Load management and switching devices and methods

• US 10,193,381 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2016
• Issued: 01/29/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
• Original Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
• Inventors: Czarnecki, Neil A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barnie, Rexford
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ly, Xuan
• Application Number:
  US15/276,978
• Publication Number:
  US 20180090986A1
• Time in Patent Office: 854 Days
• Field of Search: 307 29
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/018 Application transfer; between utility and emergency power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 47/001 Functional circuits, e.g. logic, sequencing, interlocking circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/26 for interlocking two or more switches H01H13/568 takes precedence; by a detachable member H01H9/28 ; for electromagnetic relays H01H50/323
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/14 The load or loads being home appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/066 characterised by the use of dynamo-electric machines H02J9/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/08 requiring starting of a prime-mover
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/242 Home appliances
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/248 UPS systems or standby or emergency generators

Abstract

A load management module for disconnecting continuous loads for a predetermined amount of time when an excessive load is experienced to permit critical intermittent loads to remain energized. The load management module has a first group of relays and a second group of relays each connected to various intermittent loads (e.g., lighting branch circuits) and each controlled by a timer. The load management module activates the relays when a maximum power output of a secondary power source is exceeded. An automatic transfer switch capable of operating with larger disconnect/breaker sizes (e.g., 200 amps) for larger emergency backup systems. The automatic transfer switch comprises a plate operably connected to a drive system and a pair of breakers.

Claims

1. A method for managing loads supplied by a secondary power source, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first set of normally closed relays electrically connected to a first plurality of loads;

providing a second set of normally closed relays electrically connected to a second plurality of loads;

providing a first timer electrically connected to the first set of relays and set to a predetermined amount of time;

providing a second timer electrically connected to the second set of relays and set to a predetermined amount of time, wherein the set time of the second timer is greater than the set time of the first timer;

providing a first current transformer;

providing a second current transformer;

wherein the first and second current transformers receive a current draw from the secondary power source and produce an actual voltage proportional to the current passed through each of the first and second current transformers;

providing a reference voltage, wherein the reference voltage is a voltage equal to a predetermined percentage of a maximum allowable current draw from the secondary power source;

monitoring the actual voltage;

comparing the reference voltage with the actual voltage; and

when the actual voltage exceeds the reference voltage;

opening both the first and second set of relays;

starting both the first and second timers;

when the set time of the first timer elapses, close the first set of relays; and

when the set time of the second timer elapses, close the second set of relays.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set time of the first timer is 3.5 minutes.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the set time of the second timer is 7 minutes.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of relays comprises four relays.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of providing a first, relay driver configured to control the first set of relays, and when the actual voltage exceeds the reference voltage, sending a signal to open the first set of relays.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second set of relays comprises four relays.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of providing a first relay driver configured to control the second set of relays, and when the actual voltage exceeds the reference voltage, sending a signal to open the second set of relays.

8. An automatic transfer switch comprising:

a first breaker with a switch handle;

a second breaker with a switch handle and mechanically oriented to be in opposition to the first breaker;

a drive system comprising a servomotor with an axis of rotation, a cam member, and an arm, wherein the cam member is operatively connected to the servomotor and the arm extends from the cam member in the same direction as the axis of rotation, but positioned distally from the axis of rotation;

a plate comprising a first elongate aperture, a second elongate aperture, and a third elongate aperture, wherein the major axis of the first and second elongate apertures are perpendicular to the major axis of the third elongate aperture;

wherein the first elongate aperture is configured to receive the switch handle of the first breaker;

wherein the second elongate aperture is configured to receive the switch handle of the second breaker;

wherein the third elongate aperture is configured to receive and be in operative contact with the arm of the drive system; and

wherein rotation of the servomotor translates into linear motion of the plate relative to the first and second breakers.

9. The automatic transfer switch of claim 8,

wherein the first breaker has a closed state and an open state,

wherein the second breaker has a closed state and an open state;

and

whereby, when the first breaker is in its closed state, the second breaker is in its open state, and when the second breaker is in its closed state, the first breaker is in its open state.

10. The automatic transfer switch of claim 8,

wherein the switch handle for the first breaker has a switch handle throw distance and the first elongate aperture has a length;

and

whereby the length of the first elongate aperture is equal to or greater than the throw distance of the switch handle for the first breaker.

11. The automatic transfer switch of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of slots configured to receive a plurality of pins, wherein the relationship between the plurality of pins and the plurality of slots promotes linear plate movement.