System Protection (e.g., Circuit Interrupter, Circuit Limiter, Voltage Suppressor) Patents (Class 700/292)
  • Publication number: 20110238233
    Abstract: A system for optimizing a current overload protection circuit includes an input device, a data storage device, a central processing device, and a display. The central processing device includes a storage module, a control module, and a calculation module. The storage module stores a VI application therein. The control module receives instructions from the input device and selects virtual electronic components of the current overload protection circuit from the data storage device and connection of the selected electronic components. The current overload protection circuit is completed and run in the VI application; electronic components significantly affecting the maximum protection current are labeled. The calculation module calculates normal distribution samples of the current overload protection circuit based on the labeled electronic components. The display shows whether the current overload protection circuit meets a process capability standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TSUNG-SHENG HUANG, CHUN-JEN CHEN, DUEN-YI HO, WEI-CHIEH CHOU
  • Publication number: 20110230982
    Abstract: Systems for monitoring power consumption. The system includes at least one circuit breaker having a sensor for measuring current flowing through the circuit breaker and for sending a sensor signal commensurate with the current. The system also includes a controller spaced apart from the circuit breaker and adapted to receive the sensor signal from the circuit breaker, and an external device for communicating an electrical signal with the controller to control the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Amarante Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 8024076
    Abstract: A plurality of buses of an electrical power system are grouped into agents, family lines of agents and families of agents based on the reactive reserves depleted when the buses are loaded. Contingencies are applied and the reactive reserves are monitored to determine an exhaustion factor for one or more family lines in one or more families. A boundary case solution exists for each outage that has no solution when the outage is removed in small steps and an additional step has no solution and is used to assess where, why, and how the contingency causes voltage instability, voltage collapse and local blackout. Based on this information, the voltage rescheduling, active rescheduling, unit commitment and load shedding is determined that can be used as preventive, corrective or emergency controls in system design and planning, operation planning, reactive and voltage management, real time control, and Special Protection System Control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Intelilcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Schlueter, Benjamin Ashton Minshall, Ryan Joseph Hunt
  • Patent number: 8023238
    Abstract: A universal trip unit for use with a circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a personality module of the circuit breaker apparatus and to thereby receive key breaker personality parameters that relate to operational characteristics of the circuit breaker apparatus, and a controller. The controller includes a memory on which a universal register, previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters are stored, the controller being configured to control the communication unit to receive the key breaker personality parameters in accordance with information determined from the universal register, and components to execute trip protection when at least one of a current and a voltage Within the circuit breaker apparatus exceeds a respective predetermined threshold as defined by the previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nataniel Barbosa Vicente, Marcelo Esteban Valdes, Rafael Gutierrez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8019484
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with the combined voltage or power flow control and damping of electromechanical oscillations in an electric power system by Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices or High Voltage DC (HVDC) transmission devices. To this end, information about a state or operating point of the power system is generated from suitable second system signals (y2) and a control parameter (cp) of a FACTS controller is derived therefrom. The control parameter and a first system signal (y1) are used in the calculation of a control command (u) defining the settings of the FACTS device. Following a change in the state of the power system such as a change in the topology of a transmission network, poorly damped or even unstable oscillations are avoided by appropriate re-tuning of the control parameter of the damping or stabilizing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Petr Korba, Alexandre Oudalov, Mats Larsson, Johan A. Lindberg, Stefan G. Thorburn
  • Publication number: 20110218687
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shutdown, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TIGO ENERGY
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Publication number: 20110218688
    Abstract: A method for optimized energy management of an electrical system is provided for protecting a component to be protected of the electrical system. The power dissipation of at least one component to be protected is determined, the expected temperature increase is calculated using a thermal model, the expected temperature increase is compared with a predefined temperature threshold value. Consumer loads are switched on or off depending on their priority. A device for carrying out the method is provided. The device includes a power meter, calculation unit storage unit, and switching unit for switching consumer loads The electrical system to which the device is assigned includes at least one consumer load and at least one component to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Lentner
  • Patent number: 8010239
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a partial discharge counter for the diagnosis of a GIS. The partial discharge counter includes a partial discharge detection sensor for detecting a partial discharge. A first surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the partial discharge detection sensor. A channel 1 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. A noise detection sensor detects noise. A second surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the noise detection sensor. A channel 2 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. An ADC circuit generates partial discharge data and noise data. A synchronization device enables the partial discharge data and the noise data to be output in synchronization with frequency of the phase voltage. A digital signal processing unit counts a number of times the partial discharge occurs. Counting units display a count value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hanbit EDS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Kee Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110196545
    Abstract: An ECU operates a charging unit such that a power storage device is charged by an electric power from a power supply. When a vehicle moves while charging the unit charges the power storage device, the ECU stops charging the unit to discontinue the charging of the power storage device. The ECU diagnoses a state of the charging unit after the charging of the power storage device is stopped. The ECU determines whether the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed based on the diagnostic result. When determining that the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed, the ECU resumes the charging of the power storage device by resuming the operation of the charging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Miwa
  • Publication number: 20110190955
    Abstract: An electrical communications circuit comprising a power supply, a trunk section, a spur section, isolation means disposed between the trunk section and the spur section, diagnostics apparatus connected to the trunk section and a field device connected to the spur section, in which the field device is adapted to send data signals over the communications circuit, which data signals comprise one or more core functions, in which the communications circuit and/or the data signals function under one or more pre-determined normal operating parameters, in which the diagnostics apparatus is adapted to detect one or more pre-determined breaches of said normal operating parameters, in which a spur diagnostics module is connected to the spur section and is adapted to monitor electrical characteristics of the spur section, in which the spur diagnostics module comprises interference means adapted to interfere with the communications circuit and/or the data signals sent thereon such that said one or more pre-determined brea
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: PEPPERL + FUCHS GMBH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll, Steffen Graber
  • Publication number: 20110190956
    Abstract: A prognostics-enabled power system includes a power source and a removably connected load. A sensor is connected to the power source and situated to identify at least one characteristic produced in response to the removably connected load on the power source. A programmable system is in communication with the sensor, the programmable system situated to calculate a value from the at least one characteristic, wherein the calculated value is indicative of a health status of the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Neil Kunst, Douglas Goodman
  • Publication number: 20110187206
    Abstract: Safety in an electricity metering environment is improved by providing an additional level of safety interlocking to disconnect switches and other control relays in electricity meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ELSTER SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Hart, Charles H. Jones
  • Patent number: 7992014
    Abstract: Administering power supplies in a data center including, upon connection of a first power supply through a power line to a circuit breaker in the data center, querying, by a power supply communications device of the first power supply through the power line, a circuit breaker communications device of the circuit breaker for a circuit breaker identification; querying, by the power supply communications device of the first power supply, for a maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker; sending the circuit breaker identification and the maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker to a management module; and determining, by the management module in dependence upon the circuit breaker identification and the maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker, whether to power on a computing device powered by the first power supply including determining whether the circuit breaker is shared by another power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. D. Vernon
  • Publication number: 20110184575
    Abstract: There is provided an analysis server including a first verifying unit that analyzes data acquired from a local power management system composed of an electronic appliance provided with a sensor and a power management apparatus managing power supply to the electronic appliance connected to a power network, by using history information of the local power management system or data acquired from another local power management system with a power usage state similar to that of the local power management system, a second verifying unit that analyzes the data acquired from the local power management system, by using an estimated value calculated by simulation using characteristics information and/or specification information of the electronic appliance, and a control unit that controls the first verifying unit and the second verifying unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Yohei KAWAMOTO, Asami Yoshida, Tomoyuki Asano, Masakazu Ukita, Shiho Moriai, Masanobu Katagi, Yu Tanaka, Seiichi Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20110184576
    Abstract: An automated hierarchy classification algorithm that searches for a child monitoring device's parent in a utility monitoring system by segmenting the device data measured by a given device pair and calculating a segment correlation coefficient for each data segment. Devices to be placed in the hierarchy are filtered by calculating the variance of their device data and eliminating devices with a low variance. Devices are ranked by computing the sum of squares of their device data and ordering the devices accordingly from highest to lowest. The device data is segmented and segment correlation coefficients are averaged to produce an overall correlation coefficient. Criteria are evaluated to determine whether a device pair is linked. A correlation coefficient is calculated using the complete data series of a device pair, and the solution produced by this approach is compared with the solution produced by segmenting the device data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Amjad Hasan, Ronald W. Carter, Jon A. Bickel
  • Publication number: 20110172840
    Abstract: A method and system for a power distribution system, the method including defining with the central controller at least one alternate mode configuration setting for the at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system, wherein the at least one alternate mode configuration setting includes a reduced energy let-thru (RELT) mode setting. The method further includes determining with the central controller if the at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers is in a pick-up mode and operating the at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers using one of the at least one normal mode configuration setting and the at least one alternate mode configuration setting, wherein the operating the at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers using the at least one alternate mode configuration setting is delayed for a predetermined period if the at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers is in a pick-up mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Radoslaw NAREL, Thomas Frederick Papallo, JR., Joseph Rao
  • Publication number: 20110172841
    Abstract: A system manages consumption of power supplied by at least one electric utility to multiple power consuming devices. Power flow to the power consuming devices is enabled and disabled by controllable devices controlled by one or more client devices. According to one embodiment, a group of one or more client devices to which to communicate a power control message is determined. The power control message indicates at least one of an amount of electric power to be reduced and an identification of one or more controllable devices to be instructed to disable a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices. The power control message is communicated to the determined group of client devices to initiate a power reduction event. Subsequent to initiation of the power reduction event, a determination is made that at least one controllable device has prematurely exited the power reduction event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph W. Forbes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110172842
    Abstract: Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: TIGO ENERGY
    Inventors: Maxym Makhota, Daniel Eizips, Dan Kikinis
  • Publication number: 20110172839
    Abstract: An EVSE system includes an electric vehicle supply circuit, and a timer adapted to automatically control the electric vehicle supply circuit. The timer may be adapted to enable and/or disable the electric vehicle supply circuit at one or more predetermined times. The timer may be coordinated with a scheduling system such as a calendar utility on a computer or portable communication device such as a smart phone. The system may include a user interface for the timer. The user interface may include an embedded server such as an embedded web server to enable a user to program the timer through the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Brown, Carlos E. Ramirez, Victor Soto
  • Publication number: 20110172838
    Abstract: An energy object extension to an industrial protocol having a comprehensive suite of attributes, messages and services utilized for the monitoring and control of energy consuming or producing resources by a manufacturing automation application is provided. The energy object includes an identifier associated with an energy resource that is associated with a manufacturing automation application and an energy type associated with the energy resource. This includes a measurement characteristic associated with the energy resource to facilitate energy management by the manufacturing automation application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ramdas M. Pai, David D. Brandt, Richard Arthur Morgan, David W. Siegler, Angel Sustaeta, David A. Vasko
  • Patent number: 7979220
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the power damping compliance of a power generation unit comprises a measurement unit that is configured to be coupled to a power generation unit to identify the voltage, current, and frequency values associated with power output therefrom. A processing system maintaining a model-based filter processes the voltage, current, and, frequency values to estimate the total amount of damping provided by the power generation unit. The estimated total damping is compared to prior historical values maintained in a database using various statistical techniques to determine if a power system stabilizer (PSS) provided by the power generation unit is being operated in a manner complying with predetermined guidelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Ernst Scholtz, Reynaldo F. Nuqui
  • Publication number: 20110166720
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fast power swing unblocking method and apparatus for a distance protection in a power system, which is able to ensure fast phase-segregated tripping of distance protection for faults during a power swing (3-phase or 2-phase swing). The power swing unblocking method in a power system according to the present invention comprises calculating changing rates of impedances for all operating loops of the distance protection in the power system; and determining a fault loop based on the calculated changing rates. If there is a fault loop, a blocked distance zone for the fault loop is unblocked. Before calculating the changing rates, whether the power system is under a power swing is checked and a distance zone that might mal-operate under the power swing is blocked if it is checked that the power system is under the power swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Bin Su, Lei Jing, Qianjin Liu
  • Publication number: 20110160917
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to test safety instrumented system (SIS) solenoids are disclosed. A disclosed valve position control apparatus includes a relay to control a state of a solenoid and a valve positioner including a transmitter to transmit a solenoid test signal to the relay, electrical contacts to communicatively couple the solenoid test signal to the relay via one or more wires, and a solenoid tester to generate the solenoid test signal and to monitor a response of the solenoid when the solenoid test signal is transmitted to the relay to verify an operation of the solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Snowbarger
  • Publication number: 20110125338
    Abstract: Control apparatus 1 for photovoltaic modules 3 which can be connected to one or more photovoltaic modules 3. The control apparatus is able to check for the proper working of the solar modules, and also to collect all electrical data like voltage, current, power, energy in order to calculate also the efficiency of the plant. Up to 16 modules can be used (including a master controller, temperature measurement modules, output modules, input modules) and they are interconnected by using a bus system which does not require any wire. A base level consist of one master controller module and one or more input modules. An extended system includes also additional modules, like measurement of temperatures or relay outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Mauro Perot, Fabio D'Incà, Fabio Facchin
  • Publication number: 20110118883
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring power devices that are connecting in a loop to a main power line are provided. A plurality of power devices that are connected in a loop to a power grid line may be provided. The loop may include a plurality of power lines. A disturbance within the plurality of power devices may be identified, and an impact of the identified disturbance on the plurality of power lines may be determined. A power output of one or more of the plurality of power devices may be adjusted based at least in part on the determined impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andreas Kirchner, Enno Ubben
  • Publication number: 20110112699
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a redundancy scheme for bay protection in Substation Automation (SA) that prevents a single failing Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) of the SA system from impairing the operation of a bay of a substation. A protection IED assigned to a home or host bay of a substation of an electric power system performs the protection functions of the bay to which it is assigned, plus protection functions of at least one of its neighboring bays. As a result, each bay can be managed by two different protection IEDs, wherein redundancy is achieved without a dedicated redundant protection IED for each bay. Whenever required to do so, the protection IED receives, from appropriate sensors, information about a status or value of a process quantity from the neighboring bay, computes or executes protection functionality such as overcurrent, overvoltage or earth fault on behalf of the neighboring bay, and issues commands directed to actuators of said neighboring bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Jean-Charles TOURNIER, Thomas WERNER
  • Patent number: 7933689
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply having sensor for sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a first voltage sensor; sensor for sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor and implementing a control algorithm in a controller to augment power from said primary power supply with power from the backup power supply in response to an input from the first and second voltage sensors and an input from at least one external sensor wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the at least one load and the primary and backup power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Warren, John Smith
  • Publication number: 20110093127
    Abstract: A Distributed Energy Resources Manager may serve to connect electrical assets in an electricity distribution grid with other information-processing systems including, but not limited to, existing utility grid management systems to manage flows of information between electrical assets and interacting software assets and, thereby, manage performance of at least the electrical assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: David Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7930141
    Abstract: A communicating faulted circuit indicator (“FCI”) apparatus, as well as methods for using the apparatus. A sensor is configured to collect data relating to a state of an electrical conductor. A controller is logically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the data collected by the sensor and to determine whether to communicate the collected data to a location remote from the FCI. A communications facility is logically coupled to the controller and configured to communicate the data to the remote location in response to the controller's determination to communicate the data to the remote location. The communications facility can include a cellular communications device. The remote location can comprise a cellular communications device. The remote location also can be a computer system configured to receive communications from the FCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Fredrick Banting
  • Publication number: 20110087383
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for network protection monitor the functional state of a control component on a circuit protection device and provide a back up control signal to activate the circuit protection device to protect the network in the event that the control component on the circuit protection device stops functioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark Andre FAULKNER
  • Patent number: 7920976
    Abstract: A method and apparatus measures electrical power usage and quality, while mitigating the effects of noise on measured signals or parameters. Specifically, a digital electrical power and energy meter employs a method in which a processor averages a parameter, such as voltage or current, over a plurality of cycles of a time-varying signal, such as an AC electrical signal. The method employed by the meter samples a parameter over the plurality of cycles and computes the average of the samples corresponding to the same phase angle of the signal to produce an average signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Industries / Gauge Tech.
    Inventor: Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Publication number: 20110066301
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling an electric power delivery system to mitigate against voltage instability. According to various embodiments, one or more stability thresholds may be compared to one or more stability estimates. Stability estimates may be generated based on electrical conditions in an electric power delivery system. Upon the occurrence of the contingency, one or more control actions specified by a contingency index may be executed in order to mitigate against voltage instability. A plurality of stability estimates may be generated, each of which may be compared to a respective stability threshold. According to various embodiments, stability estimates and stability thresholds may be based on a reactive power to voltage margin, an incremental reactive power cost, an incremental load cost, and a power import margin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Marcos A. Donolo
  • Publication number: 20110060582
    Abstract: A simulator system transfers parameters between a power plant simulator and a safety control simulator. Problems concerning software common mode failure, interface interactions errors, software failure complexity, and so on, are evaluated. Thus, diversity and defense-in-depth are analyzed and safety is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Yuan-Chang Yu, Mao-Sheng Tseng, Hui-Wen Huang, Tsung-Chieh Cheng
  • Patent number: 7899630
    Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventor: Erran Kagan
  • Publication number: 20110046808
    Abstract: A controller for a load includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a processor circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to open and close the separable contacts, and an output controlled by the processor circuit. The output is structured to cause a remote circuit interrupter to open a power circuit electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The processor circuit is structured to detect failure of the controller to control the load and activate the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: JOE M. KELLIS, LAWRENCE B. FARR
  • Publication number: 20110046807
    Abstract: A DCS control module for a transformer in nuclear power engineering, comprises: an input command processing logic unit (1), a malfunction processing logic unit (2), a state processing logic unit (3), an output command generating logic unit (4) and a 6.6 kV switchgear of the transformer. The present invention utilizes the distribution control system (DCS) integral with the power units to realize the control of 6.6 kV transformer switch, the sharing of the operator station with the power unit control system, and the overall monitoring, and the operation reliability of the power units is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: GUANGDONG ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Li YANG, Hongjian TANG, Shaoyong WANG, Li SHA, Huamin CHEN, Chuangshu XIE, Jingshan LIU
  • Publication number: 20110035070
    Abstract: In a power supply system (10) having a cogeneration unit (12) equipped with an internal combustion engine (12a) and a generator (12b) to generate power to be supplied to a power destination and hot water to be supplied to a hot water destination, there are provided with a natural energy generation unit (14) that generates power with natural energy, a power supply unit (20) that receives the power generated by the generator and natural energy generation unit to supply the received power to the power destination; a voltage detector (22a) that detects voltage (V1) of the power flowing through an connecting bus (22), and an electric heater (12l). The power supply unit (20) controls operation of the electric heater based on the detected connecting bus power voltage (V1), thereby effectively utilizing surplus electricity without transmitting back it to a commercial power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi KANAI
  • Publication number: 20110029143
    Abstract: A repair circuit having a repair controller which is capable of reducing unnecessary current dissipation by interrupting a control operation to redundant cells that are unused for replacement of defective cells is presented. The repair circuit includes a repair controller and a repair signal generator. The repair controller is configured to generate a first drive voltage, a second drive voltage and a repair control signal depending on whether or not a defective cell exists. The repair signal generator driven by the first and second drive voltages in which the repair signal generator is configured to generate a repair signal, for repairing the defective cell, in response to receiving the repair control signal and an external address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventor: Duck Hwa HONG
  • Publication number: 20100332045
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that enable the regulation of the temperature of transmission equipment connected to a generating plant. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a temperature of transmission equipment connected to a generating plant and regulating the output of the generating plant in response to the temperature exceeding a threshold level to reduce the temperature of the transmission equipment to below the threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Patent number: 7860615
    Abstract: A methodology and related system apparatus is provided to most efficiently and flexibly respond to abnormalities to reconfigure and restore service to end customers in commodity distribution systems to enhance circuit reconfiguration in an electrical power distribution system. Methodology is also provided to appropriately allocate system resources of the distribution system to prevent the potential overloading of electrical power sources. In one illustrative arrangement, the methodology is characterized by resources at each node and communications of source allocation data or messages to other nodes to request and establish an appropriate allocation of system resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Kenneth James Biallas, Eddie W. Brasher, Thomas Chapman Fix
  • Publication number: 20100324962
    Abstract: A building manager includes a communications interface configured to receive information from a smart energy grid. The building manager further includes an integrated control layer configured to receive inputs from and to provide outputs to a plurality of building subsystems. The integrated control layer includes a plurality of control algorithm modules configured to process the inputs and to determine the outputs. The building manager further includes a fault detection and diagnostics layer configured to use statistical analysis on the inputs received from the integrated control layer to detect and diagnose faults. The building manager yet further includes a demand response layer configured to process the information received from the smart energy grid to determine adjustments to the plurality of control algorithms of the integrated control layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Clay G. Nesler, Kirk H. Drees, James P. Kummer, Derek Supple, Marc D. Andraca, John I. Ruiz, Paul Harrison Rode
  • Publication number: 20100324746
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a partial discharge counter for the diagnosis of a GIS. The partial discharge counter includes a partial discharge detection sensor for detecting a partial discharge. A first surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the partial discharge detection sensor. A channel 1 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. A noise detection sensor detects noise. A second surge inflow prevention circuit separates a surge signal from an output terminal of the noise detection sensor. A channel 2 frequency conversion module forms a low-frequency signal. An ADC circuit generates partial discharge data and noise data. A synchronization device enables the partial discharge data and the noise data to be output in synchronization with frequency of the phase voltage. A digital signal processing unit counts a number of times the partial discharge occurs. Counting units display a count value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Hanbit EDS Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jae Kee JEONG
  • Publication number: 20100318233
    Abstract: A complete system that will enable remote monitoring of the status (e.g. power generation, power consumption, system faults, etc.) of renewable energy units is disclosed. The system is a stand-alone data acquisition module with a web based user interface that will display information regarding the status of the system under observation. The system may help optimize the return on investment to companies relying on renewable energy at remote locations such as gas and oil production wells regardless of the setup and brand of products used at the remote site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Yuki Yunes, Yuji Yunes, Brett Haslem
  • Publication number: 20100312411
    Abstract: An AC consumption controller, a method of managing AC power received at a battery plant in response to AC supply conditions and a battery plant are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the AC consumption controller include: (1) an AC supply monitor configured to recognize an AC supply event associated with a battery plant having at least one rectifier, a battery supply and a DC bus having a DC load current and configured to supply a DC voltage, the DC bus coupled to the rectifier and the battery supply and (2) an AC supply adjuster configured to maintain an AC power level for the AC supply event by regulating the DC voltage throughout the AC supply event to share sources of the DC load current between an output battery current of the battery supply and an output rectifier current of the rectifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Lineage Power Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Brooke
  • Publication number: 20100298996
    Abstract: A method for operating a power station and a process control technique for a power station is provided. The method includes determining at least one desired operating parameter for a future moment in time when the power station is running. An artificial neuronal network integrated into the process control technique of the power station determines a characteristic which is valid for the future moment and depends on a plurality of influencing variables, or a characteristic derived therefrom. The process control technique automatically uses the characteristic to carry out a regulating and/or controlling intervention in the operation of the power station in order to achieve the desired operating parameter. The control and protection system for a power station including the integrated artificial neuronal network is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jörg Gadinger, Jan Heller, Bernhard Meerbeck
  • Publication number: 20100298995
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling operation of a wind turbine. The method may comprise determining an alarm level for at least one component of the wind turbine. In the case that an alarm level for at least one component exceeds a predefined level, the method comprises estimating an expected remaining lifetime for the component under the current operating conditions, and controlling operation of the wind turbine in order to adjust the expected remaining lifetime for the component to a desired expected remaining lifetime for said component. Thereby, the expected remaining lifetime for the component can be prolonged until the next scheduled service event. Downtime of the wind turbine is considerably reduced, and unscheduled service events are avoided to the greatest possible extent. Mean time between inspections (MTBI) is also extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Tie Ling Zhang, Yu Zhou, Khoon Peng Lim, Bung Chai Chin, Pey Yen Siew, Jiann Yi Ho, Wan Ying Chen, Jiun Keat Ong, Kiran Kishan Rao Nandedkar
  • Patent number: 7840313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a grid interconnection device that converts electric power from a power supply device into predetermined alternating-current power, and interconnects the power supply device to a power distribution system. The grid interconnection device includes a detector that detects islanding of the power supply device, and a receiver that receives power failure information including local area information indicative of an area in which a power failure occurs, through a predetermined transmission path. The detector enhances detection sensitivity for the islanding when the received power failure information includes the local area information indicative of a different area from the area to which the power distribution system belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Horio, Kazuo Ito, Masahiro Makino
  • Publication number: 20100292853
    Abstract: A plurality of end-user locations are served by a commercial utility grid. More than one and less than all of the end-user locations are themselves interconnected by a feeder, the feeder not metallically connected to the utility grid. The end-user locations each have a local AC bus that is not metallically connected to the utility grid or to the feeder, but that is linked by a coupler to both the utility grid and to the feeder. None of the local AC buses or the feeder is required to have the same phase or frequency as the utility grid. Locally generated electric power may be passed by means of the feeder to other end-user locations that are on the feeder. Each local AC bus has two or more inverters powering the bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Alan McDonnell
  • Publication number: 20100292857
    Abstract: A system is provided that allows the aggregation of a plurality of inputs from an electrical grid and the display of the plurality of inputs on a single integrated display for a network operator. The system accepts signals from electrical loads and generation devices and analyzes the inputs to determine potential issues or trends, including fault predictions and recommends contingency plans. The system presents these potential issues and possible corrective actions to the network operator. The network operator may initiate actions, such as dispatching loads or activating generation capacity for example, in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventors: Sanjay Bose, A. Arthur Kressner
  • Publication number: 20100286837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the coordinated control method of torsional stress relay in large thermal power plants' generators (300 MW and above), which will be adopted when shaft torsional oscillations occur. This invention also publishes a method of realizing selective trip the generators and the trip criterions which are implemented by the torsional stress relay and coordinated control master station (Tmaster). Tmaster will real-time monitor the operating status of the generators and TSR, TMaster will also real-time generate a trip priority level sequencing by analyzing the unit output. When generators occur subsynchronous resonance and shaft torsional oscillation, this method can ensure that TSR will trip some generators of the power plant according to the real-time generated trip strategy to inhibit the shaft torsional oscillation and safeguard the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicants: SIFANG ELECTRIC (GROUP) CO., LTD., BEIJING SIFANGBONENG AUTOMATION SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaohua Jiao, Tao Zhang, Quan Liu, Xinyan Liang, Yuansheng Li