Self-powered IED for pole mounted reclosers

Abstract

The present invention discloses a self-powered IED (103) for connecting to a pole-mounted recloser (104) of an electric line (102). The IED comprises a main control module (202) and a lockout indication module (203). The main control module (202) determines a fault in the electric line (102) and trips the recloser (103). During a permanent fault in the electric line (102), the recloser (103) remains disconnected, and the main control module (202) activates a lockout state by generating a lockout setting signal. The lockout indication module (203) comprises a light source (306) and a supercapacitor (302). When the lockout state is activated, the supercapacitor (302) provides the light source (306) with stored charge to provide notification during the entire lockout state. Therefore, compared with existing solutions, the present invention provides a solution for powering the light source (306) for longer hours.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to reclosers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intelligent electronic device (IED) for a pole mounted recloser having a supercapacitor. Background Art

[0002] An autorecloser is a protective device used to isolate electrical circuits and electrical equipment from a faulty line. The autorecloser includes actuators that are configured to be opened when a fault exists in the electrical line and closed when the fault is corrected. When the fault in the line is a temporary fault (e.g., a fault caused by a lightning strike), the actuator is successfully reclosed. When the fault in the line is a permanent fault (e.g., a short circuit), the actuator is reclosed and opened several times while the fault persists in the line. When a permanent fault occurs, the actuator remains open after a predefined iteration of reclosing, and a lockout state is activated, wherein a notification is provided to indicate to the operator about the permanent fault.

[0003] Typically, a visible notification is provided when the locked state is activated. Conventional solutions include displaying a mechanical sign during the locked indication, since the sign does not consume power. However, in low light conditions, the mechanical sign is not visible. Existing solutions use a light indication powered by a battery. Typically, the light indication must last for several hours, and the battery cannot provide backup for several hours. Further, batteries have additional disadvantages, including limitations in operating at different temperatures and high battery replacement costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that provides backup for several hours to provide visible light indication. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a self-powered intelligent electronic device (IED) for a pole-mounted recloser. The recloser is connected to an electric line. The IED includes a main control module and a lockout indication module. The main control module is configured to detect a fault in the electric line and operate the recloser. The main control module is configured to one of the following: reclose the recloser when a temporary fault occurs in the electric line, or activate a lockout state by permanently tripping the recloser when a permanent fault occurs in the electric line. The lockout state is activated by generating a lockout setting signal. The lockout indication module includes a light source for providing an indication. The lockout indication module also includes one or more supercapacitors configured to store a charge. When the lockout setting signal is generated, the one or more supercapacitors provide the stored charge to the light source.

[0006] In an embodiment, the IED comprises a power control module including a storage unit configured to supply power to the main control module and operate a vacuum interrupter of the recloser to trip the recloser.

[0007] In an embodiment, the lockout indication module further comprises a first converter configured to convert a high voltage into a low voltage to charge one or more supercapacitors; a second converter configured to convert a low voltage from one or more supercapacitors into a medium voltage to power at least the light source; a light source driver configured to drive the LED according to a predefined pattern; and a control and regulation module for receiving a lockout setting signal from the main control module and causing one or more supercapacitors to provide a charge to the light source, and providing the predefined pattern to the light source driver. In an embodiment, the control and regulation module generates a predefined pattern to trigger the light source within a predefined time period. In an embodiment, the control and regulation module is configured to generate one or more pulses with a predefined duty cycle indicating the predefined pattern.

[0008] In an embodiment, one or more supercapacitors are charged when the wire is operational and discharged during the latched state.

[0009] In an embodiment, the master control module is configured to activate a lockout state when a fault occurs in the electric line after the vacuum interrupter is operated to reclose the autorecloser for a predefined iteration.In an embodiment, the master control module is configured to detect a fault in the electric line using input from one or more current sensors connected to the electric line.

[0010] In an embodiment, the master control module is configured to charge one or more supercapacitors.In an embodiment, the master control module is configured to provide the latch set signal in a single pulse. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A pole mounted recloser and an intelligent electronic device (IED) associated with the recloser according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated;

[0012] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of an intelligent electronic device (IED) for operating an automatic recloser according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated; and

[0013] Figure 3 A simplified block diagram of a lockout indication module of an intelligent electronic device (IED) for powering a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-powered intelligent electronic device (IED) for a pole-mounted recloser. The recloser is connected to an electrical line to protect circuits and electronic devices connected to the electrical line. The IED includes a main control module and a lockout indication module. The main control module determines a fault in the electrical line and trips the recloser. Based on the type of fault (temporary or permanent), the recloser is either closed or remains open. When the recloser remains open, the main control module activates the lockout state by generating a lockout setting signal. The lockout setting signal is provided to the lockout indication module. The lockout indication module includes a light source and a supercapacitor. When the lockout state is activated, the supercapacitor provides the stored charge to the light source to provide notification during the entire lockout state. Therefore, compared with existing solutions, the present invention provides a solution for powering the light source for a longer period of time.

[0015] Figure 1 A pole mounted recloser and an intelligent electronic device (IED) associated with the recloser are illustrated. Figure 1 A pole (101), one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c), an automatic recloser (103), an intelligent electronic device (IED) (104) and a support member (105) are disclosed. The one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c) may be a high voltage line, a medium voltage line or a low voltage line. In an embodiment, the one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c) may be connected between two substations ( Figure 1 not shown) or between a substation and a utility ( Figure 1 In an embodiment, one or more of the lines (102a, 102b, 102c) may be three-phase lines. Each line may carry a single-phase current. The recloser (103) and the IED (104) (also commonly referred to as a control cabinet) are mounted on the column (101) using a support member (105). In an embodiment, Figure 1 The automatic recloser (103) disclosed in may be a three-phase automatic recloser (3 single-phase automatic reclosers). Figure 1 A three-phase recloser is disclosed, but it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the working method of the present invention is also applicable to single-phase reclosers, and these aspects of the present invention should not be considered as a limitation. In an embodiment, the recloser (103) is configured to trip and isolate one or more circuits or electrical devices connected to one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). The recloser (103) is also configured to be reset and reconnect the circuits and electrical devices to the one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c) when the fault is eliminated. The recloser (103) can be a circuit breaker with a reclosing mechanism.

[0016] In an embodiment, the IED (104) may support the low voltage while another IED ( Figure 1 The IED (104) may be mounted on a pole to support medium voltage and high voltage. In an embodiment, the IED (104) may support low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage. The IED (104) may be configured to operate the recloser (103) to automatically reclose after tripping when a temporary fault occurs, and to operate the recloser (103) to remain disconnected (tripped) when a permanent fault occurs. The IED (104) determines a temporary fault and a major fault based on current flowing through one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). Examples of causes of temporary faults may include, but are not limited to, lightning. Examples of causes of permanent faults may include, but are not limited to, short circuits.

[0017] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of an IED (104) and an automatic recloser (104) is shown. As shown, the IED (104) includes a power control module (201), a main control module (202) and a lockout indication module (203). The automatic recloser (103) includes an actuator (204), a current transformer (205) and a current sensor (206) that operate a vacuum interrupter (not shown) of the automatic recloser (103).

[0018] The power control module (201) is configured to manage power in the IED (104). In an embodiment, the power control module (201) comprises a storage unit ( Figure 2). The storage unit may include one or more storage capacitors or chemical batteries. Preferably, capacitors are used because they can be charged efficiently. When one or more wires (102a, 102b, 103c) carry current without fault, the storage unit of the power control module is charged. In an embodiment, the power control module (201) draws current from a current transformer (205) connected to one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c) to charge the storage unit. Further, the power control module (201) provides power to the main control module (202) from the current drawn from the one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). In addition, the power control module (201) can provide additional power to the main control module (202) for the main control module (202) to operate the lock indication module (203). When a fault in one or more of the electric wires (102a, 102b, 102c) is detected, the power control module (201) is configured to provide power to an actuator (204) configured to trip a vacuum interrupter and reclose the vacuum interrupter after a predefined time period. Further, when the automatic recloser (103) is tripped, the power control module (201) and the main control module (202) are powered by a storage unit in the power control module (201). In an embodiment, the storage unit can supply power to the power control module (201) and the main control module (202) within a predefined time period (e.g., 40s to 60s). Further, the storage unit can provide power to the actuator (204) until the fault is corrected or the lockout state is activated.

[0019] In an embodiment, the main control module (202) is configured to detect a fault in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). The main control module (202) receives a current value from a current sensor (206). Using the current value, the main control module (203) determines a fault in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). When a fault is detected in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c), the main control module (202) provides a trip signal to the power control module (201), and the power control module (201) provides power to an actuator (204) that trips the vacuum circuit breaker. In an embodiment, the vacuum interrupter can be configured to reclose after a predefined time period (e.g., 1s or 2s). The main control module (202) receives current values ​​from the current sensor (206) at fixed intervals (e.g., every 5 ms) and determines whether the fault persists in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). If the fault persists, the main control module (202) provides another trip command to the power control module (201), and the power control module (201) provides power to the actuator (204) to trip the vacuum interrupter again. The vacuum interrupter can be operated for a predefined iteration until the main control module (202) determines that the fault is a permanent fault and the lockout state is activated. When the main control module (202) determines that the fault in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c) is a permanent fault, the main control module (202) activates the lockout state by generating a lockout setting signal. In an embodiment, the lockout setting signal is provided to the lockout indication module (203). In an embodiment, the lockout setting signal can be a single pulse that consumes less power. The power control module (201) does not provide power to the actuator (204) and therefore does not reclose the vacuum interrupter, whereby the vacuum interrupter remains in a tripped position or an open position throughout the latching condition.

[0020] In an embodiment, when the main control module (202) activates the lockout state, the lockout indication module (203) is activated. The lockout indication module (203) is configured to provide a notification regarding the lockout state.

[0021] Figure 3 The invention shows a simplified block diagram of a blocking indication module (203) of an IED (104) for powering a light source. The blocking indication module (203) comprises a first converter (301), a super capacitor (302), a second converter (303), a control and regulation module (304), a light source driver (305) and a light source (306). Figure 3 One supercapacitor (302) is shown, but it should be clear to those skilled in the art that more such supercapacitors may be provided in the lockout indication module (203).

[0022] The first converter (301) is configured to convert a high voltage signal into a low voltage signal to charge the supercapacitor (302). For example, the high voltage signal may be 24v from the main control module (202). The first converter (301) may convert the 24v signal into a 2.4v signal. In an embodiment, the first converter (301) may be a buck converter. The first converter (301) provides a low voltage signal to the supercapacitor (302) to charge the supercapacitor (302). In an embodiment, the first converter (301) also receives a charging control signal from the main control module (203). The charging control signal may indicate when to provide a low voltage signal for charging the supercapacitor (302).

[0023] In an embodiment, the supercapacitor (302) is configured to be charged when a low voltage signal is received from the first converter (301). The supercapacitor (302) includes a large dielectric plate and is capable of storing more charge than a conventional capacitor. When the light source (306) is operated, the supercapacitor (302) is discharged. In an embodiment, when the control and regulation module (304) and the light source driver (305) are operated, the supercapacitor (302) is also discharged. However, the power consumed by the control and regulation module (304) and the light source driver (305) may be greatly reduced.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second converter (303) is configured to convert the low voltage signal from the supercapacitor (302) into a medium voltage signal. For example, the medium voltage signal may be 3.6V. In an embodiment, the second converter (303) may be a boost converter. The second converter (303) is also connected to the control and regulation module (304), the light source driver (305) and the light source (306) for providing power from the supercapacitor (303).

[0025] In an embodiment, the control and regulation module (304) is configured to enable the supercapacitor (302) to provide charge to the light source (306) upon receiving a lockout setting signal from the main control module (203). When the control and regulation module (304) receives the lockout setting signal, a predefined pattern is provided to the light source driver (305). The predefined pattern can be generated to trigger the light source (306) within a predefined time period. For example, the light source (306) can be operated to provide a light notification once every 4 seconds. Further, the light source (306) can be operated so that the light notification lasts for 25ms. The predefined pattern can be determined to save power while providing a notification about a permanent fault in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). In an embodiment, the control and regulation module (304) generates a pulse with an appropriate duty cycle according to the predefined pattern and provides the pulse to the light source driver (305). In an embodiment, when the fault is corrected, the control and regulation module (304) can also receive a lockout reset signal from the main control module (202). In an embodiment, the control and regulation module (304) may include a reset indication hot manual switch. For example, an operator may reset the indication after correcting a fault in one or more electrical wires (102a, 102b, 102c).

[0026] In an embodiment, the light source driver (305) is configured to provide a pulse suitable for the light source (306) to provide a light notification. In an embodiment, the light source driver (305) generates pulses according to a duty cycle provided by the control and regulation module (304) to operate the light source according to a predefined mode. In an embodiment, the light source (306) is operated only when the light source driver (305) provides a suitable pulse. Therefore, although the supercapacitor (302) is always connected to the light source (306), the supercapacitor (302) will not discharge.

[0027] In an embodiment, the light source (306) is configured to provide light notification according to a predefined pattern. In an embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED). In an embodiment, the light source (306) may be a colored light source (preferably a red light source or a yellow light source or a green light source) to provide an indication that is visible even from a long distance.

[0028] In an embodiment, the present invention overcomes the limitation of reduced standby power backup during a lockout condition. The present invention uses a supercapacitor (302) to provide backup to provide notification during a lockout condition. Thus, notification is provided regarding a fault in one or more wires (102a, 102b, 102c). Thus, timely maintenance can be scheduled and the fault can be corrected immediately.

[0029] Reference numerals

[0030] 101—column

[0031] 102a, 102b, 102c—Wires

[0032] 103—Automatic recloser

[0033] 104—IED

[0034] 201—Power Control Module

[0035] 202—Main control module

[0036] 203—Lock Indicator Module

[0037] 204—Actuator

[0038] 205—Current Transformer

[0039] 206—Current Sensor

[0040] 301—First converter

[0041] 302—Supercapacitor

[0042] 303—Second capacitor

[0043] 304—Control and Regulation Module

[0044] 305—Light source driver

[0045] 306—Light Source

Claims

1. An intelligent electronic circuit configured to control a pole-mounted recloser connected to an electric line, the intelligent electronic circuit comprising: The main control module is configured as follows: detecting a fault in the electric line and operating the recloser, wherein the main control module is configured to perform one of the following: reclosing the recloser when a temporary fault occurs in the electric line; and activating a lockout state by permanently tripping the recloser when a permanent fault occurs in the electric line, wherein the main control module generates a lockout set signal to activate the lockout state; as well as as well as; Lockout indication module, comprising: a light source for providing indication; and one or more supercapacitors configured to store charge, wherein when the latch setting signal is generated, the one or more supercapacitors provide the stored charge to the light source; The locking indication module further comprises: a first converter configured to convert the high voltage signal into a low voltage signal to charge the one or more supercapacitors; a second converter configured to convert the low voltage signal from the one or more supercapacitors into a medium voltage signal to power at least the light source; a light source driver configured to drive the light source according to a predefined mode; and A control and regulation module is configured to receive the lockout setting signal from the main control module and enable the one or more supercapacitors to provide charge to the light source and provide the predefined pattern to the light source driver.

2. The intelligent electronic circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a power control module, the power control module comprising a storage unit, the storage unit being configured to supply power to the main control module and operate a vacuum interrupter of the recloser to trip the recloser. 3 . The intelligent electronic circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the control and regulation module generates the predefined pattern to trigger the light source within a predefined time period. 4 . The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 1 , wherein the control and regulation module is configured to generate one or more pulses with a predefined duty cycle indicative of the predefined pattern. 5 . The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more supercapacitors are charged when the electrical wire is operable and discharged during the latched state.

6. The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 2, wherein the main control module is configured to activate the lockout state when a fault occurs in the electric line after the vacuum interrupter is operated to reclose the automatic recloser for a predefined iteration.

7. The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 1, wherein the main control module is configured to detect a fault in the electrical line using input from one or more current sensors connected to the electrical line.

8. The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 1, wherein the main control module is configured to charge the one or more supercapacitors. 9 . The intelligent electronic circuit of claim 1 , wherein the main control module is configured to provide the latch setting signal in a single pulse.

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