Abstract: An electrical power cable is provided with two ends and an elongated length therebetween. The cable includes one or more conductors for conducting electrical power from a power source to an electrical load. One end includes a switch and a relay to provide electrical power to the electrical load and to disconnect an electrical contact from the power conductor.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are disclosed related to negotiation mechanism among control devices (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) each having a dedicated hierarchy level configured to obtain DC current from the control network (100) with at least a power source (300, 300?) on the network (100). The control device (200, 200a) with a higher dedicated hierarchy level may request another control device (200b, 200c, 200d) with a lower dedicated hierarchy level to release current for its use, when the available current at the power source (300, 300?) is not sufficient.

Abstract: A method for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: providing a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of relay devices on each line, programmed to include: preset parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, at least one high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity condition selected from line differential overcurrent and negative sequence overcurrent (and combinations thereof), the preset ranges being acceptable operating parameter ranges; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaker on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit.

Abstract: A transmission system includes a first device and a second device remote from the first device. The first device transmits electrical energy to a transmission line during a power provision phase, generates and transmits data symbols to the transmission line during a downstream transmission phase, and receives data symbols from the transmission line during an upstream transmission phase. The second device receives the energy from the transmission line during the power provision phase, receives the data symbols from the transmission line during the downstream transmission phase, and generates and transmits the data symbols to the transmission line during the upstream transmission phase, and the second device generates and transmits data symbols by shorting or disconnecting the transmission line. A method of transmitting electrical energy from the local device to the remote device, and communicating data symbols between the local and remote devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A power supply system having a plurality of power systems is provided with a power output section in each of the power systems, an electrical load in each of the power systems, operating from power supplied by the power output section, main paths that connect the power output sections of adjacent ones of the power systems, an inter-system switch that establishes a conducting condition between the adjacent power systems by being turned on and establishes a disconnected condition between the adjacent power systems by being turned off, and an intra-system switch in each of the power systems, which is disposed on the main path between the power output section and the inter-system switch, and which establishes a conducting condition between the power output section and the electrical load by being turned on and establishes a disconnected condition between the power output section and the electrical load by being turned off.

Abstract: Motor vehicle on-board network having at least two main line strands arranged electrically parallel to one another, the main line strands being electrically short-circuited to one another in two regions which are separated from one another and having a connection for one of at least two on-board network power supplies in each case, at least one motor vehicle on-board network being arranged in the at least two main line strands interrupting the respective main line strand, the motor vehicle electrical system switching network having at least three switches, a first switch being arranged between a first main line connection and a common node, a second switch being arranged between a second main line connection and the common node, and a third switch being arranged between the common node and at least one load connection.

Abstract: A communication-based permissive protection method for protecting an electrical power distribution network from a fault. The network includes a power source, an electrical line and a plurality of fault interrupters, where the fault interrupters are operable to prevent current flow in response to the fault. The method includes detecting the fault by each fault interrupter that is between the fault and the power source, and sending a drop of voltage message from each fault interrupter that doesn't detect the fault, but does detect a drop of voltage as a result of the fault to its immediate upstream fault interrupter. The method opens the fault interrupter that both detects the fault and receives a drop of voltage message from all of the fault interrupters immediately downstream of that fault interrupter.

Abstract: A low voltage charging control and protection circuit for an electronic cigarette is provided. The circuit includes an extended charging circuit configured to charge a battery of the electronic cigarette at a first voltage. The circuit also includes a charging integrated circuit configured to charge the battery of the electronic cigarette at a second voltage. The first voltage is lower than the second voltage. The circuit further includes a microcontroller configured to control the extended charging circuit and the charging integrated circuit to alternately charge the battery of the electronic cigarette based on a high or low level of a voltage of the battery.

Abstract: A storage battery system includes a cell module including storage battery cells, a battery management unit configured to maintain a contactor having a normally open contact in a closed state, while being supplied with power, and a power supply control circuit that DC to DC converts the power of the cell module for supply to the battery management unit. The power supply control circuit includes an SOC estimator that determines from a voltage of the cell module whether or not the cell module is in an overdischarge state, and after determining that the cell module is not in the overdischarge state, outputs a status signal to the power supply control circuit. In response to no receipt of the status signal from the SOC estimator, the power supply control circuit interrupts the power supply to the battery management unit from the cell module.

Abstract: An over-current protection device for a power generator includes a first pin, configured to receive a signal; a detection and control module, coupled to the first pin, and configured to detect the signal to determine whether the signal conforms to a pre-determined condition or not, and to output a control signal when the signal conforms to the pre-determined condition; and an auto-trim and memory module, coupled to the detection and control module, and configured to receive the control signal from the detection and control module for executing corresponding auto-trim measurements and storing corresponding adjustment data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to arc fault detection in an electrical switch apparatus. In aspects of the present disclosure, an arc fault electrical switch apparatus includes a conductive path, a switch configured to interrupt electrical current in the conductive path, a current sensor in electrical communication with the conductive path and configured to measure the electrical current to provide current measurements, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute instructions to sample the current measurements to provide current samples, computing an estimated signal-to-noise ratio of the electrical current based on at least a portion of the current samples, determine whether the signal-to-noise ratio is less than a predetermined threshold, and activate the switch to interrupt the electrical current in the conductive path, if the signal-to-noise ratio is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control system and method for a feeder, or portion of the distribution grid, which enables fault location, isolation and service restoration without communications between the feeder switches. The method uses definite time coordination between feeder switches and local measurements to determine which switches should open or close in order to isolate the fault and restore service downstream of a faulted section. Time-current characteristics and feeder topology are shared with all switches in the feeder prior to a fault event. When a disturbance occurs, a timer is started at each switch. When a switch measures voltage loss in all three phases, it stops its timer. Each switch evaluates the timer values and, when a particular switch determines based on the time-current characteristics that the immediate upstream switch opened to isolate the fault, that particular switch also opens. Power upstream of the particular switch is then provided by an alternative source.

Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: To enable an increase in a service life of a modular safety relay circuit, a modular safety relay circuit is provided for the safe switching on and/or off of at least one machine comprising at least one relay module to which the at least one machine is connected, wherein the relay module comprises at least two relay contacts that are connected in series and that can be brought from a first position into a second position and vice versa; and wherein one relay contact switches in advance by a delay of the other relay contact; and a control unit controlling the relay contacts that alternatingly controls the relay contacts in accordance with a state detection of the relay contacts with the delay.

Abstract: A power distributing apparatus connecting several loads to a DC voltage supply includes a number of cascaded hierarchy stages connected between the DC voltage supply and the loads. The hierarchy stages define a radial-network-type current path which branches into a number of parallel sub-paths with each additional hierarchy stage. The number of sub-paths connecting the loads corresponds to the number of connected loads. Each sub-path conducts an electric current which can be switched by a respective circuit breaker disposed in each sub-path. The value of a trigger current for each circuit breaker in each hierarchy stage increases successively from the load side toward the DC voltage supply side.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention include a powdered core bead body configured to become an inductive impedance to current signals in a power wire with high frequencies. The signals are detectable by a high frequency voltage sensor, which is configured to output an arc fault tripping indication to an arc fault tripping circuit. The bead body includes a magnetic flux-density sensing device embedded in an air cavity of the bead body, having a magnetic field sensing surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the circumferential periphery of the bead body. The bead body is configured to provide measurable magnetic flux through the magnetic flux-density sensing device, for currents in the power wire having low frequencies. The measurable magnetic flux is detectable by a low frequency magnetic flux-density sensing device, to output a low frequency current measurement for power metering devices or to determine power consumption within a protected branch.

Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a plurality of circuit protection devices and a central controller. Each circuit protection device includes a protection switch for connecting or disconnecting a corresponding protected circuit, and a sensing module for sensing electrical parameter data. The central controller is in communication with each of the circuit protection devices, and is constructed to receive the electrical parameter data; determine whether a fault condition has occurred based on the electrical parameter data; and send a signal to open the protection switch for each protected circuit experiencing a fault condition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, storage media, and computing platforms for determining a fault in a power system, executing on a controller are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: receive a first value of current flow from a first current sensor installed on a first bus of the power system; receive a second value of current flow from a second current sensor installed on a second bus of the power system; determine a first direction of power flow in the first current sensor using the first value of current flow; determine a second direction of power flow in the second current sensor using the second value of current flow; and determine a power fault is located on one of the first bus of the power system or the second bus of the power system based on the first direction of power flow and the second direction of power flow.

Abstract: A vehicular circuit body includes: a trunk line that includes a power source line having a predetermined current capacity and a communication line having a predetermined communication capacity, and that is routed in a vehicle body; a branch line that is connected to an accessory; and a plurality of control boxes that are disposed in a distribution manner along the trunk line, each having a control unit that distributes at least one of power from the power source line, supplied to the trunk line, and a signal from the communication line, to the branch line connected to the trunk line. The trunk line is formed of a routing material having at least one kind of conductor among a flat conductor, a round bar conductor, and a stranded wire.

Abstract: A vehicular circuit body includes a trunk line that includes a power source line and a communication line and is routed in a vehicle body, and a plurality of control boxes that are disposed in a distribution manner along the trunk line. In a vehicle, a first power source supplies power to an accessory mounted on the vehicle and a second power source supplies power which is higher in voltage than the power of the first power source to a drive source of the vehicle. The vehicular circuit body further includes a voltage drop unit that reduces the voltage of the power supplied from the second power source, to the voltage of the power of the first power source. To the power source line of the trunk line, the power from the first power source is supplied, and the power from the second power source is supplied through the voltage drop unit.

Abstract: A dynamically coordinatable electrical distribution system includes a plurality of intelligently-controlled protection devices (PDs), a communication and control bus (comm/control) bus, and a central computer. The plurality of intelligently-controlled PDs is configured to protect a plurality of associated electrical loads from faults, developing faults, and other undesired electrical anomalies. Each of the PDs further has electrically adjustable time-current characteristics. The intelligently-controlled PDs are communicatively coupled to the comm/control bus and configured to report current data representative of real-time currents flowing through their respective loads to the central computer, via the comm/control bus. The central computer is configured to communicate with the plurality of PDs over the comm/control bus and dynamically coordinate the time-current characteristics of the plurality of PDs based on the current data it receives from the PDs.

Abstract: A dynamically coordinatable electrical distribution system includes a plurality of intelligently-controlled protection devices (PDs), a communication and control bus (comm/control) bus, and a central computer. The plurality of intelligently-controlled PDs is configured to protect a plurality of associated electrical loads from faults, developing faults, and other undesired electrical anomalies. Each of the PDs further has electrically adjustable time-current characteristics. The intelligently-controlled PDs are communicatively coupled to the comm/control bus and configured to report current data representative of real-time currents flowing through their respective loads to the central computer, via the comm/control bus. The central computer is configured to communicate with the plurality of PDs over the comm/control bus and dynamically coordinate the time-current characteristics of the plurality of PDs based on the current data it receives from the PDs.

Abstract: Provided is a black box apparatus for analyzing a cause of arc interruption including: a controller which is installed on a power supply line and receives data detected from a CT detecting a current, a ZCT detecting a short circuit, and a voltage detector detecting a voltage; and an interruption unit which interrupts a power supply by receive a signal from the controller to operate a switch, in which the controller includes a calculation unit calculating data detected from the CT, the ZCT, and the voltage detector; a determination unit determining whether the arc occurs using the result of the calculation unit; and a storage unit storing data up to a predetermined time before the operation when the interruption unit operates to interrupt the power supply. Therefore, it is possible to accurately analyze reproduction for preventing occurrence of electrical fires and a cause of the arc interruption and determine an unstable condition of a power supply device which instantaneously occurs.

Abstract: Monitoring a health status of a current interruption device, such as a circuit breaker, is disclosed herein. For example, a device for monitoring a current interruption device may include a processor and a memory. The processor may execute instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to monitor one or more current measurements of current from an electrical conductor that delivers electrical energy to a load. The processor may provide a signal indicating a health status of the current interruption device based at least in part on the one or more current measurements.

Abstract: This vehicle circuit routing system as a whole has a backbone-like routing structure, said system being provided with a plurality of backbone JB structures, wherein the vehicle circuit bodies of the backbone JB structures are connected to each other by means of a backbone main line. Each vehicle circuit body is provided with a power supply circuit that is connected to a main power supply on the vehicle, a plurality of connection parts to which a plurality of branch lines having a power supply line are connected, and a control unit that controls the distribution of power from the power supply circuit to the branch lines.

Abstract: A circuit body for a vehicle includes: a plurality of control boxes dispersedly arranged on the circuit body; a trunk harness connecting one of the control boxes to another of the control boxes; and a branch harness connecting the control boxes to the electric component. The control boxes, the trunk harness and the branch harness are configured to ground a power circuit and a signal circuit through grounding routes different from each other. The power circuit supplies the electric power from a power source to the electric component through the control boxes. The signal circuit transmits a communication signal between the control boxes and the electric component and between one of the control boxes and another of the control boxes.

Abstract: A circuit body for a vehicle includes: a plurality of control boxes dispersedly arranged on the circuit body; a trunk harness connecting one of the control boxes to another of the control boxes; and a branch harness connecting the control boxes to the electric component. The control boxes, the trunk harness and the branch harness are configured to ground a power circuit and a signal circuit through grounding routes different from each other. The power circuit supplies the electric power from a power source to the electric component through the control boxes. The signal circuit transmits a communication signal between the control boxes and the electric component and between one of the control boxes and another of the control boxes.

Abstract: A split-conductor electrical-injection power substation uses an array of series and parallel electrical-injection devices to control power flow in the power grid. The split-conductors allow the use of smaller electrical-injection devices in higher current distribution systems. The electrical injection devices introduce small voltage differences between the split-conductor wires because of electrical injection and sensor variations. The small voltage variations cause large loop currents on the low-impedance wires. Sensors detect current differences in the split-conductor wires and use feedback to adjust injected voltages, thereby reducing the loop currents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying power line events are disclosed. Classifying power line events may include receiving measured data corresponding to a signal measured on a power line, such as proximate a substation bus or along the power line, determining from the measured data that the power line event has occurred, extracting at least one event feature from the measured data, and determining at least partially from the at least one event feature at least one probable classification for the power line event. The systems may include an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) connected to the power line and a processor linked to the IED.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to detection of faults in an electric power system. In one embodiment, an incremental quantities subsystem may be configured to calculate a plurality of values of an operating quantity based on the plurality of time-domain representations of electrical conditions. The incremental quantities subsystem may also calculate a plurality of values of a restraining quantity based on the plurality of time-domain representations of electrical conditions. An interval during which the calculated operating quantity exceeds the calculated restraining quantity may be determined. A fault detector subsystem may be configured to declare a fault based on the calculated operating quantity exceeding the calculated restraining quantity by a security margin. A protective action subsystem configured to implement a protective action based on the declaration of the fault.

Abstract: A dynamically coordinatable electrical distribution system includes a plurality of intelligently-controlled protection devices (PDs), a communication and control bus (comm/control) bus, and a central computer. The plurality of intelligently-controlled PDs is configured to protect a plurality of associated electrical loads from faults, developing faults, and other undesired electrical anomalies. Each of the PDs further has electrically adjustable time-current characteristics. The intelligently-controlled PDs are communicatively coupled to the comm/control bus and configured to report current data representative of real-time currents flowing through their respective loads to the central computer, via the comm/control bus. The central computer is configured to communicate with the plurality of PDs over the comm/control bus and dynamically coordinate the time-current characteristics of the plurality of PDs based on the current data it receives from the PDs.

Abstract: A method of current differential protection performed in a control device is disclosed, wherein the control device has a first operate-restrain characteristic with a differential characteristic pick-up setting ID. The method includes: determining currents of all terminals of a protected object; determining a differential current based on the determined currents; determining direct current, DC, components in the respective determined currents; detecting a fault; and adjusting, for a detected external fault, the operate-restrain characteristics by setting an adjusted differential characteristic pick-up setting ID_adj to be equal to the sum of the differential characteristic pick-up setting ID and the determined DC components, providing an adapted operate-restrain characteristics. Corresponding control device, computer program and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicular power distribution system includes a first and second power control boxes which are configured to distribute the power, and a main connection cable which electrically connects the first power control box and the second power control box. At least the second power control box includes at least one voltage converter which generates output power of second voltage from input power of first voltage determined in advance. A number of kinds of voltage of power passing the main connection cable is smaller than each of a number of kinds of voltage outputted from the first power control box and a number of kinds of voltage outputted from the second power control box.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of discharging an input capacitor of a switch mode power supply comprising a power switch and the input capacitor, through the power switch and in response to disconnection of the switch mode power supply from a mains supply, the power switch having a control terminal and main terminals; the method comprising a repeated sequence, the sequence comprising: charging the control terminal to partially close the power switch until a comparator indicates that a capacitor discharge current from the capacitor through the main terminals is equal to a reference signal; and thereafter discharging the control terminal, thereby stopping the capacitor discharge current. A corresponding control and power supply is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surge limiting circuit electrically coupleable between a power source and a downstream component. The surge limiting circuit may include a transistor configured to operate in each of a first mode that allows an electric current to flow through the transistor, a second mode that cuts off an electric current from flowing through the transistor, and a third mode that only partially allows an electric current to flow through the transistor while partially cutting off the electric current. The surge limiting circuit may further include a control circuit coupled to the transistor and configured to control operation of the transistor in response to an electrical voltage at the transistor's output. The control circuit may further be configured to repeatedly cycle between controlling operation of the transistor in the first mode and the second mode such that the transistor operates in the third mode.

Abstract: An arc flash protection device including a sensor, a timer, and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect a presence of at least one entity or arc flash protection qualifying event in proximity to the generator set. The controller is configured to initiate an arc flash protection regime when the presence of the at least one person or arc flash protection qualifying event is detected in proximity to the generator set. The arc flash protection regime includes shutting down the generator set automatically upon detection of a short circuit.

Abstract: In a method for adapting an arc sensor (35) to a position in an electrical installation system, according to the invention a specifiable number of specifiable arcs are simulated and/or produced at least at a first position in the installation system, wherein after each simulated or produced arc, at least one current curve and/or voltage curve is recorded in a measured-value recording unit (2), wherein at least one characteristic of the recorded current curves and/or voltage curves is determined and stored, and the arc sensor (35) is trained for the electrical installation system.

Abstract: The method for controlling selectivity of electric equipment comprises: communication of electric equipment settings between at least one electric equipment unit and a data processing device, computation of the selectivity of electric equipment according to said electric equipment settings, storing and communication of data representative of the selectivity settings and data, supervision of changes of settings and/or of changes of equipment, and checking of the compatibility between new settings after a change and the selectivity computation. The device and installation comprise means for implementing the selectivity control method.

Abstract: An electrical arc detector for switchgear includes a fiber-optic cable configured to receive light emitted from switchgear at a first end and transport the light to a second end. The detector further includes a sensor arranged adjacent the second end of the fiber-optic cable configured to sense the light and generate an electrical signal, and analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the electrical signal to a digital signal, and a processor configured to monitor the digital signal and at least one of transmit information related to the digital signal, store information related to the digital signal, and take action based on the digital signal.

Abstract: A smart grid for improving the management of a power utility grid is provided. The smart grid as presently disclosed includes using sensors in various portions of the power utility grid, using communications and computing technology to upgrade an electric power grid so that it can operate more efficiently and reliably and support additional services to consumers. The smart grid may include distributed intelligence in the power utility grid (separate from the control center intelligence) including devices that generate data in different sections of the grid, analyze the generated data, and automatically modify the operation of a section of the power grid. Further, the intelligent devices in the power utility grid may cooperate together to analyze and/or control the state of the power grid. Finally, the distributed intelligence may further include distributed storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for differential protection of a three phase electric connection of an electric system. The apparatus includes means for determining a value of an operate quantity, which operate quantity is based on a difference between current quantities at a first point and a second point of the electric connection, and means for detecting a fault in the electric connection between the first point and the second point if the value of the operate quantity exceeds a value of a predetermined threshold quantity. The operate quantity is based on a difference of residual currents at the first point and the second point, or a quantity indicative thereof, and a coefficient indicative of an angle between a residual voltage of the electric connection and the difference of residual currents at the first point and the second point.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control unit for a circuit breaker capable of controlling and monitoring various types of switches such as a circuit breaker and a switchgear included in power system equipment, by being attached to the switches or by being implemented in the form of an independent module, and a controlling method thereof. The control unit for a circuit breaker, which interworks with a relay and a circuit breaker, includes: an Ethernet drive configured to receive a GOOSE message type control signal from the relay connected thereto through Ethernet communication; a control module configured to operate the circuit breaker based on the GOOSE message type control signal; and a main control unit (MCU) module configured to transmit the GOOSE message type control signal to the control module, if the received GOOSE message type control signal is related to the control unit.

Abstract: Nuisance tripping is reduced in a power protection and distribution system including an upstream circuit breaker, a power distribution bus, and one or more downstream circuit breakers. A signal indicative of a current or pending downstream circuit breaker tripping action, such as a Zone Selective Interlocking (ZSI) signal, normally used to delay tripping of the upstream breaker, is used to suppress an optical flash detection system from tripping the upstream breaker in response to an optical flash resulting from the tripping of the downstream breaker. In this way, nuisance tripping of the upstream breaker is avoided when the downstream breaker trips (and the ZSI function is preserved).

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing a device that operated to clear a fault in a power line, such as a power distribution system feeder, are disclosed. Characterizing the device may include receiving measured data corresponding to a current measured along the feeder proximate a substation bus, determining from the measured data that a fault has occurred in at least one phase and has been cleared, subtracting reference data from the measured data to estimate residual fault data, and estimating from the residual fault data a characteristic of the device that operated to clear the fault. The systems may include an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) and a processor linked to the IED.

Abstract: A wiring substrate includes an insulating layer, a connection pad buried in the insulating layer in a state that an upper surface of the connection pad is exposed from an upper surface of the insulating layer and a lower surface and at least a part of a side surface of the connection pad contact the insulating layer, and a concave level difference portion formed in the insulating layer around an outer periphery part of the connection pad, wherein an upper surface of the connection pad and an upper surface of the insulating layer are arranged at a same height.

Abstract: A switching controller for circuit breaker in which a switching control arithmetic operation unit performs arithmetic operations to determine for each circuit breaker a synchronous delay count value which is sent to each switching command control unit of the corresponding circuit breaker, which upon receiving a switching command signal from a superordinate device, counts the synchronous delay count value D, to turn on a semiconductor switch of the switching command output unit after counting completes. The switching command signal (circuit breaker drive current) is output after the synchronous switching control to the circuit breaker drive coil of the circuit breaker. The switching controller can implement cost saving and space saving, even if switching of a circuit breaker in a lower branch system, such as a power distribution system, is controlled.

Abstract: A modular data center includes a first module that provides a first function of the mobile data center, a second module operable that provides a second function of the mobile data center, and an integrated switchboard having first and second protection devices and a switch. The integrated switchboard receives a high-capacity power feed, protects the high-capacity power feed from a first over-current condition with the first protection device to provide a load feed to a load associated with the first module, provides the high-capacity power feed to an input of the switch, and protects an output of the switch from a second over-current condition with the second protection device to provide a load feed to a load associated with the second module.

Abstract: A system for combining multiple direct current power sources is provided. The system is operable to combine multiple feeds from an array of power generating elements, such as solar panel arrays and combine the feeds into a single voltage output. The system includes a current monitoring assembly operable to monitor the current from each input to evaluate whether there is a malfunction or other problem associated with a particular output. An alarm or other signal can be provided to inform the operator of which power generating element in the array need to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus bar with regard to short circuits that may occur. The bus bar has a feeder and at least two outgoers. A outgoer safety device is provided at each outgoer and a feeder safety device is provided at the feeder. In the case of a short circuit in one of the outgoers, the outgoer safety device associated with the outgoer outputs a blocking signal to the feeder safety device, delaying or preventing actuation of a power switch disposed at the feeder. In order to provide a method wherein comparably little installation effort is required, the outgoer safety devices send repeating communication telegrams to the feeder safety device by way of a data transfer bus, and the feeder safety device checks the receipt of the communication telegrams by way of a checking logic, and optionally prevents the execution of a blocking signal. A feeder safety device is correspondingly configured.