Abstract: A protection circuit is disclosed. The protection circuit includes a direct current (DC) blocking component electrically connected between a neutral of the transformer and a ground, and an overvoltage protection device electrically connected in parallel with the DC blocking component. The overvoltage protection device is constructed to repeatably and reliably provide overvoltage protection in response to a voltage at the transformer neutral above a threshold. The DC blocking component has an impedance below a predetermined value, thereby effectively grounding the neutral of the transformer. The DC blocking component is persistently maintained in connection to the transformer neutral.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 20, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 14, 2024
Assignee:
TechHold LLC
Inventors:
David Anderson, Greg Fuchs, Frederick R. Faxvog, George Anderson, Wallace Jensen
Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a circuit designed to protect electrical equipment, in particular sensitive power grid equipment such as transformers, are disclosed. In particular, methods of local and remote control of operation of protection circuits are provided that allow for remote access to change an operational mode of such protection circuits, while ensuring that power grid equipment is protected locally regardless of any configuration instructions received from a remote or centralized facility. Override levels may be set to ensure power grid transformer protection, regardless of operational mode or remote instruction.
Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a circuit designed to protect electrical equipment, in particular sensitive power grid equipment such as transformers, are disclosed. In particular, methods of local and remote control of operation of protection circuits are provided that allow for remote access to change an operational mode of such protection circuits, while ensuring that power grid equipment is protected locally regardless of any configuration instructions received from a remote or centralized facility. Override levels may be set to ensure power grid transformer protection, regardless of operational mode or remote instruction.
Abstract: Methods and systems for ensuring operation of one or more circuit breakers electrically connected on a phase of a multi-phase power line on a transformer electrically connected within a power grid at a substation are disclosed. The method includes detecting, at the transformer, a direct current component of a multi-phase power signal received at the transformer, the direct current component comprising a direct current received at a transformer neutral, the transformer neutral being electrically connected to a ground. The method further includes determining whether the direct current is above a predetermined threshold, the predetermined threshold being based on a determination that, above the predetermined threshold, at least one of the one or more circuit breakers is incapable of reliable operation. The method includes, in response to a determination that the direct current component is above the predetermined threshold, blocking the direct current between the transformer neutral and a ground.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 2, 2018
Date of Patent:
April 20, 2021
Assignee:
TechHold LLC
Inventors:
George Anderson, Greg Fuchs, Wallace Jensen, Gale K. Nordling, Terry Lee Volkmann, Frederick R. Faxvog, David Blake Jackson
Abstract: A control device for an electrical protection circuit for use in an alternating current system including a transformer is disclosed. An example system includes a first measurement probe, a second measurement probe configured to measure an electrical property within the electrical protection circuit, and a control module, including a processing device. The control module is configured to monitor a measurement from the first measurement probe and transmit a protection activation control signal to the switch assembly based on the measurement from the first measurement probe exceeding a first predetermined threshold. The control module is also configured to monitor a measurement from the second measurement probe and transmit a protection deactivation control signal to the switch assembly based on the measurement from the second measurement probe satisfying a second predetermined threshold.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 16, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 23, 2021
Assignee:
TechHold LLC
Inventors:
Greg Fuchs, Wallace Jensen, Frederick R. Faxvog, David Blake Jackson, Gale K. Nordling