Abstract: In a power distribution system, a reliable, accurate, and energy efficient fault circuit indicator is provided through a microcomputer-based fault current indicator design. First, reliability is improved inherently because the microcomputer, and the software embedded therein, replace the functionality of numerous discrete, less reliable electronic components found in prior designs. Second, the embedded software is capable of placing the fault current indicator in one of a number of energy conservation states, without compromising the fault current indicator's ability to provide information relating to the occurrence of a fault. Finally, greater fault current indication accuracy is achieved by detecting excessive line current, followed by a significant drop in line voltage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 9, 1998
Date of Patent:
September 28, 1999
Assignee:
McGraw-Edison Company
Inventors:
John Frederick Banting, Frank John Muench, Eugene Scott Knabe