Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080284585 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING POWER SYSTEM INFORMATION THROUGH A RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICE - A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water). | 11-20-2008 |
20090088990 | SYNCHRONIZED PHASOR PROCESSOR FOR A POWER SYSTEM - A device is provided for monitoring and controlling various power system device and elements. The device generally includes a communications channel for receiving phasor data associated with a location on the power system. The device further includes a logic engine which performs scalar, vector and/or other complex calculation based on the phasor data to provide control data or an output signal for effecting the various other power system devices or elements to provide local or wide area protection, control, and monitoring to maintain power system stability. | 04-02-2009 |
20090091303 | Power Angle Monitor - A system and method for monitoring the rotation of a generator rotor and calculating a power angle using an optical rotor displacement monitor. The monitor uses a light beam directed toward the rotor to detect a marking thereon, and generates an electrical pulse when the marking is detected. The time between the pulse and a reference point (such as a zero crossing) of the signal waveform from the terminals of the generator is used to calculate the power angle of the generator. The system is adaptive in that it can account for new markings on the rotor. The system may be connected to a network so that power angles from various generators on the electrical network may be compared. The system may further be connected to a common time source such that a time stamp may be applied to the power angles from various generators, allowing for more accurate comparison of the power angles. | 04-09-2009 |
20090125158 | STATE AND TOPOLOGY PROCESSOR - A State and Topology Processor (STP) may be communicatively coupled to one or more intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) communicatively coupled to a electrical power system to obtain one or more current measurements, voltage measurements, and dynamic topology data therefrom. The STP may receive the measurement data and may determine a current topology and a voltage topology therefrom. A current processor may use the current topology and the current measurements to refine the measurements, perform KCL, unbalance, symmetrical component, and consistency checks on the electrical power system. The voltage processor may use the voltage topology and the voltage measurements to perform similar checks on the electrical power system. One or more alarms may be generated responsive to the checks. The data may be displayed to a user in a display of a human machine interface and/or may be transmitted to a user programmable task module, and/or an external control unit. | 05-14-2009 |
20090251308 | THREE-PHASE FAULTED CIRCUIT INDICATOR - A three-phase faulted circuit indicator adjustable to accommodate a variety of three-phase power cables is disclosed. In one embodiment, faulted circuit indicator comprises a flexible holder that encircles the monitored conductor slightly more than one time. The flexible holder includes a plurality of magnetic sensors for monitoring the current within the internal conductors of the power cable, a logic circuit for determining the occurrence of a fault, and an output device for providing an indication of a fault. In a second embodiment, the faulted circuit indicator comprises a plurality of sensor compartments, each disposed about a central point, and each coupled to two other sensor compartments. | 10-08-2009 |
20100002348 | DISTRIBUTED BUS DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION USING TIME-STAMPED DATA - A distributed busbar protection system using time-stamped data gathered from measurement devices in an electrical power system bus arrangement by respective intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The IEDs may derive the timestamp information from a clock or other time source, which may be synchronized to a common time source and/or an absolute time. The time-stamped measurement data may be used by a protection device to monitor and/or protect the electrical power system. The protection device may include a real-time vector processor, which may time-align the time-stamped data, determine one or more bus differential protection zones, and implement a differential protection function within each of the protection zones. One or more protective control signals may be transmitted to the IEDs to trip the corresponding breakers and clear the bus fault. | 01-07-2010 |
20100072355 | ARC FLASH PROTECTION WITH SELF-TEST - An method for automatically testing an arc flash detection system by periodically or continually transmitting electro-optical (EO) radiation through one or more transmission cables electro-optically coupled to respective EO radiation collectors. A test EO signal may pass through the EO radiation collector to be received by an EO sensor. An attenuation of the EO signal may be determined by comparing the intensity of the transmitted EO signal to an intensity of the received EO signal. A self-test failure may be detected if the attenuation exceeds a threshold. EO signals may be transmitted according to a particular pattern (e.g., a coded signal) to allow an arc flash detection system to distinguish the test EO radiation from EO radiation indicative of an arc flash event. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073830 | SECURE ARC FLASH DETECTION - An intelligent electronic device (IED) may be configured to detect arc flash events within a power system using stimulus measurements acquired by detection devices communicatively coupled to the power system. An arc flash event may be detected using a time-intensity comparison metric, such as an inverse time-over-stimulus metric, a cumulative stimulus metric, or the like. The stimulus may include electro-optical (EO) radiation produced in the vicinity of the power system, current measurements, or the like. The IED may detect an arc flash event if one or more of the stimulus types are indicative of an arc flash event. Responsive to detecting an arc flash event, the IED, or other protective element, may take one or more protective actions, such as issuing trip commands, or the like. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073831 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH METERING AND OSCILLOGRAPHY - A device, such as an intelligent electronic device (IED), provides a monitoring and protective function for a power system. The protective function uses stimulus acquired from the power system to detect power system conditions and to take one or more protective actions responsive thereto. The device may detect arc flash events in the power system based upon electro-optical and/or current stimulus measurements obtained therefrom. The stimulus measurements may be recorded to use in metering, validation, identifying detector misoperation, and/or event oscillography. | 03-25-2010 |
20100141463 | PROVIDING PRICE AND SERVICE INFORMATION TO ELECTRIC POWER CUSTOMERS - A notification device and method associated therewith for notifying an electric power consumer to reduce electric power consumption when the notification device detects selected power system conditions. The notification device detects conditions on the electric power system that would likely be alleviated by a reduction in consumer power consumption and provides a visual and/or audible notification to the consumer accordingly. The condition may be indicative of strains on the electric power system and/or higher cost of electricity distributed to the consumer. The condition may be induced by the electric power utility. The notification device and method disclosed herein allow the consumer to decide whether to reduce power consumption as is practical for the consumer. | 06-10-2010 |
20100201230 | ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM CONTROL SYSTEM WITH SELECTIVE ENCLOSURE - An enclosure for electric power system control, monitoring, protection, and automation access devices, which includes a selective workspace enclosure. The enclosure includes a workspace enclosure for enclosing a workspace adjacent to a device for controlling, protecting, monitoring, and/or monitoring an electric power system, thereby providing a shelter or barrier to the elements for personnel accessing the device. Generally, the enclosure may be partitioned to include a number of cabinets, in each of which a number of devices may be installed. The enclosure may further include a platform, guide members, protective barriers and cover members (when retracted housed in a cover cabinet) to provide a shelter or barrier to the elements for personnel accessing the devices from a select workspace. The enclosure may be modular in that multiple modules, each of which may include its own protective cover member, may be installed adjacent to each other, such that enclosed workspaces may be selectively extended to provide enclosed workspaces only as needed. | 08-12-2010 |
20100231040 | MOBILE AUXILLIARY POWER SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - A system, apparatus and method for increasing the reliability of an electric power transmission or distribution system by injecting controlled electric power into the transmission or distribution system using mobile electric power sources. The mobile electric power source may be a locomotive engine. The mobile electric power source may be controlled using an IED. The mobile electric power source may be controlled to provide active power or reactive power or act as a governor or exciter to the electric power transmission or distribution system. | 09-16-2010 |
20100254225 | FAULT TOLERANT TIME SYNCHRONIZATION - Systems and methods for distributing accurate time information to geographically separated communications devices are disclosed. Additionally, the desired systems and methods may adjust local time signals to compensate for measured signal drifts relative to more accurate time signals. Moreover, a system may determine a best available time signal based on a weighted average of available time signals or select a best available time signal based on weighted characteristics of various time signals. A system may be further configured to transmit time information embedded in an overhead portion of a SONET frame, including transmission of a standard or common time. | 10-07-2010 |
20110004425 | STATE AND TOPOLOGY PROCESSOR - A State and Topology Processor (STP) may be communicatively coupled to one or more intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) communicatively coupled to a electrical power system to obtain one or more current measurements, voltage measurements, and dynamic topology data therefrom. The STP may receive the measurement data and may determine a current topology and a voltage topology therefrom. A current processor may use the current topology and the current measurements to refine the measurements, perform KCL, unbalance, symmetrical component, and consistency checks on the electrical power system. The voltage processor may use the voltage topology and the voltage measurements to perform similar checks on the electrical power system. One or more alarms may be generated responsive to the checks. The data may be displayed to a user in a display of a human machine interface and/or may be transmitted to a user programmable task module, and/or an external control unit. | 01-06-2011 |
20110035065 | ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM AUTOMATION USING TIME COORDINATED INSTRUCTIONS - A system for controlling and automating an electric power delivery system by executing time coordinated instruction sets to achieve a desired result. A communication master may implement the execution of time coordinated instruction sets in a variety of circumstances. The communication may be embodied as an automation controller in communication with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The communication master may also be embodied as an IED that is configured to coordinate the actions of other IEDs. The time coordinated instruction sets may include steps for checking status of power system equipment before executing. The time coordinated instruction sets may include reactionary steps to execute if one of the steps fails. The time coordinated instruction sets may also be implemented based on a condition detected in the electric power delivery system, or may be implemented through high level systems, such as a SCADA system or a wide area control and situational awareness system. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035066 | ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM AUTOMATION USING TIME COORDINATED INSTRUCTIONS - A system for controlling and automating an electric power delivery system by executing time coordinated instruction sets to achieve a desired result. A communication master may implement the execution of time coordinated instruction sets in a variety of circumstances. The communication may be embodied as an automation controller in communication with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The communication master may also be embodied as an IED that is configured to coordinate the actions of other IEDs. The time coordinated instruction sets may include steps for checking status of power system equipment before executing. The time coordinated instruction sets may include reactionary steps to execute if one of the steps fails. The time coordinated instruction sets may also be implemented based on a condition detected in the electric power delivery system, or may be implemented through high level systems, such as a SCADA system or a wide area control and situational awareness system. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035076 | ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM AUTOMATION USING TIME COORDINATED INSTRUCTIONS - A system for controlling and automating an electric power delivery system by executing time coordinated instruction sets to achieve a desired result. A communication master may implement the execution of time coordinated instruction sets in a variety of circumstances. The communication may be embodied as an automation controller in communication with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The communication master may also be embodied as an IED that is configured to coordinate the actions of other IEDs. The time coordinated instruction sets may include steps for checking status of power system equipment before executing. The time coordinated instruction sets may include reactionary steps to execute if one of the steps fails. The time coordinated instruction sets may also be implemented based on a condition detected in the electric power delivery system, or may be implemented through high level systems, such as a SCADA system or a wide area control and situational awareness system. | 02-10-2011 |
20110080283 | FAULT DETECTION USING PHASE COMPARISON - A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water). | 04-07-2011 |
20110085272 | Systems and Methods for Generator Ground Fault Protection - A generator winding-to-ground fault detection system is disclosed that includes a signal injection source in electrical communication with a winding of an electric power generator via an injection transformer. The winding may be coupled to ground via a winding-to-ground path and the signal generation source may generate an injection signal capable of being injected to the winding using the injection transformer. The disclosed system may further include a protection module in communication with the signal injection source and the electric power generator configured to receive the injection signal and a signal relating to the current through the winding-to-ground path, and to determine the occurrence of a winding-to-ground fault condition based at least in part on the injection signal and the signal relating to the current through the winding-to-ground path. | 04-14-2011 |
20110251732 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING A LOAD MODEL AND RELATED PARAMETERS BASED ON LOAD DYNAMICS - Disclosed are systems and methods for calculating load models and associated tunable parameters that may be used to describe the behavior of loads connected to an electric power distribution system. The load models may be utilized to predict variations in demand caused by changes in the supply voltage, and may be utilized in determining an optimized control strategy based on load dynamics. Any action which causes a disruption to the electric power distribution system may provide information regarding the composition or dynamics of connected loads. Such actions may be referred to as modeling events. Modeling events may occur with some frequency in electric power distribution systems, and accordingly, a number of data sets may be acquired under a variety of conditions and at a variety of times. Load models may include static load models, dynamic load models, or a combination of static and dynamic load models. | 10-13-2011 |
20110260042 | Power Angle Monitor - A system and method for monitoring the rotation of a generator rotor and calculating a power angle using an optical rotor displacement monitor. The monitor uses a light beam directed toward the rotor to detect a marking thereon, and generates an electrical pulse when the marking is detected. The time between the pulse and a reference point (such as a zero crossing) of the signal waveform from the terminals of the generator is used to calculate the power angle of the generator. The system is adaptive in that it can account for new markings on the rotor. The system may be connected to a network so that power angles from various generators on the electrical network may be compared. The system may further be connected to a common time source such that a time stamp may be applied to the power angles from various generators, allowing for more accurate comparison of the power angles. | 10-27-2011 |
20120312977 | Arc Flash Protection System with Self-Test - An method for automatically testing an arc flash detection system by periodically or continually transmitting electro-optical (EO) radiation through one or more transmission cables electro-optically coupled to respective EO radiation collectors. A test EO signal may pass through the EO radiation collector to be received by an EO sensor. An attenuation of the EO signal may be determined by comparing the intensity of the transmitted EO signal to an intensity of the received EO signal. A self-test failure may be detected if the attenuation exceeds a threshold. EO signals may be transmitted according to a particular pattern (e.g., a coded signal) to allow an arc flash detection system to distinguish the test EO radiation from EO radiation indicative of an arc flash event. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313490 | Power Angle Monitor - A system and method for monitoring the rotation of a generator rotor. The monitor uses a light beam directed toward the rotor to detect a marking thereon, and generates an electrical pulse when the marking is detected. The time between the pulse and a reference point (such as a zero crossing) of the signal waveform from the terminals of the generator may be used to calculate the power angle of the generator. The system is adaptive in that it can account for new markings on the rotor. The system may be connected to a network so that power angles from various generators on the electrical network may be compared. The system may further be connected to a common time source such that a time stamp may be applied to the power angles from various generators, allowing for more accurate comparison of the power angles. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323397 | Electric Power System Automation Using Time Coordinated Instructions - A system for controlling and automating an electric power delivery system by executing time coordinated instruction sets to achieve a desired result. A communication master may implement the execution of time coordinated instruction sets in a variety of circumstances. The communication may be embodied as an automation controller in communication with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The communication master may also be embodied as an IED that is configured to coordinate the actions of other IEDs. The time coordinated instruction sets may include steps for checking status of power system equipment before executing. The time coordinated instruction sets may include reactionary steps to execute if one of the steps fails. The time coordinated instruction sets may also be implemented based on a condition detected in the electric power delivery system, or may be implemented through high level systems, such as a SCADA system or a wide area control and situational awareness system. | 12-20-2012 |
20130096854 | Fault Location Using Traveling Waves - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for calculating a fault location in electric power delivery system based on a traveling wave created by an electrical fault in the electric power delivery system. According to one embodiment, an intelligent electronic device may be configured to detect a transient traveling wave caused by an electrical fault. A first traveling wave value of the transient traveling wave may be determined and a corresponding first time associated with the first traveling wave may be determined. The IED may receive a second time associated with a second traveling wave value of the transient traveling wave detected by a remote IED. The distance to the remote IED may be known. An estimated fault location may be generated based on the time difference between the first time and the second time. Additional methods of calculating the fault location may also be employed. | 04-18-2013 |
20130135780 | Protective Device with Metering and Oscillography - A device, such as an intelligent electronic device (IED), provides a monitoring and protective function for a power system. The protective function uses stimulus acquired from the power system to detect power system conditions and to take one or more protective actions responsive thereto. The device may detect arc flash events in the power system based upon electro-optical and/or current stimulus measurements obtained therefrom. The stimulus measurements may be recorded to use in metering, validation, identifying detector misoperation, and/or event oscillography. | 05-30-2013 |
20130163132 | HIGH SPEED SIGNALING OF POWER SYSTEM CONDITIONS - A high-speed signaling device on a branch of an electric power distribution system modulates the signal from the branch and communicates the signal to an intelligent electronic device on a feeder to the branch at speeds sufficient for the intelligent electronic device to modify protection algorithms based on the signal from the high-speed signaling device. The intelligent electronic device may be a recloser control that controls protective equipment such as a recloser. The signal may be sent via infrared and/or radio frequency. The signal may be modulated so as to communicate information such as the phase with which it is associated. The high-speed signaling device may further communicate current information to the intelligent electronic device. | 06-27-2013 |
20140068711 | Network Access Management via a Secondary Communication Channel - The present disclosure provides for selectively enabling a primary communication channel upon receipt of enablement instructions received via a secondary communication channel. In some embodiments, a first intelligent electronic device (IED) may be connected to a second IED via a primary communication channel. In various embodiments, the primary communication channel may be selectively and/or temporarily enabled by transmitting an enablement instruction via a secondary communication channel. The secondary communication channel may be relatively more secure than the primary communication channel. In some embodiments, the secondary communication channel may also connect the first and second IEDs. Accordingly, the first IED may transmit an enablement instruction to the second IED in order to temporarily enable communication via the primary communication channel between the first and second IEDs. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074414 | Fault Location Using Traveling Waves - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for calculating a fault location in electric power delivery system based on a traveling wave created by an electrical fault in the electric power delivery system. According to one embodiment, an intelligent electronic device may be configured to detect a transient traveling wave caused by an electrical fault. A first traveling wave value of the transient traveling wave may be determined and a corresponding first time associated with the first traveling wave may be determined. The IED may receive a second time associated with a second traveling wave value of the transient traveling wave detected by a remote IED. The distance to the remote IED may be known. An estimated fault location may be generated based on the time difference between the first time and the second time. Additional methods of calculating the fault location may also be employed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140100702 | DISTRIBUTED COORDINATED WIDE-AREA CONTROL FOR ELECTRIC POWER DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Distributed controllers in an electric power delivery system obtain measurements and equipment status, calculate derived values, and determine IED state, and share such with other distributed controllers and coordination controllers. Distributed controllers and coordination controllers further refine measurements, equipment status, derived values, and IED state. Control of the electric power delivery system is coordinated among the distributed controllers and the coordination controllers. | 04-10-2014 |
20140104738 | COORDINATED HIGH-IMPEDANCE FAULT DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are presented for detecting high-impedance faults (HIFs) in an electric power delivery system using a plurality of coordinated high-impedance fault detection systems. In certain embodiments, a method for HIFs may include receiving first and second current representations associated with first and second locations of the electric power delivery system respectively. Based on at least one of the first and second current representations, the occurrence of an HIF may be determined. A relative location of the HIF may be determined based on a relative amount of interharmonic content associated with an HIF included in the first and second current representations, and a protective action may be taken based on the determined relative location. | 04-17-2014 |
20140128999 | Recording of Operating Parameters of an Intelligent Electronic Device - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for recording operating parameters of an intelligent electronic device (IED). A system may include a parameter acquisition module, a parameter storage module, and a memory management module. The parameter acquisition module may be configured to periodically obtain operating parameters of an IED at a first interval. The first interval may have a first time length to provide a first resolution of operation of the IED. The parameter storage module may be configured to store the operating parameters. The memory management module may be configured to delete, outside a first resolution period, a first portion of the operating parameters while maintaining a second portion of the operating parameters. The second portion may include operating parameters for each of a second interval. The second interval may have a second time length to provide a reduced second resolution of the operation of the IED. | 05-08-2014 |
20150081234 | POWER LINE PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT AND FAULT LOCATION USING TRAVELING WAVES - Fault location using traveling waves in an electric power delivery system according to the embodiments herein uses line parameters that are adjusted using traveling wave reflections from known discontinuities in the electric power delivery system. The arrival times of a traveling wave and a reflection of the traveling wave from a known discontinuity may be used to adjust parameters of the electric power delivery system such as, for example, line length. The adjusted parameter can then be used to more accurately calculate the location of the fault using the traveling waves. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081235 | FAULT LOCATION USING TRAVELING WAVES BY CALCULATING TRAVELING WAVE ARRIVAL TIME - A location of a fault in an electric power delivery system may be detected using traveling waves instigated by the fault. The time of arrival of the traveling wave may be calculated using the peak of the traveling wave. To determine the time of arrival of the peak of the traveling wave, estimates may be made of the time of arrival, and a parabola may be fit to filtered measurements before and after the estimated peak. The maximum of the parabola may be the time of arrival of the traveling wave. Dispersion of the traveling wave may also be corrected using an initial location of the fault and a known rate of dispersion of the electric power delivery system. Time stamps may be corrected using the calculated dispersion of the traveling wave. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081236 | TRAVELING WAVE VALIDATION USING ESTIMATED FAULT LOCATION - Electric power delivery system fault location systems and methods as disclosed herein include validation of the received traveling wave fault measurements. Validation may include estimating a location of the fault using an impedance-based fault location calculation. Time windows of expected arrival times of traveling waves based on the estimated fault location and known parameters of the line may then be established. Arrival times of traveling waves may then be compared against the time windows. If the traveling waves arrive within a time window, then the traveling waves may be used to calculate the location of the fault. | 03-19-2015 |