Abstract: A system and method for operating an autoloop system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a first branch circuit having a first recloser and a midpoint recloser and a second branch circuit having a second feeder recloser and a midpoint recloser. A tie recloser is electrically coupled between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit wherein the tie recloser closes only after a fault is detected. A master controller associated with the first and second branch circuits communicates with the reclosers of the first and second branch circuits. The master controller includes a processor for blocking a fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The portion of a circuit where a fault is detected may be isolated to minimize the portion of the first and second branch circuits without power.

Abstract: A meter disconnect adapter is provided that allows a utility meter to be connected to a meter socket while electrical service is disconnected to a facility. The meter disconnect adapter includes housing having an interior area. A plurality of terminals are coupled to the housing. Each terminal includes a stab portion and a jaw portion. The stab portion is sized to provide less than rated current flow to the utility meter. The jaw portion is sized to facilitate the coupling of the meter to the adapter. Use of this adapter enables the terminals to transfer only enough current to power the electrical meter whereby the utility may monitor and verify that no electrical power is being consumed.

Abstract: A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to identify signatures in the data to ascertain potential issues in the electrical protective circuit. The data is further analyzed to determine signatures of abnormal operating conditions. The signatures are compared to reference signatures to identify the abnormal conditions and corrective action is initiated.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: A system and method for dead-line conductor phase identification is provided. The system includes a receiver unit having a set of current sensors, such as current transformers. The receiver unit current sensors are coupled to conductors having a known phase in a multiphase power line. The current sensors are positioned adjacent a transformer connected to a section of the power line having an open circuit condition. A transmitter unit transmits a current signal on to a conductor at the open circuit section of the power line. The current sensors detect the current signal and the receiver unit transmits a signal to the transmitter unit identifying the phase on which the current signal was transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting events in an electrical network is provided. The method and apparatus measure a plurality of electrical parameters on the electrical network. A precursor event is detected. The measured parameters are captured and analyzed. The precursor event is categorized and a plurality of notifications having integrated data related to the event are electronically transmitted.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) tracking device that includes a casing including a GPS transmitting and receiving unit configured to transmit and receive GPS signals including GPS routing information; a signal amplifying unit coupled with the GPS transmitting and receiving unit and configured to amplify cell signals; and a timing unit configured to receive power from an external power supply unit and to control power supply to the GPS transmitting and receiving unit and the signal amplifying unit for a predetermined time period

Abstract: A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to determine the activation of the electrical equipment, such as a protective relay for example. The data is further transformed to allow assessment of the circuit's performance against desired parameters.

Abstract: A device for installing aerial electrical power conductors on utility poles. The device includes a frame having a plurality of anchors. The anchors are arranged to provide a place for securing a plurality of pull ropes during installation of the conductors. The device includes a post sized to be received in a hitch on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the device is sized to fit into an aerial platform, such as that used on utility bucket trucks. The device may be lifted to the point of connection on the utility pole.

Abstract: A gas meter reading system is provided that allows automated meter reading capability to be incorporated with sealed mechanical type gas meters. The reading system is mounted to the window of the meter adjacent to the measurement dial. The reading system senses the rotation of the dial and provides data, such as a pulse, that may be recorded by an external source. A method of detecting for leaks with a gas meter having a reading system is also provided.

Abstract: A charger for an electric vehicle is provided. The charge provides for multiple inputs that are combined to provide a single output at higher charging level. The charger includes a toroidal transformer that is electrically coupled between the multiple inputs and the output. The charge may also include a connection to allow an electrical vehicle to communicate with external controllers or servers.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a substation on an electrical power network is provided. The energy storage system is coupled to receive and store electrical power. The stored electrical power may then be used to either charge vehicles or meeting the needs of other discretionary or interruptible loads with an electric propulsion, or to provide electrical power a feeder connected to essential service loads such as police stations, hospitals and traffic control. In one embodiment, the substation also utilizes the energy storage system in a peak shaving mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method of locating a conduit, such as an underground conduit is provided. The system includes a tracing device that is adapted to be coupled to a valve. The tracing device includes a bypass member that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the bypass member extends through the valve when in the second position. A tracing member is sealingly coupled to the tracing device and extends through the bypass member. An electrical signal is applied to the tracing member and a monitoring device is used to locate an electrical field created by the electrical signal.

Abstract: A system and method for dead-line conductor phase identification is provided. The system includes a receiver unit having a set of current sensors, such as current transformers. The receiver unit current sensors are coupled to conductors having a known phase in a multiphase power line. The current sensors are positioned adjacent a transformer connected to a section of the power line having an open circuit condition. A transmitter unit transmits a current signal on to a conductor at the open circuit section of the power line. The current sensors detect the current signal and the receiver unit transmits a signal to the transmitter unit identifying the phase on which the current signal was transmitted.

Abstract: A power outlet device for regulating the operation of an appliance, such as a window mounted air conditioner is provided. The device includes a power inlet and a power outlet coupled to a switch. A controller having a communications device controls the state of the switch. The controller is connected to a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature of the room. A user interface allows the user to define a maximum temperature for the room. In response to the receipt of a signal via the communications device, the controller regulates the flow of electrical power to the appliance based on the defined maximum temperature. A timer is also provided that minimizes short time period cycling of the appliance.

Abstract: A device and method of counting pulse or switch contact signals over time from any commodity in various applications such as manufacturing and process control is provided. The device includes a pulse splitter relay that generates a first output pulse signal and a second pulse output signal. The first output pulse signal is transmitted to a recorder that receives the pulse signal and stores data such as date and time information when the pulse signal was received. The second output pulse signal is transmitted to a downstream system, such as a building management system for example. The data from the recorder and the downstream system may be compared to verify the pulse signals and identify potential sources for error.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method of providing contingency analysis information for a utility service network that includes obtaining contingency analysis information from a plurality of external sources, integrally combining the contingency analysis information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources into a single application and prioritizing the contingency analysis information in a predetermined order, dynamically updating, the contingency analysis information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources and the prioritization of the contingency analysis information based on status information, and displaying the contingency analysis information to a user via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting electrical network control centers and building management systems is provided. The interconnected system monitors the operational status of the electrical network from a control center. In response to detecting the signature of an imminent electrical network event, the control center transmits a signal to the building management system. In response to receiving the signal, the building management system initiates a series of actions to mitigate or reduce the impact of the electrical network event.

Abstract: An electromechanical protective relay includes a base and an electromechanical coil supported on the base. The relay also includes a load sensor electrically coupled to the electromechanical coil that measures a current passing through the electromechanical coil and that is supported on the base, a trip contact supported on the base and located and configured such that it completes a circuit when the electromechanical coil senses an undesirable condition, and a trip sensor electrically coupled to the trip contact that measures a current passing through the trip contact and that is supported on the base.