A series Z-source circuit breaker including a semiconductor switch that breaks source power being provided to a load in response to overcurrent. An electromechanical switch is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, a first capacitor is electrically coupled to an output side of the semiconductor switch, a second capacitor is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, and a delay circuit is electrically coupled in series with the first capacitor. The semiconductor switch is in an open position and the electromechanical switch is in a closed position when overcurrent is not present. Upon detection of overcurrent the semiconductor switch is closed, the electromechanical switch is opened and the delay circuit is controlled to delay when reverse bias current is provided from the first capacitor to the semiconductor switch to prevent source power from being provided to the load to give the electromechanical switch time to open.
H02H 3/087 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current for DC applications
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
A system and method for providing fault isolation in a power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a recloser coupled to the power line and a plurality of switching devices coupled to the power line downstream of the recloser, where each switching device is capable of detecting fault current in response to the fault and detecting presence of voltage. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes detecting overcurrent, loss of voltage and return of voltage by the switching devices and includes sequentially opening and closing switching devices from the recloser to a switching device immediately upstream of the fault in response to detecting overcurrent, loss of voltage and return of voltage.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
A system and method for isolating a fault in a power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, and a recloser coupled to the power line. Each transformer has a unique address identifying the transformer and includes a source side switching device at an upstream side of the transformer and a load side switching device at a downstream side of the transformer. The method includes learning the address by each transformer of its immediate neighbor transformers, detecting overcurrent by some of the switching devices as a result of the fault, detecting loss of voltage by some of the switching devices and sending clear to close messages to selectively open and close certain ones of the switching devices using the transformer addresses to limit the number of switching devices that are operated and to isolate the fault.
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
A switch assembly that includes a cutout mounted fault interrupting switching device and ice shields that block ice build-up on the assembly that may otherwise impede a dropout operation of the switching device. The switching device includes a switch, an upper electrical contact and a lower electrical contact. The switch assembly includes an upper coupling assembly configured to releasably engage the upper electrical contact and a lower coupling assembly configured to engage the lower electrical contact in a pivoting engagement, where the switching device is operable to pivot relative to the lower coupling assembly when the upper electrical contact is released from the upper coupling assembly. The switch assembly further includes an upper ice shield coupled to and formed over the upper coupling assembly and a lower ice shield coupled to and formed over the lower coupling assembly.
A system and method for providing fault protection and coordination between fault interrupting devices in a power distribution network. The method includes assigning a coordination number to each device depending on where the device is in the network and what other fault interrupting devices are downstream of the device, where the assigned coordination number to the device is equal to the largest coordination number of any downstream device plus one. The method further includes calculating a TCC curve for the devices having the lowest coordination number based on a TCC curve of a fuse-like device downstream of the device and tolerances of the device. The method then sequentially calculates a TCC curve for the devices having the next lowest coordination number based on the TCC curves of the devices having a lower coordination number and tolerances of the device until all of the devices have a TCC curve.
H02H 3/093 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current with timing means
6.
FAULT LOCATION SYSTEM USING VOLTAGE OR CURRENT MEASUREMENT FROM DIVERSE LOCATIONS ON A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
A method for identifying a location of a fault in an electrical power distribution network that includes identifying an impedance of an electrical line between each pair of adjacent utility poles, measuring a voltage and a current of the power signal at a switching device during the fault, and estimating a voltage at each of the utility poles downstream of the switching device using the impedance of the electrical line between the utility poles and the measured voltage and current during the fault. The method calculates a reactive power value at each of the utility poles using the estimated voltages, where calculating a reactive power value includes compensating for distributed loads along the electrical line that consume reactive power during the fault, and determines the location of the fault based on where the reactive power goes to zero along the electrical line.
H02H 3/40 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to ratio of voltage and current
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
7.
ADJUSTABLE SWITCHGEAR FOR RETROFIT APPLICATIONS AND METHOD
Switchgear with an insulated enclosure with interconnection bushings secured to an exterior of the enclosure to provide an electrical connection from conductors to components disposed within the enclosure. A mounting stand is provided that is adapted to be secured to a pad. Existing electrical conductors extend from the pad. The mounting stand includes mounting members. The enclosure includes mounting points. The mounting members are formed with a plurality of mounting locations, and the mounting points are aligned to a mounting location such that the bushings are sufficiently aligned with the conductors to allow interconnection using standard connectors.
A system and method for determining a squelch level for each transformer in a series of transformers connected to a power line that communicate with each other through PLC. The method includes selectively transmitting a PLC test message by each transformer on the power line both upstream and downstream of the transmitting transformer to determine that the transmitting transformer can communicate with other transformers; responding to the PLC test message that is received by each transformer to identify the transformers that can communicate with the transmitting transformer; measuring the RSSI of the PLC messages that each transformer receives; recording the strongest RSSI in each transformer of the PLC messages that are received by the transformer; and setting the squelch level for each transformer as a predetermined reduction of the recorded RSSI in each transformer.
Switchgear including a sealed tank enclosing electrical components and being filled with a dielectric gas containing CO2. The tank also encloses an activated alumina desiccant that absorbs a limited amount of the CO2. In one non-limiting embodiment, the dielectric gas is a blended CO2—Novec™ 4710 dielectric gas and the activated alumina is in the form of beads enclosed in a bag.
An underground power distribution network that clears faults using detected traveling waves. The network includes a power source, a feeder receiving power from the power source, and a plurality of series connected switchgear disposed along the feeder. Each switchgear includes at least one current interrupting device for interrupting current on the feeder, at least one current sensor for measuring current on the feeder, and a controller responsive to current measurement signals from the current sensor. A communications link provides communications between the controllers. The current sensors detect traveling waves as a result of a fault on the feeder and the controllers broadcast messages on the communications link identifying whether the controller receives positive polarity or negative polarity traveling waves that identify whether the fault is downstream or upstream of the switchgear so as to determine which current interrupting device will be opened to clear the fault.
A system and method for adaptive impedance protection in a power network. The method includes determining a measured impedance in an upstream interrupting device, determining an impedance set point in the upstream interrupting device, and identifying a predetermined percentage of the impedance set point. The method also includes determining if the measured impedance falls below the predetermined percentage, determining whether a change in a measured current value on the power line is less than a threshold change value in a downstream interrupting device, and sending the determination of whether the change in the measured current value is less than the threshold change value from the downstream interrupting device to the upstream interrupting device. The upstream interrupting device is opened if the measured impedance falls below the predetermined percentage of the impedance set point and the change in the measured current value is less than the threshold change value.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
G01R 27/16 - Measuring impedance of element or network through which a current is passing from another source, e.g. cable, power line
A vacuum interrupter including a nominally cylindrical insulator having a first insulator portion and a second insulator portion defining a gap therebetween and a nominally cylindrical vapor shield having a first ring of a plurality of spaced apart bobbles and a second ring of a plurality of spaced apart bobbles. A gap ring including a series of spaced apart cut-out notches facing the vapor shield is positioned within the gap. The plurality of bobbles in the first and second ring of bobbles are configured so that the bobbles in the second ring pass through the cut-out notches in the gap ring and the bobbles in the first ring rest on the gap ring.
A method for preventing unintentional islanding of loop networks when a distributed power source is providing power to the network when network power is lost. The method includes detecting loss of voltage to the network, opening the source side switching device in the transformers nearest both ends of the power line, and detecting that voltage has been restored to the network. Also provided are a system and method for preventing distributed power generation export in a power distribution network during normal operation. The method includes determining the apparent power at the source side of each of the transformers, determining the apparent power at the load side of each of the transformers, comparing the determined apparent powers, and opening the source side and load side switching devices in any transformer where the determined apparent powers are not the same.
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
A dropout recloser is capable of in accordance with its operating programming after a predetermined number of fault interrupting operations, e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more but typically 3, to drop out of a cutout and hang freely in a hinge contact of the cutout providing sectionalization with an observable visible gap. The recloser includes fault interrupting and reclosing components, a drop out mechanism and a controller. The drop out mechanism may include a bi-stable actuator to affect fault interrupting operation and dropout operation. The device may include motion limiting structures. The recloser may have a number of operating modes or sequences.
H02H 3/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess voltage
A device having a pulse catching function for detecting fault test pulses in an electrical power distribution network in response to a fault. The device includes one or more sensors for measuring current and/or voltage, where the device detects the pulses by loss of voltage followed by identifying one or more of a peak current magnitude of the pulses being greater than a predetermined current value, a pulse duration of the pulses being greater than a predetermined time, a predetermined interval between consecutive pulses and a presence of a pulse/inverse pulse sequence.
A system and method for point on wave closing of a switching device, where the close initiation point is selected so that a minor current loop is generated that minimizes the accumulated current during the closing operation. The method includes determining bounce characteristic of contacts in the switching device during the closing operation, identifying available close initiation points on a voltage wave for a voltage across the contacts, selecting one or two of the close initiation points on the voltage wave that minimizes the accumulation of current during the closing operation, and closing the switching device using the selected close initiation point.
H01H 33/664 - ContactsArc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
H01H 9/56 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the AC cycle
A system and method for determining an open or closed position of a magnetically actuated vacuum interrupter. The method includes applying a voltage signal of a known voltage to the actuator over a predetermined period and determining a change in current over time during the period when the voltage signal is applied to the actuator using an output of a Rogowski coil. The method also includes calculating the inductance using the voltage and the change in current over time at a predetermined time during the period and using the calculated inductance to determine whether the actuator and thus the vacuum interrupter are in the open or closed position.
G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
G01R 31/327 - Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
H01H 47/00 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
18.
AUTOMATIC DROP-OUT AND RESET OF A VACUUM INTERRUPTER DEVICE IN A CUTOUT MOUNTING
An actuation assembly that is part of and operates to open and close a cut-out mounted switching device. The actuation assembly includes components that cause the switching device to be released from an upper coupling assembly when the actuation assembly opens the switching device and causes the switching device to be closed when the switching device is dropping out of the coupling assembly.
A system and method for operating a vacuum interrupter in a self-resetting interrupter. The method includes detecting fault current, opening the vacuum interrupter a first time using power harvested from the current transformer when the fault current is detected, and storing a polarity of the detected fault current when the vacuum interrupter is opened. The method then determines a close time to close the vacuum interrupter so that the current has the same polarity that was stored when the vacuum interrupter was opened and that actuation of closing the vacuum interrupter ends at a current zero crossing, closes the vacuum interrupter at the close time, and opens the vacuum interrupter a second time after the vacuum interrupter is closed using power harvested from the current transformer.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
An electrical device including a first cylindrical capacitor, a first terminal electrically coupled to one end of the first capacitor, a first electrical line electrically coupled to the first terminal and a first annular conductive end shield formed over the first terminal and being electrically coupled to the first terminal and the one end of the first capacitor, where the first end shield has a greater diameter than the diameter of the first capacitor. The device also includes a second cylindrical capacitor, a second terminal electrically coupled to one end of the second capacitor, a second electrical line electrically coupled to the second terminal and a second annular conductive end shield formed over the second terminal and being electrically coupled to the second terminal and the one end of the second capacitor, where the second end shield has a greater diameter than the diameter of the second capacitor.
A system and method for generating phasors having a phase angle and magnitude from a sinusoidal power signal, and using the phasors to generate a frequency and RoCoF of the power signal. The system and method provide improvements over known systems and methods by correcting the frequency of sensor signals, providing a simplified phasor correction equation, reducing errors in a non-recursive DFT algorithm, improving frequency estimation by spacing out DFTs, correcting the sampling rate, providing linear interpolation of frequency and/or providing a variable DFT window length.
A current transformer assembly for harvesting power from a primary conductor, such as a power line, for operating electronics, where the assembly is secured to the conductor while the conductor is connected. The assembly includes a current transformer having a transformer structure with a central opening that accepts the primary conductor and a spindle member for accepting a current transformer magnetic tape operating as the core of the current transformer. The assembly also includes a tape carrier secured to the structure on which the transformer tape is wound, and a winding device operable to unwind the transformer tape from the tape carrier and wind the tape onto the spindle member.
H01F 41/02 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for manufacturing cores, coils or magnets
A switch assembly including a switch and an interface physically coupled to the switch and configured to be physically coupled to an electrical component, such as a transformer. The switch assembly also includes an interface having electrical hardware electrically coupled to the switch and configured to be electrically coupled to the component. The switch assembly further includes a surge arrester having an insulation member, a grounding jacket formed over a portion of the insulation member and a conductor extending through the insulation member and being electrically coupled to the hardware and the grounding jacket. The interface further includes a releasable connector that is electrically coupled to the conductor and allows the surge arrester to be disconnected from the interface.
A system and method for estimating fault current using a sliding observation window that is shorter than one cycle. The method may also include providing a pickup level that defines a current threshold for opening a switch in response to detecting the fault current; estimating the fault current from current measurement signals; accumulating time from a reset zero position during the time that the estimation of the fault current is greater than the pickup level; subtracting time from the accumulated time during the time that the estimation of the fault current is less than the pickup level after time has been accumulated from when the estimation of the fault current is greater than the pickup level; detecting the fault current if the accumulated time reaches a predetermined accumulation time; and opening the switch if the fault current is detected.
H02H 7/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
25.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
A system for automated reconfiguration of a commodity distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of nodes located in the distribution system and a plurality of node controllers. The node controllers control respective nodes in accordance with a first or second operating mode to affect system reconfiguration in response to a fault condition, loading, system optimization, system expansion and combinations thereof.
A switch assembly including a vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, an actuator operable to move the movable contact, and a drive rod assembly coupled to the movable contact and the actuator. The drive rod assembly includes a male part and a female part where the male part is inserted into and coupled to the female part. One of the male part or the female part includes a conductor that provides an electrical connection between the male and female parts and one of the male part or the female part includes a locking ring that snap fits into a groove in the other male or female part.
An insulator that has particular application for enclosing a switching device, such as a vacuum interrupter. The insulator includes a body having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a plurality of ring-shaped sheds extending from the body between the top portion and the bottom portion. The sheds are asymmetrical in an axial direction such that an axial dimension of the sheds at one side towards the front of the switching device is shorter than an axial dimension of the sheds at an opposite side towards the rear of the switching device. The axial dimension of the sheds uniformly increases from the one side to the opposite side.
A system and method for clearing overcurrent in a power distribution network. The network includes a feeder, a lateral line coupled to the feeder, a lateral line current interrupting device provided where the lateral line is coupled to the feeder, a plurality of service lines coupled to the lateral line, a distribution current interrupting device provided where a service line is coupled to the lateral line and a distribution transformer provided at each location where a service line is coupled to the lateral line. The method includes setting an operating time of the lateral line interrupting device to be longer than an operating time of the distribution interrupting devices, detecting overcurrent by the lateral line interrupting device and at least one of distribution interrupting devices, and operating the at least one the distribution interrupting device and not operating the lateral line interrupting device in response to detecting the overcurrent.
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
A switch assembly including an actuator assembly operable to magnetically latch a switch in a closed position, where the actuator assembly includes a cup member coupled to the drive rod opposite to the switch and an opening spring positioned within the cup member and being held in compression when the switch is latched closed, and where the cup member includes a central opening. The switch assembly further includes a scissor link having a first leg and a second leg pivotally attached at a pivot point, where one end of the first and second legs extend into the central opening and are rigidly attached to the cup member and an opposite end of the first and second legs extend through the cover, and where pulling the link away from the actuator assembly breaks the magnetic latch and opens the switch.
An anti-bounce dampener assembly for dampening the closing impact force between vacuum interrupter contacts. The dampener assembly includes a dampening spring positioned within a contact adapter, a guide tube extending through the contact adapter and the spring, where the guide tube is coupled to a fixed contact stem, and a bolt extending through the guide tube and being rigidly secured to the fixed contact stem. An impact force caused when the vacuum interrupter contacts contact each other when the vacuum interrupter is closed causes the fixed contact stem, the guide tube, the bolt and the vacuum interrupter to move against the bias of the spring and dampen the impact force. A flexible strap is electrically coupled to the fixed contact stem and the contact adapter, and flexes when the stem moves so as to maintain electrical coupling between the fixed contact stem and the contact adapter.
A tamper resistant plug that has particular application for sealing a fill port in a hermetically sealed and gas-insulated tank associated with medium-voltage switchgear. The plug includes a body portion and a top annular rim defining a central recess and having an internal surface facing the recess, where the internal surface has a polygon shape with only rounded edges. In one embodiment, the polygon shape is a trilobe.
A support bracket assembly for supporting a pair of bushing well interrupter devices provided within a transformer enclosure that encloses a transformer. The support bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly rigidly secured to a parking stand on the enclosure and including a plurality of mounting bosses. The support bracket assembly further includes support brackets, a first adjustable link secured to one of the mounting bosses on the mounting assembly and a mounting boss on a support bracket, a second adjustable link secured to another one of the mounting bosses on the mounting assembly and a mounting bosses on a support bracket, and a third adjustable link secured to mounting bosses on two support bracket, where the first, second and third adjustable links form a triangular configuration.
A grounding switch for grounding a high voltage cable in underground switchgear. The switch includes a solid insulation housing and a fixed electrode extending into one end of the housing and being encapsulated in the solid insulation housing. The switch also includes a ground electrode positioned at an opposite end of the housing from the fixed electrode, an air gap formed in the solid insulation housing between the fixed electrode and the ground electrode, and a movable electrode slidable positionable within the air gap to electrically connect and disconnect the fixed electrode to and from the ground electrode. An annular shielding electrode having a ridge is electrically coupled to the fixed electrode proximate the air gap, and shapes an electric field generated by the fixed electrode to be mostly confined within the solid insulation housing.
A switching device for controlling power flow on a power line. The device includes a current sensor for measuring primary current on the line, a first voltage sensor for measuring primary voltage on the line at one side of the switching device, and a second voltage sensor for measuring primary voltage on the line at another side of the switching device. An ADC converts measurement signals from the current sensor and the voltage sensors to digital signals, and a PMU calculates magnitude and phase angle synchrophasor data using the current and voltage measurement digital signals and calibration data.
G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass
G01R 15/16 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using capacitive devices
G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
A method for determining an optimized TCC operating curve for an electronic interrupting device that protects a distribution transformer in a power distribution network, where the TCC operating curve is some optimized predetermined percentage above a TCC curve for normal transformer operation. The method includes providing a TCC transformer curve that identifies an allowed transformer operation current once the transformer magnetics have been stabilized and the transformer is operating normally, and determining a TCC operating curve that is defined by points along the transformer curve plus a predetermined percentage above the transformer curve, where the operating curve identifies a response time for when the electronic interrupting device will open in response to a certain current flow.
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
H02H 1/04 - Arrangements for preventing response to transient abnormal conditions, e.g. to lightning
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02H 3/093 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current with timing means
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
36.
METHOD FOR REDUCING LOCALIZED DEFORMATION IN SNAP-IN FEATURES
A snap-in link that provides a snap-in connection between two devices. The link includes an elongated portion and first and second flexible arms coupled to the elongated portion at one end and having a first snap-in slot at an opposite end. The flexible arms include an outer side, an inner side, a plurality of stress-concentration indentations formed in the outer side and a plurality of stress-concentration indentations formed in the inner side, where a nub is formed in each of the indentations along the outer side and the flexible arms define a slot therebetween.
A vacuum interrupter including a vacuum bottle, a fixed contact extending through one end of the vacuum bottle and a movable contact positioned within the vacuum bottle relative to the fixed contact so that a gap is defined between the fixed contact and the movable contact when the vacuum interrupter is open and the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact with each other when the vacuum interrupter is closed. An insulated drive rod is rigidly coupled to the movable contact opposite to the fixed contact and a circular flexible conductor is coupled to the movable contact and flexes when the movable contact is moved by the drive rod. The flexible conductor can be, for example, a laminate structure including a plurality of stacked conductive laminates each having a plurality of spirals separated by gaps or a linear spring trampoline conductor.
A system and method for identifying an earth fault in a resonant grounded medium voltage network that employs a REFCL compensation system. The method derives a zero-sequence real power from a phase voltage to ground on each phase and a current on each phase and aligns the zero-sequence real power in time with a magnitude of a zero-sequence voltage provided by the REFCL compensation system. The method determines when the zero-sequence real power and the zero-sequence voltage exceed predetermined thresholds. The method delays the magnitude of the zero-sequence voltage for a predetermined period of time when the zero-sequence voltage exceeds the threshold and determines that the fault is occurring when both the time aligned zero-sequence real power exceeds the threshold and the magnitude of the zero-sequence voltage exceeds the threshold for the predetermined period of time at the same time.
An electrical power network employing fault location, isolation and system restoration. The system includes a plurality of switching devices electrically coupled along a power line downstream of a fault interrupting device. The switching devices each have current and voltage sensing capability and the capability to provide pulse tests for detecting fault presence. The fault interrupting device performs reclosing operations, and when the plurality of switching devices detect fault presence a predetermined number of times in coordination with reclosing operations performed by the fault interrupting device and detect loss of voltage, each switching device opens. The fault interrupting device closes when the switching devices open, and the switching devices sequentially pulse test and close from a furthest upstream switching device when detecting return of voltage and no fault presence until a switching device closest to the fault pulse tests and detects fault presence and locks open.
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
40.
HIGH-VOLTAGE TRIGGERED PULSECLOSER WITH ADAPTIVE CIRCUIT TESTING
A system and method for maintaining electrical stability of a high-voltage transmission power system in response to a fault. The method includes detecting the fault, opening a switch to clear the fault, performing a first pulse test for a predetermined duration of time to determine if the fault is still present, preventing a reclosing operation from occurring if the pulse test indicates that the fault is still present, and allowing the reclosing operation to occur if the first pulse test indicates that the fault is not present. One or more subsequent pulse tests can be performed if the first pulse test is inclusive about the persistence of the fault, where the reclosing operation is prevented from occurring if the pulse tests indicate that the fault is still present and the reclosing operation is allowed if the pulse tests indicate that the fault is no longer present.
H03K 3/537 - Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use of an energy-accumulating element discharged through the load by a switching device controlled by an external signal and not incorporating positive feedback the switching device being a spark gap
H01T 2/02 - Spark gaps comprising auxiliary triggering means comprising a trigger electrode or an auxiliary spark gap
An actuator assembly including a first actuator having a first magnetically actuated plunger and a first latching plate, where the first plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the first latching plate. The actuator assembly further includes a second actuator coupled to and axially aligned with the first actuator. The second actuator includes a second magnetically actuated plunger, a second latching plate, a sleeve positioned within and extending from the second plunger and being rigidly secured to the first plunger, and a tolerance spring wrapped around the sleeve. The second plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the second latching plate, where latching of the second plunger causes the tolerance spring to compress and provide additional latching force of the first plunger to the first latching plate.
A series Z-source circuit breaker including a semiconductor switch that breaks source power being provided to a load in response to overcurrent. An electromechanical switch is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, a first capacitor is electrically coupled to an output side of the semiconductor switch, a second capacitor is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, and a delay circuit is electrically coupled in series with the first capacitor. The semiconductor switch is in an open position and the electromechanical switch is in a closed position when overcurrent is not present. Upon detection of overcurrent the semiconductor switch is closed, the electromechanical switch is opened and the delay circuit is controlled to delay when reverse bias current is provided from the first capacitor to the semiconductor switch to prevent source power from being provided to the load to give the electromechanical switch time to open.
H02H 3/087 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current for DC applications
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
A system and method for calibrating a capacitor voltage sensor that measures voltage on a power line coupled through a switch to a primary coil of a transformer. The method includes measuring a control voltage on a secondary coil of the transformer and measuring voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is known to be closed. The method identifies a calibration factor that when multiplied by the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is closed makes the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor substantially equal to the control voltage. The method subsequently measures voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed during operation of the transformer, and multiplies the subsequently measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed by the calibration factor to obtain a measured voltage.
An insulating rotary diaphragm for a vacuum interrupter (VI) electrical switch. The insulating diaphragm is designed for use in underground or pad-mounted VI switches where an external lever is rotated by a line worker to manually open the switch. A torsional insulating rod is coupled between a switch actuator and the external lever, and the diaphragm maintains constant contact with the insulating rod and an outer housing when the lever and rod are rotated, thus ensuring adequate isolation between the actuator and the lever. The diaphragm deforms torsionally when the lever and rod are rotated. This configuration allows the actuator to be at medium voltage, eliminates the need for a translational insulating rod between the medium voltage switch components and the lever, and thereby reduces the overall length of the VI switch.
An energy harvesting circuit for harvesting energy from a medium voltage power line. The energy harvesting circuit includes an input capacitor electrically coupled to the power line and storing power therefrom, and a flyback converter including a primary coil and a secondary coil. The harvesting circuit further includes a switching circuit electrically coupled in series with the primary coil and being operable to electrically connect and disconnect the input capacitor to and from the primary coil, where the switching circuit includes an input voltage regulation feedback circuit for regulating an input voltage provided to the switching circuit from the input capacitor. The harvesting circuit also includes an output capacitor electrically coupled to the secondary coil and the actuator, where the output capacitor is charged by the secondary coil when the switching circuit is closed to provide power to an actuator to close a vacuum interrupter.
H02J 3/46 - Controlling the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
A power restoration system comprising a feeder, a plurality of power sources available to provide power to the feeder, a plurality of normally closed reclosing devices electrically coupled along the feeder, at least one normally open recloser electrically coupled to the feeder, and a plurality of normally closed switches electrically coupled along the feeder between each adjacent pairs of normally closed reclosing devices. Each switch is assigned a position code having a value for each of the plurality of power sources that determines when the switch will open in response to the fault current and which power source the switch is currently receiving power from, where timing control between the reclosing devices and the switches allows the switch to be selectively opened to isolate the fault within a single feeder section between each pair of adjacent switches or between each switch and a reclosing device.
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
47.
Fault location system using voltage or current measurement from diverse locations on a distribution network
A method for identifying a location of a fault in an electrical power distribution network that includes identifying an impedance of an electrical line between each pair of adjacent utility poles, measuring a voltage and a current of the power signal at a switching device during the fault, and estimating a voltage at each of the utility poles downstream of the switching device using the impedance of the electrical line between the utility poles and the measured voltage and current during the fault. The method calculates a reactive power value at each of the utility poles using the estimated voltages, where calculating a reactive power value includes compensating for distributed loads along the electrical line that consume reactive power during the fault, and determines the location of the fault based on where the reactive power goes to zero along the electrical line.
H02H 3/40 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to ratio of voltage and current
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
48.
Communication-based permissive protection scheme for power distribution networks
A communication-based permissive protection method for protecting an electrical power distribution network from a fault. The network includes a power source, an electrical line and a plurality of fault interrupters, where the fault interrupters are operable to prevent current flow in response to the fault. The method includes detecting the fault by each fault interrupter that is between the fault and the power source, and sending a drop of voltage message from each fault interrupter that doesn't detect the fault, but does detect a drop of voltage as a result of the fault to its immediate upstream fault interrupter. The method opens the fault interrupter that both detects the fault and receives a drop of voltage message from all of the fault interrupters immediately downstream of that fault interrupter.
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A system and method for determining when an electronic interrupting device will open in response to detecting overcurrent, where the interrupting device protects a transformer in a power distribution network. The method includes obtaining a time/current through fault protection curve that is defined by a plurality of time/current points for the transformer that identifies when the transformer may experience thermal or mechanical damage in response to a certain current flow over a certain time in the transformer windings, selecting a time multiplier, and determining an operating curve for the interrupting device by multiplying the multiplier and a time portion of each of the plurality of time/current points on the through fault protection curve, where the operating curve identifies when the interrupting device will open in response to a certain current flow over a certain time.
A vacuum interrupter including a cylindrical insulator, a first end cap sealed to one end of the insulator and a second end cap sealed to an opposite end of the insulator to provide a vacuum chamber. The vacuum interrupter further includes a fixed contact stem extending through the first end cap and having a contact positioned within the chamber, and a movable contact stem extending through the second end cap and having a contact portion positioned within the chamber. A first vapor shield is formed around the fixed contact stem so as to define a gap between the fixed contact and the insulator and a second vapor shield is formed around the movable contact so as to define a gap between the movable contact and the insulator.
A system and method for representing the topology of a power distribution network, where the network includes at least one power source, a feeder and a plurality of switching devices positioned along the feeder. The method includes providing a device list in each switching device that includes a local device index of each of the switching devices, a local team index of the team on an X-side of each of the switching devices, the local team index of the team on a Y-side of each of the switching devices and device specific data, where the X and Y-sides of the switching device is the physical orientation of the device when it is installed, and providing a team list in each switching device that includes the local team index of each of the teams, the local device indices of the switching devices on each team and team specific data.
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H04L 41/12 - Discovery or management of network topologies
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
52.
EFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION WITH DISTRIBUTED CONTROLS
A system and method for disseminating information and data throughout a power distribution network. A timer is set in each of the network endpoint switching devices that expire at the same time. A message is sent from each endpoint device to its neighbor switching device(s) when the timer expires that includes data about the endpoint switching device, and the message is received from the endpoint switching device at a receiving side of the neighbor switching devices. A message is sent from the neighbor switching devices to their neighbor switching devices at a sending side of the neighbor switching devices that includes data about the endpoint switching device and the neighbor switching device of the endpoint switching device. The messages are continually sent through the switching devices in this manner until all of the switching devices have the data about all of the other switching devices in a division or feeder.
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
A system and method for determining loads throughout a power distribution network having a plurality of switching devices provided along a feeder. The method includes measuring the current and/or voltage on one or both sides of the switching devices and calculating a power flowing through each of the switching devices and a load in each section using the current and/or voltage measurements at predetermined sample times. The method further includes storing a plurality of recorded current/voltage measurements or calculated powers flowing through each device for consecutive sample times. The method then determines a median load from the measurements and power flows and calculates a load in each of network sections.
A method for performing a low energy pulse testing in a power distribution network that causes contacts to close and then open in about one fundamental frequency cycle of current flow time and close on a voltage waveform that produces symmetrical fault current. The method includes energizing a magnetic actuator to move the actuator against the bias of a spring to move a movable contact towards a fixed contact. The method also includes de-energizing the actuator when the movable contact makes contact with the fixed contact so as to allow the spring to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact so that the amount of time that the current conducts is about one fundamental frequency cycle of the current, where energizing the magnetic actuator occurs when an applied voltage on the switch assembly is at a peak of the voltage wave so that the current is symmetric.
H01H 36/00 - Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
G01R 31/327 - Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
55.
Method for locating and isolating a fault in a power distribution network
A method for fault location and isolation in a power distribution network, where the network includes a plurality of switching devices provided along a feeder, and at least one of the switching devices does not have voltage sensing capabilities. The method includes detecting an overcurrent event in the network from the fault and interrupting the overcurrent event by opening and then immediately locking out or subsequently reclosing and testing the fault. A count value is increased in each switching device that detected the overcurrent event. A message is sent from each of the switching devices that detected the overcurrent event and then detected the loss of voltage upstream to an upstream neighbor switching device. Current measurements in the messages, measured current by the devices and the counts values in the devices determine what devices are opened to isolate the fault.
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
A system and method for fault location and isolation in an electrical power distribution network, where the network includes a plurality of switching devices provided along a feeder. The method includes detecting an overcurrent event in the network from the fault and interrupting the overcurrent event by opening and then immediately locking out or subsequently reclosing and testing the fault. A count value is increased in each switching device that detected the overcurrent event. A count and current (C&I) message is sent from each of the switching devices that detected the overcurrent event and then detected the loss of voltage upstream to an upstream neighbor switching device. Current measurements in the C&I messages, measured current by the devices and the counts values in the devices determine what devices are opened to isolate the fault.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
A system and method for quickly detecting fault current on a power line in an electrical power distribution network. A switch assembly includes a detecting circuit for quickly detecting the fault current on the power line. The circuit includes a Rogowski coil wrapped around the power line that provides an output measurement signal that is proportional to a change in the current flow on the line, and a passive integrator responsive to the output measurement signal from the Rogowski coil that integrates the output measurement signal over time. The circuit also includes an amplifier responsive to and amplifying the integrated output measurement signal and a microcontroller responsive to the amplified output measurement signal that calculates the current flow on the line using the amplified output measurement signal. A current transformer harvests energy from the power line to power the circuit when the fault current is occurring.
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02H 7/122 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for convertersEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for rectifiers for static converters or rectifiers for inverters, i.e. DC/AC converters
H02H 7/28 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred for meshed systems
58.
Anti-islanding protection and non-exporting tariff support
A method for preventing unintentional islanding of loop networks when a distributed power source is providing power to the network when network power is lost. The method includes detecting loss of voltage to the network, opening the source side switching device in the transformers nearest both ends of the power line, and detecting that voltage has been restored to the network. Also provided are a system and method for preventing distributed power generation export in a power distribution network during normal operation. The method includes determining the apparent power at the source side of each of the transformers, determining the apparent power at the load side of each of the transformers, comparing the determined apparent powers, and opening the source side and load side switching devices in any transformer where the determined apparent powers are not the same.
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
59.
Transformer protector with internal fault detector
A fault detection system that includes a recloser configured to perform a reclosing operation in response to detecting overcurrent, where the recloser includes a communications device for receiving communications signals. The system also includes a transformer having an outer can, a sensor mounted to the can and extending into the can for measuring pressure therein, where the sensor includes a mechanical indicator that extends when overpressure is detected. The transformer further includes a radio mounted to the can and coupled to the sensor, where the radio includes a switch coupled to the mechanical indicator and a transmitter. When the mechanical indicator extends in response to detecting overpressure in the can it causes the switch to close which causes the transmitter to send a signal that is received by the communications device, which prevents the recloser from reclosing.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
60.
DG intentional islanding using padmount transformer interrupters
A system and method for allowing islanding in an underground power distribution network when power is lost to the network. The network includes transformers having source side and load side switching devices and servicing a transformer section. The method includes detecting loss of voltage to the network, opening the source side and the load side switching devices in all of the transformers and allowing distributed power generation sources in the sections serviced by the transformers to provide power to the section. The method also includes closing one or both of the source side switching device and the load side switching device of a transformer that services a section that has power generation sources providing excess power, and closing a source side switching device or a load side switching device in an adjacent transformer to the transformer section providing excess power to provide power to the adjacent section.
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
A fault detection system that that prevents a recloser from reclosing if a fault is determined to be internal to a transformer, where the recloser is configured to perform a reclosing operation in response to detecting overcurrent. The recloser includes a sensor, such as a light sensor, directed towards the transformer and detecting a fault event. If the recloser detects overcurrent, but the sensor does not detect the fault event, it is assumed that the fault is internal to the transformer and the recloser is prevented from reclosing.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
A system and method for restoring power in a closed-loop power distribution network. The network includes at least two power sources, at least one feeder and a plurality of switching devices positioned along the at least one feeder and being in communications with each other. The method performs a radial restoration process for restoring power and then determines that at least one of the sections is not receiving power after the radial restoration process has been performed. The method estimates power flow through each switching device and determines an available power capacity from each switching device. The method then determines if the unpowered sections can be powered by any of their neighbor and non-neighbor devices. The method virtually closes the switching devices to power the unpowered sections and updates the estimation of power flow through each switching device and determination of available power capacity from each switching device.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02J 3/46 - Controlling the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
A control system and method for tie point fault interrupter and sectionalizing recloser devices in an electrical grid feeder. The technique enables automated sectionalizing reclosers equipped with three-phase current sensing and single- or three-phase voltage sensing, and able to detect pulse-closing operations, to isolate faults and restore load based on pulse count rather than requiring source re-energization and waiting for loss of voltage timers. The system includes a fault interrupter initiating a pulse-testing sequence upon detecting loss of voltage, where a number of preliminary pulses are used to distinguish transient faults from persistent faults, and pulses are counted by the sectionalizing reclosers to determine which of these devices should open. An alternate configuration is disclosed for reinitializing faults, including the fault interrupter closing if initial pulse testing indicates no fault, and subsequent cycles cause a sectionalizing recloser adjacent the fault to open, allowing the fault interrupter to close and hold.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
A duct assembly for covering electrical connections between electrical equipment enclosures having a gap therebetween. The duct assembly includes a first frame configured to be mounted to one of the enclosures, where the first frame includes a flange mounted to the enclosure and a flange to which a gasket is secured that extends all of the way around the first frame. The duct assembly also includes a second frame configured to be mounted to the other enclosure, where the second frame includes a flange mounted to the enclosure and a flange to which a gasket is secured that extends all of the way around the second frame. The duct assembly further includes a duct that compresses and is coupled only to the gaskets that enclose each end of the gap.
A center post assembly for eliminating sagging of a roof panel in a cabinet, where doors of the cabinet latch to the post assembly. The post assembly includes a base portion and a post portion, where one of the base portion or the post portion includes a plurality of slots and the other one of the base portion or the slot portion includes a plurality of threaded studs. The base portion further includes a first bracket and a jackscrew threaded into a threaded opening in the first bracket and the post portion further includes a second bracket, where the jackscrew engages the second bracket so that rotation of the jackscrew causes the second bracket to move relative to the first bracket so that the studs slide in the slots and increase the length of the post assembly to remove the sag.
A system and method for restoring power in a power distribution network. The network includes at least two power sources, at least one feeder and a plurality of switching devices positioned along the at least one feeder and being in communications with each other. The method determines that one or more of network sections is not receiving power, and determining a plurality of possible power restoration solutions that identify what sections each of the power sources that are available to provide power can provide power to based on a power capacity of the sources and a load requirement of the sections. The method applies predetermined selection criteria to the plurality of possible solutions to determine which of the possible solutions will be used as an actual solution, and selectively switches the switching devices between open and closed states to apply the actual solution.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02J 3/46 - Controlling the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
A system and method for controlling an operation of devices in a power distribution network. The method determines that there is a power loss in the network as a result of a fault and one or more teams is not receiving power and performs a switching process in switching devices to prevent fault current from flowing to the fault. The method initiates a power restoration process to control the open and closed status of switching devices to isolate the fault and performs the power restoration process by the leader device in a division that the fault is occurring that includes opening and closing switching devices so that power is provided to all of the teams except the team that the fault is in. The method reconfigures the divisions based on which switching devices are now open and selects new leader devices based on the reconfiguration of the divisions.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
H02J 3/46 - Controlling the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
68.
Voltage readings using high voltage resistor across vacuum interrupter
A switch assembly including a switch and a high impedance element used for energy harvesting purposes that are connected to a power line and assembly electronics. The high impedance element has higher impedance than the switch so that current flows through the switch from the power line when the switch is closed and through the high impedance element from the power line when the switch is open. The switch assembly also includes a current sensing device, such as a current sensing resistor, electrically coupled in series with the high impedance element and the electronics. By measuring the current flow using the current sensing device, it is possible to infer the voltage across the high impedance element since its impedance is known. This voltage can be used to provide point on wave closing of the switch and to determine the line voltage magnitude.
H01H 33/668 - Means for obtaining or monitoring the vacuum
G01R 15/20 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
A switching device that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and provides fault isolation and restoration. The switching device includes a transformer interface for coupling the device to the transformer and a connector interface for coupling the device to a connector. The device also includes a vacuum interrupter having a fixed terminal and a movable terminal, where the fixed terminal is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable terminal is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control rod is coupled to the movable terminal, an actuator assembly is coupled to the control rod and is operable to move the control rod to open and close the vacuum interrupter. A capacitor is electrically coupled to the fixed terminal, and provides an interface for power line communications signals, voltage sensing, help determine power flow direction and help determine the distance to a fault.
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
H02H 7/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H01H 33/53 - CasesReservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluidAccessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
A transformer assembly including a transformer that is part of an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The transformer assembly includes an enclosure enclosing a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformer assembly also includes first and second switching devices mounted to a panel of the enclosure, where each switching device includes an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the primary winding, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface or the transformer interface and the movable terminal is electrically coupled to the other connector interface or the transformer interface.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H01H 33/53 - CasesReservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluidAccessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
71.
Method for restoring power in an underground radial loop network
A method for isolating a fault in an underground power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, a first recloser connected to one end of the power line and a second recloser connected to an opposite end of the power line, where each transformer includes an upstream switching device and a downstream switching device, and where power is provided to both ends of the power line through the first and second reclosers and one of the switching devices is a normally open switching device. The method includes detecting overcurrent by some of the switching devices, detecting loss of voltage by some of the switching devices and sending clear to close messages to some of the switching devices to open and close certain ones of the switching devices to isolate the fault.
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H01H 33/53 - CasesReservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluidAccessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H01F 38/00 - Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
72.
UNDERGROUND RADIAL LOOP RESTORATION DEVICE AND METHOD
A fault interrupting switching device that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and provides fault isolation and restoration. The switching device includes a vacuum interrupter having a fixed terminal and a movable terminal, where the fixed terminal is electrically coupled to a transformer interface and the movable terminal is electrically coupled to a connector interface. A control rod is coupled to the movable terminal and an actuator assembly is coupled to the control rod and is operable to move the control rod to open and close the vacuum interrupter. An electronics assembly electrically is coupled to the movable terminal, and includes a high voltage capacitor and an energy storage capacitor, where the high voltage capacitor provides power to operate the actuator when the vacuum interrupter is open and the energy storage capacitor provides power to the electronics assembly when the vacuum interrupter is closed.
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H01H 33/53 - CasesReservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluidAccessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
73.
Loop restoration switching device assembly including multiple switches with common control
A switch assembly that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The switch assembly includes first and second switching devices each having an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the transformer, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a first vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, where the fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable contact is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control board controls the first and second switching devices, where the control board is responsive to voltage signals from capacitors in the first and second switching devices.
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
H02H 7/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H01H 33/53 - CasesReservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluidAccessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
74.
METHOD FOR ISOLATING A FAULT AND RESTORING POWER IN AN UNDERGROUND RADIAL LOOP NETWORK USING FAULT INTERRUPTING SWITCHES
A method for isolating a fault in an underground power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, a first end switch connected to one end of the power line and a second end switch connected to an opposite end of the power line, where each transformer includes an upstream switching device and a downstream switching device, and where source power is provided to both ends of the power line through the first and second end switches and one of the switching devices is a normally open switching device. The method includes detecting overcurrent in the network from the fault, opening certain ones of the switching devices in response thereto, detecting loss of voltage as a result of the open switching devices and opening or closing certain ones of the switching devices to isolate the fault.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
75.
Triggered vacuum gap that controllably sustains a vacuum arc through current zeros
A triggered vacuum gap (TVG) device that has application as a closing switch for synchronized closing in distribution and transmission power systems. The TVG device controllably sustains a current arc in the device through initial current zeros created by power system transients and, thereby, prevents premature interruption of the closing operation. The TVG device includes main electrodes defining a vacuum gap therebetween and a triggering electrode providing a triggering gap between one main electrode and the triggering electrode. The TVG device also includes a triggering circuit having a high voltage impulse source that supplies a fast rising impulse voltage to the one main electrode and the triggering electrode for creation of a plasma to provide an initial breakdown of the triggering gap and a low voltage unidirectional current source that supplies current to the one main electrode and the triggering electrode once the first triggering gap breakdown has occurred.
A power restoration system for restoring power to feeder segments in response to a fault. The system includes a reclosing device having a switch and one or more sensors for measuring current and/or voltage on the feeder, where the reclosing device performs a pulse testing process to determine circuit fault conditions. The system also includes a plurality of switching devices electrically coupled along the feeder, where each switching device includes a section switch and one or more sensors for measuring current and/or voltage on the at least one feeder. In one embodiment, each switching device recognizes predetermined pulse codes having a sequence of pulses, where the reclosing device uses the pulse testing process to generate and selectively transmit defined pulse codes on the feeder that selectively cause the section switches to change states between an open state and a closed state depending on the code.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
A transformer fault detection, where the transformer includes a primary winding coupled to a medium voltage power line and a secondary winding providing a stepped down voltage of the medium voltage. The detection system includes a switching device, where the switching device includes a first voltage measuring device for measuring the voltage on the primary winding, a controller for processing measured voltages and a transceiver for receiving and transmitting messages. The detection system also includes a second voltage measuring device for measuring the stepped down voltage on the secondary winding, where the second voltage measuring device includes a transmitter for transmitting the measured step down voltage to the switching device. The controller uses the measured voltages to calculate a transformer turns ratio (TTR) of the transformer to determine whether a transformer fault.
A structure for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The structure includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.
H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
A method for performing a low energy pulse testing in a power distribution network that causes contacts to close and then open in about one fundamental frequency cycle of current flow time and close on a voltage waveform that produces symmetrical fault current. The method includes energizing a magnetic actuator to move the actuator against the bias of a spring to move a movable contact towards a fixed contact. The method also includes de-energizing the actuator when the movable contact makes contact with the fixed contact so as to allow the spring to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact so that the amount of time that the current conducts is about one fundamental frequency cycle of the current, where energizing the magnetic actuator occurs when an applied voltage on the switch assembly is at a peak of the voltage wave so that the current is symmetric.
H01H 36/00 - Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
G01R 31/327 - Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
80.
Fault protection device with ground trip delay and method
A reclosing fault protection device detects a partial bypass state. Upon detecting the partial bypass state, the fault protection device implements a ground trip delay operating state. The ground trip delay operating state provides a delayed ground trip response characteristic.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 1/04 - Arrangements for preventing response to transient abnormal conditions, e.g. to lightning
H02H 11/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for preventing the switching-on in case an undesired electric working condition might result
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
A switch assembly including a switch and a high impedance element used for energy harvesting purposes that are connected to a power line at one end and assembly electronics at an opposite end, where in one non-limiting embodiment the switch assembly has particular application for use in connection with a vacuum interrupter. The high impedance element has higher impedance than the switch so that current flows through the switch from the power line when the switch is closed and through the high impedance element from the power line when the switch is open, where power from the high impedance element can power a switch closing device, such as a solenoid actuator. The high impedance element can be a resistive element, a capacitive element or a combination of a resistive and capacitive element.
A control system and method for sectionalizing switches and pulse-testing interrupter/reclosers in a distribution grid feeder which enables fault location, isolation and service restoration without requiring an external communications infrastructure to pass information between the switches. The method includes switches entering an armed state when they experience a high fault current during an initial fault event. Then, when the interrupter/recloser runs its test pulse sequence, any armed switch counts all test pulses as fault pulses, while non-armed switches count the test pulses as load pulses. Switches open to isolate the fault based on threshold values of fault pulse count and load pulse count. When an initially active interrupter/recloser completes its test pulse sequence, another interrupter/recloser begins its sequence, and all switches reconfigure their threshold values based on the new interrupter/recloser. Interrupter/reclosers after the initial device use a fast close-open event if necessary to arm some switches for proper fault-count opening.
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
H02H 3/02 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 3/38 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to both voltage and currentEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltage and current
A power restoration system comprising a feeder, a plurality of power sources available to provide power to the feeder, a plurality of normally closed reclosing devices electrically coupled along the feeder, at least one normally open recloser electrically coupled to the feeder, and a plurality of normally closed switches electrically coupled along the feeder between each adjacent pairs of normally closed reclosing devices. Each switch is assigned a position code having a value for each of the plurality of power sources that determines when the switch will open in response to the fault current and which power source the switch is currently receiving power from, where timing control between the reclosing devices and the switches allows the switch to be selectively opened to isolate the fault within a single feeder section between each pair of adjacent switches or between each switch and a reclosing device.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
84.
Power distribution system lateral protection and method
A fault protection system for providing protection from fault current for components and devices on a lateral line proximate to a distribution transformer in a power distribution network. The system includes a single-phase recloser having a vacuum interrupter that is controlled by a controller. In one embodiment, the recloser has an insulating body that is molded in combination with an insulating body of a bushing that is connected to the distribution transformer. In this embodiment, the controller can be powered by a current transformer within the recloser. In another embodiment, the recloser is mounted to a utility pole separate from the distribution transformer, where the controller is powered by the low voltage side of the transformer and the current transformer is eliminated. An isolated power supply is provided between the transformer and the controller to provide voltage isolation.
H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systemsEmergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for switching devices
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
85.
Method to detect utility disturbance and fault direction
A method for detecting a voltage disturbance in a utility having a micro-grid. The method transforms current and voltage measurements into first and second voltage values and first and second current values in a stationary reference frame, and transforms the first and second voltage values and the first and second current values to third and fourth voltage values and third and fourth current values in a rotating reference frame, where the third voltage value defines an average magnitude of the three-phase power signals. The method multiplies the third current value by the third voltage value to obtain an instantaneous power value and multiplies the fourth current value by the third voltage value to obtain an instantaneous volt-ampere reactive (VAR) value. The method opens the switch if the VAR value has a magnitude above a predetermined value and a direction indicating the fault is outside of the micro-grid in the network.
A capacitive voltage sensor for estimating voltage on a power line. The sensor includes a dielectric bushing surrounding the line, and an annular conductor formed in the bushing and being capacitively coupled to the line, where a first capacitance is defined between the line and the annular conductor and a second capacitance is defined between the annular conductor and ground. The sensor also includes a capacitance compensation circuit having an amplifier including a first terminal electrical coupled to the annular conductor, and first and second capacitance compensation capacitors electrically coupled to the terminals of the amplifier, where the compensation capacitors are made of different materials having different dielectric constants, and where the materials of the compensation capacitors are selected so as to compensate for changes in the first and second capacitances in response to temperature changes. Also, a thermistor is provided in a resistor compensation circuit to provide resistance compensation.
A method of determining the topology of a portion of the electrical distribution grid such as a feeder based on voltage and current measurements. The method employs Bayesian-based topology detection, where voltage and current data is measured at switches in the feeder at numerous sample times. A voltage variance is calculated for each switch, along with a voltage correlation coefficient for each pair of switches. Voltage variance is used to establish a preliminary position of a switch in the feeder, where switches closest to the substation source are expected to exhibit the least variance, and vice versa. The voltage correlation coefficient is used to provide a first determination of whether two switches are in series with each other in a parent-child relationship, and a current magnitude comparison is used to confirm or refute the preliminary parent-child relationship between the two nodes.
G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
88.
Fault location system using voltage or current measurement from diverse locations on a distribution network
A method for identifying a location of a fault in an electrical power distribution network that includes identifying an impedance of an electrical line between each pair of adjacent utility poles, measuring a voltage and a current of the power signal at a switching device during the fault, and estimating a voltage at each of the utility poles downstream of the switching device using the impedance of the electrical line between the utility poles and the measured voltage and current during the fault. The method calculates a reactive power value at each of the utility poles using the estimated voltages, where calculating a reactive power value includes compensating for distributed loads along the electrical line that consume reactive power during the fault, and determines the location of the fault based on where the reactive power goes to zero along the electrical line.
H02H 3/40 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to ratio of voltage and current
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
G01R 21/00 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor
A method for estimating an amount of solar generation capacity on a portion of the electrical grid such as a feeder. The method calculates maximum irradiance conditions for the feeder's geographic location and the time of year, and also records actual changes in electrical load measured periodically at a source over a time span such as a month. An additional analysis of active power against reactive power on the feeder is used to identify changes in load which were driven by real consumption versus those driven by changes in solar generation. A comparison of the actual changes in electrical load due to solar generation variation to the maximum irradiance curve yields a scaling factor and provides an estimate of the solar generation capacity on the feeder.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
G01R 22/10 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods using digital techniques
G05B 17/02 - Systems involving the use of models or simulators of said systems electric
A dropout recloser is capable of in accordance with its operating programming after a predetermined number of fault interrupting operations, e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more but typically 3, to drop out of a cutout and hang freely in a hinge contact of the cutout providing sectionalization with an observable visible gap. The recloser includes fault interrupting and reclosing components, a drop out mechanism and a controller. The drop out mechanism may include a bi-stable actuator to affect fault interrupting operation and dropout operation. The device may include motion limiting structures. The recloser may have a number of operating modes or sequences.
H02H 3/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess voltage
A communication-based permissive protection method for protecting an electrical power distribution network from a fault. The network includes a power source, an electrical line and a plurality of fault interrupters, where the fault interrupters are operable to prevent current flow in response to the fault. The method includes detecting the fault by each fault interrupter that is between the fault and the power source, and sending a drop of voltage message from each fault interrupter that doesn't detect the fault, but does detect a drop of voltage as a result of the fault to its immediate upstream fault interrupter. The method opens the fault interrupter that both detects the fault and receives a drop of voltage message from all of the fault interrupters immediately downstream of that fault interrupter.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A switch assembly for high voltage applications, where the switch assembly includes a traditional mechanical switch and a triggered gap device electrically coupled in parallel. The mechanical switch includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact, where one or both of the first switch contact and the second switch contact are movable to engage and disengage the first and second switch contacts to allow or prevent current flow therethrough. The triggered gap device includes a vacuum enclosure, a first stationary contact positioned within the enclosure and a second stationary contact positioned within the enclosure, where a gap is defined between the first and second stationary contacts. The triggered gap device further includes a plasma control device that allows creation of a plasma in the gap that causes an arc between the stationary contacts on the order of micro-seconds that allows current flow between the contacts.
A method for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The method includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.
H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
94.
Capacitive voltage sensor with hidden sensing electrode
A capacitive voltage sensor that has particular application to be molded into an insulating body of a switch. The voltage sensor includes an annular electrode assembly having a grounded electrode including an inner ring and an outer ring defining a space therebetween, and a sensing electrode positioned in the space and being substantially surrounded by the inner and outer rings. The body is formed around the electrode assembly and a cylindrical center conductor extends through the electrode assembly. Capacitive coupling is provided between the sensing electrode and the center conductor by one or more openings in the inner ring, such as a single round hole, a slot or a plurality of symmetrically disposed round holes or slots. The inner and outer rings can be attached at one end so that the grounded electrode is a single piece or the rings can be separate rings electrically coupled together by conductive screws.
A system and method for detecting a high impedance fault in an electrical line strung along and between utility poles, where the line is part of an electrical power distribution network. A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment. An observer/repeater device is provided on a number of the poles and each is in communication with certain select ones of the current sensors to receive the current measurements therefrom. One of the observer/repeater devices compares the current readings transmitted to it from the subordinate current sensors, and if a violation of Kirchhoff's current law exists, an indication of a high impedance fault occurs, where the observer/repeater device relays the current irregularity to an upstream recloser to take appropriate action.
A system and method for determining if a fault condition exists in an electrical network. The method includes determining that a fault protection device has been opened and monitoring a voltage angle of a voltage waveform across a vacuum gap switching arrangement if the fault protection device is open, where the vacuum gap switching arrangement includes at least one vacuum gap switching element. The method also includes triggering a breakdown of a vacuum gap in the at least one vacuum gap switching element when the voltage angle corresponds to a predetermined switching angle to enable a temporary current flow through the vacuum gap switching arrangement, measuring the current flow through the vacuum gap switching arrangement, and determining whether the fault condition exists based at least in part on the measured current flow.
A switching module for use in a high voltage switch includes: a vacuum interrupter (VI), an elastomeric insulating sleeve disposed around the VI; an insulating housing molded around the VI and the sleeve; and a pair of grading capacitors. Each grading capacitor includes an inner and an outer electrode while insulation between the electrodes is solid insulation of the housing molded at the time when the housing is molded. One of the electrodes is galvanically connected to the fixed contact through a first terminal in the switching module and the other electrode is galvanically connected to the moving contact through a second terminal in the switching module. The capacitance of the first grading capacitor is substantially equal to the capacitance of the second grading capacitor.
H01H 33/59 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switch and not otherwise provided for, e.g. for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the AC cycle
A magnetic module in a circuit interrupting system is configured to generate a blow-on force that pushes a moving contact toward a stationary contact. The magnetic module includes: a coil conductor having an opening through which a moving stem of the moving contact may move, wherein the coil conductor is electrically connected to the moving stem and a first auxiliary conductor, wherein the coil conductor is configured to allow current to flow from the moving stem to the first auxiliary conductor; a plunger attached to an end of the moving stem; and a first magnetic core shaped to fit around a first section of the coil conductor, wherein the first magnetic core is configured, when current flows through the coil conductor to the first auxiliary conductor, to become magnetized, attract the plunger toward the magnetic core, and cause the moving stem of the moving contact to move toward the stationary contact.
A capacitive network for use in a voltage sensor includes a first conductor shaped to form a boundary that separates a first interior space and a first exterior space; a second conductor shaped to form a boundary that encircles a second interior space and separates the second interior space from a second exterior space; a third conductor disposed in the second interior space and having a line of sight to the first conductor through an opening in the second conductor; and an external insulator formed around the first conductor and the second conductor in the first exterior space and the second exterior space. A first capacitance is formed between the first conductor and the third conductor, a second capacitance is formed between the second conductor and the third conductor, and conductive material that may collect on the external insulator has negligible effect on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.
A control system and method for a feeder, or portion of the distribution grid, which enables fault location, isolation and service restoration without communications between the feeder switches. The method uses definite time coordination between feeder switches and local measurements to determine which switches should open or close in order to isolate the fault and restore service downstream of a faulted section. Time-current characteristics and feeder topology are shared with all switches in the feeder prior to a fault event. When a disturbance occurs, a timer is started at each switch. When a switch measures voltage loss in all three phases, it stops its timer. Each switch evaluates the timer values and, when a particular switch determines based on the time-current characteristics that the immediate upstream switch opened to isolate the fault, that particular switch also opens. Power upstream of the particular switch is then provided by an alternative source.
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
patents