US 8,068,937 B2Granted

Power distribution system with fault protection using energy packet confirmation

AssigneeStephen Spencer Eaves

InventorStephen Spencer Eaves

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Abstract

The disclosed power distribution system regulates the transfer of energy from a source 1 to a load 3. Source Controller 5 on the source side closes Disconnect Device 7 and monitors the transfer of a pulse or “packet” of energy to the load side. A Load Controller 9 on the load side communicates the amount of energy received at the load back to the source controller via Communication Link 11. If it is confirmed that the energy received on the load side corresponds to that sent by the source side, another energy packet is sent. If the energy received does not correspond with that sent by the source side, energy transfer is stopped, indicating a system fault or safety hazard. The energy content of a single packet is kept small, such that if it is not properly delivered, it can not cause damage to equipment or harm personnel.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A power distribution system for regulating the transfer of energy from a source to a load comprising:

a) source controller means on the source side of said power distribution system with communication to source sensing means that provides feedback to the source controller that includes at least a signal indicative of the current passing through a source conductor;
b) source disconnect device means responsive to a control signal from the source controller for electrically connecting or disconnecting the source from the load circuits;
c) load controller means with communication to load sensing means, where the load sensing means provides feedback to the load controller that includes at least a signal indicative of the current passing through a load circuit conductor;
d) data communication means for the exchange of operating information between the source controller and load controller;
e) logic means implemented in at least the source controller for determining, based on a predetermined set of conditions that include at least the difference between electrical current measured on the source side of the system and the electrical current measured on the load side of the system exceeding a predetermined maximum value if energy should be transferred from the source to the load, or if the source disconnect device should be opened to interrupt energy transfer.

2 more elements

A method for regulating the safe transfer of energy between a power source and a load comprising:

a) operating a first controller to measure variables on the source side of the system that are indicative of the operating state of the source that include at least the electrical current passing through one or more source conductors;
b) operating a second controller to measure variables on the load side of the system that are indicative of the operating state of the load that include at least the electrical current passing through one or more load conductors;
c) transferring the variables acquired by the load controller to the source controller;
d) inputting the load variables and source variables to a predetermined numerical algorithm resident in the source controller that distinguishes normal power distribution system operation from abnormal operation based on conditions that include at least a difference between electrical current leaving the source side of the system and entering the load side of the system exceeding a predetermined maximum value.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.