Fault sensor suitable for use in heterogenous power distribution systems
First Claim
1. A method of detecting and signaling power line faults using a fault sensor so as to enable fault detection within a power distribution network that includes distributed generators and a multiplicity of fault sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
- the fault sensor triggering in response to a line condition in which line current exceeds a trigger value;
during a predetermined period of time following triggering, detecting whether the line becomes substantially de-energized multiple times, indicative of reclosure of circuit protection equipment coupled to the power line; and
signaling a result of said detecting step.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fault sensor suitable for use in a heterogenous power distribution system executes a stored program and causes sufficient information to be collected to distinguish a source of fault current as being from a public utility portion of the power distribution network or from a distributed generator. Short circuit current and magnetizing current are reliably distinguished based on differences in VI "signatures." In addition, the fault sensor periodically senses a condition of a battery of the fault sensor. When the condition of the battery indicates the battery power is low, the fault sensor sends a digital data signal including a low battery indication to a remote location. Subsequent to occurrence of a sustained power outage, the sensor detects that power has been restored and sends to a remote location a digital data signal including an indication that power has been restored. The sensor periodically measures peak line voltage and peak line current and reports peak values to the remote location.
106 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of detecting and signaling power line faults using a fault sensor so as to enable fault detection within a power distribution network that includes distributed generators and a multiplicity of fault sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
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the fault sensor triggering in response to a line condition in which line current exceeds a trigger value; during a predetermined period of time following triggering, detecting whether the line becomes substantially de-energized multiple times, indicative of reclosure of circuit protection equipment coupled to the power line; and signaling a result of said detecting step.
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2. A method of detecting and signaling power line faults using a fault sensor so as to enable fault detection within a power distribution network that includes distributed generators and a multiplicity of fault sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
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the fault sensor triggering if line current exceeds a trigger value; and after triggering, collecting information sufficient to distinguish a source of the fault current as being from a public utility portion of the power distribution network or from a distributed generator. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of detecting and signaling power line faults using a fault sensor so as to enable fault detection within a power distribution network that includes distributed generators and a multiplicity of fault sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
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the fault sensor triggering in response to a line condition in which line current exceeds a trigger value; detecting that a sustained power outage condition exists; detecting that the sustained power outage condition has ceased and that power has been restored; and sending to a remote location an indication that power has been restored.
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20. A method of using a fault sensor including a microprocessor within a power distribution network that includes distributed generators and a multiplicity of fault sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
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under control of the microprocessor, monitoring line conditions and the condition of the fault sensor; and sending to remote location a digital data signal including at least one of the following;
a number of times the line was de-energized within a predetermined period of time;
an indication that power has been restored following a sustained outage; and
an indication that battery power is low.
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21. A power line fault sensor that executes a stored program, the stored program including computer instructions for:
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triggering the fault sensor in response to a line condition in which line current exceeds a trigger value; and collecting information sufficient to distinguish a source of the fault current as being from a public utility portion of the power distribution network or from a distributed generator.
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22. A method of detecting a live-wire fault of a power transmission line using a fault sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
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periodically determining line voltage; detecting abnormally low voltage on the power transmission line; and signalling one of multiple backfeeding fault conditions depending on the voltage level of the abnormally low voltage. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification