Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a power distribution system. The system has a processor, a breaker; a network coupled to the processor, a first module coupled to the network and the breaker, a second module coupled to the network, and an algorithm. The algorithm monitors for a permission to trip request. If a plurality of permission to trip requests are received during a given time period, the algorithm issues a permission granted command to the first module and a hold command to the second module.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and a plurality of node electronic units. Each node electronic unit is mounted remotely from an associated circuit breaker that is electrically coupled with one of the node electronic units. The system also includes a first digital network, and a first central control unit. The first central control unit and the plurality of node electronic units are communicatively coupled to the first digital network. The method includes receiving digital signals from each node electronic unit at the central control unit, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital signal, and transmitting digital signals to the plurality of node electronic units such that the circuit breakers are operable from the first central control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a centrally controlled power distribution system is provided. The method includes sampling an electrical current flow in the centrally controlled power distribution system, transmitting the sampled current signals to a central control processing unit, determining a ground fault presence and location based on the current signals received from all of the node electronics units, and isolating the determined ground fault by opening circuit breakers supplying power to the fault. The apparatus is configured to sample an electrical current flow in the centrally controlled power distribution system, transmit the sampled current signals associated with each circuit breaker to a central control processing unit, determine a ground fault presence and location based on the current signals received from all of the node electronics units in the power distribution system, and isolate the determined ground fault by opening circuit breakers supplying power to the fault.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a plurality of processors within a computer system is provided. The computer system includes a plurality of processors that are each communicatively coupled to a respective network wherein each network is independent of each other network. The method includes receiving a plurality of input signals at a first rate from at least one source, transmitting the input signals to a reference object, and transforming the input signal to a known temporal reference. The apparatus is configured to receive a plurality of input signals at a first rate from at least one source, transmit the input signals to a reference object, and transform the input signal to a known temporal reference.

Abstract: A method for communicating information bundled in digital message packets via a digital network communication system is provided. The digital network communication system a sample source and each packet includes a header and a communication payload area. The method includes sampling the source at a first sample rate, selecting at least one decimation of the samples based on at least one of a plurality of algorithmic data rates and a channel bandwidth, determining a packet rate based on a plurality of algorithmic latency requirements, and transmitting the digital message packet containing decimated data on the digital network.

Abstract: A method and system and a computer program for improving reliability of a centrally-controlled electrical protection system is provided. The method includes identifying at least one component of the centrally-controlled power distribution system, obtaining at least one of reliability data and reparability data for each at least one component of the centrally-controlled power distribution system, and constructing a reliability block diagram for each functional category. The computer system and computer program code segment are configured to implement the method for improving reliability of a centrally-controlled electrical protection system architecture based on sensitivity analysis.

Abstract: A data sample and transmission module for a power distribution system is provided. The module has a microprocessor and a network interface. The microprocessor samples first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system. The network interface places the microprocessor in communication with a data network. The microprocessor samples the first signals based in part upon a synchronization signal transmitted on the data network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring alignment of a signal lamp includes at least one sensor and threshold detection circuitry. The sensor is positioned about the signal lamp and is configured to measure at least one of azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp and generate an electrical signal. The threshold detection circuitry is configured to receive signals representative of the azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp from the sensor. The threshold detection circuitry determine a change in alignment of the signal lamp according to at least one of the azimuthal movement signals and the elevational movement signals.

Abstract: A protection system for a power distribution system is provided. The protection system includes a central computer, a plurality of data modules, and a data network. The data modules are each in communication with a different circuit breaker of the power distribution system. The data network communicates between the central computer and the plurality of data modules. The central computer sends an instruction to the plurality of data modules over the data network to aid in synchronization of sampling of a power condition at the plurality of data modules.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component a structural component comprising a silicon substrate and a compliant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride, a magnetic-to-mechanical converter coupled to the structural component to provide a mechanical indication of the magnetic field, and a strain responsive component coupled to the structural component to sense the mechanical indication and to provide an indication of the current in the current carrying conductor in response thereto.

Abstract: A method of performing energy calculations in a power distribution system is provided. The method includes sampling a first voltage at a first module in the power distribution system; communicating the first voltage from the first module to a central controller; performing an energy calculation in the central controller based at least in part on the first voltage; and applying the energy calculation to a second module in the power distribution system. In some embodiments, the energy calculation is also based upon a second current from the second module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes an associated node electronics unit wherein a node electronics unit redundancy requirement is predetermined. The method includes monitoring electrical system parameters associated with the circuit breaker with the node electronics unit, communicating the electrical system parameters over a digital network to at least one central control processing unit, receiving commands and actions from the at least one central control processing unit over the digital network, determining circuit breaker actuation commands based at least partially on the received commands and actions, and operating the circuit breaker based on the circuit breaker actuation commands.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a capacitive magneto-MEMS component, a compensator and an output component for sensing magnetic fields and for providing, in response thereto, an indication of the current present in a respective conductor to be measured. In one embodiment, first and second mechanical sense components are electrically conductive and operate to sense a change in a capacitance between the mechanical sense components in response to a mechanical indicator from a magnetic-to-mechanical converter.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) sensor includes a sensing portion that generates a mechanical movement in response to a measurand input. The sensor also includes a logic portion to mechanically perform a logic function in response to the movement.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a movable portion through which a sensing current is to be conducted. The movable portion might comprise, for example, a beam or plate suspended above a well in a Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) substrate. The apparatus may also include a sensing portion coupled to the movable portion, and the movable portion and/or sensing portion may move in a direction normal to the substrate in response to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A current sensor assembly includes a sensor coil, an electrostatic shield coil, a core, a housing, and a magnetic shield. The sensing coil, electrostatic shield coil, core, housing, and magnetic shield can be of toroidal symmetry and arranged coaxially about a pair of primary current conductors. The conductors can be either asymmetric or symmetric with respect to the geometric center of the remaining sensor assembly. The core and a secondary winding make up a current sensor. The core is cylindrically shaped and fabricated of non-magnetic material. The secondary winding is wound over the cylindrical core to form a toroidally shaped winding. When assembled into the current sensor assembly, the core and windings are disposed around two single turn primary windings through which AC currents to be measured flow. Alternatively, the conductor can be flat and the sensor can be a solid state sensor that includes an electrostatic shield.

Abstract: A system for monitoring alignment of a signal lamp includes at least one sensor and threshold detection circuitry. The sensor is positioned about the signal lamp and is configured to measure at least one of azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp and generate an electrical signal. The threshold detection circuitry is configured to receive signals representative of the azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp from the sensor. The threshold detection circuitry determine a change in alignment of the signal lamp according to at least one of the azimuthal movement signals and the elevational movement signals.