter (2) to obtain when switching switch (10) a current having a value less than or equal to a determined threshold value. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (20) de commande sont aptes à envoyer simultanément une commande d'activation au limiteur électronique (2) de courant et une commande de commutation au commutateur (10) de courant.Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control means (20) are able to simultaneously send an activation command to the current electronic limiter (2) and a switching command to the current switch (10). . Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (20) de commande sont aptes à envoyer une commande de commutation au commutateur (10) de courant en différé par rapport à un envoi d'une commande d'activation du limiteur électronique (2) de courant.Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means (20) are capable of sending a switching command to the switch (10) of current delayed compared to a sending of an activation command of the electronic limiter (2) of current. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (20) de commande comportent un temporisateur (200) d'une durée déterminée correspondant à un intervalle de temps entre l'envoi de la commande d'activation au limiteur électronique (2) de courant et l'envoi de la commande de commutation au commutateur (10) de courant.Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control means (20) comprise a timer (200) of a determined duration corresponding to a time interval between the sending of the activation command to the electronic limiter (2). current and sending the switching command to the current switch (10). Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande sont aptes à envoyer une commande de désactivation au limiteur électronique (2) de courant après une durée déterminée réglée dans un temporisateur (200).Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means are adapted to send a deactivation command to the current electronic limiter (2) after a set period of time set in a timer (200). Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la valeur seuil est sensiblement égale à zéro.Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the threshold value is substantially equal to zero. Dispositif (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le limiteur électronique (2) de courant est fabriqué à partir d'un substrat adapté à l'électronique de puissance.Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the current electronic limiter (2) is manufactured from a substrate adapted to the power electronics. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le substrat est en silicium.Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the substrate is silicon. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le substrat est en carbure de silicium.Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the substrate is silicon carbide. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le limiteur électronique de courant (2) est réalisé sur la base d'un JFET en carbure de silicium.Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic current limiter (2) is made on the basis of a silicon carbide JFET. Dispositif (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le commutateur (10) de courant est fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes.Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the current switch (10) is manufactured according to a microsystems type technology. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le commutateur (10) de courant fabriqué selon une technologie de type microsystèmes et le limiteur électronique (2) de courant fabriqué en carbure de silicium sont intégrés dans un seul et même composant.Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current switch (10) manufactured using a microsystems type technology and the electronic current limiter (2) made of silicon carbide are integrated into one and the same component. Dispositif (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une pluralité de commutateurs (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) de courant disposée en parallèle et couplée aux moyens (20) de commande du limiteur électronique (2) de courant.Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of current switches (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) arranged in parallel and coupled to the control means (20). of the electronic limiter (2) of current.
EP06100168A 2005-01-18 2006-01-09 Switching device with electronic current limiter Active EP1681694B1 (en)

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US7719257B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2010-05-18 General Electric Company Current sensing module and assembly method thereof
US7546214B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2009-06-09 General Electric Company System for power sub-metering
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US7944660B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-17 General Electric Company Micro-electromechanical system based selectively coordinated protection systems and methods for electrical distribution
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US7554222B2 (en) 2007-11-01 2009-06-30 General Electric Company Micro-electromechanical system based switching
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ATE368930T1 (en) 2007-08-15
DE602006000049D1 (en) 2007-09-13
FR2880984B1 (en) 2007-02-23
DE602006000049T2 (en) 2008-04-17
EP1681694B1 (en) 2007-08-01
ES2289729T3 (en) 2008-02-01
FR2880984A1 (en) 2006-07-21
US20060171088A1 (en) 2006-08-03

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