Position-sensing device for power distribution switch
AssigneeSystems Analysis and Integration, Inc.
InventorRonald B. Tinkham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A remotely controlled actuator assembly is provided to switch a large power distribution switch used in an electrical utility power grid. The actuator of the assembly throws the switch between at least two positions to establish at least two power routing conditions. The actuator assembly includes a position-sensing device to repeatably and accurately indicate the position of the actuator. The position-sensing device generates a signal indicative of the extent of displacement of the actuator. The generated signal provides feed-back to a control system which control the extent of actuator travel.
Claims21
An actuator assembly for use with a power distribution switch of the type used with an electrical utility power grid, the distribution switch being movable to establish at least a first and a second power routing condition, said actuator assembly comprising:
- an actuator having a body and an actuator shaft adapted to be coupled to a lever of the power distribution switch, said actuator shaft sliding relative to said body between at least a first position, in which the lever of the power distribution switch is positioned to establish said first power routing condition, and a second portion, in which the lever of the power distribution switch is positioned to establish said second power routing condition, said actuator shaft carrying a reference member;
- and
- a position-sensing device attached to said actuator, said sensing device generating a signal indicative of movement of said reference member as said actuator shaft moves between said first and second positions.
A method of controlling the position of a power distribution switch between at least two power routing conditions, comprising the steps of:
- coupling an actuator shaft to the power distribution switch such that movement of said actuator shaft moves a lever of the power distribution switch;
- attaching a reference member to said actuator shaft;
- moving said actuator shaft to throw the power distribution switch;
- continuously detecting the movement of the reference member as the actuator shaft moves;
- generating a signal indicative of the movement of the reference member;
- communicating said signal to control circuitry;
- and
- comparing said signal to a preselected signal indicative of a desired actuator stop point to determine whether the actuator travel has reach the desired stop point.
An actuator assembly for use with a power distribution switch of the type used with an electrical utility power grid, the distribution switch having a movable lever, said actuator assembly comprising a motor which moves a linear actuator through a drive train, said actuator having a body and an actuator shaft, said actuator shaft moving relative to said actuator body between a first position and a second position with an end of the actuator shaft being adapted to be coupled to the lever of the power distribution switch, control logic driving said motor, and a sensor continuously detecting an electrical characteristic, independent of the motion transferred through said drive train, as said actuator shaft moves between said first and second positions, said electrical characteristic being indicative of the extent of displacement of said actuator shaft relative to said actuator body, said sensor generating a signal indicative of the position of said actuator shaft relative to said actuator body, said control logic receiving said signal from said sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.