Abstract: A method and system for a distributed communications and control network that manages Distributed Energy Resources (DER) on a power utility grid. Such a network uses a three-tiered network architecture (FIG. 2) named DERCOM comprised of two or three components: E-DERM An edge DER module (required) D-DERM A distributed DER module (required) C-DERM A centralized DER module (optional). The DERCOM network can begin as D-DERM/E-DERM installations (FIG. 3; FIG. 4) which can later integrate with an existing or future centralized C-DERM deployment. The E-DERM module being an edge device, physically located at each DER Point of Common Coupling (PCC), provides communications and protocol translations between DER and utility grid over wired or wireless connections. The E-DERM may also be located at utility device locations to control such devices. E-DERM communicates with D-DERM.

Abstract: A method and system for sending a repetitive permissive guard signal from an electrical power substation to a distributed generation site over existing medium voltage distribution lines to detect an islanding condition and apply transfer trip protection is disclosed. The permissive guard signal causes a receiver at the distributed generation site to control a recloser at the distributed generation site. Loss of the signal at the receiver device causes the tripping of the recloser at the distributed generation site in less than two seconds. The tripping of the recloser physically disconnects the distributed generation site from the electric power grid. The coupling to the medium voltage distribution lines can be implemented via a single phase-to-ground coupling or via a phase-to-phase differential coupling for multi-phase medium voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting to line protection relays and providing a communications channel between a first end and a second end of high voltage transmission lines for digital Line Current Differential Protection are disclosed. At each of the first end and the second end of the high voltage transmission lines, a Broadband Power Line Carrier (BPLC) gateway device is connected to the line protection relay. The BPLC gateway has a coupling device to physically attach to the line and is configured to transmit and receive data communications over the high voltage transmission lines so as to allow the protection relays to communicate with each other via the existing high voltage transmission lines.

Abstract: A method and system for sending a repetitive permissive guard signal from an electrical power substation to a distributed generation site over existing medium voltage distribution lines to detect an islanding condition and apply transfer trip protection is disclosed. The permissive guard signal causes a receiver at the distributed generation site to control a recloser at the distributed generation site. Loss of the signal at the receiver device causes the tripping of the recloser at the distributed generation site in less than two seconds. The tripping of the recloser physically disconnects the distributed generation site from the electric power grid. The coupling to the medium voltage distribution lines can be implemented via a single phase-to-ground coupling or via a phase-to-phase differential coupling for multi-phase medium voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: A communication device for use on high voltage power lines provides for broadband communications over such high voltage power lines. The device has an impedance matching circuit configured to connect at one end to a high voltage line arrester of the high voltage power line, as well as a limiter circuit coupled to the other end of the impedance matching circuit to limit a voltage associated with a broadband signal. A noise blanker circuit is coupled at one end to this other end of the impedance matching circuit and is configured to inhibit presentation of a time delayed incoming signal to the broadband modem upon detection of electrical noise. The communication device can further comprise link aggregation and/or a differential circuit for providing non-inverted and inverted broadband signals for both reception and transmission. A corresponding method of communicating broadband information over a high voltage power line is disclosed.

Abstract: A communication device for use on high voltage power lines provides for broadband communications over such high voltage power lines. The device has an impedance matching circuit configured to connect at one end to a high voltage line arrester of the high voltage power line, as well as a limiter circuit coupled to the other end of the impedance matching circuit to limit a voltage associated with a broadband signal. A noise blanker circuit is coupled at one end to this other end of the impedance matching circuit and is configured to inhibit presentation of a time delayed incoming signal to the broadband modem upon detection of electrical noise. The communication device can further comprise link aggregation and/or a differential circuit for providing non-inverted and inverted broadband signals for both reception and transmission. A corresponding method of communicating broadband information over a high voltage power line is disclosed.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal coupling system, comprising a shunt device and a coupling unit for cooperative engagement with a MV power network and an RF modem. The shunt device has a high voltage terminal connected to an electrical cable of the power network and a low voltage terminal. The coupling unit comprises a signal lead connected to the low voltage terminal of the shunt device, a ground lead connected to earth ground, a coupling transformer and an impedance matching and protection circuitry. The coupling transformer comprises a ferrite ring, a multiple turn primary winding having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the signal lead and the second end being connected to the ground lead, and a multiple turn secondary winding having two terminals connected to the impedance matching and protection circuitry for providing the RF signal to the RF modem.

Abstract: An inductive coupler provides an interface between a power line and a communication device which communicates via the power line. The power line operates at a potential between four and 140 kilovolts while accommodating a current having a frequency between 45 and 65 hertz, and the communication device operates substantially at ground potential. The inductive coupler includes a split ferrite core having material selected to provide a substantially flat frequency response between one and 50 megahertz. The coupler also includes a clamping mechanism allowing the inductive coupler to clamp around the power line or around a utility line connected to the power line. Further, the coupler includes at least one lead for communicatively connecting the inductive coupler to the communication device. The inductive coupler forms an air gap when the inductive coupler is clamped. If the coupler is insulated, the insulation is also used for the air gap.

Abstract: An inductive coupler provides an interface between a power line and a communication device which communicates via the power line. The power line operates at a potential between four and 140 kilovolts while accommodating a current having a frequency between 45 and 65 hertz, and the communication device operates substantially at ground potential. The inductive coupler includes a split ferrite core having material selected to provide a substantially flat frequency response between one and 50 megahertz. The coupler also includes a clamping mechanism allowing the inductive coupler to clamp around the power line or around a utility line connected to the power line. Further, the coupler includes at least one lead for communicatively connecting the inductive coupler to the communication device. The inductive coupler forms an air gap when the inductive coupler is clamped. If the coupler is insulated, the insulation is also used for the air gap.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal coupler for cooperative engagement with a shunt device and for cooperative engagement with an RF modem. The shunt device has a high voltage terminal connected to an electrical cable of the power network and a low voltage terminal. The coupler comprises a signal lead connected to the low voltage terminal of the shunt device, a ground lead connected to earth ground, and a coupling transformer. The coupling transformer comprises a ferrite ring, a multiple turn primary winding having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the signal lead and the second end being connected to the ground lead, and a multiple turn secondary winding having two terminals for providing the RF signal to the RF modem. The ratio of turns of the secondary winding to the turns of the primary winding is at least two to one.