Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Electrical power generation or distribution system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-27
2002-08-27
Picard, Leo (Department: 2125)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Electrical power generation or distribution system
C700S022000, C700S023000, C700S079000, C361S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06442452
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention lies in the field of electrical engineering. More specifically, the invention relates to a control apparatus for carrying out switching operations in a switchgear assembly, in particular in a high-voltage or medium-voltage installation.
Switching operations are repeatedly necessary in switchgear assemblies in a power supply network for selectively supplying or disconnecting electrical assemblies. Switching operations must thereby be carried out to a different extent, owing to the large number of functions integrated in modern switchgear assemblies. One such switching operation is, for example, the connection or disconnection of a circuit-breaker, with corresponding connection or disconnection of voltage to or from an electrical equipment. Another switching operation is the opening or closing of a switch-disconnector, with corresponding production or closing of an isolating gap required for safety reasons. Furthermore, a switching operation may be the connection or disconnection of a grounding switch, with corresponding grounding and short-circuiting of a power supply section, for example for process-technical reasons.
It is absolutely necessary during the operation of such a switchgear assembly, that the switching operations be carried out in a specific sequence. The sequence of switching operations is referred to in the art as a switching program. The extent of such a switching program may differ and may comprise, for example, only the switching of the circuit-breaker, of the switch-disconnector, of the grounding switch, or a combination of these switching operations. The isolating and grounding function are thereby subject to particular conditions, on the basis of which isolation and non-energized grounding may be carried out only without power. Various interlock systems between the functions are used to guarantee that these conditions are satisfied at all times.
In order to allow medium-voltage switchgear assemblies to be operated, the German Standard (DIN VDE, IEC) requires that operators be trained to become authorized switchgear operators, who may therefore carry out these switching operations. The respective operating states are monitored by a mechanic or a secondary technician, who identifies the switch positions and generates an appropriate message. In this case, the switching operations may be carried out manually, locally, or by remote control, the grounding normally being carried out locally. Control errors when carrying out switching operations manually can result in severe injuries to personnel and damage to equipment.
Japanese Patent Abstract JP 06 195 101 (JP Applic. 04343013) discloses a control apparatus for controlling a device in a system having a magnetic memory card. The memory card is used to store control information and system control information, by means of which, in general, an enable signal and a control signal can be produced for the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,511 to Bilas et al. discloses a system for remote control of interrupters for interrupting an electrical power supply temporally during peak-load periods and for programmable lighting monitoring for industrial sites, that is to say in a low-voltage network. The system has a key card mechanism with an automatic interpreter, by means of which a coded message incorporated on a key card can be interpreted. If required, this allows an operator to have access to monitor the interrupter. The key card mechanism is used to prevent unauthorized access to system programming functions. The coded message is stored on the coded key card in the form of a hole pattern which is detected optically in a card reader.
The Siemens company prospectus “Schaltfehlerschutz 8TK” [Switching Fault Protection 8TK], 1985, Order No. A-19100-E135-B283 discloses a so-called switching fault protective device for high-voltage and medium-voltage systems, which is used, inter alia, for manual control of switchgear. There, the reliability of switching operations carried out manually is monitored in accordance with interlock conditions which can be specified in advance. In principle, the interlock conditions may be rendered ineffective via various control buttons. In order to authorize the operation of the switching fault protective device, appropriate key-operated switches may be provided, which enable the operation of the device on the basis of switching authorization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a control apparatus for carrying out switching operations with a switchgear assembly, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and which affords a particularly high level of reliability and automation.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, in combination with a high-voltage or medium-voltage switchgear assembly having a plurality of controlled devices such as a power breaker, a switch disconnector, and/or a grounding switch disposed in a switch panel of the assembly, a control apparatus for controlling the controlled devices, comprising:
an electronic memory card adapted to store operating authorization for the switchgear assembly and to store system control information defining a switching program with a number of control data items representing a sequence of switching operations;
the control data items automatically producing control signals for initiating at least one switching operation within the switch panel for at least one of the controlled devices.
The use of such a memory card or switching card allows the execution of the switching programs to be initiated, monitored and appropriately documented virtually without any faults, and thus particularly safely, automatically. At the same time, the switching card can carry out the function of authorization control. Switching operations independently of authorization control may therefore be carried out only by the holder of the memory card. This results in standardization of the design of the interlock technology.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the memory card includes a memory from which the control data items can be read. The control data items represent a sequence of switching operations. In order to read out the control data for the switch or each switch in the switchgear assembly, the memory card can expediently be inserted in a card reader which is provided in a control interface of the switchgear assembly, and a plurality of control interfaces with associated card readers may also be provided. The switching operations are then executed by sending the stored control data via control lines which lead to the switches in the switchgear assembly and are connected to the card reader. The control data then initiate, for example, auxiliary voltages for the respective switching process. At the same time, each switching operation carried out may be indicated on the control panel by visualization of the respective switch position.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, there is provided an output device, such as a printer, for recording each switching operation carried out using the memory card.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the memory card is programmable. To this end, a switching program with a specific sequence of switching operations can be written to the memory card. The stored switching program can be overwritten with a new switching program, by reprogramming. The essential feature in this case is the programming of the respective switching operation to be carried out such as, in particular, the switching of a circuit breaker, of a switch-disconnector and/or of an grounding switch, in a specific sequence. Any required combinations of individual switching operations may be programmed in this case. Further information items, in particular coding of assemblies or system sections allocated to the system, a specific date and/or a specific time, may be programmed i
Frank Elliot
Greenberg Laurence A.
Maybeck Gregory L.
Picard Leo
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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