Abstract: A MOCT metering system includes a cutoff module that ensures zero output when values from an optical module fall below a threshold value. The cutoff module includes an RMS to DC converter that drives a comparator. The comparator drives a switch that causes the cutoff module to pass through the measured signal unmodified if above a threshold value and to output a zero voltage signal if below a threshold value.

Abstract: A system monitors alternating current and includes a magneto-optical current transducer (MOCT) adapted to modulate an optical signal corresponding to magnitude of the alternating current. Beam splitters are in communication with the MOCT which are in turn connected to respective channels. Each channel includes an LED that is powered by a constant current source.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optimizing switching operations executed by a switching device coupled to an AC power line, wherein signals related to the waveform of the electrical phases of the power line are acquired. When a command for executing a switching operation on one of the electrical phases is issued, the signals acquired are stored. Based on the signals stored, data indicative of the severity of switching transients occurred during the executed switching operation and second data indicative of the time occurred for the executed switching operation are calculated and correlated to each other. Based on the data calculated, it is determined whether a parameter representative of a target point on the waveform for executing future switching operations substantially synchronous with the waveform has to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating with an intelligent electronic device coupled to a switching device used in a power system, wherein a user-interface software program operates on a computing device which is operatively connected to the intelligent electronic device. The user-interface software program when executed by the processor of the computing device provides a plurality of wizards selectable by a user. Upon selecting a wizard to be executed, the user-interface software program causes the display on a monitor of a first window displaying wizard controls for guiding a user in the execution of one or more steps related to the selected wizard, and a second window separate from the first window displaying information related to the step under execution.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for showing data representative of the accuracy of switching operations executed by a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a power line and to a synchronous switching device. Data related to switching operations executed by the high-voltage switchgear is recorded and then, based on the recorded data, values indicative of the accuracy of the switching operations executed with respect to predefined target switching operations are calculated. A histogram is formed using the calculated values and shown to a user.

Abstract: A MOCT metering system includes a cutoff module that ensures zero output when values from an optical module fall below a threshold value. The cutoff module includes an RMS to DC converter that drives a comparator. The comparator drives a switch that causes the cutoff module to pass through the measured signal unmodified if above a threshold value and to output a zero voltage signal if below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calculating the separation time of the arcing contacts of a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a synchronous switching device and to an auxiliary switch having auxiliary contacts operatively connected to the arcing contacts. During execution of a predefined test condition the separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is measured. The time delay between the measured separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is calculated. Upon separation of the arcing contacts under an operating condition other than the predefined test condition, the separation time of the auxiliary contacts is measured. Then, the separation time of the arcing contacts is calculated as the difference between the separation time of the auxiliary contacts measured during the operating condition other than the predefined test condition and the calculated time delay.

Abstract: A system monitors alternating current and includes a magneto-optical current transducer (MOCT) adapted to modulate an optical signal corresponding to magnitude of the alternating current. Beam splitters are in communication with the MOCT which are in turn connected to respective channels. Each channel includes an LED that is powered by a constant current source.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optimizing switching operations executed by a switching device coupled to an AC power line, wherein signals related to the waveform of the electrical phases of the power line are acquired. When a command for executing a switching operation on one of the electrical phases is issued, the signals acquired are stored. Based on the signals stored, data indicative of the severity of switching transients occurred during the executed switching operation and second data indicative of the time occurred for the executed switching operation are calculated and correlated to each other. Based on the data calculated, it is determined whether a parameter representative of a target point on the waveform for executing future switching operations substantially synchronous with the waveform has to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating with an intelligent electronic device coupled to a switching device used in a power system, wherein a user-interface software program operates on a computing device which is operatively connected to the intelligent electronic device. The user-interface software program when executed by the processor of the computing device provides a plurality of wizards selectable by a user. Upon selecting a wizard to be executed, the user-interface software program causes the display on a monitor of a first window displaying wizard controls for guiding a user in the execution of one or more steps related to the selected wizard, and a second window separate from the first window displaying information related to the step under execution.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calculating the separation time of the arcing contacts of a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a synchronous switching device and to an auxiliary switch having auxiliary contacts operatively connected to the arcing contacts. During execution of a predefined test condition the separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is measured. The time delay between the measured separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is calculated. Upon separation of the arcing contacts under an operating condition other than the predefined test condition, the separation time of the auxiliary contacts is measured. Then, the separation time of the arcing contacts is calculated as the difference between the separation time of the auxiliary contacts measured during the operating condition other than the predefined test condition and the calculated time delay.

Abstract: A contact zone (1) of a quenching chamber which is arranged rotationally symmetrical about a central axis (2) and is filled with an insulating medium, having at least two stationary consumable contacts which are in the form of contact rings (4, 15) and which, when the quenching chamber is closed, are electrically conductively connected by means of a bridging contact which is arranged centrally and can move axially. The mutually facing end surfaces of the consumable contacts are partially covered by electrically insulating covers (11, 22). The aim is to provide insulating covers which are designed to have good dielectric characteristics and are easy to install.

Abstract: A contact zone (1) of a quenching chamber which is arranged rotationally symmetrical about a central axis (2) and is filled with an insulating medium, having at least two stationary consumable contacts which are in the form of contact rings (4, 15) and which, when the quenching chamber is closed, are electrically conductively connected by means of a bridging contact which is arranged centrally and can move axially. The mutually facing end surfaces of the consumable contacts are partially covered by electrically insulating covers (11, 22). The aim is to provide insulating covers which are designed to have good dielectric characteristics and are easy to install.

Abstract: The pipeline section of the gas-insulated pipeline has an insulating gas-filled encapsulation including a polymer pipe. A current conductor is arranged inside the capsule pipe and extends parallel to the latter's axis and is supplied with a high voltage. This current conductor is retained by insulators that rest on the inside surface of the capsule pipe. At least one of a plurality of post insulators has a support ring resting on the mantle surface of the current conductor. At least three evenly distributed and hollow support elements are molded peripherally in a star shape on the support ring, each of which has transversely to a longitudinal axis a profile that is constructed in the shape of an arch or trapezoid. The support elements each have a shell-shaped foot. Each shell-shaped foot has a thickness (d) which is smaller than a distance (a) between the current conductor and the inside surface of the capsule pipe and smaller than a length (l) in an axial direction of the capsule pipe.