Abstract: A multi-layer architecture for control of distributed energy resources (DER) includes a forecasting and optimization system and one or more site-level controllers. The forecasting and optimization system generates predictions of optimal set points and communicate the optimal set points to a site-level controller. The site-level controller includes stored instructions that, when executed, direct the site-level controller to perform a boundary check and a real-time static economic dispatch, which can include steps of receiving optimal set points from the forecasting and optimization system; comparing received optimal set points with local conditions; outputting dispatch commands for DER control according to the optimal set points when the optimal set points are within appropriate limits with respect to the local conditions; and when the optimal set points exceed the appropriate limits, generating adjusted dispatch commands and outputting the adjusted dispatch commands for the DER control.

Abstract: A fuse element assembly has been disclosed. The fuse element assembly includes a fuse element having a pair of side edges and at least one weak spot between the side edges. The fuse element assembly also includes an arc-quenching material attached locally to the fuse element adjacent the weak spot.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wallpacks containing at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The wallpack light fixtures disclosed herein generally contain a housing, at least one light source, a power supply, and a plurality of heat sink fins.

Abstract: A thread adapter for connecting a data port and a cable conduit having a conduit fitting. The thread adapter includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a thru-hole extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end. The frame further includes first female threads extending longitudinally inwardly from the first end, the first female threads structured to engage with male threads of the data port, and second female threads extending longitudinally inwardly from the second end, the second female threads structured to engage with male threads of the conduit fitting of the cable conduit.

Abstract: A switching roller finger follower (SRFF) for valve actuation includes an outer arm (16), a first inner arm (12), a bearing axle (50) and a latch pin (26). The outer arm (16) is formed of a metal stamping, and is pivotally coupled to a main axle (40). The first inner arm (12) is coupled to the main axle (40) and is pivotably secure to the outer arm. The bearing axle (50) extends through the outer arm and the first inner arm. The bearing axle supports a roller (20) thereon. The latch pin (26) is slidably disposed in the outer arm (16) and is movable between at least a first position where the outer arm (16) and the first inner arm (12) are coupled for concurrent rotation and a second position wherein one of the outer arm and the first inner arm are configured to rotate relative to the other arm.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for monitoring a mechanical trip mechanism of a circuit interrupter provides advanced diagnostics. The trip mechanism comprises a D-shaft that is actuated by the trip unit, an operating mechanism that is actuated by the D-shaft, and a pole shaft that is actuated by the operating mechanism to physically separate the separable contacts. During every opening operation, the diagnostic system determines how much time elapses between the D-shaft beginning to move to its open position and the pole shaft reaching its open position, in order to detect degradation of the trip mechanism as early as possible. This ensures that suboptimal performance is detected even if the trip mechanism is meeting the minimum requirements for acceptable performance. A user is notified once the performance has degraded to a level that is considered concerning before the trip mechanism fails altogether, saving significant time and resources and preventing more widespread damage.

Abstract: An acoustic sensing system for detecting movement of an ultra-fast actuator in a hybrid circuit interrupter is disclosed. The system comprises a number of acoustic sensors structured to perform active or passive position sensing. For active sensing, the sensors emit sound waves toward a number of targeted portions of the actuator moving assembly and detect the positions of the targets based on acoustic signals reflected back to the sensors by the targets. For passive sensing, the sensors detect acoustic wavelets generated as a result of the moving assembly components moving during opening and closing operations. Acoustic signals can propagate through air or solids and thus the sensors can be mounted in a variety of locations within the circuit interrupter. Acoustic sensors are particularly well-suited for the circuit interrupter environment, as they are resilient to the environmental and external factors, such as dust, that can affect the performance of non-acoustic sensors.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter integrates a solenoid core within the vacuum chamber for opening the separable contacts under non-fault conditions, using less space than if the solenoid were disposed in series with a high speed actuator. The interrupter includes an iron core, a steel seat with a trough, and a solenoid coil seated in the trough. The steel seat has a central opening through which the movable conductor passes. The iron core is fixed to a portion of the movable conductor so as to laterally surround the movable conductor within the vacuum chamber. The steel seat is structured such that, when the separable contacts are closed and a user provides an activating current to the solenoid coil, the magnetic field generated around the coil magnetizes the steel seat. When the steel seat is magnetized, it attracts the iron core, causing the movable conductor to separate from the stationary conductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft starting a motor (40) using solid-state switching devices are disclosed. The system (10) includes a soft starting switch (53) that is made of a plurality of solid-state switches (62, 63). The system (10) also includes a controller (86) that is programmed to regulate currents and voltages delivered to the motor (40) during a start-up operation of the motor by cycling the solid-state switches (62, 63) ON and OFF during the start-up operation.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly can comprise a main rocker arm and a latch assembly. A latching arm can control the latch assembly and thereby control the extent to which a secondary rocker arm acts on the main rocker arm. The main rocker arm can comprise a main body configured to rotate around a rocker shaft, a valve end extending from the main body, a reaction end extending from the main body, and a latch bore. A bias pin can extend from the main body. The latch assembly can be configured to selectively rotate in the latch bore. The latch assembly can comprise a first latch end comprising a switch plate configured to receive actuation force on a first side and to receive bias force from the bias pin on a second side. A second latch end can comprise a first latch seat and a second latch seat.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit having a solid-state circuit breaker integrated therein is disclosed. With a disconnect switch between a utility source and the power conversion apparatus described for meeting UL489, the power conversion circuit includes an input connectable to an AC source, a rectifier circuit connected to the input to convert an AC power input to a DC power, and a DC link coupled to the rectifier circuit to receive the DC power therefrom. The rectifier circuit comprises a plurality of phase legs each including thereon an upper switching unit and a lower switching unit, wherein at least one of the upper and lower switching units on each phase leg comprises a bi-directional switching unit that selectively controls current and withstands voltage in both directions, so as to provide a circuit breaking capability that selectively interrupts current flow through the rectifier circuit, while maintaining original power conversion functionalities.

Abstract: A reduced voltage starter for electric motors comprises a controller, and a plurality of semiconductor switches to selectively connect a power source to a motor. The controller is configured to apply a first voltage ramp to provide a controllable fraction of the full line voltage to the motor, while maintaining a current flow to be within a programmable current limit during motor startup. The controller is further configured to implement a bumpless force transition, by applying a second voltage ramp when the speed of the motor is below the rated motor speed, and force transition criteria correlated with overheating of the semiconductor switches and/or a connected load are met.

Abstract: A relay includes an electromagnetic drive unit with a rotatable armature and a yoke. The rotatable armature includes a first magnetic contact region and the yoke includes a second magnetic contact region. The first magnetic contact region is in touch with the second magnetic contact region in a first state of the relay. The relay further includes at least one immovable first electric contact and a moveable contact arm with at least one second electric contact. The first electric contact contacts the second electric contact in the first state. The rotatable armature and the moveable contact arm are positioned together on a shaft and the shaft is embodied as a torsional element.

Abstract: A valvetrain assembly comprises a deactivatable rocker arm where a pushrod is configured to transfer a valve lift profile through to a valve end to a valve or valve bridge. A castellation assembly in a carrier and alternative two-piece rocker arm assemblies with rotary or linear actuators are shown for deactivating the transfer of the valve lift profile.

Abstract: A bidirectional latch pin assembly can comprise a housing portion comprising a latch port. A latch pin in the latch port can comprise a stepped nose extending from a body portion. The stepped nose can comprise a first step and a second step. A spring can be biased against a guide mounted in the latch port and the spring can be configured to bias the latch pin to a first position extending the first step out of the latch port. A first actuation assembly can be configured to move the latch pin to a second position extending the first step and the second step out of the latch port. A second actuation assembly can be configured to move the latch pin to a third position pulling the first step and the second step into the latch port. A switchable rocker arm and a valvetrain assembly can be formed therewith.

Abstract: A fluid coupler includes a socket including a socket body defining a receptacle for receiving a plug. A snap ring is mounted within the receptacle for retaining the plug within the receptacle. The snap ring is moveable between a constricted state in which the snap ring is adapted to retain the plug within the receptacle and an expanded state in which the plug is removeable from the receptacle. A release sleeve is mounted over the socket body. The release sleeve is moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. The release sleeve is configured to move the snap ring from the constricted state to the expanded state when moved from the non-actuated position to the actuated position.

Abstract: Described herein are thermally conductive thermoplastic polymers comprising a polymer matrix, at least one thermally conductive filler, at least one tensile strength filler, and at least one impact strength filler.

Abstract: Multi-part assemblies for driving a movable conductor away from a stationary conductor of a circuit interrupter decrease separable contact opening time by reducing the number of components that must travel during an initial stage of an opening stroke to achieve an initial gap between the separable contacts. The components that must travel in order to open the separable contacts are included in only some portions of the movable assembly, rather than all portions. In one embodiment, a split switch shaft coupled to a movable conductor includes a head shaft coupled to a tail shaft using a sliding pin, enabling the head shaft to travel an initial distance while the tail shaft remains stationary, thus achieving an initial gap between the contacts. In another embodiment, the movable conductor assembly is coupled to hydraulics, enabling the assembly to travel an initial distance at high speeds before damping by the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to multi-material electrical contacts, and methods of making multi-material electrical contact comprising a functionally graded monolithic structure, having a first metal and a second metal, an amount of the second metal as compared to an amount of the first metal increases with distance in the structure from a first surface to a second opposing surface of the structure such that the second metal content increases continuously or incrementally throughout the height of the electrical contact.

Abstract: An actuator for opening the separable contacts of a circuit interrupter integrates a Thomson coil arrangement into the movable and stationary conductor assemblies. A movable separable contact is coupled to one end of the movable conductor, and a stationary separable contact is coupled to one end of the stationary conductor. The movable and stationary conductors are each formed with a collar positioned near the respective movable and stationary separable contacts. The actuator further includes a coil seated within a coil housing, and the coil housing is coupled to the stationary conductor collar. A conductive member shaped as a cup and structured to be actuated by the coil is coupled to the movable conductor collar, such that the rim of the cup faces the coil. A housing is positioned around the conductive member cup body with bellows and coupled to the coil housing, forming a vacuum chamber around the separable contacts.