Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
FAULT DETECTION AND CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
Cross Reference To Related Applications
[0001] None.
Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure is related to electrical receptacles, more
particularly, to integrated power
control, communication and monitoring of electrical receptacles and similar
devices.
Background
[0003] Various conventional circuit interruption devices exist for arc fault
protection, ground fault
protection, overcurrent protection, and surge suppression. An arc fault is an
unintentional electrical
discharge in household wiring characterized by low and erratic voltage/current
conditions that may
ignite combustible materials. A parallel current fault results from direct
contact of two wires of
opposite polarity. A ground current fault occurs when there is a contact,
which may be an arc, between
a hot wire and ground. A series voltage fault occurs when there is an arc
across a break in a single
conductor. When a ground or arc fault is detected, power is conventionally
terminated on the circuit
by an AFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) disconnecting both
receptacle outlets and any
downstream receptacles.
[0004] The devices include transformers that combine magnetic representations
of the current in an
analog form. Transformer current sensors are limited to a fixed current value
and time interval. Upon
sensed voltage imbalance of greater than a specified level, such as 6mV, power
is interrupted by
electromechanical means, such as solenoid tripping a locking mechanism. The
conventional devices
lack capability to disconnect outlets individually, independently of other
loads connected to the outlet.
[0005] A normal arc can occur when a motor starts or a switch is tripped. Only
current flow
imbalance between the hot and neutral conductors is detected by conventional
circuit interrupters.
The individual current line difference is not monitored. Conventional circuit
interrupters trip
frequently by false triggers, as they lack adequate capability to distinguish
between normal arcing and
unwanted arcing. Transformer current sensors are limited to a fixed current
value and time interval.
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Upon sensed voltage imbalance of greater than a specified level, such as 6mV,
power is interrupted
by electromechanical means, such as solenoid tripping a locking mechanism. The
conventional
devices lack capability to disconnect outlets individually, independently of
other loads connected to
the outlet.
[0006] As indicated above, it may be advantageous to improve the usability and
safety of existing
conventional receptacles. Existing conventional GFCI and AFCI receptacles do
not provide detail
about a fault. Currents are not being individually measured. Existing
conventional GFCI and AFCI
receptacles do not measure, monitor and control the delivery of current and
voltage, and do not protect
against overcurrent, under voltage or over voltage at the outlet. It may be
advantageous to limit
interruption of power to affected outlets, receptacles or devices only on the
circuit, based on the type
and location of the fault. Overcurrent protection at the outlet is preferable
to the protection provided
by the circuit breaker as it would avoid detection delay; as well as
associated voltage losses associated
with wire resistance along increasing wire length whereby such voltage losses
impede the ability of
existing circuit breakers to detect a short circuit at a remote location.
[0007] It may be advantageous for overcurrent protection that more effectively
distinguishes between
short circuits, momentary overcurrent and overload so that false triggering
can be avoided. It may be
advantageous for a receptacle that can provide local overcurrent protection as
well as protection
against arc faults and ground faults.
[0008] Conventional existing dual amperage receptacles will supply up to 20A
to an appliance rated
.. for 15A and potentially cause an overcurrent event. It may be advantageous
for a dual amperage (e.g.
15A/20A) receptacle that restricts amperage supplied to a lower rated plug
when a low rated appliance
is plugged in.
[0009] Some existing code standards require the electrician or installer to
apply a very conservative
load rating when designing the appropriate amperage of the system, for example
80% maximum
permissibility as a factor of safety, e.g. maximum 12A load for a 15A circuit
breaker. This is due to
some existing receptacles and breakers being slow to respond, and is required
in order to prevent
overheating or electrical fifes/faults.
[0010] The particular individual line circuit breakers of e.g. 15A/20A are
also conservative in some
situations or code standards and are often defined so as not to overload the
main circuit breaker panel.
These power allocations can be inflexible once setup so as not to overload.
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[0011] Current measurement accuracy is important for effective ground and arc
fault detection as well
as overcurrent protection. Conventional receptacles are factory calibrated and
not re-calibrated by the
device once installed. It may be advantageous for continued self-calibration
of receptacles and
outlets.
[0012] If the hot and neutral conductors have been incorrectly wired to the
receptacle terminals,
electrical equipment plugged into the receptacle can be damaged. Incorrect
wiring can cause short
circuits with potential to harm the user through shock or fire. It may be
advantageous to warn the
receptacle installer that the receptacle has been incorrectly wired and to
preclude supply power to the
load in such event. It may also be advantageous that the outlet not be
operational if the black wire
and white wire are incorrectly connected to the opposite terminals.
[0013] Conventional outlets lack surge protection features, which are
typically provided by power
strips and power bars. A power strip is inserted into a receptacle after which
a sensitive electrical
device is plugged into one of the power strip extension receptacles. Use of
the power strip tends to
lead to a false impression that it is safe to insert additional loads that
more than permissible. It may
.. be advantageous for surge protection at the electrical receptacle to avoid
use of a dedicated power
strip and its attendant disadvantages of power loss and limited life.
[0014] It is possible to plug a GFI extension cord or a power strip with a
comprised ground prong
into a two blade ungrounded receptacle by using a "cheater plug" that allows
the ground prong to be
inserted without a present ground. It is also possible to replace an
ungrounded two blade electrical
receptacle with one with ground socket without actually providing a conductor
to ground pin.
Conventional existing receptacles do not indicate that the supply side safety
ground is present or if it
is compromised. It may be advantageous to protect the user and the equipment
in the event of an
incorrect grounding of an electrical receptacle. If no safety-ground is
present and a wire conductor is
exposed (e.g. has degraded insulation) the user may act as the ground path and
receive a shock.
[0015] Traditionally, GFCI manual testing is accomplished by injecting a
current imbalance. A toroid
type transformer is typically used to measure the current imbalance between
neutral and hot
conductors. The monitoring circuit indicates that an imbalance has occurred
without indicating the
amount of imbalance. This method is limited in that the absolute value of
current imbalance is not
available. There is merely a voltage level that indicates that an imbalance or
fault has occurred. It
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may be advantageous for more comprehensive self-testing and interruption of
supply power to
downstream and/or receptacle loads upon fault detection or an internal
component fault.
[0016] There are some devices that leverage power lines of a home's existing
power outlets to provide
a communication network, so that a computer located at each outlet can
communicate using signals
over the power line. These devices often use the hot power line to
communicate, and are therefore
prone to circuit breaker trips and high voltage fluctuation problems as well
as no communication from
phase to phase, if the receptacles are not connected to the same phase.
[0017] Traditional breakers and electrical receptacles are electromechanical
in design. Certain types
of leakage are captured through AFCI and GFCI.
[0018] Electrical fault detection such as for arcs, are based on capturing
current differentials and then
de-energizing a circuit. They do not incorporate line voltage measurement and
depend on current
fluctuating sufficiently to detect the presence of an arc. They do not
directly measure current and line
voltage and attempt to detect fault conditions by calculating voltage and
current RMS values
(averaging value calculated as Root Means Squared), and doing frequency
analysis. The analysis of
harmonics and variations in high frequency currents are not part of their
fault detection processes and
means.
[0019] Line voltage variation traditionally has not been a consideration in
detecting that an arc has
occurred. Using current sensors on their own will not properly detect some
types of parallel and series
arcs. Furthermore, current sensors have their limitations in programmability
resolutions and
consistency, affected for example, by temperature drift. Breakers and
electrical receptacles using a
processor to measure, analyze and directly control the delivery of current and
voltage do not exist.
[0020] A need exists to replace existing slower electro-mechanical processes
and means which are
typical in existing breakers and conventional receptacle protection as they
can exhibit false triggering
and are prone to faulty detection processes. Although AFCIs detect leakage and
provide protection
against certain parallel arcing (e.g. live to ground), they are inadequate in
properly detecting the
occurrence of arcs between black (live) and white (neutral) where there won't
be current imbalance.
Furthermore, traditional AFCI' s do not provide true protection against series
arcing ¨ rather indirectly
providing AFCI tripping as a function of other events such as shorting, over
current and/or overload.
[0021] A need exists to eliminate the weaknesses of existing AFCI which are
inadequate to detect
and protect against series arcs, in order to reduce the risk of electrical
fires.
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[0022] Conventional AFCI in-wall receptacles and breakers may not adequately
prevent arcing and
often exhibit false tripping. In some cases, the initial arc may cause
ignition prior to detection and
circuit interruption by the AFCI. AFCI protective features are not available
in wall adaptors,
extension cords and power strips.
[0023] While MCB circuit breakers provide both overcurrent and overload
protection, Branch/feeder
and combination AFCIs provide some ground fault protection (for example,
tripping on 70mA current
differentials).
[0024] The need exists for a means and method to provide a higher degree of
confidence that a current
signature traditionally indicative of an arc fault, will not be a false
positive, causing false tripping,
.. thereby reducing the number of occurrences of false tripping.
[0025] Industry literature and publication(s) regarding arc faults has
traditionally been related to
examination of current. Unique signatures have been documented in the current
domain. Examining
arc faults only on the basis of current, may result in only certain kinds of
arcs being detected, as well
as not detecting many false triggers causing false tripping.
[0026] Branch feeder AFCI's and Combination AFCI's, being circuit breakers,
both types provide
both overcurrent and overload protection. Both claim to provide protection
against parallel arcing,
while neither provides protection against series arcing. Manufacturers
claiming to detect and trip on
parallel arc fault events, may not be able to do so for certain types of
parallel arcs, such as occurring
between live (black wiring) and neutral (white wiring) as a current imbalance
between black and white
may not occur and accordingly, depending on detection means, will not trip the
circuit.
[0027] UL 1699 AFCI standard may test for parallel arcing and not for ground
fault or series arcing.
Furthermore, appliance cords are not protected by the AFCI Combination
breakers.
[0028] Ground fault detection has been proposed as enhancing the ability of
breakers to recognize arc
faults, but certification bodies at times have limited their inclusion in the
standards requirements of
the incorporation of 30 Amperage ground fault detection within the AFCI
breaker mechanism.
[0029] Certain arc faults may be indirectly detectable by the inclusion of
leakage current detection,
but this is not a requirement under the electrical code.
[0030] If ground fault detection can enhance response to arcs, then AFCI
detection is further made
more difficult when corded devices are 2-wired, without a path to ground. AFCI
breakers cannot
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detect if an arc event is taking place in an electrical cord of an
appliance/device plugged into
receptacles (nor extension cords).
[0031] Existing AFCI related technologies on the market have resulted in the
certification bodies
testing using various alloys to test for arc faults (copper-to-alloys such as
copper/phosphor) rather
than copper-to-copper in order to provide a sustainable arc(s) for testing
purposes.
[0032] Certification bodies use an copper alloy to be able to create a
sustainable arc; the arcing is
prolonged and intermittent. However, it should be noted that continuous low
current arcing is not
possible with copper-copper. According to Pashen's Law, 1889 establishing
relationships between
breakdown voltage, the gap between two metal plates and the pressure, it has
been argued that a break
in a copper wire will not create a sustainable arc ¨ supporting the argument
that a Combination AFCI
cannot respond to arcing at a break in a carbon-carbon conductor or a loose
connection.
[0033] The need exists for branch feeder AFCI breakers, whether stand-alone or
Combination
AFCI's, and Receptacle Devices to provide reliable arc fault detection for
both series and parallel, at
the branch feeder breaker level and Receptacle Device level. Corded devices
should as well be
.. protected against arcs.
[0034] Other electrical fault concerns include the discontinuance of power
should there be "glowing
contacts". These may take place at many levels whereby connections may be
loose or partial in the
case of multi stranded wires, at the wiring connections in receptacle devices
or the appliance on the
load (e.g. bulb, hair dryer, electric drill, toaster, vacuum cleaner, etc.).
[0035] Instantaneous tripping-type breakers (e.g. MCB's) are designed such
that they won't trip at
15 Amps; rather the current may continue increasing to 200 Amps. During an
overload condition (e.g.
often caused by multiple or too many appliances), it takes a few seconds for
the bi-metallic to heat up
and trip.
[0036] Circuit Breakers at the panel do provide overload and overcurrent
(short circuit), but their
overcurrent rating is as high as 200 Amps to 500 Amps.
[0037] When a certification body requires, say 75 Amperes as the minimum
amount of current to be
provided, "short circuit available" is the current flow that is guaranteed to
be provided, in order for
the traditional industry detection mechanisms to work.
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[0038] It is an object of the inventions disclosed herein to provide means and
processes which address
many of the above inadequacies of traditional electrical fault detection.
[0039] It is also an object of the disclosures to provide means and methods to
detect glowing contacts,
reduce the risk of fires caused by glowing contacts, and even eliminate them
at the receptacle outlet
through mechanical design which prevents looping of the wires at the contact
point, eliminating bad
connections. As well, accordingly without the glowing contacts, the plastic
would not melt reducing
another potential fire risk caused by glowing contacts.
[0040] It is also an object of the disclosures to provide for the improved
detection of both series and
parallel arc faults through means and processes for detecting non-continuous
arc faults.
[0041] Additional difficulties with existing systems may be appreciated in
view of the Detailed
Description of Example Embodiments, herein below.
Summary of Disclosure
[0042] An example embodiment is an electrical device for separated power
lines, the electrical device
comprising: a plurality of electrical devices, each electrical device
comprising a first contact for
electrical connection to a respective upstream hot power line, a second
contact for electrical
connection to a respective neutral power line, and a third contact for
electrical connection to a
respective upstream ground line; each electrical device comprising a fourth
contact for electrical
connection to a respective downstream hot power line, a fifth contact for
electrical connection to a
respective downstream neutral power line, and a sixth contact for electrical
connection to a respective
downstream ground line; and a bus for electrically connecting all of the
downstream ground lines.
[0043] Another example embodiment is an extension cord, comprising: a cable
having a first end
portion and a second end portion; a power input end terminating the first end
portion of the cable; a
power output end terminating the second end portion of the cable; at least one
sensor positioned at
the second end portion for detecting signals indicative of the cable; a solid
state switch in series
relationship with the cable at the second end portion of the cable; a
processor configured to determine,
based on the detected current, that there is a ground fault, arc fault or over-
current condition, and in
response cause the solid state switch to deactivate.
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[0044] Another example embodiment is a communication device, comprising: a
first contact
configured for electrical connection to a downstream power line; a second
contact configured for
electrical connection to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem
configured for wired
communications over the neutral power line to the ground by sending an AC
signal over the
downstream power line.
[0045] Another example embodiment is a communication device, comprising: a
first contact
configured for electrical connection to a neutral power line; a second contact
configured for electrical
connection to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem configured
for wired
communications over the neutral power line to the ground by sending an AC
signal over the neutral
line.
[0046] Another example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a first
contact and a second
contact configured for electrical connection to a hot power line and a neutral
power line, respectively,
the first contact and the second contact for downstream electrical connection
to a downstream hot
power line and downstream neutral power line, respectively; a switch connected
in series relationship
to the hot power line; at least one sensor configured to detect signals of the
hot power line and/or the
neutral power line; memory; a communication interface; at least one processor
configured to execute
instructions stored in the memory for: i) active power distribution of the
power line within each cycle
of the detected voltage signals by activating or deactivating the switch in
response to the signals
detected by at least one of the sensors, ii) control of the switch in response
to receiving a
communication over the communication interface, iii) processing raw
information of the signals
detected by the at least one sensor to arrive at processed information, and
storing the raw information
and the processed information to the memory, and iv) sending at least the
processed information
through the communication interface.
[0047] Another example embodiment is a metering device configured for
distributing power,
comprising: a first contact, a second contact, and a third configured for
electrical connection to a hot
power line, a neutral power line, and a ground line, respectively, the first
contact, the second contact,
and the third contact for downstream electrical connection to a downstream hot
power line,
downstream neutral power line, and downstream ground line, respectively; a
switch connected in
series relationship to the hot power line; at least one sensor configured to
detect signals of the hot
power line and/or the neutral power line; memory; a communication interface;
and at least one
processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for i)
active power distribution of
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(CA 3040940 2019-04-24
the power line within each cycle of the detected voltage signals by activating
or deactivating the
switch in response to the signals detected by at least one of the sensors, ii)
control of the switch in
response to receiving a communication over the communication interface, and
iii) storing raw
information of the signals and/or processed information of the signals to the
memory.
[0048] Another example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact for electrical
connection to a hot power line, and configured for downstream electrical
connection to a downstream
power line; a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power line;
at least one sensor
configured to detect current or voltage signals of the hot power line; at
least one further sensor,
including a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, liquid sensor, vibration
sensor, or carbon monoxide
sensor, configured to detect a condition of the electrical device; and a
processor configured to control
an activation or a deactivation of the switch in response to the current or
voltage signals detected by
the at least one sensor and the condition detected by at least one further
sensor.
[0049] Another example embodiment is an electrical device, comprising: a plug
outlet comprising a
first contact configured for electrical connection to a first hot power line
having a first phase and a
second contact configured for electrical connection to a second hot power line
having a second phase,
a first switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the
first hot power line, a second
switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the second
hot power line, a processor
configured to control an activation or a deactivation of the first switch and
the second switch, the
switches being in a deactivation state as a default when there is a plug in
the plug outlet, the processor
configured to determine that electrical conditions are safe, and in response
activate the first switch
and the second switch to distribute two-phase power to the plug, wherein the
plug is from an electric
vehicle.
[0050] Another example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: at least
one circuit breaker
for connection to at least one hot power line, and each circuit breaker
configured for downstream
electrical connection to a respective downstream power line; and a
communication subsystem; a
processor configured to send, through the communication subsystem, a
communication that one of
the circuit breakers has opened or tripped.
[0051] Additional features of the present disclosure will become readily
apparent to those skilled in
this art from the following detailed description, wherein only the preferred
embodiments are shown
and described, simply by way of illustration. As may be realized, there are
other and different
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embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various
obvious respects, all
without departing from the scope. Accordingly, the drawings and description
are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0052] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of
limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numerals may refer
to similar elements and in which:
[0053] FIGURE IA is an isometric exploded view of a tamper resistant (TR)
electrical receptacle in
.. accordance with an example embodiment;
[0054] FIGURE 1B is an enlarged view of portion B of FIGURE 1A;
[0055] FIGURE 1C is a front view of the TR receptacle of FIGURE 1A;
[0056] FIGURE 1D is a cross-sectional view taken from line A-A of FIGURE 1C;
[0057] FIGURE lE is a front view of TR receptacle of FIGURE lA shown with a
plug inserted;
[0058] FIGURE 1F is a cross-sectional view taken from line B-B of FIGURE 1E;
[0059] FIGURE 2 is a circuit diagram for the example embodiment of FIGURE 1A,
utilizing GFI
protection;
[0060] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart for operation of the circuit of FIGURE 2;
[0061] FIGURE 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram of the example embodiment
of FIGURE 1A,
.. including GFI tester and sensing, and communications module;
[0062] FIGURES 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing operations of the circuit of
FIGURE 4;
[0063] FIGURES 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C together comprise a circuit diagram for AFCI
and GFCI and
surge protection, taken with the circuit diagram of FIGURE 4;
[0064] FIGURE 8 is an exemplary circuit diagram showing the processor,
communications module
.. and logic elements;
[0065] FIGURE 9 is a flowchart showing operations of the processor of FIGURE
8;
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[0066] FIGURE 10 is a flowchart showing a GFI manual test operation of the
processor of FIGURE
8;
[0067] FIGURE 11 is a processing task flowchart for tamper resistance blade
detection circuitry for
FIGURES 6-8;
[0068] FIGURE 12 is a sampling flowchart for the ADC circuitry for FIGURES 6A,
6B, 7A, 7B, 7C
and 8;
[0069] FIGURE 13 is an AFCI flowchart for the circuits of FIGURES. 6A, 6B, 7A,
7B, 7C and 8;
[0070] FIGURE 14 illustrates a flowchart showing an ADC reset process for the
circuits of
FIGURES. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C and 8;
[0071] FIGURE 15 is a GFI Test flowchart for the circuits of FIGURES. 6A, 6B,
7A, 7B, 7C and 8;
[0072] FIGURE 16 is an GFI reset process flowchart for tfhe circuits of
FIGURES 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B,
7C and 8;
[0073] FIGURE 17 is a surge test process flowchart for the circuits of
FIGURES. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B,
7C and 8;
[0074] FIGURE 18 is a RAM data table for the processor of the example
embodiment;
[0075] FIGURE 19 is an auto/ self-test process flowchart for the example
embodiment;
[0076] FIGURE 20A is a plan view of the receptacle of example embodiment;
[0077] FIGURE 20B is a top view of the receptacle from FIGURE 20A with a plug
inserted;
[0078] FIGURE 21 is an isometric view the example embodiment of the receptacle
with side heat
sink;
[0079] FIGURE 22 is a partial view of the receptacle of FIGURE 21 shown with a
ground plate;
[0080] FIGURE 23 is an isometric view of the example embodiment for a 15/20A
receptacle;
[0081] FIGURE 24 is a partial view of the receptacle shown in FIGURE 23 with
ground plate and
heat sink flange;
[0082] FIGURE 25A is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a 15A plug
inserted into a
daughter board of the receptacle shown in FIGURE 23;
[0083] FIGURE 25B is a side view of Figure 25A;
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[0084] FIGURE 25C is a front view of the daughter board of receptacle of
Figure 25A taken from
line Cl-Cl;
[0085] FIGURE 25D is an enlarged view of the portion C in Figure 25B;
[0086] FIGURE 25E is an enlarged view of the portion D in Figure 25C;
.. [0087] FIGURE 26A is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a 20A
plug inserted into the
daughter board of the receptacle shown in FIGURE 23;
[0088] FIGURE 26B is a side view of Figure 26A;
[0089] FIGURE 26C is a front view of the daughter board of the receptacle of
Figure 6A;
[0090] FIGURE 26D is an enlarged view of the portion M of Figure 26B;
[0091] FIGURE 26E is an enlarged view of the portion N of Figure 26C;
[0092] FIGURE 27A is a front view of an example receptacle embodiment with
micro-switch
implementation for blade detection;
[0093] FIGURE 27B is a cross-sectional view taken from line F- of FIGURE 27A;
[0094] FIGURE 28 is an isometric view of a single circuit board of the
embodiment of FIGURES.
20A and 20B;
[0095] FIGURE 29 is an isometric view of the blades of a plug in the single
circuit board embodiment
shown in FIGURE 28;
[0096] FIGURE 30 is an isometric view of blades of a 20A plug in the single
circuit board
embodiment shown in FIGURE 28;
[0097] FIGURE 31 is a block diagrammatic view of an example system which
includes another
example embodiment of the electrical receptacle, with shared processing;
[0098] FIGURE 32 is a block diagrammatic view of another example system which
uses the electrical
receptacle for monitoring and control, in accordance with an example
embodiment;
[0099] FIGURE 33 is detailed schematic representation of an integrated control
and monitoring
system, in accordance with an example embodiment;
[00100] FIGURE 34 is a communications diagram, in accordance with an
example embodiment;
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[00101] FIGURE 35 illustrates a processing task flowchart of initiation
of power upon a user-
initiated or load request;
[00102] FIGURE 36 illustrates a processing task flowchart of ongoing
monitoring of the
integrity of power line circuitry and response to fault(s), and block circuit
diagram of an associated
system;
[00103] FIGURE 37A illustrates a block circuit diagram of another
example embodiment of a
system which includes smart appliances;
[00104] FIGURE 37B illustrates an example embodiment of microcircuitry
that can be
integrated into an appliance or another powered device;
[00105] FIGURE 38 illustrates a processor having dry contact switches, in
accordance with an
example embodiment;
[00106] FIGURE 39 illustrates side views of a physical representation
of single-, double-, and
triple-circuit breakers, respectively shown left-to-right, and a front view of
all of the breakers, with
connectors enabling power line communication, in accordance with example
embodiments;
[00107] FIGURE 40 illustrates a flow chart for operation of an appliance
having voice
input/output command;
[00108] FIGURE 41 illustrates a block circuit diagram of another
example embodiment of an
integrated control and monitoring system that includes power line
communication over one or more
power lines;
[00109] FIGURE 42 illustrates electrical receptacles, in accordance with
example embodiments;
[00110] FIGURE 43 illustrates a block diagram of a system in accordance
with an example
embodiment, that includes at least one circuit communication switching device
for a circuit breaker
panel;
[00111] FIGURE 44 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
electrical receptacle, in
accordance with an example embodiment;
[00112] FIGURE 45 illustrates a block diagram of a system in accordance
with an example
embodiment, that illustrates a star topology for deploying electricity to a
premises;
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[00113] FIGURE 46 illustrates a block diagram of a voice input/output
appliance in accordance
with an example embodiment that can be used for integration with the system of
FIGURE 33 or
FIGURE 41;
[00114] FIGURE 47 is a block diagram illustrating two embodiments of
the one circuit
monitoring unit, plugged in and hardwired;
[00115] FIGURE 48 illustrates a circuit module with its wired input and
output;
[00116] FIGURES 49A and 40B is an example of an extension cord in
accordance with an
example embodiment;
[00117] FIGURES 50A, 50B, and 50C illustrates exemplary data and
commands available for
display on the monitoring screen, or for communication, in accordance with
example embodiments;
[00118] FIGURES 51A, 51B, 51C and 51D are diagrams illustrating
evolution history of
breaker panels including example embodiments;
[00119] FIGURE 52 is a front view and a rear view of a R5485 display
screen;
[00120] FIGURE 53 is a block diagram illustrating a number of RS 485
screens network;
[00121] FIGURE 54A and 54B illustrate exemplary embodiments of circuit
boards shown in
Figures 51A-D;
[00122] FIGURE 55 illustrates exemplary embodiments of a building
management monitoring
and control system; and
[00123] Figures 56A and 56B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a cover
and a box housing
of a junction box; and
[00124] Figures 57A and 57B illustrate further exemplary embodiments of
a cover and a box
housing of a junction box;
[00125] Figures 58A-58G illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a duplex
outlet receptacle for
preventing glowing contacts;
[00126] FIGURES 59-1A and 59-1B represent a single cycle of sinusoidal
waveforms (or sine
wave) of voltage in an AC Circuit of a parallel arc fault, showing
instantaneous voltage over time
("Vt");
14
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00127] FIGURES 59-2A and 59-2B illustrate FFT values of normal (non-
fault) sinusoidal
waveform;
[00128] FIGURES 59-3A and 59-3B illustrate FFT values based on 64
samples ofthe sinusoidal
waveforms of FIGURES 59-1A and 59-1B;
[00129] FIGURE 60-1A is a photograph of normal operation of a power line
prior to a series
arc fault;
[00130] FIGURE 60-1B illustrates example graphs ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 60-
1A;
[00131] FIGURE 60-1C illustrate example data ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 60-1A;
[00132] FIGURE 61-1A is a photograph of a manual break in the power line
and an arc starting
to appear;
[00133] FIGURE 61-1B illustrates example graphs ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 61-
1A;
[00134] FIGURE 61-1C illustrate example data ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 61-1A;
[00135] FIGURE 62-1A is a photograph of the arc in full motion;
[00136] FIGURE 62-1B illustrates example graphs ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 62-
IA;
[00137] FIGURE 62-1C illustrate example data ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 62-1A;
[00138] FIGURE 63-1A is a photograph of the arc diminishing with
glowing contacts;
[00139] FIGURE 63-1B illustrates example graphs ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 63-
1A;
[00140] FIGURE 63-1C illustrate example data ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 63-1A;
[00141] FIGURE 64-1A is a photograph of the arc finished, the
conductors are back to normal.
[00142] FIGURE 64-1B illustrates example graphs ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 64-
.. 1A;
[00143] FIGURE 64-1C illustrate example data ofthe occurrence
illustrated in FIGURE 64-1A;
[00144] FIGURE 65A is a top view of a safety ground current monitoring
sensor;
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00145] FIGURE 65B is a side view of the safety ground current
monitoring sensor;
[00146] FIGURE 65C (1) is a rear view of the safety ground current
monitoring sensor
incorporated in an enclosure;
[00147] FIGURE 65C (2) is a front view of the safety ground current
monitoring sensor
incorporated in an enclosure;
[00148] FIGURE 65 D illustrates a safety ground voltage sensor ("SGVS");
and
[00149] FIGURE 65 E is a flowchart of exemplary logic of GIDs; and
[00150] FIGURE 66A illustrates a safety ground bus bar, according to an
embodiment;
[00151] FIGURE 66B illustrates an example of an intelligent sensing bus
bar, according to an
embodiment;
[00152] FIGURE 66C illustrates an example of an intelligent sensing lug
that has a protruding
pin;
[00153] FIGURE 66D illustrates an example of a joint three-phase module,
according to an
embodiment;
[00154] FIGURE 67A illustrates a digital master breaker circuit interrupter
electrical safety
protection system, embodied in a two-phase environment; and
[00155] FIGURE 67B illustrates an example of a breaker panel
incorporating intelligent voltage
and/or current sensing lugs, according to an embodiment.
Detailed Description of Example Embodiments
[00156] As understood in the art of electrical circuits and power lines,
Black refers to hot or live
power line, White refers to neutral power line, and Ground means earth ground.
Last mile setups can
be referred to as Black, White & Ground; or Live, Neutral and Ground. There is
no potential difference
(zero volts) between ground and white. The Neutral carries current back from
the Black power line.
Voltage Black to White potential will show the line voltage e.g., 110 V; and
Ground to Black potential
will show the line voltage, e.g. 110 V.
16
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00157] The Applicant has described electrical systems and methods in
PCT/CA2017/051121,
filed September 22, 2017, PCT Patent Application No. PCT/CA2017/050893, filed
July 25, 2017,
U.S. Patent Application No. 15/659,382, filed July 25, 2017, and U.S. Patent
Application No.
15/274,469, filed September 23, 2016, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
[00158] FIGURE 1C is a front view of receptacle 2 without plug insertion in
outlets 6. Referring
to the isometric view of FIGURE 1A, receptacle 2 includes front housing 4 and
rear housing 16.
Sockets 8 in front housing 4 serve to receive plug blades for each of two
outlets 6. Enclosed within
housing 4 and 16 are ground plate 10, neutral circuit board 14, hot circuit
board 12 and terminal plates
13. Terminal screws 15 provide fastening to power wires. FIGURE 1B is an
enlarged detail view of
a portion of FIGURE 1A. Lever 19 is positioned in the path of a contact 20 of
each outlet 6. Detector
switch 18, positioned on circuit board 14, can be activated to energize a low
voltage circuit by tripping
lever 19 when an object has been inserted into the left opening in the socket.
An optical sensor,
comprising emitter 22 and collector 24 is powered by the low voltage circuit
when activated. Two
optical sensors are for provided for each outlet 6. The optical sensors are
coupled to control circuitry
responsive to signals received therefrom. The circuitry permits connection
between power terminals
13 and contacts 20 of outlet 6 if optical sensor signals are indicative of non-
tamper conditions. Control
circuitry for the circuit boards is shown in detail in the circuit diagrams of
FIGURES 2, 4, 6A, 6B,
7A, 7B, 7C, and 8.
[00159] FIGURE 1D is a cross sectional view taken from line A-A of
FIGURE 1C. FIGURE
1E is a front view of receptacle 2, shown with plug prong blades 32, inserted
in an outlet 6. FIGURE
IF is a cross sectional view taken from line B-B FIGURE 1E. Referring to
FIGURE 1D, as no object
has been inserted in the socket, lever 19 has not moved to activate detector
switch 18. The low voltage
Circuit portion to which the optical sensor connected thus does not provide
power to emitter 22.
Collector 24 does not produce output signals. No connection is made between
terminals 13 and
contacts 20.
[00160] Referring to FIGURE 1F, detector switch 18 lever arm 19 has
been tripped by blade 32
inserted in socket 8. Contacts 20 are sprung open by the application of force
on blades 32 of plug 30.
Power is applied to the low voltage circuit by virtue of tripped detector
switch 18. The low voltage
power remains applied when lever 19 is in the tripped position, e.g., whenever
an object has been
inserted in socket 8. Emitters 22 above each socket are active to produce
light. Each collector
produces an output signal when exposed to light produced by the corresponding
emitter. As shown,
17
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
collectors 24 beneath blades 32 do not produce output signals because the
prong blades located in the
path between emitters and collectors have blocked the light transmission.
[00161] In operation, when a plug or foreign object is inserted in the
left socket 8 of outlet 6,
lever 19 is moved to the tripped position before the inserted object makes
contact with the socket
contacts 20. During this time, power is applied to the low voltage circuit and
to emitters 22 of the
respective outlet 6. As object insertion has not yet reached contacts 20, each
collector 24 receives
emitted light and produces an output signal to the control circuitry. The
control circuitry will not
permit connection between power terminals 13 and contacts 20 of outlet 6 if a
light output signal is
received from either collector. As insertion of the plug advances to socket
contacts 20, as depicted in
FIGURE IF, emitted light from both emitters is blocked and no signal is
produced by collectors 24.
[00162] The control circuitry is capable of determining the time
difference, if any, between
termination of light signals received from both collectors 24. If the time
difference is determined to
be near simultaneous, for example within twenty five milliseconds, the control
circuity will effect
connection of contacts 20 to terminals 13. That is, simultaneous or near
simultaneous sensing of
insertion at both sockets is indicative of non-tampering. If a foreign object
is attempted to be inserted
into a socket, or if insertion of the plug cannot be completed to the contacts
20, collector output signals
preclude connection of the contacts to the terminals 13. Connection of the
sockets 6 of the receptacle
are those controlled independently of each other.
[00163] Referring to the circuit diagram of FIGURE 2, an N contact of
each outlet 2210 and
2212 of the receptacle is directly connected to the N (neutral) terminal of
the alternating current
source. The L contact of each outlet 2210 and 2212 is coupled to the L (hot)
terminal of the alternating
current source through a respective TRIAC (TA1, TB1). Metal oxide varistor
(MOV) 2224 is
connected across the L and N terminals to protect against overvoltage. Driver
circuit 2206 is coupled
to the control terminal of the TRIAC of outlet 2210. Driver circuit 2216 is
coupled to the control
terminal of the TRIAC of outlet 2212. Power supply 2202, connected across the
L and N terminals,
corresponds to power supply 18 of FIGURE 1B. Optical sensor arrangement 2218
contains optical
emitters and receivers that correspond to emitter 22 and 24 of FIGURE 1B.
Switch 2211, which
corresponds to switch 19 of FIGURE 1B, is connected between optical sensor
arrangement 2218 and
power supply 2202 when an object has been inserted into the socket of outlet
2210. Optical sensor
arrangement 2220 contains optical emitters and receivers that correspond to
emitter 22 and 24 of
FIGURE 1B. Switch 2213, which corresponds to switch 19 of FIGURE 1B, is
connected between
18
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
optical sensor arrangement 2220 and power supply 2202 when an object has been
inserted into the
socket of outlet 2212.
[00164] Logic core 2214 (aka a processor) comprises inputs connected to
receive signals output
from optical sensors 2218 and 2220. Outputs of logic core processor are
connected respectively to
driver circuits 2206 and 2216. Outputs of processor 2214 are connected to LED1
and LED2 for
energization thereof to indicate that objects have not been inserted in the
respective plug sockets
within a specified time. Processor 2214 is further connected to ground fault
injector 2204 to generate
a trip output for a current imbalance. The disclosed logic circuitry may
include an AND gate or the
like to receive signals from the optical sensors
[00165] FIGURE 3 is a flow chart of operation for the circuit of FIGURE 2.
At step 300,
operation is started. Initialization proceeds at step 302 with power supply
2202 connected to the
alternating current terminals. At step 304, there has been no activation of
the TRIAC of a respective
outlet. Step 306 is a decision block as to whether switch 2211 or 2213 has
been tripped to supply
power to the corresponding optical switches and whether the L or N socket
optical switch has been
initially set by blockage of emitted light. If so, a delay timer is started at
step 308. Decision block 310
determines whether both L and N socket optical switches are set by blockage of
emitted light. If the
outcome of step 310 is positive, decision block 318 determines whether the
positive output of step
310 has occurred within 25ms. If the outcome of step 318 is positive, an ON
status LED is activated
at step 320. If there has been no fault detected at step 322, the respective
TRIAC is activated at step
324 and activation thereof is continued as long as both L and N optical
switches are set by emitted
light blockage, as determined in step 328. A negative outcome of step 328
results in turning off the
status LED at step 330 and flow reverts to step 304, in which the TRIAC is
disabled.
[00166] If the outcome at step 310 is negative, the timer continues
until it is determined that
25ms has expired at step 312. A positive outcome of step 312 is indicative
that a foreign object has
been inserted in a respective socket to initiate an alarm in step 314.
Decision block step 316
determines whether optical switches for both L and N sockets have cleared.
When the outcome of
step 316 is positive, flow reverts to step 304. The 25ms delay period for
TRIAC activation is intended
to allow for slight variations in plug blade length within manufacturing
tolerances or slight
misalignment of the blades in the sockets during insertion, while not being
long enough to permit
connection to the power source by insertion of distinct foreign objects.
19
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00167] FIGURE 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram, illustrating
enhancements to FIGURE 2,
for operation of the embodiment of FIGURES 1A-1F. Current sensor 2228 is
coupled to the hot line
current path for the socket of outlet 2210. The output of current sensor 2228
is connected to an input
of processor logic core 2214. Current sensor 2230 is coupled to the hot line
current path for the socket
outlet 2212. Wireless communication module 2232 is connected to a data
input/output terminal of
processor logic core 2214. Protocol for wireless communications may include
Wifi, Zigbee or other
protocols. Power line communications module 2234 is coupled between the
alternating current source
and a signal input of logic core 2214. The processor logic core 2214 is also
therefore enabled for
wired communication. Manual test button 2205 may be used for GFCI testing.
[00168] FIGURES 5A and 5B together form a flow chart for operation of the
circuit of FIGURE
4. Elements of FIGURES 5A and 5B that are in common with those of FIGURE 3
contain the same
reference numerals and the description thereof can be referred to the
description of FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 5A differs from FIGURE 3 in the respect that the decision branch from
decision block 322
has changed from step 324 and expanded to decision blocks 323 and 329. Steps
are provided for
related communications beginning at step 334. At step 334 communication is
sent to the network that
the plug has been successfully inserted. Decision block 336 establishes
whether the network power
should be enabled. If so, steps 338, 340 and 342 are processes related to
power measurement and
dimming. If not, steps 344, 346 and 348 deal with disabling the Triac and any
resulting Triac faults
(decision block 346). Upon a fault detection, GFI tripping is enabled in step
348. In an example
embodiment, dimming is achieved by cycle stealing performed by the processor
onto the Triac, for
example. For example, this can be done by removing partial or whole cycles by
controlling the Triac.
[00169] FIGURES 6A and 6B are a more detailed circuit representation of
FIGURES 2 and 4,
including a plurality of receptacles in a system for protection against AFCI,
GFCI and surge faults.
For ease of clarity, FIGURES 6A and 6B are divided into three sections,
reproduced in FIGURES
7A, 7B and 7C. Referring to FIGURE 7A, power input lines are connected to hot
power terminal 11
and neutral power terminal 12. MOV 20 is connected across the hot power and
neutral power lines
to protect against overvoltage. Power supply block 10, fed from the hot and
neutral power lines,
provides low voltage power to the processor logic circuitry. The processor
circuit may comprise a
microcontroller 80, shown in detail in FIGURE 8. Microcontroller 80 may
contain a broadband noise
.. filter routine such as fast Fourier transform.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00170] The output of power supply block 10 is coupled to current and
voltage sensors block
30, and TRIAC drive blocks 40, 50 and 60 of the processor circuit. Block 30
may represent a plurality
of sensors, which are not shown here for clarity of description. Blocks 50 and
60 are illustrated in
FIGURE 7B. Activation of TRIAC 43 by drive block 40 connects hot and neutral
line power to
terminals 13 and 14, which connect to three series outlets 100 and two
parallel outlets 110 that are
downstream, shown in FIGURE 7C. Downstream may also include a load to be
controlled and
monitored, such as a light receptacle (not shown here). Activation of TRIAC 53
by drive block 50
connects the hot line to upper outlet 54, shown in FIGURE 7B. Activation of
TRIAC 63 by drive
block 60 connects the hot line to lower outlet 64. GFI test push button switch
SW1 and reset push
button switch SW2 are connected between the output of supply block 10 and the
processor circuit.
GFI and AFCI test circuits 74 and 76 receive outputs 75 and 77, respectively
as shown in FIGURE
7B, from the microcontroller 80, shown in FIGURE 8. All inputs and outputs
shown in FIGURES
7A, 7B and 7C relate to the respective terminals of similar references in the
processor of FIGURE 8.
[00171] Accordingly, in another example embodiment, it would be
apparent that the receptacle
of FIGURES 7A, 7B and 7C can be used as an in-line connector which is serially
connected to
upstream power lines, providing control, safety, and monitoring of downstream
loads and/or
downstream receptacle outlets. Instead of the form of a plug outlet being the
output of line power to
a load, the receptacle comprises in-line connectors/contacts as the output.
Accordingly, in an example
embodiment, the receptacle itself may not require a plug outlet, but rather
can be used for downstream
loads and/or downstream receptacle outlets. For example, the receptacle can be
hardwired (e.g., with
screwed down wires) with the downstream loads and/or downstream receptacle
outlets.
[00172] Each outlet 54, 64 of the receptacle has tamper resistance that
restricts energizing of the
sprung contacts until the blades of an electrical plug are completely inserted
into the receptacle.
Multiple sensor inputs 55, 56, 57, 58, 65, 66, 67, 68 for the plug blades of
outlets 54 and 64 are shown
in FIGURE 7B. The sensors sense the arrival of the blades. If the arrivals are
within a specified period
of time, the applicable outlet 54, 64 is energized. The device will only turn
ON power to the particular
outlet, when it detects that the two power plug pin detection circuits have
detected that the BLK &
WHT plug pins have been inserted. The circuits provide a logic signal which
operates as an interrupt
to the microcontroller, so it will turn ON or OFF the TRIAC driver circuit
(logic Output signal) 41,
51, 61. There is also a respective TRIAC fault signal which is provided for
each power TRIAC. For
21
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
example, the particular outlet 54, 64 is not provided with line power until a
specified length, e.g. 7/8
inches (2.2 cm), of the bottom of the plug is inserted.
[00173] Upstream series arc faults can be detected by monitoring
voltage 31. During a series
arc fault the voltage on the conductor tends to be erratic and does not follow
sine wave attributes. By
monitoring current 30 on the hot and neutral conductors and comparing it to
the ground conductor,
the presence of an arc fault is detected and the severity of the arc fault is
reduced by disabling the
receptacle outlets 54, 64 and/or the downstream loads 14 to minimize current
flow. Different arc fault
types have different timing profiles. The logic processing can compare sensed
data to reference data
that can be stored in a table.
[00174] As noted above, FIGURE 8 sets forth in detail the input and output
pins of the
microcontroller 80. Included in the receptacle with microcontroller 80 is
communication module 90.
Communication terminals 91 and 92 are connected to corresponding pins of
microcontroller 80. The
antenna provides communication with circuit receptacles to allow monitoring of
the current draw of
the circuit. Information from monitored voltage and current can be analyzed,
accessed, reported
and/or acted upon. Power to and from any outlet can be turned on and/or off by
external commands
to the communications module. A buffer interface, not shown, can be added to
communications lines
91 and 92. Data from microcontroller 80 can be collected by an external
software application to
provide external controls such as dimming, turning power on/off, controlling
power outputs, or for
obtaining information on power outputs.
[00175] In an example embodiment, a dry contact switch can be implemented
which shorts two
pins on any one of the microcontroller 80, the Serial Port JP1, and/or the
communication module 90,
therefore providing a manually operated input command that can be processed by
device, e.g. the
microcontroller 80. The microcontroller 80 can be configured to implement a
suitable task or series
of tasks in response to activation of the dry contact switch. A dry contact
switch does not require an
active voltage source, but rather the applicable processor can be configured
to detect a manually-
triggered short between two of its pins.
[00176] FIGURE 9 is a flowchart of null task process 900 routines
implemented by processor
80. Signals to processor 80 generate interrupts in accordance multi-interrupt
structure 902, 904, 906,
and 908. Any of received reset interrupt signal 902, push button test
interrupt signal 904, tamper
resistant related interrupt signal 906, and a-d converter (ADC) interrupt
signal 908 triggers an
22
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
interrupt for execution of the appropriate subsequent routine. In an example
embodiment, the
provision of high power to a plug outlet by the receptacle is "always powered
off' as a default until
initiated by the processor, for example in response to one of the interrupts
or when it is determined
that the plug outlet is safe to be activated.
[00177] Interrupt 902, caused by a push button activated fault or by a
requirement for a reset,
such as need for a power up/startup, triggers step 920 to activate the ADC
Initialization process.
Subsequently, if step 918 determines that the GFI flag is set, then step 922
initiates GFI process steps
depicted in FIGURE 16, to reset and/or initialize GFI hardware. Tamper related
interrupt 906, triggers
step 912. Testing of Tamper Resistance is determined by sensing pins and
responding to ADC
interrupts. The process for 912 is depicted in FIGURE 11. Analog to Digital
Conversion (ADC)
interrupt 908, indicating that the ADC completed a conversion of one of the
analog voltages, triggers
ADC sampling process 914, depicted in FIGURE 12. PB Test Interrupt 904
initiates the GFI Manual
test step routine 910 depicted in FIGURE 10.
[00178] In an example embodiment, downstream loads or downstream
further electrical
receptacle(s) are serially connected to the receptacle, with the receptacle
serially between the power
lines and such downstream loads or downstream further electrical
receptacle(s). In such example
embodiments, it can be appreciated that the tamper related interrupt 906 may
not be required to be
implemented, while any and/or all of the remaining interrupts 902, 904, 908
can still be implemented,
as applicable.
[00179] The flow chart of FIGURE 10 relates to a manual GFI test 1000. Test
Circuit is
represented as block 76 in FIGURE 7B. Step 1002 determines whether the test
push button (PB) is
pressed or released. Step 1004 sets the manual test flag ("enabled") and tests
the GFI test circuit if PB
has been pressed. Step 1006 disables the manual test flag and the GFI test
circuit, respectively, if PB
is released. This process illustrated can also be applicable to a manual push
button test for GFI other
faults including but not limited to AFCI. The enabling of the MGFI test flag
is to trigger a priority
interrupt during the next logical processing step.
[00180] FIGURE 11 is a flowchart that is common for both the upper and
lower outlets for
detecting the insertion and removal of plug pins. Block 1100 starts the tamper
resistant function. Step
1102 verifies that TR processing is being done as indicated by the TR flag
having been set. If the line
(L) and neutral (N) pins are already inserted, the process returns to the Null
Task polling routine 900
23
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
in FIGURE 9. If the L and N pins have not been inserted, then the process
continues to step 1104.
As the triac should be off unless both L and N pins are detected to have been
inserted each within a
predetermined window timer (25ms in this example), the triac is disabled. At
step 1106, determination
is made of whether an L or N plug prong is inserted. If so, the window timer
at step starts at step
1108. If decision block 1110 determines whether both L and N plug prongs have
been inserted in an
upper or lower outlet in a receptacle within the acceptable 25ms time frame,
then step 1112 enables
the Upper or Lower Triac for the "upper outlet" or for the "lower outlet"
respectively. If not, step
1124 has determined that insertion of both prongs has not occurred within the
25ms timeframe, and
then at step.1125 it is determined whether both L and N plug prongs have been
removed, If so, flow
may then revert to step 1104 to disable the triac.
[00181] The decision block at step 1114 determines whether a fault is
detected in the triac
circuit. If not, decision block at step 1116 determines whether a 20 amp or 15
amp pin has been
inserted in the outlet. Depending on whether or not a 20A Pin has been pressed
or released, step 1118
will set 20A or step 1120 will set 15A as the maximum current.
[00182] If step 1124 determines that both pins aren't inserted within the
required 25ms timer
parameter, then the process continues to step 1104 to disable the Triac. If a
fault has been determined
in step 1114, the process returns to step 1104 where the Triac is disabled.
[00183] FIGURE 12 is the flowchart of the AFCI sampling process 1200
which takes place as
a result of receiving an Analog to Digital Converter Interrupt 908 in FIGURE 9
indicating the presence
of a new analog value, which interrupt calls this sampling routine 1200 from
block 914. It can be
appreciated that the ADC sampling process 1200 can be performed continuously
in example
embodiments. Some conventional systems may only monitor power (watts), they
may not look for
high frequency data or attributes.
[00184] Once values of voltage and current (1-5 in block 1204) have
been sampled, stored in
the Data Table 1208 and a sufficient preset number (Samples Permissible
Counter 31 in Data Table)
of samples have been accumulated (steps 1204, 1206, 1207 and 1211), then
values in the Data Table
are processed according to the actions in block 1212 to be used for other
purposes such as fault testing.
[00185] For each new analog value, the tasks in block 1204 are
executed: establishing which
line (1-5) was sampled; e.g. the Black/Line Voltage (1), the current of the
upper outlet (2), the current
.. of the lower outlet (3), the White/Neutral Current (4) and the downstream
current (5). Upon receipt
24
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
of one value for any of 1-5, the sample counter value (preset in this
embodiment to the value 5) is
stored (block 1204, step 6) in Data Table block 1208 (0) which value gets
updated. This sample
counter is then decremented (step 7) in order to read the next value (1-5)
retrieved from MUX which
is set to next logical input. Step 8 in block 1204 then reloads the value of
the ADC ("A/D") Timer
found in Data Table block 1208 (30) to the ADC control register to
reinitialize. The MUX is an analog
multiplexor which selects for the ADC one of the 8 permissible analog inputs
(in this embodiment,
only 5 are used for analog signals).
[00186] One ADC generates one value based on the MUX selecting the next
of one of the 5
analog inputs signal values to be processed, reloading the timing register in
the processor which is for
the Analog Digital conversion. A/D sample Timer (30) in the Date Table 1208 is
the number of
processor clock cycles to wait (e.g. 16) before the processor's ADC generates
the next analog value
to be stored. As it is ADC hardware dependent, the 16 clock cycles may be a
different value for
another processor.
[00187] Decision block 1206 tests to see if the sampling processes in
block 1204 have been
repeated five times to acquire the five analog measurements (1-5 in block
1204), based on the Sample
Counter being decremented (7, block 1204) from five to zero.
[00188] Data Table 1208 builds values in locations 1-5 from the sample
values 1-5 obtained in
block 1204 and is stored in the Data Table based on the sample counter (0).
[00189] During the process 1204, the Sample Counter which is
decremented ranges from 1 to
5, and is used as a pointer in the Data Table 1208, being an index indicating
which of the 100 to 500
arrays to use.
[00190] Decision block 1206 determines that if the Sample Counter has
not decremented down
to zero, then the process returns to null task FIGURE 9 waiting for next ADC
interrupt signal.
[00191] Once the counter has decremented to 0, sampling will repeat
until sufficient samples
.. have been collected based on the value in Samples Permissible 31, Data
Table 1208.
[00192] For example, in this embodiment, as 99 sample values are being
accumulated for each
of the 1-5 power signals, then 99 sample values of the Black Voltage these can
be stored in the Data
Table as 101 to 199; 99 sample current values for the upper outlet in 201-299;
99 sample values for
the lower outlet, in 301 to 399; 99 sample values for the White Current, in
401-499; and 99 sample
values for Downstream Current, in 501-599.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00193] The steps in block 1207 and the decision block 1211 cause the
sampling of the 5 signal
values to take place for 99 times to be used to determine AFCI signature, and
to calculate averages
(RMS) for example. Decision block 1211 using the changing value in 31 of Data
Table 1208,
determines if the value in the Samples Permissible Counter (31) has been
decremented from 99 to 0.
[00194] In an embodiment, in FIGURE 12 ADC values are read from the ADC
register and
stored in data sets and then the data is processed. In this embodiment 99
values have been used for
each of the five power types, as being sufficient to represent the sine wave
signature. The sample
values (100-599) are used after processing to detect spikes, etc. occurring in
the values in the Table.
[00195] At block 1212, there now are a full set of values within each
of the 5 arrays 100, 200,
.. 300, 400 and 500.
[00196] From the samples collected in each of 100, 200, 300, 400 and
500 series, peaks can be
calculated (11, 12, 13, 14, and 15), as well as averages (6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).
[00197] Subsequent to processing steps in block 1212, four types of
tests are performed; namely,
AFCI (1214, 1216), GFI (1218), Surge (1220) and Auto/Self (1222). However, in
another
embodiment, the data sampled may also be processed for Peak Values (11-15 in
the Data Table 1208),
power spikes may be tested for; similarly RMS (average) values may be used to
monitor, test and
disable power for brownout and/or other conditions.
[00198] Following the processing of the Data Table 1208 and
establishment of an AFCI
signature in 1212, the signature block 1214 tests for the presence of an AFCI
Signature. If AFCI
signature is found it continues to step 1216 to process AFCI tasks on FIGURE
13.
[00199] FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) is a possible method of extracting
frequencies out of a
Data Table. The FFT is looking at the values in 100-599.
[00200] The detection of spikes indicates that there is arcing; e.g.
high frequency pulses. FFT
finds the frequency that is indicative ofthe arcing, then values are checked
for duration and amplitude.
If decision table 1214 does not find an AFCI signature, the process continues
to block 1218 to
determine if GFI fault conditions exist. Subsequently the process continues
testing for Surge 1220
and then Auto/Self Test 1222.
[00201] Other tests may be incorporated, for example, for overvoltage
and brownouts. Similar
to GFI and Surge, all the raw data required exists in the Data Table 1208.
26
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00202] Since ADC sampling is performed by the processor of the
receptacle, in an example
embodiment, when a plug is inserted into the plug outlet, the processor can
further be controlled to
output the activation signal at or near the zero volt level of the alternating
current waveform.
[00203] In another example embodiment, the receptacle can protect
against arc faults by
applying the zero crossing switching technology, because the insert does not
activate the full line
power until all of the safety checks are completed.
[00204] Activating power only if no fault condition has been detected,
results in the receptacle
offering power control while remaining safe. Once it is determined that it is
safe to turn on the power,
the processor does so by activating the applicable TRIAC for the applicable
power line.
[00205] Referring to the flowchart of FIGURE 13, block 1300 starts
processes for AFCI
signatures and establishes whether and where there may be an AFCI fault
requiring power to be shut
off. Various types of processing activities for various types of AFCI
interrupts which can take place
due to voltage faults on the Black line in series, and/or current faults due
to faults on the local outlet
or downstream. These are listed in block 1302.
[00206] In Block 1302, Black Voltage signals are processed as these can
signal Serial AFCI
("BLK V Serial AFCI") conditions. Current on the white ("WHT") for the local
and for the
downstream is processed for parallel AFCI fault signals. Block 1302 also
references Serial, Local
and Downstream ("Down") preset counters for the Black Voltage Serial (4),
Local (outlet) Current
Parallel (5) and Downstream Current (6) AFCI conditions. In addition to event
counters, there are
timers for each of the three conditions (8, 9, 10). In this embodiment, both
conditions of minimum
number of events and maximum timing must be met to turn off the Triac(s) at
block 1320. The
counters are used to minimize false triggers (e.g. an acceptable motor
startup) of a non-AFCI
condition provided the flag occurred a certain number of times and within a
short time window such
as 4 seconds for the series, local and downstream timers (decision block 1305)
indicating a valid AFCI
condition requiring turning off of the power.
[00207] The Data Table 1304 in FIGURE 13 is the same as table 1208
shown in FIGURE 12,
as the values are re-used for different conditions. If an AFCI fault has been
detected at steps 1306,
1308, 1310 then the processes in Block 1320 cause the Triac(s) to be turned
off cutting power at the
local outlet and downstream. Counters, timers, AFCI and related flags (eg
Triacs) are reset. Process
continues to Null Task.
27
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[00208] In an alternative example embodiment, it is possible to shut
off power only to the local
outlet or receptacle that is to be shut off, and not to devices further
downstream.
[00209] In addition to real time monitoring and recording of current,
voltage and data, the
flowchart of FIGURE 13 can be used for: disabling power based on detection of
electrical safety
events; and real time control of the delivery of power (of both current and
voltage) and that control
being integral to the circuitry as well as user specified, remote, computer
data base, event control.
[00210] FIGURE 14 is a flowchart of the ADC reset process. Interrupt
902 (FIGURE 9) signals
a manual power reset or power startup condition requiring an ADC reset action
for hardware and
power initialization tasks to be executed. Block 1402 initializes and resets
certain counters and values:
[00211] Preset value (e.g. 16), representing the clock cycle, is loaded in
30, Table 1304 Value
of 16 is specific to particular ADC hardware; ADC Converter counter is set to
the value 5 in Table
1304(0); ADC Register Timer is set by storing the value in Table 1304(30) in
the ADC Register
Timer; ADC Converter Samples Permissible Counter in Table 1304(31) is reset to
99; AFCI Counters
and GFI Counters are reset.
[00212] Although other processes may turn on the power Triac(s)
independently of a TR testing
requirement, in process 1400, Triacs are not turned on at steps 1408, 1412 and
1416 unless the TR
function requirement has been met by decision box steps 1406, 1410 and 1414.
Steps 1406, 1410 and
1414 turn on the appropriate power Triac(s), depending on whether the Upper
Outlet, Lower Outlet
and/or Downstream flags have been set.
[00213] If 1406 indicates that there is nothing wrong in the upper outlet,
the Upper Outlet is
turned on at step 1408. If step 1410 indicates determines that the Lower
Outlet flag is set, indicating
that there is nothing wrong with the Lower Outlet, then the Lower Outlet
Power/Triac is turned on at
step 1412. If step 1414 verifies that the Downstream power feature is active,
e.g. the enable flag has
been set, the Downstream is made available for processing by turning ON the
Downstream
Power/Triac at step 1416. Turn on (or off) of the Power/Triac for downstream
is made for the entire
receptacle, although this action can be restricted to one or both of the
outlets in the receptacle only.
In another example embodiment, plug outlets are not provided by the electrical
receptacle and
therefore steps 1406, 1408, 1410, 1412 are not required, and the flowchart can
proceed directly to
step 1414, and step 1416 to control downstream series loads if required.
28
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[00214] FIGURE 15 is GFI test flowchart, in contrast to AFCI which
works on signatures (block
1214, FIGURE 12). GFCI processing works on sample values, RMS values and
durations, applying
data table 1508, elements 5-20. For example, the RMS (average) values are used
for the Black
("BLK") 7, 8 and 10 which is for power in and out; the White ("WI-IT") 9
represents all return currents.
As noted previously, the various data tables 1208, 1304, 1508 and the table of
FIGURE 18 represent
the same processor memory storage. For example, creation of the data table
1508 has occurred during
the processes in FIGURE 12.
[00215] The decision block of step 1510 determines that if the sum of
the current of Upper and
Lower outlets and the downstream current is greater than 6ma, then there is a
GFI fault and the three
power/Triacs are to be turned off for both the upper and lower outlets as well
as for the downstream
power. The signal Led Fault is turned ON and GFI Fault Flag is set. More
specifically, step 1506
processes values in the Data Table 1508 and sums the RMS (average) values for
the upper (7), lower
(8) and down current (10). Decision block 1510 then determines if this sum is
greater than the White
Current (4) on a sample by sample basis than a predetermined current (in this
embodiment 6mA has
been used), and if not, then there is no GFI fault.
[00216] Step 1510 compares the sum of individual values Upper, Lower
and Down in 200-299,
300-399, 500-599 respectively, against the value of the matching white values
in 400. If this sum of
the upper, lower and downstream as compared to the White Current than 6mA,
then a fault is
determined and 1512 turns off the power triac(s), whether for the upper or
lower outlet and the
downstream. The Fault LED is turned ON and the GFI Fault Flag is enabled. In
an example
embodiment, following a predetermined period of time (e.g. 15 minutes), the
system may auto reset,
and test if the GFI fault still is present. If not, the system may
automatically restart.
[00217] FIGURE 16 is a GFI reset process flowchart. This GFI Reset
routine block 1600
initializes GFI Hardware by turning OFF Fault LED, disabling the GFI Fault
Flag, setting Enable
Flags (TRIACS), and turning off the GFI Test Register. Decision blocks of
steps 1606, 1610 and
1614 establish if certain Power/TRIACs are to be turned on, depending on
whether upper outlet TR
flags, lower outlet TR flags and downstream enable flags having been set.
Similar to the process in
the flowchart of FIGURE 14 which turns on power/Triacs used for any or all the
upper, lower and/or
downstream functions, the GFI reset process turns on any or all o f the three
Triacs during a GFI Reset
process. Following reset, the process step 1618 continues to the GFI Test
1218, FIGURE 12.
29
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[00218] FIGURE 17 is a surge test process flowchart for turning off
power/Triacs for
overcurrent and surges. The decision block of step 1702 determines if there is
a flag indication that
Surge Protection is a feature in the outlet. If not, the process returns to
FIGURE 12 block 1222 and
proceeds to call the Auto/Self Test routine.
[00219] If the Surge test feature is enabled as indicated by the presence
of a Surge Enable Flag
at step 1702, it has been determined that there is no Arc Fault occurring, and
that there is no current
imbalance between Hot and Neutral (GFI). At step 1706, Data Table samples are
processed and the
process continues to decision steps 1708, 1712, and 1716 to determine if
current exceeds the
permissible level (15 Amperes or 20 Amperes). Certain overages over the MAX
may be permissible
for a limited time duration to provide for cases of a limited surge such as a
motor start- up.
[00220] Step 1706 processes the Data Table Samples (Block 1508): The
Local Power is totaled
"Local" by adding the RMS values of the Upper and Lower outlets, assuming two
outlets are active
in the receptacle. Then the sum of the Downstream RMS and the Local RMS
generates "Total"
Power. The decision blocks 1708 and 1712 then determine if the Downstream
Current or Total
Current, respectively, is greater than or equal to Max, in which case step
1710 turns off the
Downstream Power/Triac, and turns ON Fault LED and appropriate flags. Max is a
preset value based
on whether the outlet is operating in 15A or 20A mode.
[00221] There is the capability to determine the Max current parameter
depending upon the
presence of 15A or 20A plug blade. For example, it may be permissible to draw
100% continuous
current or 120% for less duration to provide for start up time such as inrush
for a hair dryer or air
conditioner. Decision block 1716 compares the Local value (sum of both Upper
and Lower outlet) to
the Max Current Parameter value. If greater, decision blocks 1724 and 1726
compare each of the
upper and Lower outlets, shutting off the respective Power/Triacs and turning
on the respective Fault
LED(s).
[00222] FIGURE 18 lists the elements in the Data Table. These are preset or
accumulated,
and/or processed during the execution of various routines. Of the 1 to 5
signals being monitored, 1,
2, 3 and 5 are done on the black input, and 4 ("WI-IT") is the return path.
Current related information
is used for GFI, Surges and Overcurrent processing; voltage, for AFCI serial,
overvoltage and
brownouts. The Sample Counter (0) is preset to a value of 5 as the embodiments
are monitoring 5
current, or voltage values: Black Voltage, Upper Black Current, Lower Black
Current, Down Black
CA 3040940 2019-04-241
Current and White ("WHT") Current. Timers 21 to 26 are for tracking how long
the events occurred.
BLK shows individual load current drawn and WHT is the return path for all
currents unless there is
a fault.
[00223] FIGURE 19 is an auto/self-test process flowchart that is
initiated from FIGURE 12,
block 1222 and is primarily for auto/self testing of the system's hardware
including but not limited to
the GFI function (decision block 1908). The system may also test information
from other sensors for
calibration, temperature, etc.
[00224] If step 1901 determines that this is a manual test, then the
processes in block 1906 are
initiated. If a fault has been determined, the power is turned off at step
1904. Whether a self test as
established in step 1902, or a manual test as determined in step 1901, step
1906 enables the GFI test
circuit, reads the ADC values for the Upper, Lower, the White, and the Black &
the White
downstream, sums the Upper and Lower values, and disables the GFI Test
Circuits.
[00225] Step 1908 tests whether an imbalance has occurred. If it was a
manual test, the process
continues to 1912. If it was an internal test and failed, the power is turned
off If is determined in
step 1910 that a manual test failed, the power is turned off
[00226] The electrical device in example embodiments can perform
calibration of the ADC. The
electrical device is calibrated by: presenting a known current or voltage and
letting ADC measure the
actual value; do it at 2 points and hence can do a linear calibration.
[00227] An example embodiment is an electrical device, including: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor to detect signals
indicative of the power line
and provide analog signals indicative of the detected signals; an analog-to-
digital convertor (ADC)
configured to receive the analog signals from the at least one sensor and
output digital signals to the
processor; and a processor configured to calibrate the electrical device by:
applying a first known
analog signal value to the ADC and receiving a first digital signal value,
applying a second known
analog signal value to the ADC and receiving a second digital signal value,
performing linear
interpolation or extrapolation using the first digital signal value and the
second digital signal value
for the calibrating of the electrical device.
[00228] In an example, more than two digital signal values may be used
for calibrating non-
linear sensor characteristics using a piece-wise linear approximation.
31
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[00229] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a solid
state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the power line, the processor further configured to
determine that a series
arc fault has occurred, and in response deactivating the solid state switch.
In an example, the solid
state switch is a TRIAC. In an example, the contact is configured for
downstream electrical connection
to a downstream power line. In an example, the contact is configured for
electrical connection through
an electrical outlet. In an example, the processor is a microprocessor.
[00230] FIGURE 20A is a partial plan view of a physical layout of a
receptacle, such as
described with respect to FIGURES 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F, operable by means
of the circuits of
FIGURES 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C and 8. A plug has not been inserted in the
receptacle. FIGURE 20B
illustrates the receptacle of FIGURE 20A with insertion of plug 160. Power
circuit board 152 includes
two sprung contacts 156. Daughter circuit board 150 includes two sprung
contacts 154. Circuit board
152 includes sprung contacts 156.
[00231] Boards 152 and 156 are substantially parallel to, and separated
from, each other.
Contacts 154 and 156 are aligned with each other, bridged across the
separation by inserted plug
blades 158, as shown in FIGURE 20B. The two circuit boards allow separation
between the high
voltage power control logic components on circuit board 152 and circuit board
150, the latter
containing sensing logic and communication components. More particularly, the
voltage sensing,
control, connection of high voltage to the plug pins, device power
interconnect lines (Upstream
[BLK/WHT IN]/Downstream [BLK/WHT Out]) 30 are included on power circuit board
152. Plug
pin sensing logic elements are include on circuit board 150. This arrangement
provides high
efficiency of the power circuitry, as the high current traces are all
together. Ability of the GFI and
AFCI protection is afforded to measure the currents on both the neutral as
well as on the hot lines,
and to reliably measure a fine current imbalance, for example as little as six
milliamps.
[00232] Full insertion of plug 160 completes circuit connection of
microcontroller 80 with low
voltage sensor circuits 55, 56, 57, 58 and 65, 66, 67, 68, depicted in FIGURES
6, 7B and 8.
Microcontroller 80 monitors the sensor contacts to determine whether the power
is to be turned on or
off. Circuit board 150 monitors the contact sensors to determine the insertion
time of the plug neutral
and hot blades. Ground prong 57, 67 insertion time is also assessed. The
ground prong is longer than
the hot and neutral blades. If a ground plug is present, it is detected first
to establish distinctive timing
criteria. The microcontroller will wait for the other blades to be inserted.
32
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00233] Separation of the current sensors to a single board facilitates
measurement of precision,
calibration, and long term stability. There is no need to tamper with any of
the high voltage variables
that are stable, having already been calibrated. The separated board makes
provision for addition of
other communication functions, e.g, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi power line
communications while
limiting the number of signals traveling between the two circuit boards.
[00234] The reliability and lifespan of electrical components are
enhanced by maintaining them
at a relatively low temperature. FIGURES 21 and 22 exemplify provision in the
receptacle of an
oversized ground plate that acts as a heat sink for the electrical thermal
components that generate heat,
such as the exemplified TRIACs. A ground plate width and height are maximized
on the front face.
A bent flange on the receptacle side adds to the surface area and strength for
heat dissipation. The
ground plate may be constructed of galvanized steel or alternate thermal
conductive materials. Fins
may be added to maximize heat conduction surface area. FIGURE 23 exemplifies a
15/20A
embodiment of the receptacle. FIGURE 24 depicts ground plate with heat sink
flange for the
receptacle shown in FIGURE 23.
[00235] Referring to FIGURES 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and 25E, a 15A plug 218 is
inserted into
the daughter board of the receptacle shown in FIGURE 23. FIGURES 26A, 26B,
26C, 26D and 26E
illustrate insertion of a 20A into the daughter board of the receptacle shown
in FIGURE 23. Sprung
contacts 212 and 214 and 228 sense insertion of neutral blade 220. Hot sprung
contact 216 only
senses the insertion of the hot plug blade. A neutral blade 220 for a 15A plug
mates only with neutral
sprung contacts 212 and 214, as depicted in FIGURES 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and
25E. Additional
mating with contact 226 occurs only for insertion of a 20A plug, depicted in
FIGURES 26A, 26B,
26C, 26D and 26E. Blades 214 and 216 are sensed to determine the arrival time
of each of the blades
to confirm insertion of a plug rather than foreign objects. The orientation of
the blades is also sensed
by the contacts in order to determine if the plug configuration is for a 15A
appliance or a 20A
appliance 226. On the neutral side, there is the possibility of two neutral
plug blade orientations. THE
WHT/Neutral pin can be inserted vertically or horizontally. If vertical then
the plug is signaling that
it is a 20Amp plug. If it is horizontal then it is a 15 Amp plug. For example,
when the TR features of
the circuit detects the second pin has been fully inserted, it sets the TR
flag for the particular (upper
or lower) outlet and sets its current rating. The current limit/rating for the
downstream power is set
by software (at manufacturer or by installer).
33
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00236] Referring to FIGURES 27A-27B, micro switches 205 are used to
determine whether
there is full insertion of a plug blade. Sprung contacts depress switch push
buttons upon insertion.
Micro switch plunger 207 is depressed by the sprung contact 201 that is
deformed when a plug blade
is inserted into the outlet socket 203. The side of the plug blade is used to
determine insertion time.
This is because the variation in blade length allowed by standard is quite
large.
[00237] FIGURE 28 is an isometric view of single circuit board that
used both to sense blade
insertion and supply power to the blades of the receptacles of FIGURES 25A,
25B, 25C, 25D and
25E and FIGURES 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D and 26E. The receptacle housings and ground
plate have
been hidden for clarity. FIGURE 29 depicts insertion of a 15A plug in the
circuit board of FIGURE
28. FIGURE 30 depicts insertion of a 20 plug in the circuit board of FIGURE
28. This configuration
of contacts allows assessment of the arrival of blades and supply of power to
the power contacts.
Identification of whether a 15A plug or 20A plug has been inserted permits
setting of the maximum
trip current of the outlet.
[00238] For each of the two outlets of circuit board 230, there are two
sprung hot contacts 232
and 234. Hot contact 232 supplies power to the hot power blade. Hot contact
234 is the sensing
contact. For each of the two outlets of circuit board 230, there are three
sprung neutral contacts 236,
238 and 240. Neutral contact 236 is the 15A sensing contact, neutral contact
238 is the power contact
and neutral contact 240 is the 20A sensing contact.
[00239] Hot blade 244 closes the circuit between hot contacts 232 and
234, effectively sensing
the arrival of the blade. Slots 242 in contacts 232, 234, 238 and 240 are
sized slightly smaller than the
thickness of the blade to allow the contacts to spring outwardly when a blade
is inserted and apply
pressure on the blade ensuring electrical conduction.
[00240] Neutral 15A blade 220 closes the circuit between neutral 15A
sensing contact 236 and
neutral power contact 238. Neutral 15A sensing contact 236 is positioned at a
distance, slightly less
than the thickness of neutral 15A blade 220, away from neutral power contact
238. When neutral 15A
blade is inserted neutral 15A sensing contact flexes allowing the blade to be
inserted and apply
pressure on the blade ensuring electrical conduction.
[00241] Neutral 20A blade 224 closes the circuit between neutral power
contact 238 and neutral
20A sensing contact 240. Neutral 20A blade 224 does not contact neutral 15A
sensing contact 236
due to a clearance slot.
34
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00242] In this disclosure there are shown and described only exemplary
embodiments and but
a few examples of its versatility. It is to be understood that the embodiments
are capable of use in
various other combinations and environments and are capable of changes or
modifications within the
scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. For example, the term
"processor" has been used
in this disclosure in a generic sense to include integrated circuits such as
microprocessor,
microcontroller, control logic circuitry, FPGA, etc. The terms "upstream" and
"downstream" are
used to refer to the respective relative direction in relation to the circuit
branch originating at the
electrical supply. The term "socket" has been used to indicate an individual
contact of the outlet to
mate with an individual plug prong. The terms plug "prong" and plug "blade"
have been used
interchangeably. While optical sensors have been illustrated, the concepts
disclosed herein are
applicable to the use of other equivalent sensors. Moreover, the data tables
are shown as 1208, 1304,
1508 to relate to flow chart FIGURES 12, 13, 15 and 18. A single memory table
of processor 80
comprises all of the described data tables. Reference to "deactivation" does
not necessarily mean an
explicit deactivation signal. Rather, the processor can comprise interlocking
flags that ensure that the
triac pulses on the pins do not pass through, are not active. When they do not
pass through, this means
that the power remains turned off and is not being turned on or explicitly
activated.
[00243] Some example embodiments illustrate, but are not limited to,
receptacles which
typically include two outlets. These concepts are applicable to other
receptacles of multiple other
multiple outlets, one of which may lack a series switch. Moreover, although an
electrical receptacle
is described an example embodiment, the application of the features and means
of accomplishing
them are not limited to an electrical receptacle. While switches 2211 and 2213
of FIGURE 2 are
depicted as being tripped by an object inserted in the N socket, such tripping
can, instead, occur from
insertion of an object in the L socket. While a maximum time period of 25ms
for source connection
has been exemplified in the description of FIGURES 2 and 3, a different time
period is within the
contemplation of this disclosure.
[00244] FIGURE 31 illustrates a block diagrammatic view of an example
system which includes
another embodiment of the electrical receptacle, with shared/distributed logic
and shared/distributed
processing. In an example embodiment, each block 2000, 2010, 2020 generally
represents a separate
processor. In an example embodiment, each block 2000, 2010, 2020 resides
separately, at least as
separate circuit boards. For example, in an example embodiment, blocks 2000,
2010 are separate
circuit boards (with separate processors) residing in separate packaging, e.g.
block 2010 is located at
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
an electrically safe distance and can have its own associated local inputs
and/or outputs. Block 2020
represents a separate device. "Wired" in FIGURE 31 refers to the wired
interface, buffer. The "wired"
can comprise a data bus or connection such as an RJ-45 Data cable.
[00245] In the example embodiment shown, there are two separate
processors, CPU/Control
Logic(1) and CPU/Control Logic (2), which each can each handle (share) the
same inputs and outputs
(I/Os), including high power line signal inputs and outputs. There is a
communication link between
the two processors, which can be wired, wireless, or both wired and wireless.
For example, these two
processors can be configured to have serial communication (wired and/or
wireless) there between.
Antenna as input/output to wireless interface provides wireless (versus wired)
communication
.. between sensors and the control logic.
[00246] Block 2020 represents a separate wireless communication device,
which can be a third
party device, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) device, or other device
that has its own CPU
controller. Examples include wireless communication devices, mobile phones,
laptops, and tablet
computers. As shown in FIGURE 31, there is also a wireless link that can go to
block 2020.
[00247] The system shown in FIGURE 31 illustrates an architecture that also
gives redundancy
to do enhanced safety type, in accordance with example embodiments. In block
2000, the CPU
/Control Logic (2) is a redundant section for enhanced reliability.
[00248] Block 2000 can be used for the functionality of block 80
(described above with respect
to at least FIGURE 8). Block 2000 represents the control logic comprising of a
processor and/or
control logic, and its respective inputs local to the processor (such as
sensors e.g. smoke, ozone,
temperature, carbon monoxide etc) and outputs local to the processor (e.g.
LED's, sounder, separate
relay, etc., providing an alert or voltage or signaling to another device).
Another example sensor is a
temperature sensor which senses electronics and temperature inside the
receptacle casing. The
provides a calibrated sensor source in-unit, wherein current sensors have
certain variation so they can
.. be compensated for drift by the appropriate processor.
[00249] The power sensors for Block 2000 can comprise high power
current sensors and/or
incoming voltage sensors. The high power current sensors can be Allegro (TM)
sensors, in an example
embodiment. For the high power lines, the block 2000 performs the monitoring,
control and safety
functions as described herein.
36
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00250] Block 2000 also provides for shared inputs and outputs
processed by the second
processor ("CPU/Control Logic (2)"). The processors for the CPUs, Control
Logic(1) and Control
Logic (2), are configured to communicate to each other through the central
block as they share the
wireless interface and/or the wired interface. CPU/Control Logic (2) can be a
failsafe or override
should CPU/Control Logic (1) fail. Therefore, in one example embodiment, CPU
/Control Logic (1)
acts as the primary control of the triacs and other control functions, while
CPU /Control Logic (2)
acts as a backup control. In another example embodiment, there is shared
control by both the CPU
/Control Logic (1) and the CPU /Control Logic (2), for example using an OR
gate to decide on any
particular control activity (e.g. activation, deactivation, interrupt).
[00251] Block 2010 differs from 2000 in that it does not have the related
high power inputs and
outputs. Therefore, in an example embodiment, block 2010 is a low power
circuit board (e.g. all 5V
as logic power), while block 2000 is a high power circuit board for passing
and controlling the power
lines, which comprise high power inputs and outputs, as well as lower power
circuitry for logic and
control functions. In an example embodiment, block 2010 can have its own
separate power source,
which can include a battery and/or a suitable AC to DC power converter, or
receive its power (e.g.,
10 volts or less) through the wires in the data bus such as an RJ-45 Data
cable operating as POE
(Power Over Ethernet) configuration. Zero power functions can also be
included, such as including
one or more manual dry contact switches that are processed by the CPU in block
2010.
[00252] Block 2010 can have its own associated local sensors inputs
and/or outputs. Block 2010
can be a remote control head that passes commands off through a communication
line to Block 2000,
e.g. through the applicable wired and/or the wireless interface. Block 2010
sends messages to the
power block 2000, to implement the safety features, monitoring and control, as
described herein.
[00253] In some example embodiments, there are more than two processors
in block 2000,
multiple blocks 2010, multiple blocks 2020's, and/or multiple blocks 2000,
which are all wired on
independent buses or the same bus and/or may be configured to all communicate
wirelessly to each
other.
[00254] In an example embodiment, a dry contact switch can be included
in any or all of the
CPUs of block 2000 and/or, block 2010. The dry contact switch shorts two pins
of the chip packaging
of one of the CPUs, therefore providing a manually operated input command that
can be processed
by the CPU. The CPU can be configured to implement a suitable task or series
of tasks in response to
37
ICA 3040940 2019-04-24
activation of the dry contact switch. The task can include deactivation of a
triac or sending a message
to one or more other processors. A dry contact switch does not require active
voltage to manually
input a command, but rather the applicable CPU can be configured to detect a
short between two of
its pins.
[00255] In an example embodiment, an electrical device may include a
contact for electrical
connection to a hot power line, and configured for downstream electrical
connection to a downstream
power line; a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power line;
at least one sensor
configured to detect current or voltage signals of the hot power line; at
least one further sensor,
including a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, liquid sensor, vibration
sensor, or carbon monoxide
sensor, configured to detect a condition of the electrical device; and a
processor configured to control
an activation or a deactivation of the switch in response to the current or
voltage signals detected by
the at least one sensor and the condition detected by at least one further
sensor.
[00256] The vertical bar on the right of FIGURE 31 is a data
communications bus, for example
discreet wires such as RJ46, twisted pair, low voltage low level wires
carrying data in different
.. directions.
[00257] Block 2020 represents a wireless communication device. In an
example embodiment,
block 2020 can be any type of wifi wireless computer programmed with a
suitable Application
Program Interface (API). Block 2020 illustrates that external devices can
communicate with the
electrical receptacle and the processors such as blocks 2000, 2010. Further
user applications can be
installed onto the wireless communication device to allow the user control of
the settings,
functionality, and some manual controls of the electrical receptacle.
Typically, a user interface device
is provided to the user through block 2020 in order to control the user
applications, e.g. on, off, and
dimmer.
[00258] The messages and commands are passed over various interfaces,
such as wired (RG 45,
RG 46 or other wires for different distances and environments) and wireless
interface (e.g., wifi,
zigbee, etc.).
[00259] With the second processor second processor "CPU/Control Logic
(2)" it is possible to
share the local sensors which senses the plugs when inserted, or temperature,
or other input sensors,
and accordingly control the power circuitry the load. In the event that one of
the processors
CPU/Control Logic (1) or CPU/Control Logic (2) goes down, the receptacle is
still able to keep
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
running. The processors can communicate with each other and with the
controlled loads. The
processors can operate the loads with on/off, or other power controls such as
dimming, for example,
effectively operating as low voltage switches or controls.
[00260] FIGURE 32 illustrates a block diagrammatic view of an example
system 3200 which
includes the electrical receptacle, for monitoring and control of local and
remote loads, such as lights
or remote lights of a home. In the example of FIGURE 32, the system 3200
includes a breaker panel
3202, a plurality of electrical receptacles 3204, such as electrical
receptacles having outlets and/or
electrical receptacles without outlets, and a low voltage switch panel 3210.
[00261] The breaker panel 3202 divides an electrical power feed into
electrical receptacles 3204
(and thus the loads 3212, which are remote to the breaker panel 3202), and
provides a protective
circuit breaker for each electrical receptacle 3204. Each of the electrical
receptacles 3204 may supply
power to the one or more loads 3212, such as one or more lights in a room or a
house.
[00262] In an example embodiment, the low voltage switch panel 3210
replaces line voltage
switches, 8 way switches, 4 way switches, etc. The low voltage switch panel
3210 may include a
single switch low voltage panel or multiple switch low voltage panels.
[00263] The low voltage switch panel 3210 may be connected to at least
one of the electrical
receptacles 3204 via at least one communication cable 3208, such as a Power
over Ethernet (PoE)
communication cable.
[00264] In the example of FIGURE 32, each electrical receptacle 3204
includes a Wi-Fi module
3206, which allows the electrical receptacle 3204 to communication with a
processor or a wireless
device. For example, the data collected at the electrical receptacle 3204 may
be transmitted to the
processor, such as the low voltage switch panel 3210, or the wireless device
by the Wi-Fi module
3206; the processor, such as the low voltage switch panel 3210, or a wireless
device can control the
remote loads 3212 via the Wi-Fi module 3206. In an example embodiment, each Wi-
Fi 3206 can be
configured as an access point, a network extender, and/or a mesh network node.
Each Wi-Fi module
3206 can include an antenna and applicable signal processors, hardware, and/or
software. In an
example embodiment, a Wi-Fi chip can be used as the Wi-Fi module 3206.
[00265] A plurality remote loads 3212, such as lights, may be grouped
electronically. The low
voltage switch panel 3210 may control the plurality of remote loads 3212
simultaneously as a group,
for example when a plurality of downstream outputs or remote loads 3212 are
grouped electronically.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00266] The safety features of the electrical receptacle 3204 are
included in a multi-zone
controller giving full safety protection to the remote loads 3212, such as
lights, that are desired to be
controlled and monitored.
[00267] In an example embodiment, a keypad, touchscreen, or any
suitable user interface can
be installed to control multiple loads within a room, such as light switches,
temperature controls, etc.
In an example embodiment, the installer can run, e.g., 5 feet (152 cm) of CATS
cable (or RS232 or
twisted pair) and the rest over wifi to the receptacles 3204 from the lighting
circuit area (switch,
keypad, multiple buttons, etc). Control information can then be sent through
the CAT5 to the
receptacle 3204, which then controls and manages the power to the remote
loads. User controls can
be made to the keypad or touch screen to control the loads at the receptacle
level.
[00268] In an example embodiment, the receptacle 3204 can be used so
that an output
contact/lead directly connects to a load such as a light receptacle, for
safety, monitoring and control
thereof. For example, a traditional light switch is a form of power control,
but turning it on and off
can generate arcs or sparks. The receptacle 3204 can protect against arc
faults during on/off control
of the lighting switches by applying the zero crossing switching technology
described herein, because
the switches do not carry power until turned on. The processor of the
receptacle 3204 can further
control the dimming functions of the light receptacle. Low voltage control of
the light receptacle can
also be performed by the processor 3210, for example using Power over Ethernet
(PoE). In the
example of FIGURE 32, a PoE communication cable 3208 is used to connect a low
voltage switch
panel 3210 to a Wi-Fi module 3206 of an electrical receptacle 3204, for
example, the electrical
receptacle closest to the low voltage switch panel 3210. By connecting with
the Wi-Fi module 3206
of an electrical receptacle 3204, the low voltage switch panel 3210 has access
and control of all
electrical receptacles 3204.
[00269] In an example embodiment, the Wi-Fi module 3206 of the
electrical receptacles 3204
also can be configured to collectively define a wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN), using the wired
Local Area Network as a backbone (e.g. one of the power lines and/or low
voltage lines), that can be
used for local network access or Internet access. In an example embodiment, a
gateway 3310
(FIGURE 33) is configured to verify and authenticate access to the WLAN. The
Wi-Fi modules 3206
are configured as access points to the network.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00270] The receptacle 3204 enables replacing a light switch by using
an in-line receptacle in
accordance with example embodiments, whether the controller communicates with
the receptacle via
wires or wireless. In another embodiment, example embodiments of the
receptacle can eliminate the
light switch by controlling the power at the receptacle level, by using a
logic command from a personal
wireless device to communicate with the receptacle. The receptacle further
provides the safety and
fault response functions to the load (e.g. lighting receptacle) as described
herein.
[00271] Another example embodiment includes a virtual control unit to
shut off, which can
include a dimmer, of a control switch for loads such as a light switch. An
example embodiment can
eliminate the traditional control switch. For example, the receptacle can be
installed to act as a full
control unit for downstream circuits. This has the benefit of minimizing
wiring in a room by enabling,
e.g. 1-2 outlets to become the command and communication central for an entire
room or large area.
Communication to the virtual control unit can be performed using a wireless
communication device,
for example.
[00272] In FIGURE 32, all loads 3212 and lighting circuits of the
system 3200 can take
advantage of the fault protection systems described herein. For example, the
system 3200 allows arc
fault detection on the switching circuits of the loads 3212 (e.g. lights).
[00273] In an example embodiment, the receptacle is "always powered
off" until initiated by the
processor in response to turning on using the keypad or touchscreen or
wireless communication
device. Once it is determined that the safety checks are satisfied, the output
power can is
activated/energized to source the selected load(s).
[00274] FIGURE 33 is detailed schematic representation of an integrated
control and
monitoring system, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIGURE 33 (BLOCK
3300) is a
schematic representation of an integrated power control and monitoring system
incorporating a
breaker panel (3301), phase to phase communication units (3302); plug
receptacles incorporating their
own CPU and power monitoring and control systems (3306-1); in-line receptacle
units incorporating
their own CPU and power monitoring and control systems (3306-2); an external
CPU and database
system (BLOCK 3312) (e.g. having a database that may be accessible
externally); a gateway (BLOCK
3310); and monitoring and control panels (which may be wired or wireless)
(BLOCK 3308). FIGURE
33 illustrates having input(s) for sensors or any other device capable of
sending a command to activate
41
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
a specific part of the receptacle, whether upper outlet, lower outlet in the
case of a plug-type
receptacle, or downstream.
[00275] FIGURE 33 illustrates integrated connectivity and the
relationship between different
apparatus within the system. FIGURE 33 also highlights the concept of behind
and outside a secured
contained logical and physical space ("fence"), the fence defining and
restricting/limiting access to
and between protected units. In an example embodiment, the fence is in-wall,
e.g. installed behind
drywall or other wall boundaries.
[00276] A gateway (BLOCK 3310), in an example embodiment, illustrates
that all the other
communication is a "ring fence"; e.g. there is no external way to communicate
with each and every
receptacle or inline control unit without going through the gateway or without
being physically
connected to the electrical network of either the house, factory, plant,
commerce that the system is
installed into. The fence comprises a local wired network, that is associated
with the electrical
receptacles for communication there between, and for other communication
functions.
[00277] BLOCK 3301 is a circuit breaker panel.
[00278] ELEMENT 3301-A is a neutral feed.
[00279] ELEMENT 3301-B is live feed phase 1.
[00280] ELEMENT 3301-C is live feed phase 2. Note that live feed phase
2 has a different phase
than live feed phase 1.
[00281] ELEMENT 3301-D are ungrounded conductor (Hot) Bus that circuit
breakers mount
to.
[00282] ELEMENT 3301-E are connection points for neutral (white).
[00283] ELEMENT 3301-F are connection points for ground.
[00284] ELEMENTS 3301-G are mounting brackets for breakers.
[00285] BLOCK 3302 also discloses phase-to-phase communication, in an
example
embodiment. In particular, communication between two phases 3301-B and 3301-C
is illustrated by
means of two inline connection units (BLOCKS 3302A and 3302B) which connect to
each of the two
phases through connection points logs (ELEMENTS 3301 H) which are connected to
each phase.
These two units (BLOCKS 3302A and 3302B) incorporate their own CPU and can
communicate to
42
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
each other, and in an example embodiment monitoring and controlling voltage
and/or current. The
embodiment illustrates two phases, but there may be multiple phases and
multiple respective inline
receptacles.
[00286] Connecting a phase-to-phase communication unit to each phase
and interconnecting
each phase, allows for communication between each phase. The BLOCK 3302 acts
as a bridge
between the two or more hot power line phases. For example, the BLOCK 3302 can
acts as a repeater,
man-in-the-middle, etc.
[00287] Alternatively, in another example embodiment, ground (3301-F)
to neutral (3301-E)
wired communication can be used, replacing Block 3302. This is described in
greater detail herein.
[00288] BLOCK 3306-1 represents plug receptacle power line connection to a
breaker panel
and to the potential downstream apparatus and control devices.
[00289] Although communications through the power line among each other
is illustrated in this
embodiment, the communications from the plug receptacles may be through low
voltage wiring, or
any of a number of wireless communication means and protocols.
[00290] Although plug receptacles with their own CPU ("Smart Receptacles")
have been
described in BLOCK 3306 of the illustration, the downstream of 3306-E may be
traditional plug
receptacles with, in an example embodiment, traditional tripping means.
[00291] BLOCK 3306-2 reflects power line communications to a breaker
panel. It is a similar
to the scenario in BLOCK 3306-1, but instead of specifying Smart Receptacles
(with plug outlets), it
illustrates a particular example of communicating in-line control and
monitoring units (without plugs)
to be inserted and connected within the circuitry o flights, appliance or
electrically powered apparatus.
[00292] Communication and actions can also be triggered by any input
from sensor or switch
or device capable of sending a command (BLOCK 3306-2F and BLOCK 3306-1F) and
as illustrated
in FIGURE 34, BLOCK 3400C.
[00293] Although communications through the power line through the breaker
panel to
communicate with each other is illustrated in this embodiment, in another
example embodiment, the
communications from the in-line receptacles may be through low voltage wiring,
or any of a number
of wireless communication means and protocols.
43
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00294] BLOCK 3306-1F and BLOCK 3306-2F illustrate that a command may
be sent to
control end of the plugs or downstream apparatus to the receptacle or in-line
control and monitoring
unit, whether light, appliance or other electrical apparatus, the command
being initiated by any kind
of input connected to the receptacle or in-line control and monitoring unit
(for example originating
from BLOCK 3306).
[00295] BLOCKS 3306-1 and 3306-2 also illustrate having more than one
Smart Receptacle
and having them able to talk to each other. On occurrence of a fault, no
matter from where it comes
from, there may be logic that may send a force trip to any upstream receptacle
in the circuit. Detection
of wiring faults or any other faults that may be detected from receptacle to
receptacle or alternatively
from control units shown in BLOCK 3306-2 or a combination of both. Block 3304
provides direct
communicative connectivity between 3306-1 and 3306-2, if needed.
[00296] For example, if receptacle BLOCK 3306-1D detects a fault, it
can be configured to send
a signal to either 3306-1C or 3306-1B to ultimately trip themselves. Even on
the downstream of
receptacle BLOCK 3306-1D at any other electrically connected apparatus
(including possibly a
traditional receptacle), if BLOCK 3306-1D detects the fault, the logic behind
BLOCK 3306-1D will
determine if a tripping signal should be sent to BLOCK 3306-1B or 3306-1C
disabling partially or
completely the entire circuit.
[00297] In BLOCK 3306-1, top receptacle BLOCK 3306-A is stand-alone
receptacle on a single
stand-alone (dedicated) circuit (e.g. may be used for a refrigerator).
[00298] The three lower receptacles BLOCKS 3306-1B, 3306-1C and 3306-1D.
[00299] BLOCK 3306-1B is the first upstream receptacle going straight
to the circuit.
[00300] BLOCK 3306-1B has downstream connection to some lighting and is
also downstream
to another receptacle incorporating a CPU. That downstream receptacle is also
controlling potential
appliances.
[00301] And BLOCK 3306-1D which is part of the same circuit is also part of
controlling any
other electrically powered apparatus. In case of a fault, whether the fault
occurs from D's
downstream, or any other receptacle it still detects a fault. Then depending
on the logic instigated by
that particular fault, it may force trigger 3306-1B or 3306-1C to trip.
44
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00302] In the above example, where BLOCK 3306-1 has been referenced,
3306-2 may be
replaced analogously, or one may have a combination of Smart Receptacles and
inline control and/or
monitoring units.
[00303] In an industry environment which upon detection of a fault,
requires the entire line to
be shut down, the system in accordance with example embodiments may shut down
either just the
downstream of D, or may send a forced shutdown to C either for its downstream
or for its 2 plugs (up
and down), or send a full shutdown to B, which in turn may send a false trip,
tripping everything
through the breaker.
[00304] As losing power may cause loss of communications, battery
circuitry may be
incorporated in the receptacles to maintain communications functionality in
the case of losing power.
[00305] BLOCK 3308 is an additional embodiment providing for monitoring
input/output
control panels (e.g. being display screens) which allows users to monitor
and/or control activity of
the entire the house. In this embodiment, the control panel(s) can control any
receptacle unit or
downstream circuitry.
[00306] This external CPU in BLOCK 3312 enables co-ordination and is
different from the
CPU's referred to in BLOCK 3306-1 which illustrates an embodiment using plug
receptacles (having
outlets), and from BLOCK 3306-2 which illustrates in-line voltage and/or
current monitoring and
control receptacles without plug outlets.
[00307] The CPU may reside inside BLOCK 3308 in the Control and
Monitoring panel(s) or
can be self contained.
[00308] BLOCK 3312 illustrates database system comprising a CPU (e.g.
processor) with a
database stored in a memory. BLOCK 3312 may reside inside one of the
monitoring control panels
or be contained in its own separate box.
[00309] BLOCK 3312 acts as the central processing unit ("Brain") acting
as an-line CPU and
.. database system (BLOCK 3312) to host all the information, reporting logic
and control logic. This
CPU 3312 is connected either wirelessly or wired into the system. Each of
BLOCKS 3306-1, 3306-2
and 3608 have own CPU and their own logic for their own usage.
[00310] However to monitor and/or control overall logic, interface and
inter-relationships, the
processor unit in BLOCK 3312 acts as an external processor providing control
over the system.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00311] BLOCK 3308 monitors the entire system. It illustrates
additional functionality of
monitoring and control (send messages) including any of the monitoring and/or
control panels having
segregated information to act upon.
[00312] The independent monitoring and control panels BLOCKS 3308-A,
3308-B, 3308-C,
and 3308-D are shown as within their own secure area ("fence"). These
monitoring and control panels
illustrated are independent, enabling them, in an example embodiment if
desirable, to be segregated,
enabling the monitoring and/or control of specific I/O's. For example, this
may be advantageous for
use in multi family dwellings, and/or in environments where segregation is
required such as business
centers where one may want to separate the information, monitoring and/or
control of power for
different organizations. If sharing the same breaker panel, an example
embodiment may segregate the
information and/or controlled functions that is shared, enabling the
segregation within the entire
system.
[00313] BLOCK 3310 is a gateway 3310 which in this particular
embodiment is connected to
at least one of the monitoring units in BLOCK 3308 or may be connected through
BLOCK 3312. In
this example, the logic may reside at the circuit breaker panel 3301.
Alternatively, the gateway 3310
may be connected through the 3306-1 and/or 3306-2. In an example embodiment,
the gateway 3310
includes a Wi-Fi module for wireless communication and access to the fence. In
an example
embodiment, the gateway 3310 (or gateways) is the only way a device can
wireless access the fence.
In an example embodiment, the monitoring and control panels may be operably
connected wirelessly.
[00314] BLOCK 3308 connects to the breaker panel and to the gateway 3310.
In an example
embodiment BLOCK 3308 can also connect through the communication plane to
BLOCK 3306-1
and BLOCK 3306-2.
[00315] Triggers to launch any actions can be controlled by sensors, a
switch or any other mode
of communication that can give a command. The communication can be, e.g.,
smart message that
sends identification of who triggered the request to turn something on, then
through communication
can check data base and perform pre-established action for that individual,
based on the data base of
BLOCK 3312.
[00316] Both receptacle and inline units can be controlled by a
mechanical or logical device
within the secure "fence". Communications between objects can be controlled as
a function of
information, parameters, criteria in the database system (BLOCK 3312).
46
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00317] By connecting to the fence a device can have access to
"everything". An example
embodiment of the fence includes a mini-network of low voltage (input from
sensors). Another
example embodiment of the fence is communication over the power lines, e.g.
the hot power lines or
the neutral power lines. Sensor information may be sent through low voltage
wires or wirelessly, in
example embodiments.
[00318] Alternatively, replacing the phase to phase unit of BLOCK 3302)
as described in some
example embodiments, in an example embodiment there is a neutral-to-ground
communication
between the electrical receptacles, with or without communication with the
circuit breaker panel 3301.
The neutral to ground communication comprises inserting a small current over
the white (neutral) to
the ground in order to establish a communication plane that is not going
through breaker system,
thereby eliminating the need for phase to phase communication because the
neutral and the ground is
common to all element. The small current is voltage modulated to encode the
desired communication
signal. The small current is transmitted over the neutral and returns through
the ground.
[00319] Neutral to ground communication does not need to go through the
circuit breaker panel.
[00320] Normally in the industry, communications taking place through
inline wiring is
interrupted if there is a power failure or disruption. Industry is typically
limited to using the 110V
carrier to transport a communication message. The disclosed means and
processes in accordance with
example embodiments eliminates this by inserting a low current over the white
to the ground; and use
this for communications. Communication between phases is not required with the
additional
advantage of preserving the communications in case of a breaker tripping
event.
[00321] Industry is presently doing power line communications mainly by
using hot to neutral
communication and using the 110v as a carrier.
[00322] This results in problems: a. 110v carrier is not steady
carrier, variation in power is
numerous and may cause issues; b. in a breaker box phase to phase
communication is a major issue.
An example embodiment bridges the hot line power phases on the communications
side to ensure
phase to phase communications is possible. Traditionally, using the hot as a
method of
communication, as soon as breaker trips, the devices potentially could lose
complete communication.
[00323] An example embodiment includes neutral-to-ground as a way of
sending data
communications. At least one contact is connected to neutral (white) and
another contact is connected
to ground. A processor is configured to send wired communications over the
neutral-to-ground.
47
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00324] The advantages of neutral to ground communications are
numerous. There are no phase
to phase issues. By adding a separate power supply, for example long life D
battery (lithium) or
rechargeable battery, the system can supply power if no power is provided by
the power lines. Ground
to neutral communication is not affected by breaker tripping. Another example
embodiment includes
a display screen having a user interface that controls other circuits, not
losing communication is
important. The system is not limited by the 110v carrier and the associated
limitations/problems. As
the system is on Hot-Neutral small DC carrier or, in an example embodiment, RF
communication can
be done and allow for larger bandwidth to be transmitted.
[00325] Extra bandwidth on the power line communication taking place
using ground and
neutral wiring can be used to transmit data information or be used in
isolation (e.g. using different
frequencies) as a carrier for different signal(s) including but not limited to
wireless (e.g. regardless
of protocol such as WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Bluetooth etc.).
[00326] In an example embodiment, ground-to-neutral is being used as a
communication
conduit enabling the exchange of information between devices, for example by
using a small (perhaps
negligible such as <2%) portion of the bandwidth. The rest becoming available
to be a carrier of any
other information.
[00327] In an example embodiment, ground-to-neutral circuit is used as
a communication
conduit (sending/receiving data). In an example embodiment, a device acts as
an interface enabling
communications from wireless to communicate with a ground-to-neutral
communication circuit. In
an example embodiment, ground-to-neutral circuit is used as a wireless
extender. In an example
embodiment, ground-to-neutral circuit is shared by more than one communication
function (e.g.
isolation enables this).
[00328] With battery /capacitor (supercap) (e.g. lithion ion D battery,
having a 20 year life, or a
rechargeable battery), communications can be maintained if there is a power
failure and/or breaker
trips.
[00329] An example embodiment includes insertion of small DC current
over neutral and
ground. Then sending data over the DC current. Another example embodiment
includes insertion of
an AC signal over neutral to ground. Another example embodiment includes
insertion of a RF
modulation signal over the neutral-to-ground. For example, broadcast service
such as Bell's service
offering "Bell Fibe" (TM) is broadcasting their TV signals over WiFi. An
example embodiment uses
48
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
the disclosed system to broadcast TV signal(s) within homes over the neutral-
to-ground, thereby
decreasing the significant powerful radio waves current used.
[00330] Furthermore, Wifi would not be required when the converter
incorporated a
communication chip, complete TV broadcasting can be done in the home using the
neutral-to-ground
network.
[00331] As well, generally there are access points whereby someone will
try to cover large areas
with few access points (e.g. one). There are health issues related to high
power electromagnetic wave
emissions. A person may be affected by waves/radiation. There is need to solve
wireless radiation.
There exists a need to reduce signal strength while providing wireless
communications sufficient to
satisfy increasingly higher speed requirements. Reducing signal strength to
provide coverage for
smaller distances such as five or ten feet may be advantageous.
[00332] An example embodiment includes power line communications
whereby the described
electrical receptacle acts as a repeater, access point, mesh network node,
etc. The RF signals are sent
to a receptacle that is configured to be emitting from the wired connection
backbone. A suitable
protocol such as a Thread protocol can be used in a pipe (repeater). Each
receptacle is configured to
operate in a similar manner, for example as a pipe, repeater. An example
embodiment includes using
power line communications whereby each electrical receptacle is a signal line
distributor, reducing
strength of RFI, EMF. Access to the network is "localized" rather than
transmitting over wide areas,
sending data and acting as pipe. In another example embodiment a custom chip
is used within the
electrical receptacle that has Wi-Fi functionality and a processor of the
electrical receptacle integrates
the wireless communications within the backbone fence.
[00333] Another example embodiment is a neutral-to-ground communication
device that
comprises a plug that plugs into an electrical outlet. The communication
device can further include
an Ethernet port or other wired interface so that further communication
devices can communicate over
the neutral to ground power lines, via the communication device. The
communication device can
further include a wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi) module to wirelessly communicate with
further communication
devices, enabling those communication devices to communicate over the neutral
to ground power
lines. The communication device can be an Access Point, router, etc., in an
example embodiment.
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[00334] The access to the wired network backbone can move with the
user. As the device of a
user is accessing the particular Wi-Fi module and changes rooms, the same Wi-
Fi signal comes from
another electrical receptacle. The access point follows the user/device.
[00335] One aspect of this system is that there is a low cost device
with power safety. This
means that low signals are used instead of Wi-Fi related higher radiation.
[00336] Existing industry systems do not bypass the breaker on breaker
panel using Ground to
Neutral. Breaker only opens the hot in the industry systems. An example
embodiment of the
communication system is bypassing the breaker by using neutral to ground
communications.
Traditionally industry goes through line voltage, hot, for a single hot line
phase.
[00337] In an example embodiment, the communication over the power line
does not use the
hot, as it is not using 110v for communications; rather neutral to ground is
used. In another example
embodiment, communication between the electrical receptacles over a low
voltage lines also bypasses
the breaker.
[00338] In an example embodiment, a communication device includes a
first contact configured
for electrical connection to a downstream power line; a second contact
configured for electrical
connection to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem configured
for wired
communications over the neutral power line to the ground by sending an AC
signal over the
downstream power line. The communication device may be a circuit breaker
panel, a junction box,
or an in-line control and monitoring unit.
[00339] The downstream power line may be a neutral power line, or a hot
power line.
[00340] The wired communications may continue when a circuit breaker of
a breaker panel
opens a hot power line. The wired communications may bypass a circuit breaker
panel.
[00341] In an example embodiment, a communication device includes a
first contact configured
for electrical connection to a neutral power line; a second contact configured
for electrical connection
to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem configured for wired
communications over
the neutral power line to the ground by sending an AC signal over the neutral
line. The communication
device may be a device comprising a plug for plugging into a plug outlet, or
an electrical device
having a plug outlet. The communication device may be a circuit breaker panel.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00342] The neutral power line may be a downstream power line. The
wired communications
may continue when a circuit breaker of a circuit breaker panel opens a hot
power line. The wired
communications may also bypass a circuit breaker panel.
[00343] A great deal of bandwidth is therefore available in neutral-to-
ground communications
to replace wireless. Rather than using wireless, the system is transmitting
data using the described
neutral-to-ground communications. An example embodiment includes replacing
wireless in rooms by
using extra bandwidth available in the described neutral-to-ground
communications.
[00344] By establishing communication neutral-to-ground, the system is
establishing a
communication pipe while using only a very small percentage of it (in bits
versus gigabits).
Accordingly, have large excess bandwidth enabling the system to distribute
internet to all the outlets
that have communications in them. In each electrical receptacle (inline or
smart receptacle) there is a
wifi (wireless) chip to provide communications in a room, which acts as a
repeater. Similar to
switching from one cell to another when driving a car; mobile devices can have
the same handover
operability for the rooms in a house. Rather than blasting wifi throughout a
house, the system can use
communication points of the communication fence to supply wifi to one room.
Each room can have
their own wifi.
[00345] An example embodiment is not restricted to using "a portion" of
the neutral-to-ground
circuit and the "remainder" being used for a means of creating wifi repeating.
An example
embodiment uses neutral-to-ground entirely; and another example embodiment
uses the "remaining"
bandwidth left over after a very small portion of the bandwidth is reserved
for receptacle-to-receptacle
monitoring and control communications.
[00346] An example embodiment includes distributed repeaters on neutral-
to-ground circuit
without using some of the technology features described herein (e.g., smart
receptacles, tamper
resistance, units). In another example embodiment, the neutral-to-ground
communication is
embodied by using a communication device that has a plug, and the neutral line
is accessed through
the neutral prong or pin of the plug, and the plug also has a ground prong or
pin. In an example
embodiment, the communication device is configured as an access point for
wireless and/or wired
access to the fence. In another example embodiment, the communication device
is part of a load or
appliance that is accessing the network through the neutral prong or pin.
Another example
embodiment does so in combination with the technology features described
herein.
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ICA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00347] Typical devices in the industry, for example those that are
plugged into a wall or
Ethernet, do not neutral-to-ground. Industry is accustomed to sending data
communications over
110y or low voltage wires, they have not traditionally considered
communications over neutral-to-
ground as the industry would not put 110v through neutral-to-ground. And so
the industry did not
typically consider sending low voltage communications over neutral-to-ground.
[00348] In an example embodiment, the hot power line circuitry (110v
circuitry) is bypassed by
the power line communication network. In an example embodiment, the neutral-to-
ground circuit is
used as a communications carrier using low voltage current. The neutral-to-
ground circuit is used for
the devices to talk to each other, as well as for external access (e.g.
Internet, receiving a broadcast or
RF signal).
[00349] An example embodiment does not require having to link all kinds
of phases. In a
warehouse, there can be many phases, e.g. 12 daughter panels with 2 or 3
phases in each. The neutral-
to-ground circuit is common to all of them.
[00350] The modulation of the data, and sending current is described
further. A driver sends
current. Modulation of current and changes on that current that sends
data/information. On neutral-
to-ground, the device can be configured to send communication signal that is
almost equivalent to
point to point RF. In another example embodiment, the device is injecting a
small DC current for
communications over neutral-to-ground. Another example embodiment includes
insertion of an AC
signal over the neutral-to-ground. There is no 110v being affected here. The
device is configured to
send a message on current travelling over neutral-to-ground or, in an example
embodiment, an RF
signal. The RF signal is transported over a small DC current. Traditionally,
on 110v they are
modulating data. The device eliminates the need to communicate on line voltage
or wirelessly. As
well, the communication network backbone does not require special wiring. It
is desirable to use
existing power lines to create wireless network. No need to use Ethernet or
line voltage lines.
[00351] A specialized chip can be used by each electrical receptacle which
will receive the
neutral-to-ground communication, the complete bandwidth of gigabyte(s) and on
other side of chip it
can then transmit full gigabytes into a room. Typical industry chips are not
available for neutral-to-
ground.
[00352] An example embodiment includes a means or process which takes
data which is coming
from neutral-to-ground, and re-transmits it through wireless, or vice-versa.
An example embodiment
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
uses a wireless-enabled chip to transmit through wireless. The chip takes data
that originates from
neutral-to-ground and re-transmit through wireless. A combination chip takes
communications
coming from neutral-to-ground and converts (transmits through) to wireless
(wifi, zwave, zigbee),
Bluetooth etc.
[00353] An example embodiment is a circuit board for installation to a
device, comprising: one
or more contacts for electrical connection of the circuit board to at least
one power line including a
neutral power line, respectively; a communication subsystem configured for
communication with the
device and configured for wired communication over the neutral power line to
ground; and a processor
configured to communicatively connect the communication with the device with
the wired
communication over the neutral power line to the ground. A microchip having a
packaging with pins
can contain the circuit board.
[00354] Referring still to FIGURE 32 and FIGURE 33, an example
embodiment is a dry contact
switch that results in a series of activities from the electrical receptacles
(e.g. smart receptacle or in-
line unit). A processor or microcontroller can be used to implement the
functionality. An example
embodiment uses dry contacts which can be shorted to effect activities over
extremely long distances.
For example, a large manufacturing assembly might cover 1-3 km. The system
uses the fence
backbone. For example, at every e.g. 10-20 feet, there can be provided a panic
button in parallel
allowing any of a few hundred panic buttons to send a "stop" message.
[00355] By shorting the two wires connected to two pins of the
processor, and instead of inline
in the circuitry the two pins are shorted triggering information to be sent to
one (or more) of the
receptacles or inline units. This can include a preset task or tasks assigned
to a closed circuit. So by
shorting the two pins of a processor, a set of instructions can be executed by
processor (or indirectly
via at least one other processor). In example embodiments this results in
immediate shut down for
safety purposes.
[00356] Furthermore this would allow for typical security system to be
connected to entire
system through a single receptacle or in-line power unit, at that point,
keypad, iris scanner, fingerprint
scanner, voice-face recognition can be configured to transmit over twisted
pair and the processor of
that specific on line controller or receptacle can send information to the CPU
3312 and trigger pre-
programmed instructions.
53
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00357] Industry systems normally go to mechanical response versus to
any of the power on the
circuit(s) to be controlled. Industry systems often use line voltage (at wall
switch), the live 110v lies
there. On the other hand, in some example embodiment the switching is low
voltage or dry contact.
Example embodiments can provide for cheaper installation and longer distance
that can be covered.
[00358] The dry contact switch refers to shorting two pins of a processor.
In response, to the
shorting, information is sent to another device (e.g. down the line) so that
something takes place as a
result. The shorting of 2 wires within the system, in an example embodiment,
results in a
consequential action that has been pre-determined. For example, the processor
in the receptacle or
inline unit, when the 2 pins are shorted, triggers a preprogrammed series of
information to be sent to
.. database system (BLOCK 3312), which when receives these instructions
triggers series of events. For
example, in a manufacturing plant when someone hits the panic button,
everything stops. This is
different from existing industry panic buttons which are connected to live
power, and not through an
electrical receptacle as in example embodiments.
[00359] An example embodiment is a system which intelligently deals
with shorting. The
shorting triggers an action. Upon a short, a processor is specifying a series
of activities to be performed
(based on database information). In traditional industry cases, it's usually
one power line action as a
result of a short. An example embodiment includes sending data down over a
communication line
upon detection of a short. An example embodiment implements a power control
sequence in response
to the short. Hitting a button may trigger a series or sequence of other shut
downs. In an example
embodiment, controlling the electrical receptacle itself can be a result of a
short.
[00360] The receptacle that includes the dry contact switch can stay
live in example
embodiments. The short of the two pins on a single receptacle can send a
message to a device that is
unrelated to that specific receptacle. The device can be another device that
is contained in the entire
system. By shorting the 2 pins on the processor of that receptacle, it can
effect the closing/opening of
something on another receptacle or device depending on what has been
programmed.
[00361] In an example embodiment, the shorting of the pins triggers a
message that the
receptacle is to send another message(s). When message is received by the
processor, it does database
check to the database system (BLOCK 3312) that, based on condition detected,
establishes and
controls one or more receptacles and/or devices to be shut down (or what
should be turned on; such
as siren, sound). The triggering is low power or no power at all (e.g., dry
contact, short).
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00362] The button does not necessarily have power in it, it is a short
without a reference
voltage. Note by shorting 2 pins on a processor, an action can be dictated or
preprogrammed. In an
example embodiment, that action is to communicate with the main CPU 3312
(FIGURE 33) and tell
the main CPU 3312 that there was a dry contact shut down by shorting the two
pins. The main CPU
3312 in turn reacts to effect a major shutdown, when this occurs, to trigger
"self destruct" sequence
(shut down). A set of instructions which have been preprogrammed (or input in
real time) are
executed. The concept is that the dry contact is not only for that receptacle
(as that receptacle might
stay alive).
[00363] An example embodiment is a shorting of a device does not
necessarily result in shutting
down the particular outlet where the short took place.
[00364] An example embodiment is shorting of a device for anything
other than shutting off an
outlet directly related to the short. An example embodiment includes
communication means that a
short took place, which triggers other activities, not necessarily shutting
power at the outlet. The
communication can be either through low voltage sending information or just
having dry contacts that
by shorting them actions / instructions are triggered.
[00365] In an example embodiment, the low voltage is connected to Iris
scanner, before entering
room scan Iris, system recognizes the person, etc. Two pins on processor which
allows twisted pair
to be connected to. Any time the two twisted pairs are shorted a message is
triggered which is sent to
the database system (3312) to determine and activates the next action. This
includes but not limited
to acting as a panic button; or turning on specific lights; or based on
identifying information, turning
on or not turning on power to specific outlets. Some example embodiments are
not limited to 2 dry
contacts, can be more in some example embodiments.
[00366] Having two dry contacts which as a result of shorting allows
the system to perform
series of activities, sending information that contacts where shorted, to the
database system (BLOCK
3312) where there are pre-determined set of actions to be taken based on the
contacts having been
shorted, e.g., not necessarily having anything to do with that particular
outlet. The outlet can be
configured for simply sending information to the power line phase that the
particular short took place.
[00367] Reference is still made to FIGURE 33, wherein examples of smart
appliance and
interaction with the smart receptacles 3306-1 and/or in-line units 3306-2 will
now be described.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00368] In appliances, example embodiments incorporate all described
safety features of the
described electrical receptacle outlets as well as communication ability to
outlets / inline devices; and
as well communicate to other appliances.
[00369] An example of a smart appliance is an oven having a camera.
Based on face recognition,
the oven won't be allowed to be turned on if it is a child who is recognized.
The appliance is live, but
the power button or use of oven is not permitted if facial recognition
detected kid. Other devices can
be used, such as biometric reader, finger print scanner, recognizing a mobile
communication device
and its associated identifier.
[00370] Example embodiments implement further safety features. The
appliance, when turned
on by the button, does not get any power from the electrical receptacle if the
user is recognized to be
a child. Other devices can be used, such as biometric reader, finger print
scanner, recognizing a mobile
communication device and its associated identifier.
[00371] In the case of an in-line unit 3306-2, in an example
embodiment, a computer is
hardwired, and the computer is provided a power profile of entire room, which
can be controlled by
the computer.
[00372] Typical industry breakers cannot communicate that the breaker
has tripped. An example
embodiment uses breakers communications that a breaker has tripped.
[00373] In an example embodiment, a power monitoring and control unit
can be embedded in
the circuit breaker panel 3301 in the same manner as embedded in an appliance,
and upon trip, the
circuit breaker panel 3301 can send message to entire system or to external
unit/medium via the
gateway unit, that the breaker has been tripped.
[00374] In an example embodiment, when an appliance wishes to be turned
on, a message is
communicated to a smart receptacle 3306-1. The smart receptacle 3306-1 is
configured for testing if
there is no power, concluding that a breaker has been tripped, e.g. voltage or
current not at a specified
level or within a threshold, or no voltage or no current, and communicating a
message that breaker
has tripped. It is possible to identify which breaker using information of
knowing which circuit does
not have power, since that is the hot power line phase that the electrical
receptacle is installed.
[00375] An example embodiment includes monitoring current and voltage
and determining that
a breaker has been tripped, and sending such information or outputting to an
output device, e.g. display
screen.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00376] As the inline fence communication is not breaker sensitive in
example embodiment (the
receptacle is sensitive for power, but not for communication) in the event
that someone tries to plug
a load into a receptacle or turn on a load from an inline control unit and no
power is available, then
the electrical receptacle can send message to an in-house screen, or
wirelessly to an external source
like a cell phone or user's device or to a monitoring station, that no power
is available, e.g. "check
breaker".
[00377] In an example embodiment, referring still to FIGURE 33, 3306-1
and 3306-2 can
determine that a breaker was tripped and can send a message "trip breaker".
Alternatively, the
communication device can be embedded in the breaker and the breaker itself can
send message and
based on logic in breaker it can be configured to also send out the reason for
the tripping.
[00378] An example embodiment includes a breaker (or circuit breaker
panel) that is configured
to transmit information generated within breaker. The described the technology
for electrical
receptacles can be incorporated into a breaker in an example embodiment. For
example, the breaker
can communicate its load, potential power availability before a trip, allowing
for reports to be done,
on screen or printed of the entire power consumption circuit by circuit, or
communicated to a
monitoring system. An example embodiment includes adding breakers as
communicating devices
within the Internet-Of-Things (IoT) market. An example embodiment includes a
breaker configured
for collecting the information related to the tripping. An example embodiment
includes the breaker
communicating that information. An example embodiment includes the breaker
being within the
.. secure communication fence.
[00379] FIGURE 33 illustrates communication within an appliance. As
appliances are able to
be connected via a smart receptacle and/or inline communicating unit, not only
from power
standpoint, but also communication standpoint. The system (BLOCK 3300) does
not preclude
communication via a power line. Further, the inline power monitoring and
control board can be
incorporated in an appliance; thereby enabling communications with the other
receptacle (in-line
units, smart receptacles, breakers).
[00380] In the case of an appliance having a battery system the power
monitoring unit can be
configured to detect 100% battery charge and shut down battery charging from
the system. The
electrical device can stop the power and send message ("unit fully charged"),
the industry does not
57
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
have such communications in theirs. The electrical receptacles stops providing
power (e.g. deactivates
the applicable TRIAC) in response to the battery being fully charged.
[00381] In an example, this does more than protecting against over
charging, the system stops
charging and continue automatically when there is a decrease in battery, and
when the plug is plugged
.. in.
[00382] FIGURE 34 is a communications diagram, which illustrates an
example embodiment.
FIGURE 34 is a block diagram of the possible communication activities deriving
from electrical
activities that are self triggered or remotely triggered within the integrated
system illustrated in
FIGURE 33.
[00383] BLOCK 3410 illustrates a gateway control unit which acts as
middleware or a hub, in
that it can connect input source to another existing external controlled
system. In an example
embodiment, the gateway control unit 3410 describes the functionality o f the
gateway 3310 (FIGURE
33). In an example embodiment, the gateway control unit 3410 is the only way
in which external
devices can be authorized to access the fence, either wired or wirelessly.
Applicable passwords and/or
IEEE 802.11 protocol implementation can be used to verify and authenticate
access to the fence. In
an example embodiment, the gateway control unit 3410 can be configured as an
authentication server,
such as a Radius and/or AAA server.
[00384] Whereas BLOCK 3410 illustrates activity triggering outside a
fence; BLOCK 3400B
illustrates command sent by a unit contained within the fence. BLOCK 3400A may
be a user input;
BLOCK 3400B may be a sensor input; BLOCK 3400-A may be from an external input
source such
as manual input, mobile device, existing control unit, etc.
[00385] BLOCK 3406 shows that a Smart Receptacle or an in-line control
unit (in example
embodiments with or without communications capability) may be activated in
multiple ways:
[00386] BLOCK 3406-C illustrates a receptacle having a load connected
to it. This triggers the
communication activity of sending power to the actual unit. Alternatively the
triggering of the
activation of the receptacle can be done by an external device, 3406-A whether
a sensor or a switch,
or any capable device.
[00387] The same device may either activate a receptacle, or an in-line
control unit in 3406-B.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00388] Upon the activation of an inline control monitoring unit or a
plug receptacle, Block
3402 illustrates that a message can be sent (3402-C) over wire or over
wireless.
[00389] 3402-A shows the case of wired with an older breaker panel but
incorporating phase to
phase communications from FIGURE 33 (BLOCK 3302) whereby one device per phase
can be
installed to link communication between the phases.
[00390] In an example embodiment, a message is sent to the CPU of the
database system 3312
which retrieves from its database the actions required upon either a
receptacle being activated or the
inline control.
[00391] This information is used by one or more of the display panel
units (BLOCK 3400A
being equivalent to BLOCK 3308 in FIGURE 33).
[00392] In order to inform one or more users or one or more systems,
that a specific receptacle,
for example, was activated. Furthermore upon sending a message to an external
device or system, the
system may wait for confirmation or further instructions.
[00393] The triggering can be done using inline control monitoring as
illustrated in BLOCK
3406.
[00394] The logic determines whether it was safe to activate or not.
[00395] The inner logic inside the CPU of the two apparatus (either or
both Smart Receptacles
or in-line control & monitoring units) are determining whether or not it is
safe to proceed, or by
connecting to the CPU unit shown in 3302-D.
[00396] Where 3400A or B the message may come from a display panel unit in
which case it is
sent over wired or wireless to the unit control processor, which has to run a
safety check to see if its
safe to power the specific plug receptacle or inline control unit receptacle.
If it is safe, then in the
logic of 3406 a message is sent to the plug receptacle or the inline control
receptacle unit via wire or
wireless (3406) and at that point the information to start the downstream
control is sent.
[00397] 3400-C shows a list of potential control actions. 3404 lists
potential downstream items
that may be remotely controlled; e.g. lighting, appliances, electrically
powered apparatus.
[00398] Accordingly, this enables the turning on-off, or activating or
de-activating, dimming
and/or augmenting, and the sending of messages.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00399] In an example embodiment, there is a complete series of
triggers that can launch any of
the actions. These can be controlled by sensor(s), switch(s) or any mode of
communication that may
launch a command. Two wires transport a signal which may be triggered by a
simple switch or smart
message information which identifies the person who sent the request to turn
something on, then
based on information about individual appropriate actions can be taken.
[00400] Both receptacle and inline unit may be controlled by logical
device within the fence.
Logic in CPU 3312 can be configured to determine the action(s) to be taken.
[00401] By connecting to 110v circuitry, all information is available.
[00402] An example embodiment also may include low voltage network
within the system
(inputs from sensors in blocks 3306-1 and 3306-2 may be low voltage). May send
communications
wirelessly or through low voltage wire. All the apparatus are all connected
through ground, neutral
and connection to a 110v phase. In an example embodiment, communications
between devices are
going through the breaker panel 3301 to communicate with each other.
[00403] FIGURE 35 illustrates a processing task flowchart of criteria
and activities related to
initiation of power upon a user-initiated or load request (Step 3500). At the
first step 3510, a request
has been initiated (for example from an input screen, or remote gateway, or
switch on a wall to turn
on or off power to the circuit of a receptacle or an in line monitoring and
control unit; or a plug is
plugged in to a particular receptacle, or request for the downstream on a
receptacle.
[00404] For example if there is a single string of lights, the entire
string can be turned off
remotely. Each circuit is independent so data base can include instructions to
power and/or de-activate
power for a particular circuit on a receptacle (such as upper outlet, lower
outlet or downstream) or in
line unit. Turning on or disconnecting power may be triggered by a number of
events, including but
not limited to: plugging or unplugging a load; sending a command to an in line
unit; or sending a
command to the downstream of a receptacle or in line unit.
[00405] In addition to processes to be initiated upon the turning on of
power, there are
circumstances as well, upon which it may be desirable to have initiation o f
processes which take place
upon disconnection of power.
[00406] Devices may be unplugged for a variety of reasons. Although the
action of unplugging
a load may not be prevented, a message (including but not limited to audio,
display, video etc.) can
be transmitted to other devices, outlets, receptacles, in line monitoring and
control units, and user(s)
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
(or to a cell phone, an alarm monitoring company, etc.) communicating that a
particular critical device
has been unplugged; for example in the case of a critical device such as a
dialysis machine, artificial
respirator, etc. being unplugged.
[00407] Similarly, if such device(s) is hardwired into an in line
control unit rather than being
plugged into an outlet or receptacle, a communication might be initiated and
for example an
affirmation response or a security password might be required prior to
permitting the power to the
device to be disconnected.
[00408] Step 3515 establishes whether power is being turned on or off.
If power is being turned
off, the process continues to the power down sequence. Step 3560 considers
safety issues (including
but not limited to ground faults, arc faults, faulty wiring, over current
etc.) related to turning on or off
equipment and then proceeds to step 3580 which will enable or disable the
receptacle or in line
monitoring and control unit, or specific circuit of each. If at step 3515
power is being turned on, then
the next step proceeds to 3525 to see if power to the receptacle is available.
Step 3516 checks the
database at step 3550.
[00409] If yes, proceeds to a first set of safety procedures; 3520 send
message that it is unsafe
to start (3540). If safe to start, proceeds to 3550 for a data base check. At
step 3557 database
commands are executed; if any of these commands are a start or a stop, then
proceeds to step 3560;
otherwise the process continues to step 3570.1f it's allowed, the process
continues to proceeds to step
3560, to enable the power. Once power is enabled, the circuit becomes
monitored by the process in
FIGURE 36.
[00410] Once a load request has been initiated, at step 3525, the
voltage is verified to be as
expected; for example, 110v or 220v (or within an acceptable range of the
expected voltage. Should
the voltage not be as expected (block 3527), a message is sent to inline
display screen(s) or through
the gateway to any external device indicating that the breaker is tripped. In
an example embodiment,
the circuit breaker is tripped, and/or the power to the outlet is disabled. In
an example embodiment,
there is a system measuring a voltage on a circuit, and upon determining that
the voltage is not within
an acceptable voltage value or (predetermined) range, communicating that the
breaker has been
tripped.
[00411] If the power is as expected, the process continues to block
3530 to test for one or more
safety conditions. At step 3520, should any of the illustrated faults in block
3535 (examples only) be
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established, then it is determined that it is not safe to start, and the
process continues to block 3540
whereby an appropriate error message notification is transmitted to an e.g.
display screen (3308) or
through a gateway unit (3310) to any external device. At this point power is
not provided to the
appliance or load which may have been plugged in.
[00412] At step 3520, if it is determined that it is safe to proceed to
initiate power, at 3550 a
database check is performed (as illustrated with examples in block 3555)
providing criteria
determining whether the particular outlet or appliance should be powered,
whether other equipment
or appliances should be powered or have their power disabled, whether a
particular sequence of
turning power on or off (de-activated) should proceed, and more.
[00413] Following the database check (Block 3550), at step 3560 if the
start of the particular
appliance or load is not permitted based on the database check, then step 3570
proceeds, transmitting
an appropriate communication to a displace screen (3308) or through the
gateway unit (3310) to any
external device. Providing of and/or disabling of power to outlets,
receptacles, devices, and/or inline
units proceeds according to the database criteria established and identified
in 3555.
[00414] Following the database check (Block 3550), at step 3557, should any
load or device
require power, then the 3500 routine can be initiated on a sequence of its own
for the particular
device(s) identified in the database.
[00415] Following the database check (Block 3550), at step 3560, if the
start of the particular
appliance or load is permitted, then at step 3580, a command is sent to
activate power to the receptacle
or the inline unit. In an example embodiment, information related to the
activation may be
communicated to any output means such as an inline display units (3308) and/or
through the gateway
unit (3310) to any external device.
[00416] Upon power being activated the processes outlined in Figure 36,
to monitor the ongoing
integrity of the circuit is initiated. The processes in Figure 36 apply to all
units which may have been
activated as a result of the database check at step 3550 as illustrated in
3555.
[00417] In Figure 35, the process constantly waits for load request(s)
and for the occurrence of
possible faults (e.g. Gfi, Afci, faulty wiring, overcurrent, etc.). Block 3555
is organized by different
categories of information in a database that is being checked. Block 3555 a
set of possible instructions
preprogrammed in a database (alternatively, dynamically input by user) to
allow or disallow turning
on either an appliance or plug load.
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[00418] For example: there can be groups for specific appliance in
discussion such as time of
day or specific user restrictions or based on the circuit availability
information or specific power
requirement for that equipment. If there is not sufficient power available for
that specific equipment,
is there a priority list that can shut down temporarily other equipment to
provide sufficient power for
this equipment/appliance.
[00419] In an example embodiment, the system can therefore implement an
"acceptable"
overload. This differs with some existing standards or factor-of-safety
industry practices that require
conservative breaker selection, since those methods cannot react quickly or
cut off power at the
particular fault.
[00420] If there is no issue, e.g. wiring not heating up, integrity of
circuit is ok, the system
operates as no longer. In other words, the system design is no longer bound by
existing 80% "safety"
standards. Some example control of the breaker trip may even exceed 100%, for
example go to 105%
(acceptable "overload").
[00421] Referring again to FIGURE 33, note that there are loads that
are downstream to the
receptacles. A smaller version of power control and monitoring unit can be
further than downstream
into electrical components and talk directly to the load (e.g. appliance).
[00422] In an example embodiment, a toaster can have low voltage
battery controlling circuitry
without power, and upon time to start toasting can be configured to talk to
the receptacle. This can
have advantages: limiting power consumption to minimum; providing outstanding
safety as although
appliance is connected, it would not receive power until required (and power
safety features). There
are additional green energy savings (besides safety).
[00423] All power control and monitoring can be concentrated on single
circuit and applied to
the appliance which becomes arc fault, ground fault, surge, over current etc
protected as well as
supplying power to the appliance itself.
[00424] Any appliance, engine, pump, anything functioning with electricity,
can be equipped
with functionality, subset of micro circuitry. Bringing households,
commercial, industry ¨ closer to
complete power control. Circuit gets closed as lever is brought down (live)
but electricity is always
there with possibility of getting electrocuted. For example, a knife closes
the circuit. As soon as toast
pops back up, there is no longer any power provided by the electrical
receptacle. In the present case,
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a utensil accessing toast would have no possibility of shorting circuitry as
power is off. Circuit can be
embodied in any appliance.
[00425] An example embodiment is an appliance decides when to turn
power on from the
electrical receptacle. A battery can be used to keep logic control alive.
There is no 110v until toaster
lever pushed down; then within few milliseconds when lever up again, sends
message that power no
longer needed. To prevent a person from being electrocuted, when lever off,
the toaster communicates
with plug and gets power when needed only. The circuit board can have small
battery to keep logic
on. Until lever is at the bottom, there is no power. In an example embodiment,
toaster can
communicate through the ground-to-neutral communication phase (if it has
ground). The toaster can
.. configured to send low dc voltage to keep logic control of the plug up.
[00426] Example embodiments can require one circuit board, rather than
the multiple circuit
board devices described herein. The device needs only one, in an example
embodiment.
[00427] An example embodiment is a means enabling an 'appliance' (e.g.
toaster) to have safety
features and not be powered until the processor of the electrical receptacle
decides it is ok to do so
based on safety features or other criteria, and upon said decision activate
power to the appliance.
[00428] An example embodiment is an appliance comprising of a CPU
monitoring current
and/or voltage having communication means to receive external instruction to
turn power on.
[00429] Other appliances or loads can be used in other example
embodiments, and are not
limited to a toaster, for example. Extend one step further the "no juice until
needed" by bringing it to
the appliance.
[00430] Since there is unit to unit (receptacle or inline units)
communication. Circuit starts at
breaker, all receptacles talk to each other; and from one to the other they
know the current that the
other one is expecting. If not getting what is expected, then there is a
wiring issue and can establish
preprogrammed events.
[00431] Conditions, actions based on conditions, profiles. When there is
means to identify a
person, the system (electrical receptacles) can be customized to that person's
needs. The system can
restrict others based on their profiles, so that power access to an electrical
receptacle is restricted. For
example, an appliance such as a stove or oven can be configured with a camera
or biometric reader to
identify the person who is turning on the appliance. The identification of the
user can be verified
against the database system (BLOCK 3312). For example, the person turning on
the appliance may
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be a minor that is under 18 years old, and appliance will request the
electrical receptacle to turn on
power, and the electrical receptacle will not activate power upon receiving
the instruction. Similarly
the electrical receptacle will activate power to the receptacle if the person
is authorized (e.g.
authorized adult). The database can be stored as a white list and/or a black
list, in example
embodiments.
[00432] In an example embodiment, the CPU of the electrical receptacle
knows the current on
the circuit when a device is being plugged in, so if exceeding 15A when
plugging in a device, do not
activate the electrical receptacle and can send message to closest screen unit
that have exceeded
capacity of circuit (e.g. total 15A). When another device is plugged in, while
not allowing the
"offending" device to be plugged in, the another device may be activated with
power if permitted.
[00433] The system can recognize power losses, and identify which wires
have a problem. An
example embodiment is an apparatus within a circuit talking to each other,
preventing overload and
electrical fires by monitoring current all the way through. Even if improper
wiring (too small gauge)
the system can identify and then eliminate potential electrical fire.
Electrical fires, accompanied by
power losses, the CPU of the electrical receptacle know where power has issued
and so does not turn
power on. With the described systems, a designer can exceed 80% of 15A safely,
and the system can
prevent overload specifically.
[00434] In an example embodiment, an electrical device includes: a plug
outlet comprising a
first contact configured for electrical connection to a first hot power line
having a first phase and a
second contact configured for electrical connection to a second hot power line
having a second phase,
a first switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the
first hot power line, a second
switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the second
hot power line, a processor
configured to control an activation or a deactivation of the first switch and
the second switch, the
switches being in a deactivation state as a default when there is a plug in
the plug outlet, the processor
configured to determine that electrical conditions are safe, and in response
activate the first switch
and the second switch to distribute two-phase power to the plug, wherein the
plug is from an electric
vehicle.
[00435] In example embodiments, using a processor can be used to
optimize power sent to
device. For example, deliver specific wattage based on voltage and current the
device wants to receive.
This provides modification of the signal in real time. The electrical
receptacle can be configured to
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
optimize and deliver power actually sent to device to its performance
characteristics. For example, if
an engine works best at 12.3 A at 110v; if voltage fluctuates to 120v, the
electrical receptacle can be
configured to reduce to 11.7 A, for example. The electrical receptacle can
dynamically always ensure
target power is provided to engine for example.
[00436] In an example embodiment, the electrical receptacle can be
configured to control both
voltage and current delivered; therefore constantly modify and send what's
ultimately and optimally
required. For example, skipping phase, or even injecting additional current
from a power source to
compensate.
[00437] For an appliance, in an example embodiment, the electrical
receptacle can attenuate or
enhance based on voltage variation. If current is optimal then any traditional
system would work; but
if power fluctuates, the described electrical receptacle can deliver specific
power, and control current
and can let voltage fluctuate, and make sure power never changes with respect
to a target power.
[00438] Another example embodiment includes attenuating or enhancing
(increasing) wattage
to optimize use of appliances, using an electrical receptacle.
[00439] Another example embodiment provides further protection when within
the appliance:
for example the feed from the wire is encapsulated in a waterproof environment
so that when the 110v
(example) circuit is opened no person can get electrocuted as it still is not
closed by the water
infiltration to live wires. One aspect is that the high voltage side is
isolated so that the water
penetration cannot close the circuit.
[00440] Rather than destroying the circuit of the toaster (frying the
circuit) the circuitry detects
the ground fault and shuts down (e.g. stays "off', doesn't turn on the triac)
the power to the toaster.
For an appliance such as a hair dryer, line voltage side is completely
isolated
[00441] If GFI the low voltage side gets disconnected completely.
[00442] In an example embodiment, one set of instruction that can be
preprogrammed. One step
further is a smaller version of a circuit board and providing with
communication unit to appliance
manufacturers. For example, a toaster can be equipped with system. It would
have zero power until
push lever all the way down, coordination between the appliance safety system
of the toaster and the
circuit board can be achieved either with prioritization or timing. Then
toaster would communicate
with the plug (e.g. request 110v). When toast comes out, it communicates in
milliseconds and it
becomes tamper proof.
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[00443] Devices, appliances (toasters, oven, etc.) can be safe with
power not being turned on
unless there is no safety fault. An example embodiment is a safest appliance
whereby power isn't
turned on unless no fault. An example embodiment is the appliance is
communicating with the outlet.
[00444] An example embodiment allows different receptacles and/or
inline units to talk to each
other and also verify that the voltage and current expected to arrive is
actually arriving; and if not,
then declaring that there is a fault and the cause/reason, and communicating
that that reason should
be investigated. Therefore shutting down and, in an example embodiment,
sending a message to
investigate. For example, faulty wiring, faulty equipment, etc. Until this is
resolved, the power will
not be turned back on.
[00445] Step 3510: examples of sending a request to equipment/appliance to
start a task includes
but is not limited to turning on elements for toaster; turning on elements of
a stove; turning on lights.
If someone plugs in an appliance in a receptacle, this makes the switch turn
on and requires an action.
[00446] Sending trip to breaker: In the database, if an event is of
such magnitude that it's safer
to turn entire circuit off. Refer 3300 which refers to 3306-1 and 3306-2 which
illustrates on a single
circuit smart receptacle and inline communications module can be interspersed,
mixed matched.
[00447] FIGURE 36 illustrates a processing task flowchart (3600) of
ongoing monitoring of the
integrity of power line circuitry and response to fault(s), and associated
block circuit diagram (3650-
1). Block 3640 is a starting point describing ongoing monitoring facility of
circuit integrity. The
process loops monitors for faults, including but not limited circuit
overloads, until a fault is found. If
fault is found, then step 3645 proceeds with a data base check at block 3655,
which initiates a fault
sequence shut down. If fault detected at step 3645 is an overload, at step
3649 the entire circuit is
examined. Both occurrences trigger access to the data base but different
sections. However, one is
searching for a string sequence shutdown 3655; the other is looking for
information related to
alternative priority access to available current on the circuit 3651.
[00448] Example, if equipment on the circuit can be temporarily cut off to
give another plugged
in device priority. After step 3652 a user may be informed of an action taken
(step 3653) after which
the integrity of the circuit is re-established therefore returning to step
3640 (step 3654).
[00449] For example, in a kitchen, should a device, appliance require
power, but such power
would exceed circuit safety considerations or specifications, then a
refrigerator can be turned off for
a few seconds or minutes, and then be turned back on again, when there is
sufficient current.
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Accordingly, data base information may provide either a specific shut down
sequence due to an
electrical fault, or the circuit load balancing and/or prioritizing can take
place if there is an overload.
In the data base for example with medical equipment one can have a priority
sequence for certain
equipment over others which are not as dangerous to shut off, or for a limited
time, etc. The disclosure
herein can also be applied to load leveling and peak shaving applications.
Upon detection of a fault,
at step 3658 a message can be sent to a display screen or gateway.
[00450] In case of power overload, a circuit balancing message can be
communicated (3653)
that temporarily a particular piece of equipment had its power disabled in
order to allow another
specific load to be powered (as specified in the data base) and prevent
circuit overload. The data base
can include sophisticated If/Then conditions.
[00451] Step 3659 examines and acts upon if a major fault is detected.
If so, a force trip can be
sent to the circuit breaker causing it to trip.
[00452] In an example embodiment, on one side continually monitor if
there is a new load
request. If there is, then call subroutine at step 3510. If there is not,
continue monitoring. At same
time, constantly monitor the safety of the circuitry (e.g. arc fault, ground
fault, faulty wiring, etc.). In
order to do so, constantly monitor if all the units along a circuit are
receiving the expected voltage
and current based on the circuit loads; if true, then loop back to 3640; if
false make decision at step
3649 which can go to 3655 and do a database check (step 3655) to check for the
shutdown sequence
required based on the event that was monitored. At step 3658, send a message
to the closest screen or
any unit programmed through the gateway that has been pre-programmed to
receive that message. In
case of major fault the first unit in the circuit sends a force trip to the
breaker at which point the circuit
is fully shut down. In order to be re-established it needs to go back to step
3510 procedure for
restarting. Step 3658 sends an error message. Step 3659 sends force trip to
the breaker.
[00453] Decision step 3649 can determine if the fault is due to
overload, if so step 3651 checks
database for overload management task or sequence of tasks. Step 3652 executes
overload
management task or sequence, step 3653 sends applicable error message, and
then step 3654 proceeds
to step 3640, e.g. continuous monitoring.
[00454] System 3650-1 in FIGURE 36 explains how the circuit integrity
actually works and the
relationship between each and every one of them. When the breaker (3301,
FIGURE 33) is intelligent,
it becomes a device within the fence as illustrated FIGURE 34. The breaker
3301 would be the first
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
one in line, in an example embodiment. In the event that the breaker is smart
breaker with the circuitry
described herein, the breaker is part of the secure fence communications
network.
[00455] In FIGURE 36 and system 3650-1, intentional tripping of the
breaker can also be
implemented. Smart breaker would not need to control the receptacles 1 to 8.
It can communicate
directly with appliances/loads in an example embodiment.
[00456] Cross-interaction can be implemented. Normally a breaker trip
and would result in
shutdown of everything. In the present case the system can be configured to
shut down certain
receptacles based on load created issues; without tripping breaker.
[00457] FIGURE 36, beginning at 3600 discloses ongoing circuit
integrity monitoring. The
intelligence being on all the equipment, e.g., receptacles and/or inline units
having a CPU monitoring
and controlling current and voltage. The circuit allows for a complete
monitoring and acting on all
possible events that can occur on an electrical circuit; including but not
limited to faults such as ground
faults, arc faults, overload conditions, etc. In an example embodiment,
specific action(s) can be
triggered based on a data base preprogrammed action plan. Block 3600 monitors
power quality and
safety conditions on a continuous basis. Block 3650-1 is a graphic
representation of an electrical
circuit behind the fence. 3650-1 describes units on circuit receiving expected
voltage and current.
[00458] Figure 3650-1 is a representation of an electrical circuit
illustrating a receptacle(s)
and/or in line monitoring and control unit(s), showing that the voltage and
current can be monitored
at each and every step, and detecting the fault if the expected voltage or
current are not what is
expected (e.g. due to faulty wiring) . The relationship between receptacles
and in line units is
primordial. In case of major event, system can force breaker to trip.
[00459] If a breaker itself incorporates the processes or means herein
disclosed, within the
security fence, then breaker device itself can be incorporated within security
fence. Monitoring the
interaction of every unit in a circuit and being able load balance, shed off
load based on data base
priorities.
[00460] In FIGURE 36 at Block 3650-1, the concept of each receptacle or
inline unit are ordered
in sequence on a circuit and they interact with each other:
[00461] - They exchange load, voltage, current and safety condition.
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[00462] - From one to the other in sequence with the system it is now
possible to calculate
expected voltage and current and compare it to actual values and therefore
being able to detect
abnormal losses, detecting potential hazards and taking action based on the
preprogram sequence of
event in the database.
[00463] - Based on the gravity of the fault certain units can be shutdown
or a message may be
sent to unit 1 to send a trip to the breaker.
[00464] - In the event that the breaker is equipped with the logic and
communication circuitry
than it becomes part of the calculation and string of actions.
[00465] - In all event, messages can be sent to the monitoring screens
(3308) or to the gateway
.. unit (3310) for external apparatus depicting the events and their gravity.
[00466] - This functionality can also be used for load measurements and
prevent breaker trips,
preserving the integrity of the entire circuits and unexpected shutdowns.
[00467] Step 3640 continuously monitors both safety and load requests
(step 3510, FIGURE
35). As long as there are no issues detected at step 3645, another decision is
made at step 3650 which
can proceed so that the monitoring will continue (3640) continuously
monitoring if there is a load; if
request for new load it will call on 3525 (FIGURE 35). The information at 3640
will know the load
went down; but went down in the expected manner (not a fault). Decision step
3650 can also determine
that the units on the circuit 3650-1 are not receiving the expected voltage
and current, and proceed to
step 3655.
[00468] The process illustrated maintains the integrity of the circuit; can
prevent at minimum
unexpected shut downs, unexpected breaker trips; and because of sensitivity of
software the electrical
receptacle can control the trips far quicker than any breaker can. In the
event the breaker does not
have logic and communications circuitry inside it, then the first receptacle
or inline unit on the circuit
will act as a gateway and will have ability to send forced trip to the breaker
if required.
[00469] FIGURE 37A illustrates a block circuit diagram of another example
embodiment of the
system 3650-1, which further includes smart appliances. FIGURE 37A shows
appliances included to
network of receptacles and/or in line monitoring and control units. The
sensors monitoring the inputs
and the outputs of the voltages, can send messages to the local intelligence
of the appliance.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00470]
FIGURE 37 illustrates an example embodiment of microcircuitry (e.g. in a
microcontroller/microchip) that can be integrated into an appliance or another
powered device. Shown
are BLOCKS 3700, 3701, 3702, 3703, 3704, 3705, 3706, 3707, 3708, 3709, 3710,
3711, 3712, 3713,
3714, 3720 and 3721. Block 3700 describes another embodiment, namely a
minimized version of the
.. circuit board with the capability of being integrated inside appliances.
The circuit board includes a
processor and memory, and can be contained in a single packaging, for example.
The functions that
are taking place are similar to the ones taking place in a receptacle, but
specific to control a single
power input. This can allow the complete monitoring of voltage and current
within an appliance,
allowing therefore communication of the security fence to be pushed back in
one step further into the
electric circuitry. It can be used both independently just to monitor power
and currents and power
faults, or can be used in conjunction with the communication module, thereby
allowing it to be used
within the communication matrix referred to in FIGURE 33, 3306-1F and 3306-2
F, being within
fence while having access within the communication matrix.
[00471]
Block 3710 overall shows the complete functionality of the system that allows
for
constant monitoring the faults, allowing the added security of making an
appliance Ground and Arc
fault proof, thereby extending the safety net one step further. Block 3701
indicates an input trigger by
a touch sensor. Upon the sensor activation, the CPU engages with the
preprogrammed control and
through the optional communication unit can request power from the receptacle
or in line control unit
to the specific appliance.
[00472] Message can be sent to a graphic display within the fence referred
to in FIGURE 33,
step 3308, or within the appliance itself on its own graphic display.
[00473]
Upon database verification as shown on FIGURE 35, at step 3510, if it has been
established that the power is acceptably delivered, then at this point the
system is now one step deeper
downstream into the circuitry shown in 3600.
[00474] BLOCK 3707, 3708 or 3709 refer to the logic within an appliance and
interaction taking
place within the circuit. BLOCK 3710 refers to the possibility of interacting
with wireless
communications interface to use the gateway or any communication interface
within fence to remotely
start appliances. BLOCK 3720 uses the system gateway (FIGURE 33, step 3310) to
allow external
source(s) to send commands to a specific appliance. The system allows an
appliance to be controlled
.. directly remotely (for example, from smart phone devices, tablets or other
means).
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[00475] FIGURE 38 illustrates a processor that implements a dry contact
switch that can be
manually operated. By shorting each member of a dry contact (pins 69A and 69B
in this Figure, set
70), a preprogrammed sequence in the processor can now be applied, triggering
an action on FIGURE
35 at step 3510; whether it is for a turned on or turned off event; or the
triggering of any
preprogrammed procedure. An advantage of such a system is the ability to cover
longer distances; at
that point the processor is configured to detect a short circuit. As long as
circuit is opened, no reaction
will be triggered. If circuit is already closed, then the opening the
processor can be configured to
generate a reaction and execute a command(s) within processor of receptacle or
in line unit, triggering
an action on FIGURE 35 at step 3510.
[00476] FIGURE 39 illustrates side views of a physical representation of
single-, double-, and
triple-circuit breakers, respectively shown left-to-right, with connectors
enabling power line
communication, along with a front view on the right that is common to these
embodiments. Each
circuit breaker is also connected to a hot power line, and opening of the
circuit breaker opens the hot
power line. In the example embodiment shown, the circuit breaker has a
respective connection pin to
neutral 3904 and connection pin to ground 3902. In an example embodiment, the
circuit breaker can
further include the circuit board microcircuitry as described herein, include
a processor and a memory.
In an example embodiment, the processor can control (open or close) the
respective one or more
breakers.
[00477] By connecting the circuit breaker to neutral and/or ground,
power line communication
can be achieved. In an example, because the circuit breaker is equipped with
the described
microcircuitry in accordance with example embodiments, the circuit breaker can
be part of the
communication fence. In an example embodiment, the circuit breaker is
configured to communicate
over hot power line to neutral. In another example embodiment, the circuit
breaker is configured to
communicate over neutral power line to ground. In another example embodiment,
the circuit breaker
is configured to communicate over hot power line to ground.
[00478] In an example embodiment, the signals to the breaker can be
used to trigger an opening
(tripping) of the particular breaker. In an example embodiment, the signals to
the breaker can be used
to trigger a closing (reset) of the particular breaker. For example, a
processor of the circuit breaker
panel 3301 can receive a communication from a downstream electrical receptacle
or load to send a
signal to open or close the breaker. The signal can be sent over the neutral
power line to ground.
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[00479] An example embodiment is an electrical receptacle for
connection at least one power
line, comprising: a processor; a circuit breaker having an open state and a
closed state, the circuit
breaker for connection to a hot power line of the at least on power line, the
circuit breaker configured
to be in an open state when there is over current or upon command from the
processor; and the
processor configured to determine that electrical conditions are safe, and in
response command the
circuit breaker to reset to the closed state. The electrical receptacle can be
a circuit breaker panel.
[00480] Another industry problem in the electrical world is the
difficulty to detect on regular
circuitry problems that may occur in future. Early detection can result in
significant benefits,
eliminating fires, possible shorts, whether from receptacle to receptacle, or
from series of receptacles,
or receptacles interchangeable with inline power monitoring unit, it is now
possible because all
receptacles are on same circuit, they can communicate, e.g., unexpected power
losses (wires getting
frail or exposed), in GFI or AFI can be programmed that based on deemed
severity of fault various
action can be taken, e.g. command to send force trip to breaker, e.g. trip
entire circuit. This can ensure
integrity of entire circuit is not compromised.
[00481] By having receptacles talking to each other, comparing voltage,
current would have
more control; e.g. circuit overload. Normally in the industry, once there is
too much current, the
breaker trips. In the present case by receptacles talking to each other, when
too much current is found,
no additional loads would be permitted and also can communicate what has
happened. Breaker
tripping would be limited to real faults. Depending on sensitivity ofunits,
the first receptacle on circuit
would trip downstream.
[00482] Example embodiments can deliver exact power required. For a 15
amp circuit, an
electrician will go up to 80% load design. The described systems in some
example embodiments can
go beyond 95% because downstream current is monitored, and as soon as load is
added to the total,
exceeding what would blow the fuse, the user is simply prevented from adding
further loads, since
the relevant electrical receptacle or plug outlet will not be activated.
Multiple devices best to turn off
further power being used. The system can allow going to 14.5 A for example
without risk. Note that
inrush can be passivated and can control overages. The industry does not
perform this kind of current
monitoring (for whole dynamic measurement control purpose).
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[00483] Breaker panel is center point of all feeding, breakers
tripping. Main breaker or surge
protector can trip based on events from outside. Stopping most electrical
fires. Appliance based fires
would not be considered "electrical fire".
[00484] Currently manufacturers are adding $10-$15 of extra cost to
reduce power factor and
reduce power. The described electrical receptacles can remove quiescent power
drain. Can sense
power washing cycle is complete and can shut down until user restarts cycle.
Use less power, be safer.
[00485] The described devices can draw more than 15A or 80% of 15A as
the electrical
receptacle can control the increase of amperage on a circuit. The system can
with security exceed
these as the device can prevent the addition of local power if too close to
max. If not safe, the device
does not turn power on for that particular unit; if still safe, then the
device activates power. New level
of safety where others may trip breakers. The device can even measure
temperature to stop power if
in a dangerous situation.
[00486] Optimizing wattage for appliances: the described devices have
more control; e.g. able
to supply exact wattage needed to best use an appliance's engineering specs.
[00487] Other GFI devices simply look for a current mismatch between hot
(black) and the
neutral white. If there is a difference, the current must be flowing from the
black through a person or
a short to Ground.
[00488] The circuit is measuring extremely accurately the difference
between the Black, White
and can also differentiate between individual outlets and the downstream.
[00489] The processing algorithm allows the system to extract with a higher
accuracy; however
as higher accuracy also increases the possibility of false triggering, there
are secondary routines which
look at the signal to determine if the signals are high enough to cause harm,
and are they in a consistent
manner that they will cause harm. Apparent GFI faults might not be valid GFI
faults. The intelligence
determines whether or not there is sufficient voltage difference occurring a
sufficient frequency to not
be an aberration; rather a legitimate ground fault. And compare this against
known profiles to establish
legitimacy. Further, an example embodiment includes having a self tester at
programmed intervals to
test leakage and compare against known amount of leakage, and adjust
accordingly. The devices are
calibrated at factory more than traditional GFI's in order to maintain greater
sensitivity and higher
certainty of capturing a safety issue.
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[00490] Similarly with Arc Faults, these have a leakage component like
GFI, but at a higher
level. It is recognized that this higher level of leakage is acceptable,
unless it is detected certain other
attributes which are those of an arc fault. The system can recognize much more
valid circuits and
remove false triggers that would otherwise occur (e.g. due to a toaster,
drill, vacuum cleaner). The
system can look for multiple occurrences across different cycles rather than
accepting that something
occurred only one time; e.g. has to occur with certain repetition to
differentiate that this is not a one
time event that is characteristic of an acceptable "normal" arc-like signal.
To prevent false triggering,
the traditional GFCI' s or AFCI' s have "raised the floor" of what they look
for to trigger a trip. They
do not look for the other attributes. In example embodiments, the device
establishes whether a tripping
trigger would be false, or whether a tripping trigger should take place.
[00491] Speed & Calibration: The electromechanical nature of the
industry's AFCI's, GFI's
limit the speed at which they respond and do not have dynamic calibration.
Rather they are just simply
testing that their circuitry can trip the switch.
[00492] Self test: comparing the calibration reference to the measured
differences. Currently in
normal outlet they rely on the mechanical wiring which generates connection
between third prong
and screw; however example embodiments have a sensor that senses that one as
well enabling
checking of the signal. For example, for bad wiring, there should be no
voltage drop between black
and white; any drop is relative to current. For good wiring, there is no
current travelling on ground; if
there were, the system can detect it and report bad wiring.
[00493] An example embodiment can consider a ground fault that is not a GFI
fault.
Connections, wiring, plugs, not good zero ohm connection on ground, suddenly
starts rising. The
device is comparing the ground and safety ground. The processing enables the
device to dynamically
test all the time the ground path. If the ground path rises and there's any
compromise the device can
report it, e.g. within half a second, and/or deactivate power, and/or open a
breaker.
[00494] Another example embodiment is to manually short hot power line to
ground. Using the
receptacle, one is manually triggering a short. This can be done with a short
to ground. A user can
manually go to the plug, intentionally short to the ground using a manual
switch, and the electrical
receptacle and the system will smartly react.
[00495] In the disclosed system, an example embodiment is a manual
button that shorts hot to
ground, that triggers a CPU. An example embodiment is intentionally creating
ground fault to trigger
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
an activity. A triggered ground fault can be a trigger of different activities
including, in an example
embodiment, shutting down receptacle due to the CPU of the receptacle
detecting ground fault or GFI
fault. Detection of arc fault or ground fault can be used to trigger
additional security steps. Existing
industry ground fault and arc fault shut themselves down only. The device can
shut breakers down,
different apparatus elsewhere. For example, if water damage to outlet, can
preprogram that other
outlets/inline devices should shut down too, or other action taken. An example
embodiment includes
communicating event happening on one circuit to devices on another circuit(s)
(one or more), such as
on a different hot power line phase.
[00496] FIGURE 42 illustrates electrical receptacles, in accordance
with example embodiments.
Receptacle 4210 comprises two plug outlets and two USB outlets. Receptacle
4220 comprises two
plug outlets and four USB outlets. Receptacle 4230 comprises six USB outlets.
Wall adapter 4240
includes prongs (not shown here) for plugging into an electrical receptacle,
and comprises multiple
(e.g., six shown here) plug outlets and two USB outlets. Extension cord 42
(e.g. also known as power
adapter or power strip) comprises multiple (e.g., five shown here) plug
outlets and multiple (e.g., six
shown here) USB outlets. Extension cord 4250 comprises multiple plug outlets,
multiple USB outlets,
and a hard power switch. Other combinations of plug outlets and USB outlets
can be used in other
example embodiments.
[00497] Another example embodiment uses Universal Serial Bus (USB).
With the power line
communication technologies within the fence, there is excess bandwidth. Some
of that bandwidth can
be used for networking purpose and using a USB connector as an access point
for computer
networking and Internet sharing over the power line network.
[00498] Usage for USB connection includes any or all of:
[00499] 1. Traditional: presently used to charge through USB to
device. For example, the
electrical receptacle further comprises a AC/DC converter.
[00500] 2. Data access: accessing through the receptacle or inline
control unit, data on
USB stick.
[00501] 3. Communications through power line network.
[00502] An example embodiment uses the excess bandwidth of the
communication pipe 4110
to exchange network data. Using USB port as a point of access for data
connection,
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[00503] Eliminate wall wart and plug directly into electrical
receptacle. Instead of using for
charging only, use also for communications within the wired network. Applies
to USBs, micro USBs
etc. This may replace twisted pair systems or the Ethernet multiplexing
systems in some example
embodiments. All providing USB to plug. Instead of powerline communication
inside of computer
that requires industry to adapt a specific technology, a computer can use a
regular USB cable to be
used with the receptacles that are configured with the USB features.
[00504] An example embodiment is an electrical receptacle for
connection to power lines,
comprising: a first contact and a second contact configured for electrical
connection to a hot power
line and a neutral power line, respectively; a communication subsystem
configured for wired
communication over a wired network with one or more further electrical
receptacles; a processor
configured to communicate via the wired network; at least one Universal Serial
Bus (USB) plug outlet
to receive a removable USB memory device; wherein the processor is configured
to access the
removable USB memory device when the removable USB memory device is plugged
into the USB
plug outlet.
[00505] An example embodiment is an electrical receptacle for connection to
power lines,
comprising: a first contact and a second contact configured for electrical
connection to a hot power
line and a neutral power line, respectively; an AC-to-DC converter configured
to output DC based on
AC input from the hot power line; at least one DC plug outlet configured to
provide the output DC
from the AC-to-DC converter; a controlled state switch to control power to the
DC plug outlet; at
least one current sensor to detect signals indicative of the hot power line or
the output DC; and a
processor configured to control deactivation of power to the switch in
response to receiving a
communication or in response to the detected current of the current sensor
being indicative of ground
fault, arc fault or over-current conditions.
[00506] FIGURE 46 illustrates a voice I/O appliance 4600 in accordance
with an example
embodiment, that can be used for integration with the system of FIGURE 33 or
FIGURE 41, for
example. Current industry examples of voice input/output appliances are Amazon
Echo, Apple
HomeKit, Samsung Smarthings, Google Home. These appliances can implemented
virtual assistant
services/software such as Google Assistant, Alexa, Ski, etc. These appliances
can be configured to
be the appliance 4600 in accordance an example embodiment. In another example
embodiment, these
appliance can be equipped with the described micro circuitry to enable
additional functions and
features.
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[00507] The appliance 4600 includes a processor 4602 and a plurality of
interface or user
interface devices such as input devices 4604, display 4606 (e.g. touch
screen), auxiliary I/0 4614,
data port 4616, speaker 4618, microphone 4620, and camera 4622. The appliance
4600 can further
include data storage device 4608 (e.g. memory), RAM 4610, and ROM 4612. The
appliance 4600
further includes a power supply 4626 that can connect to an electrical
receptacle, e.g. for AC or DC
power. The appliance 4600 further includes at least one communication
subsystem 4624 that can be
configured for wireless communication (e.g. WiFi or short-range such as
Bluetooth) and/or wired
communication. At least one communication subsystem 4624 can be configured for
power line
communication through the power supply 4626 to the electrical receptacle, and
through power line
communication, for example over neutral to ground. Accordingly, the appliance
4600 can access the
wired "fence" described herein.
[00508] FIGURE 40 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for operation
implemented though
the appliance 4600 having voice input/output command. The method of FIGURE 40
can be performed
by one of the described electrical receptacles, or in an example embodiment,
performed by another
device having access to the fence within the wired network or power line
network.
[00509] In an example embodiment, through the appliance 4600, voice
command can be given
or status report or messages can be played or converted from text to voice by
such a device. This is
also applicable for voice to text. Step 4010 mentions that the system is
connected to the voice
input/output appliance 4600. For example on the voice input side, the
appliance 4600 is used to send
a command to the system (e.g. dim or turn on light), as in step 4020. Step
4020 takes care of user
request. Step 4030 is the output side: if there is a message that usually
would be broadcast on 3308,
messages can now be played to the user through a speaker of the appliance
4600.
[00510] If a user plugs a load anywhere in the premises and the load
actually does not turn on,
the appliance 4600 can be configured to state that request was denied and a
reason. The appliance
4600 can be further configured to supplement this output by also sending a
message to the display
screen. Example reasons include e.g. Gfi, Afci, faulty wiring, overcurrent,
etc., and the output can
also accompany an identification of a receptacle or load that is affected by
such occurrences.
[00511] In an example embodiment, the message can be sent to the
appliance 4600, that in turn
can send message to a device of the user (e.g. mobile phone). For example,
once the appliance 4600
is activated and a user request takes place, the process at step 4025 goes to
step 3510 (FIGURE 35)
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
in the same fashion where plugging a load or typing a message on screen like
3308, it starts a new
request for a load (which started at step 3510).
[00512] From FIGURE 35 or FIGURE 36, there is a message that needs to
be broadcast, that
can therefore be output as a voice message that is played by the appliance
4600 at step 4035.
[00513] At step 4040 question is asked by the appliance 4600 if further
action is required. If so,
user will be prompted with question to input at step 4020 and the answer
triggers back to step 4025
(e.g. step 3510 in FIGURE 35). If no further action, the process is ended.
[00514] The appliance 4600 is a voice I/O that receives command or
broadcasts a message
expecting a response, and triggers action based on processes described herein.
This can include, for
example, control, monitoring, safety and/or communication with electrical
receptacles, inline control
units, breakers, other loads, devices enabled with communication chip over
power line
communication, etc.
[00515] FIGURE 40 shows two conditions depending on input or output. In
case of input it is a
user request, which then triggers based on step 3510. In case of output, it is
coming from FIGURE 35
or FIGURE 36 and there may or may not be further action required. E.g. "is
there anything else that
can be disconnected based on something not allowed"; "is there another circuit
that could be used" ¨
an entire interaction triggered by message. User has possibility to reply
through the appliance 4600
for further actions, e.g. at step 3510.
[00516] The appliance 4600 can include a calling and/or messaging
feature. The appliance 4600
can include a selfie camera and the appliance 4600 can include a 7-inch
touchscreen. The appliance
4600 can include a control to a TV, or can be integrated within a TV, in some
example embodiments.
[00517] An example embodiment uses a voice interface to communicate
through the described
smart receptacles (or in line control units), having additional information
and commands. An example
embodiment allows the appliance 4600 to communicate to other IoT devices
and/or the Internet
.. through power lines.
[00518] An example embodiment of the appliance 4600 has communications
from these devices
through power line communication to make the appliance 4600 safer. Wired
communications through
the power line communication, to the database system (BLOCK 3312). An example
embodiment
provides data communications through a wired interface prior to a wireless,
wired, phone
communication.
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[00519] For example, the voice command "turn light 3D on" when
connected to the wired
communication, the appliance 4600 can be configured to send command to the
database system
(BLOCK 3312) and turn off lights, etc.
[00520] In an example embodiment, the appliance 4600 can be configured
for communicating
with the entire house, the commerce or the industry in a secure fenced
environment. By being within
the fence the appliance 4600 can control without being exposed to the outside
and therefore not being
an access point for hackers, therefore maximizing safety.
[00521] In an example embodiment, all communications are through power
line
communication, even if initiated through smart devices (including sensors or
appliances or the voice
input/output appliance 4600).
[00522] Therefore, in an example embodiment, there is provided the
equipment of sensors /
appliances with a microchip/circuit board allowing for safe power control and
allowing to become an
integrated communication interface for the functionality described herein.
[00523] The appliance 4600 can be instructed through sensors detection
that certain areas are
empty and in turn ask if the user wants to shut off the lights, or any other
connected devices upon
preprogrammed time, send a no answer message to the database system (BLOCK
3312) and trigger
the appropriate set of command from data base information.
[00524] The appliance 4600 becomes the voice format (input/output)
equivalent of a display
screen.
[00525] In a hybrid system, the appliance 4600 can also be connected
outside the fence through
gateway units controlling other parts of a legacy system using one or more
other communication
protocols.
[00526] FIGURE 41 illustrates a block circuit diagram of another
example embodiment of an
integrated control and monitoring system that includes power line
communication over one or more
power lines. By using power line communication the system is creating a
communication pipe 4110.
Within the communication pipe 4110 is contained one or more channels 4115 that
is part of
communication pipe that are reserved by the system for specified data
communications, completely
spectrally isolated from rest of the communication pipe 4110 for security
reasons. In an example
embodiment, the power line communication is over neutral to ground.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
=
[00527] In an example embodiment, the backbone for communication plane
is the breaker panel
4105 that acts as the crosspoint or hub that connects different members and
communication pipe(s)
4110. The circuit breaker panel 4105 becomes a hub or switch by inserting a
network switching
device, such as a device that can accommodate bus communication. An example
embodiment includes
a breaker panel acting as a network hub. The circuit breaker panel 4105 can
include a main circuit
breaker that has a maximum rating.
[00528] In receptacle 4120 this refers to a legacy regular receptacle
equipped with
communication microchip/circuit board where all of the described
fiinctionality resides.
[00529] At load 4140, this can comprise an electrical device
incorporating the communication
chip allowing communication to receptacle (or other devices). Can be
configured to communicate
with the electrical outlet and request power when needed. In response, the
electrical outlet provides
output power when conditions are safe.
[00530] An example embodiment includes insertion of communication
microchip/circuit board
between an electrical receptacle and a communication pipe 4110. Communication
board is actually
creating the communication pipe 4110 over at least one of the power lines. An
example embodiment
is means comprising of communication chip, communication pipe and receptacle.
An example
embodiment is a single circuit adaptor that plugs into a regular receptacle
giving it now all the
protection of the tamper resistant electrical receptacles including
communication functionality.
[00531] Communication pipe 4110 has one or more channels 4115 as part
of in-fence
communication. Communication pipe 4110 can have reserved or designated one or
more channels,
reserved for purposes of electrical receptacle communication, control and/or
monitoring. A channel
can be a carrier frequency or frequency band. Rest of Communication pipe 4110
is not part of in fence
communication and can be used for any other means of communication (Internet,
RF cable signal,
etc.). For example, if there is a legacy system, the communication pipe might
be used to communicate
with the legacy system.
[00532] In an example embodiment, communication pipe 4110 can be used
to communicate
through the gateway 3310 in Fig 33. Can be connected to internet router 4155
for connection to the
Internet. The unused portion outside of the one or more channels 4115 can now
be used for Internet
connection.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00533] Router 4155 is connection to outside world from all the
electrical receptacle 4120 or in-
line unit 4130.
[00534] An example embodiment is an electrical receptacle for
connecting to at least one power
line, comprising: a communication subsystem for communicating over at least
one of the power lines,
at least one channel over the at least one of the power lines being reserved
for control and/or
monitoring of one or more electrical receptacles or one or more loads operably
connected to at least
one of the power lines; a processor configured to: communicate over at least
one of the reserved
channels over the at least one of the power lines.
[00535] FIGURE 41 shows three separate communication pipes 4110 because
in-line unit 4130
and electrical receptacle 4120 can talk to each other or through the one or
more channels 4115 portion
of the communication pipe 4110. Multiple pipes (three shown) illustrate
communication being able
to take place with non-fence to be connected to inline control system
(intelligent junction box) or as
well be used for internal connection between devices.
[00536] An example embodiment is an intelligent junction box having
communications in it.
For example, the intelligent junction box includes intelligence, communication
and power control, by
enabling communications other than using communication ports and twisted
pair/Ethernet, rather
through the described embodiments the breaker panel 4105 acts as hub. Because
incorporating I/O
enabling computers to connect 4120 and 4130 the system can be used for
replacing the use of other
switching devices.
[00537] Switching device 4160 can be a network switching device, for
example. In another
example embodiment, the switching device 4160 is in or at the breaker panel
4105 or sub-panel.
[00538] The one or more channels 4115 can also be referred as a secure
pipe within the unsecure
secure pipe and being the only fenced part of the communications part. It is
the in-fence secure
communication part of the communication pipe 4110 and allowing the rest of
bandwidth to be used
for other communication mode; e.g. replacing network apparatus.
[00539] For conventional Internet wifi, the wireless router listens and
selects slots to use.
Known partition rate based on specs. Selects extra bandwidth based on fitting
in empty slots.
[00540] The wired power line communication in example embodiments can
do certain
communications on the line (e.g. like AFCI). For example the electrical
receptacles can generate
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certain noises to understand signatures (valid AFCI-like events, but not AFCI
events). Certain
attributes unique to AFCI.
[00541] Using ground and white it is totally safe. White and safety
grounds are always
connected, not affected by hot line breakers.
[00542] The system is connected to the black, get power from the black and
can pick up 'hot
volts' that gives wave forms on the black. This gives the system built in
clock reference.
[00543] In an example embodiment, the communication network over the
neutral to ground
stays up when power is off. For example, if have UPS situation (respirator at
home, etc.), need orderly
shut down, e.g. bank of servers instead of collapsing, shut down based on
power down priority
sequence. And send message to all users remotely advising user(s). Can be used
for voice over IP in
emergency situations such as 911.
[00544] In an example embodiment the microchip/circuit board does the
power conversion.
Instead of converter blocks that plug into wall. The technology can be
inserted in any
appliances/devices that has a 3 pin connector and replaces the converter. The
appliance/device can
get straight 110v out of a receptacle or an inline unit straight to the
device, instead of going into 5 v
converter. Can use a flat connector with 3 prongs to wall.
[00545] The microchip/circuit board has power conversion. In an example
embodiment, for
example line voltage in and downgrades it out to either 5v or 3v DC. The
microchip/circuit board
enables greater control over power than most power converters used alone. In
another example
embodiment, the communication chip can be used in both the converter unit and
in the device, itself.
[00546] The power control is more precise due to the usage of all the
processing that resides on
the board. Can convert 110v AC to 3v DC. The board also can control
preciseness and can also rectify,
e.g. if too low, bring it back up, e.g. brownout. In order to maintain
wattage, when voltage varies, the
board can use current to keep wattage stable. The board can use the
processor/epu to deliver more
consistent low voltage power to the devices, while blocking surge. An example
embodiment includes
cleaning, filtering, controlling consistency of low voltage power, e.g.
cheaper than industry using
rectifiers.
[00547] Another example embodiment includes remote resetting of
receptacles, e.g. tripped due
to AFCI, GFI, overcurrent, etc. For example, the receptacle may be hard to
reach, behind fridge,
ovens, washer dryers (220v), etc. Because of the described powerline
communication technology the
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
system can remotely reset ground faults from one of the communication screens
or any other devices
link through the gateway system. This is useful in difficult to reach areas.
The power system analytics
would not restart the devices if the fault is still present, the remote reset
would be safe. This can be
used to safely and remotely reset circuit breakers contained in the breaker
panel.
[00548] An example embodiment is an intelligent junction box, comprising: a
first contact and
a second contact configured for electrical connection to a hot power line and
a neutral power line,
respectively, and each configured for downstream electrical connection to a
respective downstream
power line terminating at a load; a controlled state switch connected in
series relationship between
the hot power line and the respective downstream electrical connection; a
communication subsystem
for communicating over at least one of the power lines; and a processor
configured to control an
activation or a deactivation of the controlled state switch in response to
receiving a communication
over at least one of the power lines.
[00549] An example embodiment is an intelligent junction box for
connection to power lines,
comprising: a first contact configured for electrical connection to a hot
power line from a main circuit
breaker of a circuit breaker panel; a plurality of controlled state switches
to activate and deactivate
power from the hot power line to a respective downstream power line; and a
processor configured to
maintain activation of all o f the controlled state switches when a total
current of all downstream power
lines is less than a total rated capacity of the circuit breaker panel and
when one or more of the
downstream power lines exceeds an individual rating of the respective
downstream power line.
[00550] FIGURE 43 illustrates a block diagram of a system in accordance
with an example
embodiment, that includes at least one circuit communication switching device
for a circuit breaker
panel. The system includes end-to-end communication (as opposed to a bus)
using switching devices.
[00551] Single circuit communication switching device 4320 is single
circuit communications
device. In an example embodiment, there are 5 or 6 of these devices on a
single system circuit. For
example, a user may choose not use communications switching on an appliance
such as a
washer/dryer/fridge, and implement this embodiment on one circuit.
[00552] Multiple circuit communication switching device 4330
illustrates multiple circuits
coming in, multiple circuits going out; e.g. one-to-one without power
switching. It is a single switch
using power line communications. The power (black and neutral power line) is
passed through. The
device 4330 is wired in traditional fashion, including white/neutral and
ground. Communication is
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
allowing switching on a circuit by circuit implementation. Diagram is for G-N
wiring for
communication purposes. Note that the communication is not limited to G-N
communication and can
be used with any type of power line communications in an example embodiment.
Terminating devices
can be configured or modified to use ground-neutral. Terminating devices
include wallwarts (power
adaptors). These are within phase devices using power line wires.
[00553] The system 4300 of FIGURE 43 may includes switching devices,
for example, one
channel switching device 4320 and several channel switching devices 4330. The
switching devices
allow the system 4300 to use regular extension and have communication
switching at the panel level
4310. For communication purposes, each circuit of system 4300 may have its own
respective
.. individual address, such as a mac address
[00554] The circuit breaker panel 4310 may be used as a cross point.
Instead of using circuit
breaker panel 4310 as a hub, the system 4300 provides communication switching
level outside the
power crosspoint at circuit breaker panel 4310 for switching and managing
communications between
different circuits. In an example embodiment, the circuit breaker panel 4310
may include a main
circuit breaker that has a maximum rating. The circuit breaker panel 4310 may
include a number of
contacts for electrically connecting incoming public utility power lines to
downstream power lines.
The incoming hot power line is connected via the main circuit breaker.
[00555] In another example embodiment, the system 4300 may either
communicate either
between 2 or 3 of these communication devices 4320, 4330, 4340 (for example),
or provide linkage
via a communication link between 2 or 3 of these communication devices 4320,
4330, 4340 (for
example). In the latter case, the circuit breaker panel 4310 does not provide
communication functions,
and the in-line control and monitoring units become equivalent to a sub-panel.
In another example
embodiment, the circuit breaker panel 4310 also provide for communications
capacity, e.g. data
communications within wall between 2 or 3 of these communication devices 4320,
4330, 4340
[00556] Traditionally subpanel provide for wires coming in for re-
distribution. In an example
embodiment, the communication switching devices 4320, 4330 may be retrofit to
existing circuit
breaker panel 4310, rather than by adding a subpanel. In an example
embodiment, the control box
4340 is a new device that is separate to the circuit breaker panel 4310.
[00557] The control box 4340 may include a single power line as input
from the breaker panel
4310, and a plurality of downstream power lines as output. The control box
4340 may include a
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
plurality of solid state switches, one for each downstream power line. The
control box 4340 may be
configured to ensure that the total load does not exceed the capacity of the
circuit breaker panel 4310.
Each individual downstream line may potentially exceed the individual line
rating, so long as the total
load does not exceed the circuit breaker panel 4310.
[00558] An example application of system 4300 is for electrical cars.
Instead of adding a sub
panel, system 4300 may provide the functions and have advantage of providing
communications. Any
of the communication devices 4320, 4330, 4340 can also be connected to the car
and talk to the
electrical system in the car (e.g. provide communications therein).
[00559] Another example application of system 4300 is a second house
(e.g., or pool house)
which can run wire supporting high current requirement, such as 50 AMP wire,
to a 50 AMP box in
pool house. The system 4300 may be used for commercial/industrial facilities:
for example, if a multi-
units resident has a tenant in each unit, the control box 4340 may be used to
provide output to multiple
units. In an industrial application, for example, system 4300 may replace
subpanels without changing
any of the existing wiring, and therefore easily retrofit in existing
environment. As well, system 4300
provides communication switching within the system 4300 and creates a secured
communication
network.
[00560] The intelligent communication switching inline monitoring and
control box 4340 may
also provide load control across multiple circuits.
[00561] Since the system 4300 does not necessarily need breakers, the
control box 4340 may
have dynamic exchange provided it complies with the wiring code. Control box
4340 may distribute =
the total current to different output lines based on the needs, as long as the
total current capacity of
the output lines remains within total wiring capacity of the control box 4340.
For example, control
box 4340 may provide one line with 18A current and another line 12A current.
Therefore, control
box 4340 provides flexibility in the output current to each circuit, and is
not limited to 15 amp output
.. current. The control box 4340 may share the total input current amperage
among the output lines and
provide load management between circuits, for example, one exceeding 15A and
another less than
15A. The system 4300 may include a database, which may have a table that
records the power supply
priority of the circuits, and actual consumption of the electricity of the
circuits at different time
periods, such as the peak hour electricity consumption of each circuit. As
such, the control box 4340
may supply the electricity based on the needs of the circuits.
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[00562] For example, if an appliance (e.g. fridge) can operate at a
lower current for a certain
time, the control box 4340 may allocate a lower amperage to the circuit of the
appliance while
directing the additional amperage to other electrical devices.
[00563] Box 4340 shows intelligent switching and may function as
distributing intelligent sub
panels. The box 4340 may be placed on the ceilings, floors, or other places of
a facility. In regular
conventional houses, all the amperage is on dedicated runs and dedicated
circuits. For example, if a
HVAC system needs a 30A circuit, then 30A is blocked out of the 200A. In an
example embodiment,
with the flexibility and dynamic power control provided by the box 4340, a
lower total rated main
circuit breaker may be used.
[00564] The breaker system 4300 of FIGURE 43 may fix the amperage based on
a dedicated
circuit. The system 4300 may also provide load management. The panel 4310
providing electrical
switching at 200A becomes the master panel. The system 4300 may be a power
management system
and a data management system. The system 4300 allows dynamic power and load
management as
described above. The system 4300 may be used in a house that includes
dedicated runs (each electrical
device connected directly can be switched individually), the house may include
applications for heavy
current load, e.g., heating, air conditioning, lighting systems.
[00565] Since the system 4300 can have more than 200A allocated in the
house because of
dynamic load management, the system 4300 can now increase the number of home
runs into these
boxes 4320, 4330, 4340. For example, each receptacle is connected to a output
circuit of box 4340.
Boxes 4310, 4320, 4330, 4340 reduce the needs of wiring. the system 4300 also
allows to assign
priorities as to which circuit to be turn off if the current needs of the load
exceed the power supply.
As well, boxes 4310, 4320, 4330, 4340 may also provide full switching capacity
from telecom
standpoint.
[00566] In an example application, the system 4300 may be used to
replace alarm systems by
controlling the power supply and providing wire management for example, to the
alarms, such as
evacuation alarms etc.
[00567] By providing complete load management, communication switching
and elimination of
the need for additional wires except for power wires in house, the system 4300
may also deliver power
as needed to electrical devices, such as appliances.
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[00568] In an alternate example embodiment, there are multiple
switching devices 4330 that
communicate with each other, and every circuit going through switching devices
4330 may bypass
the breaker box 4310 for communication purposes. The network can be power line
communication,
over the hot power line or over neutral-to-ground in example embodiments.
[00569] In addition to dynamic switching and dynamic load management,
system 4300 may
provide complete power switching on non-dedicated wiring. The power switching
is only limited by
the gauge of the wire, or amperage rating of wire. Limitation of power
switching is the average rating
of wire. For example, if the system 4300 installed as a home run may support
up to 20A wire.
Together, one or more of the sub-switching boxes 4310, 4320, 4330, and 4340
together form
crosspoint. Box 4340 may provide telecom switching for all power line
communications, not just
Ground to Neutral lines. The system 4300 may only include the main breaker
4310 for switching
control, without individual line breakers. The system 4300 may also include
the breakers 4320, 4330,
and 4340. An example embodiment, the system 4300 may have a load manage daisy
chain of a series
of electrical receptacles (e.g., in-line and/or in-wall).
[00570] FIGURE 44 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electrical
receptacle, in
accordance with an example embodiment. The components and features may
similarly apply to any
or all of the devices shown in FIGURE 46, in example embodiments. Box 4410
describes any or all
the components (and features) of the electrical receptacle. For the
receptacle, box 4410 includes, for
example: ac/dc converter, test ports, processors, USB ports, current
sensors/meter, serial
.. communication ports, voltage sensors/meter, power control devices,
environmental sensors, power
connectors, built in flash memory, downstream channel, communication
chip/circuits, status led
lights, reset /test switches, surge arrestors. Electrical box 4420 represents
the electrical box that
receives the receptacle 4425. Cover plate 4430 covers the front side of the
receptacle 4425.
[00571] FIGURE 45 illustrates a block diagram of a system 4500 in
accordance with an example
.. embodiment, that illustrates a star topology for deploying electricity to a
premise. The star topology
illustrates deploying electricity from the public utility power supply to a
premise, for example an
entire house, business, hospital or industrial property. The circuit breaker
4505 receives power supply
from utility company at a 200 Amp intelligent switching box 4510. Switching
box 4510 is not only
for distributing power but also providing communications services. Box 4510
may provide
communications and manage the load, such as for providing dynamic load
management, for the entire
topology. Box 4510 may dynamically manage the power supply and allocate load
as needed.
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[00572] Box 4510 may distribute the power supply to intelligent
switching junction box 4520
A-F. Intelligent switching junction box 4520C may include electrical devices,
such as HVAC system.
As the HVAC systems are seasonal and are not used in winter, intelligent
switching junction box
4520C may supply the power to the other devices, such as heaters.
[00573] In an example embodiment, sub-switching boxes (4520-A, 4520-B, 4520-
C, 4520-D,
4520-E, 4520-F, collectively referred to 4520 series) may support more than
200A in different
temporal combinations. 200A may be dynamically managed based on rules of
priority by switching
box 4510, no more than 200A at one time. 4520 series logically function as a
first layer in star
topology shown in Figure 45. Each device shown in 4530, 4530A-C may be
directly connected to
sub-switching box 4520A-F to maximize flexibility in load management. Sub-
switching box 4520A
may manage in synchronicity with the other sub-switching boxes (4520 series).
Other terminal units
are in 4530-A, 4530-B and 4530-C. System 4500 of FIGURE 45 may be used to
manage additional
devices, e.g. load control to single plug or to, smart receptacles, whether
hardwired or plug-in.
[00574] Sub-switching box 4520-E and sub-switching box 4530-C
illustrate having more than
one device (receptacle) daisy chained in series and having one of them going
back to switching box
4510. Both receptacles in 4530-C are managed by box 4520E as a single unit.
The chained in series
arrangement reduces flexibility in managing each receptacle in 4530C, but
saves wire and thus
reduces cost. The electrical devices may be directly linked via a switching
box 4510 or 4520 series
to achieve maximum flexibility in managing the devices.
[00575] In sub-switching boxes 4520 and 4510, there is dynamic power
allocation. In an
example embodiment, multiple receptacles are daisy chained, still under the
load management and
power switching because a specific run may for example exceed 15A. If power
switching on non-
dedicated wiring is to be completed, the maximum current is only limited by
the gauge (amp rating)
of the wire, providing flexibility in installation. For example, a limitation
of 15A is an average rating
of wire and may be used to wire a premise at 20A.
[00576] For load management and dynamic switching, when the system
includes a daisy chain
then communication system may still keep communication connectivity.
[00577] In an example embodiment, dynamic power allocation of available
amperage allows
complete load balancing and load management, and allows to save hardware by
not activating sections
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not in use. It may be appreciated that this may require electrical code
change. Each intelligent junction
box 4510 and 4520 may be viewed as an intelligent breaker box.
[00578] Box 4510 can replace a breaker panel and 4520 series can act as
a new type of subpanel.
Usually in a house one would not have as many traditional subpanels. Cost
savings may be achieved
by having many of the new types of subpanels herein illustrated spread across,
allowing for an easier
topology of a true star network where every single device (whether lighting,
receptacle, appliance or
any other electrically powered device) wired into the system as its own run
going into it, thereby
maximizing the flexibility of such a system.
[00579] An example embodiment includes separately electrical switching,
communications
switching and combined electrical with communications switching.
[00580] FIGURE 45 box 4510 and the 4520 series. The intelligent
electrical switching junction
boxes 4510 and 4520 may be equipped with series of dry contacts and sensors
that can replace alarm
systems by being able to manage many or all contacts and all sensors (e.g.
fire, smoke, etc.). The
entire system can easily handle the sensors and the alarms. The intelligent
switching junction boxes
4510 and 4520 may receive glass, window, door contacts and manage these in the
fenced area and
use the gateway to send messages to outside world (including but not limited
to an external alarm
company). The intelligent switching junction boxes 4510 and 4520 may provide
new home
monitoring services and generate business for third party alarm companies.
[00581] In an example embodiment, the intelligent junction box also
acts as a communication
protocol switch. Increasing the amperage possibly to 40, 50, 100, 200 amps on
that switch, on that
intelligent junction box, can eliminate the need for sub panels, and a lot of
the wiring in a house or
building, An intelligent junction box could be installed on each floor.
[00582] A house normally needs 200A current and may have a 200 Amp
panel which may have
a plurality of 15 amp lines or individual breakers. If the panel receives 40
or 50 amps, the system
4510 or 4520 only needs 5 or 6 breakers rather than up to 40 breakers. Instead
of a 15 Amp breaker,
40 Amps comes in (bigger wire) to intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520.
Therefore, intelligent
junction box 4510 or 4520 may eliminate the need for any communication wire in
a house and might
even provide an alternative to traditional wiring of alarm systems. As shown
in Figure 45, a 200Amp
intelligent junction box 4510 may be connected to and distribute the power to
a plurality of 15 Amp
(or lower) to 100 Amp (breakers and/or other electrical devices or other
intelligent junction boxes
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
4520 A-F, and each intelligent junction box 4520 A-F may be connected to one
or more loads 4530,
and 4530 A-C to supply the power, including but not limited to receptacle
devices, lighting devices,
appliances, heaters, HVAC systems.
[00583] In typical communication tree, all wiring in the intelligent
junction box 4510 or 4520
may be terminated at a patch panel that is connected to switches. In order to
minimize the traffic on
wire, the switches know each drop and may direct the respective traffic to
relevant drop. In some
examples, each drop has a Mac address and/or a TCP/IP address. The switches
may maintain a Mac
address table or IP address table of each drop, so that the switches may
uniquely identify a drop.
Therefore, each apparatus may connect to a drop, and receives respective own
traffic. This improves
the throughput of the traffic since no traffic for other apparatus is carried
in the bandwidth.
[00584] Therefore, with the switch in the intelligent junction box 4510
or 4520, the data
throughput from a first computer to a second computer through a switch may be
improved. Other
computers in the network do not see the traffic between the first and second
computers. By providing
communication switching to intelligent junction box, the capacity of
intelligent junction box 4510 or
4520 may have the bandwidth use multiplied by 10, 100, or 1000 times as the
bandwidth is more
effectively used to transmit only relevant data.
[00585] In a regular topology, the intelligent junction box 4510 or
4520 may act like a hub. The
intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 has the information of the devices or
appliances connected to
the intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520. Data switches or routers may be
replaced with the box
intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 to provide data routing services. The
neutral-to-ground
communication may provide sufficient bandwidth to provide data routing
services because of a
different environment. The 3 wire direct connect system eliminates the need of
a Bus Bar.
[00586] The circuit breaker panel may have a different configuration,
e.g., with none or only a
few 15A circuits. The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may use breakers
supporting greater
current, e.g., 40/50/100 Amp breakers. The limitation is only on the amperage
rating of the individual
line wires with respect to particular code standards. Electrical wiring of the
intelligent junction box
4510 or 4520 remains the same. In some examples, the intelligent junction box
4510 or 4520 may
have a "lollipop" (star) configuration.
[00587] In some examples, wires of a sub panel may be included to the
intelligent junction box
4510 or 4520.. An example embodiment is an intelligent subpanel with
communication switching.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
For example, a) for power, b) for communications, and/or c) for both. 4510 and
4520 A-F may be
one, two or three phase.
[00588] The intelligent junction box 4510 controls the power output up
to a full load of 200
Amps. The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 is no longer circuit
dependent, for example with the
star topography. The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may wire to a
physical section and
distribute the power supply to intelligent junction boxes 4520 A-F from the
physical section.
[00589] In some examples, a circuit box or a communications module may
be included in the
intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 to provide electrical communications and
may receive
connection that would normally receive 15 A. A set of wires may be included in
the circuit box or
communication module. The circuit box or a communications module may provide
15A, 20A and
output 15A, 20A circuits. The circuit box or the communications module may be
a passthrough for
power supply and intercept only the communication traffic.
[00590] In an example application, alarm systems typically require
multiple contacts. In an
example embodiment, the alarm system may be integrated into single wiring, for
example, by wiring
the alarm system to a receptacle or to a switch nearby. Devices for alarm
systems may be placed into
the described receptacles, or infrastructure.
[00591] In some examples, the intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may
include one or more
inline control boxes. The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may be
configured to receive one or
more contacts, sensors and to replace physical panel, and to communicate with
a processor, such as a
CPU to manage the intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520, the devices and
elements therein.
[00592] The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may be used to
monitor a premise, such as
an entire house which traditionally have been zone driven, often combining
daisy chain windows,
and zones. The intelligent junction box 4510 or 4520 may substantially
eliminate wiring with other
devices in house other than small run between contacts and a plug or a contact
and a switch. In the
example of FIGURE 45, six intelligent junction boxes 4520 are connected to
intelligent junction box
4510. The topology of having intelligent junction box 4510 as a master box and
six intelligent junction
boxes 4520 as subs reduces wire runs. Short runs to the subs and only a few
runs into box 4510 from
six intelligent junction boxes 4520. Alternatively intelligent junction box
4510 may be used separately
form the 4520, and electrical Devices may be wired directly to connect to the
200A intelligent junction
box 4510.
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[00593] FIGURE 46 illustrates a voice input/output system 4600 in
accordance with an example
embodiment. The system 4600 may include a processor 4602. The processor 4602
may connected to
one or more input devices for receiving external information, a display 4606
for output information,
a data storage device 4608, a RAM 4610, a ROM 4612, one or more auxiliary I/0
4614, a data port,
.. a speaker 4618, a microphone 4620, a camera 4622, a wireless or wired
communication system 4624,
and a power supply 4626. The power supply 4626 may communicate with the
communication
subsystem 4624. The power supply 4626 may supply power to electrical devices,
such as electrical
receptacle, appliance, lighting devices, HVAC systems, or heaters. The power
supply 4626 may also
supply power to the systems described above in FIGURE 33 or FIGURE 41.
[00594] The voice input/output system 4600 may use secured network via
wireless or wired
communication system 4624. In some examples, the wireless or wired
communication system 4624
may include a gateway for the system 4600 to access to external network.
[00595] FIGURE 47 illustrates two embodiments of a circuit monitoring
unit, one is plugged in
and one is hardwired.
[00596] In the first embodiment, a plugged-in unit 4730 is plugged in
series with a receptacle
4710 by using a cord 4720. The load 4750 is plugged in the unit 4730 using a
cord 4740. The unit
4730 through a communication link is connected to a data recording and
communication unit 4795
for controlling the plugged in unit 4730 and/or monitoring/reporting the
status of the plugged in unit
4730.
[00597] In the second embodiment, a unit 4770 is hard-wired in the circuit
in series using
electrical wires 4760 to the power source, such as a breaker panel 4755. The
load 4750 is also hard
wired and plugged in the hardwired unit 4770 using electrical wires 4780. The
unit 4770 through a
communication link is connected to the data recording and communication unit
4795 for controlling
the hardwired unit 4770 and/or monitoring or reporting the status of the
hardwired unit 4770. Each
of the units 4730 and 4770 may also have a separate data recording and
communication unit 4795. In
some examples, the data recording and communication unit 4795 provides a
control mechanism which
allows for controlling the operation of unit 4730 and/or 4770. 4760 may be
connected to an
intermediary system rather than directly to a breaker panel.
[00598] In some examples, the data recording and communication unit
4795 has a
communication port for both receiving data from the unit 4730 and/or 4770, and
transmitting
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CA 3040940 2019-04-241
command to the unit 4730 and/or 4770 enabling 4795 to control the operation of
the unit 4730 and/or
4770. 4795 may be a control device including but not limited to a PLC machine
or a computer.
[00599] In some examples, the data recording and communication unit
4795 has two ports, one
data port for receiving data from the unit 4730 and/or 4770, and one command
port for transmitting
commands to the unit 4730 and/or 4770 to control the operation of the unit
4730 and/or 4770.
[00600] In some examples, the data recording and communication unit
4795 includes a
processor or a computer. Wires may be used to connect the processor with the
communication port,
or with the data port and command port. An API may be used to for the
communication between the
data recording and communication unit 4795 and the plugged-in unit 4730 or the
between the data
recording and communication unit 4795 and the hardwired unit 4770. For
example, the API may be
used, over the communication link, both to receive information, such as
performance statistical data
or acknowledgments, and to control the operation of the unit 4730 or unit 4770
by sending commands
to the unit 4730 or 4770.
[00601] In some examples, the unit 4795 includes one or more
transducers, rather than induction
transformers, to convert AC current to DC current, to measure the DC voltage
transmitted on the links
4720 and 4740, and to report the measured DC voltage.
[00602] In some examples, the unit 4795 includes one or more hall-
effect sensors for measuring
the current by transfusing the current into voltage. The ADC only measures
voltage. As such, signals
need to be first transfused into voltage signals, and the ADC then measure the
voltage signals. The
ADC may determine or calculate the measured voltage for example, based on the
scale of the unit
used. In some examples, the current, 10 amps, is first converted to a voltage,
for example to 1.73
volts. The ADC may then measure the voltage and calculate RMS (average), and
then can measure
the current. Based on the scale of the unit used and the units measured, the
ADC may determine the
voltage value such as 1.73 V. The ADC uses the measured voltage, such as 1.73
V, to represent the
current, such as 953 milliamps.
[00603] The signals may be voltage or current. When voltage of the
incoming AC is measured
directly through a resistor grid, the voltage of the hot line is directly
measured by using the register
divider dropped down to 3 volts for measurement in the ADC. The ADC only
measures the signals.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a separate processor to control the
operation of the unit 4730 or
4770.
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[00604] In the example of Figure 47, the measurement and control of the
signals are conducted
by the unit 4795. Signals are transmitted to the unit 4730 and 4770 from the
receptacle 4710 and the
breaker panel 4755, respectively. With the communication links that connect
the unit 4730 and 4770
with the unit 4795, the unit 4795 measures the signals and controls the
operation of the unit 4730
and/or 4770. The units 4730 and/or 4770 may be measurement and building
automation equipment
from a number of manufacturers such as Mircom, Johnson Controls, or Siemens to
name a few.
[00605] In an embodiment, a metering device may be used for a power
distribution cabinet
distributing power through a plurality of electrical wires. Each wire is
driven by a line Voltage. A
method of operating the metering device includes providing for a plurality of
current transformers on
aboard, each current transformer generating a current signal Voltage
responsive to a current of an
electrical wire through the current transformer, providing for a plurality of
connections on the board
for a plurality of different line voltages; and arranging said plurality of
current transformers in
physical correspondence to power outputs of said power distribution cabinet.
[00606] In a metering device for a power distribution cabinet
distributing power through a
plurality of electrical wires, each wire driven by a line Voltage, said
metering device having a plurality
of current transformers, each current transformer generating a current signal
Voltage responsive to a
current of an electrical wire through said current transformer, and a
plurality of connections for a
plurality of different line voltages, a method of calibrating said metering
device.
[00607] Generating within said metering device a calibration number
from an energy reading of
a reference metering device and a metered energy reading of each current
transformer and
corresponding electrical wire mapped to be driven by one line voltage whereby
said metered energy
is rapidly calibrated.
[00608] In a metering device for a power distribution cabinet
distributing power through a
plurality of electrical wires, each wire driven by a line Voltage, said
metering device having plurality
of current transformers, each current transformer generating a current signal
Voltage responsive to a
current of an electrical wire through said current transformer, and a
plurality of connections for a
plurality of different line voltages, a method of calibrating said metering
device comprising:
generating within said metering device a calibration number from an energy
reading of a reference
metering device and a metered energy reading of each current transformer and a
line Voltage.
CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00609] A metering device for metering energy delivered on a plurality
of electrical wires, said
device comprising a plurality of current transformers, each current
transformer arranged to generate
a signal in response to current on one of said plurality of electrical wires;
at least one Voltage
connection for a line Voltage of said one of said plurality of electrical
wires; and circuitry connected
to each of said plurality of current transformers and said at least one
Voltage connection, said circuitry
sampling said current transformer signal and said line Voltage to measure
instantaneous energy
delivery over each one of said plurality of electrical wires, each one of said
plurality of electrical wires
and Voltage mapped by programming to one of a plurality of meter accounts
monitored by said
metering device; whereby said metering device is capable of monitoring energy
delivery to a plurality
.. of customers.
[00610] In a metering device for a power distribution cabinet
distributing power through a
plurality ofelectrical wires, each wire driven by a line Voltage, said
metering device having a plurality
of current transformers, each current transformer generating a current signal
Voltage responsive to a
current of an electrical wire through said current transformer, and a
plurality of connections for a
plurality of different line voltages, a method of operating said metering
device comprising: mapping
a current signal Voltage of at least one of said plurality of said current
transformers in said metering
device to a line Voltage driving an electrical wire associated with said at
least one current transformer;
and metering energy by product of said current signal Voltage and said line
Voltage according to said
mapping.
[00611] The method of the above storing said mapping into nonvolatile
memory.
[00612] In a metering device for a power distribution cabinet
distributing power through a
plurality of electrical wires, each wire driven by a line Voltage, said
metering device having a plurality
of current transformers, each current transformer generating a current signal
Voltage responsive to a
current of an electrical wire through said current transformer, and a
plurality of connections for a
plurality of different line voltages, a method of operating said metering
device comprising:
programmably mapping a current signal Voltage of at least one of said
plurality of said current
transformers in said metering device to a line Voltage driving an electrical
wire associated with said
at least one current transformer; metering energy by product of said current
signal Voltage and said
line Voltage according to said mapping for one of a plurality of meter
accounts monitored by said
metering device.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00613] Figures 49A and 49B illustrates an exemplary extension cord. In
Figure 49A, an
extension cord 4900 comprises: a cable 4902 having a first end portion and a
second end portion; a
power input end 4904 terminating the first end portion of the cable 4902; a
power output end 4906
terminating the second end portion of the cable 4902; at least one sensor (not
shown) positioned at
the second end portion for detecting signals indicative of the cable 4902; a
solid state switch (not
shown) in series relationship with the cable 4902 at the second end portion of
the cable 4902; a
processor (not shown) configured to determine, based on the detected current,
that there is a ground
fault, arc fault or over-current condition, and in response cause the solid
state switch to deactivate.
The processor may be connected with the power output end 4906 via a connector
4908 and a cable
4910. The processor may control the operation of the power output end 4906 via
the connector 4908
and the cable 4910. Figure 49B illustrates an example of a display screen 4912
that is integrated with
a casing of the power output end 4906 of the extension cord 4900.
[00614] In some examples, the processor is configured to cause the
solid state switch to activate
when there is no ground fault, arc fault or over-current condition. The
processor may also be
configured to cause the solid state switch to deactivate in response to
receiving a manual command.
[00615] In some examples, the solid state switch and the at least one
sensor are in a same
packaging or a same circuit board. The solid state switch and the at least one
sensor may also be in
the same packaging or the same circuit board as the power output end. The at
least one sensor may be
in series relationship with the cable at the second end portion of the cable
4902. The at least one sensor
may comprise a current sensor for detecting current and/or a voltage sensor
for detecting voltage. The
at least one sensor may detect signals of a hot power line of the cable 4902 .
The at least one sensor
may detect signals of a neutral power line of the cable 4902.
[00616] In some examples, as illustrated in Figure 49A, the power input
end 4904 comprises a
male end, and the power output end 4906 comprises a female end. In the example
of Figure 49A, the
power output end 4906 may also comprise at least one or a plurality of plug
outlets. Each of the
plurality of plug outlets may individually controllable by the processor.
[00617] Traditionally, in the example of a breaker panel, the live
power wire is connected to the
breaker panel, the neutral wire is connected to a bus bar at the bottom of the
panel, and the ground
wire is connected to a separate bus bar, such as on a side inside the panel.
The industry generally does
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not separate out distinct inputs for ground, and connects all of the ground of
a circuit to one common
bus bar.
[00618] In the examples of FIGURE 48, separate ground connections are
used to connect with
each of the module 4820 or a circuit. In Figure 48, the wires 4840, 4850, and
4860 connect to
respective terminals that are connected to separate the buses of the module
4820 internally. The
module 4820 may include filters. As illustrated in Figure 48, the two neutral
wires 4860 and the two
ground wires 4840 are separately connected to two different isolated
connectors of the module 4820.
The connectors may be bus bars. With this arrangement, the module 4820 or a
circuit reduces wires
by wiring internally between the connectors and other circuits within the
module 4820.
[00619] The module 4820 may also connect to one or more breaker panels, for
example, from
the opposition side of the connectors. In some examples, the module 4820 may
also be included in a
breaker panel.
[00620] The module 4820 may also be used in test circuits to generate
the current leakage by
connecting the live power wire to the connector connected to the neutral wire.
[00621] The industry uses the two wires (live power and neutral) into the
transformer, and
determines whether there is a magnetic imbalance between the live power and
neutral widings. With
module 4820, only the live power wire is connected to one sensor and the
neutral is connected to a
different sensor. Therefore, the live power and neutral wires are connected to
two separate sensors,
rather than connect to one transformer. In the industry case, once the power
lines leave the
transformer, they are merely used to source downstream loads and are not
individually sensed.
[00622] The breaker panel may be used in the Breaker companion module
4820, inside the
breaker panel and / or in power and communication switching device.
[00623] The ground wires 4840 has dual purposes: In the input 4810 of
the module 4820, the
ground wire 4840 acts both as an earthing return and a communication
conductor; In the output 4830
of the Module 4820, the ground wire 4840 is for the earthing return. At the
output 4830, all grounds
are common and attached to the master earthing ground return. The master
earthing ground return is
a circuit that provides for power control within the module 4820. The output
4830 may be on a bus
and common to the master earthing ground. At output 4830, ground is common in
order for the ground
not be a floating ground.
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[00624] The input 4810 of the module 4820 includes incoming insulated
wires, in the example
of Figure 48, the input 4810 contains three wires: wire 4850 as the insulated
live wire, wire 4840 as
ground wire that may be connected to the module 4820 individually and has a
dual purpose of earthing
the return and acting as a communication conductor as described above, and
wire 4860 as the insulated
neutral wire.
[00625] In some examples, the electrical noise associated with the
electrical current may be
filtered when the current is input from the input 4810. The wires 4840, 4850,
and 4860 each may be
connected to a filter before connecting to their respective bus bars. By
filtering the electrical current,
the noise of the electrical current is eliminated before the current is
transmitted over the different bus
bars so that cross noise between different wires 4840, 4850, and 4860 may be
prevented ; as well,
filtering out the noise allows cleaner spectrum and faster data transmission.
[00626] The output 4830 in the example of Figure 48 comprising
insulated wires, the live wire
4850, ground wire 4840, and the neutral wire 4860.
[00627] The ground wire 4840 of the output 4830 provides earthing
return. The ground wire
4840, similar to other common ground systems, is electrically connected to a
master ground, for
example, the ground of a building, including a residential, commercial
building.
[00628] In some examples, the input 4830 may be connected to a breaker
panel. if the module
4820 is used to form a breaker panel, the ground wire 4840 is connected to the
master grounding bus
of the breaker panel.
[00629] If the module 4820 is used to form a switch, the ground wire 4840
is also connected to
a master ground bus that is connected to the master ground, so that the module
4820 is connected to
the master ground. By connecting to the master ground bus, messages may be
extracted without
having a floating ground
[00630] FIGURES 50 A, B and C illustrates examples of the parameter
settings and data which
are detected or calculated by the device, which can be displayed on the
monitoring screen 5204 of
applicable electrical products, including but not limited to receptacle
devices (with or without outlets,
corded, portable and/or direct-wired), extension cords, branch circuit feeders
in a breaker panel, an
electrical junction box that is adjacent to the circuit breaker panel, an in-
line power receptacle, a
metering device, or an intelligent junction box. Parameters and controls may
be used to diagnose
applicable electrical products. Figure 50C illustrates a first set of
exemplary parameters and controls,
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and Figures 50A and 50B display measurements or analysis results according to
the first set of
parameters and controls. Figure 50A illustrates the sampling values generated
by ADC, the FFT
analysis results, and RMS values of different channels associated with the
different electrical lines,
such as the white line, black line, and the hot power line. Similarly, the
parameter settings and data
can also be displayed onto the display screen 4912 of the extension cord 4900
(Figure 49B), in an
example. Note, the actual content shown in Figures 50A, 50B and 50C is not
intended to depict
scientific accuracy, but rather represents an illustration of what kind of
data can be displayed in an
embodiment. In another embodiment, Information could be displayed, collecting
data over an
extended period of time showing multiple AC cycles.
[00631] As illustrated in the example of Figure 50C, parameter settings may
be displayed.
Frame number denotes the frame rate of the recording, for example, frame
number 69 at some frame
per second recording speed. Diagnostic Mode indicates the mode of operation
such as mode 1. The
modes will be described in greater detail below. System flag to show whether
the system is calibrated,
for example not calibrated. Board temperature indicates the temperature of the
electrical board, such
as 33 degrees. Status code is used to indicate the operation status: for
example, all zero's means that
there is no fault. AFCI fault code, GFCI fault code, surge fault code, other
fault codes and fault value
collectively indicate the current value that caused the trip. Output power
indicates the powers that are
turned on; e.g. global power and downstream are the only ones illustrated as
turned on in the example
ofFigure 50C. Digital input indicates the pins that have been plugged in. RMS
values indicates values
of black current, return current, upper receptacle current, and lower
receptacle current. AFCI event
indicates number of times that the arc has been detected while it was turned
on or powered on. ADCO
channel indicates the power line pursuant to which the information is
provided, for example, HOT-V
indicates hot voltage line. Zero cross set 0, 1 and Zero cross (Calc) are the
voltage zero cross, then
black current and white and their zero cross. Based on Zero cross set 0, 1 and
Zero cross (Calc), the
Power Factors may be determined. Power factor (UP), Power Factor (LO) are
calculated based on
zero cross values.
[00632] Under a specific mode; Select Channel allows to control
different subjects, such as
including but not limited to black, white, upper receptacle, lower receptacle,
and hot volts. The
commands can be issued using Modbus to make the selection, for example by
setting the mode, and
channel number etc.
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[00633] As illustrated in the examples of Figures 50C, there may be
three or more diagnostic
modes, such as, mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3. Different modes are associated
with different data. API
may be used to switch the mode of the diagnostic information. For example, in
mode 1, voltage data
and Fast Fourier transformation, frequency analysis and related information
may be collected and
displayed. In mode 2, information related to time domain signals for voltage,
current, white currents
may be collected and displayed. In mode 3, voltage information is not
available, but other power
analysis information, such as zero crossing, power factor measurements etc.,
may be collected and
displayed. By switching to different modes, different information may be
collected and displayed.
[00634] With the different modes, information may be multiplexed
depending on the
requirements of the master. Different modes may be used to display information
of different subjects
of interest. In some examples, in mode 1, voltage and its frequency analysis
of related information
are produced. If the black current, or total current is of interest, mode 1
may be switch to black current
to show time domain black current data and along with it the FFT, the
frequency analysis and related
information.
[00635] The API can be used to manually or automatically set the current
threshold, which can
be a standard or non-standard current threshold value.
[00636] An example embodiment is an electrical circuit interruption
device including: a contact
configured for electrical connection to a power line; a solid state switch for
in-series electrical
connection with the power line; a sensor to detect current signals indicative
of the power line; a
processor configured to: set a settable current threshold value, and
deactivate the solid state switch in
response to the detect current signals of the power line exceeding the
settable current threshold value.
[00637] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the settable current threshold
level is a standard current threshold value. In an example of the electrical
circuit interruption device,
the standard current threshold value is 15A / 20A or 16A / 32A, 50A, 100A,
200A or more. The
standard current threshold value may also be values in the international
standards, or a customized
value, a predetermined value, or a controlled value or input. In an example of
the electrical circuit
interruption device, the settable current threshold level is non-standard
current threshold value. In an
example of the electrical circuit interruption device, the setting is
performed by the processor based
on the detected current signals. In an example of the electrical circuit
interruption device, the setting
is performed by the processor based on a database stored in a memory
accessible by the processor. In
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an example of the electrical circuit interruption device, the settable current
threshold level for the
setting is received by the processor by way of received input. In an example
of the electrical circuit
interruption device, the received input is received from an Application
Program Interface, a user input
device, a second electrical receptacle device, or a computer device.
[00638] Reference to breakers, circuit breakers, and circuit breaker panels
may be
interchangeable used or interchangeable as to their functionality as described
herein, as applicable.
An in-inline electrical receptacle may be synonymous with an intelligent
junction box, in example
embodiments. The disclosed concepts are applicable to in-wall electrical
receptacles, power strips,
power bars, extension cords, receptacle adaptors, circuit breakers, circuit
breaker panels, in-line
electrical receptacles, junction boxes, and other devices to facilitate
provision, safety, and control of
electrical power from power lines to downstream loads. Such receptacles may or
may not include
plug outlets for a matching plug, or other output connectors such as fixed
electrical wiring, terminal
screws, sockets or pins. Reference to neutral-to-ground can be used
interchangeably with ground-to-
neutral, depending on the perspective of the particular device. While a North
American 110V 60 Hz
receptacle is exemplified herein, the disclosed concepts are applicable to
other international
receptacles or devices. Similarly, the disclosure is not limited to plug
blades as the mating means for
the receptacle outlet but is applicable interchangeably to other plug
configurations such as found in
other international standards. Moreover, although the present disclosure has
been exemplified in a
single phase alternating current context, the disclosure is operable in the
contexts of direct current and
multiple-phase systems.
[00639] Examples of solid state switches or controlled state switches
include insulated-gate
bipolar transistors (IGBT), MOSFETs, and TRIACs they would be included in a
module similar as
the one shown in FIGURE 48.
[00640] As illustrated in the example of Figures 51A-51D, an electrical
device 5101 for
separated power lines. The utility 5110 provide electrical power to the
electrical device and the Earth
ground 5112 provides an earth ground. The utility 5110 may include a power
line 5113, a neutral
power line 5114, and a ground line 5115. In some examples, the utility 5110
may first connected to a
main circuit breaker 5116 for protecting the electrical device 5150.
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[00641] In the example of Figure 51A, the electrical device 5101 may be
a circuit breaker
panel, an electrical junction box that is adjacent to the circuit break panel,
an in-line power
receptacle, a metering device, or an intelligent junction box.
[00642] In the example of Figure 51B, the electrical device 5150 may
have a circuit breaker
connected to the neutral and to ground. In some examples, the electrical
device 5151 may have a
circuit breaker connected to the neutral and to ground using a PCB connected
to a socket. In the
example of Figure 51C(1), the PCB may connect to the socket via a plastic
encased rail, and the PCB
may connect to the socket via a plastic encased rail. The easing of the panel
may be a standard casing
with the attachments for securing the wires coming from the field. The wires
from the field may be
directly connected to the sockets 5137 to the PCB modules hosted in the
sockets 5137. The sockets
may include a module 4820 as illustrated in Figure 48. The electrical device
5150 may include a rail
or bus bars block 5135, for example, to provide a common ground to the
electrical device 5150.
[00643] The casing of the panel may be a standard casing with the
attachments for securing the
wires coming from the field. The wires from the field may be directly
connected to the sockets 5137
to the PCB modules hosted in the sockets 5137.
[00644] In the examples of Figures 51A-51C, the isolation connecting
block 5120 is an example
of a two phase arrangement. The isolation connecting block 5120 may also have
one phase or three
phases. The isolation connecting block 5120 may include but not limited to a
plurality connectors or
contacts 5121, 5122, 5123 and 5125. In the example of Figures 51A-51C, the
connector 5121 is
connected to the live power line 5113, the connector 5122 is connected to the
neutral line, and the
connector 5123 is connected to the ground line. And the connector 5125 is
connected to the earth
ground.
[00645] The railing system 5160 of the electrical device 5151 may
include 5-9 connectors. In
the example of Figure 51C (2), the railing system 5160 includes 9 connectors
for a three phase
arrangement. The rails 5136 may be removed in a two phase arrangement. In a
one phase
arrangement, both the rails 5136 and 5134 may be removed. In some examples,
one of 5132, 5133,
5134, 5135 and 5136 rails may be in first and second railing systems 5160, one
rail may be used per
row of the sockets 5137. The rails 5132-5136 may be bus bars.
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[00646] Figure 51C (3) is a side view of the boarder of the railing
system 5160 showing the side
encasement of the railing system. The bottom end of the railing system 5160
may be capped, and the
top end of the railing system 5160 may be connected to the connecting block
5120.
[00647] In the example of Figure 51C(4), a main motherboard 5138 may be
included and
placed on top of the railing system 5160 with a socket system or a Breaker
clip top of the PCB
placed on the mother board 5138.
[00648] Figure 51D illustrates an example of the rail system 5160,
which includes a plurality
of air gaps 5161 for dissipating heat generated by the rail system 5160 or the
mother board 5138.
For example, the hot air heated by the rail system 5160 or the mother board
5138 may be dissipated
.. through the air gap.
[00649] In some examples, the electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151
comprises: a plurality of
electrical devices 5137, each electrical device 5137 comprising a first
contact 5121 for electrical
connection to a respective upstream hot power line 5113, a second contact 5122
for electrical
connection to a respective neutral power line 5114, and a third contact 5123
for electrical connection
to a respective upstream ground line 5115; each electrical device 5137
comprising a fourth contact
5132 for electrical connection to a respective downstream hot power line, a
fifth contact 5133 for
electrical connection to a respective downstream neutral power line, and a
sixth contact 5134 for
electrical connection to a respective downstream ground line; a bus 5135 for
electrically connecting
all of the downstream ground lines.
[00650] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise at
least one sensor in
series relationship between one of the upstream power lines 5113 and one of
the downstream power
lines for detecting signals. The at least one sensor may include at least one
current transducer.
[00651] Each electrical device 5137 may include a switch in series
relationship between the
first contact 5121 and the fourth contact 5132, for controlling conductive
connectivity between the
respective upstream hot power line5113 and the respective downstream hot power
line, responsive
to the signals detected by at least one of the sensors.
[00652] The at least one sensor may include a respective sensor for
each electrical device 5137
in series relationship between the first contact 5121 and the fourth contact
5132 for detecting signals
indicative of one of the respective hot power lines, for controlling at least
one of the switches.
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[00653] The at least one sensor may include a respective sensor for
each electrical device 5137
in series relationship between the second contact and the fifth contact for
detecting signals
indicative of one of the respective neutral power lines, for controlling at
least one of the switches.
[00654] Each electrical receptacle may include a respective filter or
diode in series relationship
between the third contact 5123 and the sixth contact 5134, for filtering or
one-way conductive
connectivity from the respective upstream ground line to the respective
downstream ground line.
[00655] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise
at least one
communication subsystem configured for wired communication over at least one
of the downstream
power lines with reference to the downstream ground line. The one of the
respective downstream
power lines for the wired communication may be the respective downstream
neutral power line, or
the respective downstream hot power line.
[00656] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise
at least one
communication subsystem configured for wired communication over at least one
of the upstream
power lines with reference to the upstream ground line.
[00657] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise a
circuit board that
contains the plurality of electrical devices, the circuit board include the
bus for the electrically
connecting of all of the downstream ground lines.
[00658] In some examples, the bus comprises a rail 5132, 5133, 5134,
5135, or 5136. In some
examples, the bus the bus is for connecting to earth ground.
[00659] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise a
second bus 5131 for
electrically connecting all of the downstream neutral lines without connecting
to the upstream
neutral lines 5114.
[00660] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further comprise
a plurality of circuit
boards, wherein a first circuit board includes the bus and a second circuit
board includes the second
bus 5131.
[00661] The electrical device 5101, 5150, or 5151 may further a
plurality of circuit boards,
wherein a first circuit board includes the bus and a second circuit board
includes the first contact
5121 for electrical connection to the respective upstream hot power line 5113.
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[00662] A RS485 connected_display screen 5200 may include a cover 5202
and a base 5203.
FIGURE 52 illustrates a front view of cover 5202 and a rear view of a base
5203 of a RS485 display
screen 5200.
[00663] As illustrated in FIGURE 53, a number of display screens 5200
may be connected via
serial communications ports (or interfaces) such as RS485 or USB, to form a
display screen network
5300. In the example of Figure 53, the display screen network 5300 includes a
master RS 485 display
screen 5200, and five slave RS 485 display screens 5200. Each RS 485 display
screens 5200 is
connected to a RS485 in signal line 5302 for slave RS 485 display screens 5200
to receive input signal
from the master RS 485 display screen 5200, a RS485 out signal line 5304 for
slave RS 485 display
screens 5200 to transmit signals to the master RS 485 display screen 5200. The
5V DC line 5306
supplies 5V DC to the master and slave RS 485 display screens 5200.
[00664] The RS485 display screen 5200 may be mounted on the wall and
the RS485 display
screen 5200 may be Display-Control Mod Breakers. The RS485 display screen 5200
may have a
Display/Control Module (DCM) 5204.
[00665] As illustrated on the rear view of the RS485 display screen 5200,
the Display-Control
Module (DCM) 5204 is configured to be mounted in to a standard light switch
metal electoral box
(single gang), which enables quick and easy installation in to a wall. The
Display-Control Module
(DCM) 5204 may be mounted into an enclosure or panel, and may have a wide
range of uses for
different applications. The DCM 5204 may be mounted without an electrical box.
In some examples,
DCM 5204 has two holes for the RJ35 cables 5205 and at least two fasteners,
such as two mounting
screws for in one of the upper three mounting holes 5207 and in one of the
lower three mounting holes
5209 to fix the DCM5204, such as on a wall. In use, the cover 5202 may be
clipped on or removed
from the base portion 5203.
[00666] The DCM 5204 may include a 3.5" 320x480 TFT LCD Display, a
processor, a Resistive
.. Touch, micro-SD memory storage, a Real Time Clock, 4 wire R5485 serial
Interface which can act
as either Master or Slave RS 485 display screens 5200. The display, Resistive
Touch, micro-SD
memory storage, Real Time Clock, and 4 wire RS485 serial Interface are
electrically connected wit
the processor. The processor may contain a Crypto Authentication security
engine for securing the
data transmissions, and support an Optional Wi-Fi module for wirelessly
communicating the data
with a wireless receiver, such as a computer, a tablet, or a smart phone.
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[00667] The DCM 5204 is typically connected, by a single RJ-45 cable,
to the other devices,
such as a circuit breaker panel, an electrical junction box that is adjacent
to the circuit break panel, an
in-line power receptacle, a metering device, or an intelligent junction box.
The cable uses 2 of the 4
pairs of conductors to carry a full-duplex RS485 serial data stream. For
example, one pair of
conductors receive data and the other pair of conductor transmit data. . The
other 2 pairs of conductors
may supply 5V DC to power the DCM device 5204.
[00668] Other communication ports and interfaces may be used. As well,
converters may be
incorporated, such as RS485 to USB or Ethernet; and cabling such as CADS or
CAD6 may be used.
The application may use wireless communication to and/or from the display(s).
[00669] FIGUREs 54A and 54B illustrate two exemplary power breakers or
distributed panel
modules. Figure 54A illustrates a first power breaker or distributed panel
module 5402. The circuit
board of the module does not include a stiffener. Figure 54B illustrates a
second power breaker or
distributed panel module 5404 on which a powder coated busbar 5406 covers some
of the electronic
components placed on the circuit board. In some examples, the busbar 5406
provide wide traces to
enable the busbar 5406 serve as a high voltage power rail on the circuit board
to provide the high
amperage. The circuit board may be a PCB.
[00670] Figure 55 illustrates an example of a power supply monitoring
and controlling system
5500. The system 5500 may be used, for example, for monitoring and controlling
power supply of a
building. The system 5500 may be a PLC application system. The system 5500 may
include one or
more master controlling node 5510, one or more breaker panels 5520, one or
more star network
communication units 5570, one or more control and monitoring units 5550, one
or more electrical
devices 5560. The master controlling node 5510 may selectively control power
supply to the electrical
devices 5560 connected therewith, for example, by switching on or off the
power supply from the
breaker panels 5520 to one or all of the electrical devices 5560.
[00671] The Master Controlling Node 5510 monitors and controls the building
management
monitoring and control system 5500. In the example of Figure 55, the Master
Controlling Node 5510
communicates with two breaker panels 5520A and 5520B and two Star Networks
Communication
Units 5570A and 5570B. In some examples, the Master Controlling Node 5510 may
communicate
with one or more breaker panels 5520, and/or with one or more star network
Communication Units
5570. In some examples, system 5500 may only include the master controlling
node 5510 and control
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ICA 3040940 2019-04-24
and monitoring units 5550, and the master controlling node 5510 may directly
communicate with one
or more Control and Monitoring units 5550 with the breaker panels 5520 or star
network
communication unit 5570 via the communication links.
[00672] The Master Controlling Node 5510 receives information from one or
more breaker
panels 5520, such as from 5520A and 5520B. In some examples, each of the
Master Controlling Node
5510 may connect to up to16 breaker panels and/or star network communication
units 5570. The
breaker panels 5520 may receive power input from the utility company. In some
examples, the Master
Controlling Node 5510 may operate as a power switching device. If the breaker
panels 5520 are
.. appropriately configured, the Master Controlling Node 5510 may be managed
by a database, and an entry
in the priority table that manages the order of the priority may control the
power switching. The Master
Controlling node 5510 may communicate with the breaker panels 5520, for
example, by receiving
information from the breaker panels 5520, and/or sending commands to controls
the delivery of the
power to one or more of the breaker panels 5520. For example, the Master
Controlling node 5510
may control the breaker panels 5520A and 5520B to supply electricity to
different electrical devices
5560 with different amperages.
[00673] In some examples, the master controlling node 5510 may include
a processor for
controlling the system 5500. The master controlling node 5510 may use Linux
operating system.
[00674] In some example, the system 5500 may include more than one
master controlling node
5510. Eeach Master Controlling Node 5510 may be connected with and control
multiple star network
Communication Units 5570, and/or breaker panels 5520. Each of the star network
Communication
Unit 5570 may have various network configurations. Each Star Network
Communication Unit 5570
may connect or control one or more control and monitoring units 5550. In some
examples, the control
and communication unit 5550 may include a processor configured to send,
through the star network
communication unit 5570, a communication that one of the circuit breakers 5520
has opened or
tripped to the master controlling node 5510. In some examples, a star network
communication Unit
may connect up to thirty-two or more units of control and monitoring units,
depending on hardware
limitations. The limitations are hardware driven and may be modified to handle
up to 255 devices.
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CA 3040940 2019-04-24
[00675] Various communication links may be used in system 5500. In the
examples of Figure
55, links 5540 may provide communication links between 5570 and 5550 using for
example RS485
communications. In the examples of Figure 55, the Star Network Communication
unit 5570A is
connected to each of three control and monitoring units 5550 A-C by a
communication link 5540; the
Star Network Communication unit 5570B is connected to each of three control
and monitoring units
5550 D-F by a communication link 5540. Each of the Star Network Communication
units 5570A and
5570B may connected to fewer than three control and monitoring units 5550. The
Star Network
Communication unit 5570A and 5570B may control the respective control and
monitoring units 5550
connected thereto. 5540 is the communication Link using Power line
communication.
[00676] System 5500 may also include communication links 5530 each for
connecting the
Master Controlling Node Block 5510 to the Breaker Panel(s) 5520A and 5520B, or
to the Star
Network Communication Unit(s) 5570 A and 5570B. The communication links 5530
provides
communications between the Master Controlling Node Block 5510 and the Breaker
Panel(s) 5520A
and 5520B, or to the Star Network Communication Unit(s) 5570 A and 5570B. The
communication
links 5530 may use TCP/IP communication protocols. The communication links
5530 may be power
lines In some examples, the measurement data from the start network
communication units 5570A
and 5570B and the breaker panels 5520A and B, are transmitted to the master
controlling node 5510
and the control data from the master controlling node 5510 to the the start
network communication
units 5570A and 5570B and the breaker panels 5520A and 5520B may be
transmitted via the links
5530.
[00677] The system 5500 may also include links 5541 each for connecting
a control and
monitoring units 5550 to one or more electrical devices 5560. The links 5541
may be used to transmit
data between the control and monitoring units 5550 and the electrical device
5560. The data may
include control data from the control and monitoring units 5550, and
measurement data from the
electrical device 5560. The control and monitoring units 5550 may process the
received data form the
electrical devices 5560, and then transmit the processed data to the star
network communication unit
5570 connected with the control and monitoring units 5550. The control and
monitoring units 5550
may transmit data received from the electrical devices 5560 to the star
network communication unit
5570 connected with the control and monitoring units 5550. In the example of
Figure 55, the system
5500 includes six communication links, each connecting the electrical devices
5560, such as the
sensor(s) of the electrical devices 5560 to the Control and Monitoring Unit(s)
5550, such as 5550A ¨
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F. The sensors may include, but is not limited to, temperature sensors,
monitoring friction sensors,
vibration sensors, motor/engine noise sensors, smoke detection sensors, CO
detection sensors, water
flood detection sensors, and other sensors, which may directly or indirectly
related to the electrical
devices 5560 or the environment.
[00678] Power supply links 5513, such as 5513A-F, provides the electrical
connections,
between the Control and Monitoring Units 5550A-F and the electrical devices
5560. Power supply
links 5513 may be electricity cables. Each ofthe power supply links 5513 may
deliver electricity from
a control and monitoring unit 5550 to one or more electrical devices 5560. The
electricity provided
by the control and monitoring unit 5550 are received by the control and
monitoring unit 5550 from
the breaker panel 5520 via the link 5512.
[00679] In some examples, the electrical devices 5560 may be configured
in a star network
topology by connecting to the star network communication units 5570. The
system 5500 may monitor
and control the electrical devices 5560 and report information regarding the
operations of each of the
electrical devices 5560. In the example of Figure 55, electrical devices 5560
are examples of, but are
not limited to, typical devices that may be connected to other electrical
equipment, alarm systems, or
devices that may be monitored such as HVAC, water pumps, elevators,
escalators, alarms, electrically
driven mechanical devices, etc. In some examples, each electrical device 5560
may include sensors,
such as sensors for use in a building, for monitoring the status of the
devices 5560. The system 5500
may operate with one or more of the electrical devices 5560. The electrical
devices 5560 may be
distributed in different units of a building or in different places of a
facility.
[00680] For illustration purposes three Control and Monitoring Units
Blocks 5550A-C are
connected to one breaker panel Block 5520A and three other Control and
Monitoring Units Blocks
5550D-E are connected to another breaker panel Block 5520B. Alternatively, the
system 5500 may
be designed to operate with fewer or more electrical devices 5560, fewer or
more Control and
Monitoring Units 5550, and/or fewer or more breaker panels.
[00681] One or more breaker panel connections 5512 each may be used to
connect one the
breaker panel 5520A or 5520B to one or more control and monitoring units 5550.
In the example of
Figure 55, 2 breaker panel connections blocks 5512A and 5512B each may be
connected to one or
more control and monitoring units 5550. For example, breaker panel connections
5512A is connected
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with control and monitoring units 5550 A-C, and breaker panel connections
5512B is connected with
control and monitoring units 5550 D-F.
[00682] Breaker panel connections 5512 A and 5512B provides electrical
connections from the
breaker panels 5520A and 5520B to the electrical devices 5560 via the Control
and Monitoring Units
5550 A-F. Breaker panel connections 5512A and 5512B connected with the breaker
panels 5520A
and 5520B, respectively, may be configured as one, two or three phases. The
Control and Monitoring
units 5550 may use Triacs or IGBTs, or relays of the Control and Monitoring
units 5550 for
controlling the delivery of power to the devices 5560.
[00683] The control and monitoring unit 5550 may be connected to one or
more breaker panels
5520 for receiving power supply from the breaker panels 5520. In the example
of Figure 55, control
and monitoring units 5550A-C are electrically connected to the breaker panel
5520A via block 5512A
and control and monitoring units 5550D-F are electrically connected to the
breaker panel 5520B via
block 5512B. Each of the control and monitoring units 5550 A-F may connected
to one or more
electrical devices 5560.
[00684] In an example embodiment, there is provided an electrical
device 5500 comprising: at
least one circuit breaker 5520 for connection to at least one hot power line,
and each circuit breaker
5520 configured for a downstream electrical connection to a respective
downstream power line 5512;
a communication subsystem 5570; and a processor configured to send, through
the communication
subsystem 5570, a communication that one of the circuit breakers 5520 has
opened or tripped. The
communication may include identifying which particular circuit breaker 5520
has opened or tripped.
[00685] In another example embodiment, the communication subsystem 5570
is configured for
wired communications over the hot power line. The wired communications
continue when the one
circuit breaker 5520 opens one of the power lines. The at least one circuit
breaker 5520 may comprise
a switch. The switch may comprise a solid state switch.
[00686] In another example embodiment, the at least one circuit breaker
5520 may comprise a
mechanical breaker.
[00687] In another example embodiment, an electrical receptacle device
comprises a contact
configured for electrical connection to a power line. The contact may be
configured for downstream
electrical connection to a downstream power line. The contact may be
configured for connection to
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an electrical outlet. At least one sensor is used to detect at least voltage
signals indicative of the power
line. A processor is configured to determine from the detected voltage signals
that a series arc fault
has occurred on the power line. In some examples, in response to said
determining, the processor is
configured to send a communication that the series arc fault has occurred. The
electrical receptacle
.. device may comprise a switch in series connection with the power line,
where the processor is
configured to, further in response the said determining, opening the switch.
The at least one sensor
may further include at least one current sensor to detect at least current
signals indicative of the power
line, wherein the determining is further based on the detected current
signals.
[00688] Current may or may not be affected during a series arc fault
depending on the particular
load of the system. For a smaller load such as a light bulb, the current may
not show much of a
variance, if at all, because the value of the current itself is so small. In a
larger load, the current
variance will be detectable during a series arc fault. A threshold current
value can be used to
differentiate between a small load and a large load,
[00689] In another example embodiment, the power line comprises a hot
power line or a neutral
power line or a ground power line.
[00690] Figures 56A and 56B illustrate a junction box 5800. The
junction box 5800 includes a
cover BLOCK 5810 and a box housing BLOCK 5820. In use, the cover BLOCK 5810 is
configured
to cover the box housing 5820. The cover BLOCK 5810 may incorporate LEDs for
indicating the
status of various conditions of the junction box 5800, such as active, not
active, occurrence of a fault
(series or parallel arc fault, ground fault, and more). The box housing BLOCK
5820 houses a power
control and analysis module 5850. The line power input, including line and
neutral wiring, and
optionally ground wiring, may connect to the power control and analysis module
5850 at conductors,
such as metal clips 5860. Line power may be output at least one of the output
channels 5840, 5841
and 5842. More or fewer output channels may be included in the power control
and analysis module
5850. The cover BLOCK 5810 may also include controllers or actuators, such as
test and reset buttons
for each output channels.
[00691] The block 5810 may include a plurality of indictors to show the
status of the junction
box 5800, such as the output channels of the power control and analysis module
5850. In the example
of Figure 56a, three rows of LEDs indicate the 3 output channels 5840, 5841
and 5842. The block
5810 may also include test and reset buttons for each of the channels 5840,
5841 and 5842.
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[00692] The block 5810 may also include a communications port BLOCK
5890 for the junction
box 5800 to communicate with an external device. A communications channel may
also be
incorporated directly at box housing BLOCK 5820.
[00693] BLOCK 5830 represents a single line voltage input channel,
including black, neutral
and ground wires. Blocks 5840, 5841 and 5842 represent 3 different output
channels 5840, 5841 and
5842.
[00694] The amperage output from output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842
for this embodiment
may be 15 amps or 20 amps.
[00695] BLOCK 5830 may be pass-through holes that include strain
reliefs. The input and/or
output wires may pass through the holes as input power for connecting to the
input terminal 5860
inside the box 5820, or wires with power output from the power module 5850,
such as wires forming
output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842, may pass through the holes to output the
power from the
junction box 5800. Conductors 5860 represents wiring clips in which black
(live) and white (neutral)
wires are inserted of the line wire from the breaker panel or any other
feeder.
[00696] On the output side, each of the 3 output channels 5840, 5841 and
5842 is monitored
independently by a microprocessor 5852 on the power control and analysis
module 5850 and the
microprocessor may indicate the status of the output channels 5840, 5841 and
5842 on the outer
surface of the cover block 5810.
[00697] The example in Figure 56B is configured for one line voltage
input, and three outputs
(line voltage, neutral return and ground). However, there may be only one line
input and one output
channel; the microprocessor 5852 may be configured to monitor one or more
input channels and
output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842. The output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842
may supply power
to electrical devices or components, such as lights, plug outlets, and
switches. In a star network, each
circuit or load (or multiple downstream loads) may be connected to any one of
the output channels
5840, 5841 and 5842. Multiple junction boxes 5800 or modules 5850 may interact
with each other,
and one output channel of one junction box or one module 5850, rather than
supplies power to the its
own output load(s) or circuit, may become the input channel to another
junction box or module 5850,
and a master-slave relationship between the junction boxes or modules 5850 may
be formed in other
configurations and embodiments.
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[00698] For example, one junction box 5800 or a first module 5850 of
junction box 5800 may
have two output channels and a third output channel may lead to an input
channel of a second junction
box 5800 or a second module 5850. As such, two junction boxes 5800 or modules
5850 may result in
output channels to expand the output capacity of the junction boxes.
Alternatively, 2 separate
5 modules 5850 of a junction box 5800 may provide multiple channel outputs,
such as, but not limited
to, 4 output channels, 2 per module 5850.
[00699] The amperage of the output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842 may be
15 and/or 20 amps.
The amperage of each output channel 5840, 5841 or 5842 may also be pre-set
locally or remotely by
the factory, the user, or a computer. In some examples, the upper limit of the
current output from the
output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842 may be a lower amperage such as 2 or 3
amps, for example, to
protect certain equipment for example, or an amperage higher than 15 or 20
amps (e.g. 50, 100, 200),
for example, to enable the box 5800 to act as a power switch for controlling
the power to loads and/or
circuits. In some examples, box 5800 may be a power switch for controlling
power supply for other
module(s) in a star network embodied in other boxes 5800 or transmitting to
other modules 5850, for
independent power definition and control.
[00700] Three output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842 are illustrated in
the examples of Figures
56A and 56B. One or more output channels 5840, 5841 and 5842 may be monitored,
such as delivery
of power from each channel, optionally displayed and/or communicated, and
controlled, through one
or more communication interfaces, such as a communications port 5890,
including RS485, Ethernet,
USB etc.
[00701] The junction box 5800 may also include a ground mechanism 5870
in the box housing
5820, such as a ground screw to provide ground to the box 5800.
[00702] Figures 57A and 57B illustrate another example of a junction
box 5900. The junction
box 5900 includes a cover BLOCK 5910 and a box housing BLOCK 5920. The cover
BLOCK 5810
may incorporate LEDs for indicating the status of various conditions of the
junction box 5800, such
as active, not active, occurrence of a fault (series or parallel arc fault,
ground fault, and more). The
cover BLOCK 5810 may include a communication channel 5990. The cover BLOCK
5910 may also
include controllers or actuators, such as test and reset buttons for each
output channels.
[00703] The box housing BLOCK 5920 houses a power control and analysis
module 5950. The
line power input, including line and neutral wiring, and optionally ground
wiring, may connect to the
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power control and analysis module 5950 at conductors, such as metal clips
5960. Line power may be
output at least one of the output channels 5941, 5942, 5943 and 5944. More or
fewer output channels
may be included in the power control and analysis module 5950. The box housing
BLOCK 5920 may
also include a ground mechanism 5970 such as a ground screw to provide ground
to the box housing
block 5920.
[00704] In the example of Figures 57A and 57B, the power control and
analysis module 5950
is the 2-board assembly 5950a and 5950b that work similarly as 5850 in figure
56B. The combination
of both boards 5950a and 5950b may provide either up to 5 output channels
5940, 5941, 5944, 5945
and 5946. The output channel 5942 serves as the power fee for inputting power
to the input channel
5943 on the second module 5950b. In this case, channel 5942 may control the
input of the second
module 5950b. In some examples, each of these two power modules 5950a and
5950b may act as a
2-circuit assembly with each having a maximum of 3 output channels, for
example, output channels
5940, 5941 and 5942 on the first module 5950a and output channels 5944, 5945
and 5946 on the
second module 5950b.
[00705] The input power line would be connected to block 5960 on the
module 5950a. The
block 5960 also supplies power to the second module 5950b. In some example,
input power line may
separately connect to BLOCKS 5960 and 5943 to respectively supply power to
both modules 5950a
and 5950b.
[00706] The block 5930 represents a single line voltage input channel,
including black, neutral
and ground wires. BLOCK 5930 may be pass-through holes that include strain
reliefs and has the
same function as Block 5830 described above.
[00707] Figures 58A-58G illustrate an exemplary duplex outlet
receptacle for preventing
glowing contacts, which are known to be a cause of fires. When glowing
contacts takes place, there
is no arc as the conductors are touching each other, there is no spark as the
mechanical connection is
solid, and there is no overload or leakage, as would otherwise be present in
5mA ground leakage
present with ground fault detection. Optional downstream connections are
illustrated to improve on
the safety of wiring connections, for downstream use, which for example are
relevant to AFC1 and
GFCI electrical fault detection.
[00708] Glowing contacts occur at the receptacle when the wires are
insecurely looped around
screws or the looped connections become loose. When the contact pressure has
not been properly
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completely secured, a glowing contact takes place through the hairline surface
touching between the
screw terminal and the metal backing - the contact pressure being small and
the conductor surface
also being a small cross-section. The glowing takes place because the
conductor's resistance is too
high, as the current flows through that very small area.
[00709] Glowing contacts inside of an electrical box hosting a receptacle
are not visible and
thus are more important than at the end of a cord of an appliance or device
such as a light bulb, hair
dryer, electric drill, toaster, vacuum cleaner, etc.
[00710] In an electrical receptacle, traditional industry typically
wraps the wiring loops around
a screw and the screw provides conductivity. Whether wire is inserted through
holes in the back, or
the wiring is looped around the screw, the wiring contact can become loose,
potentially causing a
dangerous glowing contact electrical fire risk.
[00711] A need exists for an improved means of connecting wires,
providing a larger surface of
conductivity and improved strain relief to minimize possibility of a contact
becoming loose.
[00712] The need exists to provide discontinuance of power should there
be "glowing contacts".
These may take place at many levels whereby connections may be loose, at the
wiring connections in
receptacle devices or at the end of cords connected to appliances on the load
(e.g. light bulb, hair
dryer, electric drill, toaster, vacuum cleaner, etc.).
[00713] It is desired to detect glowing contacts, to reduce the risk of
fires caused by glowing
contacts, and even to eliminate glowing contacts at a receptacle outlet,
through mechanical design
embodiments herein illustrated in Figures 58A-58G. The mechanical designs may
prevent looping of
the wires at the contact point(s) and attachment of wires externally to the
receptacle, eliminating bad
connections. As well, without the glowing contacts, the plastic will not melt
as device discontinues
the delivery of power if temperature increases, thereby reducing another
potential fire risk caused by
glowing contacts.
[00714] The mechanical design in the examples of Figures 58A-58G illustrate
a mechanical
separation of the black and white wiring, such that looping of wiring is not
permitted during
installation, thereby eliminating the majority ofthe causes of loose
connections at the receptacle outlet
level. Without looping of wiring, the occurrence of glowing contacts are
significantly reduced.
[00715] The disclosed connector assembly comprises a front clip, back
clip and a screw that
applies a force, whereby the design ensures that the screw cannot be in
contact with the inserted wire,
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is not used for conductivity but rather as a pressure means. In another
embodiment, another pressure
means could be used. Other fasteners can be used instead of the screw in other
examples.
[00716] Illustrated is embodied in an electrical receptacle but can be
applied to other devices,
including but not limited to adaptors, junction boxes, cables, power plugs and
breakers. The gripping
means integral to the structure, is a significant improvement over traditional
means whereby wires
are inserted and held in place with minimal strain relief and security, and
are easy to pull out.
[00717] Disclosed is an insertion method/means through a channel,
whereby the wire itself has
a larger contact surface area, contact is made with a larger surface area of a
metal screw terminal,
comprising of two components screwed tightly, and one part of the screw
terminal being attached on
a circuit board, the second part being connected to the first part, and it
being attached to a second
circuit board.
[00718] In the particular embodiment Figures 58A-F, the screw terminal
is attached to a power
sensor board 6090, which itself is attached to a mother board (having a CPU)
and part of the screw
terminal incorporates four pins which are inserted into the mother board
providing connectivity and
further rigidity. The sensor board 6090 is a printed circuit board (PCB). The
hole of the PCB is offset
from the side of the front clip, therefore when pressure is applied from the
screw to bring in the back
clip, the conductor is slightly bent while being pushed to the front clip
providing additional physical
resistance preventing the wire to be pulled out without unscrewing the
assembly.
[00719] Other embodiments are possible with our without downstream
means, variations in
.. location of black and white wiring in and out of the electrical device
(which need not be an in-wall
electrical receptacle, including but not limited to adaptors, junction boxes,
circuit breakers, corded
devices, load centers, switches and more), and the attachment means of the
terminal assembly which
need not be attached to any particular circuit board.
[00720] The concave channels in at least a first portion of a wiring
screw terminal assembly
(screw means being one example of a pressure means) provide conductivity
contacting the wiring,
rather than the screw ¨ and the ridges (teeth) provide additional conductivity
and strain relief.
[00721] The wires passing through the screw terminal neither touch the
screw, nor depend on
contact with the screw for conductivity; and accordingly do not touch the
screw itself. The wire is not
in direct contact with the screw itself, and rather derives its conductivity
from the metal screw terminal
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¨ the round concave portion of the channel providing the conductivity and
squeezing the wire to the
front clip..
[00722] In addition, and optionally, conductive, metal teeth provide a
better contact reducing
the resistance and providing additional conductivity (e.g. and breaking up
oxidization which may have
built up on the surface of the wire) and additional strain relief.
[00723] Figures 58A-58G illustrate exemplary connectivity of a
receptacle Figure 58A Block
6000. Figure 58G, Block 6010 points to the terminal screws of the receptacle
6000, the screws are
indented inside the casing, as also illustrated in Figures 58C and 58G. This
arrangement has two major
advantages: First, the screw cannot create a short with the electrical housing
customary used by code
to house any receptacle. Second, the screws do not come out, therefore it is
impossible to connect any
wires outside the receptacle 6000. This may prevent glowing contacts from
faulty connections, a
major source of electrical fire.
[00724] In Figure 58B the Block 6040 shows the housing and wire guides
for the insulated
conductor connecting to the receptacle 6000 (Figure 58A) and enabling the
wires to be installed inside
the outlet. This arrangement prevents shorts between conductors, another
source of electrical fire.
Block 6040 also incorporates mechanical strain relief, as a portion of the
insulation enters the body
of the receptacle 6000 and provides integral strain relief to the wires
entering the receptacle 6000. In
Figure 58F the four screw terminal assemblies illustrated from left to right
are for black wire (line),
white wire return (neutral), white wire return (neutral) and black wire (line)
with each terminal
incorporating a second channel for optionally enabling parallel connections.
For example, power for
lighting might to a switch and then to a light(s), the second hole being used
for wiring for another
downstream circuit. A ground fault circuit interrupter receptacle device might
want to be used
whereby wiring goes both to downstream and to lighting. The use of this screw
terminal assembly
system can be an alternative to, and advantageous over the use of traditional
twist-on wire connectors,
and provide superior connection with less possibility of loose connections.
[00725] In another embodiment, one of the two holes in any of the screw
terminals could be
covered preventing and limiting entry to only one wire accessing the
particular screw terminal.
[00726] Figure 58C also illustrates the embodiment within an electrical
receptacle device having
two outlets ¨ pins 6070 and 6080 providing white wire returns for each,
respectively. Block 6060 is
a power bus transmitting energy through the sensor board 6090 to the main
board. In this particular
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embodiment, the back clip Figure 58D would be attached to the sensor board
6090 and the companion
front clip would be attached (seventeen teeth shown) and soldered to a main
processor sensor board
6090 (horizontally positioned) providing further rigidity. Blocks 6031 and
6032 jointly are the power
feed to the receptacle 6000. Block 6031 shows that the hot feed conductor is
connected to the terminal,
and Block 6032 shows that the neutral feed conductor is connected to the
terminal. Block 6030 shows
a space for a parallel connection for both the Hot and Neutral lines, and this
is a possible unmonitored
connection to one or multiple downstream equipment.
[00727] The terminal in the examples in Figures 58A-58G allows both the
feed and parallel
connections. Both feed and parallel connections provide a safe connection as
well as maximizing the
connection surface with the conductor. In conjunction with the terminal and
block 6040, a tunnel is
created limiting the possibility for any short from either the feed or the
downstream connections.
Blocks 6020, 6021 and 6022 are jointly the downstream monitored connection to
one or multiple
downstream electrical devices. The receptacle 6000 may in this case control
and/or monitor the entire
circuit. Block 6022 shows the hot feed conductor connected to the terminal,
and Block 6021 shows
the neutral feed conductor connected to the terminal. Block 6020 shows the
connection point for a
second monitored connection point for more electrical devices.
[00728] Figure 58D Blocks 6020 and 6030 shows the rear portion of the
wire retainer contacts.
The rear portion (back clip) defines a channel/recess that is formed with
ribbed recesses (teeth) 6025,
and this increases the contact area of the retainers to the wire. The formed
rear retainer shape wraps
around the wire so it is not just a round wire pressed between two flat pieces
of metal; as well, the
recess is ribbed so it bites into the wire to increase the effective pressure
holding the wire. The recess
also reduces inherent contact resistance, thereby increasing the contact-to-
wire surface area.
[00729] As loose connections at connection points in receptacle outlets
are eliminated, physical
mechanical design in Figures 58A-58G prevents the looping of wires and
therefore prevents glowing
contacts from occurring. This protect the body of the receptacle 6000 from
melting as a result of
glowing contacts.
[00730] When a glowing arc occurs in an electrical receptacles,
analysis performed by the
processor can be used to detect changes in the root mean square (RMS) over one
or more cycles of
the power signal. Mean square is first calculated to determine RMS, and mean
square can be used
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instead of RMS in example embodiments as applicable. This analysis is
described in greater detail
herein in relation to series arc faults.
[00731] The mechanical design illustrated in FIGURES 58A-58G discloses
a mechanical
separation of the black and white wiring, such that looping of wiring is not
feasible during installation,
therefore eliminating the majority of the causes of loose connections at the
receptacle outlet level.
Without looping of wiring, the occurrence of glowing contacts are
significantly reduced.
[00732] An example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
conductive housing
defining a first channel for receiving a power line, and a second channel; a
fastener between the first
the second channels for tightening the power line to the first channel, a head
of the fastener engaging
the power line and the conductive housing when tightened, the head being
nested within an exterior
of the conductive housing when tightened.
[00733] Another example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
conductive housing
defining a first channel for receiving a power line, a fastener for tightening
the power line to the first
channel, a head of the fastener engaging the power line and the conductive
housing when tightened,
the head being nested within an exterior of the conductive housing when
tightened.
[00734] In an example of the electrical device, the fastener contacts
the conductive housing
without contacting the power line.
[00735] In an example of the electrical device, the conductive housing
includes a first
conductive part and a second conductive part that collectively define the
first channel.
[00736] In an example of the electrical device, the first channel includes
one or more ribs for
crimping contact with the power line. In an example of the electrical device,
the fastener is a screw
and the head is a screw head. In an example of the electrical device, the
power line does not wrap
around the screw. In an example, the electrical device further comprises a
conductive element
conductively connected to the conductive housing for electrical connection to
an electrical outlet or
for downstream connection.
[00737] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a
circuit board that comprises the
conductive element. In an example, the circuit board includes an opening for
receiving direct
connection to the power line.
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[00738] In an example of the electrical device, the power line does not
wrap around the fastener.
In an example, the electrical device is for preventing of glowing contact
between the power line and
the conductive housing. In an example of the electrical device, the fastener
and the head are
conductive. In an example of the electrical device, the first channel is
generally perpendicular to the
.. second channel.
[00739] Example embodiments of the electrical device are used to detect
glowing contacts. In
example embodiments, the electrical device captures all the signal data of the
power line. Glowing
contacts can be detected and tripping can take place - by analyzing the
electro characteristics of
parameters captured, the voltage, current, the differential current. The
glowing contact is detected by
looking at differentials and amount of load.
[00740] In example embodiments, the electrical device also includes a
ground fault detector
built in. In example embodiments, temperature sensors are used as well for
detecting glowing
contacts. A glowing contact that raises the temperature would cause the
electrical device to trip; i.e.,
delivery of power is discontinued.
[00741] In an example embodiment, an electrical device, which may be an
electrical receptacle,
includes a first contact and a second contact configured for electrical
connection to a hot power line
and a neutral power line, respectively, the first contact and the second
contact for downstream
electrical connection to a downstream hot power line and downstream neutral
power line,
respectively; a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power line;
at least one sensor
configured to detect signals of the hot power line and/or the neutral power
line; a memory; a
communication interface; and at least one processor configured to execute
instructions stored in the
memory for: i) automated control of an activation or a deactivation of the
switch in response to the
signals detected by at least one of the sensors, ii) control of the switch in
response to receiving a
communication over the communication interface, iii) processing raw
information of the signals
detected by the at least one sensor to arrive at processed information, and
storing the raw information
and the processed information to the memory, and iv) sending at least the
processed information
through the communication interface. The processing raw information of the
signals includes
calculating power factor. The processing raw information of the signals may
include performing
frequency analysis, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The processing raw
information of the
signals may include calculating output power. The automated control may be for
power distribution
control and/or safety control.
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[00742] The at least one processor may include a programmable logic
controller (PLC)
configured to have preprogramming to perform the automated control; the
communication interface
comprises a serial communication interface for wired communication to the at
least one processor;
and the at least one processor executes a MODBUS protocol over the serial
communication interface
to: receive command through the serial communication interface for the
preprogramming of the PLC,
receive command through the serial communication interface for the control of
the switch, and send
at least the processed information through the serial communication interface.
The at least one
processor may execute the MODBUS protocol over the serial communication
interface to send the
raw information of the signals from the memory through the serial
communication interface. The at
least one processor may be configured to determine a condition of the hot
power line or the neutral
power line from the signals detected by the at least one sensor, and perform
any one of i)-iii) set out
above in response to the determined condition. The at least processor
comprises a universal
asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) for communication over the
communication interface
[00743] The switch may be controlled to achieve a specified power
factor to the downstream
hot power line by comparing the calculated power factor to the specified power
factor. The specified
power factor may be achieved by cycle stealing and the partial power output
may be achieved by
cycle stealing.
[00744] The at least one sensor may comprise a current sensor; the
processor is configured to
control deactivation of the switch in response to the detected current of the
current sensor output
indicative of ground fault, arc fault or over-current conditions. Each of the
at least one sensor is in
series relationship to one of the power lines. The switch may be controlled to
achieve a partial power
output.
[00745] The downstream electrical connection may be to a plug outlet of
the electrical device.
The downstream electrical connection may be to a second electrical device.
[00746] The electrical device may further include a second switch connected
in series
relationship to the neutral power line.
[00747] The memory may include a first buffer and a second buffer, and
the at least one
processor is configured to store the raw information to the first buffer and
store the processed
information to the second buffer.
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[00748] An example embodiment is an electrical device, for example a
metering device,
configured for distributing power, which includes: a first contact, a second
contact, and a third
configured for electrical connection to a hot power line, a neutral power
line, and a ground line,
respectively, the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact for
downstream electrical
connection to a downstream hot power line, downstream neutral power line, and
downstream ground
line, respectively; a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power
line; at least one sensor
configured to detect signals of the hot power line and/or the neutral power
line; a memory; a
communication interface; and at least one processor configured to execute
instructions stored in the
memory for i) automated control of an activation or a deactivation of the
switch in response to the
signals detected by at least one of the sensors, ii) control of the switch in
response to receiving a
communication over the communication interface, and iii) storing raw
information of the signals
and/or processed information of the signals to the memory.
[00749] The at least one processor may be configured to send the raw
information and/or the
processed information through the communication interface. The power
distribution device may be a
power distribution cabinet. The communication interface may be a wired
communication interface.
[00750] There can be 3 categories of arc faults: Parallel Arcing:
between black wire (live) and
ground; Parallel Arcing: between black wire (live) and white wire (neutral);
Series Arcing: within a
black wire, or within a white wire. Industry AFCI' s will trip on shorts
(results in overload), overload
(overcurrent) and leakage rather than actual arcs. They measure the residual
energy of the difference,
and detect arcs on that basis. As the industry does not detect series arcs
directly, the existing fault
detection mechanisms respond once there has been sufficient electrical damage
to create a ground
fault before tripping.
[00751] As the AFCI technology traditionally used in the industry looks
at current differentials,
AFCI breakers, for example do not trip until detecting current overload, they
have limitations in being
able to detect, e.g.: i) one type of parallel arc; namely, between the black
and white; and ii) two types
of series arcs; namely those that occur between the black and black, and
between the white and white.
The industry presently detects indirectly that a series arc fault has
occurred.
[00752] As the current can stay the same on the black (phase line) or
the white (neutral line -
return path) wire experiencing a series arc, despite a series arc taking
place, traditional means and
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methods based on identifying current imbalances will not recognize that an arc
in series took place
(until it is too late that a flame may have already ignited).
[00753] Traditionally, the industry use analog only, measuring current
differential using
magnetic circuits, affected by magnetic fields. Detection of arc faults or
ground faults is based on
examining differences in the magnetic field. Traditional industry leaves the
signals in analog only,
amplifying the differential and using it to activate the switch.
[00754] Ground fault (GFCI) testing involves differential between the
black and the white; e.g.
leakage to the ground.
[00755] When discussing Arc Faults, the industry often refers to there
being a differential in
currents; namely between the black and the white there being a 70 milliamp
differential current. They
are referring to the RMS (averaged) value difference.
[00756] The problem with this approach is that if you are looking for a
difference between the
averages of the black and the white, you won't find any; e.g. RMS value
difference will be zero.
[00757] Industry electromechanical devices work on thermal effects of
the currents. They don't
look at the waveform, rather averaged net effects of the current. They
basically respond to the
"effective" value, not how it is varying. They are measuring the magnetic
effect of the leakage current.
Traditional industry does not look at the wave form.
[00758] In example embodiments, an electrical device digitizes the
analog input. Furthermore,
the electrical device uses analog for the differential data. RMS (root mean
squared) averaging has an
equivalence to an equivalent DC. As the current is varying the electrical
device finds out what
equivalent effect would be if there were a DC circuit there. The RMS value
measures the effectiveness
of the current, irrespective of its variation.
[00759] Parallel Arcs may take place between: i) black wiring (live) to
ground, or ii) black (live)
to white (neutral). Traditional industry may only consider arcing between the
black and the ground.
But if arcing is happening between the black and the white, the differential
current will be zero
because the same current going through the black comes back through the white.
The industry may
not be capturing parallel arcs taking place from black to white because it
will not have a differential
current. Rather than having a differential current, it will have a signature
in the current. There will be
irregularities in the current. But if you measure only RMS values, this will
not be detected. Without
examining the wave form of the current, this parallel arc between the black
and the white won't be
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detected. Similarly, a certification body measuring the difference in the
current between black to the
white, will not see any differential current. However, a differential current
will be detected only if the
arc is between the black and the ground which is a parallel arc, in which case
there will be a leakage
(differential) current between the black and the white because the current
leakage is to the ground.
[00760] Series arcs can occur as well. Example embodiments include
electrical devices,
including receptacles and circuit breakers, for detecting a series arc fault
and providing circuit
interruption in response.
[00761] Series arc fault occurs when the arc occurs within the black or
within the white wires;
e.g. it is in series to the load. The traditional industry cannot determine by
examining magnetic fields
using traditional electro- mechanical means that there is a series arc, as
there is no leakage current in
a series arc. If an arc takes place in the black wire going into a load, the
load will draw appropriate
current and there won't be any differential between the black and the white.
Similarly for a series arc
within the white. Example embodiments can detect these by analyzing the
waveforms on the
applicable power line.
[00762] Traditional arc fault interrupters are really detecting leakage
current, and they create
the leakage current by melting the insulation waiting for a different fault
condition to occur before
tripping. Whether at the breaker level (e.g. breaker feeder, Combo) or at the
AFCI receptacle level
(e.g. outlet circuit AFCI, Portable AFCI, Cord AFCI and Leakage Current
Detection and Interruption
(LCDi)), the industry is doing an inadequate job as they are not properly
measuring and detecting arc
faults in series. Primarily this is because they are measuring current when an
arc jumps across a single
wire ("series"). As the current has not leaked to the ground, they don't
detect the occurrence of a
series arc. Detecting series arcs on the basis of insulation first being
melted can be dangerous as it
could start a fire in a hazardous environment.
[00763] If there is a leakage the present industry technologies will
detect the arc; but if there is
no leakage, they will not. As leakage is always between the black and the
ground, you can measure
the difference between the black and the white and this difference between
them will be the "leakage"
that flows to the ground. Leakage can happen through a short circuit as well
as parallel arcing.
Leakage is not relevant for series arcs as series arcs occur as a break within
the same wire or at a loose
connection. Overload current is not leakage current, as there is no leakage
where there is no current
imbalance.
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[00764] Example embodiments of the electrical device do not require
there to be leakage for
detection of the series arc fault. In contrast, in traditional industry
devices leakage is the only way
existing AFCI breakers and receptacles detect a parallel arc fault (leakage is
not relevant for detection
of series arcs in example embodiments).
[00765] To detect series arcs and/or parallel arcs between line and
neutral, AFCI breakers and
receptacles, may rely on the breakdown of the insulation creating a leakage or
surge. The arc on the
black wire causes the insulation to melt exposing its metal. Then it melts the
neutral wire next to it.
When the current flows between black and white, there is no limit for it until
the AFCI breaker, or
MCB trips because of overload. It becomes a parallel arc, but there is no
current differential. It will
not be tripped by traditional receptacle(s).
[00766] Parallel arc between black and neutral is not detected by
industry devices. In traditional
industry devices, the AFCI devices can detect the parallel arc between live
and ground, which is in
effect a ground fault, e.g., 70 milliamp if no load, 5 milliamp if load.
Traditional industry device detect
a leakage current which is the same as AFCI, and trip in response.
[00767] For live and neutral, when there is arcing, the current just keeps
on building as there is
no limit as to how much the current can keep building up. At some point, there
is effectively creating
a short between live and neutral (fire could have started). The traditional
industry devices may detect
this extra surge of current that goes beyond the 15 Amp limit ("overload") and
hence the traditional
AFCI will trip. The traditional AFCI does not know why it is being tripped
(namely merely because
current is going beyond 15 amp limit). Really, the traditional AFCI is sensing
the short circuit, also
evidenced by the metal guillotine test where the metal creates a short between
the line and neutral ¨
which gets captured as the flow exceeding 15 amps. AFCI devices are tripping
due to over-current
for the black-neutral, rather than directly detecting a parallel arc. The
certification testing is really
checking the shorting.
[00768] The danger is that if there are conditions of arcing between live
and neutral whereby
the current does not reach 15 amps (to cause tripping), then the arcing will
continue and won't be
detected by the present devices on the market. Traditional industry does not
trip based on one wire
having an arc, rather they wait for the arcing to cause enough damage to melt
the insulation on both
wires so that the arcing can properly form between the live and the neutral
causing a short - then they
trip it.
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[00769] Traditional industry MCB's (Micro Circuit Breakers) trip for
over current. When there
is a short, current builds up and when it exceeds 15 Amps, the breaker trips.
MCB's protect against
shorts, but they don't catch leakage. Arcing can cause extensive damage
without exceeding the current
rating of a breaker. A less than 15 amp arc between live and neutral can cause
a fire. Depending on
detecting the melting of wiring and/or enclosures, is not a reliable means for
fault tripping. Traditional
industry MCB's will not trip if there is arcing (between live and neutral)
without an extra surge of
current over 15 Amps or overload. The actual current rating of the MCB may not
be exceeded.
[00770] Traditional arc fault breakers and receptacles would not
necessarily have been an
improvement over the MCB's. In traditional industry devices, series arcs are
not detected as there is
no current imbalance, differential on the single black or white wire. In
traditional industry devices,
parallel arc faults between black and white trip by detecting overcurrent ¨
which may not take place
as there may not always be arcs that are so high that they will exceed the
current limit. Parallel arcs
between black and white are not being detected by traditional industry arc
fault breakers because there
is no leakage there during this type of arc and as there is no overcurrent.
The only way they could
"detect" it, is if the current exceeding 15 amps is being caused by arcing.
What all this shows is that
it may not always be true that a parallel arc will result in the tripping of
traditional breaker (MCB or
AFCI) due to overcurrent.
[00771] Further, traditional industry GFCI devices would not have
detected these faults either.
Traditional GFCI and AFCI rely on detecting known current differentials (e.g.
imbalances), but they
do not quantify it as there is no actual measurement (the whole thing is
analog, so there is no digital
conversion of the voltage or current). Although existing AFCI devices detect
leakage, they are
inadequate in detecting parallel arcs occurring between the black and the
white where there won't be
current imbalance. As an example, a light bulb plugged into a receptacle may
not be arcing ¨ it is
drawing a constant current which is coming in through the black phase wire,
going through a
receptacle, going to the bulb and returning via the white wire (neutral). If a
series arc occurs in the
black or white wire, the current isn't leaking to ground and it is not
shorting.
[00772] Although series arcs can occur anywhere, in the black or white
wire it usually occurs at
the terminals due to a loose contact. In this instance of arcing due to loose
connections, voltage
changes, causing the current to get modulated, which would not be
exhibited/result as a difference
between the white and the black currents (e.g. no differential change) and
therefore arcing would not
be detected by traditional industry devices - which, had there been a current
imbalance, such arcing
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could otherwise have been detected by the traditional comparative means and
methods used to detect
arcs.
[00773] Situations may arise whereby a wire from a breaker panel to a
receptacle, or via a
junction box, has a splice in the wire somewhere along the line, or the screw
on the breaker (or on a
receptacle as wires are being connected on the back side) hasn't been
tightened down adequately in
which case that contact is not making a good contact. Accordingly, if the
contact isn't making a good
contact, in the case of a nominal load like a light bulb, there may not be
significant current drawn and
the traditional arc fault means of examining current will not detect the arc
fault. With example
embodiments of the electrical device, there will be less chance of a loose
contact due to mechanical
structures.
[00774] Traditional industry AFCI's look at the differences between
black and white, not at
RMS variation. For example, for a hair dryer, there is a variable speed motor,
the current will vary
and there is no arc indicated. If the industry looks at absolute RMS values,
they won't be able to do
much. The load will be varying load so they will trip falsely.
[00775] Example embodiments of the electrical device have arc fault
detection. Using voltage
change as the indicator the electrical device both detect arc faults and do so
earlier than the traditional
devices. Traditional industry devices depend on current as the marker for
tripping, and will trip as
they really depend on secondary events such as grounds, shorts which can be
too late.
[00776] Regarding traditional industry AFCI breakers, if current
changes, the current changes
equally on both black and white and not one versus the other. Even in case of
a parallel arc fault on
the black and the white, the AFCI will not trip because there is no
differential or imbalance.
[00777] Traditional industry looked at GFI type imbalances. The
traditional GFI may perceive
that there is balance current going into and out of it. This is because the
current differential that it is
measuring are both staying the same. There's not a difference between the
white and the black.
[00778] The traditional industry only looks at current for series arc
faults, and believes that there
are always two arc fault voltage spikes within each cycle, representing the
fault.
[00779] In example embodiments of the electrical device, when the
series arc fault occurs, it is
not the waveform that particularly has an arc and the spike, but rather the
whole waveform gets
squished. The value of the voltage itself goes down, and there is no spike.
There is no change in the
signature in FFT. This is evidenced in FIGURES 60-1A to 64-1C which show that
when the arc occurs
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there is not much variation in FFT. This means that there are no spikes in the
voltage. As evidenced
in FIGURES 60-1A to 64-1C, the whole RMS of the voltage value goes down and
lasts for seconds.
The whole waveform shrinks and there is no spike in it.
[00780] As shown in FIGURES 60-1A to 64-1C (actual arcing and
corresponding signatures)
that when the arcing happens, the arcing lasts for seconds or tens of seconds,
and the voltage signature
that you see there, you don't see the Batman ears and those kinds of spikes,
because if there were any
spikes in the voltage, they would have shown on the FFT. Nothing appears on
the FFT because what
is happening is that the whole RMS value is going down (from 4,000 it goes to
1,600 counts) which
means that the RMS value goes down without causing the Batman ears. This means
that if a device is
only doing FFT analysis, it won't catch the series arc. The device needs to
look at the erratic voltage
changing over time.
[00781] Traditional industry shows voltage changing over every cycle
("Batman ears") ¨which
does not work.
[00782] For traditional industry devices, when a series fault occurs,
the device does not detect
the series fault. Rather they wait for the series fault to melt the insulation
thereby creating the parallel
fault, leakage fault, or short circuit and then they detect the leakage fault
and they trip it. They also
won't detect an arc on a 2-conductor wire (white and black) as there is no
leakage. In that case, the
device will wait for the overload because if it is pure shorting, they are
hoping that it will be
sufficiently bad to indirectly cause tripping.
[00783] Example embodiments include arc fault test and measurement
equipment. The API
enables the device to observe what is happening with both current and voltage,
and voltage varies
significantly and erratically with series fault when there is a series arc.
[00784] Example embodiments include equipment for testing arc faults in
series, by measuring
voltage and taking action (creating circuit interruption) when there is a
significant and erratic voltage
change resulting from the series fault, and wherein the voltage change occurs
over a number of the
waveform cycles. The arc fault test and measurement equipment incorporates
real time measurement
of voltage over a number of cycles.
[00785] Example embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system and
method for monitoring,
collecting and processing current and voltage information in real time in
order to provide superior
detection, identification, differentiation and response to series arc faults,
as well as controlling the
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delivery of power. Advanced devices and processes enabling control of current
and voltage, as well
as enabling both user or computer-controlled variation of current and/or
voltage limits as markers of
fault limits (including but not limited to overcurrent/overload parameters)
upon which to trip, or
determine alternative power activity, is described.
[00786] The circuitry and/or processes can be embodied in branch feeder
breakers ("breakers")
and receptacles including but not limited to: outlet circuits (with or without
loads); in-wall receptacles
or external receptacle devices (including but not limited to wall adaptors;
extension cords, corded
devices, portable receptacles, corded or hardwired devices, junction boxes,
Corded AFCI devices and
devices offering Leakage Current Detection and Interruption (LCDI) Protection
(e.g. a device
.. provided in a power supply cord or cord set that senses leakage current
flowing between or from the
cord conductors and interrupts the circuit at a predetermined level of leakage
current), companion
products for breaker panels and more).
[00787] Example embodiments include devices and processes for
identifying and accordingly
reducing false tripping.
[00788] An example embodiment is a monitoring, display and controlling
device and process,
which can be integrated in the devices described above, under the direction of
a software API
incorporating a communications interface.
[00789] Example embodiments relate to a circuit board that incorporates
a computer processor
with on board current and voltage sensing, which measures, monitors and
controls current and voltage
in real time on an individual receptacle outlet, plug load basis.
[00790] Example embodiments include comprehensive real time current and
voltage sensing
and power delivery system which uses a computer processor to recognize valid
fault conditions was
developed for individual loads, eliminating the weaknesses of current
electrical fault detection
technology, and providing superior measurement, detection & control of over
current, both over &
.. under voltage, surges, ground faults, and arc faults.
[00791] Example embodiments include devices and methods for detection
of series arc faults
by identifying erratic voltage drop (signature analysis) and optional
performing frequency analysis
such as FFT, in either or both the voltage and current domains.
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[00792] FIGUREs 59-1A and 59-1B represent one cycle of sinusoidal
waveforms (or sine wave)
of voltage in an AC Circuit, illustrating a parallel arc fault. 60 such cycles
occur in one second (60Hz).
A similar sine wave or sinusoidal mathematical curve may describe current.
[00793] FIGUREs 59-2A and 59-2B illustrate FFT values of a normal (non-
fault) power line
signal, for example 60 Hz. The FFT value of voltage which does not change
much.
[00794] FIGUREs 59-3A and 59-3B illustrate FFT charts showing different
frequencies: 60Hz,
120Hz, 180Hz and so on up to 1,920 Hz (based on an example of taking 64
samples per cycle). FFT
is within one individual cycle and when a parallel arc related spike occurs,
its voltage and current FFT
will show a huge line/bar. . The first one will be very strong as the first
one represents the fundamental
frequency component of 60Hz. The other two to the right are artifacts of the
windowing function (they
are not really present there). They are 120 Hz and 180 Hz.
[00795] These "side lobes" are an artifact of do ing the FFT. Anything
higher has been removed,
e.g., using the hamming window whereby the artifact does not show up at higher
frequency than 180
Hz or 240 Hz. We have selected these parameters for the purposes of this
illustration, so that anything
over 240 Hz has to be related to arcing. And that's why we eliminate the first
4 or 5 frequency
components in terms of the fundamental frequency; the first 5 bars we ignore,
and we take everything
from there onwards, to the end of the graph (higher frequencies over the
fundamental frequency of 60
Hz).
[00796] FIGURES 60-1A, 61-1A, 62-1A, 63-1A, and 64-1A are photographs of
the progression
of a series arc. When the voltage dropped, it did not drop for only part of
the cycle, rather for 1 or 1.5
seconds, meaning that the whole voltage line went down. The progression of the
arc continued for
tens of seconds.
[00797] FIGURE 60-1A is a photograph of an Arc has not started yet.
Everything is normal,
where the contact is made. FIGURE 61-1A is a photograph of an arc starting to
appear. FIGURE 62-
1A is a photograph of the arc in full motion. FIGURE 63-1A is a photograph of
the arc diminishing
with glowing contacts. FIGURE 64-IA is a photograph of the arc finished, the
conductors are back
to normal.
[00798] FIGURES 60-1B, 61-1B, 62-1B, 63-1B and 64-1B are sinusoidal
waveforms of RMS
voltage values sampled, FFT bar graphs, and fault related counters. FIGURE 60-
1B shows that at
first, the voltage is in its full AC wave form. The corresponding Voltage RMS
value is 4,162. FIGURE
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61-1B shows that as the arc starts to appear, the AC waveform starts to break,
indicating a voltage
drop from an RMS value of 4,162 to 2,362. There is not much activity in the
FFT window/chart.
FIGURE 62-1B shows that when the arc is in full bloom, the whole waveform is
smaller, indicating
a further voltage drop from 2,362 to 1,612. Nothing appears in the FFT domain
as there is no
frequency change. FIGURE 63-1B shows that at the ending stage of the arc, the
waveform increases
back from its previous low of 1,612 back up to 3,061. There is little activity
in the FFT domain.
FIGURE 64-1B shows that when there is no more arc, the waveform has returned
to normal with a
corresponding voltage RMS value of 4,148. There is no activity in the FFT
domain.
[00799] FIGURES 60-1C, 61-1C, 62-1C, 63-1C 64-1C are data values
received for various
functions, results from processing of data and mode and channel controls.
[00800] Example embodiments of the electrical device can calculate both
RMS and FFT for
both voltage and current.
[00801] Example embodiments of the electrical device can calculate
Fourier Transforms, for
example FFT. Normally any equipment or load is connected to line voltage,
e.g., hair dryer, washing
machine. If voltage drops a little bit, in order to maintain speed of motor,
the current goes up because
it needs more energy (current) to operate. In the case of arcing, the current
is not steady. As the air
creates resistance, the current is jumping across the air gap, the draw is
low.
[00802] The FFT of voltage signals does not show a significant change
for series arc. Therefore,
detecting series arcing only based on FFT of voltage signals is not feasible
under series arc. If current
drawn is very high, it is not true that it will be sufficient to detect a
series arc. The FFT will show
some effect, but it isn't enough to distinguish from normal conditions.
[00803] Voltage drops for a series arc, because of the air gap is in
series with the load. Voltage
is shared between the load and the air gap. For a series arc, FFT will vary,
but not significantly enough
to be detected. FFT showing erratic behaviour definitely is an indication of
an arc, which must be a
parallel arc. If voltage drops erratically across cycles, then it must be due
to an arc fault. If doesn't
show up significantly in the FFT domain, it is a series arc.
[00804] In a series arc, RMS voltage value changes erratically. So
sometimes the voltage goes
down to 90v, 70v, then come back to 110v, then go down depending on how strong
the arc is. If not
stable at 110v for one cycle, then it counts as an arc (e.g., Figure 60-1B, 1
count on the AFCI Counters
graph, see row 3 column 2, "HOT_V").
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[00805] In a period of 1/2 second to I second, if the RMS value of the
voltage changes, going
down, up, down, up, then the electrical device of example embodiments knows
the voltage is changing
"erratically" and a result of a series arc.
[00806] Usually, each height of the bar is the amplitude or calculation
of that particular
frequency; e.g. 60 Hz or 120 Hz or 180 Hz. So each bar represents the
amplitude corresponding to
that wave that is contributing to that actual waveform.
[00807] There are no frequency indicators under the series arc. The
frequency components don't
change. There are not any variations in the frequency analysis of voltage
under those conditions.
[00808] The voltage being "erratic" means deviation from the RMS from
one cycle to another.
For example, 110 volt varies without any discernible pattern, rather than it
goes slowly down, then
slowly up. There is no pattern. 110v to 70v, then to 90v, then to 65v, then
back to 110v. Because of
the arc, there is no pattern to the variation.
[00809] In series arc, the air resistance in between the break is very
high (resistance is high) so
the voltage drops. As the resistance is not constant, the voltage drop varies
when the arcing is
happening. And that's when we see the voltage changing erratically because of
the high resistance
nature of the gap. The voltage doesn't change, it remains stable. The voltage
develops some kinds of
spikes depending on how the arcing is happening. Those spikes are typically
captured in the frequency
domain because the spike implies that there are more sine waves present of
higher frequency. In
academia they call this typical arcing, the spikes are present in the
waveforms of voltage and current.
[00810] On the other hand, for a parallel arc, it is not expected that the
voltage will go down and
change erratically. For a parallel arc, the electrical device will see spikes
and capture those in the FFT.
[00811] If the electrical device sees voltage drop without FFT, then it
is evidence of a series arc.
[00812] If the electrical device does not see voltage drop and sees FFT
activity, then there are
spikes in the voltage; and if these happen for long (e.g. over 5 cycles) it's
a real arc fault, but if less
than 5 cycles then it probably is not a harmful arc and it is a safe
situation; accordingly, the electrical
device will not trip.
[00813] Voltage dropping and frequency showing anomalous FFT behavior
(response) is
indication of an arc. Example embodiments of the electrical device can
distinguish between a parallel
arc versus a series arc.
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[00814] When there is normal current flowing, the electrical device of
example embodiments
detects the voltage sine waves responding to the AC current. When see more
than one frequency
present with significant contribution, the electrical device of example
embodiments detects that the
waveform is not regular (e.g. is irregular) and therefore harmonics are
present which is abnormal by
.. itself, and it is most likely the result of arcing.
[00815] Whenever there is an erratic voltage drop across cycles, it is
a series arc. When such
voltage behavior is taking place and the FFT response is observed, it is most
likely a parallel arc.
[00816] For parallel arcs, voltage is connected to the load using the
same conductors. So a
parallel are will not be associated with a drop in voltage assuming the supply
is "stiff" (the power
coming in from the utility company is staying steady) which it usually is.
There is a parallel load
forming which is same as air gap. Depending on the stiffness, the voltage most
likely will not drop
across different cycles. The FFT might show irregularities in the voltage
domain. When the voltage
regardless of dropping or not, shows an anomalous FFT response indicative of a
parallel arc. In the
case of a parallel arc, the FFT will be much stronger because there is no
limiting factor. It is just
creating a short between black and white, or black and ground. For parallel
arcs between black and
white, the voltage will be the same, but the current will vary erratically,
and the FFT of the current
will also show some variations; e.g. change, erratic variation.
[00817] For series arc, the FFT will not show a significant deviation
simply because the amount
of current that is involved in the arc will be low, whereas in the case of
parallel arc, there is no limit
as to the amount of current it can take.
[00818] A parallel arc can occur from Black to Ground. An arc from
Black to Ground is called
leakage (black current goes to ground but not sufficient to trip traditional
industry MCB (unless
overload). Shorting means that the black is physically connected to the
ground. Current will build up
significantly and cause the breaker to trip because of the overload. When
there is a short connecting
the black to white, the traditional industry MCB will trip because of the
overload. Shorting can also
occur connecting black to ground, but the current does not return through
neutral. A short because an
overcurrent at the breaker; leakage may or may not, depending on strength; for
example leakage of 6
or 7 milliamps will not show as an overload.
[00819] In a parallel arc, the Batman ¨ear type spikes in the voltage
domain may or may not
show. Will show up in the current domain as there will be high frequency
components.
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[00820] Regarding parallel arcs, when the frequency domain shows
variation, this is a known
phenomenon. But not for a black to neutral parallel arc, as they won't see a
current differential and
therefore won't detect the arc. So the invention is overcoming that they
cannot detect black to neutral
parallel arcs; e.g. by using FFT (which existing art does not do at all
because they don't measure
actual values), we can detect parallel arcs between black and neutral.
[00821] The differential is the difference between the current and it
is measured in RMS rather
than the waveforms or amplitude and frequency. The spikes are indicated
through FFT and therefore
we would expect the RMS to stay the same as there is no change in the current
between them,
[00822] In case of parallel arc, the arc between black and neutral
won't exhibit a differential,
but the waveform will in fact show the spikes. And this case in not caught by
the industry because
they look only at the differential. However, the academic world describes this
arcing as the spikes in
the voltage waveforms. Nobody is using that description, but they are looking
at the differential
current in their products.
[00823] For real devices or loads that will be connected to the
electrical receptacle (e.g. hair
dryer, brush motors where there's arcing, etc.), these kinds of spikes are
going to be present for almost
every kind of load that is connected. The solution is to identify different
types of arcs to establish the
harmless variation in the spike.
[00824] Therefore, there is a need to define the actual nature of the
arc, understanding which
spikes are relevant and which do represent actual arcs and which do not.
[00825] Based on looking at the spikes and then corresponding variations in
the RMS values of
the voltage and of the current, the electrical device can determine are and
are not an arc, as well as
the type of arc. The combination of the spikes and variation in RMS value
indicates that it is a harmful
arc.
[00826] In example embodiments, the electrical device includes the
processor, and frequency
calculations (e.g. FFT, wavelets), and determining random variations in the
RMS value of the voltage
by statistical means (the latter combination, indicating to us that it is a
harmful arc, as opposed to the
normal starting and harmless arcs that happen to the operation of the
equipment).
[00827] The electrical waveforms, spikes, and variations may be
observed. These may be used
to draw a reliable conclusion regarding the presence of an arc. Upon drawing a
conclusion, the
electrical device then causes a "trip", energizing or de-energizing based on
what has been explained
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herein. Example embodiments use a microprocessor to control hardware to
energize and de-energize
based on the decision process flow.
[00828] Series arcs will occur when a conductor is broken. A partially
broken wire simply means
that resistance will be increased and the temperature will rise; but depending
on how much heat there
is, and current flowing, the whole thing will just get hot or get complete
meltdown. In the case of an
LED bulb, there won't be much current draw, so the wire won't necessarily get
that hot and break. A
series arc can occur when a conductor has broken, e.g., either screw terminal
at breaker is loose, or
connection gets corroded; e.g. anytime there is a poor connection, or another
connection is not proper,
or wire breaks.
[00829] FIGUREs 59-1A and 59-1B represent a single cycle of sinusoidal
waveforms (or sine
wave) of voltage in an AC Circuit, showing instantaneous voltage over time
("Vt"). 60 such cycles
occur in one second (60Hz). A similar sine wave or sinusoidal mathematical
curve may represent
current. RMS provides the average of the voltage (or current as the case may
be) variation for each
cycle.
[00830] Current and voltage spikes are shown, represented. In the cycle as
what the industry
often refers to during arcing as having the appearance of "Batman-like" ears.
The spike shows as a
higher frequency. This has been the characteristic signature of arcing in the
voltage and current
domains and continuous in each cycle.
[00831] Although 5 channels are illustrated as being recorded: voltage,
BLK current, WHT
.. current, upper receptacle, and lower receptacle - and additional channels
may be added, such as a
sixth channel for recording GFCI leakage signal(s).
[00832] In one embodiment, 64 data points are sampled per channel,
within each cycle, across
the 60 cycles during each second. Voltage varied continuously within each
cycle. From the
instantaneous voltage values that varied during 1/60th of a second, one RMS
voltage value is
generated per cycle.
[00833] FIGUREs 59-2A and 59-2B illustrate FFT values of a normal (non-
fault) power line
signal, for example 60 Hz. The FFT value of voltage which does not change.
[00834] FIGUREs 59-3A and 59-3B illustrate FFT values for different
frequencies of voltage;
e.g. 60Hz, 120Hz, 180Hz, and so on, up to 1920Hz based on having 64 samples.
FFT will show only
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if there is an inconsistency within a waveform. FFT may could also be
illustrated for different
frequencies of current.
[00835] In example embodiments, voltage and current fluctuations are
captured in the frequency
domain, computed and processed during frequency analysis (such as FFT and/or
wavelet). A parallel
arc is accompanied by a drop in RMS voltage and current. Accompanied by
fluctuation in FFT
establishes that a parallel arc is taking place.
[00836] Traditional AFCI analog based technology depending on detecting
current differentials.
Traditional AFCI analog can capture parallel arc faults between black (live)
and ground, based on
leakage. Traditional AFCI analog will not capture parallel arc faults between
black (live) and white
(neutral) based on detecting current differentials, as although the current
may be varying, the current
remains the same during a parallel arc occurring between the black and the
white wires.
[00837] Example embodiments of the electrical device can use at least
voltage (and sometimes
with current) RMS value drop, and voltage and current fluctuations in the
frequency domain, enables
detections, affirmation and identification of a parallel arc.
[00838] FIGUREs 59-3A and 59-3B display FFT. When a parallel arc related
spike occurs, its
voltage and current FFT will show a huge line as illustrated. However, for
series related spikes, in
FIGURE 60-1B the RMS voltage value drop does not show up in the corresponding
FFT.
[00839] Applicable to both parallel and series arc faults, the
accumulation of a count of the
number of fault conditions as illustrated in Figures 60-1B, 61-1B, 62-1B, 63-
1B and 64-1B enables
the determination of whether an arc is normal (as for hair dryers, brush
motors, etc.) or should be
acted upon to de-energize the power to the load.
[00840] For example, the presence of less than 5 instances of an arc
within one cycle, would
indicate that no action should be taken, power should not be turned off¨ which
otherwise could have
resulted in a false trip. Over 5 fault instances within a cycle, might
indicate that the frequency of the
arc is sufficient to trip, de-energize the load, or circuit.
[00841] The triggering fault number can be pre-set, predetermined or
controlled by input
optionally even in real time using a power monitoring, measurement, control
means/process such as
the API disclosed herein. Similar to voltage and current instantaneous values,
RMS values and
frequency analysis, the recording of occurrences of fault counts (spikes)
takes place within a second,
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for 6 channels: voltage, BLK current, WHT current, upper receptacle, lower
receptacle, and (soon to
be added, GFCI leakage signal).
[00842] The number of channels can be less or greater, depending on the
desired product and/or
process application embodiment.
[00843] For series arcs, the photographs show the progression of series
arcing in FIGURES 60-
1A, 61-1A, 62-1A, 63-1A, and 64-1A with the corresponding Voltage RMS values
and associated
Frequency Analysis. In this embodiment a frequency analysis using Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT)
illustrates that for during the particular Series Arc, the RMS Voltage values
vary erratically in series
fault, dropping from 4,162 to 1,612 as the arc went into full bloom, then back
to 3,061 as it diminished,
and to 4,148 when the arc was gone (Figure 64-1A the arc had terminated, and
the "broken"
carbonized rod (graphite) 2 conductors had been brought back together). (The
arc could have stop and
the 2 pieces of metal become welded).
[00844] However, no activity appeared in the FFT domain. This unique
characteristic
unpublished in the industry is the basis for the detection, identification and
differentiation process and
means herein described which affirms that a series arc has occurred. Series
arcs are not detected by
AFCI technologies which are based on identifying current differentials, and
which do not measure
actual values of current or voltage, nor have the processing means to
establish that arcs have not
exhibited their spikes in the frequency domain ¨ whether voltage or current.
The progression of the
arc continued for tens of seconds.
[00845] When the series arc occurs, the actual RMS voltage value drops and
the drop continues
for several seconds. The drop is not within the waveform but rather the whole
waveform itself shrinks.
This is very peculiar to series arc. RMS value drop can take place in 1/2 or 1
second, but can continue
for tens of seconds. Undetected, the arc will continue until wire melts.
[00846] FIGURES 60-1B, 61-1B, 62-1B, 63-1B AND 64-1B illustrate that
for series arcs, RMS
voltage value drops occurs across multiple cycles, e.g. over a period of time;
e.g. the AC waveform
itself is dropping. The whole RMS value goes down, and it takes place over 1/2
second to one second
¨ but continues over multiple seconds, across multiple waveforms. Even though
the voltage drop is
accompanied by a small distortion in the frequency domain, it is not
sufficient to be captured by the
frequency analysis alone.
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[00847] The AFCI Signature comprises of multiple conditions including:
voltage, current,
frequency changes (for example FFT detects frequencies present, wavelets
detect how these
frequencies are changing),
[00848] A series arc can occur in '/2 to 1 second; e.g. within one
cycle. However, the duration
of the series arc can be 10, 20 even 30 seconds, with voltage (and sometimes
current) (as exhibited in
its RMS value) fluctuating erratically in series fault across multiple cycles.
[00849] Determining that a series arc has occurred by only measuring
voltage or current
fluctuation within a single cycle rather than across more than one cycle or
multiple cycles will
improperly establish that a series arc has occurred, resulting in false
tripping. Moreover, attempting
to determine that a series arc is taking place, by monitoring and measuring
fluctuations of currents in
the frequency domain, will fail at detecting series arcs.
[00850] Both measuring current differentials and monitoring spikes in
the current domain fail
to detect series arcs as there won't be current differentials in a cut black
or white wire; and significant
current fluctuations won't appear in the FFT, or frequency domain.
[00851] The specific unique characteristic of a series arc to vary
erratically in series fault in its
RMS value, across wave forms is sufficient to determine that a series arc is
occurring. Accordingly,
it is inadequate to establish a series arc fault condition based on
fluctuation occurring only within a
single 1160th of a second waveform cycle.
[00852] Erratic voltage RMS voltage (or current) RMS values, with no
significant presence of
FFT values (for either current or voltage) is sufficient to trigger further
examination to confirm the
presence of a series fault. The continuation of an erratic voltage RMS value
drop across more than
one cycle is sufficient to indicate the presence of a series arc, upon which
to trip the breaker, or de-
energize the respective load or circuit (accessed by the receptacle type
device).
[00853] An example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor to detect at least
voltage signals indicative of
the power line; and a processor configured to determine from the detected
voltage signals that a series
arc fault has occurred.
[00854] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a solid
state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the power line, the processor further configured
to, in response to said
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line,
deactivating the circuit.
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[00855] In an example of the electrical device, the solid state switch
is a TRIAC.
[00856] In an example ofthe electrical device, the contact is
configured for electrical connection
to a downstream power line or an electrical outlet.
[00857] In an example of the electrical device, said determining
comprises the processor
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the downstream power
line or a load plugged into
the electrical outlet.
[00858] In an example of the electrical device, said determining
comprises the processor
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line.
[00859] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a
communication subsystem,
wherein the processor is configured to, in response to said determining that
the series arc fault has
occurred, sending a communication that the series arc fault has occurred.
[00860] In an example of the electrical device, the at least one sensor
further includes at least
one current sensor to detect current signals indicative of the power line,
wherein the determining is
further based on the detected current signals in addition to the detected
voltage signals.
[00861] In an example of the electrical device, the determining is that
there is little or no
variance in the detected voltage signals, and is below a specified voltage
threshold.
[00862] In an example of the electrical device, the determining is that
there is variance in the
detected current signals, for a load that experiences current above a
threshold.
[00863] In an example of the electrical device, the power line
comprises a hot power line, a
neutral power line, or a ground power line.
[00864] In an example of the electrical device, the series arc fault is
between a hot power line
and a second hot power line, or a neutral power line and a second neutral
power line, or a ground
power line and a second ground power line.
[00865] In an example of the electrical device, the series arc fault is
between the power line and
the contact or a second contact. In some examples, one contact may be
electrically connected to a
black power line, the second contact may be electrically connected to a white
power line. In this case,
the contact and the second contact may be two potential points of glowing
contacts. The second
contact may also connect to a neutral line. A glowing contact may occur at any
of the conductors, for
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example white or the black conductor, when the contact is compromised, such as
having a loose
connection with a power line.
[00866] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency
analysis of the detected
voltage signals, determining that the series arc fault has occurred from the
frequency analysis by
determining that there is little or no deviation of the frequency analysis.
[00867] In an example of the electrical device, the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[00868] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises calculating a mean square or
root mean square of the
detected voltage signals and determining that the mean square or the root mean
square deviates from
previous mean square or root mean square of previously detected voltage
signals.
[00869] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises determining that that the
mean square or the root mean
square deviation has occurred for more than a threshold number of cycles of
the detected voltage
signals.
[00870] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
configured to, when the mean
square or the root mean square deviation has occurred for less than a
threshold number of cycles of
the detected voltage signals, determine that no series arc fault has yet
occurred to avoid false trips.
[00871] In an example of the electrical device, the variance is a
decrease in the mean square or
the root mean square of the detected voltage signals.
[00872] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises calculating a mean square or
root mean square of
individual cycles of the detected voltage signals and determining that there
are two consecutive cycles
of decreases in the mean square or the root mean square of the detected
voltage signals.
[00873] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises determining whether there is
a voltage variance for
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individual cycles of the detected voltage signals, arid determining that the
voltage variance has
occurred for more than a threshold number of cycles of the detected voltage
signals.
[00874] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
configured to determine whether
there is a voltage variance for individual cycles of the detected voltage
signals, and determine that no
series arc fault has yet occurred to avoid false trips when the voltage
variance has occurred for less
than a threshold number of cycles of the detected voltage signals.
[00875] In an example embodiment, the electrical device further
comprises at least one analog-
to-digital convertor (ADC) configured to receive a respective analog signal
from the at least one
sensor and output a respective digital signal for processing by the processor
for the determining from
the detected voltage signals that the series arc fault has occurred.
[00876] In an example of the electrical device, the at least one sensor
is for in-series electrical
connection with the power line.
[00877] In an example of the electrical device, the series arc fault is
a non-continuous arc fault.
[00878] An example embodiment is an arc fault circuit interrupter
including: a power line
conductor; a solid state switch for electrical connection to the power line
conductor and configured to
be activated or deactivated; an arc fault trip circuit cooperating with said
solid state switch, said arc
fault trip circuit being configured to deactivate said solid state switch
responsive to detection of a
series arc fault condition associated with voltage conditions of the power
line conductor.
[00879] In an example of the arc fault circuit interrupter, the power
line conductor comprises a
hot conductor, a neutral conductor, or a ground conductor. In an example, the
solid state switch is a
TRIAC.
[00880] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor configured to
detect voltage signals indicative
of the power line; and a processor configured to sample a plurality of the
detected voltage signals
within individual cycles of the detected voltage signals, and calculate mean
square or root mean square
values of the sampled voltage signals for the respective individual cycle of
the detected voltage
signals.
[00881] In an example of the electrical device, sixty four samples are
sampled from the
respective individual cycle of the detected voltage signals.
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[00882] In an example, the electrical device further comprises an
analog-to-digital convertor
(ADC) configured to receive analog signals from the at least one sensor
indicative of the detected
voltage signals and output digital signals to the processor for the sampling.
[00883] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a solid
state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the power line, the processor further configured
to, in response to
determining that a series arc fault has occurred from the calculated mean
square or root mean square
values of the sampled voltage signals, deactivate the solid state switch.
[00884] In an example of the electrical device, said determining
comprises the processor
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line.
[00885] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a
communication subsystem,
wherein the processor is configured to, in response to said determining that a
series arc fault has
occurred from the calculated mean square or root mean square values of the
sampled voltage signals,
send a communication that the series arc fault has occurred.
[00886] An example embodiment is an electrical circuit interruption
device including: a contact
configured for electrical connection to a power line; a solid state switch for
in-series electrical
connection with the power line; at least one sensor to detect voltage signals
indicative of the power
line and provide analog signals indicative of the detected voltage signals; an
analog-to-digital
convertor (ADC) configured to receive the analog signals from the at least one
sensor and output
digital signals to the processor; and a processor configured to determine from
the digital signals that
an arc fault has occurred, and in response deactivating the solid state
switch.
[00887] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the determining from the
detected voltage signals that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing
a frequency analysis of
the detected voltage signals, wherein the arc fault is determined to be a
parallel arc fault from the
frequency analysis.
[00888] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device, the
frequency analysis
comprises calculating a Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of
the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform
or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[00889] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the calculating of the Fourier
transform or the FFT of the detected voltage signals is performed on
individual cycles of the detected
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voltage signals, and wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc
fault based on the higher
order frequency signals over a plurality of cycles.
[00890] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the plurality of cycles, rather
than only a single cycle (15 milliseconds), are used to confirm that there is
a real arcing fault. A single
cycle to determine arcing fault may result in false tripping. If an arcing
fault occurs in only one cycle,
but not the next, the arc fault may be a false one, and the electrical circuit
interruption device may not
activate a trip.
[00891] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the frequency analysis of the
detected voltage signals comprises performing the frequency analysis on
individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals and wherein the arc fault is determined to be a
series arc fault when there is
little or no deviation of the frequency analysis over a plurality of cycles.
[00892] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the determining from the
detected voltage signals that the arc fault has occurred comprises calculating
a mean square or root
mean square of the detected voltage signals and determining that the mean
square or the root mean
square deviates from previous mean square or root mean square of previously
detected voltage signals.
[00893] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the variance is a decrease in
the mean square or the root mean square of the detected voltage signals.
[00894] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the variance is a decrease in
a peak voltage of at least one cycle of the detected voltage signals.
[00895] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device, the
arc fault is determined to
be a series arc fault, wherein the determining from the detected voltage
signals that the arc fault has
occurred comprises calculating a mean square or root mean square of individual
cycles ofthe detected
voltage signals and determining that a variance of the mean square or the root
mean square has
occurred over a plurality of cycles.
[00896] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device, the
arc fault is determined to
be a series arc fault, wherein the determining from the detected voltage
signals that the arc fault has
occurred comprises determining whether there is a voltage variance for
individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals, and determining that the voltage variance has
occurred for more than a
threshold number of cycles of the detected voltage signals.
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[00897] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the at least one sensor is for
in-series electrical connection with the power line.
[00898] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the processor is configured
to decide, for each cycle of the detected voltage signals, whether to activate
or de-activate the solid
state switch.
[00899] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the processor is configured
for active power distribution of the power line within each cycle of the
detected voltage signals by
activating or deactivating the solid state switch. Each cycle may be al/2 or
half of the wave form.
[00900] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the arc fault is a glowing
contact arc fault between the contact and the power line.
[00901] An example embodiment is an arc fault circuit interrupter
including: hot conductor; a
solid state switch for electrical connection to the hot conductor and
configured to be activated or
deactivated; an arc fault trip circuit cooperating with said operating
mechanism, said arc fault trip
circuit being configured to deactivate said solid state switch responsive to
detection of an arc fault
condition between the hot conductor and a neutral power line associated with
detected current
variation of the hot conductor and neutral power line.
[00902] In an example of the electrical circuit interruption device,
the arc fault condition is
determined based on frequency analysis of the hot conductor and neutral power
line.
[00903] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a hot power line; at least one sensor to detect at
least current signals indicative
of the hot power line; and a processor configured to determine from the
detected current signals that
an arc fault has occurred between the hot power line and a neutral power line
or between hot power
line and ground power line.
[00904] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency analysis of
the detected current
signals of the hot power line.
[00905] In an example of the electrical device, the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected current
signals, and analyzing
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higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[00906] In an example of the electrical device, the calculating of the
Fourier transform or the
FFT of the detected current signals is performed on individual cycles of the
detected current signals,
and wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault based on
the higher order frequency
signals over a plurality of cycles.
[00907] In an example ofthe electrical device, the determining from the
detected current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: determining a variation over a
plurality of cycles of the
detected current signals.
[00908] In an example, the electrical device further comprises an analog-to-
digital convertor
(ADC) configured to receive analog signals from the at least one sensor
indicative of the detected
current signals and output digital signals to the processor for the
determining.
[00909] In an example, the electrical device further comprises a solid
state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the power line, wherein the processor is further
configured to, in response
to determining that the that arc fault has occurred, deactivating the solid
state switch.
[00910] In an example of the electrical device, the solid state switch
is deactivated prior to
current overload of the hot power line.
[00911] In an example of the electrical device, the solid state switch
is deactivated when there
is no leakage to ground or another conductor.
[00912] In an example of the electrical device, the at least one sensor is
for in-series electrical
connection with the power line.
[00913] In an example of the electrical device, an in-circuit type of
sensor is in series and a non-
contact type senor may be used for the ground fault.
[00914] In an example of the electrical device, the determining from
the detected current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency analysis of
the detected current
signals, wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault from
the frequency analysis.
[00915] An example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
sensor to detect voltage
signals indicative of a hot power line; and a processor configured to
determine from the detected
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voltage signals that an arc fault has occurred, and differentiate the arc
fault as being a series arc fault
versus a parallel arc fault.
[00916] An example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; a voltage sensor to detect voltage
signals indicative of the power
line and provide analog signals indicative of the detected voltage signals; a
current sensor to detect
current signals indicative of the power line and provide analog signals
indicative of the detected
current signals; an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) configured to receive
the analog signals from
the voltage sensor and the current sensor and output digital signals; and a
processor configured to
sample the digital signals in real time.
[00917] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is a
microprocessor.
[00918] In an example of the electrical device, sixty four samples are
sampled from the
respective individual cycle of the detected voltage signals and the detected
current signals.
[00919] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
configured to determine that an
arc fault has occurred from at least some of the sampled digital signals.
[00920] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is configured
to determine that the
arc fault is a series arc fault from a calculated mean square or root mean
square values of the sampled
voltage signals, and that there is little or no deviation in the detected
current signals.
[00921] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
further configured to compute a
frequency analysis of the detected voltage signals, and determine that the arc
fault is a parallel arc
fault based on the frequency analysis.
[00922] In an example of the electrical device, the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[00923] In an example of the electrical device, the calculating of the
Fourier transform or the
FFT of the detected voltage signals is performed on individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals,
and wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault when based
on the higher order
frequency signals over a plurality of cycles.
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[00924] In an example of the electrical device, the power line is a hot
power line, wherein when
the parallel arc fault has occurred over the hot power line to a neutral power
line, there is little or no
deviation in the detected current signals.
[00925] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
configured to decide, for each
cycle of the detected current and/or voltage signals, whether to activate or
de-activate the solid state
switch.
[00926] In an example of the electrical device, the processor is
configured for active power
distribution of the power line within each cycle of the detected current
and/or voltage signals by
activating or deactivating the solid state switch.
[00927] Example embodiments ofthe electrical device can also prevent false
tripping. The count
data is sufficient to prevent a false trigger if it indicates a count lower
than a pre-determined value.
The count indicates the number of spikes which showed up in the FFT which is
calculated for every
cycle (1/60th of a second). Using the voltage domain signals as a qualifier on
the traditional wave
forms, enables removal of the false positives which examination of only
current would have resulted
in. The current signature might suggest an arc fault; for example, brushes in
a hair dryer, vacuum
cleaner or a motor may be suggesting a similar current abnormality ¨ but it is
not a real arc fault.
However, if the voltage signature does not exhibit an erratic drop, it can be
established that the current
signature in fact is not indicative of a real arc fault.
[00928] Although example embodiments use various processes of examining
voltage, current
and frequency analysis which together determine the signature for series and
parallel arcs, the
particular logical sequence of examination may vary.
[00929] An example embodiment is electrical device including: a contact
configured for
electrical connection to a power line; a solid state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the
power line; a sensor to detect voltage signals indicative of the power line; a
processor configured to
determine from the detected voltage signals that an arc fault has occurred,
and in response deactivating
the solid state switch without false tripping of the solid state switch.
[00930] The electrical device in example embodiments can include an API
a "soft oscilloscope"
(i.e. soft oscilloscope being a built-in oscilloscope function). FIGURE 49B
illustrates an integrated
display of real time data and processed calculations providing a real time
representation as to what is
taking place in the processor. Ideal for testing, validation, and monitoring
current and voltage activity
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in real time, and/or recording for future use. An API provides a means of
getting the information out
of the controller. API is important for diagnosing, analysing and presenting
the information.
[00931] The process of using an API can be used with a communications
interface (including
but not limited to a communications port or channel); for example a Uart and
an RS485 interface are
serial communication ports. I2C ("inter integrated communication"), SPI
("serial peripheral
interface") could also be used.
[00932] For example, one may want to create a high level device in the
same instrument. One
controller could request information from another controller through the API
without the presence of
a communication port to go out; e.g. to transmit information externally (e.g.
outside to the data base).
[00933] In another specific example embodiment, a star controller can have
a power module
built-in to the same unit. The power module would talk to the star module
using the UART serial
communications port directly. There would be an API used by the star
controller to talk directly to
the power module through a communications interface (e.g. Uart serial
communication port in this
case ¨ could be Uart, I2C ("inter integrated communication"), SPI ("serial
peripheral interface"). A
communication channel may or may not have a port; e.g. physical communications
interface. In this
embodiment, the API is there with a communication interface, but no
communication channel, as
such, as it is built into the same unit; e.g. a Uart is not needed when
integrated in one device. When
communicating externally for example, to a database (or for analysis and/or
control) then the
communication port is required
[00934] Optionally, in some example embodiments, a communications means
such as a
communication interface (such as but not limited to an RS485 serial
communications port) can be
incorporated to transmit that information to an external device. Protocol
standards such as Modbus
can be included.
[00935] Oscilloscope readings can be provided by the electrical device
in example
embodiments. The API is a "low speed" oscilloscope function that is into the
electrical device to look
at the sampled array but developed from the voltage and current sensors,
versus traditional
oscilloscopes. Memory buffers are used/incorporated to enable oscilloscope
type readings. E.g. the
electrical device example embodiments has diagnostic buffers (data is
continuously coming in, and
data being analyzed, and so the data needs to be retained somewhere so it can
be sent out).
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[00936] The electrical device in example embodiments includes memory
buffers to generate
the oscilloscope functions¨ corded product with display.
[00937] Because of the diagnostic bus, the data is continuously
streaming out after every two
cycles. So the electrical device is doing the full RMS measurement and all of
the related processing.
[00938] The electrical device is still recording all electrical signals
measured (e.g. electrically
derived signals such as current and voltage including but not limited to
safety ground sensed voltage
and current data) and sending the information out; RMS values and
instantaneous wave forms ¨ they
come out slowly after 2 cycles. The frame rate is slightly lower, but we get
all the data. This can be
considered a "low speed" oscilloscope.
[00939] An example embodiment is a built in oscilloscope device; e.g.
embedding oscilloscope
function in a device itself by examining and displaying sample arrays
developed from sensors in
circuitry. The product embodiment of a measurement device with a display
(FIGURE 49B), is
effectively an oscilloscope.
[00940] In example embodiments, the electrical device is an
oscilloscope because an
oscilloscope is built in to our devices (receptacle and derivative devices)
which can capture, measure,
display and present the waveforms in real time. The electrical device is
configured to do both time-
domain waveforms & RMS. The electrical device provides oscilloscope type
information, but based
on being integrated in device and based on time domain tracking built into the
device.
[00941] An example embodiment is an oscilloscope electrical device,
including a contact
.. configured for electrical connection to a power line; a sensor for in-
series electrical connection to the
power line to detect signals indicative of the power line; a processor
configured to sample the detected
signals in real time, and provide oscilloscope information indicative of the
sampled signals.
[00942] In an example embodiment, oscilloscope information is
indicative of the sampled
signals. The signals are detected by an oscilloscopes which may have a probe
that measures current.
The oscilloscopes may be the clamp type whereby the clamp electrically
connects to the wire (parallel)
and the clamp measures the current. The oscilloscopes may not provide current
measurements in
series; and electrical connection to the power line is not in series. In an
example, the electrical
connection for current measurement is in series in that a sensor may be an
integral part of the circuit
the voltage and current is flowing through the sensor or right under the
sensor, depending on whether
a direct connect or induction connection method is used.
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[00943] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, wherein
the oscilloscope
information includes a waveform of the detected signals, further comprising a
display screen for the
providing of the waveform in real time. In an example of the oscilloscope
electrical device, the
processor is configured to analyze the sampled signals in real time. In an
example of the oscilloscope
electrical device, the analyzing includes calculating a mean square or a root
mean square of the
sampled signals.
[00944] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, the
analyzing includes performing
frequency analysis of the detected voltage signals. In an example, the
frequency analysis is a Fourier
transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage signals.
[00945] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, the
oscilloscope information
includes information of the analyzed sampled signals.
[00946] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, the
oscilloscope electrical device
further comprises a communication subsystem for the providing of the
oscilloscope information by
transmitting to another device. In an example of the oscilloscope electrical
device, the oscilloscope
electrical device further comprises at least one analog-to-digital convertor
(ADC) configured to
receive a respective analog signal from the at least one sensor and output a
respective digital signal
for processing by the processor for the providing of the oscilloscope
information.
[00947] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, the
processor is configured to
execute an application program interface (API). In an example, the API
includes commands for
instructing what mode of the oscilloscope information is to be provided by the
processor.
[00948] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, the
oscilloscope electrical device
further comprises a solid state switch for in-series electrical connection
with the power line, wherein
the API includes control commands for manual or automatic power distribution
or safety of the power
line by activating or deactivating the solid state switch.
[00949] In an example of the oscilloscope electrical device, sixty four
samples are sampled from
the respective individual cycle of the detected signals.
[00950] The electrical device in example embodiments is looking at
voltage as well as current,
if the voltage varies erratically, but current variation is not much, (because
the actual value of the
current itself is small; e.g. if drawing a few milliamps, would not see much
variation ¨ but the voltage
will be varying). The electrical device in example embodiments will trip
assuming an arc even if the
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current is not varying much, but the voltage is erratic. This especially true
when the load is light
(below a current or power threshold). In one embodiment, the disclosed means
and processes of
examining voltage determine that if voltage starts being erratic, then an arc
is taking place, even
without the presence of any significant current variance. If an arc takes
place only during one cycle
rather than more than one cycle, then this would be an indication of a non-
hazardous series arc and
tripping of the breaker or the circuit should not take place, as it would
otherwise result in a "false"
trip.
[00951] In example embodiments, as the load draws current, or stay
static (nominal load like a
light bulb), if the contact is a loose contact which isn't making a good
contact, the voltage will start
.. being erratic and effectively be doing an arc, but not with any significant
current ¨ so therefore
traditional arc fault current testing won't detect it. However, the electrical
device in example
embodiments will detect the series arc fault because it will detect the
squishing of the voltage.
[00952] The electrical device in example embodiments not only looks at
the instantaneous
difference in the black and the white but also look at the waveform of that
different as well to see if
there are additional conclusions from it. When arcing happens the electrical
device in example
embodiments can see the FFT signature of the difference.
[00953] The electrical device in example embodiments can analyse the
variations in the
differential(s) across time indicating any reliable detection of the
occurrence of an arc.
[00954] The electrical device in example embodiments brings in the
black to voltage and current
sensors; and the white to voltage and current sensors. The electrical device
in example embodiments
then is doing processing on the data as well as measuring voltages and other
parameters from the
wires.
[00955] Another embodiment for testing GFCI addresses achieving better
resolution in the
circuitry. To address having the large dynamic range, in order to achieve
better sensitivity and
improved resolution on the current imbalance to detect Ground Faults, an
analog circuit is added to
do current processing after the current sensors, prior to providing the
information to the computer.
[00956] An example embodiment is an electrical device or receptacle
comprising of: voltage
and current sensors (input going into an analog sensor), ADC (digitizer) is
between the sensor and
CPU, microprocessor, taking current and voltage measurements in real time. The
power is controlled
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and delivered on a real time basis. The power is controlled and delivered by
turning on the switch
every single cycle. This can be referred to as controlling the delivery of
power.
[00957] An example embodiment is an electrical device and process
enabling information to be
extracted from the processor to a higher level decision-making control
means/process step, for any
purpose, whether for safety or power switching. The electrical device includes
an API to extract
information from the electrical device. The API is used to extract information
and to provide high
level control to the electrical device. The API can be used without a physical
communication interface
in some examples.
[00958] Another embodiment of the electrical device is for testing GFCI
addresses achieving,
better resolution in the circuitry To address having the large dynamic range,
in order to achieve better
sensitivity and improved resolution on the current imbalance to detect Ground
Faults, an analog circuit
is added to do current processing after the current sensors, prior to
providing the information to the
computer.
[00959] The lack of resolution was not the processor's limitation.
Having added the analog
circuit is actually increasing the amount of information we have to process.
Ultimately it is the analog
signal that is being digitized and using it to do calculations. Using two
analog signals, namely the
black and the white, would not result in the resolution being good enough.
[00960] Example embodiments of the electrical device use an analog
circuit to measure the
differential current between two of the power lines, from hot to ground,
allowing the electrical device
to do the GFI to required resolution; and allows the electrical device to
magnify the differential
current.
[00961] Traditional industry uses mainly with GFCI in the analog
domain, using current
transformers. In traditional industry, the device passes the black and neutral
on the opposite sides of
the transformer and they cancel each other out, and any residual current will
tell the device how much
differential current there is, and proportional to that you can trip the
breaker or receptacle device. The
traditional industry device uses the differential itself to drive the tripping
circuit.
[00962] In example embodiments of the electrical device, the
subtraction is done in the analog
domain, however that signal is taken in following ADC to do further analysis
by the microprocessor
which will apply its logic to the digital data.
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[00963] Instead of measuring the absolute value of the current
differences, example
embodiments of the electrical device subtracts one current from the other, and
measures the subtracted
current ¨ rather than measuring the absolute current directly. Therefore,
example embodiments of the
electrical device are measuring both the absolute current as well as the
subtracted value of the current
as well.
[00964] Example embodiments of the electrical device can detect GFI
current as well as leakage
current using this analog differential circuit. We have to have an external
measurement of the leakage
current done separately.
[00965] Example embodiments of the electrical device measures
differentials, but is measuring
using an analog circuit making it immune to magnetic interferences. Example
embodiments of the
electrical device are measuring the differential in the current between black
and white, using the
analog sensor which instantaneously tracks the difference between black and
white along the AC
cycle ¨ so example embodiments of the electrical device are not looking at the
difference in RMS
(average) values ¨ but looking at instantaneous differences as well, and
measuring them using the
processor ¨ and are going to be looking at the wave forms of the differences
as well.
[00966] Example embodiments of the electrical device looks directly at
the waveform, and is
far more sensitive to the variations that traditional industry may miss as
those are looking just at the
average values using RMS.
[00967] Now, example embodiments of the electrical device are going to
be looking at the graph
of the differential. If the external circuit is correct, then the differential
graph should be steady
regardless of how much we change the load. As the electrical device is
tracking the differential, if
there is an arc there may be a change in the differential; e.g. because of the
arc, does the voltage and
current go out of phase. For different loads, appliances will likely have
different identifiable
signatures.
[00968] Example embodiments of the electrical device are configured for
identifying signatures
of different appliances/devices/loads based on analyzing/comparing the
differentials. And it doesn't
have to be arcs. The differentials is current; voltage has to remain constant
(fluctuations happen on
the upstream, not at the load).
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[00969] The differential is the current that the load is returning
back. Normally should be equal
to that coming in. If not the case, then either the load is taking the current
in, or it's feeding the current
into the circuit from somewhere.
[00970] Definitely the differentials will tell the electrical device of
the characteristics of the
load. The differential (current) is the difference between the current going
in to the load and the current
coming out. Normally they should be equal.
[00971] Example embodiments of the electrical device are looking at
differential values using a
huge range in measurement (e.g. using 14,000 counts to measure the
difference). Previously we were
measuring the complete absolute value using the 14,000 counts (high dynamic
range); Example
embodiments of the electrical device can measure the difference using the
14,000 counts, thereby
effectively having magnified the small difference to such a huge range.
Example embodiments of the
electrical device look at this value, and because it is magnified, now has
control over deciding at what
point to trip.
[00972] Example embodiments of the electrical device are measuring
using our analog
measurement engine, and are able to not only measure the difference, but
measure the waveform of
the difference as well. Example embodiments of the electrical device can look
at instantaneous
variation in the difference.
[00973] The differential circuit can be used by the electrical device
for GFCI; e.g. difference
between black and the white. The differential circuit can be used by the
electrical device for to parallel
AFCI between hot and ground. As we are dealing with arcing between the black
and the ground, there
will be a differential and the electrical device will be able to detect it. It
will be applicable to parallel
arcing between live and ground because there will be a leakage.
[00974] Example embodiments can sample at relatively lower frequency
sampling rate, such as
60 Hz up to 1.9 kHz. In order to do FFT at 100 kHz, need to collect samples at
200 kHz range, which
means we would need to do almost 100,000 samples in one AC cycle. The
electrical device may not
have processor speed, nor memory to store that many samples. The smaller
sampling rates enables
the electrical device to do FFT and therefore analyze the data from a
different perspective. The
electrical device can operate from sampling rate of e.g. sixty Hz to 1.9 kHz.
This has the advantage
of having the ability to look at and do the analysis of all the data in the
full spectrum in deciding if
there is an arc or not. Having in low frequency sampling rate of 60 Hz to
1.9kHz, collection of data
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for whole spectrum, Frequency analysis (e.g. FFT), and analysis of that data
in the microprocessor;
e.g. weighted sum of all the frequencies detected (or area under the curve).
[00975] In example embodiments the electrical device is in a low range
as it is using the
digitized version for frequency detection; e.g. digital converted signal (64
samples) so the max
frequency we can detect is up to 1.9 kHz; we detect between 60 Hz to 1920 Hz.
When arcing occurs
we have seen activity in this range. We cannot go higher than our 1920 Hz
because of our FFT.
[00976] In an example, the electrical device collects 64 samples of the
RMS values per cycle,
and then run standard deviation across them; looking at 64 cycles, storing
data for 200 milliseconds
time frame; if see standard deviation shows some are high peak and others low
peak, then it is an arc.
If no arcing, then the change in standard deviation will be close to zero. All
of them will have the
same waveform. The RMS value for each cycle will not change.
[00977] In case of arcing, the standard deviation will vary a great
deal. Example embodiments
of the electrical device notice the standard deviation goes beyond a certain
value, e.g. an arcing
threshold.
[00978] Example embodiments of the electrical device use statistical tools,
such as standard
deviation, as indicator of variations. Changes in the voltage will be
represented by a higher standard
deviation in the waveform. Example embodiments of the electrical device are
configured for detecting
erratic variation of voltage based on standard deviation of the RMS.
[00979] Traditional industry devices cannot incorporate the 5 mA
differential (which is a GFCI
specification) in their AFCI breaker as=GFCI requires higher resolution.
[00980] Example embodiments of the electrical device can distinguish
between 5mA
differential or less. By our incorporating AFCI and GFCI, and tripping at 5mA,
the electrical device
is safer than existing traditional industry manufacturers' devices that
incorporate 30mA ground fault
interruption.
[00981] By having the analog subtraction, example embodiments of the
electrical device can
trip as low as 5 mA differential, and do not need to digitally subtract
subtracting black and white in
the microcomputer.
[00982] Example embodiments of the electrical device can detect AFCI
and GFI faults in the
load or extension cord that is downstream or plugged into the electrical
device. Traditional industry
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AFC' breakers cannot detect if an arc event is taking place in an electrical
cord of an appliance/device
plugged into receptacles. Example embodiments of the electrical device can be
an AFCI breaker and
detect an arc in a load or cord plugged into the receptacle because there is
GFI built in. In Example
embodiments of the electrical device, which incorporate GFCI, can detect an
arc occurring in a cord
plugged into the receptacle.
[00983] Example embodiments of the electrical device have high
resolution. Traditional AFCI
breakers put the ground fault tripping at 30 mA because they are not able to
handle a high resolution.
Example embodiments of the electrical device incorporate GFI, due to having
separated in an analog
circuit, the subtraction process rather than the microprocessor doing the
subtraction, and being able
to deal with high resolution and detecting the leakage current with high
resolution.
[00984] An example embodiment is an electrical device including: a
first contact for configured
for electrical connection to a hot power line; a first sensor configured to
provide a first analog signal
indicative of current of the hot power line; a second contact for configured
for electrical connection
to a neutral power line; a second sensor configured to provide a second analog
signal indicative of
current of the neutral power line; a solid state switch for electrical
connection to the hot power line
and configured to be activated or deactivated; an analog-to-digital convertor
(ADC) configured to
receive the analog and output a digital signal, and a processor configured to
detect a ground fault
condition of the hot power line by determining a current imbalance between the
hot power line and
the neutral power line based on the digital signal from the ADC, for the
deactivation of the solid state
switch.
[00985] An example embodiment is a ground fault circuit interrupter
including: power line
conductor; a first sensor configured to provide a first analog signal
indicative of current of the power
line conductor; a neutral line conductor; a second sensor configured to
provide a second analog signal
indicative of current of the neutral line conductor; a solid state switch for
electrical connection to the
power line conductor and configured to be activated or deactivated; a ground
fault trip circuit
cooperating with said operating mechanism, said ground fault trip circuit
being configured to
deactivate said solid state switch responsive to detection of a ground fault
condition associated with
current imbalance between said hot conductor and said neutral conductor,
wherein said ground fault
trip circuit includes: an analog comparator circuit configured to receive the
first analog signal and the
second analog signal and output an analog signal indicative of a difference
between the first analog
signal and the second analog signal, an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC)
configured to receive the
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analog signal from the analog comparator circuit and output a digital signal,
and a processor
configured to perform determining of the current imbalance for the detection
of the ground fault
condition based on the digital signal from the ADC, for the deactivation of
the solid state switch.
[00986] In an example of the ground fault circuit interrupter, the
solid state switch for electrical
connection to the power line conductor may be used with a Triac. Once the
Triac is triggered, the
solid state switch may be de-activated as the voltage drop to or below zero at
zero crossing point. The
solid state switch may keep activated if there is no fault condition. In the
example where the solid
state switch for electrical connection to the power line conductor is IGBTs,
the IGBTs may be
activated at the top of the cycle, and may be de-activated after a duration,
such as a few nanoseconds.
[00987] In an example of the ground fault circuit interrupter, the analog
comparator circuit
comprises a differential amplifier. In an example of the ground fault circuit
interrupter, the detection
of the ground fault condition by processor includes determining that the
current imbalance exceeds a
threshold current imbalance and/or that the current imbalance has lasted for
more than a threshold
time.
[00988] In an example of the ground fault circuit interrupter, the
detection of the ground fault
condition by processor includes determining that the current imbalance exceeds
a threshold current
imbalance. In an example, the threshold current imbalance is 5 mA or less. In
an example, the
threshold current imbalance is less than 30 mA.
[00989] In an example of the ground fault circuit interrupter, the
detection of the ground fault
condition by processor includes determining that the current imbalance has
lasted for more than a
threshold time.
[00990] In another example, the electrical device is configured to
detect another kind of
electrical fault. The electrical device may detect any current and or
excessive voltage occurring on or
passing to the safety ground. The safety Ground Imbalance Detector (GID) may
monitor both the
voltage level and any current flowing on the safety ground wire / circuit.
[00991] There is a need to detect electric faults, whereby the human
body's susceptibility to
electric current and voltage can result in individuals experiencing serious
electrical shock due to
uncontrolled flow of electric current over the earth. Electrical services to
residences, commercial
establishments and industries need to protect occupants from potentially
hazardous electrical shocks.
It is extremely dangerous to short the neutral to the ground in a load center,
electrical breaker panel
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and/or distribution box. This can result in hazards current occurring between
safety ground and the
neutral. Current can fly to the safety ground even if there is no direct
connection.
[00992] The moment that the load is switched, not all current flows
through the neutral. The
Safety Ground can pick up current as it has the least resistance.
[00993] Breaker panels and distribution boxes (including but not limited to
junction boxes), and
receptacle devices can be a source location where black and white wiring
initially originating from
the breaker panel. When wiring is spliced, often wire-nuts or marrettes are
used to connect and insulate
the splices, which are used for the distribution of power to different loads.
It is possible that
somewhere on the circuit a marrette joining the white wires can become a
glowing or open contact.
Once the current cannot flow back through the white, if there is a safety
ground connected on or near
that line, then the current will travel down that path of least resistance;
the white will raise in voltage
potential and can dangerously short someone.
[00994] Electric shock may be caused by "stray current". And when there
is a GFI issue, the
current can be significant. If someone shorts the neutral and the ground in a
junction box, the whole
box can become "hot"/live. Someone touching it would get a shock because the
current starts flowing
through the ground wire rather than the white. If they short it and/or if
somehow the ground wire is
disconnected, the whole circuit will be hazardous.
[00995] An example embodiment is an electrical device that is a safety
ground imbalance
detector which detects for any potential hazardous voltage occurring between
the safety ground and
the white neutral ground, and/or any current that may be flowing. The ground
imbalance sensor may
include a current sensor and a voltage sensor as a combo sensor. The ground
imbalance sensor may
also include only one current sensor or voltage sensor to detect safety ground
fault. The current sensor
(Figures 65Aõ B and C(1) and C(2)) may use induction from the safety ground
wire to be described;
the voltage sensor is illustrated in Fig 65D.
[00996] The combo sensor detects both voltage and current with respect to
the neutral line using
the voltage sensor and current flowing on the safety ground using the current
sensor. The combo
sensor therefore provides greater certainty for detecting a safety ground
fault rather than using only
one current senor or a voltage sensor. The electrical device is detecting an
imbalance between neutral
and ground using a voltage and current sensing circuit in conjunction with a
special analysis software
program.
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[00997] The voltage and the current may be monitored. A processor may
determine whether the
voltage level measurements received from the voltage sensor has reached a
potentially hazardous
level to the user, and if so, take action accordingly.
[00998] The electrical device is a ground imbalance detector which
detects voltage differences
between the safety ground and the neutral. In addition to the current and
voltage sensors and sensing
already disclosed, such sensors are used as a ground sensor. The electrical
device is configured to
detect and indicate that the safety ground has been compromised and to shut
off the power.
[00999] The safety Ground Imbalance Detector (GID) device, as
illustrated in Figure 65A-65E
to be described below, may be mounted internally on a main board of the device
or externally on the
Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB may be connected to the device via a
signal cable, such as a
communication cable or voltage cable. When mounted externally, the GID and
other sensors,
including but not limited to water sensor(s), may be monitored by sending the
measurement results
of these sensors to a processor. The processor may determine whether a
measurement result has
reached a threshold. Traditionally, the industry AFCIs or GFCIs do not detect
if there are any
problems occurring on the safety ground. Existing equipment typically does not
detect any current or
voltage leakage or short circuit, between the white neutral line and the
safety ground. Special safety
equipment, but not branch circuit breakers and receptacle devices, may be used
for this purpose in
special electrical environment.
[001000] For example, when a 3-prong plug is used to supply power to a
metal appliance, the
metal of the appliance is traditionally connected to the safety ground which
in turn connects to the
safety ground in the plug. When voltage leaks to the safety ground to 30 volts
or more, this creates a
safety hazard.
[001001] The industry only deals with stray current leakage from the
black, not from other
conductors, such as a black and/or red, which may be in opposite phase and
which is not going to a
GFI. When there is current leakage to the safety ground, the leakage may not
be indicated in a normal
breaker.
[001002] The sensors may measure current of 15 amp or the 20 amp and may
be used as safety
ground current sensors in a GID. The sensors may also measure current of other
amperages based on
international standards, or a specified amperage of a specific application. A
separate safety ground
voltage sensor may also be included in the GID. The GID or a PCB incorporating
the GID may include
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one or more pins or PEMs. A PEM is a type of self-clinching surface mount or
stud for providing a
reusable mounting point on a thin metal sheet and a PCB. In some examples, the
safety ground may
be mounted to a PEM, and the PEM may indicate "safety ground".
[001003] Figures 65A and 65B illustrate an exemplary safety group wire
current monitoring
sensor 6500. The Safety Ground Wire 6530 in Figures 65A and 65B is placed
beneath the PCB 6520
for the sensor 6500 to detect stray current. The Safety Ground Wire 6530 may
also be placed above
the PCB 6520, provided that the distance and sensor sensitivity requirements
are met and in a
controlled position in relation to the sensor 6500. The distance and sensor
sensitivity requirements
are determined by sensor manufacturer specifications as well as the level of
the current.
[001004] Block 6510 on the surface of the chip 6505 is a reference line,
and illustrates the
sensitivity axis which relates to the position for the wire to pick up the
magnetic field(s) generated by
the current. Since the sensor detects the magnetic field induced by current
circulating in the wire, the
position of the sensor is important for accurate readings,
[001005] Block 6520 is the printed circuit board (PCB) placed over the
wire 6530. The PCB 6520
incorporates the current sensor chip 6505. The PCB 6520 may carry voltage and
signals. This will
indicate the level of current or voltage detected. The voltages are read by
the processor which
performs the analysis.
[001006] Block 6525 represents three signal paths directed to the PCB
Block 6520, to power the
chip 6505 via the path 6525a, and to transmit measurement results from the
chip 6505 via the path
6525b.
[001007] The voltage provided on the PCB 6520 may be a low voltage such
as 3 volts, or 5 volts.
The voltage value may depend on factors including but not limited to
sensitivity of the sensor type
and the type of conductors used (e.g. bus bars, wires etc.). If long distances
are desired, a wire
connecting the sensor may not directly connect to a CPU or a processor, but
may connect to a local
adjacent processor incorporated on the GID circuit. A communications line or
channel may be used
to connect the sensor with the local adjacent processor for transmitting the
measurement results from
the sensor to the local adjacent processor. The PCB 6520 in this example may
output an analog voltage
from path 6525a and output a communication signal or measurement data from
path 6525b to the
processor or CPU.
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[001008] In some examples, Block 6520b may output of analog or digital
signal from the PCB
6520 to the processor. If the output signal is an analog signal, and ADC may
be used to covert the
analog signal to digital signal for the processor to process. The strength of
the signal may be
proportional to the value of the current. The signal may be the magnetic
field.
[001009] Path Block 6525c may connect to the white neutral line. The white
neutral inside the
circuit ground may be bi-directional as current input and output from the
circuit on the PCB 6520.
The path 6525c may be an internal ground of the sensor 6500 and may be
different from the safety
ground 6530. Path 6525c feeds voltage of the PCB 6520 back to the processor
(not shown). The
processor may be incorporated on the same PCB 6520.
[001010] Block 6530 is the bare safety ground wire beneath the PCB 6520.
The other two wires
in the three conductor cable (black, white) is not illustrated (e.g. a romex
cable).
[001011] Block 6540 is an example of a possible location of the current
sensor inside the
magnetic field sensor chip 6505 which is located on the PCB 6520. The GID
sensor has indicators for
the placement location related to the conductors.
[001012] A plastic clip(s) can be attached to the PCB 6520 so it can snap
on to the bare safety
ground wire 6530. Alternatively, tie wraps or any suitable attachment means
could be used.
[001013] In an example embodiment illustrated in figures 65C(1) and
65C(2), the current safety
ground wire 6530 is in an enclosure 6569 housing the safety ground current
fault sensor module 6500.
In the example of Figures 65C(1) and 65C(2), the current safety ground wire
6530 passes through and
is incorporated within a channel or tunnel in the box enclosure 6569, at a
distance enabling sensing
from the chip 6505 on the PCB 6520. The distance is determined by the expected
current flow and
the conductor type.
[001014] The Safety Ground Wire ("SGW") 6530 may be a bare wire with a
length, such as 4"
to 6". Safety Ground Wire ("SGW") 6530 may be securely fastened in the
housing, for example
through a tunnel or channel in the housing 6569. The safety ground bare wire
6530 may be inserted
through the input hole area 65C-1 and the white wire is inserted in 65C-2. The
bare wire is passes
through 65C-1 out through the other end 65C-3, and the bare wire 6530 may be
attached to a screw.
As 6530 is contained securely inside the box in Figures 65C(1) and 65C(2),
when the screw is
tightened, the bare wire 6530 electrically connects the safety ground of the
PCB 6520. The ground is
still separated and not directly contacted with the PCB 6520. This method
facilitate installation as it
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ensures maintaining a secure fastening of the SGW 6530 in an exact position in
relation to the ground
sensor chip 6505. Furthermore, during installation, when the two screws for
the box are tightened, the
GSW is already in its proper place. There are separate openings on the cover
of the enclosure 6569
for the screws. The SGW 6530 does not electrically connect with the screws,
and this provides
electrical safety and electrical insulation/isolation.
[001015] The sensor 6500 may monitor multiple downstream grounds, and
the conductors
originating at the breaker panel. In an example embodiment, the sensors are in
the connection point
in the breaker panel and may indicate that a conductor(s) brings in the
signal.
[001016] When the SGW 6530 is connected in the enclosure 6569, for
example in a receptacle
device, the enclosure 6569 is placed over the SGW 6530 for sensing current
flowing through the SGW
6530 without interrupting the current.
[001017] The neutral wire is an internal ground; the circuitry on the
PCB 6520 may use the
neutral as ground. SGW 6530 is the safety ground which connects to the
electrical enclosure 6569 by
fasteners, such as screws. In this case, the current flowing through the
safety ground wire 6530 is
physically continuous without interruption.
[001018] Figure 65D illustrates an example of a Safety Ground Voltage
Sensor 6600. The voltage
sensor 6600 may include pins of BLK, WHT, 20A PS, WHTS (white line sensor),
BLKS (black line
sensor), and SGND PEM. The PEM (PEM stud, metal pipe-shaped) is the metal from
which the
voltage for SGND is provided. The PEM is an example of the means for providing
safety ground
voltage to the voltage sensor. The Safety Ground Sensor 6600 senses the pin
SGND PEM for voltage.
Safety Ground (SGND) is not a separate clip, but is a PEM which holds the PCB
board, coming from
a plate.
[001019] The flowchart in Figure 65E illustrates logic in which the GID
of an electrical device,
such as an appliance, is configured to detect and optionally indicate, such as
on a screen, whether the
safety ground has been compromised. If the safety ground has been compromised,
the GID of an
electrical device may not turn on the device or not deliver power to the
appliance from the next half
AC cycle. The detection that the safety ground has been compromised may be
achieved by directly
connecting to relevant wire(s) or by induction without directly connecting to
the wire(s).
[001020] At step 6570, power is turned on an electrical device. At step
6575, one or more sensors
of the GID may be used for detecting ground imbalance, for example, for
current, voltage, or both
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current and voltage. The processor of the GID may read or receives input from
the sensors 6500 and/or
6600. At step 6580, the processor may determine whether there is a sufficient
imbalance and if so,
whether the imbalance is above a predetermined safety threshold level. If the
imbalance is above a
predetermined safety threshold level, such as to a hazardous level to human
being, the processor at
step 6590 may send an error message for display on a screen of the GID device.
The error may also
be indicated by sound, alert LED light. At step 6592, the processor may
further determine where the
electrical device is powered on. If the power is not on, the power may not be
delivered to the device.
If the power is already on, the delivery of the power to the device may be
discontinued and the user
may investigate the cause of the error. The process is then ended at step
6598.
[001021] If the processor determines that imbalance is below a
predetermined safety level, the
imbalance is deemed not to be hazardous. At step 6582, safety ground fault
inputs from external
sensors are considered. The safety ground fault inputs may be transmitted to
the processor via an
external GID link. If the external GID is local to the processor, the sensor
may directly detect voltage
and communicate with the processor via the external GID link. If the external
GID link is remote from
the processor, the external GID link may connect to a separate processor for
communicating the safety
ground fault inputs to the separate processor. The separate processor may then
communicate the
received safety ground fault inputs to the processor. If processor determines
that the external sensors
indicate an imbalance above a predetermined threshold at step 6584, and that
the power interrupting
device is under control at step 6596, and in the circumstance where there may
be no possibility of
direct control of the external GID, an indication that there is an electrical
hazard may be desired, the
processor may generate and send a signal and/or alert event at step 6590 to
alert external safety ground
fault event and perform the operation at step 6592 as described above.
External safety ground faults
may include, but is not limited to, a breaker panel becoming live, in which
case emergency warnings
would indicate that only professional electricians or emergency personnel
should disable the delivery
of power at the breakers. For example, the professional electricians or
emergency personnel may need
to wear suitable protective clothing, rubber boots, and prover gloves, the
professional electricians or
emergency personnel may also trip manually the plastic breakers until the
source of the safety ground
fault is identified.
[001022] If the processor determines that the external sensors indicate
an imbalance is not above
.. a predetermined threshold at step 6584, the processor may turn on the
electrical device at step 6586
and keep monitoring the imbalance at step 6588 and detecting ground imbalance
at step 6575.
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[001023] If the processor determines that the power interrupting device
is not under control at
step 6596, the processor may send a safety alter message on a screen of the
GID device to indicate
that the power interrupting device is not under control.
[001024] FIGURE 66A illustrates an example of a safety ground bus bar
6600. The bus bar 6600
may be a self-contained external GID bus bar. The bus bar 6600 may be a
rectangular bar. The bus
bar 6600 may include a plurality of screw holes 6610, each for receiving a
screw. In some examples,
the square bar may have a length of 1/2", and the screw may be #20 screw. The
bus bar 6600 may also
include a plurality of conductor through holes 6620, each for receiving a
power line or wire. The
screw holes 6610 may be perpendicular to the conductor through holes 6620. In
use, a power line may
be inserted into the bus bar 6600 from one side of the bus bar 6600 and
extended out from the other
opposite side of the bus bar 6600. The screw may, via a screw hole 6610,
secure a wire placed in the
conductor holes 6620. In some examples, the safety ground conductors get
connected via the
connector holes 6620 and the wires are secured via the pressure screws
inserted into the pressure
screw holes 6610. The bus bar 6600 may also include one or more attachment
screw holes 6615 for
mounting the bus bar 6600 to an object, such as a panel, a wall, or a cabinet.
[001025] A sensor housing 6630 may be formed at an end at the body of
the bus bar 6600, and
one or more sensors may be housed at a sensor housing 6630. The sensor housing
6630 is a space
defined at the body of the bus bar 6600 for securely retaining the sensors or
a sensor assembly having
one or more sensors. In some examples, the sensor housing 6630 may retain a
Ground Imbalance
Detection sensor unit, as described above. From the sensor housing 6630, a
connector 6640, such as
a cable, may be extended out from the sensor housing 6630 for communicating
the measurement
results of the sensors or sensor assembly to or processing module, for
example, a processor. The
sensor may be a current sensor, a voltage sensor, or both current and voltage
sensors. The
measurement results includes the measurement results of voltage and/or current
flowing in the bus
bar 6600 in relation to the safety ground. The sensor may be used in any
equipment with common
safety ground connection. The current and voltage sensors in sensor housing
6630 on the safety
ground bus bar 6600 are the safest way to detect any current leakage. The
monitoring equipment may
be programmed to determine safety leakage levels. The monitoring equipment may
use the sensor
leads 6640 for monitoring the leakage level. The Monitoring equipment may
receive a signal
indicating the level of current or voltage present. In some examples, the
sensor leads 6640 may be
replaced with a cable and connector 6650. The monitoring equipment interact
with the cable and
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connector 6650 by receiving at the monitoring equipment a signal indicating
the level of current or
voltage present.
[001026] The bus bar may also include a safety ground conductor hole
6645 for inserting of a
conductor to the ground post, such as the cold metal water pipe located before
the water meter. The
conductor typically is a large braided bare or multi-strand number 8 wire (or
larger) which carries any
leaking current from the safety ground wire(s) from the respective connections
and or devices, into
this ground. As leakage current flows, the energy indicated (by the magnetic
flux) is compared to a
threshold and accordingly an alert may be sent as required.
[001027] It is a good wiring practice that when conductors are connected
inside a breaker panel,
the strain relief that prevents ripping of the wire may be insulated, and the
ground wire may contact
with the bus bar 6600. In some examples, the connectors may be loose in the
breaker panel. Leaving
the wires loose may create a short to the enclosure. The safety ground bus bar
6600 is phase
independent, and may protect any kind of electrical panel with any current or
voltage. As described
above, a GID may determine whether a potential hazard is present, and thus
protect a user from such
hazard.
[001028] The bus bar 6600 may replace conventional ground bus bars used
in conventional
breaker panels, for detecting faults occurring at a premises, such as a
residential house or building or
a commercial building. A GID described above may be housed inside the bus bar
6600.
[001029] The bus bar 6600 may be attached to an object, such as a wall
or a cabinet, using the
attachment holes 6615. The bus bar 6600 may be directly connected to a safety
ground. In some
examples, the ground bus bar 6600 may be connected to a breaker panel housing.
When the bus bar
6600 is installed, the bare safety ground from the field to the breaker panel
may not electrically
connected to the breaker panel housing. By insulating the ground bus bar 6600
from the breaker panel
cabinet, the cabinet is not part of the electrical circuit. Therefore in a GFI
event, a user would not be
shocked by touching the panel housing. As such, the safety of an individual is
improved.
[001030] In some examples, the bus bar 6600 and sensors contained in the
sensor housing 6630
may be used on the white power lines. Using GID, the bus bar 6600, or both the
GID and bus bar
6600 on a white wire may include an indicator for any ground imbalance. For
example, bus bar 6600,
or both the GID and bus bar 6600 may be used on the white power line combined
with a separate
power line, such as a black power line or other power lines, to indicate that
there is leakages present.
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In some examples, the bus bar 6600, or both the GID and bus bar 6600 may be
used on the black and
red power lines. The bus bar 6600 may monitor a single phase or be used for a
single circuit
distribution method.
[001031] The bus bar 6600 may be used in any equipment with common
safety ground
connection, or other equipment where there is a common return point for
conductors flowing to a
single point/return. The bus bar 6600 may effectively be a data collection
device for current and
voltage by using the sensors or a sensor assembly.
[001032] In another example embodiment, a second sensing bus bar 6600
for the white (neutral)
conductor may be used for replacing the existing bus bar. In another example
embodiment, a bus bar
may be used on the white(s)/neutral, the bus bar 6600 may be used as a second
sensing bus bar, but
for the white/neutral wires, resulting in having an indication of any ground
imbalance.
[001033] In an exemplary embodiment, a current sensor may be used on the
white(s) power line,
and a separate sensor may be used on each ofthe hot phase(s) (Black, Red,
etc.). A separate processing
module or a processor may be used to receive measurement results from the
sensors. A ground fault
may be detected, in a similar manner as a GFCI breaker or a GFCI receptacle
device, based on
predetermined thresholds, or thresholds provided in real time. This embodiment
may or may not
provide control of the delivery of power, but may send an alarm indicating the
presence of leakages.
The bus bar 6600 may be used to detect ground fault leakages, and/or power
imbalances between the
black/red (hot, live power) and white (neutral) for one or more circuits
connected to the bus bar 6600.
.. The bus bar 6600 may allow detection of arcs, included but not limited to
series arcs, by incorporating
voltage measurement results generated by the sensors, i.e. the bus bar and/or
lugs with sensors may
provide an effective electrical fault detection means; and combined with the
processor, power delivery
control.
[001034] In another example embodiment, the sensors of the bus bar 6600
may be mounted on
the red and black live phase wires to monitor the measurement results of both
wires, or mounted on
red, black and white live phase wires to monitor the measurement results of
all three wires.
[001035] The bus bar 6600 therefore may provide complete data analysis
on existing breaker
panels by using the safety ground bus bar 6600 with the existing breaker
panels, a white neutral
busbar(s) and one or more wire-mounted sensors for hot (live) phases. All of
the sensors may be
connected to one or more monitoring devices.
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[001036] FIGURE 66B is an example of an Intelligent Sensing Bus Bar 6602.
The intelligent
sensing bus bar 6602 may incorporate receiving a wire through a main feed
conductor hole 6645, and
providing an exit path for the conducting wire through the conductor hole
6620. A jumper cable may
be used between the conductor hole 6620 and an existing bus bar.
[001037] FIGURE 66C illustrates an intelligent sensing lug 6601 that has a
protruding pin 6625.
In the example of Figure 66C, the pin 6625 takes the place of the wire in the
example of Figure 66B,
and may be installed perpendicular to the bus bar. In Figure 66B, the wire may
be installed parallel to
the bus bar or side-by-side to the busbar. For other embodiments, the hole
6645 alternatively may be
located at the other end of the sensing bus bar, for example, directly facing
opposite the connecting
holes 6620.
[001038] A feed wire may goes into main feed conductor hole 6645, secured
by the pressure
screw 6610 and is conductively connected to the pin 6625. Connecting pin 6625
may be inserted into
the original hole of the power distribution bus bar, from which the power
supply wire was removed.
[001039] In other embodiments, the hole 6645 alternatively may be located
directly facing
opposite the connecting pin 6625.
[001040] The connecting pin 6625 may be attached by being tightened by
the housing screw, to
a traditional bus bar or to a terminal connector assembly.
[001041] The intelligent sensing bus bars and lug(s) disclosed herein may
be used with hot,
neutral and/or ground power lines. The intelligent sensing bus bars and lug(s)
may also be configured
as one in one out. One per hot phase and one per breaker.
[001042] In another embodiment, a unit may be constructed such that a
single bus bar may have
a single sensor for current and/or voltage coming in and going out, for one or
more conductors. A
protocol such as Modbus in a serial communication environment such as RS485
and multi-drop
R5485 environment in another embodiment configuration may be used to
accomodate multiple
.. conductors.
[001043] In another embodiment the intelligent lugs 6601 may be used to
monitor each circuit
coming from the field allowing for circuit independent detection and analysis.
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[001044] One, two and three phase environments may be dealt with at the
intelligent bus bar level
rather than the power processing modules herein disclosed. Three of these bus
bar modules may be
used on each ofthe three phases, providing advanced energy data monitoring for
any and/or all phases.
[001045] Figure 66D illustrates an example of a joint three-phase
intelligent current and/or
voltage Sensing/Monitoring Module 6603, which may be used to handle 3-phase
power applications,
to provide both current, voltage and power synchronization and related
waveform information to a
power control processor. The module 6603 may be self-contained embodied as the
power input
portion of a 3-phase power bus bar. Another example embodiment may incorporate
lugs.
[001046] Block 66D-1 may be power output terminals which may be used to
provide the
monitored power to either a 3-phase breaker, and/or as an AC contractor power
input contacts.
[001047] The power output terminals may have holes in which screws may
be used to attach the
related power output to the each bus bar or simply they slide into the
compression screw terminals of
a contractor or breaker etc.
[001048] Blocks 66D-2A, 66D-2B and 66-2C are incoming power wires, i.e.
the black (Phase 1),
red (Phase 2) and blue (Phase 3) wires, respectively. Each wire may be secured
by a screw 66D-4.
[001049] Block 66D-3 is the metal body of the respective power
delivery/sensor module 6603.
The modules 66D-3 are insulated from each other by an insulating body/casing
66D-6 (the material
surrounding each of the modules 66D-3.
[001050] Block 66D-5 is the encapsulated electronics o f the power
delivery/sensor module 6603,
the electronic circuitry are encapsulated inside the metal body, where
electronic circuitry senses the
various currents and voltages flowing through the respective power
delivery/sensor module(s). The
electronic circuitry is encapsulated to prevent them from being damaged and to
ensure the various
sensors are maintained in the correct position relative to the respective
conductor(s) and sensors. This
also ensures the timing and voltage relationship for the internal sensing
elements.
[001051] Although a three-phase embodiment is illustrated in Figure 66D,
other embodiments
may be for single to an n-phase module, which provides a single intelligent
current and/or voltage
Sensing/Monitoring Module 6603.
[001052] In the example of Figure 66D, the respective power
delivery/sensor module 6603
includes three metal bodies 66D-3. Another embodiment may contain 4
Sensing/Monitoring Modules.
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Where 2 modules are the connected to the incoming 2-phase 110/220 AC power,
another to the
White/Neutral, and the fourth being the Safety the ground. The respective
modules output may be
connected to a bus bar/connector strip etc.
[001053] Figure 67A is one embodiment of an existing analog breaker
panel that may be
enhanced with sensors that would allow the characterization of the electric
profile to maximize safety
detection, including but not limited to Arc faults, Ground Faults and other
All Safe detection
capabilities. The disclosed system and method could be used in both AC and DC
environments.
FIGURE 67 illustrates a digital master breaker circuit interrupter electrical
safety protection system
6700, embodied in a two-phase environment.
[001054] The digital master breaker circuit interrupter electrical safety
protection system 6700
may include a breaker panel 6701 and a digital circuit interrupter 6716. The
breaker panel 6701 may
include one or more sensing bus bars 6730 for sensing white/neutral
distribution wires, and one or
more sensing busbars 6731 for sensing safety ground distribution wires.
[001055] Block 6701 is the breaker panel. Block 6730 are sensing bus
bars for white/neutral
.. distribution wires. The example ofFigure 67 illustrates 2 bus bars 6730. In
some examples, the digital
master breaker circuit interrupter electrical safety protection system 6700
may include one or more
bus bar 6730.
[001056] Block 6731 are sensing busbars for safety ground distribution
wires. The example of
Figure 67 illustrates 2 bus bars 6731. In some examples, the digital master
breaker circuit interrupter
.. electrical safety protection system 6700 may include one or more bus bar
6731.
[001057] Block 6720 is the insulator backplane support surface that
supports all the connections
from the main breaker; 6721, 6722 and 6723 are connection posts for connecting
the hot phases or
neutral wires coming from the transformer and/or other panels to the digital
master breaker circuit
interrupter electrical safety protection system 6700. Block 6732 and 6733
represent the hot
distribution busbars for the 2 hot phases powering the local breakers.
[001058] Blocks 6719 are the sensor data connectors, such as cables for
transmitting
measurement data from the sensors to the circuit interrupter 6716. Block 6718
shows two sensors
monitoring hot phase(s) 6713 and 6715. In this embodiment, Block 6716 replaces
the master analog
breaker and acts as the master circuit interrupter protecting the breaker
panel 6701. . In another
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embodiment, the master circuit interrupter 6716 may be placed before or after
(from an electrical
standpoint) the traditional master breaker and be located in the immediate
vicinity.
[001059] In the example of Figure 67A, the digital master breaker 6716
is outside the breaker
panel 6701. The digital master breaker 6716 may or may not replace the master
analog circuit breaker.
In another example embodiment, a legacy analog main breaker may be used
instead of being replaced
by a digital master breaker 6716, and sensor connectors 6719 may be connected
to a separate
monitoring unit.
[001060] In this specific embodiment, the digital master breaker 6716 is
a digital circuit
interrupter which may directly manage and optionally directly monitor, protect
and control one or
more emergency circuits 6740 that may not trip if the breaker panel is
disconnected in case of a
detected fault.
[001061] In this embodiment, the entire breaker panel 6701 is monitored
by one or more sensors
6718 and one or more sensing busbars 6730 and 6731. The example in Figure 67
illustrates two
sensors 6718 and two sensing busbars 6730 and 6731. This embodiment shows that
the digital master
breaker circuit interrupter electrical safety protection system 6700 may be
used in a two-phase system.
The digital master breaker circuit interrupter electrical safety protection
system 6700 may also be
used in 1 to 3 hot phases, and even more phases.
[001062] The information transmitted to the digital master breaker 6716
by the different sensors
allows the digital circuit interrupter 6716 to protect the environment as a
whole, rendering this legacy
analog breaker panel as safe as a modern unit.
[001063] This digital master breaker circuit interrupter system 6700 may
also provide system
wide statistics, including but not limited to the electrical consumption; and
if properly certified, it may
be used as a utility meter - reporting directly to the utility.
[001064] Block 6770 may be an encased sensor communication module for
receiving and
aggregating information from all the sensors 6718 via a communication path
6719. Although in the
example of Figure 67A, the sensor communication module 6770 is located inside
the breaker panel
6701, in another example embodiment, the sensor communication module 6770 may
be located
outside the breaker panel 6701. A digital master breaker6716 may note be
required; sensor
communication module 6770 may optionally transmit command(s) and/or data
signal(s) from a
processor for possible actions that result from sensor information received.
If digital circuit interrupter
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6716 is present, the digital circuit interrupter 6716 may decide whether or
not to trip or power a circuit
based on the signal information received from 6770. Alternatively, intelligent
sensing lugs may be
installed on each hot wire coming from the field, therefore providing circuit
specific information.
[001065] Block 6771 may be a communication link between the sensor
communications module
6770 and the intelligent circuit breaker 6716.
[001066] Additional electrical safety functionality may be incorporated
for example on the
housing of the circuit interrupter, including but not limited to: on/off
buttons, test/reset buttons, status
LEDs and a display screen to show the status of the system and/or system
statistics.
[001067] The sensor connectors may use other means of connections
including but not limited
ribbon cables, wireless connections, fiber optics.If an imbalance is detected
by the module 6670 due
to the presence of current or voltage that should not be present, the module
6670 may either inform
the user by sending a present message /alarm or if an intelligent circuit
interrupter is present, the
module 6670 may determine, for example by consulting a pre-set table of
values, the action to be
taken: for example, from sending an alarm message to cutting power to the
entire breaker panel.
[001068] Figure 67B illustrates an example of a breaker panel 6700B
incorporating intelligent
voltage and/or current sensing lugs as described above in Figure 66C. Wire may
extend into the
sensing lug described above which may extend into an existing connector. The
breaker panel 6700B
may be used on any or all the distributed power wires, including neutral if
desired. The sensing lugs
may be part of the sensor communication module 6770 described above.
[001069] In the example of Figure 67B, Blocks 6778 are two lugs that are
connected to at the
point where the black and red used to be connected. Similarly, the same lugs
may be incorporated in
Blocks 6730 and 6731. As well, rather than changing the bus bar, the white
wire connection may be
replace with 6778 lug, as described above in Figure 66C.
[001070] Blocks 6778, 6770 and 6719 (sensor wires) may be incorporated
in a single "pre-
assembled" module, or assembly. The digital circuit interrupter 6716 may or
may not be incorporated
as part of a pre-assembled assembly unit. The digital circuit interrupter 6716
acting as an intelligent
master breaker, may be used in conjunction with an analog master breaker,
whereby the analog master
breaker is primarily used for protection against external fault events rather
than inside events.
[001071] In another embodiment, the sensor data collection module Block
6770 may be external
to the breaker panel 6701.
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[001072] In another example embodiment, intelligent sensing lugs 6601
may be installed on
multiple hot wires and breaker connections in Figure 67B for black wires going
into each of the
breakers, thereby providing individual circuit information. For example,
multiple intelligent sensing
lugs may replace a traditional bus bar. Multiple configurations are possible,
including but not limited
to for example, 4 large size lugs connected into the module and 48 small lugs
to monitor black wires.
[001073] The wire coming from the master breaker may be fed into an
intelligent sensing lug
6601 first (albeit larger than in the other embodiment 6721 and 6723), and the
lug 6601 may be
connected to the terminal of the breaker panel 6701.
[001074] Same intelligent sensing lug(s) 6701 may be used to feed into a
breaker, or for the main
connection into the breaker panel.
[001075] Example embodiments of the electrical device can detect non-
continuous arcing.
Traditional industry devices require a continuous arc because they are looking
only at the current. As
traditional industry devices are looking only at the current, they have to
have a steady arcing current
so that they will be able to trip through their arcing mechanism. Loose
connections are always non-
continuous.
[001076] Example embodiments of the electrical device can detect non-
continuous arcing quite
easily as the electrical device is looking at erratic variations in the
voltage, and a non-continuous arc
will produce erratic variation in the voltage, rather than just dropping in
the voltage.
[001077] Example embodiments of the electrical device are looking at
erratic variations of the
voltage RMS values; and would detect right away non-continuous arcing. The
discontinuous nature
of the series arc will give rise to erratic changes in the voltage and these
will be detected by the
electrical device and will trip based on the detection. Detection and tripping
of a series arc based on
examination of erratic changes in the voltage, which results from the non-
continuous nature of the
series arc.
[001078] If arcing were continuous, it would drop and stay at the lower
levels. If voltage stays at
the lower level, there is no variation again. The whole RMS goes down, but the
standard deviation
goes to zero because the whole thing is down now. Whereas if it is non-
continuous it will go up and
down, up and down. Example embodiments of the electrical device are looking at
voltage to determine
if an arc, and looking at current to make detection more reliable and avoid
false tripping because of
erroneous data.
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[001079] In example embodiments, the electrical device uses solid state
switches such as IGBTs
and Triacs to continually deliver power within a cycle. An active power
distribution device operates
for every cycle.
[001080] An example embodiment is an electrical device for separated
power lines, the electrical
device comprising: a plurality of electrical devices, each electrical device
comprising a first contact
for electrical connection to a respective upstream hot power line, a second
contact for electrical
connection to a respective neutral power line, and a third contact for
electrical connection to a
respective upstream ground line; each electrical device comprising a fourth
contact for electrical
connection to a respective downstream hot power line, a fifth contact for
electrical connection to a
respective downstream neutral power line, and a sixth contact for electrical
connection to a respective
downstream ground line; and a bus for electrically connecting all of the
downstream ground lines.
[001081] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one sensor in
series relationship between one of the upstream power lines and one of the
downstream power lines
for detecting signals.
[001082] In example embodiments, wherein each electrical device includes a
switch in series
relationship between the first contact and the fourth contact, for controlling
conductive connectivity
between the respective upstream hot power line and the respective downstream
hot power line,
responsive to the signals detected by at least one of the sensors.
[001083] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor
includes a respective sensor
for each electrical device in series relationship between the first contact
and the fourth contact for
detecting signals indicative of one of the respective hot power lines, for
controlling at least one of the
switches.
[001084] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor
includes a respective sensor
for each electrical device in series relationship between the second contact
and the fifth contact for
detecting signals indicative of one of the respective neutral power lines, for
controlling at least one of
the switches.
[001085] In example embodiments, wherein each electrical receptacle
includes a respective filter
or diode in series relationship between the third contact and the sixth
contact, for filtering or one-way
conductive connectivity from the respective upstream ground line to the
respective downstream
ground line.
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[001086] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one
communication subsystem configured for wired communication over at least one
of the downstream
power lines with reference to the downstream ground line.
[001087] In example embodiments, wherein the one of the respective
downstream power lines
.. for the wired communication is the respective downstream neutral power
line.
[001088] In example embodiments, wherein the one of the respective
downstream power lines
for the wired communication is the respective downstream hot power line.
[001089] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one
communication subsystem configured for wired communication over at least one
of the upstream
power lines with reference to the upstream ground line.
[001090] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a circuit board that
contains the plurality of electrical devices, the circuit board include the
bus for the electrically
connecting of all of the downstream ground lines.
[001091] In example embodiments, wherein the bus comprises a rail.
[001092] In example embodiments, wherein the bus is for connecting to earth
ground.
[001093] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device is a
circuit breaker panel, an
electrical junction box that is adjacent to the circuit break panel, an in-
line power receptacle, a
metering device, or an intelligent junction box.
[001094] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor
includes at least one current
.. transducer.
[001095] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a second bus for
electrically connecting all of the downstream neutral lines without connecting
to the upstream neutral
lines.
[001096] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a plurality of circuit
boards, wherein a first circuit board includes the bus and a second circuit
board includes the second
bus.
,
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[001097] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a plurality of circuit
boards, wherein a first circuit board includes the bus and a second circuit
board includes the first
contact for electrical connection to the respective upstream hot power line.
[001098] An example embodiment is an extension cord, comprising: a cable
having a first end
portion and a second end portion; a power input end terminating the first end
portion of the cable; a
power output end terminating the second end portion of the cable; at least one
sensor positioned at
the second end portion for detecting signals indicative of the cable; a solid
state switch in series
relationship with the cable at the second end portion of the cable; a
processor configured to determine,
based on the detected current, that there is a ground fault, arc fault or over-
current condition, and in
response cause the solid state switch to deactivate.
[001099] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
cause the solid state
switch to activate when there is no ground fault, arc fault or over-current
condition.
[001100] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
cause the solid state
switch to deactivate in response to receiving a manual command.
[001101] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch and the at
least one sensor are
in a same packaging or a same circuit board.
[001102] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch and the
at least one sensor are
in the same packaging or the same circuit board as the power output end.
[001103] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor is in
series relationship with
the cable at the second end portion of the cable.
[001104] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises a current sensor
for detecting current and/or a voltage sensor for detecting voltage.
[001105] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor detects
signals of a hot power
line of the cable.
[001106] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor detects
signals of a neutral
power line of the cable.
[001107] In example embodiments, wherein the power input end comprises a
male end, and
wherein the power output end comprises a female end.
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[001108] In example embodiments, wherein the power output end comprises
a plurality of plug
outlets.
[001109] In example embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of plug
outlets are individually
controllable by the processor.
[001110] An example embodiment is a communication device, comprising: a
first contact
configured for electrical connection to a downstream power line; a second
contact configured for
electrical connection to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem
configured for wired
communications over the neutral power line to the ground by sending an AC
signal over the
downstream power line.
[001111] In example embodiments, wherein the downstream power line is a
neutral power line.
[001112] In example embodiments, wherein the downstream power line is a
hot power line.
[001113] In example embodiments, wherein the wired communications
continue when a circuit
breaker of a breaker panel opens a hot power line.
[001114] In example embodiments, wherein the wired communications bypass
a circuit breaker
panel.
[001115] In example embodiments, wherein the communication device is a
circuit breaker panel,
a junction box, or an in-line control and monitoring unit.
[001116] An example embodiment is a communication device, comprising: a
first contact
configured for electrical connection to a neutral power line;
a second contact configured for
electrical connection to ground; a processor; and a communication subsystem
configured for
wired communications over the neutral power line to the ground by sending an
AC signal over the
neutral line.
[001117] In example embodiments, wherein the neutral power line is a
downstream power line.
[001118] In example embodiments, wherein the wired communications
continue when a circuit
breaker of a breaker panel opens a hot power line.
[001119] In example embodiments, wherein the wired communications bypass
a circuit breaker
panel.
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[001120] In example embodiments, wherein the communication device is a
device comprising a
plug for plugging into a plug outlet.
[001121] In example embodiments, wherein the communication device is an
electrical device
having a plug outlet.
[001122] In example embodiments, wherein the communication device is a
circuit breaker panel.
[001123] An embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a first
contact and a second contact
configured for electrical connection to a hot power line and a neutral power
line, respectively, the first
contact and the second contact for downstream electrical connection to a
downstream hot power line
and downstream neutral power line, respectively; a switch connected in series
relationship to the hot
power line; at least one sensor configured to detect signals of the hot power
line and/or the neutral
power line; memory; a communication interface; at least one processor
configured to execute
instructions stored in the memory for: i) active power distribution of the
power line within each cycle
of the detected voltage signals by activating or deactivating the switch in
response to the signals
detected by at least one of the sensors, ii) control of the switch in response
to receiving a
communication over the communication interface, iii) processing raw
information of the signals
detected by the at least one sensor to arrive at processed information, and
storing the raw information
and the processed information to the memory, and iv) sending at least the
processed information
through the communication interface.
[001124] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one processor
includes a programmable
logic controller (PLC) configured to have preprogramming to perform the
automated control; wherein
the communication interface comprises a serial communication interface for
wired communication to
the at least one processor; and wherein the at least one processor executes a
MODBUS protocol over
the serial communication interface to: receive command through the serial
communication interface
for the preprogramming of the PLC, receive command through the serial
communication interface for
the control ofthe switch, and send at least the processed information through
the serial communication
interface.
[001125] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one processor
executes the MODBUS
protocol over the serial communication interface to send the raw information
of the signals from the
memory through the serial communication interface.
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[001126] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one processor is
configured to determine
a condition of the hot power line or the neutral power line from the signals
detected by the at least
one sensor, and perform any one of i)-iii) in response to the determined
condition.
[001127] In example embodiments, wherein the processing raw information
of the signals
includes calculating power factor.
[001128] In example embodiments, wherein the switch is controlled to
achieve a specified power
factor to the downstream hot power line by comparing the calculated power
factor to the specified
power factor.
[001129] In example embodiments, wherein the specified power factor is
achieved by cycle
stealing.
[001130] In example embodiments, wherein the processing raw information
of the signals
includes performing frequency analysis.
[001131] In example embodiments, wherein the processing raw information
of the signals
includes calculating output power.
[001132] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one processor is
configured to activate
one of a plurality of selectable modes of diagnostic analysis for the
electrical device.
[001133]
[001134] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises a current sensor;
wherein the processor is configured to control deactivation of the switch in
response to the detected
current of the current sensor output indicative of ground fault, arc fault or
over-current conditions.
[001135] In example embodiments, wherein said downstream electrical
connection is to a plug
outlet of the electrical device.
[001136] In example embodiments, wherein said downstream electrical
connection is to a second
electrical device.
[001137] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
second switch
connected in series relationship to the neutral power line.
[001138] In example embodiments, whether each of the at least one sensor
is in series relationship
to one of the power lines.
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[001139] In example embodiments, wherein the switch is controlled to
achieve a partial power
output.
[001140] In example embodiments, wherein the partial power output is
achieved by cycle
stealing.
[001141] In example embodiments, wherein the memory includes a first buffer
and a second
buffer, wherein the at least one processor is configured to store the raw
information to the first buffer
and store the processed information to the second buffer.
[001142] In example embodiments, wherein the at least processor
comprises a universal
asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) for communication over the
communication interface.
[001143] In example embodiments, wherein the automated control is for
safety control upon
detection of a fault.
[001144] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device is an
electrical receptacle.
[001145] In example embodiments, wherein the command through the
communication interface
for the preprogramming of the PLC includes: a command to control activation or
deactivation of
.. power to the electrical device; a command to turn on diagnostic data for
the electrical specific device;
and/or a command to turn on diagnostic data of a selected specific mode of
monitoring at the electrical
device.
[001146] In example embodiments, wherein the communication is received
from an appliance in
response to a voice input made to the appliance.
[001147] An example embodiment is a metering device configured for
distributing power,
comprising: a first contact, a second contact, and a third configured for
electrical connection to a hot
power line, a neutral power line, and a ground line, respectively, the first
contact, the second contact,
and the third contact for downstream electrical connection to a downstream hot
power line,
downstream neutral power line, and downstream ground line, respectively; a
switch connected in
series relationship to the hot power line; at least one sensor configured to
detect signals of the hot
power line and/or the neutral power line; memory; a communication interface;
and at least one
processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for i)
active power distribution of
the power line within each cycle of the detected voltage signals by activating
or deactivating the
switch in response to the signals detected by at least one of the sensors, ii)
control of the switch in
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response to receiving a communication over the communication interface, and
iii) storing raw
information of the signals and/or processed information of the signals to the
memory.
[001148] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one processor is
configured to send the
raw information and/or the processed information through the communication
interface.
[001149] In example embodiments, wherein the power distribution device is a
power distribution
cabinet.
[001150] In example embodiments, wherein the communication interface is
a wired
communication interface.
[001151] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact for electrical
connection to a hot power line, and configured for downstream electrical
connection to a downstream
power line; a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power line;
at least one sensor
configured to detect current or voltage signals of the hot power line; at
least one further sensor,
including a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, liquid sensor, vibration
sensor, or carbon monoxide
sensor, configured to detect a condition of the electrical device; and a
processor configured to control
an activation or a deactivation of the switch in response to the current or
voltage signals detected by
the at least one sensor and the condition detected by at least one further
sensor.
[001152] An example embodiment is an electrical device, comprising: a
plug outlet comprising
a first contact configured for electrical connection to a first hot power line
having a first phase and a
second contact configured for electrical connection to a second hot power line
having a second phase,
a first switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the
first hot power line, a second
switch connected to the first contact in series relationship with the second
hot power line, a processor
configured to control an activation or a deactivation of the first switch and
the second switch, the
switches being in a deactivation state as a default when there is a plug in
the plug outlet, the processor
configured to determine that electrical conditions are safe, and in response
activate the first switch
and the second switch to distribute two-phase power to the plug, wherein the
plug is from an electric
vehicle.
[001153] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: at
least one circuit breaker
for connection to at least one hot power line, and each circuit breaker
configured for downstream
electrical connection to a respective downstream power line; and a
communication subsystem; a
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processor configured to send, through the communication subsystem, a
communication that one of
the circuit breakers has opened or tripped.
[001154] In example embodiments wherein said communication includes
identifying which
particular circuit breaker has opened or tripped.
[001155] In example embodiments wherein the communication subsystem is
configured for
wired communications over the hot power line.
[001156] In example embodiments wherein the wired communications
continue when the one
circuit breaker opens one of the power lines.
[001157] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one circuit
breaker comprises a switch.
[001158] In example embodiments, wherein the switch comprises a solid state
switch.
[001159] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one circuit
breaker comprises a
mechanical breaker.
[001160] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor to detect at least
voltage signals indicative of
the power line; and a processor configured to determine from the detected
voltage signals that a series
arc fault has occurred.
[001161] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with the power line, the processor further
configured to, in response to
said determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line,
deactivating the solid state
switch.
[001162] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is a
TRIAC.
[001163] In example embodiments, wherein the contact is configured for
electrical connection to
a downstream power line or an electrical outlet.
[001164] In example embodiments, wherein said determining comprises the
processor
.. determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the downstream power
line or a load plugged into
the electrical outlet.
[001165] In example embodiments, wherein said determining comprises the
processor
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line.
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[001166] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a communication
subsystem, wherein the processor is configured to, in response to said
determining that the series arc
fault has occurred, sending a communication that the series arc fault has
occurred.
[001167] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor further
includes at least one
.. current sensor to detect current signals indicative of the power line,
wherein the determining is further
based on the detected current signals in addition to the detected voltage
signals.
[001168] In example embodiments, wherein the determining is that there
is little or no variance
in the detected voltage signals, and is below a specified voltage threshold.
[001169] In example embodiments, wherein the determining is that there
is variance in the
detected current signals, for a load that experiences current above a
threshold.
[001170] In example embodiments, wherein the power line comprises a hot
power line, or a
neutral power line.
[001171] In example embodiments, wherein the series arc fault is between
a hot power line and
a second hot power line, or a neutral power line and a second neutral power
line, or a ground power
line and a second ground power line.
[001172] In example embodiments, wherein the series arc fault is between
the power line and the
contact or a second contact.
[001173] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency
analysis of the detected
voltage signals, determining that the series arc fault has occurred from the
frequency analysis by
determining that there is little or no deviation of the frequency analysis.
[001174] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[001175] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises analyzing higher
order frequency signals that are higher than fundamental frequency of the
power line.
[001176] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises calculating a mean square or
root mean square of the
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detected voltage signals and determining that the mean square or the root mean
square deviates from
previous mean square or root mean square of previously detected voltage
signals.
[001177] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises determining that that the
mean square or the root mean
square deviation has occurred for more than a threshold number of cycles of
the detected voltage
signals.
[001178] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to,
when the mean square
or the root mean square deviation has occurred for less than a threshold
number of cycles of the
detected voltage signals, determine that no series arc fault has yet occurred
to avoid false trips.
[001179] In example embodiments, wherein the variance is a decrease in the
mean square or the
root mean square of the detected voltage signals.
[001180] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises calculating a mean square or
root mean square of
individual cycles of the detected voltage signals and determining that there
are two consecutive cycles
of decreases in the mean square or the root mean square of the detected
voltage signals.
[001181] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the series arc fault has occurred comprises determining whether there is
a voltage variance for
individual cycles of the detected voltage signals, and determining that the
voltage variance has
occurred for more than a threshold number of cycles of the detected voltage
signals.
[001182] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
determine whether
there is a voltage variance for individual cycles of the detected voltage
signals, and determine that no
series arc fault has yet occurred to avoid false trips when the voltage
variance has occurred for less
than a threshold number of cycles of the detected voltage signals.
[001183] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one analog-to-
.. digital convertor (ADC)internal or external to the processor configured to
receive a respective analog
signal from the at least one sensor and output a respective digital signal for
processing by the processor
for the determining from the detected voltage signals that the series arc
fault has occurred.
[001184] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor is for
in-series electrical
connection with the power line.
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[001185] In example embodiments, wherein the series arc fault is a non-
continuous arc fault.
[001186] An example embodiment is an arc fault circuit interrupter
comprising: a power line
conductor; a solid state switch for electrical connection to the power line
conductor and configured to
be activated or deactivated; an arc fault trip circuit cooperating with said
solid state switch, said arc
.. fault trip circuit being configured to deactivate said solid state switch
responsive to detection of a
series arc fault condition associated with voltage conditions of the power
line conductor.
[001187] In example embodiments, wherein the power line conductor
comprises a hot conductor,
a neutral conductor, or a ground conductor.
[001188] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is a
TRIAC.
[001189] An example embodiment is electrical device comprising: a contact
configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor configured to
detect voltage signals indicative
of the power line; and a processor configured to sample a plurality of the
detected voltage signals
within individual cycles of the detected voltage signals, and calculate mean
square or root mean square
values of the sampled voltage signals for the respective individual cycle of
the detected voltage
signals.
[001190] In example embodiments, wherein sixty four samples are sampled
from the respective
individual cycle of the detected voltage signals.
[001191] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
an analog-to-digital
convertor (ADC) configured to receive analog signals from the at least one
sensor indicative of the
detected voltage signals and output digital signals to the processor for the
sampling.
[001192] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with the power line, the processor further
configured to, in response to
determining that a series arc fault has occurred from the calculated mean
square or root mean square
values of the sampled voltage signals, deactivate the solid state switch.
[001193] In example embodiments, wherein said determining comprises the
processor
determining that the series arc fault has occurred on the power line.
[001194] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a communication
subsystem, wherein the processor is configured to, in response to said
determining that a series arc
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fault has occurred from the calculated mean square or root mean square values
of the sampled voltage
signals, send a communication that the series arc fault has occurred.
[001195] An example embodiment is an electrical circuit interruption
device comprising: a
contact configured for electrical connection to a power line; a solid state
switch for in-series electrical
connection with the power line; at least one sensor to detect voltage signals
indicative of the power
line and provide analog signals indicative of the detected voltage signals; an
analog-to-digital
convertor (ADC) configured to receive the analog signals from the at least one
sensor and output
digital signals to the processor; and a processor configured to determine from
the digital signals that
an arc fault has occurred, and in response deactivating the solid state
switch.
[001196] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the detected
voltage signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency analysis of
the detected voltage
signals, wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault from
the frequency analysis.
[001197] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[001198] In example embodiments, wherein the calculating of the Fourier
transform or the FFT
of the detected voltage signals is performed on individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals, and
wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault based on the
higher order frequency signals
over a plurality of cycles.
[001199] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises analyzing higher
order frequency signals that are higher than fundamental frequency of the
power line.
[001200] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis of the
detected voltage
signals comprises performing the frequency analysis on individual cycles of
the detected voltage
signals and wherein the arc fault is determined to be a series arc fault when
there is little or no
deviation of the frequency analysis over a plurality of cycles.
[001201] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected voltage signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises calculating a mean square or root
mean square of the detected
voltage signals and determining that the mean square or the root mean square
deviates from previous
mean square or root mean square of previously detected voltage signals.
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[001202] In example embodiments, wherein the variance is a decrease in
the mean square or the
root mean square of the detected voltage signals.
[001203] In example embodiments, wherein the variance is a decrease in a
peak voltage of at
least one cycle of the detected voltage signals.
[001204] In example embodiments, wherein the arc fault is determined to be
a series arc fault,
wherein the determining from the detected voltage signals that the arc fault
has occurred comprises
calculating a mean square or root mean square of individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals and
determining that a variance of the mean square or the root mean square has
occurred over a plurality
of cycles.
[001205] In example embodiments, wherein the arc fault is determined to be
a series arc fault,
wherein the determining from the detected voltage signals that the arc fault
has occurred comprises
determining whether there is a voltage variance for individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals,
and determining that the voltage variance has occurred for more than a
threshold number of cycles of
the detected voltage signals.
[001206] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor is for in-
series electrical
connection with the power line.
[001207] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
decide, for each cycle
of the detected voltage signals, whether to activate or de-activate the solid
state switch.
[001208] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured for
active power
distribution of the power line within each cycle of the detected voltage
signals by activating or
deactivating the solid state switch.
[001209] In example embodiments, wherein the arc fault is a glowing
contact arc fault between
the contact and the power line.
[001210] An example embodiment is an arc fault circuit interrupter
comprising: a hot conductor;
a solid state switch for electrical connection to the hot conductor and
configured to be activated or
deactivated; an arc fault trip circuit cooperating with said operating
mechanism, said arc fault trip
circuit being configured to deactivate said solid state switch responsive to
detection of an arc fault
condition between the hot conductor and a neutral power line associated with
detected current
variation of the hot conductor and neutral power line.
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[001211] In example embodiments, wherein the arc fault condition is
determined based on
frequency analysis of the hot conductor and neutral power line.
[001212] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a hot power line; at least one sensor to detect at
least current signals indicative
of the hot power line; and a processor configured to determine from the
detected current signals that
an arc fault has occurred between the hot power line and a neutral power line
or between hot power
line and ground power line.
[001213] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency analysis of
the detected current
signals of the hot power line.
[001214] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected current
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) that are
higher than fundamental frequency of the power line.
[001215] In example embodiments, wherein the calculating of the Fourier
transform or the FFT
of the detected current signals is performed on individual cycles of the
detected current signals, and
wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault based on the
higher order frequency signals
over a plurality of cycles.
[001216] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the
detected current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: determining a variation over a
plurality of cycles of the
detected current signals.
[001217] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
an analog-to-digital
convertor (ADC) configured to receive analog signals from the at least one
sensor indicative of the
detected current signals and output digital signals to the processor for the
determining.
[001218] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with the power line, wherein the processor is
further configured to, in
response to determining that the that arc fault has occurred, deactivating the
solid state switch.
[001219] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is
deactivated prior to current
overload of the hot power line.
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[001220] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is
deactivated when there is no
leakage to ground or another conductor.
[001221] In example embodiments, wherein the at least one sensor is for
in-series electrical
connection with the power line.
[001222] In example embodiments, wherein the determining from the detected
current signals
that the arc fault has occurred comprises: computing a frequency analysis of
the detected current
signals, wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault from
the frequency analysis.
[001223] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
sensor to detect voltage
signals indicative of a hot power line; and a processor configured to
determine from the detected
voltage signals that an arc fault has occurred, and differentiate the arc
fault as being a series arc fault
versus a parallel arc fault.
[001224] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; a solid state switch for in-series
electrical connection with the
power line; a sensor to detect voltage signals indicative of the power line; a
processor configured
to determine from the detected voltage signals that an arc fault has occurred,
and in response
deactivating the solid state switch without false tripping of the solid state
switch.
[001225] An example embodiment is an electrical circuit interruption
device comprising: a
contact configured for electrical connection to a power line; a solid state
switch for in-series electrical
connection with the power line; a sensor to detect current signals indicative
of the power line; a
processor configured to: set a settable current threshold value, and
deactivate the solid state switch in
response to the detect current signals of the power line exceeding the
settable current threshold value.
[001226] In example embodiments, wherein the settable current threshold
level is a standard
current threshold value.
[001227] In example embodiments, wherein the standard current threshold
value is 15A / 20A
,16A / 32A, 50A, 100A, 200A, or a value higher than 200A.
[001228] In example embodiments, wherein the settable current threshold
level is non-standard
current threshold value.
[001229] In example embodiments, wherein the setting is performed by the
processor based on
the detected current signals.
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[001230] In example embodiments, wherein the setting is performed by the
processor based on a
database stored in a memory accessible by the processor.
[001231] In example embodiments, wherein the settable current threshold
level for the setting is
received by the processor by way of received input.
[001232] In example embodiments, wherein the received input is received
from an Application
Program Interface, a user input device, a second electrical receptacle device,
or a computer device.
[001233] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; a voltage sensor for in-series
connection to the power line to
detect voltage signals indicative of the power line and provide analog signals
indicative of the detected
voltage signals; an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) configured to receive
the analog signals from
the voltage sensor and output digital signals; and a processor configured to
sample the digital signals
in real time.
[001234] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is a
microprocessor.
[001235] In example embodiments, wherein sixty four samples are sampled
from the respective
individual cycle of the detected voltage signals and the detected current
signals.
[001236] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
determine that an arc
fault has occurred from at least some of the sampled digital signals.
[001237] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
determine that the arc
fault is a series arc fault from a calculated mean square or root mean square
values of the sampled
voltage signals, and that there is little or no deviation in the detected
current signals.
[001238] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is further
configured to compute a
frequency analysis of the detected voltage signals, and determine that the arc
fault is a parallel arc
fault based on the frequency analysis.
[001239] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises calculating a
Fourier transform or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage
signals, and analyzing
higher order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the FFT that are
higher than fundamental
frequency of the power line.
[001240] In example embodiments, wherein the calculating of the Fourier
transform, or the FFT
of the detected voltage signals is performed on individual cycles of the
detected voltage signals, and
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wherein the arc fault is determined to be a parallel arc fault when based on
the higher order frequency
signals over a plurality of cycles.
[001241] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis
comprises analyzing higher
order frequency signals of the Fourier transform or the FFT that are higher
than fundamental
frequency of the power line.
[001242] In example embodiments, wherein the power line is a hot power
line, wherein when the
parallel arc fault has occurred over the hot power line to a neutral power
line, there is little or no
deviation in the detected current signals.
[001243] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
decide, for each cycle
of the detected current and/or voltage signals, whether to activate or de-
activate the solid state switch.
[001244] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured for
active power
distribution of the power line within each cycle of the detected current
and/or voltage signals by
activating or deactivating the solid state switch.
[001245] An example embodiment is an oscilloscope electrical device
comprising: a contact
configured for electrical connection to a power line; a sensor for in circuit
electrical connection to the
power line to detect signals indicative of the power line; a processor
configured to sample the detected
signals in real time, and provide oscilloscope information indicative of the
sampled signals.
[001246] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical connection to
the power line is in series
electrical connection for current.
[001247] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical connection to the
power line is in
parallel electrical connection for voltage.
[001248] In example embodiments, wherein the oscilloscope information
includes a waveform
of the detected signals, further comprising a display screen for the providing
of the waveform in real
time.
[001249] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
analyze the sampled
signals in real time.
[001250] In example embodiments, wherein the analyzing includes
calculating a mean square or
a root mean square of the sampled signals.
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[001251] In example embodiments, wherein the analyzing includes
performing frequency
analysis of the detected voltage signals.
[001252] In example embodiments, wherein the frequency analysis is a
Fourier transform or a
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected voltage signals.
[001253] In example embodiments, wherein the oscilloscope information
includes information
of the analyzed sampled signals.
[001254] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a communication
subsystem for the providing of the oscilloscope information by transmitting to
another device.
[001255] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one analog-to-
.. digital convertor (ADC) configured to receive a respective analog signal
from the at least one sensor
and output a respective digital signal for processing by the processor for the
providing of the
oscilloscope information.
[001256] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is configured to
execute an application
program interface (API).
[001257] In example embodiments, wherein the API includes commands for
instructing what
mode of the oscilloscope information is to be provided by the processor.
[001258] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with the power line, wherein the API includes
control commands for
manual or automatic power distribution or safety of the power line by
activating or deactivating the
solid state switch.
[001259] In example embodiments, wherein sixty four samples are sampled
from the respective
individual cycle of the detected signals.
[001260] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
contact configured for
electrical connection to a power line; at least one sensor to detect signals
indicative of the power line
and provide analog signals indicative of the detected signals; an analog-to-
digital convertor (ADC)
configured to receive the analog signals from the at least one sensor and
output digital signals to the
processor; and a processor configured to calibrate the electrical device by:
applying a first known
electrical signal to the sensor and receiving a first digital signal value,
applying a second known
electrical signal to the sensor and receiving a second digital signal value,
performing linear
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interpolation or extrapolation using the first digital signal value and the
second digital signal value
for the calibrating of the electrical device.
[001261] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
more than two digital
signal values for calibrating non-linear sensor characteristics using a piece-
wise linear approximation.
[001262] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with the power line, the processor further
configured to determine that
a series arc fault has occurred, and in response deactivating the solid state
switch.
[001263] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is a
TRIAC.
[001264] In example embodiments, wherein the contact is configured for
downstream electrical
connection to a downstream power line.
[001265] In example embodiments, wherein the contact is configured for
electrical connection
through an electrical outlet.
[001266] In example embodiments, wherein the processor is a
microprocessor.
[001267] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
first contact for
configured for electrical connection to a hot power line; a first sensor
configured to provide a first
analog signal indicative of current of the hot power line; a second contact
for configured for electrical
connection to a neutral power line; a second sensor configured to provide a
second analog signal
indicative of current of the neutral power line; a solid state switch for
electrical connection to the hot
power line and configured to be activated or deactivated; an analog-to-digital
convertor (ADC)
.. configured to receive the analog and output a digital signal, and a
processor configured to detect a
ground fault condition of the hot power line by determining a current
imbalance between the hot
power line and the neutral power line based on the digital signal from the
ADC, for the deactivation
of the solid state switch.
[001268] An example embodiment is a ground fault circuit interrupter
comprising: a power line
conductor; a first sensor configured to provide a first analog signal
indicative of current of the power
line conductor; a neutral line conductor; a second sensor configured to
provide a second analog signal
indicative of current of the neutral line conductor; a solid state switch for
electrical connection to the
power line conductor and configured to be activated or deactivated; a ground
fault trip circuit
cooperating with said operating mechanism, said ground fault trip circuit
being configured to
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deactivate said solid state switch responsive to detection of a ground fault
condition associated with
current imbalance between said hot conductor and said neutral conductor,
wherein said ground fault
trip circuit includes: an analog comparator circuit configured to receive the
first analog signal and the
second analog signal and output an analog signal indicative of a difference
between the first analog
signal and the second analog signal, an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC)
configured to receive the
analog signal from the analog comparator circuit and output a digital signal,
and a processor
configured to perform determining of the current imbalance for the detection
of the ground fault
condition based on the digital signal from the ADC, for the deactivation of
the solid state switch.
[001269] In example embodiments, wherein the analog comparator circuit
comprises a
differential amplifier.
[001270] In example embodiments, wherein the differential amplifier is
unaffected by magnetic
field effects.
[001271] In example embodiments, wherein the detection of the ground
fault condition by
processor includes determining that the current imbalance exceeds a threshold
current imbalance
.. and/or that the current imbalance has lasted for more than a threshold
time.
[001272] In example embodiments, wherein the detection of the ground
fault condition by
processor includes determining that the current imbalance exceeds a threshold
current imbalance.
[001273] In example embodiments, wherein the detection of the ground
fault condition by
processor includes determining that the current imbalance has lasted for more
than a threshold time.
[001274] In example embodiments, wherein the first sensor and the second
sensor are unaffected
by magnetic field effects.
[001275] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
conductive housing
defining a first channel for receiving a power line, and a second channel; a
fastener through the second
channel for tightening the power line to the first channel, a head of the
fastener engaging the power
line and the conductive housing when tightened.
[001276] In example embodiments, wherein the head is nested within an
exterior of the
conductive housing when tightened.
[001277] In example embodiments, wherein the fastener contacts the
conductive housing without
contacting the power line.
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[001278] In example embodiments, wherein the conductive housing includes
a first conductive
part and a second conductive part that collectively define the first channel.
[001279] In example embodiments, wherein the first channel includes one
or more ribs for
crimping contact with the power line.
[001280] In example embodiments, wherein the fastener is a screw and the
head is a screw head.
[001281] In example embodiments, wherein the power line does not wrap
around the screw.
[001282] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a conductive element
conductively connected to the conductive housing for electrical connection to
an electrical outlet or
for downstream connection.
[001283] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
circuit board that
comprises the conductive element.
[001284] In example embodiments, wherein the circuit board includes an
opening for receiving
direct connection to the power line, the opening being accessible through the
first channel.
[001285] In example embodiments, wherein the opening is axially offset
from the first channel.
[001286] In example embodiments, wherein the opening and the first channel
collectively define
a guiding tunnel for the power line.
[001287] In example embodiments, wherein the power line does not wrap
around the fastener.
[001288] In example embodiments, for preventing of glowing contact
between the power line
and the conductive housing.
[001289] In example embodiments, wherein the fastener and the head are
conductive.
[001290] In example embodiments, wherein the first channel is generally
perpendicular to the
second channel.
[001291] In example embodiments, wherein the device is an in-wall
receptacle, a multiple-outlet
power adapter, a power strip, an in-line power receptacle, an extension cord,
a circuit breaker, a circuit
breaker panel, a junction box, or a load center.
[001292] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
ground contact
configured for electrical connection to ground; a first voltage sensor to
detect voltage signals
indicative of the ground contact; a first current sensor to detect current
signals indicative of the ground
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contact; a neutral contact configured for electrical connection to a neutral
power line; a second
voltage sensor to detect voltage signals indicative of the neutral power line;
a second current sensor
to detect current signals indicative of the neutral power line; and a
processor configured to
determine from the detected voltage signals and/or the current signals that a
ground imbalance has
occurred between the neutral power line and the ground.
[001293] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a solid state switch for
in-series electrical connection with a power line, the processor further
configured to, in response to
said determining that the ground imbalance has occurred on the power line,
deactivating the solid
state switch.
[001294] In example embodiments, wherein the solid state switch is a TRIAC.
[001295] In example embodiments, wherein said determining comprises the
processor
determining that the ground imbalance has occurred upstream of the electrical
device.
[001296] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a communication
subsystem, wherein the processor is configured to, in response to said
determining that the ground
imbalance fault has occurred, sending a communication that the ground
imbalance has occurred.
[001297] In example embodiments, wherein the ground contact is for
electrical connection to the
ground by way of a ground power line.
[001298] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
at least one analog-to-
digital convertor (ADC) configured to receive a respective analog signal from
the first voltage sensor
and output a respective digital signal for processing by the processor for the
determining from the
detected voltage signals that the ground imbalance has occurred.
[001299] In example embodiments, wherein the first voltage sensor is for
in-series electrical
connection with the ground.
[001300] In example embodiments, wherein the first current sensor
includes a magnetic field
sensor for the detecting of the current signals of the ground.
[001301] In example embodiments, further comprising a ground plate for
connecting the ground
contact to the ground.
[001302] In example embodiments, wherein the ground plate is a heat sink
of the electrical
device.
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[001303] In example embodiments, wherein the ground plate is a face
plate of the electrical
device.
[001304] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
ground contact
configured for electrical connection to ground; a voltage sensor for in-series
connection to the power
line to detect voltage signals indicative of the ground contact line and
provide analog signals
indicative of the detected voltage signals; a current sensor for in-series
connection to the power line
to detect current signals indicative of the ground contact line and provide
analog signals indicative of
the detected current signals; an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) configured
to receive the analog
signals from the voltage sensor and output digital signals; and a processor
configured to sample the
digital signals in real time.
[001305] In example embodiments, wherein the voltage sensor is for in-
series electrical
connection with the ground.
[001306] In example embodiments, wherein the current sensor includes a
magnetic field sensor
for the detecting of the current signals of the ground.
[001307] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
ground plate for
connecting the ground contact to the ground.
[001308] In example embodiments, wherein the ground plate is a heat sink
of the electrical
device.
[001309] In example embodiments, wherein the ground plate is a face
plate of the electrical
device.
[001310] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
processor; and a sensor
assembly electrically coupled to the processor for detecting a current
leakage, a voltage between two
power lines, or both the current leakage and the voltage between the two power
lines.
[001311] In example embodiments, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a
current sensor.
[001312] In example embodiments, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a
voltage sensor.
[001313] In example embodiments, wherein the sensor assembly comprises
both a current sensor
and a voltage sensor.
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[001314] In example embodiments, wherein current sensor detects current
leakage on a safety
ground wire.
[001315] In example embodiments, wherein current sensor detects a
magnetic field generated by
the leakage current on the safety ground wire.
[001316] In example embodiments, wherein current sensor detects a magnetic
field generated by
the leakage current on the safety ground wire.
[001317] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a communications line
for connecting the sensor assembly with the processor for transmitting
measurement results from the
sensor assembly to the processor.
[001318] An example embodiment is a method for detecting ground imbalance
on an electrical
device, comprising: receiving, from a senor assembly, current, voltage, or
both current and voltage
measurement results; determine whether a ground imbalance is above a
predetermined safety
threshold level; and sending an error message indicating the ground imbalance.
[001319] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
in response to the
determining that the ground imbalance is above the predetermined safety
threshold level,
discontinuing delivery of power to the electrical device.
[001320] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
if a second ground
imbalance indicated by an external sensors above a predetermined threshold,
alerting an external
safety ground fault.
[001321] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises if
a second ground
imbalance indicated by an external sensors above a predetermined threshold,
alerting an external
safety ground fault.
[001322] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
discontinuing delivery
of power to the electrical device.
[001323] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
dielectric body, a
plurality of through holes formed on the dielectric body, each through hole
for receiving a power line;
and a housing at an end of the body for housing a current sensor for sensing a
current of the power
line, a voltage sensor for sensing the voltage of the power line, or both a
current for sensing a current
of the power line and a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage of the power
line.
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[001324] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a plurality of screw
holes, each hole for receiving a screw for securing the power line in a
through hole.
[001325] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a plurality of
attachment screw holes for securing the electric device to an object.
[001326] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises a
plurality of sensor
leads, each for indicating a status of a sensor in the housing.
[001327] In example embodiments, the electrical device further comprises
a conductor or a cable
for transmitting measurement results to a processor.
[001328] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device is an
insulated bus bar mounted
on a breaker panel housing.
[001329] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device detects
fault on current and/or
voltage.
[001330] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device is
configured to receive a wire
through a main feed conductor hole, and to provide an exit path for the wire
through a seocnd
conductor hole.
[001331] In example embodiments, wherein the electrical device further
comprising a jumper
cable for use between the second conductor hole and a bus bar.
[001332] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
dielectric body, a through
holes formed on a first side of the dielectric body for receiving an end of a
power line; and a housing
at an end of the body for housing a current sensor for sensing a current of
the power line, a voltage
sensor for sensing the voltage of the power line, or both a current for
sensing a current of the power
line and a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage of the power line; and a
conductive pin on a second
side of the dielectric body for conducting current or voltage to or from the
power line.
[001333] In example embodiments, wherein the conductive pin is mounted
perpendicularly to the
second side of the dielectric body.
[001334] An example embodiment is an electrical device comprising: a
plurality of power output
terminals for supplying power; a plurality of power supply terminals for
receiving power supply from
a power source; a plurality of insulated power delivery modules, each module
electrically connected
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to a respective power supply terminal and a power output terminal for
conducting power; and a sensor
unit for sensing current and voltage flowing through each of the power
delivery module.
[001335] In example embodiments, wherein the sensor unit is encapsulated
in the electrical
device.
[001336] "Fig." and "Figure" are used interchangeably herein in the present
disclosure.
[001337] While some of the present embodiments are described in terms of
methods, a person of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that present embodiments are also
directed to various
apparatus such as processors, circuitry, and controllers including components
for performing at least
some of the aspects and features of the described methods, be it by way of
hardware components,
software or any combination of the two, or in any other manner, as applicable.
[001338] In the Figures, as applicable, at least some or all of the
illustrated subsystems or blocks
may include or be controlled by a processor, which executes instructions
stored in a memory or
computer readable medium. Variations may be made to some example embodiments,
which may
include combinations and sub-combinations of any of the above. The various
embodiments presented
above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this
disclosure. Variations
of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary
skill in the art having the
benefit of the example embodiments, such variations being within the intended
scope of the present
disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described
embodiments may be
selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of
features, which may
not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of
the above-described
embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments
comprised of a
combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features
suitable for such
combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon
review of the present disclosure as a whole. The subject matter described
herein intends to cover and
embrace all suitable changes in technology.
[001339] Certain adaptations and modifications of the described
embodiments can be made.
Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative
and not restrictive.
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