Abstract: Coaxial and twisted pair conductive yarn structures reduce signal crosstalk between adjacent lines in woven electrical networks. A coaxial conductive yarn structure includes an inner conductive yarn having a plurality of conductive strands twisted together. An outer conductive yarn is wrapped around the inner conductive yarn. An insulating layer separates the inner and outer yarns. A twisted pair conductive yarn structure includes first and second conductive yarns, each including a plurality of conductive strands being twisted together. The first and second conductive yarns are twisted together to form a helical structure. In a woven electrical network, at least one conductor of adjacent conductive yarn structures is connected to ground to reduce signal crosstalk. Coaxial and twisted pair yarn structures may also be formed simultaneously with weaving or knitting the threads that make up the structures into a fabric.

Abstract: In an aircraft galley, a power network distributes power from a source to electrical consuming devices (oven, water boiler, coffee machine, trash compactor, etc.). A control unit is connected to and can individually address each of the devices via a databus. The control unit compares the actual existing power consumption to a prescribed maximum value. If the actual consumption reaches the maximum value, the control unit calls up a power reduction procedure from a catalog in a database, and provides corresponding control signals to one or more of the devices to reduce the power consumption below the maximum value. The individual devices receive power in a time-sharing, power-sharing, or time-staggered manner. An intelligent distribution of available power resources avoids power overloads, and allows optimal utilization of all galley devices without limiting the normal catering process.

Abstract: A protection relay for a power line system that employs current transformers for detecting current on a bus is provided with a fault trip scheme that includes transformer current saturation detection so as to avoid false tripping due to temporary transformer current saturation.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems providing new capabilities in power supply and/or power cycling management allowing a variety of different remote interfacing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or “team” is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.

Abstract: Arcing faults in dc electric power systems are detected by apparatus which responds to a predetermined drop either in voltage across, or current drawn by, a dc load. The voltage and current drops can be measured values or scaled to the source voltage. In another arrangement, the load current is interrupted momentarily when a step decrease in current is detected. If the dc current does not return, within a predetermined margin, to the decreased value before interruption, arcing is indicated. In a third embodiment, drift of the load current following detection of a step decrease, either upward toward a short or downward toward an open circuit, is taken as an indication of arcing.

Abstract: Protection systems for electrical systems such as substation power dividers are described. The protection systems may be designed and used to detect and clear faults that may occur within the substation power dividers. For example, a first Rogowski coil may be used to detect current along a primary conductor, and output a corresponding current signal to a multi-function, differential relay having multiple voltage and current inputs. Similarly, additional Rogowski coils may be used at each of a plurality of secondary feeders, where power from the primary feeder may be distributed to the secondary feeders using a connection bus. By comparing the signals from the first Rogowski coil and the additional Rogowski coils, the differential relay may determine whether a fault exists at some point along the conductor(s) and between the first Rogowski coils and the additional Rogowski coils, including whether a fault is associated with the connection bus.

Abstract: A digital protection and control device is so configured that at least parts of a digital data merging unit coupled to sensor units by a transmission medium, a protection and control unit, a communication unit for component control devices coupled to component control devices by a transmission medium, and a process bus communication unit are coupled by a parallel transmission medium, and at least a part of data exchange is based on a multimaster mode. Transmission based on the multimaster mode enables each unit to transmit/receive data independently and enables the reduction in unbalanced communication load. As a result, such a risk can be reduced that time responsiveness of operation is lowered as the entire digital protection and control device due to unbalanced concentration of data bus processing in a particular unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting faults in an electrical system having a plurality of control lines and an error indicator line is disclosed. This method determines which of the plurality of control lines are active and whether the error flag line is indicating that a fault is present. One of the plurality of control lines is deactivated when the error flag line is indicating that a fault is present. Further, the method re-determines whether the error flag line is indicating a fault is present and then determines that a fault is present on the deactivated control line when the error flag line indicates that a fault is not present. In a further aspect of the present invention, the method re-activates the deactivated control line when the error flag line indicates that the fault is still present. These steps are repeated until the control line having a fault is identified.

Abstract: A fault protection system whose trip logic considers power magnitude and direction at first and second points on a conductor is provided. Under normal operating conditions, power flows in the same direction through first and second points on the conductor. Under faulted conditions, a differential power condition exists; that is, the power flowing at a first point on the conductor is of different magnitude and/or direction than the power flowing at a second point on the conductor. The trip logic identifies the differential power condition as the result of a fault between the first and second points on the conductor and causes a protective device on each side of the fault to trip open, thus isolating the fault.

Abstract: Protection systems are described for electrical systems such as electrical arc furnaces. The protection systems may be designed and used to detect and clear faults that may occur within the electric arc furnace. For example, a pair of Rogowski coils may be used to detect current at their respective locations along a conductors, and output corresponding signals to a multi-function, differential relay having multiple voltage and current inputs. By comparing the signals from the Rogowski coils, the differential relay may determine whether a fault exists at some point along the conductors and between the pair of Rogowski coils. Further, the relay may then, in response to the fault, trip a circuit breaker or other network protection device, so that the fault may be corrected.

Abstract: Protection systems for electrical systems are described, where the electrical systems may include spot networks and/or grid networks. The various protection systems may be designed and used to detect and clear faults that may occur within the electrical systems. For example, a pair of Rogowski coils may be used to detect current along a conductors at their respective locations on the conductors, and to output corresponding signals to a multi-function, differential relay having multiple voltage and current inputs. By comparing the signals from the Rogowski coils, the differential relay may determine whether a fault exists at some point along the conductors and between the pair of Rogowski coils. Further, the relay may then, in response to the fault, trip a circuit breaker or other network protection device to address the fault.

Abstract: A digital protective relay system is capable of making sampling timing the same among plural protective relay device which operate independent from each other by using a signal from a GPS satellite. The sampling timing is made the same regardless of the time lag from which it is sent downstream with the concomitant transmission delay time in the case of data communications, or regardless of the time lag from which it is sent upstream.

Abstract: A hybrid high-voltage or medium-voltage breaker device comprises:

Abstract: A distributed monitoring and protection system for a distributed power network. The system includes a plurality of high-speed measuring units (MUs), wherein each MU is coupled to a power line to measure values of electrical parameters of the power line. Electrical parameters, such as current, voltage, power and frequency are measured by the MUs. The MUs communicate with a control unit (CU) over a high-speed communications network. The CU includes a processor executing algorithms for evaluating the measured parameters to determine the status of the power network and the MUs. The processor also executes fault detection and isolation by comparing the measured values against predetermined threshold values. When a fault is detected by the CU, protective action, such as tripping of a circuit breaker, may be initiated by the CU directly or by transmitting the tripping command over the high speed data network to a local MU. The local MU may then trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A redundant power distribution system and method of operation for transferring electrical power from one of several power sources to a load are disclosed. The system comprises one or more copies of a switching circuit with each switching circuit connectable to a power source. Each switching circuit monitors a voltage representative of its power source. The voltage being delivered to the load is also monitored by each switching circuit to detect a failed-open switching circuit. Arbitration is performed among the switching circuits detecting healthy power sources to select one power source to drive the load. Once a switching circuit has won arbitration, it continues to transfer power to the load until its power source fails or the switching circuit itself fails. The hardware can be partitioned in many ways.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling power to a cranking subsystem in a device having a power source is disclosed. The method and system include providing at least one switch and providing at least one controller. The switch is coupled with the power source. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch. The at least one controller is for controlling the at least one switch to be open or closed based on a signature of a behavior of a portion of the device. Thus, power is controlled to the portion of the device based on the signature of the portion of the device. In one aspect, the method and system include monitoring a portion of the device to determine a behavior of the portion of the device. In this aspect, the method and system include comparing the behavior of the portion of the device to a signature for the portion of the device.

Abstract: A bus assembly for a network protector, where the network protector includes a housing, and where the bus assembly includes a plurality of busses having laminations and a rack assembly. The plurality of busses are mounted in the rack assembly and the rack assembly is coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A power distribution circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power distribution circuit includes a plurality of transistors and a control unit IC. First terminals of each of the transistors may be coupled to separate voltage sources. Second terminals of each of the transistors may be coupled to a common power node. An electronic system may receive power from one of the voltage sources when one of the transistors is on. The control unit IC may activate one or more of the transistors by driving a voltage to the control terminal of the transistor to be activated. The control unit IC may also monitor a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal of each of the transistors. If the voltage of the second terminal becomes greater than the voltage of the first terminal for a given transistor, the control terminal may deactivate the transistor.

Abstract: A control apparatus for master/slave outlets comprises a current sensor, a driver, a large current switch component and a direct-bucking type power supply such that the working power source required by the master/slave equipment can be supplied stably. Further, the control apparatus for master/slave outlets provides a most simplified circuit to perform a function that the slave outlet only supplies the power at the time of the master outlet having been supplied the power thereof under a condition of meeting safety codes regulated by all countries in the world.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting islanding of a grid connected inverter makes use of an injected white noise as a perturbing force on the output voltage of the inverter. The white noise is injected at least once in every cycle and can be generated at different rates in implementation. On loss of the grid, a frequency drift of the output voltage is detected and a positive feedback is activated that accelerates the drift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field bus arrangement with a field bus distributor (11) for mounting in the area (1) at risk of explosion, for feeding a plurality of field devices (121 to 12n), arranged in the area (1) at risk of explosion, via intrinsically safe electric circuits (13) from at least one high-energy voltage source (21) arranged in the area (2) not at risk of explosion. For this purpose, in the area (2) not at risk of explosion, a field bus coupler (22) arranged in the area (2) not at risk of an explosion and having three electric circuits which are DC-isolated from one another is provided.

Abstract: A protection system for an electrical power network uses a method of determining the times of capture of current signals obtained by protection devices (3A, 3B) at first and second spaced points along a power line. Measurements are captured at the first device (3A) and sent to the second device (3B), which captures a second measurement and sends a reply to the first device. The timing of both measurements is synchronised using a GPS signal, and the total propagation time tp1+tp2) of the outward and return signals (S1, S2) is stored in a memory. In the event that the GPS signal is lost, the stored propagation time is used to calculate the actual time of the second measurement relative to the first measurement.

Abstract: In order to receive protection commands in a remote tripping device, one or more signals is or are received, protection commands and combinations of protection commands are coded by means of an individual signal or by means of a predetermined combination of signals, and each protection command is allocated a predetermined minimum safety and/or security value.

Abstract: A power distribution panel includes circuit breakers for a commercial power supply and filters for transmitting high-frequency signals between the upstream line and the downstream line of the individual circuit breaker and cutting off the frequency of signals sent from the commercial power supply.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting islanding operation of a static power source involves injection of a non-harmonic error on the phase angle of the static power source in regular steps to introduce a very small intentional phase shift for the output voltage of the static power source in every voltage cycle which is corrected in each cycle in synchronization with the grid voltage in normal operation of the grid. In abnormal operation of a grid loss, this intentional small phase shift or error causes an intentional small frequency drift in each voltage cycle that continues in one cycle after another cycle. When the intentional frequency drift is over a preset level, a detection circuit starts to isolate the static power source from the grid to prevent islanding operation.

Abstract: A method of protecting a section of a three phase power line uses superimposed current components in the power line to enable a local relay to detect operation of remote circuit breakers of remote relays in response to a fault on at least one phase of the power line. Line signal transducers output line condition signals indicative of voltage and/or current in the line near the circuit breaker, and a signal processor in the local relay processes the line condition signals to selectively produce a fault signal for opening its circuit breaker after taking account of remote circuit breaker operation.

Abstract: A method is for preventing tapping into existing short circuits in branches. A power supply momentarily is connected in a test circuit at a defined instant of the power supply voltage and at least the current in the test time period is detected and evaluated as a criterion for a short circuit. The short-circuit current is limited by the use of an additional test resistor which is arranged in the test circuit in series preferably with a semiconductor switch. Solely the test current and/or the test voltage is used for identification of the short circuit. In the associated arrangement, a test resistor having a defined resistance, whose resistance is significantly greater than the power supply impedance, is arranged in the test circuit in series with the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: In a utility power distribution system having at least one primary electric power source and at least one secondary electric power source, each of said primary and secondary sources being connected to the distribution system through respective controllable circuit breakers, the improvement comprising communication signal generating apparatus arranged for introducing a communication signal into the power distribution system from the connection of the primary power source, communication signal receiving apparatus arranged for receiving the communication signal via the power distribution system at the secondary power source, and apparatus responsive to the interruption of receipt of the communication signal at the receiving apparatus for operating the circuit breakers at the secondary power source for disconnecting the secondary power source from the power distribution system.

Abstract: In a power generation system including a DC power supply which is connected to a low-voltage distribution system to which a plurality of consumers, each having an earth leakage breaker, are connected and one wire of which is grounded, via a receiving-end earth leakage breaker, and which includes at least a transformerless inverter and an earth floating capacitance, an operational time limit of the receiving-end earth leakage breaker of the power generation system is set to a value larger than an operational time limit of the earth leakage breakers provided in the consumers. The system also includes a ground-direction determination device for determining whether a grounded position is inside or outside the power generation system. Thus, a power generation system in which an unnecessary disconnection of electric power supply does not occur when an accident of external grounding has occurred.

Abstract: A cable trip assembly includes an actuating assembly, a mounting assembly, and a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a cable member disposed within a sheath. The cable member has a first end and a second end. The cable member first end is coupled to a lever, which is part of the actuating assembly, which is structured to move between a first position and a second position, similar to the prior art lever. The cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar. The sheath is mounted on a rigid frame, preferably a portion of the circuit breaker. Thus, with the sheath held stationary, the lever can move the cable within the sheath between a first and second position as the lever moves between its first position and second position. Because the cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar, the trip bar is also moved between the trip bar first and second positions as the lever moves between the lever first position and second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for electronic monitoring of the supply current of modules connected to a bus, in particular for monitoring the supply current of bus devices of an automation bus system. The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for electronic monitoring of the supply current of modules connected to a bus, which on the one hand, if required, carries out reliable isolation from the supply voltage, and simultaneously maintains the diagnostics capability for the purpose of fault locating. The invention achieves this by virtue of the fact that the apparatus has at least one device for detecting and at least one device for limiting and/or disconnecting the supply current.

Abstract: A method for the protection of double circuit electrical power lines protected by local and remote circuit breakers is performed by a local protection apparatus and comprises sensing electrical quantities measured at the local end of both circuits of the double circuit lines, monitoring the sensed electrical quantities to detect occurrence of a fault, delaying operation of the local circuit breakers on both circuits for a time period sufficient to allow detection of operation of a remote circuit breaker by its effect on the electrical quantities on both circuits, and if the effect of a fault on a circuit of the double circuit line persists after remote circuit breaker operation, triggering operation of a local circuit breaker to isolate the fault.

Abstract: An algorithmic system for an electronic trip unit is provided whereby reliable instantaneous protection is provided. A multi-algorithmic approach uses an algorithm to detect bolted faults based on a direct comparison of the current and a threshold value, and an additional algorithm to detect current overloads based on a comparison of a peak-to-peak current and an additional current threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to a load circuit from main and alternate electric power sources involves actuating a signal-controlled selector inside a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a breaker receptacle of an electric power distribution panel such that a first conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from the electric power distribution panel and a second conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, to selectively connect the load circuit to the first conductor on the housing or to a second conductor on the housing operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A cable trip assembly includes an actuating assembly, a mounting assembly, and a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a cable member disposed within a sheath. The cable member has a first end and a second end. The cable member first end is coupled to a lever, which is part of the actuating assembly, which is structured to move between a first position and a second position, similar to the prior art lever. The cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar. The sheath is mounted on a rigid frame, preferably a portion of the circuit breaker. Thus, with the sheath held stationary, the lever can move the cable within the sheath between a first and second position as the lever moves between its first position and second position. Because the cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar, the trip bar is also moved between the trip bar first and second positions as the lever moves between the lever first position and second position.

Abstract: The relay obtains three-phase current signals from two power line sources thereof, typically two independent feeder lines. The two sets of signals are processed by a single processing means, which independently controls the circuit breakers associated with each feeder line, depending on the values of current obtained.

Abstract: The invention describes a method, system, device, and computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for classifying faults on an electrical power line. In particular, the invention permits the classification of crossover faults using a local measurement technique. The inventive method includes providing a first electrical power transmission line and a second electrical power transmission line, and monitoring the first electrical power transmission line to identify a crossover fault occurring between the first and the second electrical power transmission lines.

Abstract: The invention describes a method, system, device, and computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for classifying faults on an electrical power line. In particular, the invention permits the classification of crossover faults, using a local measurement technique. The inventive method includes providing a first electrical power transmission line and a second electrical power transmission line, and monitoring the first electrical power transmission line to identify a crossover fault occurring between the first and the second electrical power transmission lines.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a set of main separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the main separable contacts, a set of secondary separable contacts in series with the main separable contacts, and a solenoid mechanism for operating the secondary separable contacts. A first auxiliary switch is responsive to the operating mechanism, and a second auxiliary switch, electrically connected to the first auxiliary switch, is responsive to the solenoid mechanism. An input terminal for a control voltage is electrically connected to the first and second auxiliary switches. A first diode is electrically connected with a forward polarity between the first auxiliary switch and an output terminal. A second diode is electrically connected with a reverse polarity between the second auxiliary switch and the output terminal.

Abstract: A power splitter device includes a power input port, at least three power output ports that each have a separate, resettable overcurrent protection circuit with a maximum current rating; and a port switch configured to provide power from the input port to selectable combinations of one or more of the output ports. The combinations of one or more of the output ports include at least one combination of at least two of the output ports. In addition, the port switch is configured to prevent power from being applied to all of the output ports simultaneously.

Abstract: A current limiter is provided to protect a fieldbus network from electrical shorts in the wiring of the spur cables and network devices attached to the spur cables. In the event of an electrical short, the impedance of the current limiter and the spur connection increases permitting the remainder of the network to continue to function. To facilitate repairs, the current limiter includes an indicator that signals excessive current in the spur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device for an electric consumer. A residual-current circuit-breaker is located in an electrical supply line between a mains connection and a switch device of the consumer. Said residual-current circuit-breaker has a detection device for recognizing a residual current and a first interrupter for interrupting the supply of electricity from the mains connection to the switch device in accordance with a switching signal from a detection device. If an electrical energy storage device is provided in the switching device, a second interrupter is provided, this second interrupter being controlled by the residual-current circuit-breaker.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of protection application elements to accomplish various power system protection functions, including for example line protection, line fault location, current direction determination, breaker protection and synchronism check, among others. The system includes local sources of current and voltage information for the protective functions as well as a receiving section for receiving such current and voltage values from a remote source, such as another protection device, as well as other necessary input information for the protective functions. A selection logic section is responsive to the output of the protective function elements, as well as the local and remote data to determine whether the primary or local sources are to be used. The outputs of the protective function elements are used by an output section to control circuit breakers and the like and are also transmitted, with the local and remote source quantities, to other protective devices.

Abstract: A network protector relay for a circuit breaker includes a microcontroller routine which provides a positive sequence network voltage from polyphase network voltages on a network bus. Another microcontroller routine provides a positive sequence phasing voltage from the polyphase network voltages on the network bus and polyphase feeder voltages on a feeder bus. A recloser circuit automatically recloses the circuit breaker connected between the polyphase feeder bus and the polyphase network bus in response to a function of a plurality of setpoints and the positive sequence phasing voltage which indicates a first flow of power from the polyphase feeder bus to the polyphase network bus. A receiver receives a remote close command.

Abstract: A redundant power distribution system and method of operation for transferring electrical power from one of several power sources to a load are disclosed. The system comprises one or more copies of a switching circuit with each switching circuit connectable to a power source. Each switching circuit monitors a voltage representative of its power source. The voltage being delivered to the load is also monitored by each switching circuit to detect a failed-open switching circuit. Arbitration is performed among the switching circuits detecting healthy power sources to select one power source to drive the load. Once a switching circuit has won arbitration, it continues to transfer power to the load until its power source fails or the switching circuit itself fails. The hardware can be partitioned in many ways.

Abstract: A distributed monitoring and protection system for a distributed power network. The system includes a plurality of high-speed measuring units (MUs), wherein each MU is coupled to a power line to measure values of electrical parameters of the power line. Electrical parameters, such as current, voltage, power and frequency are measured by the MUs. The MUs communicate with a control unit (CU) over a high-speed communications network. The CU includes a processor executing algorithms for evaluating the measured parameters to determine the status of the power network and the MUs. The processor also executes fault detection and isolation by comparing the measured values against predetermined threshold values. When a fault is detected by the CU, protective action, such as tripping of a circuit breaker, may be initiated by the CU directly or by transmitting the tripping command over the high speed data network to a local MU. The local MU may then trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A protective relay, system, and relay operation method which allows logic functions to be distributed amongst multiple protective relays associated with a power distribution system. The protective relays include communications ports for exchanging messages over a peer-to-peer communications network, and include programmable logic. Each protective relay receives logic operands contained in the messages from remote protective relays, executes logic equations using the received operands, provides protective control if needed, and outputs operands to other protective relays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method applicable to an electric power distribution installation, the electrical power distribution installation comprising: at least one main common bus bar; a plurality of main transformers, each main transformer being configured to step down a received power supply voltage and to supply the stepped down power supply voltage to a load via the main common bus bar; and a plurality of power generators, each power generator being connected to the main common bus bar, and the apparatus comprising: a first grounding device including at least one grounding transformer connected to the main common bus bar, a neutral point of the grounding transformer being grounded in a form of a predetermined low impedance grounding; and a second grounding device connected to each neutral point of the power generators to always ground each neutral point directly in a form of a predetermined high resistance grounding.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a set of main separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the main separable contacts, a set of secondary separable contacts in series with the main separable contacts, and a solenoid mechanism for operating the secondary separable contacts. A first auxiliary switch is responsive to the operating mechanism, and a second auxiliary switch, electrically connected to the first auxiliary switch, is responsive to the solenoid mechanism. An input terminal for a control voltage is electrically connected to the first and second auxiliary switches. A first diode is electrically connected with a forward polarity between the first auxiliary switch and an output terminal. A second diode is electrically connected with a reverse polarity between the second auxiliary switch and the output terminal.