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.

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 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: In one embodiment, a system includes a coordinated distribution optimization (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a processor configured to coordinate execution of a plurality of independent electrical network applications. Each of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is configured to alter one or more operational parameters of a power grid based on one or more respective objectives and based on power grid operational data, and the execution of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is coordinated by the CDO system to block the power grid from entering an abnormal state. The CDO system further comprises a network interface configured to receive the power grid operational data from a controller of the power grid, and wherein the power grid operational data comprises current values for the one or more operational parameters of the power grid.

Abstract: A system includes a utility analytics system. The utility analytics system includes a memory configured to store a utility rating scheme system relating to consumption pricing of a utility, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the utility rating scheme system for receiving an indication corresponding to a consumption of the utility, and deriving a dynamic utility rating scheme based at least in part on one or more cost indicators associated with a production of the utility or an operation of a grid configured to deliver the utility. The dynamic utility rating scheme comprises a cost-based pricing mechanism to adjust the pricing or the consumption of the utility.

Abstract: A fault interrupt device is tripped by a fault in a power distribution network. A distributed automation controller (DAC) determines a location of and isolates the fault. Power is restored upstream of the fault and downstream power requirement vs. power availability from a secondary source(s) is assessed. The secondary source(s) is connected to the downstream portion if power available is sufficient or after nodes are deactivated to bring power requirements below power available. If a second fault occurs, it is also located and isolated, such as by communication between affected partition DACs of the power distribution network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a coordinated distribution optimization (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a processor configured to coordinate execution of a plurality of independent electrical network applications. Each of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is configured to alter one or more operational parameters of a power grid based on one or more respective objectives and based on power grid operational data, and the execution of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is coordinated by the CDO system to block the power grid from entering an abnormal state. The CDO system further comprises a network interface configured to receive the power grid operational data from a controller of the power grid, and wherein the power grid operational data comprises current values for the one or more operational parameters of the power grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in detecting and responding to fault conditions in a utility system. A first partition controller associated with a first partition detects a fault condition within the first partition. The first partition controller transmits a utility capacity request to one or more partition controllers other than the first partition controller. A second partition controller associated with a second partition receives the utility capacity request and determines an available utility capacity of the second partition. The second partition controller transmits a utility capacity response that includes the available utility capacity to the first partition controller. A utility connection is activated between the first partition and the second partition based on the available utility capacity.

Abstract: A fault interrupt device is tripped by a fault in a power distribution network. A distributed automation controller (DAC) determines a location of and isolates the fault. Power is restored upstream of the fault and downstream power requirement vs. power availability from a secondary source(s) is assessed. The secondary source(s) is connected to the downstream portion if power available is sufficient or after nodes are deactivated to bring power requirements below power available. If a second fault occurs, it is also located and isolated, such as by communication between affected partition DACs of the power distribution network.

Abstract: A system for implementing congestion pricing in a power distribution network includes a monitoring and control engine configured to receive an actual power consumption value for a node in the power distribution network and a congestion engine coupled to the monitoring and control engine configured to determine that a power consumption value exceeds a capacity related set point of the node. The system further includes a pricing calculator that establishes a congestion price for power to be applied while the actual power consumption value exceeds the set point of the node and a credit calculator that provides credits to consumers coupled to the node that consume power at a rate below a threshold while the actual power consumption value exceeds the set point of the node.