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AssigneeViking Sentinel Technology, LLC
InventorsVahid Madani, Ronald E. Smith, Robert B. Stuart, Kenneth Hyung Choi, Justin Dongjin Choi
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Abstract
The present disclosure pertains to detection of abnormal, risky, or aberrant conditions in a power distribution network and to corresponding trip signals being used to trip open devices such as reclosers upstream of where the abnormal condition is detected. Detection of a missing broadband over power-line signal or of an open circuit between phases of a power distribution circuit may prevent severed conductors from causing a ground fault, therefore avoiding the possibility of fire and dangerous conditions.
Claims19
A method for blocking a closure of an interrupting device, comprising:
- providing a first resistor between a first phase and a second phase of a three-phase distribution network;
- providing a second resistor between the second phase and a third phase of the three-phase network;
- determining, via a continuity tester at an end of the network, an abnormal condition in the three-phase network based on an impedance measured between two of the phases;
- and
- blocking, at least temporarily from closing, the interrupting device based on the determined condition.
A method for blocking a closure of an interrupting device, comprising:
- transmitting, via each of a set of power lines, a plurality of signals between the interrupting device and another device;
- determining an abnormal condition based on an interruption of one or more of the signals;
- and
- blocking, at least temporarily from closing, the interrupting device based on the determined condition;
- and,
- further, wherein the signals are transmitted based on frequency diversity between different phases of the set of power lines such that electromagnetic interference is reduced, and
- wherein one or more frequency bands at which the signals are transmitted are a plurality of orders of magnitude greater than a frequency at which a voltage on the power lines oscillates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.