HEALTH STATUS OF AN INTERNAL POWER SOURCE OF A FAULTY CIRCUIT INDICATOR

Abstract

A fault circuit indicator includes: a power source; a sensor system configured to measure voltage and temperature at the power source; and a controller coupled to the sensor system. The controller is configured to determine the health status of the power source based on the measured voltage and temperature. The fault circuit indicator also includes an indicator module coupled to the controller. The indicator is configured to provide an indication of the power source's health status.

Description

HEALTH STATUS OF AN INTERNAL POWER SOURCE OF A FAULTY CIRCUIT INDICATOR FIELD OF INVENTION This description relates to the health status of an internal power source of a faulty circuit indicator (FCI). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A faulty circuit indicator (FCI) is a device used to provide a visual or remote indication of a fault in an electrical circuit or monitored electrical system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, a fault circuit indicator includes: a power source; a sensor system configured to measure voltage and temperature at the power source; and a controller coupled to the sensor system. The controller is configured to determine the health status of the power source based on the measured voltage and temperature. The fault circuit indicator also includes an indicator module coupled to the controller. The indicator is configured to provide an indication of the power source's health status. Implementations may include one or more of the CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi Rei. 346857 following characteristics. The sensor system may include a temperature sensor and a voltage sensor; the temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature at the power source, and the voltage sensor may be configured to measure the voltage at the power source. The controller may include an electronic memory that stores at least one characteristic of the power source, and the controller may be configured to determine the health status of the power source based on the measured temperature, the measured voltage, and at least one characteristic of the power source. The power source may be a battery; the electronic memory may store a plurality of battery characteristics; each characteristic may be a pre-known relationship between the discharge voltage across the battery and the battery capacity, and each characteristic may be associated with a different pre-known temperature.The battery health status can be an estimate of battery capacity. The fault circuit indicator may also include an enclosure. In these implementations, the power supply, sensor system, and controller are inside the enclosure. The indicator module may be located within the enclosure, and the indication may be visible from outside the enclosure. The indicator module may include one or more lights, a mechanical switch, and a configured mechanism. CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi to produce an audible sound. The housing may include a mounting point configured to mount the fault circuit indicator to a separate device that is electrically connected to a power system. The indicator module can be configured to provide the indication to a device that is separate from the fault circuit indicator. The controller can be a microcontroller. The indication of the health status of the power source may include an estimate of the amount of remaining life in the power source. In another aspect, a controller includes: an electronic processing module; an electronic memory coupled to the electronic processing module, the electronic memory having stored in it one or more characteristics of an internal power source, a fault circuit indicator, and instructions that, when executed, cause the electronic processing module to determine a health status of the internal power source based on at least one of the one or more characteristics of the internal power source and at least one measured operating condition of the power source. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. At least one measured operating condition may include a measured temperature in the CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi power source and a voltage measured at the power source. The instructions may also include instructions that, when executed, cause the processing module to communicate with an indicator module in such a way that the indicator module produces a perceptible indication of the health status. In another aspect, a plurality of voltage values ​​are measured; each voltage value is a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in a fault circuit indicator housing at a different time; a temperature is measured in the battery; it is determined whether a fault occurs in a power system electrically connected to the fault circuit indicator; and if no fault occurs: one of a plurality of pre-known discharge characteristics associated with the battery is accessed, each of the pre-known discharge characteristics being associated with a pre-known temperature; and the measured voltage values ​​are compared with at least one of the pre-known discharge characteristics. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, if no failure occurs: it is determined whether any of the plurality of known discharge characteristics matches the measured voltage values ​​based on a comparison of the measured voltage values ​​with at least one of the CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi known discharge characteristics; and if one of the plurality of known discharge characteristics matches the measured voltage values: a remaining battery life is estimated based on comparing the measured voltage values ​​with one of the known discharge characteristics; and an indication of the estimated remaining battery life is produced. A nearest temperature can be determined by comparing the measured temperature with the known temperature, and the one of the plurality of known discharge characteristics can be the known discharge characteristic associated with the nearest temperature. The known discharge characteristic can be a ratio of the battery's voltage capacity for the nearest temperature, and estimating a remaining battery life can include determining a capacity metric that corresponds to one or more of the measured voltage values.In some implementations, if no fault occurs and none of the plurality of pre-known discharge characteristics match the measured voltage values, a second plurality of voltage values ​​is measured; each voltage value is a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in the fault circuit indicator housing at a different time. In some implementations, if a fault occurs, the fault circuit indicator is reconfigured; and, after CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi To reconfigure the faulty circuit indicator, a second plurality of voltage values ​​is measured; each voltage value is a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in the faulty circuit indicator housing at a different time. In some implementations, if a fault occurs, the plurality of measured voltage values ​​is discarded. Implementations of any of the techniques described herein may include a system, a faulty circuit indicator, an electronic controller, and / or a method. Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying figures and the description below. Other features will become apparent from the description and figures, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example of a faulty circuit indicator (FCI). Figure 2A is an exterior perspective view of another example of an FCI. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the FCI in Figure 2A. Figure 2C is a block diagram of an electronic controller of the FCI in Figure 2A. Figure 2D is a partial schematic of the FCI from Figure 2A. Figures 2E are examples of self-discharge characteristics for an internal power source of the ICF of Figure 2A. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of a process for monitoring an internal power source of an FCI. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example of a system that includes faulty circuit indicators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a block diagram of a fault circuit indicator (FCI) 110. The FCI 110 includes a fault detection system 111, an energy harvesting system 112, an indicator module 140, and an electronic controller 160. The fault detection system 111 collects data related to the electricity flowing in the electrical system 100. For example, the fault detection system 111 can measure the voltage and / or current of the electricity flowing in a distribution path 106 of the electrical system 100. The electronic controller 160 determines whether or not there is a fault in the electrical system 100 based on the data from the fault detection system 111. A fault is an electrical current or voltage that has characteristics (amplitude, frequency, and / or phase) that deviate from expected or nominal values. The faults can be caused, for example, by a power surge from distribution line 106, CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi waste falling into the distribution path 106, or equipment malfunction in the electrical system 100. Under normal operating conditions, the energy harvesting system 112 supplies the electronic controller 160 and the indicator module 140 with electrical power from the distribution path 106. However, the FCI 110 also includes an internal power source 120 that provides power to the electronic controller 160 and the indicator module 140 when the energy harvesting system 112 is unable to supply power. In other words, the internal power source 120 is a backup power source for the FCI 110. The FCI 110 also includes a monitoring system 130 that measures one or more conditions in the internal power source 120. The electronic controller 160 determines the health status of the internal power source 120 based on the measured condition(s). The electronic controller 160 also causes the indicator module 140 to provide an indication of the health status of the internal power source 120. As described below, monitoring the health status of the internal power supply 120 improves the performance and reliability of the FCI 110. For example, the internal power supply 120 has a finite lifespan, and the FCI 110 provides an indication of the health of the power supply. CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi Internal energy 120 allows an operator to determine whether to replace the FCI 110 and / or the internal energy source 120. The health indication also allows the operator to determine if the FCI 110 failed due to degradation of the internal energy source 120. Furthermore, using the measured condition or conditions of the internal energy source 120 to determine its health status results in a more accurate determination compared to an approach that relies on environmental or estimated conditions. Figure 2A is a perspective block diagram of an exterior of an FCI 210. Figure 2B is a side block diagram of a cross-sectional view of an interior 213 of the FCI 210. Figure 2C is a block diagram of an electronic controller 260. The FCI 210 is an example of an implementation of the FCI 110. The FCI 210 includes a housing 219, which defines the interior 213. The housing 219 has six solid walls that define the interior 213. Four walls, 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d, are shown in Figure 2A and / or Figure 2B. The six walls define the interior 213. The walls are made of a durable material, such as a tough polymer. In the example shown, the six walls form a parallelepiped. However, the FCI 210 can have any shape and may include more or fewer than six walls. The FCI 210 includes an internal 220V power supply, a The monitoring system 230 and the electronic controller 260 are all located inside 213. The internal power source 220 can be, for example, a battery, such as an alkaline battery or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In Figure 2A, the internal power source 220 and the monitoring system 230 are represented by dashed lines to indicate that they are concealed and located inside 213. The FCI 210 also includes an energy harvesting system 212. The energy harvesting system 212 can be, for example, a transformer or other device that is inductively coupled to the energy system that the FCI 210 monitors. The energy harvesting system 212 supplies power to the electronic controller 260 and the indicator module 240 when electrical current flows in the monitored energy system. The internal power source 220 supplies power to the electronic controller 260 and the indicator module 240 when the energy harvesting system 212 is unable to supply power. The FCI 210 also includes a fault detection system 211, which includes a sensor system that measures one or more electrical quantities in the portion of the electrical circuit that the FCI 210 monitors. For example, the fault detection system 211 can include a voltage transformer, a current transformer, and / or a Rogowski coil. CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi The FCI 210 also includes an indicator module 240 and a connection point 245. The indicator module 240 and the connection point 245 are located on the outside of the FCI 210. In the example shown in Figures 2I and 2B, the indicator module 240 is on wall 212a and the connection point 245 is on wall 212d. Other configurations are possible. Connection point 245 is used to connect FCI 210 to an external electrical circuit or to an external device that is electrically connected to the circuit. For example, connection point 245 could be an electrical connection that electrically connects FCI 210 to distribution path 106 (Figure 1). In another example, connection point 245 could be a connection that electrically and mechanically connects FCI 210 to a device (such as an elbow, T-shaped surge arrester, or overhead feed line clamps) that is electrically connected to distribution path 106. The indicator module 240 includes indicator mechanisms 242 and 243. Indicator mechanism 242 is configured to produce a perceptible indication of whether or not a fault exists in the monitored electrical circuit. Indicator mechanism 243 is configured to produce a perceptible indication of the health status of internal power supply 220. Indicating mechanisms 242 and 243 are any type of mechanism capable of producing a perceptible indication. For example, indicating mechanisms 242 and 243 can be lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)), loudspeakers or other sound-emitting devices, a mechanical switch that moves between two or more possible positions, an electronic display (such as a 7-segment display), or electronic transmitters that emit electrical signals encoded with information readable by an external electronic processor. In some implementations, indicating mechanism 242 is a different mechanism from indicating mechanism 243. For example, indicating mechanism 242 might be an LED, and indicating mechanism 243 might be a mechanical switch. Furthermore, in some implementations, indicator mechanism 242 and indicator mechanism 243 may be of the same type but configured so that an operator can distinguish between them based on visual inspection. For example, indicator mechanisms 242 and 243 may be LEDs, each emitting a different color of light. Additionally, indicator mechanism 242 and / or indicator mechanism 243 may include more than one indicator. For example, indicator mechanism 242 may include more than one LED, or an LED and an audible emitter. In another example, indicator mechanism 243 may include an LED and an electronic transmitter. Indicator mechanisms 242 and 243 are controlled by CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi the electronic controller 260. Figure 2C is a block diagram of the electronic controller 260. The electronic controller 260 further includes an electronic processor module 261, an electronic storage 262, and an input / output (I / O) interface 263. The 261 electronic processing module includes one or more electronic processors, each of which is any type of electronic processor. For example, the 261 electronic processing module may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Electronic storage 262 is any type of electronic memory capable of storing data and instructions in the form of computer programs or software, and it may include volatile and / or non-volatile components. Electronic storage 262 and electronic processing module 261 are coupled such that processing module 261 can access or read data and write data to electronic storage 262. Data 265 and a state determination module of CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi health 269 are stored in electronic storage 262. Data 265 includes pre-known information about the internal power source 220. For example, data 265 may be provided by the manufacturer of the internal power source 220. In these implementations, data 265 may be data for a class or type of power source that includes the internal power source 220. In other implementations, data 265 is measured for the particular internal power source 220 that is installed in the FCI 210. Data 265 refers to any data describing the expected performance of the internal power supply 220. For example, the data may include self-discharge characteristics. Each self-discharge characteristic includes the self-discharge voltage and associated discharge capacity values ​​of the internal power supply 220 at particular temperatures. The self-discharge voltage of the internal power supply 220 is the voltage measured across the supply when it is not supplying power to an external electrical circuit. The internal power supply 220 is used only as a backup power source and is expected to have a relatively long service life (for example, approximately 20 years). Degradation of the internal power supply 220 is primarily caused by self-discharge. Figure 2E shows examples of the self-discharge characteristic of the 220 to 1 ampere (A) source for six The six temperatures shown in Figure 2E are: 85 °C (plot 266 1), 22 °C (plot 266 2), 0 °C (plot 266 3), -20 °C (plot 266 4), -30 °C (plot 266 5), and -40 °C (plot 266 6). In Figure 2E, voltage units are volts (V), and discharge capacity units are milliampere-hours (mAh). The minimum voltage value shown in Figure 2E is a voltage V_T. The voltage V_T is the self-discharge voltage below which the internal power source 220 is unusable. As shown in Figure 2E, the self-discharge characteristic is different for each temperature. The health status determination module 269 is a collection of executable instructions, functions and / or call procedures, and / or computer software that can be executed by the electronic processing module 261. In some implementations, the health status determination module 269 includes a collection of executable instructions that implement the process 300 shown in Figure 3. The health status determination module 269 determines the health status of the internal power source 220 based on measured data or information from the source monitoring system 230. The health status determination module 269 can also use data 265 to determine the health status of the internal power source 220. The 230 monitoring system monitors one more CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi conditions at the internal power supply 220. Figure 2D is a partial schematic of the FCI 210. The internal power supply 220 includes a first terminal 221 and a second terminal 222. The voltage sensor 232 is electrically connected to terminals 221 and 222. The internal power supply 220 is also electrically connected to the electronic controller 260 and the indicator module 240 when a switch 225 is closed. The switch 225 goes into the closed state to electrically connect the electronic controller 260 and the indicator module 240 to the internal power supply 220 when the energy harvesting system 212 cannot provide power. The switch 225 is closed only when the energy harvesting system 212 is not providing power. The switch 225 can be, for example, a transistor. The monitoring system 230 includes a temperature sensor 231 that monitors the temperature in the internal power supply 220 and a voltage sensor 232 that measures the voltage across the internal power supply 220. The temperature sensor 231 is any type of sensor capable of measuring temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 231 could be a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or a thermistor. The temperature sensor 231 is located inside housing 219 (213), and it measures the temperature in the internal power supply 220. The temperature in the internal power supply 220 is generally CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi greater than the ambient temperature outside housing 219 or the temperature in a portion of interior 213 that is not in the internal power source 220. For example, due to the enclosed nature of housing 219, the temperature in the internal power source 220 may be 5 to 15 degrees (°) higher than the ambient temperature. The health status of the internal power source 220 depends on the temperature of the source 220. For example, as shown in Figure 2E, the self-discharge characteristic of the internal power source 220 varies with temperature. Thus, by measuring the actual temperature in the internal power source 220, the accuracy of the estimation of the health status of the internal power source 220 is improved. Health status is any type of measure of the health of the internal 220 power source. For example, health status can be an estimate of the discharge capacity of the internal 220 power source, an estimate of the number of hours of use remaining for the internal 220 power source, or an estimate of the portion of the original discharge capacity of the internal 220 power source that has been used. The health status determination module 269 can also include executable instructions that categorize health status. For example, health status can be compared to a health status description that is CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi stores in electronic storage 262. The health status description is a threshold, range, or rule that classifies the given health status. For example, the health status description may specify more than one class or category for the health of internal power source 220. In these implementations, the health status description may include, for example, a first discharge capacity range in which internal power source 220 is classified as healthy, a second discharge capacity range in which internal power source 220 is classified as marginal or weak, and a third discharge capacity range in which internal power source 220 is classified as unusable or in need of recharging. Electronic storage 262 stores information that associates the various classifications with an indication style, and electronic processing module 261 controls the indicating mechanism 243 to produce the indication style based on the health status indicator classification. For example, if the indicating mechanism 243 is an LED, electronic processing module 262 causes the LED to emit a solid beam when the internal power source is classified as healthy, a first blinking pattern when the internal power source is classified as marginal, and a second blinking pattern when the internal power source is classified as unusable. The CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi blink patterns are visually distinguishable from each other. For example, the first and second blink patterns may have different speeds. In another example, the health status description includes a single discharge capacity value. If the health status determination module 269 determines that the actual discharge capacity is less than the threshold capacity value, then the electronic processing module 262 causes the indicating mechanism 243 to produce a first perceptible indication. If the actual discharge capacity is greater than or equal to the single discharge capacity value, then the electronic processing module 262 controls the indicating mechanism 243 to produce a second perceptible indication. Electronic storage 262 can store executable instructions and additional data. For example, in the example in Figure 2C, electronic storage 262 also stores executable instructions that implement a fault detection module 267. Fault detection module 267 analyzes data from fault detection system 211. Fault detection module 267 compares the data from fault detection system 211 with a fault description that is also stored in electronic storage. The fault description can include current and / or voltage values. If the magnitude of the electrical quantities measured by fault detection system 211 CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi exceeds the values ​​in the fault description, then fault detection module 267 declares a fault. The I / O 263 interface is any interface that allows a human operator and / or an autonomous process to interact with the FCI 210. The I / O 263 interface may include, for example, a display (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), a keyboard, audio input and / or output (such as speakers and / or a microphone), visual output (such as lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) that are in addition to or in place of the display port, a serial or parallel connection, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, and / or any type of network interface, such as Ethernet. The I / O 263 interface may also allow contactless communication via, for example, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, or a near-field communication (NEC) connection. The control system 260 can, for example, be operated, configured, modified, or updated via the I / O interface 263. The I / O interface 263 can also allow the electronic controller 260 to communicate with external and remote FCI 210 systems. For example, the I / O interface 263 can include a communications interface that allows communication between the electronic controller 260 and a remote station (not shown), or between the controller Electronic controller 260 and a different electrical device in electrical system 100 (Figure 1), using, for example, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) protocol or another service protocol, such as Secure Command Line (SSH) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The remote station can be any type of station through which an operator is able to communicate with the electronic controller 260 without making physical contact with the electronic controller 260. For example, the remote station can be a computer workstation, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop that connects to the electronic controller 260 using a service protocol, or a remote control that connects to the electronic controller 260 using a radio frequency signal.The electronic controller 260 can communicate information such as the determined tap position via the I / O interface 263 to the remote station or a different electrical appliance. Figure 3 is a flowchart of process 300. Process 300 is an example of a process for monitoring the health status of a backup power source in an FCI. Process 300 is described with respect to FCI 210. In the example described below, process 300 is performed by electronic processing module 261 and is CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi implements as part of the health status determination module 269. Process 300 begins (301). Process 300 can begin when FCI 210 is installed or deployed. Health determination module 269 can be configured so that process 300 starts automatically when FCI 210 is installed or deployed. In some implementations, health determination module 269 is configured so that process 300 starts based on a command received through I / O interface 263. For example, process 300 can be started by an operator installing FCI 210. In another example, process 300 can be started by a command from a remote station received on I / O interface 263. The conditions at internal power supply 220 are measured (305). For example, voltage sensor 232 measures the self-discharge voltage of internal power supply 220. The self-discharge voltage is the voltage across internal power supply 220 while it is not supplying power to an external circuit (for example, when switch 225 is open). Voltage sensor 232 measures the voltage across internal power supply 220 at more than one time. The measured voltage values ​​and their associated recording times are stored in electronic storage 262. For example, the sensor CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi voltage 232 can measure the voltage through the internal 220 power supply continuously and can provide a measured value to the electronic storage 262 every millisecond, every 100 milliseconds (ms) or every second. Temperature sensor 231 measures the temperature of the internal power supply 220 and provides a temperature reading for the period during which voltage values ​​are obtained by the electronic controller 260. For example, if five voltage readings are obtained, with one reading occurring every 1 ms, temperature sensor 231 provides the temperature for the same 5 ms period. Temperature sensor 231 can provide either five separate temperature readings obtained simultaneously with the voltage readings, or an average temperature reading over the 5 ms period. Regardless of the specific format of the temperature readings, the temperature data provided by temperature sensor 231 is representative of the actual temperature of the internal power supply 220 during the period in which the self-discharge voltage readings are obtained. A relationship is determined from the measured conditions (310). The relationship is a statistical or mathematical model of the observed measured values. For example, the measured voltage values ​​can be fitted to a curve or line to determine an estimated self-discharge index for the CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi internal power supply 220. Any technique can be used to determine the relationship. For example, linear or nonlinear regression can be used to fit the measured voltage values ​​to determine the relationship, or any type of model can be applied to the measured voltage values ​​to determine the relationship. The difference between two measured voltage values ​​is a change in self-discharge voltage (ASDV). It is determined whether or not there is a fault in the monitored electrical system during the time period in which the voltage samples were obtained (315). For example, the fault detection module 267 can compare the data measured by the fault detection system 211 with the fault description to determine whether or not a fault has occurred. If a fault occurred, the measured voltage values ​​are discarded (335), and process 300 waits until the fault has been cleared (340). After the fault has been cleared, process 300 returns to (310) and measures another set of voltage values. If no fault occurs while the voltage values ​​are being measured, the measured voltage values ​​are compared to a known characteristic of the internal 220 (320) power source. The known characteristic may be, for example, one or more self-discharge characteristics, as shown in CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi Figure 2E. The measured temperature value is compared to the temperature associated with each of the self-discharge features to determine if any of the temperatures associated with a self-discharge feature falls within a threshold difference of the measured temperature. The threshold difference is a predetermined difference that is stored in electronic storage 262. The threshold difference can be a value in degrees or a percentage. For example, the threshold difference might be ±2 °C. In this example, if the measured temperature was 20 °C, the self-discharge feature 266_2 (which is associated with a temperature of 22 °C) is selected for comparison purposes. In other examples, the threshold difference is expressed as a percentage.Furthermore, the threshold difference can be set to zero so that only a self-discharge feature can be selected at the same temperature as the measured temperature. The relationship determined from the voltage values ​​measured in (310) is compared to the selected pre-known self-discharge characteristic. For example, continuing with the example where the self-discharge characteristic 266 2 is the selected pre-known characteristic, the determined relationship is compared to characteristic 266_2. The measured voltage values ​​are collected over a period (e.g., a few or CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi (tens of milliseconds) which is short compared to the expected lifetime of the internal power supply 220 (e.g., 20 years). Therefore, the determined relationship potentially corresponds to a single small portion of the characteristic 266_2. The determined relationship is compared to many sections of the characteristic 266_2 to determine if any portion of the characteristic 266_2 is the same as, or similar enough to, the determined relationship to be a good fit. The determined relationship is a good fit, for example, if all the measured voltage values ​​overlap with a portion of the characteristic 266_2. In addition, any type of goodness of fit can be calculated for the ratio. A goodness of fit assesses whether the ratio (or the measured voltage values) is a good fit for the selected discharge characteristic (characteristic 266_2 in this example). A goodness-of-fit test produces a numerical value that relates to how closely the ratio (or measured voltage values) matches the selected discharge characteristic. Examples of goodness-of-fit tests or approaches include the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (KS test), the Chi-square test, R-squared, and regression validation. The result of the goodness-of-fit test is compared to a threshold or interval of fit that is stored in electronic storage 262. CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi If the comparison indicates that the fit is sufficiently close, a good fit is determined to have been found (325). Otherwise, a good fit is not indicated in (325). If a good fit is found in (325), the indicator module 240 is controlled to produce an indication of the health status of the internal power source 220 (330). The health status is an estimate of the remaining life of the internal power source 220. For example, and with reference to Figure 2E, the measured voltage values ​​(labeled Vm) are a good fit for portion 268 of characteristic 266_2. The discharge capacity Cm_2 is a value representing the number of hours that the internal power source 220 (at 22°C) can supply 1 A of current before the self-discharge voltage interval to V_T. Portion 268 corresponds to a discharge capacity C_2. The health status can be, for example, the difference between C_2 and Cm_2, a C_2 / Cm_2 ratio, or the value of C_2. The electronic controller 260 causes the indicator module 240 to produce a perceptible indication that informs a user or operator about the health status. For example, the health status can be compared with the health status description stored in electronic storage 262. As described above, the health status description includes categories or classifications that are associated with a health status range or value and an indication style. The health category or status class The health CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi is determined, and the indicator module 280 is controlled to produce the associated indication style for that category or class. Process 300 ends (390). If a good fit is not found (325), process 300 returns to (305) and (310) to (325) are performed again. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a 400 system that includes five fault circuit indicators: FCI 410_l, FCI 410_2, FCI 410_3, FCI 410_4 and FCI 410_5 (collectively referred to as the FCI 410s). Each of the FCI 410 is a case of FCI 210. System 400 also includes a distribution path 406, electrical circuits 402_l and 402_2, and loads 401 1, 401 2, 401 3, 401 4, 401 5. Electrical circuits 402_l and 402_2, and loads 401_l, 401_2, 401_3, 401_4, 401_5 are electrically connected to distribution path 406. The FCI 410 monitors distribution path 406 for the presence of faults. Electrical circuits 402 1 and 402 2 are any type of electrical circuit or device and may be, for example, an electrical source or a connecting mechanism (such as a riser) that connects distribution path 406 to another distribution path or source of electricity. Loads 401 1, 401 2, 401 3, 401 4, and 401 5 are any type of device or system that uses electrical power. Distribution path 406 is any type of device or mechanism capable of transferring power CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi electrical. For example, the 406 distribution path may be or include a transmission line, an electric cable, a riser, a transformer, an electrical connector, or a combination of such devices. In some implementations, the 400 system is underground and / or may be wholly or partially enclosed in a housing. The 406 distribution path may be part of a larger electric power system, such as, for example, an electric grid, an electric system, or a multiphase electric network that provides electricity to commercial, industrial, and / or residential customers. The 400 system may have an operating voltage of, for example, at least 1 kilovolt (kV), up to 34.5 kV, up to 38 kV, up to 69 kV, or 69 kV or higher. The 400 system is an alternating current (AC) electric network operating at a fundamental frequency of, for example, 50 or 60 Hertz (Hz). In addition, the 400 can be a multi-phase system.For example, the 400 system can be a three-phase system. In the example shown in Figure 4, fault 407 is between FCI 410 3 and FCI 410 4. The fault indicator mechanisms 242 of FCI 410_1, 410_2, and 410_3 do not indicate a fault, and the fault indicator mechanisms 242 of FCI 410_4 and 410_5 indicate a fault. Furthermore, the health status indicator mechanism 243 of each of the FCI 410 informs the operator or user about the system 400 of each of the CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi internal power source. The system operator or user 400 is able to determine that the fault is between FCI 410 3 and FCI 410_4 by observing the difference between the fault-indicating mechanism of FCI 410 3 and the fault-indicating mechanism of FCI 410_4. Furthermore, because each FCI also includes a health-status-indicating mechanism, the operator or user can be confident that the fault-indicating mechanisms 242 produce reliable data. In other words, the health-status-indicating mechanisms 243 allow the user or operator to easily differentiate between an FCI that has not detected a fault and an FCI that is not functioning due to a failed internal power source. Therefore, the health status indicator mechanism 243 (which provides an indication of the health status of the internal power source 220) improves the performance of the FCI 410 and the overall performance of the system 400. Furthermore, because the health status determination is based on data measured at the internal power source 220, the health status indicator mechanism 243 is able to provide accurate and precise information to the user or operator of the system 400. Although Figure 4 shows five FCIs, the implementation shown in Figure 4 is provided as an example, and the 400 system can be implemented with more or fewer FCIs. Furthermore, although in the example in Figure 4 each While one of the FCI 410s is a case of the FCI 210, other implementations are possible. For example, all or some of the FCI 410s may have a different structure. Regardless of the specific system 400 implementation, each FCI 410 includes an internal power source and provides an indication of the health of that internal power source. These and other implementations are within the scope of the claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A fault circuit indicator characterized in that it comprises: a power source; a sensor system configured to measure a voltage at the power source and a temperature at the power source; a controller coupled to the sensor system, wherein the controller is configured to determine a health status of the power source based on the voltage measured at the power source and the temperature measured at the power source; and an indicator module coupled to the controller, wherein the indicator is configured to provide an indication of the health status of the power source.

2. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor system comprises a temperature sensor and a voltage sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature at the power source, and the voltage sensor being configured to measure the voltage at the power source.

3. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 2, characterized in that the CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi controller comprises an electronic memory that stores at least one characteristic of the power source, and the controller is configured to determine the health status of the power source based on the measured temperature, the measured voltage, and the at least one characteristic of the power source.

4. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 3, characterized in that the power source comprises a battery, the electronic memory stores a plurality of battery characteristics, each characteristic being a pre-known relationship between the discharge voltage across the battery and the battery capacity, and each characteristic being associated with a different pre-known temperature.

5. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 4, characterized in that the battery health status comprises an estimate of a battery capacity.

6. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a housing, and wherein the power supply, the sensor system, and the controller are located within the housing.

7. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 6, characterized in that the indicator module is in the housing, and the indication is visible from outside the housing. CQbQnn / eznz / e / YiAi 8. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the indicator module comprises one or more of a light, a mechanical switch, and a mechanism configured to produce an audible sound.

9. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing comprises a mounting point configured to mount the faulty circuit indicator to a separate device that is electrically connected to a power system.

10. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator module is configured to provide the indication to a device that is separate from the faulty circuit indicator.

11. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller is a microcontroller.

12. The faulty circuit indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the indication of the health status of the power source comprises an estimate of the amount of remaining life in the power source.

13. A controller characterized in that it comprises: an electronic processing module; an electronic memory coupled to the electronic processing module; the electronic memory having stored therein one or more characteristics of an internal power source, a fault circuit indicator, and instructions which, when executed, cause the electronic processing module to: determine a health status of the internal power source based on at least one of the one or more characteristics of the internal power source and at least one measured operating condition of the power source.

14. The controller according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one measured operating condition comprises a temperature measured at the power source and a voltage measured at the power source.

15. The controller according to claim 13, characterized in that the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed, cause the processing module to communicate with an indicator module such that the indicator module produces a perceptible indication of the health status.

16. A method characterized in that it comprises: measuring a plurality of voltage values, each voltage value being a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in a fault circuit indicator housing at a different time; measuring a temperature in the battery; determining whether a fault occurs in a power system electrically connected to the fault circuit indicator; and if no fault occurs: accessing one of a plurality of pre-known discharge characteristics associated with the battery, each of the pre-known discharge characteristics being associated with a pre-known temperature; and comparing the measured voltage values ​​with at least one of the pre-known discharge characteristics.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises, if no failure occurs: determining whether any of the plurality of known discharge characteristics matches the measured voltage values ​​based on comparing the measured voltage values ​​with at least one of the known discharge characteristics; and if one of the plurality of known discharge characteristics matches the measured voltage values: calculating a remaining battery life based on comparing the measured voltage values ​​with one of the known discharge characteristics; and producing an indication of the estimated remaining battery life.

18. The method according to claim 17, CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi characterized in that it further comprises: determining a nearest temperature by comparing the measured temperature with the pre-known temperature, and wherein one of the plurality of pre-known discharge characteristics is the pre-known discharge characteristic associated with the nearest temperature.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that a pre-known discharge characteristic comprises a relationship between the voltage capacity and the battery for the nearest temperature, and estimating a remaining battery lifetime comprises determining a capacity metric that corresponds to one or more of the measured voltage values.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises, if no fault occurs and if none of the plurality of pre-known discharge characteristics matches the measured voltage values, measuring a second plurality of voltage values, each voltage value being a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in the fault circuit indicator housing at a different time.

21. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, if a fault occurs, it further comprises: reconfiguring the faulty circuit indicator; and after reconfiguring the faulty circuit indicator CQbonn / eznz / B / YiAi, measuring a second plurality of voltage values, each voltage value being a voltage measured across a battery enclosed in the faulty circuit indicator housing at a different time.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, if a failure occurs, it further comprises discarding the plurality of measured voltage values.

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