Abstract: Various electrostatic protection testing, monitoring, and human-machine visual interface systems and methods are provided. Embodiments include systems and methods for implementing an automated grounding wrist strap assembly test system and visual interface. Embodiments include a test station interface section, a computer system coupled with the test station interface section, software operable to control the test station and computer system, and a user interface that tracks dates of testing a ground strap or system and generates color coding associated with various status of testing of each tracked strap. Additional embodiments include access control systems that allow or deny access to entryways, access points, equipment stations as well as disabling operation of equipment. Embodiments also include a variety of warning systems that trigger based on pass or fail conditions.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing leakage of electronic parts and servicing guide of a driving state for a vehicle in a battery management system is provided. The method includes normally driving the vehicle or stopping the vehicle by cutting off a relay based on whether electronic parts broken due to insulation resistance breakdown are required for the driving of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes services a guide required for each broken electronic part about a driving state of the vehicle, by stepwise measuring insulation resistance of vehicle key on, engine starting, an operation of load parts such as a driving motor in the vehicle, an air conditioner, and a low-voltage DC-DC converter, and the like.

Abstract: A cascaded multilevel converter self-test system and a self-test method for the cascaded multilevel converter self-test system are provided. The self-test system includes a cascaded multilevel converter and a self-test device. The cascaded multilevel converter includes at least two converting circuits which are cascaded. The self-test device includes at least one current detecting circuit, a voltage acquiring module and a calculating module. The current detecting circuit is configured to detect a first detected current and a second detected current. The voltage acquiring module is configured to acquire first bus voltages and second bus voltages. The calculating module is configured to calculate an insulation resistance value of the cascaded multilevel converter based on the first detected current, the second detected current, the first bus voltages and the second bus voltages.

Abstract: A driver and protection circuit for driving a power switch is disclosed. The driver and protection circuit includes a fault detection block configured to detect a discrepancy between a reference drive signal and a measured voltage at a gate of the power switch. The driver and protection circuit also includes a short circuit detection block configured to detect a gate-to-source short circuit or a gate-to-drain short circuit of the power switch. The driver and protection circuit further includes a latch coupled to the fault detection block and the short circuit detection block to selectively turn off an output driver coupled to the gate of the power switch when a fault or a short circuit is detected, and wherein the latch is configured to send a diagnostic signal when the fault or the short circuit is detected.

Abstract: An optical fiber-based cable is formed to include pre-manufactured wireless access nodes included at spaced-apart locations along a length of the optical fiber cable. Each wireless access node is formed to include an antenna, a wireless radio transceiver, and an optical transceiver. The cable is formed to include a plurality of optical transmission fibers, as well as a plurality of separate electrical power conductors. An optical fiber is terminated at the optical transceiver within the wireless node, and a power conductor from the cable terminates at the node and is used to energize both the wireless transceiver and the optical transceiver. The antenna is preferably formed as a sheathing member around at least a portion of components forming the node. Upon deployment, the wireless node portion of the cable is able to provide communication between the cable and wireless devices in its vicinity.

Abstract: A voltage bus protection/isolation device includes voltage input and output terminals, a disconnect circuit connected between the voltage input and output terminals, a voltage monitoring circuit connected to the voltage input terminal, a resistive circuit connected between a first and second return terminals, a current squared time monitoring circuit connected to the resistive circuit, a control circuit connected, and a fault latch circuit connected to the monitoring circuits, the disconnect circuit and the control circuit. The fault latch circuit: turns the disconnect circuit “OFF” thereby isolating the voltage input terminal from the voltage output terminal whenever the monitoring circuits detect an over voltage condition, an under voltage condition or an overload condition, or an “OFF” signal is received from the control circuit; and turns the disconnect circuit “ON” thereby connecting the voltage input terminal to the voltage output terminal whenever an “ON” signal is received from the control circuit.

Abstract: A device for controlling a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is provided. The device includes: a communication unit communicating with a control device; a control unit obtaining a databack signal received through the communication unit, checking a data line error and a line connection error based on an obtained databack signal, and outputting a valve control signal based on the databack signal; and an output unit outputting the valve control signal to a valve control device based on control of the control unit.

Abstract: A thermal detection plug for use with an electrical apparatus is provided. The thermal detection plug includes: a housing, a thermal cut-off, contact prongs, and supporting structures to effectively interrupt the flow of electrical power at the point of interface of between the power cord of an appliance and power receptacle. The thermal detection plug interrupts power based on a temperature detected at the interface point.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device (1) for protecting a component (EB) against thermal overload. The device (1) has an actuating mechanism (B) which is brought into thermal contact with the component to be protected (EB) when in use, and which is capable of activating a switch (S) upon reaching a certain temperature Tswitch. The switch (S) can be used both as a disconnection switch and as a short-circuiting switch in relation to the component to be protected (EB), with the switch (S) furthermore having a selection mechanism (A) with which one can choose whether the switch (S) should be used as a disconnection switch or as a short-circuiting switch in relation to the component to be protected (EB).

Abstract: A detection system includes an electrochemical sensor. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the electrochemical sensor and configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the electrochemical sensor. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to provide an indication based on the measured electrical characteristic. The controller is further configured to generate an electrical disturbance to the electrochemical sensor and obtain a sensor recovery profile to provide a diagnostic indication relative to the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed of an insulating material and configured to mount components and wiring thereon. The printed circuit board includes a liquid pool for storing a liquid; a pair of deterioration detection traces one of which is connected to a power supply at one end and disposed in the liquid pool at the other end, and the other of which is connected to a ground at one end through a resistor and disposed in the liquid pool at the other end; a voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage between the one ends of the one and the other deterioration detection traces; and a deterioration determination circuit for determining, based on the detected voltage, whether or not insulation deteriorates between the other ends of the one and the other deterioration detection traces.

Abstract: During measuring an insulation resistance for an inverter having at least one half-bridge including two active switching elements for driving an output current, and a DC link voltage, a center point of the half-bridge positioned between the switching elements is connected to a grounding point by closing a grounding switch, and the center point connected to the grounding point is connected, one after the other, to a first ungrounded terminal and a second ungrounded terminal of the DC link voltage of the inverter present at the half-bridge by means of the two active switching elements of the half-bridge to establish a connection between the first and second ungrounded terminals, respectively, and the grounding point. A current flowing via the connection to the grounding point is measured using a measuring device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining a ground fault impedance. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a voltage divider and a ground fault detection module for (i) determining a first voltage based on at least one voltage measurement of the voltage divider while the voltage divider is coupled between the first AC line and the DC line; (ii) determining a second voltage based on at least one voltage measurement of the voltage divider while the voltage divider is coupled between the second AC line and the DC line; (iii) determining a differential voltage based on at least one voltage measurement between the first AC line and the second AC line; and (iv) computing the ground fault impedance based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and the differential voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and localizing excess voltage drop in single or multiple phases of three-phase AC circuits is disclosed. An electrical distribution circuit is provided that includes an input connectable to an AC source, an output connectable to terminals of an electrical machine, the output configured to provide three-phase voltages and currents to the electrical machine, and a diagnostic system configured to detect an excess voltage drop (EVD) in the electrical distribution circuit. The diagnostic system includes a processor that is programmed to receive measurements of the three-phase voltages and currents provided to the electrical machine, compute a negative sequence voltage from the three-phase voltages and currents, determine a localization reference phase angle for each phase based in part on the three-phase voltages and currents, and calculate an EVD in the electrical distribution circuit based on the negative sequence voltage and the localization reference phase angles.

Abstract: An insulation resistance detection method and circuit for an ungrounded DC power supply systems. When the ratio of the voltage of the positive bus to that of the negative bus exceeds a preset range, the DC current is injected into the ungrounded DC power supply systems. DC power supply systems have essentially some grounded stray and external capacitors, so some of the injected DC current will flow into the grounded capacitor, increasing the voltage of the fault bus and the leakage current. The proposed method increases the leakage current by the injection of DC current, so the current sensor can detect the leakage current from which the insulation resistance can be calculated. The DC current injection method can significantly improve the detection of ground insulation faults in ungrounded DC power supply systems.

Abstract: A system includes an isolation detection unit (IDU) having a first leakage detection circuit and being configured to determine an isolation characteristic for a voltage bus; and a circuit detection and response unit (CDRU) configured to determine whether the first leakage detection circuit is coupled to a second leakage detection circuit by a common ground. The CDRU can use a change in isolation characteristic of the voltage bus to determine whether a second detection circuit is coupled, and can characterize a coupled circuit. IDU operation and fault detection thresholds can be altered to mitigate confounding effects caused by simultaneous operation of both circuits. A system can be disposed at an electric vehicle to detect coupling of a detection circuit at a charging apparatus, or disposed at a charging apparatus to detect coupling of a leakage detection circuit at an electric vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for determining current levels based on the behavior of a charge pump system while driving a load under regulation. Rather than diving the load directly, a fixed pump output voltage is used to supply a step-down regulator, which it turn drives the load at the selected voltage. While driving the load under regulation, the number of pump clocks during a set interval is counted. This can be compared to a reference that can be obtained, for example, from the numbers of cycles needed to drive a known load current over an interval of the duration. By comparing the counts, the amount of current being drawn by the load can be determined. This technique can be applied to determining leakage from circuit elements, such as word lines in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An electric leak detector (108) for a vehicle includes a coupling capacitor (210) that has a terminal (A) connected to an on-vehicle high voltage device (110) and a terminal (B) connected to a repetitive signal output circuit (212). The coupling capacitor (210) repeatedly performs a charge operation and a discharge operation in response to a repetitive signal (PLS). Determination thresholds are calculated based on a voltage applied to the terminal (A) of the coupling capacitor (210) and an atmospheric temperature. A detected charge period and a detected discharge period are compared with the determination thresholds, to thereby determine a leakage state.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrical systems in a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid drive has a first and a second AC voltage source for an alternating voltage between a first or second terminal and a reference terminal. First and second voltmeters detect a first or second voltage between the first or second terminal and the reference terminal. A control unit controls the AC voltage sources, receives the voltages from the voltmeters and determines insulation resistance for subassemblies that are connected to the terminals. The insulation resistance is relative to a potential connected to the reference terminal. A precharge state of a capacitative load connected to the first terminal is determined. The load is precharged by a voltage supply unit connected to the second terminal. The switching state of at least one switch between two subassemblies is determined. The subassemblies are connected to the first or second terminal.

Abstract: A method and circuit for dynamically correcting offsets associated with an AC power system. In an embodiment, a first offset current generated in response to a ground to neutral fault stimulus is decreased and a second offset current generated in response to a differential fault stimulus is decreased. In another embodiment, the circuit includes an offset correction circuit that has one of a chopper circuit or an auto-zeroing circuit. An amplifier is connected to the offset correction circuit and an output connected to the offset correction circuit. A signal generator is switchably coupled to a first input of the offset correction circuit and a bias generator is switchably coupled to the first input of the offset correction circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an earth leakage circuit breaker. The earth leakage circuit breaker is capable of determining an earth leakage signal applied thereto with high accuracy, by performing a trip operation by determining noise components included in the earth leakage signal, such as switching noise or harmonics, based on a determination signal generated by tracking the earth leakage signal. The earth leakage circuit breaker is capable of precisely determining whether to perform a trip operation with respect to an earth leakage signal applied thereto. The earth leakage circuit breaker is capable of preventing a malfunction due to a noise signal similar to an earth leakage signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the magnitude of leakage in a subscriber's premises CATV installation; a frequency multiplexer for coupling between an antenna and a receiver for the multiplexed frequencies; and, a method for a technician to certify a CATV subscriber's premises for the provision of CATV services are disclosed.

Abstract: A controller module (CM) includes buffers that feed back signals output using respective signal lines used for mutual communication with other CM, and a first detecting unit and a second detecting unit that detect abnormality such that the levels of the signals output using the signal lines do not change from respective specific levels when each level of the fed-back signals does not coincide with an expected level being a level previously determined according to a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A technique and system for detecting a location of a ground fault in an electrical system are provided. The technique and system include steps or components for determining a ground fault voltage, receiving a gate control signal associated with an electric load, comparing the ground fault voltage to the gate control signal, and determining whether the ground fault is located at the electric load based on the comparison of the ground fault voltage to the gate control signal.

Abstract: An electrical power supply includes DC source outputting Vm and a device that detects insulation defects in the DC source. The device includes input terminals connected to the source's terminals, impedances Z1 and Z2 connected in series between the input terminals, where Z1=Z2=Z and Vm/Imax<z<(3/2)*Vm/Imax, wherein Imax is a maximum insulation defect current defined by a standardized safety threshold, and a current-detection circuit connected between ground and an intermediate point between the impedances. The current-detection circuit includes a microcontroller that receives a voltage proportional to the defect current originating from the intermediate point, the input terminal being connected by Z3 to a power supply with Vcc<Vm, the input terminal being connected to ground by way of Z4. The microcontroller is configured to determine amplitude of an insulation defect as a function of the voltage applied to the input terminal, wherein Z*Vcc/(4*Vm)<(Z3,Z4)<Ztmax=Z*Vcc/2Vm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation monitoring device for simultaneously monitoring an ungrounded power supply system comprising network sections that can be interconnected via coupling switches, comprising a signal generator for generating a measuring signal and a coupling circuit for coupling the measuring signal to the power supply system. According to the invention, the insulation monitoring device comprises a coupling circuit for each interconnectable network section to be monitored, a switchable electrical connecting element being arranged for connecting adjacent coupling circuits.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring a high-voltage arrangement wherein a current loop runs through elements of the high-voltage arrangement that are monitored. Voltages are sensed on at least three points of the current loop. On the basis of the sensed voltages, an interruption of the current loop is detected and, in response, a high-voltage supply is interrupted. The interruption is localized on the basis of the sensed voltages.

Abstract: Electrical bus isolation is detected for an electrified vehicle having a DC power source connected to positive and negative buses. The positive bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting first current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The negative bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting second current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The positive and negative bus leakage resistances are estimated in response to respective ratios of the first and second currents. An isolation value is compared to a threshold, wherein the isolation value is responsive to a voltage of the DC power source and a smaller one of the positive and negative bus leakage resistances. An atypical isolation is signaled when the isolation value is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A dispersed state monitoring device for distributed generation includes a power module, an input conditioning module, a data processing module and a network communication module which are connected one after another in this order. The power is input, via a civil plug and a 220V power socket, to the power module and the input conditioning module in the device at the same time. The power module ensures normal operation of the device through conditioning of a voltage. The input conditioning module is configured to condition input voltage signals, extract voltage transient-state and steady-state signals to be analyzed, and inputting the signals to the data processing module. The data processing module is configured to analyze the voltage transient-state and steady-state signals, judge the operating state of the distributed power source, and output a judging result to the network communication module. The result is output from the network communication module via a standard RJ45 Ethernet interface.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for remote coal mine leakage test. The remote leakage test method comprising: installing and connecting a leakage test device (3) at the a control switch (2) located at the most distal end of a coal mine power line (5); a leakage detection and protection device (1) connecting the leakage test device (3) via the coal mine power line (5) and providing it with a detection circuit for detecting whether remote leakage has occurred; generating a grounding current flowing through the coal mine power line (5) by controlling the grounding of the leakage test device (3); the leakage detection and protection device (1) detecting the grounding current, and enabling a leakage protection relay (KA) to operate, so as to cut off the coal mine power line (5); and detecting the coal mine power line (5) or manually observing an indication lamp (HL), so as to determine whether the remote leakage test is successful.

Abstract: A voltage/current verifier computes, for each phase, a phase difference between phase voltage and phase current from the phase of phase voltage and the phase of phase current computed for each phase by a phase acquirer, and determines conformity if all of the computed phase differences are within a preset range. A current/current verifier computes phase differences between phase currents from the phase of phase current computed for each phase by the phase acquirer, and determines conformity if all of the computed phase differences are less than 180°. A reporting device reports that a current transformer is incorrectly placed on a power line unless both the voltage/current verifier and the current/current verifier do not determine conformity.

Abstract: A voltage sensing system includes a sensing system housing, a circuit board positioned with the sensing system housing, and a phase conductor extending through the sensing system housing, the phase conductor to carry a load current. The system also includes a voltage sensor contact, the voltage sensor contact including a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically coupled to the circuit board and the second end being electrically coupled to the phase conductor.

Abstract: A signal generation module injects a signal in a pilot conductor with a DC component and one or more AC components. Pilot conductor current is injected in a grounding conductor of power cables connecting power source to load. A current monitor module monitors current in the pilot conductor or ground return, a DC detection module determines DC current present in the monitored current, an AC detection module determines AC current corresponding to each frequency of the AC components in the monitored current, a DC minimum threshold module determines if the DC current is below a DC current minimum threshold, an AC threshold module determines if any of the AC currents is below an AC threshold, and a trip module opens a contact after determining that the DC current is below the DC current minimum threshold or that at least one of the AC currents is below an AC threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a leakage current calculation device capable of calculating an accurate leakage current value in which the effect of noise has been suppressed.

Abstract: A plasma generation device assembly includes a base including a top surface. The plasma generation device assembly also includes a plasma generation device and a plurality of coupling members. The plasma generation device includes a body unitarily formed from an ablative material and a plurality of plasma generation device terminals coupled to the body. The plasma generation device is positioned on the top surface and is configured to emit ablative plasma when the plasma generation device is activated. The plurality of coupling members is configured to couple the plasma generation device to the top surface.

Abstract: A plasma generation device assembly includes a base includes an interior portion and a top surface defining a plurality of apertures that extend through the top surface. The plasma generation device assembly also includes a plasma generation device and a plurality of coupling members. The plasma generation device is positioned on the top surface and is configured to emit ablative plasma when the plasma generation device is activated. The plurality of coupling members extends through the plurality of apertures and is configured to couple the plasma generation device to the top surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources comprises a controllable voltage source converter.

Abstract: The present is directed to a protective device that includes a separator portion disposed between a back body member and a front cover portion. The separator portion includes a reset pin aperture accessible via a first major surface facing the front cover and a reset pin guide portion disposed on an opposite second major surface facing the back body member. The device further includes a latch block assembly having a central latch block portion configured to accommodate a reset pin and a latching element. The central latch block portion includes an open side configured to accommodate the reset pin guide portion. The reset pin is substantially prevented from exiting the central latch block portion via the open side by the reset pin guide portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a cogeneration distributed resource.

Abstract: An insulation state detecting device includes a positive side input terminal connected to a positive side power line of a high voltage DC power supply, a negative side input terminal connected to a negative side power line of the high voltage DC power supply, a ground electrode, a controller that detects insulation states between the positive side power line and the negative side power line and the ground electrode based on a charge voltage of a flying capacitor, and an equilibrium state forming circuit that promotes an operation of transiting a charge state of a positive side electrostatic capacitance between the positive side power line and the ground electrode and a charge state of a negative side electrostatic capacitance between the negative side power line and the ground electrode from non-equilibrium states to equilibrium states.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for driving a bus is described that includes at least one branch coupled to at least one signal line at a termination of the bus and a transmit data input configured to receive data that the electrical circuit drives across the bus. The electrical circuit also includes a current detection unit coupled to the at least one branch, which is configured to detect a current through the at least one branch. The electrical circuit also includes an over-current determination unit coupled to both the current detection unit and the transmit data input. The over-current determination unit is configured to determine an over-current condition at the at least one branch based on the current at the at least one branch and the data at the transmit data input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a DC voltage distributed resource comprising a controllable voltage source converter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a DC voltage distributed resource comprising a controllable voltage source converter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resource comprises a controllable voltage source converter.

Abstract: An e-fuse test device is provided. The e-fuse test device may include a first transistor, and a fuse array connected to a source/drain terminal of the first transistor. The fuse array may include n fuse groups, each of the fuse groups may include one end, the other end, and m first fuse elements connected in series to each other between the one end and the other end, the one end of each of the fuse groups may be connected to each other, and the other end of each of the fuse groups may be connected to the source/drain terminal of the first transistor, and the n and m are natural numbers that are equal to or larger than two.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject a direct current (DC) signal from the controllable voltage source converter of at least one DC voltage distributed resource into the distribution system and modulating an alternating current (AC) signal on top of the direct current (DC) signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a wind turbine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a microturbine.

Abstract: A HRG ground fault detector and method for detecting a ground fault in a High Resistance Ground (HRG) system are provided. The HRG ground fault detector in one example embodiment includes a first input A coupled to a first phase PHA of the HRG system, a second input B coupled to a second phase PHB, and a third input C coupled to a third phase PHC, with the HRG ground fault detector generating a simulated neutral voltage VN? from the first phase PHA, the second phase PHB, and the third phase PHC. The simulated neutral voltage VN? has a zero voltage potential when the first phase PHA, the second phase PHB, and the third phase PHC are equal. The HRG ground fault detector further compares the simulated neutral voltage VN? to a predetermined fault voltage threshold, and detects a HRG ground fault if the simulated neutral voltage VN? exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a high voltage isolation in a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a power conversion device for receiving a high voltage on a power bus. The power conversion device is configured to control a first switch for enabling a first known resistance to receive the high voltage and to measure a first voltage between a first node and a ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage. The power conversion device is further configured to measure a second voltage between a second node and the ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage and to determine a first leakage resistance between the first node and the ground based on at least the first voltage and the second voltage. The first leakage resistance indicating whether the high voltage is isolated from the ground.