Apparatus for energizing a protective device, and associated method
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorsMatthew Wilbur Naiva, Mark Alan Verheyen, Joseph Daniel Riley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved overload relay includes a number of current transformers that draw power from a circuit it protects to power itself. The current transformers charge a capacitor which powers a processor and which can energize a solenoid to initiate the interruption of the circuit. The overload relay further includes a capacitor analysis circuit which detects an operational parameter of the capacitor and enables a processor to determine when the energy storage capability of the capacitor has dropped to a predetermined threshold. In the event of such a determination, the overload relay can perform any of a number of actions.
Claims14
An apparatus structured to energize a protective device to at least initiate an opening of at least a portion of a circuit, the apparatus comprising:
- a storage device structured to store energy and to release at least a portion of the energy to energize the protective device;
- a detection system connected with the storage device and structured to detect at least a first operational parameter of the storage device that is usable in determining an energy storage capability of the storage device;
- and
- responsive to a determination by the apparatus that the energy storage capability of the storage device has dropped to a predetermined threshold, the apparatus being structured to perform a predetermined action.
A method of indicating a need to replace an apparatus that is structured to energize a protective device to at least initiate an opening of at least a portion of a circuit, the method comprising:
- storing energy in a storage device to enable a release of at least a portion of the energy to energize the protective device;
- detecting at least a first operational parameter of the storage device that is usable in determining an energy storage capability of the storage device;
- and
- responsive to a determination by the apparatus that the energy storage capability of the storage device has dropped to a predetermined threshold, performing a predetermined action.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.