By Spark Or Arc Discharge Patents (Class 324/536)
  • Patent number: 8542021
    Abstract: A fault detection system is provided for a power distribution system having at least first and second line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other from a source to a load, and a common neutral conductor. The system includes an arcing fault current sensor comprising a coil wound on a hollow core and coupled to both of the line conductors in a manner that the electrical currents in the line conductors flow in opposite directions inside the hollow core, thus inducing in the coil an output signal that is a function of the difference of the electrical currents in the line conductors. A neutral current sensor produces an output signal representing the magnitude and phase direction of current in the neutral conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Paul A. Reid
  • Patent number: 8525523
    Abstract: A partial discharge analysis (PDA) coupling device is provided. In one embodiment, a device includes: a connector electrically connecting a first coupling capacitor and a second coupling capacitor; a first conductive rod for electrically connecting the first coupling capacitor to a high voltage input; a second conductive rod for electrically connecting the second coupling capacitor to ground; a current transformer substantially surrounding a portion of the second conductive rod, the current transformer configured to generate a pulse signal; and a reference signal generator adjacent to the current transformer configured to generate a reference signal in phase with the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Edward Kerl, Karim Younsi, Yingneng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8527221
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an activity of partial electrical discharges in an electric apparatus powered with direct voltage comprises the following steps, repeated in succession at predetermined time intervals: measuring (1) analogue electrical signals and generating corresponding digital signals representative of the wave form of partial discharge impulses; deriving (2) for each of said digital signals, at least one shape parameter and at least one amplitude parameter; separating (3) the set of the measured data into homogeneous sub-sets with respect to the shape parameter; correlating (4) the sub-sets of signals having similar values of the shape parameter and measured in successive steps; selecting (5) the correlated sub-sets for which the amplitude parameter has a predetermined profile over time and attributing the signals of said subsets to partial discharge activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Techimp Technologies S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gian Carlo Montanari, Andrea Cavallini, Gaetano Pasini
  • Patent number: 8508233
    Abstract: An arc detector for detecting undesired arcs. The arc detector includes: an antenna for receiving an electromagnetic signal representing an arc; and a discriminator for analyzing a signal from the antenna, the discriminator including a spectrum analyzer arranged to detect whether the signal represents a normal arc or an undesired arc. The discriminator is arranged to detect whether the signal represents a normal arc or an undesired arc by comparing signal levels at frequencies of a spectrum of the signal corresponding to at least one partial reference spectrum, and determining the arc to be a normal arc if a deviation from the reference spectrum is less than a threshold deviation. A corresponding method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Eriksson, Stefan Halen, Jonas Hedberg
  • Patent number: 8497688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-contact arc detection, recognition, and warning apparatus for the detection of arcing in an electrical system. The apparatus includes an electric field detector having first and second electric field sensors adapted to sense electric fields; a magnetic field detector having a multi-axis magnetic field sensor adapted to detect a magnetic field; and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor compares and enhances signals obtained from the electric field detector and the magnetic field detector and creates a response to alert a user of the presence of arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Stewart Dorr, Kermit O. Phipps, Thomas A. Cooke, Francis S. Doherty, Neil Weisenfeld
  • Patent number: 8487635
    Abstract: A system for determining a system charging current in a three-phase power system has a first grounding circuit that joins a neutral of the power transformer with a ground through a first resistor. System charged capacitance voltage in one phase is discharged through a second resistor in a second grounding circuit joining the one phase of the power system with the ground. A magnitude of the currents in the first and second grounding circuits are measured when the one phase is short circuited to ground. The preliminary system charging current is calculated as the root of the difference between the squares of the measured currents grounding circuits. The same procedure may be repeated for different values of the first resistor and for each of the phases, and the calculated preliminary system charging currents may be averaged to arrive at a net system charging current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Dev Paul
  • Patent number: 8474320
    Abstract: An electrical pulse fed into an electrical cable, e.g. a power transmission or distribution cable buried underground, produces an acoustic signal, e.g. an arc-over or discharge noise, at a fault in the cable. This acoustic signal is detected and used to locate the fault. But the acoustic signal has interference noise superimposed on it, which makes it difficult to identify the acoustic signal in the noise-burdened received signal, and thus also makes it difficult or impossible to accurately locate the fault. To minimize or avoid the influence of interference noises, the relevant acoustic signal is identified in the received signal by comparing the received signal with predetermined sample data, such as signal patterns, characteristics or characteristic sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hagenuk KMT Kabelmesstechnik GmbH, Technische Universitaet Dresden
    Inventors: Ulrich Kordon, Steffen Kuerbis, Matthias Wolff, Marco Kuettner, Marco Stephan, Torsten Berth
  • Patent number: 8466689
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a capacitor bank comprising a plurality of capacitor strings connected in parallel, each capacitor string comprising a plurality of capacitors connected in series is provided. The method includes energizing the capacitor bank. The method includes determining dissipation factors of each of the plurality of the capacitor strings. The method further includes comparing each of the determined dissipation factors with an expected dissipation factor and estimating a health state of the plurality of the capacitor strings based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined and expected dissipation factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karim Younsi, Yingneng Zhou, Samar Shaker Soliman
  • Patent number: 8467982
    Abstract: A method for locating partial discharges occurring at a discharge site (2) in an electric apparatus (3) with elongate geometry and generating corresponding electric pulses (4) propagating in opposite directions along the apparatus (3) from the discharge site (2) comprises the steps: (11) of detecting the pulses (4) picked up by a first and a second sensor (5, 7), connected to the apparatus (3) and spaced out along the same; (15) of deriving shape, phase and amplitude parameters for each of the signals detected; (17) of separating the sets of signals detected in each sensor into respective subsets which are uniform in terms of pulse waveform; (18) of identifying the subsets of signals relating to partial discharges and classifying them; (19) of correlating the subsets relating to different sensors and similarly classified, in order to derive a pair of subsets of signals relating to the same discharge site (2); (12) of selecting, for the pair of correlated subsets, at least one pair of homologous pulses (4) det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Techimp Technologies S.R.L.
    Inventors: Stefano Serra, Andrea Cavallini, Gian Carlo Montanari, Gaetano Pasini
  • Publication number: 20130092208
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Robbins
  • Patent number: 8421473
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a power circuit providing an alternating current to a load. The apparatus includes a high frequency current sensor structured to cooperate with the power circuit to provide a high frequency current signal. A voltage zero crossing detector is structured to cooperate with the power circuit to provide a voltage zero crossing signal. A high pass filter is structured to provide a filtered current signal from the high frequency current signal. A threshold comparator is structured to provide an output when the filtered current signal exceeds a predetermined value. A processor is structured to receive the voltage zero crossing signal and the output of the threshold comparator and output a trip signal in response to undesired series arcing by detecting an unsymmetrical high frequency signal for a predetermined number of cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Shea
  • Publication number: 20130073241
    Abstract: An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: MKS Instruments, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8395078
    Abstract: A system and method for managing power delivered to a processing chamber is described. In one embodiment current is drawn away from the plasma processing chamber while initiating an application of power to the plasma processing chamber during an initial period of time, the amount of current being drawn away decreasing during the initial period of time so as to increase the amount of power applied to the plasma processing chamber during the initial period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Milan Ilic
  • Patent number: 8368404
    Abstract: A discharge amount measuring device includes a power source, first and second sensors, a calibration wire, and a measuring portion. The power source applies a voltage to a coil of a rotational electric machine. The first sensor detects a current flowing through the coil. The calibration wire has an end connected to the coil. The second sensor detects a current flowing through the calibration wire. The measuring portion forms a calibration line based on a first waveform detected by the first sensor and a second waveform detected by the second sensor. The measuring portion calculates a discharge amount based on the calibration line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Wakimoto, Yoshimitsu Takahashi, Shinji Kouda
  • Patent number: 8344746
    Abstract: A system, probe interface, and method to test an integrated circuit with an electrostatic discharge signal. The probe interface includes a pulse generation circuit, ground plane, and a relay matrix, while the integrated circuit includes a plurality of contact points. The probe interface is configured proximate to the integrated circuit and the relay matrix is configured to electrically connect at least one of an operative signal, the pulse generation circuit, or the ground plane to a contact point of the integrated circuit. The probe interface is thus configured to provide a shortened path for at least one of the electrostatic discharge signal from the probe interface to the integrated circuit, or to the ground plane from the integrated circuit. The probe interface may selectively electrically connect to up to about thirty-two contact points of the integrated circuit, while the system may include up to about four probe interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Marcos Hernandez, Enrique L. Riveros
  • Patent number: 8339275
    Abstract: An arrangement that includes a transmitter unit and a receiver for locating a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit of a power distribution system. The transmitter is electrically interconnected with the selected branch circuit and produces a sequence of tracing signals in a branch circuit that is to be traced. Each tracing signal is transmitted and detected at times measured with respect to a detected known phase of the signal on the branch circuit. In one embodiment, tracing signals are transmitted on a branch circuit of a 3 phase power distribution system when the branch circuit to be tested has a positive phase and the other phases are negative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Gallavan
  • Patent number: 8334700
    Abstract: An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Coumou, Riad E. El-Choueiry
  • Patent number: 8294471
    Abstract: The ultra-high frequency partial discharge array sensor apparatus for a high-voltage power apparatus includes: a sensing unit which detects an electromagnetic wave partial discharge signal generated due to an internal defect of a high-voltage power apparatus and includes a plurality of sensors installed to detect information related to the position where the defect occurs; an anti-surge filter unit which prevents a surge input from the sensing unit; a signal delay time adjusting unit which equally adjusts delay times of signals input from the anti-surge filter unit; a signal switching unit which selectively transmits or blocks signals input from the signal delay time adjusting unit; a connector unit which connects a signal transmitted from the signal switching unit to the outside; and a sensor body which has a receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Ki-Jun Park, Hyung-Jun Ju, Sun-Geun Goo, Jin-Yul Yoon, Ki-Seon Han
  • Patent number: 8289029
    Abstract: An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Coumou
  • Patent number: 8264237
    Abstract: An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Coumou
  • Patent number: 8242786
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for partial discharge testing of an insulation component, wherein at least one X-ray pulse is applied to the insulation component, an AC voltage is applied to the insulation component and the partial discharge induced by the at least one X-ray pulse is measured, wherein the dose rate of the at least one X-ray pulse is at least about 10?2 Gray/s. The disclosure relates further to a system for partial discharge testing of an insulation component which includes a flash X-ray source for generating at least one X-ray pulse, an AC voltage source, a voltage sensor, a partial discharge sensor and a partial discharge detection device for evaluating the measured partial discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Henning Fuhrmann, Andrej Krivda
  • Patent number: 8234085
    Abstract: A method for measuring and processing data pertaining to an activity of partial electrical discharges taking place in a three-phase electric machine (1) powered with square wave voltage, said data comprising a plurality of discharge signals and a plurality of sets of three values (eu, ev, ew) of power supply voltage of the machine measured in concurrence with a corresponding discharge signal, comprises the following steps: —transforming each set (eu, ev, ew) of three voltage values measured into a corresponding pair (ed, eq) of voltage values; —deriving a phase angle value from each of said pairs (ed, eq) of voltage values; —attributing to each discharge signal the corresponding phase value, to assess the measured discharge signals as a function of corresponding phase values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Techimp Technologies S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gian Carlo Montanari, Andrea Cavallini, Gaetano Pasini
  • Patent number: 8232804
    Abstract: This invention relates to a time alert device (1) for use with an earth leakage protection device comprising a microprocessor system (10) provided with a software controlled alert trigger timer (22). On time out of the alert trigger timer, the microprocessor system (10) initiates an audible and/or visual annunciation to remind the user of the earth leakage protection device to perform integrity test on the earth leakage protection device. If the earth leakage protection device fails the integrity test, the user detects that the earth leakage protection device could be faulty and needs expert attention. If the earth leakage device passes the integrity test, the alert trigger timer is reset for another predetermined time interval to remind the user to perform another integrity test on the earth leakage protection device. The time alert device can be further provided with a message display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: See Ni Fong
  • Patent number: 8228649
    Abstract: Arc fault detection method and apparatus employ an impedance-based current sensor to provide a sensing signal indicative of current through a conductor. The impedance-based current sensor diverts high frequency components of current through the conductor and converts the high frequency components into an arc fault signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Joseph Shea, Jordan C. Lawrence, Lennart Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8228103
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having break contacts for disconnecting an electric grid or network in a predetermined manner includes a trigger unit which triggers actuation of the break contacts in response to signals received from a detector which detects aperiodic, substantially step-like changes in the amplitude of at least one electric parameter in the electric network. The trigger unit is operatively connected with the detector. The disclosed circuit breaker reduces the likelihood of a fire caused by faults in electric networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 8217299
    Abstract: A system and method for over-voltage protection is described. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes an output port configured to deliver power to a plasma chamber to ignite a plasma. The apparatus also includes a shunt switch in parallel with the output port and a processor configured to receive an indicator of an arc in the plasma. The processor is configured to close the shunt switch for a period of time to divert current away from the arc. The processor is also configured to trigger a pulse of the shunt switch to limit a voltage of an increasing voltage condition associated with the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Ilic, Vladislav V. Shilo, Robert Brian Huff
  • Patent number: 8199343
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for detecting partial electrical discharges in a printing machine and for determining the source of the discharge events by detecting radio frequency signals using an antenna located near high voltage components of the printing system and determining whether a partial electrical discharge has occurred based on the detected signals. One or more of the high voltage components are then selectively enabled alone or in groups to isolate the source of the partial electrical discharge to expedite identification of suspect components and facilitate repair and system maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Wayman, Richard A. Lux
  • Patent number: 8193818
    Abstract: A method of detecting partial corona discharge in a targeted circuit of an electrical apparatus, comprises the steps of: wrapping a Rogowski coil around a leg of the targeted circuit to produce a Rogowski coil signal that represents electrical current rate of change in the leg of the targeted circuit; coupling the Rogowski coil signal to a three-dimensional display device that may represent the dimension of time, the dimension of amplitude as a function of a time, and the dimension of duration of amplitude as a function of time in successive periods of that have a preselected duration; monitoring the display device to detect deviations of the duration of amplitude as a function of time from a normal waveform in the leg of the targeted circuit; and correlating ones of the detected deviations of the duration of amplitude as a function of time from a normal waveform that exceed a preselected deviation level as indicative of partial corona discharge within the targeted circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: John Horowy, Neal D. Clements
  • Publication number: 20120119751
    Abstract: A fault detection system is provided for a power distribution system having at least first and second line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other from a source to a load, and a common neutral conductor. The system includes an arcing fault current sensor comprising a coil wound on a hollow core and coupled to both of the line conductors in a manner that the electrical currents in the line conductors flow in opposite directions inside the hollow core, thus inducing in the coil an output signal that is a function of the difference of the electrical currents in the line conductors. A neutral current sensor produces an output signal representing the magnitude and phase direction of current in the neutral conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Paul A. Reid
  • Patent number: 8179145
    Abstract: Testing an AFCI device includes providing an AFCI device to be tested and a load, wherein the AFCI device and the load form an electrical circuit, applying AC power to the AFCI device, generating a high frequency broadband noise signal, amplifying the high frequency broadband noise signal, modulating the amplified high frequency noise signal with a signal synchronized to the load current or load voltage to provide synchronized high frequency broadband noise bursts, coupling the noise bursts into the electrical circuit to simulate series arcing signals, determining if the AFCI device opens the electrical circuit within a predetermined amount of time, indicating the AFCI device has passed the test if the AFCI opens the electrical circuit within the predetermined amount of time, and indicating the AFCI device has failed the test if not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh T. Kinsel
  • Patent number: 8179147
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing a signature of a signal of a power converter and determining, based on analysis of the signature, whether an arc fault exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Marv Dargatz, Martin Fornage
  • Patent number: 8179146
    Abstract: A partial discharge detection sensor is used for detecting a partial discharge signal in a gas-insulated equipment using a PCB substrate, and a partial discharge detection device employs the partial discharge detection sensor. The partial discharge detection sensor includes a PCB substrate, a partial discharge signal detection pattern formed on the PCB substrate to detect a partial discharge signal in the gas-insulated equipment, and a connection terminal for receiving the partial discharge signal detected by the partial discharge signal detection pattern and transmitting the partial discharge signal to a connector that emits the partial discharge signal to the outside. The partial discharge detection sensor is attached to an inner wall of an enclosure of the gas-insulated equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: LS Cable & System Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-Hyun Nam, Choong-Sik Kim, Jung-Min Lee, Young-Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20120112760
    Abstract: A method for arc detection in a system including a photovoltaic panel and a load connectible to the photovoltaic panel with a DC power line. The method measures power delivered to the load thereby producing a first measurement result of the power delivered to the load. Power produced by the photovoltaic panel is also measured, thereby producing a second measurement result of power produced by the photovoltaic panel. The first measurement result is compared with the second measurement result thereby producing a differential power measurement result. Upon the differential power measurement result being more than a threshold value, an alarm condition may also be set. The second measurement result may be modulated and transmitted over the DC power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAREDGE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ilan Yoscovich, Guy Sella, Meir Gazit, Yoav Galin, David Braginsky, Lior Handelsman, Meir Adest
  • Publication number: 20120105073
    Abstract: An apparatus including a portable receiver with an acoustic sensor and a magnetic field sensor is adapted for locating a fault in an underground electrical line by evaluating ground-borne acoustic signals and electromagnetic signals emitted from a succession of sparking arc-overs caused at the fault location by voltage pulses fed into the electrical line. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for eliminating interference noises from the acoustic signals, wherein the acoustic received signals are delivered to and stored in a memory, and then a respective acoustic signal is processed with reference to a previous stored acoustic signal by a processing algorithm in a processing unit. Start time points of the individual acoustic signals are synchronized with reference to associated electromagnetic signals. A result of the processing algorithm is supplied to an evaluating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Hagenuk KMT Kabelmesstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Marco KUETTNER, Marco STEPHAN
  • Patent number: 8164347
    Abstract: An arc fault demonstrator device for testing the efficacy of an arc fault interrupter (AFI) circuit breaker. The device includes a motor that moves a movable electrode relative to a stationary electrode under microprocessor control. A relay switches the electrodes connection between an arc voltage measurement circuit and an electrode close circuit. When current is applied to the electrodes, the measurement circuit provides voltage measurements to the microprocessor, which instructs the motor to move the electrodes closer or apart. When the arc voltage is below a low threshold, the electrodes are moved apart until the arc voltage exceeds a medium threshold. When the arc voltage exceeds a high threshold, the electrodes are moved closer until the arc voltage falls below the medium threshold. A switch switches between the AFI circuit breaker or a conventional circuit breaker to confirm that the AFI breaker will trip upon detection of the arc whereas the conventional breaker will not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Schroeder, Ryan J. Moffitt, Brian Patrick Grove
  • Patent number: 8159233
    Abstract: An arrangement for detecting in-situ arcing events within a processing chamber of a plasma processing system during substrate processing is provided. The arrangement includes a probe arrangement, which is disposed on a surface of the processing chamber and is configured to measure at least one plasma processing parameter. The probe arrangement includes a plasma-facing sensor and a measuring capacitor, wherein the plasma-facing sensor is coupled to a first plate of the measuring capacitor. The probe arrangement also includes a detection arrangement that is coupled to a second plate of the measuring capacitor, wherein the detection arrangement is configured for converting an induced current flowing through the measuring capacitor into a set of digital signals, which is processed to detect the in-situ arcing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Booth, Douglas Keil
  • Patent number: 8143899
    Abstract: A method of detecting partial discharge associated with at least a portion of an electrical system, wherein the electrical system includes at least one electrical machine electrically coupled within the electrical system, includes generating an electromagnetic field within the electrical machine. The method also includes collecting partial discharge data from at least a portion of the electrical system. The method further includes determining a first partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) value of at least a portion of partial discharge activity within the electrical system. The method also includes generating at least one trending comparison of the first PDIV value and at least one second PDIV value of at least a portion of partial discharge activity within the electrical system. The method further includes outputting the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdelkrim Younsi, Ronald Irving Longwell, Sameh Ramadan Salem, Yingneng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8098072
    Abstract: A partial discharge coupler for detecting partial discharges in a conductor includes a frequency dependent network, a differential amplifier and a frequency selective coupling component. The frequency dependent network includes a first filter component, a fuse component and a load component, typically coupled together in series with reference to a first ground. The first filter component filters the high voltage, low frequency alternating current signal carried by the conductor from the load component and passes high frequency partial discharge pulse signals to the load component. The frequency selective coupling component couples in series between the differential amplifier and the load component. The output of the differential amplifier is configured to provide an output that is isolated from the ground connection for communicating detected partial discharge signals to partial discharge test equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 8093904
    Abstract: An arc detecting device includes a detector for acquiring time series data concerning a characteristic quantity, such as a voltage or a current in a circuit, targeted for detecting an arc; a basic data generator for generating basic data made of a plurality of frequency components, through frequency analysis from the acquired time series data; a data processor for statistically processing the generated basic data, thereby converting the basic data to an evaluation value highly correlative to an occurrence of the arc; and an arc judging unit for judging the occurrence of the arc, if the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined arc judgment threshold value. In this manner, the arc detecting device that is capable of effectively detecting the arc in a direct-current power supply circuit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Ohta, Hirotaka Isoda
  • Patent number: 8085054
    Abstract: To detect arc discharges occurring in a plasma, a parameter of the plasma process is determined, and after a first period of time following the detection of an arc discharge the parameter is again determined. In the event that after the first period of time no arc discharge is detected, a first arc suppression countermeasure for suppression of arc discharges is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: HUETTINGER Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Zaehringer
  • Patent number: 8076943
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an impedance-based arc detector for CT scanners and method of use and diagnosis therewith, and more specifically, to a two- or three-way conductive probe detector system and associated signal processing unit to distinguish the location of arc faults on a CT scanner at either the high-voltage cable of an x-ray tube, an anode connected to the x-ray tube, a cathode also connected to the x-ray tube, a high-voltage well, or a power distribution unit of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Genesis Medical Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Brach
  • Publication number: 20110273183
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a power circuit providing an alternating current to a load. The apparatus includes a high frequency current sensor structured to cooperate with the power circuit to provide a high frequency current signal. A voltage zero crossing detector is structured to cooperate with the power circuit to provide a voltage zero crossing signal. A high pass filter is structured to provide a filtered current signal from the high frequency current signal. A threshold comparator is structured to provide an output when the filtered current signal exceeds a predetermined value. A processor is structured to receive the voltage zero crossing signal and the output of the threshold comparator and output a trip signal in response to undesired series arcing by detecting an unsymmetrical high frequency signal for a predetermined number of cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN J. SHEA
  • Publication number: 20110267620
    Abstract: A sensor to simultaneously detect light and acoustic waves is presented. The sensor includes one or more optical fibers and a diaphragm disposed near one end of at least one of the one or more optical fibers. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate upon incidence of acoustic waves from an arc flash and reflect a light beam into at least the one of the one or more of the optical fibers. A semi-transparent region is disposed around the one or more optical fibers to diffuse light originating from the arc flash into at least one of the one or more optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Juntao Wu, Hua Xia, Robert Deveaux, Zhihong Mao, David John Allcock, Qin Chen
  • Patent number: 8013617
    Abstract: A test method for a spark plug ceramic insulator includes placing a first electrode in an inner hole of the ceramic insulator and placing a second electrode on an outer peripheral side of the ceramic insulator, developing a defect in the ceramic insulator by the application of a first voltage onto the ceramic insulator between the first and second electrodes and detecting the defect in the ceramic insulator by the application of a second voltage, which is lower than a flashover voltage that causes a flashover of the ceramic insulator, onto the ceramic insulator between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Honda, Hiroyuki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8010239
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a partial discharge counter for the diagnosis of a GIS. The partial discharge counter includes a partial discharge detection sensor for detecting a partial discharge. A first surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the partial discharge detection sensor. A channel 1 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. A noise detection sensor detects noise. A second surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the noise detection sensor. A channel 2 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. An ADC circuit generates partial discharge data and noise data. A synchronization device enables the partial discharge data and the noise data to be output in synchronization with frequency of the phase voltage. A digital signal processing unit counts a number of times the partial discharge occurs. Counting units display a count value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hanbit EDS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Kee Jeong
  • Patent number: 8008925
    Abstract: A marker pulse discriminator monitor that enables filtering of partial discharge pulses for monitoring the condition of a generator in a power plant system. The monitor detects partial discharge pulses emanating from the generator and includes a plurality of first modules connected to respective isophase buses adjacent to the generator. Each of the first modules generate a marker pulse in response to a partial discharge pulse. The monitor also includes an analyzer unit connected to the isophase buses adjacent to a step-up transformer. The analyzer unit receives each partial discharge pulse and each marker pulse and determines a differential value corresponding to a difference between a time of arrival of a partial discharge pulse and a time of arrival of a corresponding marker pulse to identify partial discharge pulses originating at the generator and to identify the isophase bus associated with the corresponding partial discharge pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 8008926
    Abstract: Disclosed is a UHF partial discharge and its location measuring device for high-voltage power devices. The measuring device includes a partial discharge sensor, an external noise sensor, an analogue-digital converter, a peak detector, a partial discharge signal processor, an arrival time detector, a discharge location processor, and a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Ki-Jun Park, Sun-Geun Goo, Jin-Yul Yoon, Ki-Son Han, Hyung-Jun Ju
  • Patent number: 8004287
    Abstract: Methods for detecting wet arc faults are based on the direct current (DC) signature analysis and pattern matching pertaining to wet arc characteristics. While magnifying some wet arc fault signatures, it may be found that the wet arc current signal itself resembles a normal current signal in both time and frequency domains. The change in magnitude or high frequency behavior found may not be enough to distinguish a wet arc fault signature from a normal signature. Embodiments of the present invention may look at the magnitude change in the DC content per cycle of the wet arc current signal, which may be more positive in one cycle while, in the next cycle, it may be negative in a relative manner. A particular number of these changes may be determinative of a wet arc fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Prashant Purushotham Prabhu K, Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, Zhenning Liu
  • Patent number: 7986148
    Abstract: An arc fault detector, as a stand alone device or in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault interrupter (GFCI), protects from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes a line side or load side series connected inductance having an air or magnetic core to generate the derivative di/dt signal of the arc current in the conductor. The derivative signal is fed to an arc fault detector where it is analyzed for the presence of arcing. The device can have two series connected inductors inductively coupled to each other such that the signal from one inductor is inductively coupled into the other inductor for coupling to the arc fault detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Mernyk, Roger M. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7965086
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a ground-fault sensor that has a plurality of conductors each disposed one inside of another except for an outer conductor and a field sensor configured to sense an electric field, a magnetic field, or both. In some embodiments, the field sensor is disposed adjacent the outer conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Herman Blakely