Intelligent circuit breaker providing synchronous switching and condition monitoring
First Claim
1. A modular system for monitoring and controlling a switching device, comprising:
- (a) a breaker control unit (BCU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for controlling the operation of said switching device;
(b) a synchronous control unit (SCU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for opening and closing said switching device; and
,(c) a condition monitoring unit (CMU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with said switching device;
each of said BCU, SCU and CMU modules being individually removable from said modular system as desired and each of said BCU, SCU and CMU modules being replaceable in said modular system as needed, wherein the system will remain operable even if a module fails, said CMU comprising wear determination means for determining the wear condition of a component of the switching device, said wear determination means being operative to determine said wear condition on the basis of at least measurements of;
(1) reaction time, defined as an elapsed time from initiation of a close signal for closing said switching device to a first signal generated by a sensing device indicating that said switching device has begun to close;
(2) velocity of the switching device during free travel without the effect of contact make/break or damping; and
(3) absolute travel of the switching device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear. The intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system improves system operation and equipment maintenance.
78 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A modular system for monitoring and controlling a switching device, comprising:
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(a) a breaker control unit (BCU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for controlling the operation of said switching device; (b) a synchronous control unit (SCU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for opening and closing said switching device; and
,(c) a condition monitoring unit (CMU) module operatively coupled to said switching device for monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with said switching device; each of said BCU, SCU and CMU modules being individually removable from said modular system as desired and each of said BCU, SCU and CMU modules being replaceable in said modular system as needed, wherein the system will remain operable even if a module fails, said CMU comprising wear determination means for determining the wear condition of a component of the switching device, said wear determination means being operative to determine said wear condition on the basis of at least measurements of;
(1) reaction time, defined as an elapsed time from initiation of a close signal for closing said switching device to a first signal generated by a sensing device indicating that said switching device has begun to close;
(2) velocity of the switching device during free travel without the effect of contact make/break or damping; and
(3) absolute travel of the switching device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification