Abstract: A high voltage capacitor includes multiple capacitor packs housed in a canister. A capacitor pack status monitor includes a current sensor measuring an electric current through an associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a first signal representative of the electric current through a selected capacitor pack. The monitor also includes a voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage across the associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a second signal representative of the electric voltage across the selected capacitor pack. Electronics compute an impedance associated with each capacitor pack. Each current sensor may include a current transformer positioned around a main power line energizing a respective capacitor pack.

Abstract: A capacitor status monitor that attaches across the bushings on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a “can”). The capacitor status monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the internal impedance of the capacitor can to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of an internal capacitor failure. The monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor status monitors throughout the capacitor bank may communicate with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

Abstract: A high voltage capacitor current monitor that attaches to a bushing on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a “can”). The capacitor current monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the current flowing through the high voltage capacitor and can be used as part of a capacitor status monitor to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of a fault or capacitor failure. The current monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor current measurements may be communicated with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

Abstract: A remote blade closing detector switch is positioned on or near the jaws of an electric power disconnect switch, where proper seating of the blade in the jaws activates a detector switch. An extended conductor lead electrically connects the detector switch an RFID tag placed in a convenient reading location. The detector switch is configured to control a data signal, power to the antenna of the RFID tag, the power supply to the RFID tag, or a data signal between an RFID chip and an antenna as mechanisms for enabling and disabling the tag to report a status indicator. An antenna tuning compensator may be utilized to compensate for the impedance of the long conductor lead connected to the antenna. A noise filter may also be used to suppress electrical noise picked up by the long conductor lead in the harsh electrical environment of the disconnect switch.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, a voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device configured. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil, the power supply coil and the voltage sensor positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar.

Abstract: A high voltage electric power line monitor includes a current sensor, and voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and communication device. The monitor is configured to be supported by a structure, such a sectionalizing switch disposed within an insulator cylinder. The current sensor coil and an energy harvesting coils are configured to surround and be positioned transverse to the monitored power line with the power line extending through an aperture formed by the current sensor. A foil patch voltage sensor is carried on an electronics board configured to be positioned parallel to the monitored power line, typically below the current sensor. Both the current sensor and the voltage sensor are configured to positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the monitored power line. The sensors are housed within a Faraday cage to shield the current sensor from electromagnetic contamination.

Abstract: A remote blade closing detector switch is positioned on or near the jaws of an electric power disconnect switch, where proper seating of the blade in the jaws activates a detector switch. An extended conductor lead electrically connects the detector switch an RFID placed in a convenient reading location. The detector switch via the extended conductor is configured to regulate (i.e., switch on and off) a data signal, power to the antenna of the RFID tag, or the power supply to the RFID tag as mechanisms for enabling and disabling the tag to report a status indicator.

Abstract: A high voltage capacitor current monitor that attaches to a bushing on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a “can”). The capacitor current monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the current flowing through the high voltage capacitor and can be used as part of a capacitor status monitor to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of a fault or capacitor failure. The current monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor current measurements may be communicated with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

Abstract: A capacitor status monitor that attaches across the bushings on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a “can”). The capacitor status monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the internal impedance of the capacitor can to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of an internal capacitor failure. The monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor status monitors throughout the capacitor bank may communicate with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

Abstract: An instrumented electric power arrester includes a temperature sensor, wireless transmitter, and a visual over-temperature indicator. A disk shaped module, a replacement varister block, or a dummy block containing the sensor/transmitter is placed between varister blocks inside the arrester housing. A strap-on module is attached to the outside of the arrester housing. The sensor/transmitter utilizes a harvesting power supply that draws electric power for the electronics from the power line protected by the arrester. An ambient temperature sensor may be utilized to enhance accuracy. The temperature sensor/transmitter typically sends arrester monitoring data wirelessly to an RTU or handheld unit located outside the arrester, which relays the monitoring data to an operations control center that scheduled replacement of the arrester based on the monitoring data. A surge counter keeps track of the number of equipment and lightening related temperature surges experienced by the arrester.