An electrical network includes feed-in means, loads, and a distribution network located therebetween which includes at least one dynamic isolator and busbars. The feed-in means and the loads together with associated busbars are disposed in groups which can be electrically interconnected or disconnected by the at least one dynamic isolator. The at least one dynamic isolator monitors the voltage on the busbars adjacent thereto for a voltage difference. In a normal state without a voltage difference, the at least one dynamic isolator electrically disconnects the groups from one another, and in the event of a voltage difference between the busbars adjacent thereto, the at least one dynamic isolator electrically connects the groups to one another.

A matrix converter includes one or more current sensors structured to sense current flowing through the matrix converter, a matrix of switches including a number of solid state transistors, and a control circuit structured to detect faults in power flowing through the matrix converter based on the sensed current, to control the matrix of switches to drive an external device, and to control the matrix of switches to switch to prevent power from flowing internal to the matrix converter, or external to the external device in response to detecting a fault in power flowing through the matrix converter.

A method and circuit for detecting a fault in a power transformer having an conductive shield layer sandwiched between electrical insulating layers separating the conductive shield layer from a first conductor and a second conductor, the second conductor opposite the conductive shield layer from the first conductor, and including, sensing a voltage energizing the shield layer, comparing the sensed voltage to a threshold voltage value corresponding to a fault, and upon satisfaction of the comparison, providing a fault indication when the comparison indicates the presence of a fault.

An arc detection device includes: a low-impedance circuit connected between a node on wiring connecting the positive electrode of a DC/DC converter and a plurality of DC/DC converters, extending from the positive electrode of the DC/DC converter, and branching toward the plurality of DC/DC converters and a node on wiring connecting the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter and the plurality of DC/DC converters, extending from the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter, and branching toward the plurality of DC/DC converters; an electric current detector that detects an electric current flowing through the low-impedance circuit; and an arc determiner that determines, on the basis of the electric current detected by the electric current detector whether an electric arc has occurred.

An arc detection device includes a voltage detector connected between a first wire and a second wire to detect a voltage between the first wire and the second wire, the first wire connecting a positive electrode of a DC/DC converter and a plurality of DC/DC converters and branching from the positive electrode of the DC power source into the plurality of DC/DC converters, the second wire connecting a negative electrode of the DC/DC converter and the plurality of DC/DC converters and branching from the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter into the plurality of DC/DC converters; and an arc determiner that determines an occurrence of an arc based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector.

An integrated circuit includes an overvoltage protection circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit detects overvoltage events at a pad of the integrated circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit generates a max voltage signal that is the greater of the voltage at the pad and a supply voltage of the integrated circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit disables a PMOS transistor coupled to the pad by supplying the max voltage signal to the gate of the PMOS transistor when an overvoltage event is present at the pad.

Systems and methods to estimate trapped charge for a controlled automatic reclose of a power line using a ganged switching device are described herein. For example, an intelligent electronic device (IED) may calculate a voltage amount associated with trapped charge of each phase of a power line based on voltage measurements of the power line. The IED may send a signal to close a ganged switching device at a time based at least in part on the trapped charge of each phase of a power line.

A semiconductor device includes: a switching device including a main portion and a current sensing portion for detecting a current value of the main portion; a control IC including a gate drive unit that drives the switching device; a sensing resistor connected between an emitter of the main portion and an emitter of the current sensing portion and formed inside the control IC; a comparator comparing a sense voltage applied to the sensing resistor with a reference voltage; and a shut-down circuit shutting down an energization of the switching device when the sense voltage exceeds the reference voltage, wherein the sense voltage is more than or equal to 1 V when the energization of the switching device is shut down.

Various implementations are directed to a method for detecting, by a device, an increase in temperature at certain parts of an electrical system, and taking appropriate responsive action. The method may include measuring temperatures at certain locations within the system and estimating temperatures at other locations based on the measurements. Some embodiments include an integrated cable combining electrical conduction and heat-detection capabilities, or an integrated cable or connector combining electrical conduction with a thermal fuse.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a remote network device, power and data from a central network device, wherein the power is used to power the remote network device, performing auto-negotiation with the central network device, wherein the auto-negotiation includes operating the remote network device in a low voltage mode during fault sensing of a power circuit at the remote network device, and selecting a power operating mode, wherein selecting the power operating mode includes selecting a high voltage mode if no fault is detected during the fault sensing, the high voltage mode comprising DC (direct current) pulse power. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.