Patent classifications
H02H3/006
Current control and circuit protection for distributed energy resources
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an energy storage system includes one or more power sources, one or more energy storage components, and one or more solid state circuit breakers disposed between the one or more power sources and the one or more energy storage components such that electrical power is exchanged between the one or more power sources to the one or more energy storage components through the one or more solid state circuit breakers. The energy storage system also includes a controller configured to operate the one or more solid state circuit breakers to control current exchanged with the one or more energy storage components and protect the one or more energy storage components from the one or more power sources during a fault condition.
SOLID-STATE GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER
Ground-fault circuit interrupter positioned between energy controlled supply circuit and load circuit which includes fault detection circuit that senses ground path current leakage to the load circuit, fault processing circuit that detects presence of fault and generates fault output signal when fault detected, and control circuit switch connected to fault processing signal output, wherein control circuit switch is opened by presence of fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from supply circuit. Preferably fault processing circuit and control circuit are optically linked, such that when fault is detected, control circuit switch is opened by optical fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from the supply circuit. Circuit interrupter may couple another circuit interrupter via power distribution control unit, optionally manageable remotely via automated control interface.
CIRCUIT BREAKER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE COORDINATION
A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker and add a pulse interval after the current chops to zero but before the solid-state circuit breaker returns to an ON state for a next pulse to begin.
Circuit breaker distribution system configured to provide selective coordination
A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The solid-state switch comprises a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and computer-readable logic code stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, causes the microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, and choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker.
FORCED DISCHARGE TEST APPARATUS AND FORCED DISCHARGE TEST METHOD
A forced discharge test apparatus includes a heating circuit; a discharge circuit; a temperature sensor; and a controller. When the controller receives a test command indicating a test resistance and a test temperature, the controller outputs a first control signal to the heating circuit to increase the temperature of a battery cell. The controller outputs a second control signal to the discharge circuit to discharge the battery cell when the temperature of the battery cell reaches the set test temperature. The controller determines that the test temperature is valid with respect to the test resistance when the temperature of the battery cell is equal to or lower than the upper temperature limit at a time point at which a predetermined heating time has passed from a time point when the first control signal is outputted.
Method and device for locating faults along an energy supply chain for DC current systems
A method and a device for locating faults along an energy supply chain for DC current systems. To provide a reliable fault location for DC current systems, at least one reference short circuit is generated at a known reference fault location of the energy supply chain and at least one physical property of the energy supply chain is determined during the reference short circuit. At least one physical property of the energy supply chain during the operational short circuit is determined, and a fault location of the operational short circuit is determined, taking into account at least the determined physical properties during the reference short circuit and the operational short circuit and the reference fault location.
Widerange shunt and undervoltage
A trip apparatus has a power terminal, an actuator, a rectifier coupled to the power terminal, a selector, and a processor, the actuator having a pusher member and a coil, the pusher member movable between a first position that does not actuate an actuator interface of a connected circuit breaker and a second position that actuates the actuator interface. The processor has a first input, a second input, and an output, the first input of the processor is coupled to the output of the rectifier, the second input of the processor coupled to an output of the selector, and the output of the processor coupled to the actuator. The processor determines a threshold based on a select signal received at the second input of the processor, and compares a voltage at the first input of the processor to the threshold. The processor controls the coil to selectively control the pusher member in the first or second position based on the comparison of the voltage at the first input of the processor to the threshold.
MOBILE DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTAL SHUTDOWN
A mobile device for avoiding accidental shutdown includes a battery cell, a controller, and a jack element. The controller defines a first delay time and a second delay time. The first delay time is relative to the ODCP (Over Discharge Current Protection) of the battery cell. The second delay time is relative to the OVP (Over Voltage Protection) of the battery cell. When a plug of a power supply device is unplugged from the jack element, the controller detects an SOH (State of Health) of the battery cell. The controller compares the SOH with a first threshold ratio and a second threshold ratio. Then, the controller extends the first delay time and the second delay time according to a first multiplier, a second multiplier, or a third multiplier.
Hazardous location compliant circuit protection devices having enhanced safety intelligence, systems and methods
Compliant electrical circuit protection devices are described for use in hazardous environments without presenting ignition risks for potentially explosive environmental conditions. Sensing features and systems may evaluate wiring limits and user selected settings for compatibility, detect loose connections and operating parameters to ensure safe operation of the device, and to intelligently diagnose and manage issues of concern for the circuit protection devices as well as the larger electrical power system.
Fault protection device with ground trip delay and method
A reclosing fault protection device detects a partial bypass state. Upon detecting the partial bypass state, the fault protection device implements a ground trip delay operating state. The ground trip delay operating state provides a delayed ground trip response characteristic.