Sensing downed power lines
OwnerGary R. Hoffmaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In systems embodying the invention, a “downed” power line is detected by sensing whether there is an open circuit along the power line and producing an indication that an open circuit condition exists. In response to an indication that an open circuit condition exists, the system compares the nature of the voltage and/or current signals present on the power line at the time an open circuit condition is indicated to exist, with a preprogrammed stored condition which includes typical signals to be expected when a “break” occurs along a power line. When a downed power line is detected, power is then removed from the affected line.
Claims25
Apparatus for sensing a break along a power conductor which is used to distribute electrical power from an origination point and then along the conductor to a termination point, comprising:
- a first means coupled to the origination point of the conductor;
- a second means connected to a point along the conductor between the origination point and the termination point of the conductor;
- said first and second means being in communication with each other for producing a first signal when there is an interruption in the distribution of power along the conductor between the first and second means;
- and
- sensing and recording means coupled to the origination point of the conductor for sensing and recording the characteristic of the electrical signals present at, or reflected to, the origination point of the conductor for enabling said sensing and recording means to sense and record the electrical signal present at the origination point at all times, including the time when the first signal is produced.
An electrical power distribution system comprising:
- first storage means for storing information pertaining to selected characteristics exhibited by a downed power line;
- circuitry coupled to a power line for sensing selected characteristics of the power being distributed along the power line and for storing the sensed information in a second storage means;
- circuitry coupled to the power line for sensing the presence of an open circuit on the power line;
- and
- circuitry responsive to the presence of an open circuit condition for comparing information stored in the second storage means with information stored in the first storage means.
Apparatus for sensing a break along a power conductor which is used to distribute power from an origination point and then along the conductor to a termination point, comprising:
- first communication means coupled to the origination point of the conductor;
- second communication means connected along the conductor between the origination point and the termination point of the conductor;
- said first and second communication means communicating with each other along said conductor, whereby any open circuit condition along the conductor causes the interruption of communication between the first and second means;
- sensing and recording means coupled to the origination point of the conductor for continuously sensing and recording selected characteristics of the electrical signals present at, or reflected to, the origination point of the conductor;
- wherein at least one of said first and second communication means generates a first signal in response to the interruption of communication between the first and second communication means and wherein said first signal is applied to said sensing and recording means for evaluating the characteristic of the electrical signal generated at the origination point at the time of the interruption of communication along the conductor.
Apparatus comprising:
- a conductor having an origination point and a termination point;
- a power source;
- a normally enabled switching means connected between the power source and the origination point of the conductor;
- said switching means, when enabled, coupling the power source to the origination point of the conductor for enabling distribution of power along the conductor;
- a first transceiver coupled to the origination point of the conductor;
- a second transceiver coupled along the conductor between the origination point and the termination point;
- said first and second transceivers being in communication with each other for producing a first signal when there is a disruption in the distribution of power along the conductor;
- sensing and recording circuitry coupled to the origination point of the conductor for sensing and recording selected electrical signals generated at the origination point of the conductor for disabling the switching means in response to a predetermined signal condition at the origination point and to the presence of said first signal.
A method for interrupting power distribution along a power line comprising the steps of:
- sensing selected characteristics of the power being distributed along a power line and storing the information in a first memory;
- sensing the presence of an open circuit condition on a power line;
- comparing information corresponding to selected ones of the characteristics stored in the first memory with prestored data identifying characteristics exhibited when there is a break on the power line, in response to sensing the presence of an open circuit on the power line;
- and
- interrupting the application of power to the portion of the power line before the break.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.