Abstract: A power equipment protection system includes a circuit breaker, a current sensor configured to measure a current through a circuit, a light sensor configured to detect a light event, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the light event originated from operation of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating operating status of a plurality of hardware devices of a computer includes a detecting module, a decoding module, and an indicating module. The indicating module includes a dual color indicator and two electronic switches connected to a first input and a second input of the dual color indicator respectively. The detecting module detects an operating status of the plurality of hardware devices, and outputs state signals of each hardware device during power on self test of the computer. The decoding module decodes the state signals, and outputs level control signals to turn on or off the two electronic switches. The dual color indicator indicates operating status of the plurality of hardware devices by shifted to be at different indicating states by the two electronic switches correspondingly.

Abstract: A protection monitoring circuit 101 includes a protection circuit 130 which detects at least one of overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent of a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery 110 and protects the secondary battery 110 by performing an ON/OFF control of transistors M11 and M12, and a secondary battery monitoring circuit 120 which detects a state of the secondary battery 110. The protection circuit 130 supplies a power supply voltage to the secondary battery monitoring circuit 120. If overdischarge of the secondary battery is detected, the protection circuit 130 inhibits the supply of the power supply voltage to the secondary battery monitoring circuit 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed or after a control signal for inhibiting the supply of power supply voltage is received from the secondary battery monitoring circuit 120.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, apparatus, and methods relate to a current limiting device on each of two or more load branches that limits the current drawn by each load branch to a branch current allocation for that branch, where each of the current limiting devices is configured to automatically communicate messages to negotiate adjustments to the branch current allocations among each of the load branches while maintaining the sum of the branch allocations substantially at or below an available capacity of the supply branch. In an exemplary embodiment, a system of intelligent power modules (IPMs) may operate together to automatically negotiate capacity sharing among a number of load branches by adapting to the dynamic load conditions in order to takes improved advantage of infrastructure power handling capability without exceeding a predetermined capacity of the supply branch.

Abstract: A circuit that includes a single grounded fault sensing transformer coupled to a resonant circuit that produces an output signal used by a microcontroller to determine a load current flowing through at least two conductors passing through the center of the sensing transformer. The microcontroller pings the resonant circuit, causing an impulse disturbance at the output signal, and the microcontroller calculates the inductance component of the resonant circuit based on the frequency of the decaying output signal. The microcontroller calculates the resistive core loss as a function of a known resistance of the resonant circuit, a known capacitance of the resonant circuit, the calculated inductance, and the determined rate of decay of the output signal. The calculated resistive core loss is compared to a table or to a polynomial function that characterizes known resistive core losses with known load currents to determine the load current corresponding to the calculated resistive core loss.

Abstract: A protection monitoring circuit 101 includes a secondary battery monitoring circuit 120 which detects a state of a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery 110, and a protection circuit 130 which performs an ON/OFF control of a charge control transistor or a discharge control transistor disposed between the secondary battery 110 and a load or a charger device, and protects the secondary battery 110. The secondary battery monitoring circuit outputs a control signal that compulsively turns on/off the charge control transistor or the discharge control transistor, to the protection circuit. The protection circuit 130 performs the ON/OFF control of the charge control transistor or the discharge control transistor upon receipt of the control signal.

Abstract: A device and method for dynamically determining an impedance of a network is disclosed. The device includes at least a processing system for measuring a network voltage and network current when said network is determined to be in a first state, measuring a network voltage when said network is determined to be in a second state, estimating said impedance value dependent upon said measured voltages and current, adapting said estimated impedance based on at least one prior impedance value and storing at least said adapted impedance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes a housing assembly having a plurality of receptacle terminals comprising hot user-accessible terminal structure and a neutral user-accessible terminal structure accessible via at least one user-accessible receptacle. A circuit interrupting assembly is coupled to a fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupting assembly is configured to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state and interrupt the electrical continuity in a tripped state. The circuit interrupting assembly includes at least one first circuit interrupter member and at least one second circuit interrupter member, the at least one first circuit interrupter member being configured to drive the at least one second circuit interrupter member into the reset state in response to a make force.

Abstract: A compressor monitoring system includes current and voltage monitors, current and voltage averaging modules, a control module, and a switch. The current monitor measures a current drawn by a motor of a compressor. The current averaging module generates first and second average current values based on the current measured by the current monitor. The voltage monitor measures a utility power voltage. The voltage averaging module generates first and second average voltage values based on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The control module selectively generates a fault signal when a first ratio is greater than a first predetermined threshold and a second ratio is less than a second predetermined threshold. The first ratio is based on the first and second average current values. The second ratio is based on the first and second average voltage values. The switch deactivates the motor when the fault signal is generated.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus bar with regard to short circuits that may occur. The bus bar has a feeder and at least two outgoers. A outgoer safety device is provided at each outgoer and a feeder safety device is provided at the feeder. In the case of a short circuit in one of the outgoers, the outgoer safety device associated with the outgoer outputs a blocking signal to the feeder safety device, delaying or preventing actuation of a power switch disposed at the feeder. In order to provide a method wherein comparably little installation effort is required, the outgoer safety devices send repeating communication telegrams to the feeder safety device by way of a data transfer bus, and the feeder safety device checks the receipt of the communication telegrams by way of a checking logic, and optionally prevents the execution of a blocking signal. A feeder safety device is correspondingly configured.

Abstract: An electronic circuit board includes a TMR element having two terminals connected to a power supply and a ground, respectively, at least through a lead. After a breakdown of a tunnel barrier film of the TMR element, at least a part of the lead breaks by an overcurrent due to a short circuit between the two terminals.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a multiphase AC electric motor having an inverter includes a current control including an abnormal-state current controller; an abnormal-state detector that detects an abnormal state of any of a wire of an electric motor, a wire of an inverter, and a wire connecting the electric motor to the inverter as an abnormal phase; and an abnormal phase disconnect. The abnormal phase disconnect disconnects one or more of phases detected to be in an abnormal-state and the abnormal-state current controller generates an abnormal state voltage command in accordance with detection of an abnormal state, and uses phases other than the disconnected phases of the inverter to control individual currents of the phases, with the abnormal-state voltage command used as a multiphase voltage command.

Abstract: Provided is a short-circuit isolator capable of earlier detection of recovery from short circuit of a disconnected line and reconnecting the line.

Abstract: A group protection module for a switchgear arrangement is provided in order to protect a group of load feeders, each having a contactor for connecting or disconnecting a respective load. The group protection module has a circuit breaker for providing short-circuit protection, said circuit breaker being connected to a supply-side input and to a load-side output of the group protection module for connection to a power supply system and for connecting the group of load feeders. The group protection module has a safety evaluation unit via which the circuit breaker can be tripped if a status signal detectable by the respective load feeders indicates that one of the contactors of the load feeders can no longer be de-energized. The group protection module is implemented as a constructional unit.

Abstract: A system for combining multiple direct current power sources is provided. The system is operable to combine multiple feeds from an array of power generating elements, such as solar panel arrays and combine the feeds into a single voltage output. The system includes a current monitoring assembly operable to monitor the current from each input to evaluate whether there is a malfunction or other problem associated with a particular output. An alarm or other signal can be provided to inform the operator of which power generating element in the array need to be analyzed.

Abstract: A power supply control system having a first switch circuit configured to set a power supply line which connects a power supply unit and a power supply circuit to one of a connected state and a non-connected state, a first control unit configured to operate in one of a normal mode and a sleep mode in which a consumption current is smaller than in the normal mode, and to detect a magnitude of a current flowing into the first switch circuit and control an operation of the first switch circuit based on the detected magnitude of the current while operating in the normal mode, and a second control unit configured to control an operation of the first control unit based on the detection result of an opening-closing state detection unit configured to detect an opening-closing state of a battery lid provided to the power supply unit.

Abstract: A line current differential protection system that uses an external time reference continues providing protection to a power apparatus upon the loss of the external time reference. An external time reference synchronization mode and a channel based synchronization mode may be selectively applied on a per channel basis such that only those channels in the system that are not guaranteed to stay symmetrical use external time reference synchronization.

Abstract: A fault protection device tests a distribution for persistence of a fault using a selectable first fault testing procedure and a second fault testing procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply control system comprising a first switch circuit configured to set a power supply line which connects a power supply unit and a power supply circuit to one of a connected state and a non-connected state, a first control unit configured to operate in one of a normal mode and a sleep mode in which a consumption current is smaller than in the normal mode, and to detect a magnitude of a current flowing into the first switch circuit and control an operation of the first switch circuit based on the detected magnitude of the current while operating in the normal mode, and a second control unit configured to control an operation of the first control unit based on the detection result of an opening-closing state detection unit configured to detect an opening-closing state of a battery lid provided to the power supply unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply control system comprising a first switch circuit configured to set a power supply line which connects a power supply unit and a power supply circuit to one of a connected state and a non-connected state, a first control unit configured to operate in one of a normal mode and a sleep mode in which a consumption current is smaller than in the normal mode, and to detect a magnitude of a current flowing into the first switch circuit and control an operation of the first switch circuit based on the detected magnitude of the current while operating in the normal mode, and a second control unit configured to control an operation of the first control unit based on the detection result of an opening-closing state detection unit configured to detect an opening-closing state of a battery lid provided to the power supply unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting ground fault at the common DC bus in a high impedance ground system. A fault detection component can detect characteristics of an electrical signal including phase number (n) and fundamental frequency (H). A fast Fourier transform is performed at (n×H) and (2n×H), and the two values are compared. A healthy system (no ground fault) can display a large difference between (n×H) and (2n×H), while in an unhealthy system the difference can be minimal. A system and method of detecting variable phase number and fundamental frequency can be used in the calculation to perform the ground fault detection when these characteristics are variable.

Abstract: A circuit protection system is provided that provides dynamic zones of protection for the circuit. The zones of protection can be based in part upon the topology of the circuit. The protection system can perform various dynamic zone protective functions for the zones of protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a neutral current using a load switching method in accordance with the present invention includes a phase current detection unit for detecting a phase current in each of a top stage power line and a bottom stage power line, a load switching unit for changing an arrangement of a load connected each phase of at least one among the top stage power line and the bottom stage power line and a control unit for controlling the load switching unit so as to compare a strength of the detected phase current of the top stage power line with a strength of the detected phase current of the bottom stage power line and to change the arrangement of the load connected to each phase of at least one among the top stage power line and the bottom stage power line according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A device for limiting short-circuit current in a consumer network having at least one supply line with a respective current feed point includes a disconnection point disposed in the at least one supply line so as to provide a first partial line and a second partial line in an event of a short-circuit fault. Each of the first and second partial lines has a respective associated current detector and at least one of the first and second partial lines has at least one current feed aggregate. The device includes a multiphase high-speed short circuiter having a current carrying capacity for short-circuit current intensities in the at least one supply line and a respective power circuit breaker connected in series with the high-speed short circuiter. The respective associated current detector is configured, upon detection of a short circuit in one of the first and second partial lines, to transmit a triggering signal so as to effect a short-circuit switching operation.

Abstract: A power distribution unit that switches off power outlets in the event of an over-current condition by using circuitry that measures how long input current has exceeded a threshold and sending a reset signal to the power outlets when input current has exceeded the threshold for a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: Electrical distribution networks (9) are provided between an electrical power source (10, 42, 43, 50, 65) and electrical loads (11, 12, 13) in the form of a number of connections (A to G). Faults can occur within the electrical distribution network (9) resulting in fault electrical currents which may damage the network (9). An electrical protection arrangement comprises fault current flow detectors (A? to G?, AA, BB, AAA to DDD) in a hierarchy of levels defined by cascades of connections it is possible to utilise a controller to actively trip a circuit breaker associated with a respective fault current flow detector (A? to G?, AA, BB, AAA to DDD).

Abstract: An apparatus and method compensate for the sensitivity of at least one line current differential element of a first current differential relay providing differential protection for a transmission line of a power system during a single-phase pole-open condition. The apparatus includes a first delta filter configured to remove a first pre-fault current from a first fault current of the transmission line to derive a compensated first current phasor. The apparatus also includes a second delta filter configured to remove a second pre-fault current from a second fault current of the transmission line to derive a compensated second current phasor. The compensated first and second current phasors are provided to the at least one line current differential element to compensate the sensitivity of the at least one line current differential element.

Abstract: A power distribution unit that switches off power outlets in the event of an over-current condition by using circuitry that measures how long input current has exceeded a threshold and sending a reset signal to the power outlets when input current has exceeded the threshold for a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A DC electrical current busbar associated with electrical load circuits and devices as well as sources requires protection. In order to provide such protection Kirchoff's laws are utilized such that electrical current values are substantially simultaneously taken and summed in order to identify deviations from expected differential threshold values. Upon detection of such deviations and generally as a result of a number of successive deviations an electrical isolation device is utilized in order to isolate electrical current to the busbar. The data set of electrical current values can be utilized in order to provide a back up protection system for individual electrical load devices and circuits, by similar comparison with expected values for those devices and circuits.

Abstract: A fault protection system for an electrical power distribution system and a method of configuring and operating a fault protection system for an electrical power distribution system accepts device fault protection parameters, such as the time-current-characteristics (TCCs), of boundary devices, and selects and sets fault protection parameters for one or more fault protection devices, such as fault-interrupters, that thus coordinate with the boundary devices. Fault protection parameter selection for each fault protection device may occur automatically, and each device may reconfigure its fault protection parameters based upon changes in the electrical power distribution system, for example, as the result of fault isolation and/or service restoration.

Abstract: In one example embodiment of the present application, the switching device includes a first switching point for normal switching of at least one current path, and includes a second switching path for disconnection of a short-circuit current. The first and second switching points are connected in series, and are accommodated in a common enclosure. Electrical connections and, if required, a control connection for inputting a switching command, are provided in or on the enclosure for connection of the current paths. The first switching point is designed for a maximum continuous current. The second switching point is designed to disconnect a short-circuit current which is a multiple of the maximum continuous current. The first switching point includes at least one main contact which can withstand a short-circuit at least for the time by means of a contact holding system or a contact locking system.

Abstract: A current sensing module is provided for contactors and similar switch gear. The current sensing module is packaged so as to be capable of mounting on a line or a load side of a contactor. The current sensing module may be eliminated where current signals are not needed, but can be added to the package where monitoring and control functions may benefit from sensed current signals on either or both sides of a contactor. The current sensing module may be configured as a single or multiple-phase device, and may output either analog or digital signals to local devices or to networked devices.

Abstract: A method of operating a relay device, in an electrical circuit comprising first and second main circuit breakers, and a bus tie circuit breaker connecting the first and second main circuit breakers, the method comprising computing a first positive sequence current phasor for the first main circuit breaker and a second positive sequence current phasor for the second main circuit breaker computing a first positive sequence voltage phasor for the first main circuit breaker and a second positive sequence voltage phasor for the second main circuit breaker; computing a correction of the first positive sequence voltage and second positive sequence voltage to a line-to-neutral phase angle reference if there is any rotation in a potential transformer connection; determining a fault has occurred when a magnitude of a current through at least one of the first main circuit breaker or the second main circuit breaker exceeds a predetermined threshold; determining a phase angle difference by comparing the phase angle of the

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus protects an electrical circuit against excessive current loads. A first remotely programmable circuit breaker trip device receives an external command with a programmable current threshold, detects a current level in the electrical circuit, and may cause a break in the electrical circuit depending on the detected current level in accordance with a first current duration associated with the stored programmable current threshold. A second electrical circuit breaker trip device is arranged to cause a break in the electrical circuit in accordance with a second current duration different, e.g., shorter, than the first current duration if a current flowing in the electrical circuit exceeds a predetermined rated current for more than the second current duration.

Abstract: A protection device for circuit-breakers that comprises a wireless communication system for transmitting locally, to a dedicated computerized device, information corresponding to measurements of electrical quantities, to the setting of the parameters typical of the protection functions, or to diagnostics information corresponding to the electrical system, to the circuit-breaker or to the protection device itself.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting and performing diagnostics regarding an incipient ground fault that may occur in an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle, such as a locomotive, transit vehicle, or off-highway vehicle. The method allows providing a first ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This first ground connection forms a grounding path generally used by the electrical propulsion system during normal operation. The method further allows providing a second ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This second ground connection forms a grounding path selectively usable in lieu of the first ground connection. A control strategy is defined for switching between the first ground connection and the second ground connection. A respective leakage current associated with at least one of the first and second ground connections may be monitored.

Abstract: A method of operating a relay device, the method comprising the steps of: providing main circuit-breakers and a bus-tie-breaker connecting the main-circuit-breakers; defining a partial-differential-zone comprising a main circuit breaker and the bus-tie breaker; assigning a first value to the direction of the fault current flowing into the partial differential zone;—assigning a second value to the direction of the fault currents flowing out of the partial-differential-zone, wherein the first value is not equal to the second value;—comparing the values assigned to the fault currents; determining if the fault currents are flowing into the partial differential zone; and determining if at least two of the fault-currents is flowing in a different direction with respect to the partial-differential-zone wherein one of the fault currents is flowing into the partial-differential-zone and one of the fault currents is flowing out of the partial differential zone.

Abstract: A group protection module for a switchgear arrangement is provided in order to protect a group of load feeders, each having a contactor for connecting or disconnecting a respective load. The group protection module has a circuit breaker for providing short-circuit protection, said circuit breaker being connected to a supply-side input and to a load-side output of the group protection module for connection to a power supply system and for connecting the group of load feeders. The group protection module has a safety evaluation unit via which the circuit breaker can be tripped if a status signal detectable by the respective load feeders indicates that one of the contactors of the load feeders can no longer be de-energized. The group protection module is implemented as a constructional unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply control system comprising a first switch circuit configured to set a power supply line which connects a power supply unit and a power supply circuit to one of a connected state and a non-connected state, a first control unit configured to operate in one of a normal mode and a sleep mode in which a consumption current is smaller than in the normal mode, and to detect a magnitude of a current flowing into the first switch circuit and control an operation of the first switch circuit based on the detected magnitude of the current while operating in the normal mode, and a second control unit configured to control an operation of the first control unit based on the detection result of an opening-closing state detection unit configured to detect an opening-closing state of a battery lid provided to the power supply unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system has a switch, in particular in the form of a controllable power semiconductor, which is connected between a voltage input and a load output for the purpose of switching a load within a current path. The circuit breaker system further includes a circuit breaker, which can be repositioned between a first plug-in position forming a series circuit with the switch and a second plug-in position forming a parallel circuit with the switch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for sectioning a medium-voltage distribution electric line evidencing a disturbance, wherein said method comprises the stages of: (a) evaluating a current in a medium-voltage line with a detection coil; (b) converting the intensity generated by said current by the detection coil in a potential difference, further transferring the information to a microprocessor; (c) analyzing the profile of the wave generated by the current by an algorithm to analyze harmonic levels by Fourier Series, and (d) determining the behavior or the section switch from the result obtained in (c).

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a two pole circuit breaker having a first pole electrically coupled to an x-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit and having a second pole electrically coupled to a y-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit. The two pole circuit breaker is so designed that both of the two poles of the circuit breaker trip simultaneously and open even when an undesired electrical condition exists on the portion of the power distribution unit electrically coupled to only one of the poles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring power to loads connected to a feeder powered by a power source. The feeder is provided with a plurality of switching devices and a master electronic device which is in operative communication with the switching devices and has a plurality of power restoration plans stored therein. Upon occurrence of a fault in a zone of the feeder, the identity of the switching device which is closest to and upstream from the faulted zone relative to the power source is used in order to select a power restoration plan and restore power to some or all the loads connected to non-faulted zones of the feeder from one or more additional feeders.

Abstract: An arcing fault protection system for a switchgear enclosure includes an arc diverter for rapidly grounding or crow-barring the electrical distribution system in response to the detection of arcing fault currents in the system. Detection is done through a comparison of current on the main bus against the current through the feeder lines, whereby a difference in current gives a first detection signal. The first detection signal can be used directly, or AND'ed with other detection signals from optical sensors on the feeder lines, to provide the activation signal for operating the arc diverter.

Abstract: A method of operating a relay device, the method comprising the steps of: providing main circuit-breakers and a bus-tie-breaker connecting the main-circuit-breakers; defining a partial-differential-zone comprising a main circuit breaker and the bus-tie breaker; assigning a first value to the direction of the fault current flowing into the partial differential zone; -assigning a second value to the direction of the fault currents flowing out of the partial-differential-zone, wherein the first value is not equal to the second value; -comparing the values assigned to the fault currents; determining if the fault currents are flowing into the partial differential zone; and determining if at least two of the fault-currents is flowing in a different direction with respect to the partial-differential-zone wherein one of the fault currents is flowing into the partial-differential-zone and one of the fault currents is flowing out of the partial differential zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using a power protector, such as an uninterruptible power supply (power protector) or a power line conditioner. An input of the power protector can be coupled to an output of one or more of circuit breakers using electrical buss bars for unique modularity and easy installation and replacement. Further, an input of a second set of circuit breakers can be coupled to an output of the power protector to backfeed the power through the second set of circuit breakers and out through the buss bar to one or more electrical loads. Additional power protectors can be used for capacity and/or redundancy. A stacked buss bar system can be used that consolidates the system into a compact assembly heretofore unknown in the industry.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting and performing diagnostics regarding an incipient ground fault that may occur in an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle, such as a locomotive, transit vehicle, or off-highway vehicle. The method allows providing a first ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This first ground connection forms a grounding path generally used by the electrical propulsion system during normal operation. The method further allows providing a second ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This second ground connection forms a grounding path selectively usable in lieu of the first ground connection. A control strategy is defined for switching between the first ground connection and the second ground connection. A respective leakage current associated with at least one of the first and second ground connections may be monitored.

Abstract: A central power supply device for an electric supply of a domestic appliance and an electronic control unit of the appliance is connected to an output side of an interference suppression filter. The aim is to integrate recurrent, standardized devices in such a way that components are not allocated functions that do not belong to their task domain. To achieve this, an automatically controlled network disconnection device is integrated, together with the interference suppression filter, into the phase conductor, or in addition into the neutral conductor. A power supply device for an electronic control logic circuit of the network disconnection device is connected to the input side of the network disconnection device and the control output of the control logic circuit is connected to the control input of the network disconnection device.

Abstract: A power strip is providing including a housing coupled to a first end portion of a power supply cord, the housing having an electrical receptacle mounted thereto and connected to the power supply cord, the power supply cord having a second end connectable to a power source. A current sensor is coupled to the power supply cord between the electrical receptacle and the second end for detecting electrical current flow through the power supply cord and providing an output signal that varies in proportion to the current flow through the power supply cord. A processing circuit coupled to the output of the current sensor includes a display device for displaying at least one of the current, voltage, power, and phase associated with the power supply cord at the current sensor. The display device can be remotely coupled to the power strip for positioning the display in a convenient location.

Abstract: A status indicator indicates an operating state, including an electrical malfunction, of an electrical load that is located and controlled from locations remote from a monitoring location.