Power grid backfeed protection apparatus
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorMilton E. Goss
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A circuit breaker that functions like a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch is used to isolate the commercial power grid from an external power source. When in the “on” position the circuit breaker serves as a main power input circuit breaker allowing power from the commercial power grid to feed into existing wiring. In the “off” position the commercial power grid is disconnected and isolated from the existing wiring. Instead, the switch mechanism is connected to an external power source such as a generator. The generator can be safely operated without risking power backfeed into the commercial power grid.
Claims6
An apparatus to prevent power from backfeeding into primary source of power when a secondary source of power is connected to existing wiring that is normally powered by said primary source of power, said apparatus comprising a switching mechanism within a circuit breaker, said switching mechanism being electrically connected with said existing wiring, said switching mechanism able to be toggled between said primary source of power and said secondary source of power such that said primary source of power and said secondary source of power are always isolated from one another regardless of which source of power is currently feeding said existing wiring thereby preventing said primary source of power from backfeeding into said secondary source of power and preventing said secondary source of power from backfeeding into said primary source of power.
A method of preventing power from backfeeding into a primary source of power when a secondary source of power is connected to existing wiring that is normally powered by said primary source of power, comprising:
- providing a switching mechanism that can toggle between said primary source of power and said secondary source of power, said switching mechanism being electrically connected with the existing wiring;
- isolating the primary source of power from the secondary source of power within said switching mechanism such that the existing wiring can draw power from either said primary source of power or said secondary source of power but not both at the same time;
- and
- toggling from said primary source of power to said secondary source of power in order to provide power to the existing wiring in the event of a failure of said primary source of power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.