CONTROL CIRCUIT CONFIGURED TO DETERMINE WHEN A DIRECT CURRENT COMPONENT IN AN ALTERNATING CURRENT POWER LINE PASSES A DESIGNATED THRESHOLD
First Claim
1. A control circuit configured to monitor an alternating current power line, the control circuit comprising:
- a current sensor configured to detect alternating current transmitted through a power line, wherein the alternating current of the power line includes an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current DC offset component;
a filter sub-circuit configured to receive a sensor output from the current sensor that is representative of the AC component and the DC component, the AC component having a frequency that is higher than a frequency of the DC component, the filter sub-circuit configured to block the AC component and generate a DC output that is based on the DC component; and
an analysis sub-circuit configured to receive the DC output from the filter sub-circuit and determine that the DC output from the filter sub-circuit has passed a designated threshold, the analysis sub-circuit configured to trip a relay or output a signal when the DC output from the filter sub-circuit passes the designated threshold.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Control circuit includes a current sensor that is configured to detect alternating current transmitted through a power line. The alternating current includes an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current DC offset component. The control circuit also includes a filter sub-circuit that is configured to receive a sensor output from the current sensor that is representative of the AC component and the DC component. The AC component has a frequency higher than a frequency of the DC component. The filter sub-circuit is configured generate a DC output that is based on the DC component. The control circuit also includes an analysis sub-circuit that is configured to receive the DC output and determine that the DC output has passed a designated threshold. The analysis sub-circuit is configured to trip a relay or output a signal when the DC output passes the designated threshold.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A control circuit configured to monitor an alternating current power line, the control circuit comprising:
-
a current sensor configured to detect alternating current transmitted through a power line, wherein the alternating current of the power line includes an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current DC offset component; a filter sub-circuit configured to receive a sensor output from the current sensor that is representative of the AC component and the DC component, the AC component having a frequency that is higher than a frequency of the DC component, the filter sub-circuit configured to block the AC component and generate a DC output that is based on the DC component; and an analysis sub-circuit configured to receive the DC output from the filter sub-circuit and determine that the DC output from the filter sub-circuit has passed a designated threshold, the analysis sub-circuit configured to trip a relay or output a signal when the DC output from the filter sub-circuit passes the designated threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
9. A system comprising:
-
an alternating current power line that is configured to convey power from a power supply to a load; a circuit breaker coupled to the power line; and a control circuit configured to monitor the alternating current power line, the control circuit comprising; a current sensor configured to detect alternating current transmitted through a power line, wherein the alternating current of the power line includes an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current DC offset component; a filter sub-circuit configured to receive a sensor output from the current sensor that is representative of the AC component and the DC component, the AC component having a frequency that is higher than a frequency of the DC component, the filter sub-circuit configured to block the AC component and generate a DC output that is based on the DC component; and an analysis sub-circuit configured to receive the DC output from the filter sub-circuit and determine that the DC output from the filter sub-circuit has passed a designated threshold, the analysis sub-circuit configured to activate a contactor of the circuit breaker or output a signal to an operator when the DC output from the filter sub-circuit passes the designated threshold.
-
-
17. A method comprising:
-
monitoring an alternating current power line that conveys power to a load; detecting an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current (DC) offset component in the alternating current; generating a sensor output that is representative of the AC component and the DC component, the AC component having a frequency that is higher than a frequency of the DC component; filtering the sensor output by blocking the AC component and generating a DC output that is based on the DC component; determining the DC output has passed a designated threshold; and tripping a relay or outputting a signal when the DC output passes the designated threshold. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification