Power transfer switch assembly

• US 20030034693A1
• Filed: 08/16/2002
• Published: 02/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DynaGen Technologies, Inc. (Cattron Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: DynaGen Technologies, Inc. (Cattron Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Langham, David, Wareham, Paul C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,030,514 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/23
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/018 Application transfer; between utility and emergency power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/06 with automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/066 characterised by the use of dynamo-electric machines H02J9/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/068 Electronic means for switching from one power supply to another power supply, e.g. to avoid parallel connection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/08 requiring starting of a prime-mover

Abstract

A modularly attachable transfer switch assembly for operative connection to two alternate power sources and a power load is disclosed. The transfer switch can be quickly and easily installed upon existing electrical meters and therefore does not require modifications to existing electrical wiring systems. The transfer switch includes one power switch for selectively connecting a electrical utility power supply to the power load of a structure, such as a building for example, and a second power switch for selectively connecting an emergency power supply to the power load of the building. The transfer switch includes a mechanical interlock operatively connected to both the power switches for physically preventing both the power switches from assuming simultaneous ON positions, and a controller for controlling the emergency power supply and the transfer switches. The transfer switch is enclosed within a casing adapted for connection between a watt-hour meter and a meter socket of existing service installations for simple installation of the transfer switch.

Claims

1. A power transfer switch assembly modularly attachable to a service installation, for selectively connecting one of a main power supply and an alternate power supply to a power load comprising:

a first power switch switchable between an ON state and an OFF state, for receiving the main power supply and for coupling the main power supply to the power load in the ON state;

a second power switch switchable between an ON state and an OFF state, for receiving the alternate power supply and for coupling the alternate power supply to the power load in the ON state;

a mechanical interlock having a locking actuator mechanically coupled to the first and the second power switches for physically preventing the first power switch and the second power switch from assuming simultaneous ON states;

a controller for monitoring the main power supply and switching the first power switch to the OFF state and the second power switch to the ON state when a disturbance in the main power supply is detected, the controller switching the second power switch to the OFF state and the first power switch to the ON state when the main power supply is restored; and

,

a casing containing the first power switch, the second power switch, the mechanical interlock and the controller, the casing having load terminals and line terminals for connection with a meter socket of the service installation, and line out and line in feed terminals for connection with a watt-hour meter of the service installation, the load terminals being connected to the first and second power switches, the line terminals being connected to the line out feed terminals, and the line in feed terminals being connected to the first power switch.

2. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the casing receives the main power supply from the line terminals and the alternate power supply from a cable.

3. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a remote communication system for exchanging information with a remote interface unit.

4. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the remote communication system includes hard wired twisted pair communications cable.

5. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the remote communication system includes a power line communications modem.

6. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the remote communication system includes a wireless radio frequency modem.

7. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the remote interface unit includes a stand-alone user interface display.

8. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the remote interface unit includes a personal computing device.

9. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 8, wherein the personal computing device includes a personal computer.

10. The power transfer switch assembly of claim 8, wherein the personal computing device includes a personal digital assistant.