Abstract:
An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.
Abstract:
An arc fault detector system (10) detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors (14) and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit (12) to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit (12) and broadband noise signal components. The system (10) analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device (44).
Abstract:
An electrical fault detector system (10) detects (16) electrical faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors (14, 18) and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop a first signal representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and a second signal representing signal components in a selected frequency range typical of arcing faults, and which exceed a predetermined threshold. The system also detects (20) ground faults in the circuit being monitored.
Abstract:
A number of methods can be used for zone arc protection to detect series and/or shunt arcing faults in various electrical components and/or circuits (22, 20). A differential current detector, or a di/dt based detector, may be used to detect shunt arcs (26), while a differential voltage detector or a zero-sequence voltage detector, is used to detect series arcs. A differential phase current detection scheme may be used for both shunt arcs (26) and series arcs. Series arcs may also be detected using a voltage drop system or a line power loss system. Detection of arcing in joints may be monitored directly. A ground fault detector may be combined with one or more of these systems for detecting a ground fault in the circuit to be protected. Two or more of the above systems or detectors may be combined for arc monitoring and detection.
Abstract:
An alternating current sensing apparatus comprises at least two coils (18, 20), each comprising a plurality of turns of wire around a core (22, 24) which defines a linear axis. The coils are mounted in spaced relation on a support surface (16) so as to define an intermediate space (25), and said coils being electrically coupled additively in series. The coils produce a detectable signal in response to an alternating electrical current passing through a conductor (30) which extends through the intermediate space (25).
Abstract:
An electrical isolation device (10) is provided for use in an electrical distribution network having a plurality of branch circuits (b1-b4) each defined by line and neutral conductors connected between a power source (UT) and a load (11-14), the line conductor being electrically connected to one of a plurality of line buses (11 and 12) at an electrical distribution panelboard, the neutral conductor being electrically connected to a neutral bus (N) at the electrical distribution panelboard. The isolation device includes a capacitance coupled between the line and neutral conductor of each of the branch circuits and is designed to provide a low impedance path for an arcing fault occurring on the line conductor of the branch circuit. The capacitance is sufficiently large to provide power factor correcting current.
Abstract:
A miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improve automatic assembly of all components. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the circuit breaker operating mechanism which operates the contacts (45, 46) to make or break the electric circuit is formed of elements designed to interact in a Z-axis assemblable fashion. The movable contact (45) is defined on a contact carrier or blade assembly (41) which is adapted for Z-axis assembly and also provides increased arc erosion resistance and improved opening of the breaker contacts.
Abstract:
An electrical isolation device (10) is provided for use in an electrical distribution network having a plurality of branch circuits (b1-b4) each defined by line and neutral conductors connected between a power source (UT) and a load (11-14), the line conductor being electrically connected to one of a plurality of line buses (11 and 12) at an electrical distribution panelboard, the neutral conductor being electrically connected to a neutral bus (N) at the electrical distribution panelboard. Th e isolation device includes a capacitance coupled between the line and neutral conductor of each of the branch circuits and is designed to provide a low impedance path for an arcing fault occurring on the line conductor of the branch circuit. The capacitance is sufficiently large to provide power factor correcting current.
Abstract:
An arc fault detector system (10) detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors (14) and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit (12) to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circu it (12) and broadband noise signal components. The system (10) analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit break er or other circuit interruption device (44).