Abstract: A functional module for a switch device control is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the functional module includes—a communication unit having a communication interface for communicating with at least one further functional module and/or at least one coupling module,—a control unit connected to the communication unit and designed to receive signals transmitted from the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module to the communication unit and to transmit switch commands via the communication unit to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module,—a first control current interface for the electric connection to a first switch device or an external energy supply unit, and—a second control current interface for supplying control current to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module.

Abstract: A voltage regulation optimization (VRO) system receives inputs from a DCS or other distribution network control/monitoring system. The VRO then calculates optimized control commands for various network devices including the controllable taps of voltage regulating transformers.

Abstract: A central control and instrumentation system with a plurality of functional modules interconnected by data transmission is provided. The functional modules are monitored by a central control module. Functional modules with a data output after completing a predefined number of action cycles, which are specific to each module, allow a provision of a fast motion functionality for simulation purposes and are subjected to a correction parameter of the number of action cycles for a user-controlled variation of the respective cycle to be completed.

Abstract: A power equipment protection system includes a plurality of trip units including at least a first trip unit and a second trip unit, wherein each of the plurality of trip units is configured to monitor operation data. The system also includes a shared memory device coupled to the plurality of trip units via a network, wherein the shared memory device is configured to transmit a synchronization request to at least the second trip unit, receive a response from the second trip unit, including operation data associated with the second trip unit, receive a data request from the first trip unit, and transmit the operation data associated with the second trip unit to the first trip unit via the network.

Abstract: A secondary battery pack is provided. The secondary battery pack has a structure in which a protection circuit module (PCM) is mounted to a top of a plate-shaped battery cell having electrode terminals formed at an upper end thereof, the PCM includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a protection circuit formed thereon, a safety element electrically connected between one of the electrode terminals of the battery cell and the protection circuit of the PCB, an external input and output terminal electrically connected to the protection circuit of the PCB, and an electrically insulative module case to cover the PCB and the safety element in a state in which the external input and output terminal extends outside. The PCM is loaded on an upper end case extension portion of the battery cell in a state in which the PCM is electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cell.

Abstract: A trip unit includes a current sensor to sense a value of current flowing through a conductor, a circuit to receive first frequency pulses having a number of first frequencies from the conductor, a transmitter to transmit second frequency pulses having a second frequency different than the first frequencies to the conductor, and a processor having a routine. The routine inputs the sensed value of current from the current sensor, determines if the sensed value of current exceeds a predetermined value and responsively causes the transmitter to transmit the second frequency pulses having the second frequency to the conductor, monitors within a predetermined time after determining that the sensed value of current exceeds the predetermined value if a number of the first frequency pulses having the number of first frequencies is received by the circuit, and responsively delays outputting a trip signal, and, otherwise, immediately outputs the trip signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selectively triggering circuit breakers in the event of a short circuit, wherein an upstream circuit breaker and at least one downstream circuit breaker on the output side are provided. In at least one embodiment, the upstream circuit breaker monitors as to whether the or one of the downstream circuit breakers is already in the process of opening the switch contacts thereof to interrupt the circuit on the output side, while forming a switch arc. In order to reliably determine whether a downstream circuit breaker is already in the process of opening, according to at least one embodiment of the invention the upstream circuit breaker, so as to detect a switch arc on the output side, checks whether the ohmic resistance of the short circuit loop produced by a short circuit has an exponential curve over time in that an exponent is continually computed and based on the computer exponent the switch arc is determined if the computed exponent exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A high-speed signaling device on a branch of an electric power distribution system modulates the signal from the branch and communicates the signal to an intelligent electronic device on a feeder to the branch at speeds sufficient for the intelligent electronic device to modify protection algorithms based on the signal from the high-speed signaling device. The intelligent electronic device may be a recloser control that controls protective equipment such as a recloser. The signal may be sent via infrared and/or radio frequency. The signal may be modulated so as to communicate information such as the phase with which it is associated. The high-speed signaling device may further communicate current information to the intelligent electronic device.

Abstract: A new type of superconducting fault current limiter is disclosed, which can advantageously be used with high voltage transmission networks. The circuit is electrically connected to two terminals, which connect to the transmission network. The superconducting circuit is located within an enclosure or tank, which is electrically isolated from ground. Therefore, the voltage difference between the enclosure and the superconducting circuit, and between the enclosure and the terminals are significantly less than exist in current deployments. In some embodiments, the enclosure is electrically connected to one of the terminals, while in other embodiments, the enclosure is electrically isolated from the terminals. The circuit can be combined with other like circuits to address a wide range of current transmission network configurations.

Abstract: A system for isolating faults in emergency systems, the system including first and second power lines, and one or more zones. Each zone has first and second zone line isolators, the first zone line isolator is connected between the first power line and the respective zone, and the second line isolator is connected between the second power line and the respective zone. Each first line isolator is configured to disconnect the zone from the first power line upon occurrence of a short circuit in the zone. Each second line isolator is configured to connect power from the second power line upon occurrence of an open circuit in the zone.

Abstract: A string combiner is provided for coupling multiple strings of series-connected photovoltaic (PV) panels in a PV array to downstream equipment, each string including positive and negative conductors. The combiner includes a combiner box containing a busbar connected to the protection devices for receiving and combining the currents from the multiple strings of PV panels, output terminals for connection to the downstream equipment, and a disconnect device within the combiner box and including a multi-pole switch connected to the busbar for disconnecting the downstream equipment from the multiple strings. A plurality of connectors are provided for connecting selected poles of the multi-pole switch to each other or to selected ones of the output terminals in either a grounded or an ungrounded configuration.

Abstract: A delay protection circuit is installed between a power supply unit and a load of an electronic device, and includes a first capacitor and second capacitors. The delay protection circuit allows the supply of electric power to the load by the PSU, and detects power being output by the PSU. If the power output by the PSU exceeds a rated power of the load, the first capacitor becomes chargeable by the PSU, and the load is electrically disconnected from the PSU once a voltage on the first capacitor achieves a predetermined voltage level. The second capacitors are also available for charging by the PSU according to a difference between the power being output by the PSU and the rated power of the load to provide automatic adjustability of a delay time for the voltage on the first capacitor to achieve the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A protection device for battery assembly includes a battery unit having multiple secondary Lithium batteries and the battery unit is electrically connected with a detection-control unit which is electrically connected to a by-pass which is a charge/discharge circuit. The detection-control unit has a voltage detection circuit and a micro controller unit to detect output voltage of the battery unit. A receiving device is electrically connected to the detection-control unit to receive wireless signals from a remote controller. The receiving device transmits signals to the detection-control unit. An emitting device is electrically connected to the detection-control unit to send signals to the remote controller when the battery unit has abnormal voltages. The battery unit is monitored and controlled by the detection-control device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a current sensor (22; 24; 26) for substantially in real time measuring electric current in a conductor. It is suitable for application in an indicator system (1) such as a short circuit indicator system for measuring instantaneous i.e. live current value, power, reactive power, phase angle, polarity, short circuits, in single or averaged values. It comprises current responsive means comprising a current transformer (2210), adapted for mounting adjacent to said electric conductor; and sensor circuitry (2220) comprising means for emitting a non-electrical wave signal as an output; said sensor circuitry (2220) comprises current level converter circuitry (2222) comprising a current-to-frequency converter adapted to provide said non-electrical wave signal as a current level indication pulse signal (CS1) having a pulse frequency (Pfcs) which is proportional to said real time electric conductor current, when the latter is within a predetermined current interval (I1-I2).

Abstract: A distribution and power transformer has its primary connected to the high voltage bus of the network and its secondary connected to a switching device. Upon the occurrence of a condition known to cause a dynamic overvoltage (DOV) and the occurrence of the DOV, a control system causes the switching device to change from a nonconductive mode to a conductive mode in less than the time for one cycle of the operating frequency of the AC network. This change in switching device conduction places a short circuit across the transformer secondary and thus mitigates the DOV.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective relay for providing protective control to a power system carrying three-phase power. The protective relay performs a faulted phase detection method wherein signal values representative of electrical properties of the power carried by the power system are received and are processed to produce processed signals, respectively. The processed signals have components of the signal values removed that are the same frequency as the nominal operating frequency of the power system. The process signal values are added to produce a sum, which is then divided by a predetermined number to yield a quotient. A determination is made whether the quotient falls within one of a plurality of predetermined ranges. This determination is used to determine whether the power system has a single-phase fault, a two-phase fault, or a three-phase fault.

Abstract: A protection system configured to couple between a generator that has a number of partial strings and an inverter includes a control device, and a series-connection switching device configured to selectively connect the partial strings together in series. The system also includes a parallel-connection switching device configured to selectively connect the partial strings together in parallel, wherein the series-connection switching device is actuated by the control device such that it interrupts the series connection of the partial strings in case of a hazard, and the parallel-connection switching device is actuated by the control device such that it connects the partial strings together in parallel in case of a hazard.

Abstract: A high voltage DC switchyard comprises at least one busbar, at lest two DC lines connected to said at least one busbar through DC breakers comprising a section of at least one semiconductor device of turn-off type and rectifying member in anti-parallel therewith. At least one said DC line is connected to at least one said busbar through a unidirectional said DC breaker, i.e. a DC breaker that may only block current therethrough in one direction.

Abstract: A method to protect a circuit having at least a first circuit breaker, and a second circuit breaker arranged upstream of said first circuit breaker, said first circuit breaker having configuration settings selectable between a normal mode and an alternate mode, the alternate mode setting including a reduced energy let-thru (RELT) mode setting having a RELT mode trip time delay. The method including determining if said first circuit breaker is configured in said RELT mode, determining a. dynamic delay time for opening said second circuit breaker, wherein said dynamic delay time is based at least in part on said RELT mode trip time delay of said first circuit breaker, and triggering said second circuit breaker to open after said dynamic delay time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electrical generator arrangement comprising a distribution network having a first generator and a second generator, the first generator arranged to provide electrical power to a transmitter source, the second generator coupled to the distribution network by a switch to enable isolation of the second generator, the switch associated with an electrical characteristic comparator to compare the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the second generator with the incidental modulation of a transmitter signal from the transmitter due to variations in the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the first generator to the transmitter, the comparator arranged to operate the switch to isolate or connect the second generator to the distribution network dependent upon a variation in the change of the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the second generator and the incidental modulation of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A monitor control system and method for an electrical distribution system includes a trip unit of a circuit breaker. A sensor is associated with the electrical distribution system and coupled to the trip unit wherein the sensor is connected to one or more components of the electrical distribution system to detect whether the electrical distribution system is being serviced when a presence of a human being is also detected. A selector is coupled to the trip unit and configured to select maintenance mode parameters to define a mode of operation of the trip unit wherein in the maintenance mode arc flash reduction or tripping delay reduction is provided such that the trip unit operates based on the maintenance mode parameters.

Abstract: The system provides for controlling the connection of electrical power sources to electrical loads installed on a motor vehicle and limiting exposure of personnel to relatively high electrical voltages from the electrical power sources. The system includes a serial communication bus and power cables routed through the motor vehicle. At least a first connector is provided through which the serial communication bus and a power cable are routed allowing temporary severing of the serial communication bus and the power cable. The power cable includes a circuit interrupter which isolates the connector from the electrical power source in response to certain conditions on the serial communication bus, including, but not limited to, the cessation of data traffic on the serial communication bus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a digital protection relay and an operation method of the digital protection relay for enhancing the operation of a frequency change rate relay element (81R) thereof, and the digital protection relay and an operation method thereof may calculate a plurality of different frequency change rates from the measured frequency and use a value of the frequency change rate selected based on a predetermined criteria in the control of a relay operation, thereby providing an effect of enhancing reliability for the operation of the frequency change rate relay element.

Abstract: Electrical fault restricting system for an electrical equipment and/or electrical system has a monitoring unit placed at location of interest to sense or measure electrical fault occurred with the help of sensing or measuring device which is further connected to signal processing and controlling unit which receives data collected by the monitoring unit that provides output for fault identification, alarming and controlling actions to alarming. An indication unit and command for trip signal to circuit breaking device where processed data of data collecting and processing unit are stored at data history storage. A display unit for back reference monitoring unit provides images to image receiver. A processor and controlling unit further provides processed images to an additional data history storage and display unit for future analysis of conditions where plurality of signal processing and controlling unit is inter connected with additional remote central controlling and data handling unit.

Abstract: A mechanism which can avoid, as much as possible, a difference of picture quality that is caused by restricting color printing according to an authority and forcedly performing monochromatic printing is provided. A mechanism which restricts the color printing according to the authority without deteriorating performance is also provided. The processing refers to a color restricting mode in user information or a color restricting mode in setting information. When the referred color restricting mode indicates “force”, if the user does not have the authority in which a color job can be printed, the job is forcedly converted into monochrome. In case of “analyze”, if the user does not have the authority in which a color job can be printed, the job is analyzed. If it is the color job, a forced monochromatic printing or print inhibition is performed.

Abstract: A deactivation device for disconnecting an electrical energy source from a load includes at least two one-time switches. The one-time switches become inoperative upon switching in response to the presence of a load exceeding a critical value, thereby disconnecting an electrical connection. The one time switches are connected in parallel, and the deactivation device is configured in such a way that, except for a one-time switch, which is provided for disconnecting the energy source from the load and for connecting the energy source to the load, the at least one other one-time switch remains open. In the case of an inoperativeness of the one one-time switch, the at least one other one-time switch is used for disconnecting the energy source from the load and for connecting the energy source to the load.

Abstract: There is provided an electricity storage system which comprises an electricity storage device, a charge and discharge switch device which is placed connected to the electricity storage device, a control block which is a charge and discharge control device which controls charging from a power supply and discharging from the electricity storage device to an external load, and an electricity storage device breaker with transmission and reception functions which is provided between the electricity storage device and the charge and discharge switch device, disconnects connection with the electricity storage device according to detection of abnormality of the electricity storage device or according to an instruction of the control block, and notifies the execution of the disconnection to the control block. The control block comprises a hardware disconnection instruction unit in addition to a software disconnection instruction unit.

Abstract: A differential protection system has a differential protection device at each end of a line section of an electrical power transmission line, such that it can selectively identify and safely disconnect even high-impedance faults on the monitored line section.

Abstract: A device for detecting a fault in an AC supply comprises a circuit (CT, 100) for detecting a particular type of fault in an AC supply to a load (LD) and providing a corresponding output (10). A relay (RLA) is responsive to said output (10) to open a set of load contacts (SW1) in the AC supply to disconnect the load from the supply. Test means (TS, Rt, W2) are provided for simulating a supply fault of the said type, and means (C3, R5, SCR2, SOL, SW2) are provided for causing the load contacts (SW1) to open if they do not open in response to the simulated fault within a certain period of time.

Abstract: A low voltage DC power supply is provided in a load center for distributing electrical power from electrical power utility lines to multiple branch circuits via a load center bus connected to the utility lines, each of the branch circuits having a circuit breaker coupled to a processor that is shared by multiple circuit breakers in the load center. The low voltage DC power supply includes a switch mode low voltage power supply connected to the processor for supplying the processor with a DC power input, and a line-derived power supply and a fault-derived power supply coupled between the utility and the switch mode power supply for supplying DC inputs to the switch mode power supply.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus is for another apparatus including a number of insulators, a number of temperature sensors operatively associated with the number of insulators, and a number of conductors operatively associated with the number of insulators. The electrical switching apparatus includes a number of separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a number of sensors structured to sense a number of currents flowing through the separable contacts and through the conductors, a processor structured to input the sensed currents from the sensors, and an output. The processor calculates at least one of: (a) a thermal age of the other apparatus from a number of sensed temperatures from the temperature sensors, and (b) the thermal age of the other apparatus from the sensed currents. The output includes the thermal age of the other apparatus.

Abstract: A protection system is provided for an electrical power network. The system has one or more circuit breaker arrangements which on activation isolate electrical faults within the network, and one or more fault detectors. The or each fault detector measures an inductance of a respective section of the network. The system is configured to activate one or more of the circuit breaker arrangements in response to measured inductances which are indicative of a fault.

Abstract: A conduction breaking device includes a movable member accommodated in an accommodation chamber of a case. A cutter portion projects from an advancing side of the movable member in the moving direction. A gas generator is arranged on the trailing side of the movable member in the moving direction. A conduction member extends to connect a pair of external connection portions and includes a pair of base portions and a breakable portion. The base portions are located in the side wall of the case and extend along the moving direction of the movable member. The breakable portion is shaped to connect the base portions to each other and to block the advancing side of the movable member in the moving direction. Step portions are formed in the breakable portion. Engaging portions that are engageable with the step portions are formed in the case.

Abstract: A coordinated arc fault protection scheme in a hierarchical power distribution system is disclosed. The methods according to embodiments of the present invention may be considered an “event and time graded” analysis. In event and time based analysis, the number of confirmed arc signature may be monitored with respect to time in the main feeder line as well as the branched feeders. The confirmed arc signature in the branched feeder, as well as in the main feeder, may be captured and time stamped. A trip command may be issued first in the intended branched feeder if the branched feeder experiences a minimum number of events within a given time. During the same time period, the main feeder also monitors similar arcing events. If the tripping of the branched feeder occurs and the main feeder still detects arcing events, the main feeder may be tripped after a certain period of time or a certain number of confirmed arc signature.

Abstract: An electrical system includes first, second and third power busses; a first interrupter electrically connected between the first and second power busses; a second interrupter electrically connected between the second and third power busses; at least one of a shorting apparatus operatively associated with the second power bus, and the first interrupter comprising a trip coil; a current sensor to sense a fault current of at least a predetermined magnitude flowing in the second power bus and responsively output a first signal; a number of light sensors to sense an arc flash operatively associated with a number of the second and third power busses and responsively output a second signal; and a circuit to delay and invert the first signal to provide a third signal, and to operate the at least one of the shorting apparatus and trip coil responsive to an AND of the first, second and third signals.

Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a first current sensing device operative to measure a current of a first phase of a voltage source, a second current sensing device operative to measure a current of a second phase of a voltage source, and a logic portion communicatively connected to the first current sensing device and the second current sensing device, the logic portion operative to receive measured currents from the first current sensing device and the second current sensing device, determine whether the measured current of the first phase is less than a threshold current value during a time period, and output an indication that a short exists in the first phase of the voltage source responsive to determining that the measured current of the first phase is not less than the threshold current value during the time period.

Abstract: In a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, electrical power is adaptively managed. A profile of predetermined threshold levels of electrical loading is developed for phases of an operation. A profile of electrical loading is developed for the phases of the operation such that electrical loading is substantially a same predetermined margin below the predetermined threshold levels during the phases of the operation. During the phases of the operation, operational data indicative of an electrical power generation system's actual ability to support electrical loading and/or actual electrical loading is received. The profile of the predetermined threshold levels and/or the profile of electrical loading is adjusted responsive to the operational data such that electrical loading is maintained substantially the same predetermined margin below the predetermined threshold levels during the phases of the operation.

Abstract: An improved method to detect and locate electrical faults is provided. A method of operating a circuit breaker in an electrical circuit configured with at least one of a first main circuit breaker at a first layer of circuit protection having a first direction of current flow, and at least one second circuit breaker downstream of said at least one first main circuit breaker having a second direction of current flow, and at least one third circuit breaker downstream of said at least one second circuit breaker having a third direction of current flow, wherein one of said at least one first, second, or third circuit breakers is in short time pick-up, is provided, and comprises steps to determine the location of the fault and adjust the trip time delay of the circuit breakers according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An over voltage protection (OVP) monitoring system and a method thereof. The OVP monitoring system includes a battery pack connected to an external system, the battery pack including a battery, a first memory to store a voltage value of the battery, a second memory comprising a first sub-memory and a second sub-memory to store numbers of OVP operations of the battery, a controller to store the voltage value of the battery in the first memory upon an occurrence of an OVP operation and to increment a number of OVP operations stored in either the first sub-memory or the second sub-memory according to the voltage value of the battery stored in the first memory and a signal generator to generate either a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal based on the contents of the first and second sub-memories.

Abstract: During single operation of a distributed power supply system that has been disconnected from a commercial electric power system, a frequency increase monitoring circuit is operated and an instruction to output a larger amount of a constant reactive current is given to a reactive current controlling unit. After the output frequency of the distributed power supply exceeds a frequency increase level, the level of an active current is limited in accordance with the level of the outputted reactive current.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to engineering of protection lockout functionality in a Substation Automation (SA) system. The system includes a breaker IED having protection-zone related intelligence in a lockout function block lockout function instances are assigned to respective protection zones, and are specified for each protection function which protection-zone(s) it shall trip and reset after lockout. Hence for switch yard configurations and power networks where a protection function trips multiple breakers by using several bay control or protection devices a more efficient implementation of lockout functionality is possible.

Abstract: A hardware overvoltage disconnecting circuit wherein a DC power supply module is disconnected from a power network when the AC power network is in the state of overvoltage. The circuit includes a disconnecting relay and a voltage detection circuit. The disconnecting relay is connected in series between an AC power network and a power factor correction circuit of a power supply module. A first sampling terminal of the voltage detection circuit samples the voltage of the AC power network between the AC power network and the disconnecting relay, and an output of the voltage detection circuit is connected to a control terminal of the disconnecting relay. When the AC power network is in the state of overvoltage, the disconnecting relay is disconnected and the power supply module is disconnected from the AC power network. When the voltage of the AC power network is normal, the disconnecting relay is connected.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) provides harmonic blocking and harmonic restraint differential protection operating in parallel. The IED includes a harmonically-blocked differential element supervised by one or more even harmonics of a raw operating current (a current comprising the fundamental operating current and the harmonics thereof). The IED also includes a parallel, harmonically-restrained differential element, which is restrained by harmonics of the raw operating current. Tripping signals output by the parallel harmonically-blocked differential element and the harmonically-restrained differential element may be selectively combined into a single tripping signal output. An additional harmonic blocking element may supervise both differential elements and/or the combined tripping signal. The additional harmonic blocking element may provide odd-harmonic blocking, such as harmonic blocking based on a fifth harmonic of the raw operating current.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an autoloop system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a first branch circuit having a first recloser and a midpoint recloser and a second branch circuit having a second feeder recloser and a midpoint recloser. A tie recloser is electrically coupled between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit wherein the tie recloser closes only after a fault is detected. A master controller associated with the first and second branch circuits communicates with the reclosers of the first and second branch circuits. The master controller includes a processor for blocking a fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The portion of a circuit where a fault is detected may be isolated to minimize the portion of the first and second branch circuits without power.

Abstract: In a motor control device that drives a plurality of motors with one DC power supply, detection of a short circuit fault occurring in the motors is realized with an inexpensive configuration. In order to drive the plurality of motors (105, 106), a current detection resistor (404, 405) is arranged between a connection point on positive terminal sides of a plurality of electric power converters (401, 402) connected in parallel to a DC power supply (403) and a positive terminal of the DC power supply, or also between a connection point on negative terminal sides of the plurality of electric power converters and a negative terminal (ground) of the DC power supply, to thereby detect the short circuit fault based on a voltage of the current detection resistor.

Abstract: A power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications operatively coupable to a low or medium voltage apparatus and to a protection relay having a trip circuit supervision. The power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications according to the invention comprises: a binary input which is operatively coupable with said protection relay; a control unit operatively coupled to said binary input and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus; a failure and continuity detection unit operatively coupled to said binary input and that can be enabled and disabled; an enabling unit operatively coupled to said failure and continuity detection unit and to said control unit and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus.

Abstract: A line current differential protection system that uses an external time reference continues providing protection to a power apparatus upon the loss of the external time reference. An external time reference synchronization mode and a channel based synchronization mode may be selectively applied on a per channel basis such that only those channels in the system that are not guaranteed to stay symmetrical use external time reference synchronization.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-level power hierarchy are described. This power hierarchy contains a higher level, which includes a first sub-circuit, and a lower level, which includes a second sub-circuit and a third sub-circuit. Moreover, the second sub-circuit and the third sub-circuit are included in branches in the power hierarchy and are separately electrically coupled to the first sub-circuit. A given sub-circuit in a given level includes programmable power protection which is configured to protect sub-circuits at higher levels of the power hierarchy from power variations associated with changes in load on branches at lower levels of the power hierarchy, thereby providing failure isolation in the power hierarchy.

Abstract: A discharge device for a vehicle includes a discharging circuit that connects a second capacitor and a discharging resistor in parallel through activation of a forced connection device. When a collision of the vehicle is detected, the discharge device forcibly stops electricity supply from the storage battery to the electric circuit including the second capacitor, and activates the forced connection device to forcibly discharge the second capacitor. A pair of connecting terminals of the forced connection device are arranged to be pressed against each other with an insulating member disposed therebetween. The forced connection device includes a gas generator for generating combustion gas directed to the insulating member. When an abnormality is detected, the forced connection device short-circuits the connecting terminals with each other through activation of the gas generator. The second capacitor and the discharge device are provided integrally.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for the feeding of a multiphase electric network by means of an electric generator of a regenerative energy source that is connected to the network through an inverter. In the event of the occurrence of a non-symmetrical network fault, the feed to the phases that are not affected by the fault is interrupted and a current effecting voltage back-up voltage is fed to the affected phases.