Abstract: A method of performing temperature-based diagnostics for motor starters within a physical grouping of motor starters is performed by determining a presently expected temperature operating range for each starter based on measuring operating temperatures of the starters; measuring their current draws, and evaluating the temperature and load draw data in light of compensation values assigned for the known power ratings of the starter and the starter's physical location within the grouping. With the presently expected temperature operating range of the starter determined, and the periodic monitoring of starter temperatures, when an individual starter's temperature exceeds its expected range, a diagnostic warning will be issued for that starter and/or for the control panel itself as a guide for preventative maintenance. Alternately, the warning may be issued for an unexpected temperature rise for a given rise in current draw, or for values exceeding an expected rate of temperature change.

Abstract: A method of performing temperature-based diagnostics for motor starters within a physical grouping of motor starters is performed by determining a presently expected temperature operating range for each starter based on measuring operating temperatures of the starters; measuring their current draws, and evaluating the temperature and load draw data in light of compensation values assigned for the known power ratings of the starter and the starter's physical location within the grouping. With the presently expected temperature operating range of the starter determined, and the periodic monitoring of starter temperatures, when an individual starter's temperature exceeds its expected range, a diagnostic warning will be issued for that starter and/or for the control panel itself as a guide for preventative maintenance. Alternately, the warning may be issued for an unexpected temperature rise for a given rise in current draw, or for values exceeding an expected rate of temperature change.

Abstract: Nuisance tripping is reduced in a power protection and distribution system including an upstream circuit breaker, a power distribution bus, and one or more downstream circuit breakers. A signal indicative of a current or pending downstream circuit breaker tripping action, such as a Zone Selective Interlocking (ZSI) signal, normally used to delay tripping of the upstream breaker, is used to suppress an optical flash detection system from tripping the upstream breaker in response to an optical flash resulting from the tripping of the downstream breaker. In this way, nuisance tripping of the upstream breaker is avoided when the downstream breaker trips (and the ZSI function is preserved).

Abstract: In a power protection and distribution assembly a trip system monitors electrical current and sends a current status signal to an arc flash protection system indicating whether current characteristic of an arc event is detected. The arc flash protection system evaluates this current status signal along with a light status signal indicating whether light characteristic of an arc event has been detected. Based on this evaluation, the arc flash protection system sends a control signal to the trip system for controlling the trip system to trip a breaker. The systems each include a full-duplex signaling module for sending the signals between the systems over a pair of conductors. Each signaling module sends one of the signals by modulating the magnitude of a current through or a voltage across the conductors, and receives the other signal by demodulating the magnitude of the current through or the voltage across the conductors, as distinctively modulated by the other signaling module.

Abstract: Dynamic adjustment of a charge rate of an EVSE on a shared branch circuit, ensuring maximum power delivery to the EVSE without overloading the branch circuit. The Level 1 EVSE and at least one other load are connected to the branch circuit via different electrical outlets. A current monitoring circuit continuously monitors the total current flowing through the branch circuit, and a communications link is established between the monitoring circuit and the EVSE. When the monitored current on the branch circuit is about to exceed a set point corresponding to a rated current capacity of the branch circuit, the charge rate is reduced to maximize power delivery to the EVSE without overloading the branch circuit. The charge rate is increased when more current is available to be drawn from the branch circuit to ensure continuous and uninterrupted delivery of maximum power to the EVSE without exceeding the rated current capacity.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system an arc management system has a transducer mounted in proximity to the circuit breaker for detecting and signaling a secondary effect of an overcurrent event within the case of the circuit breaker. The transducer provides an additional input to an arc fault detection system using other detectors and thus helps to control nuisance activations of the arc extinguishing mechanism. The system is particularly suited for circuit breakers without electronics, or the like, allowing for retrofit of existing systems. The system may monitor and act upon the excessive duration of the secondary effects.

Abstract: In a power protection and distribution assembly a trip system monitors electrical current and sends a current status signal to an arc flash protection system indicating whether current characteristic of an arc event is detected. The arc flash protection system evaluates this current status signal along with a light status signal indicating whether light characteristic of an arc event has been detected. Based on this evaluation, the arc flash protection system sends a control signal to the trip system for controlling the trip system to trip a breaker. The systems each include a full-duplex signaling module for sending the signals between the systems over a pair of conductors. Each signaling module sends one of the signals by modulating the magnitude of a current through or a voltage across the conductors, and receives the other signal by demodulating the magnitude of the current through or the voltage across the conductors, as distinctively modulated by the other signaling module.

Abstract: Nuisance tripping is reduced in a power protection and distribution system including an upstream circuit breaker, a power distribution bus, and one or more downstream circuit breakers. A signal indicative of a current or pending downstream circuit breaker tripping action, such as a Zone Selective Interlocking (ZSI) signal, normally used to delay tripping of the upstream breaker, is used to suppress an optical flash detection system from tripping the upstream breaker in response to an optical flash resulting from the tripping of the downstream breaker. In this way, nuisance tripping of the upstream breaker is avoided when the downstream breaker trips (and the ZSI function is preserved).

Abstract: A protection circuit for an alternative energy source comprises a primary path including an isolation element, e.g., diode or transistor, to prevent current backflow into the alternative energy source from the power device. A low resistance bypass path around the isolation element is also provided. In a protection mode, the bypass path is opened so current must flow through the primary path. In a bypass mode, the bypass path is closed to provide a low resistance path for current to flow from the alternative energy source to the power device.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system an arc management system has a transducer mounted in proximity to the circuit breaker for detecting and signaling a secondary effect of an overcurrent event within the case of the circuit breaker. The transducer provides an additional input to an arc fault detection system using other detectors and thus helps to control nuisance activations of the arc extinguishing mechanism. The system is particularly suited for circuit breakers without electronics, or the like, allowing for retrofit of existing systems. The system may monitor and act upon the excessive duration of the secondary effects.

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 power inverter comprises a push-pull inverter circuit that includes a transformer having a primary winding coupled to a DC bus and a secondary winding coupled to an AC bus, main power switches coupling each end of the primary winding to a DC return, and one or more supplemental power switches coupling at least one end of the primary winding to a snubber bus. The supplemental switch at a given end of the primary winding forms a buck-mode converter in combination with the primary winding and the associated free-wheeling diode at that end of the primary winding, and can be controlled by a switching controller to effect energy transfer between the snubber bus and DC bus. The switching controller can be configured to control power flow between the DC, AC, and snubber buses by controlling the common-mode and differential-mode voltages of the primary winding via main/supplemental power switch control.

Abstract: A method for protecting a printed wiring board (PWB) and the electrical components mounted on the PWB from high temperature, fire, plasma and debris resulting from a catastrophic failure of an at-risk electronic component located on the PWB or in close proximity to the PWB. This protection is provided by a layer of inorganic refractory material applied to a surface of the PWB adjacent the at-risk electrical component. The refractory material is preferably applied to the PWB surface as a pourable liquid. The refractor material must have sufficient viscosity such as to easily flow in and around electronic components located on the PWB and be self-leveling before curing, so as to produce a uniform thickness. The refractory material should also have a small shrinkage factor when cured such that no gaps are created between the PWB and the enclosure and around the electrical terminals of the at-risk components.