Abstract: A system and associated components for providing an intelligent circuit breaker being adapted to communicate with, monitor and control various devices within a commercial or residential premises. In one embodiment, the system is adapted for low cost, ease of installation and operation, and ease of manufacture. The intelligent circuit breaker may also be adapted to send data relating to sensed parameter or conditions to, and receive commands from, a user interface. Methods for operating such breakers and converting existing circuit breakers to intelligent circuit breakers consistent with the aforementioned system and components are also described.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.

Abstract: An electrical network architecture including a reconfigurable interface layer, along with a corresponding reconfiguration methodology. The interface layer is comprised of reconfigurable interface devices which allow a plurality of sensors and actuators to communicate with a plurality of control units. Each sensor or actuator is connected to multiple interface devices, which in turn are connected to a bus. The control units are also connected to the bus. In the event of an interface device failure, other interface devices can be reconfigured to maintain communication between sensors, actuators and control units. In the event of a control unit failure, the interface devices can be reconfigured to route sensor and actuator message traffic to a different control unit which can handle the functions of the failed control unit. The overall number of control units can also be reduced, as each control unit has flexible access to many sensors and actuators.

Abstract: The subject specification comprises a generalized grid security platform (GGSP) that can control power distribution and operations in a power transmission and distribution grid (PTDG) in real or near real time. The GGSP can receive data from one or more data sources, including a PMU(s) or an IED(s), which can obtain power system related data and provide at least a portion of such data to the GGSP at a subsecond rate. The GGSP can correlate data from the data sources based at least in part on a temporal, geographical, or topological axis. The GGSP can analyze the data, including performing predictive analysis, e.g., via simulation, root cause analysis, post mortem analysis, or complex event processing, when desired, to facilitate identifying a current or predicted future state of the PTDG, a cause or source of an abnormal condition, or a remedial action execution plan, new operation or maintenance guidance, etc.

Abstract: A power supply controller is connected between a power source and a power-supply path, and includes a switch circuit, a power-supply path protection circuit, and a sleep mode setting circuit. The switch circuit is configured to permit and inhibit power supply from the power source to the load. The protection circuit controls switching operation of the switch circuit according to a power-supply command signal commanding start or stop of the power supply to the load, calculates a temperature of the power-supply path regardless of whether power is supplied to the load, do not calculate the temperature of the power-supply path in a sleep mode, and inhibits power supply to the switch circuit according to the calculated temperature reaching an upper limit. The sleep mode setting circuit sets the power supply controller to the sleep mode according to the power-supply path satisfying a temperature condition.

Abstract: A method for optimized monitoring and identification of AMI device communication failures in an AMI network is provided. A graphical representation of AMI devices is generated comprising nodes corresponding to AMI devices and links representing connectivity between AMI devices. The graphical representation is generated based on data associated with AMI devices retrieved via AMI network in real time. Further, properties of the AMI devices are computed using the graphical representation based on values associated with the nodes corresponding to the AMI devices. The graphical representation is modified based on the computed properties and predefined rules. Nodes in the modified graphical representation are selected and processed in an order based on AMI device hierarchy, priority and criticality. Further, the graphical representation is modified based on processing of selected nodes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a protective relay performs the following steps. A/D converter 11 acquires an electric current of a power transmission line 4 via a CT 5. A computing part 12 performs various protection computations such as current differential computation using a current data measured at the end of itself and a current data measured at the opposite end. A transmitting and receiving circuit 13 transmits the current data of itself to the other protective relay 1 at the opposite end via a transmission path 3. A received level detection part 14 detects the received level of the transmission data that has been transmitted from the opposite end and received by the transmitting and receiving circuit 13.

Abstract: Systems for intelligent automated response to line frequency and voltage disturbances by a central control point communication with a plurality of load control devices. The systems may include a load control device adapted to communicate with one or more energy consuming devices. The load control device may have a load control device firmware adapted to receive and process control directives to change the load of at least one energy consuming device. A central control point may be associated with the building and may be connected to the line power. The central control point may include a circuit adapted to monitor the line power and a central control point firmware adapted to detect the line disturbance. The central control point firmware may be in communication with the load control device firmware and may be adapted to transmit the control directives to the load control device firmware.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods herein facilitate generation of energy-related revenue for an energy customer of an electricity supplier, for a system that includes an energy storage asset. The apparatuses and methods herein can be used to generate operating schedules for a controller of the energy storage asset. When implemented, the generated operating schedules facilitates derivation of the energy-related revenue, over a time period T, associated with operation of the at least one energy storage asset according to the generated operating schedule. The energy-related revenue available to the energy customer over the time period T is based at least in part on a wholesale electricity market.

Abstract: Supervisory control equipment for smart grids provided with a plurality of generators and loads and operated in interconnection with a commercial power system through an interconnected circuit breaker, comprising a frequency control ability calculation part for calculating the frequency control ability of the interconnected system by using a total power demand and a bus bar frequency; and an islanding and interconnection detection part for calculating frequency control ability of the commercial power system according to the frequency control ability of the system of the frequency control ability calculation part to discriminate between the interconnected and islanding operations according to the magnitude of the frequency control ability.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-management system for managing energy within a predominantly closed power system. During operation, the system obtains one or more control actions that control energy transitions of a plurality of components, receives transitional characteristics associated with the components, and schedules the energy transitions by generating a set of offsets. A respective offset results in a delay of at least one energy transition.

Abstract: A fault-ride-through method is provided. The method includes detecting a voltage dip on a power line transmitting electric power. If a voltage dip is detected, the method includes reducing an active current and/or an active power to a specific value, which active current and/or active power is fed by a power generating unit at a feeding point into a power network having a plurality of power lines. Further, a converter of a power generating unit is provided, that is capable of implementing the fault-ride-through method. The power generating unit may be a part of a wind turbine in a wind farm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to reducing a safety risk in an automation system such as an automated electrical system in a structure such as a residential, commercial, or industrial building. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for intelligently monitoring and controlling conditions in components and/or wired connections of an automation system indicative of a potential fire hazard.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device segregates urgent data frames from non-urgent data frames on reception so that the urgent data frames may be handled with greater priority. A switching device is disposed between an external network interface and multiple internal network ports. Based on a network data type indicia, urgent data frames are routed to one of the ports, and non-urgent data frames are routed to another port. A processor coupled to the internal network ports handles urgent data frames before handling any non-urgent data frames.

Abstract: A method, system and computer software for detecting an incipient failure of a generator in a power system including the steps of ascertaining one or more generator reference parameter of the generator for use as a baseline reference; measuring one or more operating parameter values of the generator; using the one or more operating parameter values to solve for an estimated present value of the one or more of the generator's current performance parameters using particle swarm optimization technique; and determining whether the estimated present values of the one or more of the generator's current performance parameters are outside of an acceptable limit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting against theft of wiring or other object formed of electrically conductive material in which the object is connected to a source of electrical power. The voltage of the object is sensed by a voltage sensor and a transmitter actuated when the voltage sensor detects a voltage change in the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resetting a motor controller. It is determined whether a tripping of the motor controller is accompanied by an undesired condition elsewhere in a power system wherein an alternating current bus receives alternating current power from a generator, a power converter converts the alternating current power on the alternating current bus to direct current power on a direct current bus, and the direct current power on the direct current bus powers the motor controller. In response to a determination that the tripping of the motor controller is accompanied by the undesired condition, it is determined whether the undesired condition is less than a threshold for more than a time delay. The motor controller is reset in response to a determination that the undesired condition is less than the threshold for more than the time delay.

Abstract: Systems for reducing power usage and/or wastage use sensors to gather information about a circuit and its usage. Triggers are identified based on the information from the sensors, and subsequently used to control power delivery by reversibly effectuating energization and deactivation of particular circuits through smart nodes.

Abstract: A switchgear panel and a method for servicing/maintaining a switchgear panel are disclosed which provide a Human Machine Interface that includes a first memory unit, and a first circuit breaker on board of which an Intelligent Electronic Device is placed. The Intelligent Electronic Device having an associated memory unit. The first memory unit and/or on the associated memory unit storing sets of data related to one or more of the switchgear panel, the first Intelligent Electronic Device, and the first circuit breaker. The Human Machine Interface is in operative communication with the first Intelligent Electronic Device, to transfer and save one or more of the sets of data stored on the associated memory unit onto the first memory unit or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of gensets during a failsafe condition is provided. The method may include operating one or more of the gensets according to a modified isochronous control scheme, and operating a remainder of the gensets according an adaptive droop control scheme. The modified isochronous control scheme may include varying the frequency of each isochronous genset with respect to load for lower-range loads and upper-range loads, and maintaining the frequency of each isochronous genset at nominal frequencies for mid-range loads. The adaptive droop control scheme may include adjusting the frequency of each droop genset to match the frequency of the isochronous gensets, and varying the load of each droop genset with respect to frequency for lower-range loads and upper-range loads.

Abstract: A power management system installed in a structure and placed electrically between at least one circuit breaker and at least one circuit supplying at least one electrical load, the system comprising a digital controller having a power source; at least one switch communicating with a digital controller and positioned between an electrical load and a breaker to selectively energize at least one circuit; a display communicating with the digital controller; and a user interface communicating with the digital controller, whereby the digital controller selectively engages and disengages the power to selected circuits by communication with at least one switching device using user inputs entered through the interface enabling a user to manage power consumption within the structure.

Abstract: An autonomous thermal event control and monitoring system includes a processor component having an enclosure, a processor within the enclosure, a routine, a number of inputs from the processor, and a plurality of inputs to and a plurality of outputs from the processor for each of a plurality of feeders. The system also includes a human machine interface communicating with the processor. The inputs include for each of the feeders, a first input for a thermal sensor and a second input for a status of a network protector, a plurality of third inputs for statuses of a medium voltage interrupter, and a fourth input for a sudden pressure sensor of a network transformer. The outputs include for each of the feeders, a first output for a command to the network protector, and a plurality of second outputs for commands to the medium voltage interrupter.

Abstract: A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch circuit configured to connect, using a main switch, an input voltage to an output node of the load switch circuit when the load switch circuit is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch circuit to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit, to determine that the current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the main switch of the load switch circuit and the low-side power switch of the power channel in response to the determination that the current flowing in the main switch has exceeded the current limit threshold.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide a system including an intelligent electronic device (IED) comprising a first processor configured to communicate control commands to power equipment, receive measurements from the power equipment, use a secure wireless system to send data to an access point, wherein the data includes the measurements, and use the secure system to communicate with a management device, via the access point, to receive configuration information, command information, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A central control frame includes a main frame, an installation frame slidably mounted in the main frame, and a power supply protector. The installation frame includes a first bracket and a secured bracket. A computer is secured to the first bracket. A power supply protector is secured to the second bracket. An input port of the power supply protector connects to an AC power supply, an output port of the power supply protector connects to the computer, and the power supply protector provides power to the computer when the AC power supply is cut off suddenly, preventing files in the computer from being damaged or lost.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for maintaining stable conditions within a power grid are provided. A local device that includes one or more computer processors may identify one or more power sources associated with a structure. The local device may additionally monitor one or more parameters associated with a power grid configured to supply power to the structure. Based at least in part on the monitoring, the local device may identify a power grid fluctuation. Based at least in part on the identification of the power grid fluctuation, the local device may adjust operation of at least one power source included in the one or more identified power sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for sensing the current supplied to a motorized hoist for raising a maintenance platform and providing an estimate of the operating status of the motor, for example, as stopped, starting, stalled or operating as expected. In various embodiments, measures of voltage and current may be used to determine the operating condition of the hoist and to estimate the magnitude of the applied load. Unintended modes of operation can then be determined so that the conditions can be indicated to the operator and protective measures taken.

Abstract: To prevent property fires, electrical circuits need to be protected from arc faults due to line-to-line, line-to-neutral and line-to-ground conductivity, known as high current parallel arcing, and protected from arc faults occurring along line-to-line, line-to-load, load-to-load, load-to-neutral and neutral-to-neutral conductor configurations, known as low current series arcing. Devices that protect electrical circuits from these arc faults is known as a combination-type arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing islanding operations are usable to monitor and collect plant loads and turbine loads of a power plant. Such monitoring and collecting can be used to preemptively determine islanding configurations. According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided. The system can be operable to receive power generation unit information, receive power plant information of the power plant, determine an islanding configuration for the power plant, transmit the islanding configuration to the at least one power generation unit of the power plant, receive breaker status information of at least one breaker coupled to the at least one power generation unit of the power plant and for all breakers connecting power plant to an external grid, and control at least one power generation unit of the power plant.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for a motor control center. The motor control center includes an enclosure and a plurality of subunits. The enclosure comprises a framework for dividing the enclosure into a plurality of compartments. The subunits are removably disposed within the compartments. The communication system includes a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the framework, within a corresponding one of the compartments, and a communication module mounted on the mounting bracket. The communication module includes a housing and a number of features such as, for example and without limitation, a DIP switch and electrical connector(s), disposed on the housing. Accordingly, when the subunit is removed from the compartment, the communication module remains, fixed to the enclosure framework. The mounting bracket includes a hinge that allows the communication module to pivot with respect to the compartment to provide access to the features.

Abstract: Systems and methods dynamically assess energy efficiency by obtaining a minimum energy consumption of a system, receiving in a substantially continuous way a measurement of actual energy consumption of the system, and comparing the minimum energy consumption to the measurement of actual energy consumption to calculate a substantially continuous energy performance assessment. The system further provides at least one of a theoretical minimum energy consumption based at least in part on theoretical performance limits of system components, an achievable minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for high energy efficient equivalents of the system components, and the designed minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for the system components.

Abstract: Systems and methods dynamically assess energy efficiency by obtaining a minimum energy consumption of a system, receiving in a substantially continuous way a measurement of actual energy consumption of the system, and comparing the minimum energy consumption to the measurement of actual energy consumption to calculate a substantially continuous energy performance assessment. The system further provides at least one of a theoretical minimum energy consumption based at least in part on theoretical performance limits of system components, an achievable minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for high energy efficient equivalents of the system components, and the designed minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for the system components.

Abstract: The invention provides improved control of a power transmission system having a first group of measurement units in a first geographical area providing a first set of phasors and a second group of measurement units in a second geographical area providing a second set of phasors, where the phasors in the sets are generated at the same instant in time. In this system the power control device includes a phasor aligning unit that time aligns the first and second sets of phasors and a control unit that compares each set of phasors with a corresponding phasor number threshold, determines that a first control condition is fulfilled if each phasor number threshold has been exceeded and enables the provision of a common signal if the first control condition is fulfilled. The common signal is based on the obtained phasors in the first and second sets.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus include a clustered charge distribution and prioritized charge distribution system for electric vehicles (EVs). Distributed processing units (DPUs) receive member information about an EV or EV user. A power distribution manager (PDM) is coupled to each of the DPUs. The PDM includes a prioritizer. The prioritizer determines a prioritization for charging the EVs based on the member information received by each of the DPUs. Also disclosed is a method for providing clustered charge distribution and charge prioritization for electric vehicles. The method includes sensing whether power is requested by any one of a plurality of EVs within a cluster, generating individual EV-specific information for the EVs using the DPUs, transmitting the EV-specific information to the PDM, and selecting and applying a prioritization algorithm based at least in part on the transmitted information.

Abstract: A system stabilization system for suppressing a power fluctuation in a power system, the system stabilization system including: a power storage apparatus configured to suppressing a power fluctuation in the power system by either charging or discharging in response to a control; a capacitor apparatus configured to suppress a power fluctuation in the power system by making the charge/discharge response to control faster than the power storage apparatus and charging or discharging in response to the control; and a control apparatus configured to control the power storage apparatus and the capacitor apparatus so as to reduce occurrences of charging or discharging in the power storage apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring an output driver that can be parameterized and is suitable for controlling actuators in industrial automation technology, for applying analog signals to an output channel, with the following steps: determining resulting internal leakage power based on the parameterization data provided for parameterizing the output driver, comparing the leakage power relative to a leakage power limiting value, and, dependent functionally on the comparison result, stopping the application of an analog signal on the output channel corresponding to the parameterization data provided for parameterizing the output driver. The invention further relates to an analog signal output device, suitable for controlling actuators in industrial automation technology and in accordance with the aforementioned method, comprising at least one output driver and a monitoring device.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide protection to monitored equipment at both a local level and a system level, in order to offer more comprehensive protection. In one particular embodiment, the protected equipment may include one or more generators. The protection system may utilize time-synchronized data in order to analyze data provided by systems having disparate sampling rates, that are monitored by different equipment, and/or equipment that is geographically separated. Various embodiments may be configured to utilize a variety of sampling rates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for managing a power distribution system in which has an improved system protection and fault section determination structure in consideration of distributed power supplies, has an improved server and communication structure for one-to-one synchronization measurement, and conducts real time system management and control. The system for managing the power distribution system uses field measurement data and an event signal to detect a protection coordination correction value of a protective device for protection of the system and a fault section of the power distribution system, performs real time system analysis using the field measurement data, and transmits control information including at least one of the protection coordination correction value, the fault section and the system analysis information to a DCP server.

Abstract: A power system can include an input configured to be coupled to a utility grid. The power system can further include an electrical energy storage unit comprising a dielectric layer disposed between first and second electrode layers, the dielectric layer comprising a high permittivity ceramic material. In an embodiment, the power system can include a control computer can control a first switch to deactivate a main electrical energy storage unit that includes the electrical energy storage unit, and to control the second switch to activate a backup energy storage unit. In a further embodiment, the power system can include an output coupled to the utility power grid. In a further embodiment, the power system can include a control computer to control a first switch to deactivate a main electrical energy storage unit, and to control a second switch to activate an electrical energy storage unit buffer.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of distance protection of parallel transmission lines applicable both to series compensated and uncompensated electric power lines, using a distance relay. The method is characterized in that a pair of flags (ff1, ff2) are calculated for indication faulted and healthy circuits in parallel lines and in the same time a flag (Internal_Fault) for indication internal or external fault in parallel lines is calculated independently. Next gathering all calculated flags (ff1, ff2, Internal_Fault) an analyze of the value of these flags are performed and depending on the values of flags (ff1, ff2, Internal_Fault) and on their reciprocal relationship, a trip permission signal from the protection relay (4) is released and sent to the alarms devices or to the line breakers, or a block signal from the protection relay (4) is generated and sent to protect parallel lines before damage.

Abstract: An energy management system serves an arbitrary collection of loads via interfacing with related field devices and external information sources and responding to events including pricing events, demand response events, and carbon reduction events by managing the loads and local generation.

Abstract: A digital wireless network receptacle has an upper housing, two power sockets formed through the upper housing, a lower housing and a multi-layer mechanism mounted between the upper housing and the lower housing. A single microcontroller unit (MCU) is employed within the multi-layer mechanism so that an intelligent control circuit can be effectively integrated and received in the receptacle with standardized size and limited space. Each power socket of the receptacle is independently monitored and controlled, and power consumed from each power socket can be recorded to ensure a complete understanding of power usage. Besides transmission of power consumption information to a host server through a wireless network, automatic power breaking safety protection upon an overload or standby condition of electrical appliances can be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.

Abstract: In a multiphase electrical power construction and assignment, a processor: determines a phase and voltage configuration for bi-directional power device pairs; determines a given bi-directional power device pair is to be coupled to a given phase connection based on the configuration; determines whether the given bi-directional power devices in the given bi-directional power device pair are to be coupled to each other; confirms that the given bi-directional power device pair is not coupled to any of the plurality of phase connections; couples the given bi-directional power device pair to the given phase connections, where power signals of the given bi-directional power device pair are synchronized with a power signal of the given phase connection; and in response to determining that the given bi-directional power devices are to be coupled to each other, couples each of the bi-directional power devices to a short bus.

Abstract: A power control device includes a priority setting section capable of setting a use priority of a home appliance connected wirelessly or via cable or an adapter connected to the home appliance. The home appliance or the adaptor connected to the home appliance operates within the usable power of a result of the inquiry to the power control device. When there is no excess in usable power over the required power in the inquiry, the power control device reduces the power of a device having a lower priority than the device which has transmitted the inquiry in order to use the device with the higher priority.

Abstract: A system and method of dynamically estimating the short circuit current availability (SCCA) at a node in an alternating current electrical distribution system by examining the spectral composition of current drawn by a direct current charging circuit connected to the node. A correlative relationship between the total harmonic current distortion (THDi) in the current drawn by the charging circuit and the SCCA at the node is established for a particular charging circuit. An estimation of the SCCA at the node is accomplished by taking current measurements of current drawn by the charging circuit, analyzing those current measurements to determine the THDi, and estimating a corresponding value of SCCA based on the determined THDi. A method is also provided for calibrating a particular charging circuit to have a reactance and resistance suitable for use in estimating SCCA.

Abstract: A system includes an excitation system configured to regulate one or more outputs of a power generating system. The excitation system includes data processing circuitry configured to obtain an electrical voltage measurement and an electrical current measurement associated with the power generating system, a transformer failure detection system configured to detect an abnormality associated with the electrical voltage and electrical current measurements as an indication of a possible transformer failure, and a failure detection deactivation system configured to deactivate the transformer failure detection system based at least in part on whether the abnormality comprises one of a first condition or a second condition.

Abstract: An exemplary method and apparatus are provided for operating a power grid that has decentralized control elements. The decentralized control elements are adapted to interact with each other, in particular by communication. At least a part of the power grid, a control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular the communication between control elements, is monitored. When a problem in at least a part of the power grid, the control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular a communication breakdown, is detected, a control element affected by the problem is triggered to work autonomously.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a power transmission line includes at least one monitoring device located along the power transmission line configured to provide power transmission line data. A wide area situational awareness module is configured to receive the power transmission line data and an adaptation module is configured to receive output from the wide area situational awareness module and further configured to calculate control actions for the power transmission line based on the power transmission line data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring or controlling a small to medium solar or wind power production system to provide improved safety and reliability of the system, wherein the monitoring or control system provides one or more of firmware, hardware, software logic, or monitoring circuits in a system designed to increase its safety or to improve its reliability that includes: a circuit combined with one or more of hardware or software logic that provide a means for monitoring said power production system to check for over load or under load measurements at a plurality of power switches of said power production system.