Abstract: An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between communication paths on each of the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.

Abstract: A self-powered circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path uses a current-blocking component to ensure that an insufficient amount of accumulated power for actuating and completing interruption of the circuit path is not misused in an unwarranted attempt to interrupt the current path. The arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path and a power supply operating from the current signal to provide a voltage signal of a predetermined value relative to common. A trip command circuit, in response to a fault detected in the circuit path, sends an electrical signal commanding that the circuit path be interrupted by using the voltage signal. The electrical signal is sent to an electrical latch located electrically in series with a coil of a solenoid mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path includes a hysteresis control circuit arranged to control a power supply charge-accumulation switch and an undervoltage trip-lockout circuit in parallel. More specifically, the arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for inducing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path; an energy accumulator for accumulating a magnitude of energy to cause an interruption of the circuit path; an energy accumulator control circuit controlling the magnitude of energy accumulating; a trip lock-out circuit, responsive to an insufficient magnitude of accumulated energy, for preventing an interruption of the circuit path; and a range control circuit, responsive to the current inducer circuit, for operating a power-related signal between a first level and a second level to control the energy accumulator control circuit and the trip lock-out circuit.