Abstract: A system or method for monitoring an electric power lightning arrester including an arrester current sensor providing an arrester current measurement, and an arrester voltage sensor providing an arrester voltage measurement. The system detects a switching signature based on the arrester current measurement or the arrester voltage measurement distinguished from background noise and lightning signatures and computes a measured arrester impedance based on the arrester current and arrester voltage measurements. The system then compares the measured arrester impedance to a nominal or historical arrester impedance, determines that the arrester is faltering based on the comparison of the measured arrester impedance to the nominal or historical arrester impedance, and places an order for replacement of the arrester based on the determination that the arrester is faltering.

Abstract: A time-admittance fault detection and isolation system includes a series of time-admittance switches spaced apart along the power line, each including a respective time-admittance function. Together, the time-admittance functions define a cascade trip sequence in a downstream-to-upstream direction, which autonomously causes a closest upstream time-admittance switch to a fault to trip to isolate the fault on an upstream side of the fault without communication with the time-admittance switches. The fault detection and isolation system may also include a radio communicating a trip signal from the closest upstream time-admittance switch to the fault to a closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault. The trip signal causes the closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault to trip to isolate the fault on a downstream side of the fault. A tie switch closes to back-feed a portion of the electric power line downstream from the closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a test-boost electric power recloser that limits the duration of the test current imposed on the power line to less than two electric power cycles, and preferably less than one electric power cycle, when attempting to reclose into a fault. The test-boost recloser sends a test pulse causing a non-latching close followed by a boost pulse causing a latching close if waveform analysis based on the test close indicates that the fault has likely cleared. The test-boost approach can typically be implemented through a software and calibration upgrade to a conventional single-coil recloser, accomplishing results comparable to a dual-actuator recloser at a much lower cost. The recloser may perform iterative and feedback learning feedback processes to automatically improve its operation over time in response to measured fault and non-fault conditions and its success in predicting whether faults have cleared.

Abstract: A time-admittance fault detection and isolation system includes a series of time-admittance switches spaced apart along the power line, each including a respective time-admittance function. Together, the time-admittance functions define a cascade trip sequence in a downstream-to-upstream direction, which autonomously causes a closest upstream time-admittance switch to a fault to trip to isolate the fault on an upstream side of the fault without communication with the time-admittance switches. The fault detection and isolation system may also include a radio communicating a trip signal from the closest upstream time-admittance switch to the fault to a closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault. The trip signal causes the closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault to trip to isolate the fault on a downstream side of the fault. A tie switch closes to back-feed a portion of the electric power line downstream from the closest downstream time-admittance switch to the fault.

Abstract: A smart switch allows distributed generators to “ride through” non-three-phase faults by very quickly detecting a non-three-phase phase fault, locating the fault, identifying the “responsive sectionalizer switches” that will be involved in clearing or isolating the fault, and selecting one of the responsive sectionalizer switches to direct back-feed tie switch operations. The responsive sectionalizer switches trip only the faulted phase(s), and the selected sectionalizer switch instructs a back-feed tie switch to close to back-feed the distributed generators prior to conducting the typical fault response operation. This typically occurs within about three cycles, and is completed before the normal fault clearing and isolation procedures, which momentarily disconnect all three phases to the distributed generators from the normally connected feeder breaker.

Abstract: A smart switch allows distributed generators to “ride through” non-three-phase faults by very quickly detecting a non-three-phase phase fault, locating the fault, identifying the “responsive sectionalizer switches” that will be involved in clearing or isolating the fault, and selecting one of the responsive sectionalizer switches to direct back-feed tie switch operations. The responsive sectionalizer switches trip only the faulted phase(s), and the selected sectionalizer switch instructs a back-feed tie switch to close to back-feed the distributed generators prior to conducting the typical fault response operation. This typically occurs within about three cycles, and is completed before the normal fault clearing and isolation procedures, which momentarily disconnect all three phases to the distributed generators from the normally connected feeder breaker.

Abstract: A fault-preventing circuit recloser includes a ballast impedance, power line current and voltage monitors, and controller that operates the switch based on measurements obtained from the current and voltage monitors. The controller aborts the closing (i.e., reopens the switch) when the controller detects that the switch has closed into faulted line. The circuit recloser temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the closing operation to limit the current spike and voltage dip caused by initially closing the switch into the faulted line. The circuit recloser also temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the opening operation to limit the voltage transient that can be caused by initially opening a load-carrying power line. Different ballast resistor insertion times are applied depending on the type of recloser operation (opening or closing) and whether a fault is detected.

Abstract: Fault detection, isolation and restoration systems for electric power systems using “smart switch” points that autonomously coordinate operations to minimize the number of customers affected by outages and their durations, without relying on communications with a central controller or between the smart switch points. Each smart recloser can be individually programmed to operate as a tie-switch, a Type-A (normal or default type) sectionalizer, or a Type-B (special type) sectionalizer. The Type-A recloser automatically opens when it detects a fault, uses a direction-to-fault and zone-based distance-to-fault operating protocol, and stays “as is” with no automatic opening when power (voltage) is lost on both sides of the switch. The Type-B sectionalizer does the same thing and is further configured to automatically open when it detects that it is deenergized on both sides for a pre-defined time period, and to operate like a tie-switch once open.

Abstract: A high voltage capacitor includes multiple capacitor packs housed in a canister. A capacitor pack status monitor includes a current sensor measuring an electric current through an associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a first signal representative of the electric current through a selected capacitor pack. The monitor also includes a voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage across the associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a second signal representative of the electric voltage across the selected capacitor pack. Electronics compute an impedance associated with each capacitor pack. Each current sensor may include a current transformer positioned around a main power line energizing a respective capacitor pack.

Abstract: Electric power Fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR) systems using “smart switches” that autonomously coordinate operations to minimize the number of customers affected by outages and their durations, without relying on communications with a central controller or between the smart switch points. The smart switches typically operate during the substation breaker reclose cycles while the substation breakers are open, which enables the substation breakers to reclose successfully to restore service within their normal reclosing cycles. Alternatively, the smart switch may be timed to operate before the substation breakers trip to effectively remove the substation breakers from the fault isolation process. Both approaches allow the FDIR system to be installed with minimal reconfiguration of the substation protection scheme.

Abstract: A high voltage electric power line monitor includes a current sensor, a voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The monitor is supported by an overhead power line support structure, such an insulator housing a sectionalizing switch. The current sensor coil and the energy harvesting coils are positioned transverse to the power line with the power lane passing through the coils. A foil patch voltage sensor and a communications antenna are carried on an electronics board positioned parallel to the monitored power line, typically below the current sensor. Both the current sensor and the voltage sensor are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the monitored power line creating an air gap between the monitor and the power line. The sensors are housed within a Faraday cage to shield the current sensor from electromagnetic contamination.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil and the power supply coil are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil and the power supply coil are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, a voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device configured. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil, the power supply coil and the voltage sensor positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar.

Abstract: A high voltage capacitor includes multiple capacitor packs housed in a canister. A capacitor pack status monitor includes a current sensor measuring an electric current through an associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a first signal representative of the electric current through a selected capacitor pack. The monitor also includes a voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage across the associated capacitor pack and a radio transmitting a second signal representative of the electric voltage across the selected capacitor pack. Electronics compute an impedance associated with each capacitor pack. Each current sensor may include a current transformer positioned around a main power line energizing a respective capacitor pack.

Abstract: Electric power Fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR) systems using “smart switches” that autonomously coordinate operations to minimize the number of customers affected by outages and their durations, without relying on communications with a central controller or between the smart switch points. The smart switches typically operate during the substation breaker reclose cycles while the substation breakers are open, which enables the substation breakers to reclose successfully to restore service within their normal reclosing cycles. Alternatively, the smart switch may be timed to operate before the substation breakers trip to effectively remove the substation breakers from the fault isolation process. Both approaches allow the FDIR system to be installed with minimal reconfiguration of the substation protection scheme.

Abstract: Fault detection, isolation and restoration systems for electric power systems using “smart switch” points that autonomously coordinate operations to minimize the number of customers affected by outages and their durations, without relying on communications with a central controller or between the smart switch points. Each smart recloser can be individually programmed to operate as a tie-switch, a Type-A (normal or default type) sectionalizer, or a Type-B (special type) sectionalizer. The Type-A recloser automatically opens when it detects a fault, uses a direction-to-fault and zone-based distance-to-fault operating protocol, and stays “as is” with no automatic opening when power (voltage) is lost on both sides of the switch. The Type-B sectionalizer does the same thing and is further configured to automatically open when it detects that it is deenergized on both sides for a pre-defined time period, and to operate like a tie-switch once open.

Abstract: A capacitor status monitor that attaches across the bushings on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a “can”). The capacitor status monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the internal impedance of the capacitor can to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of an internal capacitor failure. The monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor status monitors throughout the capacitor bank may communicate with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

Abstract: A fault-preventing circuit recloser includes a ballast impedance, power line current and voltage monitors, and controller that operates the switch based on measurements obtained from the current and voltage monitors. The controller aborts the closing (i.e., reopens the switch) when the controller detects that the switch has closed into faulted line. The circuit recloser temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the closing operation to limit the current spike and voltage dip caused by initially closing the switch into the faulted line. The circuit recloser also temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the opening operation to limit the voltage transient that can be caused by initially opening a load-carrying power line. Different ballast resistor insertion times are applied depending on the type of recloser operation (opening or closing) and whether a fault is detected.

Abstract: A high voltage electric power line monitor includes a current sensor, and voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and communication device. The monitor is configured to be supported by a structure, such a sectionalizing switch disposed within an insulator cylinder. The current sensor coil and an energy harvesting coils are configured to surround and be positioned transverse to the monitored power line with the power line extending through an aperture formed by the current sensor. A foil patch voltage sensor is carried on an electronics board configured to be positioned parallel to the monitored power line, typically below the current sensor. Both the current sensor and the voltage sensor are configured to positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the monitored power line. The sensors are housed within a Faraday cage to shield the current sensor from electromagnetic contamination.