Current transformer with embedded voltage field detection and thermal sensing

Abstract

A monitoring system for sensing electrical parameters including current and voltage, the monitoring system can include a current transformer and an antenna. The current transformer can be configured to sense current passing through a conductor. The antenna can be configured to sense the electrical potential of the conductor by sensing an electric field generated by the conductor. The antenna can sense the electrical potential independent of whether current is present in the conductor. The monitoring system can also include a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the conductor. A sensing module can include a housing supporting the current transformer, the antenna, and the temperature sensor for monitoring the power circuit.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 031,119, filed May 28, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In many electrical systems, electricity is transferred from a utility source to one or more branch circuits via a switchboard. Each branch circuit supplies power to one or more loads. Protective devices such as circuit breakers are typically mounted on the switchboard to reduce the risk of electrical overloads and short circuits. An overload occurs when one or more loads draw power from a branch circuit exceeding the branch circuit's rated power capacity.

[0004] In a typical installation, there may be many switchboards and associated branch circuits. The electrician must understand the loads on each circuit in order to correctly configure each protection device and load combination. Current transformers (CTs) can be installed and commissioned on each branch circuit at the switchboard. Each installed CT is operable to provide a current output signal indicating the current in the corresponding branch circuit.

[0005] A transformer (CT) typically includes a step-down ratio, where the measured primary current is stepped down to the secondary current to produce a more manageable and / or safer signal that can be used for further analysis and inspection. A CT can be configured to reduce the current to a normalized value, such as 1 or 5 amps. Exemplary step-down ratios are 240:5 and 120:1. A CT typically comprises a conductive core surrounded by multiple windings of conductive wire. In this case, the conductive core carries the primary current, the conductive wire carries the secondary current, and the CT step-down ratio is related to the number of turns of the conductive wire.

[0006] Previous models of current transformers (CTs) required current to actively flow through the system to obtain accurate measurements. However, when the circuit closes and opens, components throughout the electrical system can fail. Therefore, a branch circuit monitoring system is needed that improves the analysis of branch circuits to quickly and effectively identify problems under all conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally describes a monitoring system configured to sense two or more electrical parameters in a power circuit. The monitoring system may include a current transformer configured to sense a first electrical parameter. The first electrical parameter may be a current present in a power circuit conductor. The monitoring system may also include an antenna configured to sense a second electrical parameter. The second electrical parameter may be an electric field generated by the power circuit conductor, wherein the electric field is related to a potential present in the power circuit conductor. The antenna can sense the potential present in the power circuit conductor, regardless of the presence of a current in the power circuit conductor. The monitoring system may also include a sensing module comprising a housing having an outer housing wall and an inner housing wall. The inner housing wall may define an internal opening of the sensing module and may be configured to allow a power circuit conductor of the power circuit to pass through it. The current transformer may be supported by the housing of the sensing module.

[0008] A sensing module system configured to sense electrical parameters in an electrical circuit is also described. The sensing module system may include multiple sensing modules, each configured to sense two or more electrical parameters of a single power circuit conductor in the electrical circuit. The sensing module system may also include a base supporting the multiple sensing modules. Each sensing module may include a housing comprising an outer housing wall and an inner housing wall. The inner housing wall may define an internal opening of the sensing module and may be configured to allow the single power circuit conductor to pass through it. Each sensing module may also include a current transformer supported by the housing and configured to sense a first electrical parameter. The first electrical parameter may be a current present in the single power circuit conductor passing through the internal opening. The multiple sensing modules may also include an antenna supported by the housing and configured to sense a second electrical parameter. The second electrical parameter may be an electric field generated by the single power circuit conductor and is related to a potential present in the single power circuit conductor. The antenna can sense the potential present in the single power circuit conductor, regardless of the presence of a current in the single power circuit conductor. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale (unless stated otherwise) and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the detailed description below. Embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary circuit breaker monitoring system is shown.

[0011] Figures 2A to 2B Exemplary configurations for multiple sensing modules are provided.

[0012] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary sensing module is provided.

[0013] Figures 4A to 4D The various components of the sensing module are shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An exemplary sensing module is shown.

[0015] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Provided Figure 3 Various perspectives of the exemplary sensing module shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. In fact, the following description provides some practical illustrations for carrying out various embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the described embodiments have various suitable alternatives.

[0017] Figure 1 A general overview of a circuit breaker monitoring system 100, employing one or more embodiments of the inventive sensing module described herein, is shown. The circuit breaker monitoring system 100 may include a housing 105 configured to house one or more circuit breaker distribution boards 110, etc. The one or more circuit breaker distribution boards 110 may be configured to control power flow to one or more circuits. The distribution boards 110 may additionally receive power from one or more power lines (such as power line 114). As shown, the distribution board 110 may be configured to receive power from a power source outside the housing 105 via conduits 106, etc. Note that, depending on the embodiment, power line 114 may include multiple power lines. Power line 114 may provide alternating current (AC) and / or direct current (DC) to the distribution board 110, such as distributing power to one or more loads 140 via branch circuit 134. In some embodiments, power line 114 may include various AC systems, such as a four-wire Y-type system, a three-wire delta system, a phase-to-phase system, a single-phase system, or any other configuration known to those skilled in the art. For example, many home applications in the United States include two 120-volt hot wires and one neutral wire.

[0018] Distribution board 110 may include a main circuit breaker 120 and one or more branch circuit breakers 130. The main circuit breaker 120 may be configured to control whether power flows into distribution board 110 from power lines 114. In embodiments where power lines 114 include multiple wires, the main circuit breaker 120 may be configured to cut off input power from all wires; there may be multiple main circuit breakers for each corresponding wire, and so on. Distribution board 110 may additionally include one or more branch circuit breakers 130 configured to control whether power flows to various loads, such as load 140, connected via corresponding individual branch circuits 134. Load 140 may include any load known to those skilled in the art, such as one or more devices that consume power to operate (e.g., one or more motors, lights, heaters, electronic devices, compressors, household appliances, etc.). Note that load 140 may represent multiple independent or dependent devices, such as multiple lights in a room, multiple household appliances, etc.

[0019] The number of branch circuits 134 can vary depending on the number of circuits, the size of the distribution board 110, the number of loads 140 powered by the distribution board 110, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution board 110 may be configured to accommodate, for example... Figure 1 The diagram shows sixteen circuits; however, the distribution board 110 can be configured to accommodate various other numbers of circuits, such as 24, 48, 72, 96, or any number known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, not all branch circuit breakers 130 can be connected to a load. For example, one or more branch circuits may be electrically connected to a power outlet, switch, etc., which may not have a load 140 connected at some point and / or may have a load 140 that is not currently receiving power.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more of the branch circuits 134 may include one or more sensing modules 156. Furthermore, even without... Figure 1 As explicitly shown herein, power line 114 may include one or more sensing modules 156, such as sensing modules for each phase. As described herein, sensing module 156 may include current transformers (CTs), antennas, temperature sensors, and / or the like. Thus, sensing module 156 may be configured to sense and measure one or more circuit parameters, such as current, electric field presence and / or intensity, potential, and / or thermal conditions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sensing module 156 may be configured to provide information to one or more monitoring systems 150. Exemplary monitoring systems 150 may include modular circuit monitoring systems, such as the CoreModule provided by Anord Mardix. TMMonitoring systems, etc. One or more monitoring systems 150 may be located inside the housing 105, such as mounted on or near the distribution panel 110. Alternatively or additionally, one or more monitoring systems 150 may be located outside the housing 105, such as mounted near the housing 105, at a common control or monitoring system location, etc.

[0022] The monitoring system 150 can be configured to receive one or more signals from the sensing module 156 via a communication link 154 and process the received data. As described herein, the communication link 154 may include various data communication connection types known to those skilled in the art, such as wired connections (e.g., Ethernet, cable, etc.) and wireless connections (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, LiFi, NFC, etc.).

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the circuit breaker monitoring system 100 may include one or more sensing modules 156 to monitor one or more circuit breakers 130 of interest on the distribution board 110. In some embodiments, the sensing modules 156 may be mounted, attached, or independent of the distribution board 110. For example, one or more sensing modules may be mounted directly on the distribution board 110, encapsulated within a housing 105, etc.

[0024] Figure 2A Exemplary embodiments are provided in which one or more sensing modules 156 are spatially aligned in an array orientation on a base 210 (e.g., a printed circuit board, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensing modules may be mounted in a linear or coplanar orientation to facilitate efficient spatial monitoring of circuit breakers (e.g., branch circuit breakers 130). As further discussed herein, the sensing modules 156 may be configured to monitor the presence and / or amount of current and voltage, and / or the thermal state of the circuit breakers on the distribution panel 110. Figure 2A As shown, one or more sensing modules 156 may be additionally configured to transmit information to a monitoring system (e.g., monitoring system 150) via a common communication port 254.

[0025] and Figure 2A compared to, Figure 2B Alternative embodiments are provided in which one or more sensing modules 156 are not mounted on a circuit board, but are connected to a base 210 (e.g., a printed circuit board, etc.) via a flexible wire 158. Although shown as a single wire between the base 210 and the sensing module 156 or antenna 330, the flexible wire 158 may include a single wire or multiple wires. In some embodiments, one or more flexible wires 158 comprise twisted pairs. The flexible wire may be directly connected to the base; however, in… Figure 2BIn this embodiment, the flexible wire 158 can be connected to the base 210 via connector 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 260 are regularly spaced, but this is not mandatory. By using the flexible wire, the sensing module 156 can be easily moved and can accommodate conductors that are unevenly spaced and / or located at different distances from the sensing circuit (e.g., branch circuit 134). Figure 2A resemblance, Figure 2B The base 210 can be configured to transmit information to a monitoring system (e.g., monitoring system 150) via a public communication port or other means.

[0026] In some instances, the circuit breaker monitoring system may include an antenna 330, which is also connected to the base 210, and is described in more detail elsewhere in this document. Figure 2B As shown, antenna 330 may be located inside or outside the sensing module 156, or may be completely different from the sensing module 156. For example, in Figure 2B In this case, a portion of antenna 330 is not connected to sensing module 156, and therefore is not connected to the CT. In some instances, all antennas are positioned in a similar manner, for example, inside the sensing module.

[0027] In some instances, a signal conditioner, including a circuit system and / or processor, can be used to perform operations on signals generated by sensing module 156 and / or antenna 330. For example, the signal conditioner can be used to convert signals from antenna 330 into digital signals. Other operations, such as signal processing, are also contemplated. The signal conditioner can help reduce electrical interference, for example, by conditioning or otherwise processing the signals generated by sensing module 156 and / or antenna 330, which may degrade signals traveling on the flexible cable 158 to base 210. In some instances, the signal conditioner is located within or near sensing module 156. However, in instances that do not include a sensing module, such as in Figure 2B As shown in the lower part, the signal conditioner 332 can communicate with and be connected to the antenna 330 in its vicinity.

[0028] Figure 3 An exemplary sensing module 156 is provided. Sensing module 156 can be configured to detect the amount of current in an AC circuit, the presence and / or intensity of an electric field, and / or the thermal state of a corresponding circuit (e.g., branch circuit 134). As shown, sensing module 156 may include a housing 301 configured to accommodate various components as described herein. Housing 301 may include an outer housing wall 302A and an inner housing wall 302B. Figure 3 As shown, the inner housing wall 302B may define an internal opening 350 extending through the sensing module 156. In some instances, the internal opening 350 may be configured to accommodate conductors (e.g., branch circuit 134 wires, one or more wires and / or the like).

[0029] Sensing module 156 may include a current transformer (CT) 320. In some embodiments, the CT 320 may surround an internal opening 350 to monitor current present therein. The CT 320 may include various forms of current transformers known to those skilled in the art, such as wound CTs, solid CTs, etc. In some exemplary configurations, such as in Figure 2A In this embodiment, the CT of the sensing module 156 may alternatively include a split-core CT. In some embodiments, the CT 320 may include a step-down ratio, wherein the CT 320 is configured to receive a high current value (e.g., from a conductor in the internal opening 350) and then reduce the received high current value to a current amount that is more easily monitored by the monitoring system 150 via the step-down ratio.

[0030] The current transformer (CT) can be configured to reduce the current to a normalized value, such as 1 or 5 amps, and / or be configured to reduce it at a predetermined ratio, such as 120:1 or 24:1. In some embodiments, the CT 320 may include a primary coil and a secondary coil, wherein the step-down ratio is determined by the winding ratio on the primary and secondary coils. In such embodiments, the primary coil may include a single conductive core (corresponding to a winding), while the secondary coil may include conductive wire wound around the single conductive core.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sensing module 156 may be configured to detect the temperature of one or more wires (e.g., branch circuit 134 wires) extending through the internal opening 350. Therefore, the sensing module 156 may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensor 340A and / or temperature sensor 340B). The temperature sensors described herein may include one or more devices configured to sense ambient temperature and / or surrounding thermal energy, such as thermocouples, resistance temperature devices (RTDs, thermistors), infrared radiators, bimetallic devices, liquid expansion devices, silicon diodes, and / or the like.

[0032] Temperature sensor 340 may be located near the inner housing wall 302B, flush with the inner housing wall 302B, within the internal opening 350, within the housing 301, etc. Alternatively or additionally, temperature sensor 340 may be located outside the housing 301 and the internal opening 350 of the sensing module 156, such as on a separate substrate, circuit board, etc. Figure 3 Two exemplary temperature sensor configurations are provided, wherein temperature sensor 340A is located near the inner housing wall 302B, and temperature sensor 340B is located within the internal opening 350.

[0033] To provide accurate temperature readings, it may be advantageous to position the temperature sensor 340 near one or more wires passing through the CT. In some embodiments, the spring-supported tongue 390 may be used to help position any conductors, etc., present in the internal opening 350 close to or against the temperature sensor. In some instances, this may include using the spring-supported tongue 390 to push a conductor toward the temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 340A). Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 340B) may be integrated into the spring-supported tongue 390 such that the temperature sensor is held close to or against one or more wires passing through the CT.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the sensing module 156 may include an antenna 330. The antenna 330 allows the sensing module 156 to detect the electric field caused by a potential present in a conductor (e.g., the wire of branch circuit 134). For example, in some embodiments, the capacitance of the antenna may change based on the electric field generated by the energized conductor. In some such instances, the change in antenna capacitance may be amplified to generate a discernible signal to detect when a potential is applied to the conductor. Therefore, the sensing module 156 may be configured to determine whether branch circuit 134 is energized and / or the state of a circuit breaker or switch (e.g., circuit breaker 130) connected to the branch circuit.

[0035] Advantageously, the use of antenna 330 can reduce or even eliminate the need for auxiliary contacts present on circuit breakers (e.g., circuit breaker 130). As is known to those skilled in the art, conventional switchboard systems include complementary auxiliary contacts for each circuit breaker to determine the state of said circuit breaker (e.g., whether it has tripped). However, including auxiliary contacts can come with additional costs and further occupies valuable space on the switchboard (e.g., switchboard 110), resulting in a reduction in the total number of circuit breakers that can be installed. Therefore, this means that larger switchboards and / or additional switchboards are required to accommodate all the circuit breakers. This configuration is more costly for the user and / or difficult to implement in compact areas.

[0036] In addition to switchboards with circuit breakers, using antennas to detect potential is advantageous in other applications. For example, an antenna can be used to determine whether any conductor has a changing potential, regardless of whether the conductor is connected to a load. For instance, an antenna can be used to determine whether a conductor connected to a switch has a changing potential, and / or whether it is energized even if the conductor is not allowing current to flow through it (e.g., to a load). This use may be superior to systems that require a connected load and / or current to flow through the conductor to determine whether the conductor is energized, because more information about the system can be determined in fewer steps and without a connected load.

[0037] As described herein, sensing module 156 may include an embedded antenna 330 configured to detect the presence of an electric field in the internal opening 350, such as an electric field emanating from branch circuit 134. In some embodiments, antenna 330 may be configured to detect the presence of the electric field under multiple conditions, such as when current flows through and / or does not flow through branch circuit 134. As described herein, the integration of the current sensing system and the electric field sensing system in sensing module 156 can advantageously reduce the space required to monitor circuit breakers (e.g., circuit breaker 130) located on distribution board 110.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, antenna 330 may surround internal opening 350. Furthermore, in some embodiments including both CT 320 and antenna 330, CT 320 may surround antenna 330 such that antenna 330 is located between inner housing wall 302B and CT 320. Additionally or alternatively, antenna 330 may be located elsewhere, such as between CT 320 and outer housing wall 302A, within internal opening 350, adjacent to outer housing wall 302A, etc. In embodiments where antenna 330 is located within internal opening 350, antenna 330 may still surround and be isolated from the conduit (e.g., current isolation, etc.). In some embodiments including antenna 330 and temperature sensor 340A, temperature sensor 340A may be located between antenna 330 and inner housing wall 302B, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0039] As described herein, antenna 330 may be configured to detect the presence of an electric field within internal opening 350. In other words, antenna 330 may be configured to detect the presence and / or amount of an electric field generated by a conductor passing through internal opening 350. In some embodiments, antenna 330 detects the electric field via a non-contact method, such as by isolating it from the conductor current. Antenna 330 may be configured to detect the electric field of conductors of various sizes and shapes (e.g., wires of any size) capable of passing through internal opening 350 and / or conductors passing through internal opening 350 at various angles (e.g., perpendicular to the side of sensing module 156, etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that antenna 330 may include various designs and is not limited to any particular design. For example, antenna 330 may include one or more wires of different sizes, shapes, materials, etc. Some such examples include conductive wires bent into loops with openings sized to fit the conductor. Other such examples include straight wires. However, it may be advantageous for antenna 330 to be located near a conductor, allowing antenna 330 to receive optimal signals with minimal electrical noise.

[0040] Figure 4A A schematic diagram of antenna 330 is provided. (For example...) Figure 4AAs shown, antenna 330 may include wire 435. In some instances, wire 435 may be a wire loop capable of wrapping around internal opening 350. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the antenna may include an antenna array mounted on a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 5 (330). In some such embodiments, the antenna array may surround the internal opening 350. The wires 435 of the antenna 330 may include any conductive material (e.g., copper) that enables the antenna 330 to measure the surrounding electric field (e.g., an electric field emanating from a conductor passing through the internal opening 350). Furthermore, the antenna 330 may be configured to provide (e.g., to monitoring system 150, etc.) a signal representing the surrounding electric field via leads 338.

[0041] In some embodiments, having the antenna span the entire circumference of the internal opening 350 optimizes the detection of the electric field emanating from the conductor, which can result in more accurate potential readings, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the spring-supported tongue 390 may be configured to position the conductor closer to the antenna to provide more accurate detection of the electric field (or lack thereof) generated by the conductor.

[0042] Figure 4D An exemplary embodiment illustrating the mounting of antenna 330 to the exterior of sensing module 156 is provided. In the illustrated example, antenna 330 is located near where a conductor (e.g., branch circuit 134) passes through sensing module 156. In some embodiments, antenna 330 may be directly attached to the conductor, for example, via mechanical means (e.g., retaining ring, adhesive). Antenna 330 is also connected to base 210 via one or more connectors 260. However, in some embodiments, the antenna is directly connected to base 210 (e.g., via soldering). As described elsewhere herein, antenna 330 may take any shape, including... Figure 4D The diagram shows wire loops and straight wires. Figure 4D The antennas 330 are also aligned with their corresponding sensing modules 156. Although it is not necessary to align the antennas, this helps to prevent the antennas from receiving erroneous signals from nearby conductors.

[0043] A dynamic gain adjustment circuit (not shown) can be used to attenuate the signal from antenna 330 to optimize the antenna for a specific voltage. In some embodiments, the dynamic gain adjustment circuit may be located outside the sensing module 156, such as in the monitoring system 150.

[0044] The sensing module 156 may include multiple connection points configured to transmit data. In some embodiments, the sensing module 156 may be configured to transmit data from the connection points to the monitoring system 150 (e.g., via communication link 154). Figure 3As shown, the sensing module 156 may include one or more current transformer leads 328, one or more antenna leads 338, and / or one or more thermal sensor leads 348. In some embodiments, each lead may be connected to a separate communication link (e.g., a separate wire) to transfer data to the monitoring system 150, or one or more signals may be transmitted via a common wire, common bus, common wireless signal, etc. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2A As shown, each of the multiple sensing modules can be connected to a common bus via a connection point (e.g., leads 328-348) and transmit data via a common communication port 254.

[0045] In some embodiments, as described herein, the current transformer lead 328 can provide a current signal representing the amount of current flowing through the internal opening 350 (e.g., from branch circuit 134). Similarly, the antenna lead 338 and the thermal sensor lead 348 can provide signals representing the potential within the internal opening 350 and the temperature present within the internal opening 350, respectively.

[0046] Figure 5 Provided similar Figure 3 An exemplary sensing module 556 is shown as sensing module 156. Sensing module 556 includes housing 301. Similarly, as... Figure 4B As shown, the housing 301 can be made of a variety of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as plastics (e.g., epoxy resin), metals, combinations thereof, etc. The sensing module 556 may additionally include the CT 320. Figure 4C As best illustrated herein, CT 320 may include a ferrite core 421 with a copper winding 422 wound around it. Note that, as described herein, various other materials may be used for the core 421 and the winding 422, such as those known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The sensing module 556 may additionally include an antenna 330 as described herein. Figure 4A and Figure 5 As shown, antenna 330 may be located on a flexible circuit board (PCB). Sensing module 556 may additionally include multiple leads (such as leads 328 and 338) to transmit one or more signals to an external power source, such as monitoring system 150. As described herein, lead 328 may be configured to transmit a signal regarding any current information sensed by CT 320, and lead 338 may be configured to transmit a signal regarding any potential sensed by antenna 330. In some embodiments, the sensed current and / or potential may originate from a conductor (e.g., branch circuit 134, one or more wires, and / or the like) extending through an internal opening 350 of sensing module 556.

[0048] Figure 6A and Figure 6BVarious other views of the exemplary sensing module 156 are provided. For example, Figure 6A A side view is shown, while Figure 6B A bottom view is provided. Note that... Figure 3 as well as Figures 6A to 6B The configuration of the sensing module 156 shown is exemplary in nature, and various modifications to the illustrated sensing module are contemplated. For example, components of different sizes, shapes, configurations, and types may be used.

[0049] In some embodiments, the monitoring system 150 may include various computing components, such as a processor, one or more types of memory, etc. Additionally, the monitoring system 150 may include one or more inputs, such as inputs configured to receive information from one or more sensing modules 156 via a communication link 154. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring system 150 may include various other ports suitable for sending and receiving data. For example, the monitoring system 150 may include one or more ports, one or more digital I / O ports, serial ports, and / or Ethernet ports. Digital I / O ports, serial ports, and / or Ethernet ports may include any suitable ports known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The processor of monitoring system 150 can be configured to analyze signals received from sensing module 156 and then determine one or more operating parameters. In some embodiments, the processor may receive information (e.g., from internal memory, from sensing module 156, etc.) and is also configured to analyze the received data and determine whether one or more actions should be performed. One or more actions may include regulating the power flow in one or more branch circuits 134, such as by regulating the state of one or more circuit breakers (e.g., branch circuit breaker 130, main circuit breaker 120). In some instances, the processing (e.g., analyzing signals, determining operating parameters) may be performed by different processors located on different parts of the circuit breaker monitoring system. For example, a portion of the processing may be performed on a processor located on a base (e.g., 210), which may be separate from monitoring system 150. In some such instances, the base may send a signal to monitoring system 150 indicating the presence of voltage in one of the conductors (e.g., the monitored branch circuit). Throughout this disclosure, signals and data transmitted between components (e.g., processors) may be sent via binary signals and / or via communication protocols such as ModBus, BACnet, SNMP, REST API, MQTT, optical, RF, or other communication protocols.

[0051] The processor described herein may include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic circuits, etc., which may be individual or any suitable combination. The processor may also include memory storing program instructions and associated data that, when executed by the processor, cause the monitoring system 150 and the processor to perform the functions belonging to them in this disclosure and any functions known to those skilled in the art. The memory described herein may include any volatile or non-volatile onboard memory, such as chip-based memory, SSD drive-based memory, hard disk drive-based memory, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the memory may include any fixed or removable magnetic, optical, or electrical medium, such as RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, disk, EEPROM, removable media (e.g., SD, mini SD, micro SD, USB, external hard disk drive, etc.). In some embodiments, the removable memory may be insertable / removable via a memory slot. The removable memory may also allow any data received from the sensing module 156 to be easily transferred to another computing device, etc. The processor can also be implemented as a system-on-a-chip, which integrates some or all of the components of a computer or other electronic system onto a single chip. The processor 710 (processing circuit system) can be configured to transmit the processed data to a display or other different output / control devices.

[0052] Various embodiments have been described. These examples are non-limiting and do not in any way limit or restrict the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring system configured to sense two or more electrical parameters in a power circuit, comprising: The sensing module includes: The housing has: The outer shell and the body wall, An inner housing wall defines an internal opening of the sensing module, the internal opening being configured to allow power circuit conductors of the power circuit to pass through therethrough; A current transformer (CT), the current transformer being supported by the housing and configured to sense a first electrical parameter, the first electrical parameter being the current present in the conductors of the power supply circuit; and An antenna, supported by and embedded within the housing, is configured to sense a second electrical parameter, the second electrical parameter being an electric field generated by the power circuit conductor, the electric field being related to the potential present in the power circuit conductor, thereby... The potential present in the power circuit conductor is sensed by the change in the capacitance of the antenna, regardless of whether there is current in the power circuit conductor.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit conductor is a conductor of a branch circuit in the power circuit.

3. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the antenna surrounds the internal opening, and the CT surrounds the internal opening.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein the antenna is positioned between the inner housing wall and the CT.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein the antenna is positioned between the CT and the outer casing wall.

6. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the sensing module further comprises one or more leads configured to provide a signal representing at least one of the electrical parameters measured by the sensing module.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more leads comprise: A CT lead, the CT lead being configured to provide a signal representing the first electrical parameter; as well as Antenna leads, which are configured to provide a signal representing the second electrical parameter.

8. The monitoring system according to claim 6 further includes: Multiple sensing modules, each of which is configured to monitor a single power circuit conductor of the power circuit; as well as A base supporting the plurality of sensing modules and including a common communication port; in Each of the plurality of sensing modules is communicatively coupled to the common communication port via one or more leads.

9. The monitoring system according to claim 8, further comprising a monitoring system wherein: The monitoring system is communicatively coupled to the common communication port; and The multiple sensing modules are communicatively coupled to the monitoring system via the common communication port.

10. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is fixed to the power supply circuit conductor.

11. The monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a spring-supported tongue located within the internal opening, the spring-supported tongue being configured to push the power circuit conductor toward the inner housing wall.

12. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is isolated from the current of the power supply circuit conductor.

13. The monitoring system of claim 1 further includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a third electrical parameter, the third electrical parameter being the temperature of the power supply circuit conductor.

14. The monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor comprises at least one of the following: a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device, a thermistor, an infrared radiator, a bimetallic device, a liquid expansion device, and a silicon diode.

15. The monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is supported by the housing, and the temperature sensor is supported near the inner housing wall.

16. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the temperature sensor is located within the internal opening.

17. A sensing module system configured to sense electrical parameters in a power circuit, comprising: Multiple sensing modules, each configured to sense two or more electrical parameters of a single power circuit conductor of the power circuit, each sensing module comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: outer shell wall, An inner housing wall defines an internal opening for the sensing module, the internal opening being configured to allow the single power circuit conductor to pass through it. A current transformer (CT), supported by the housing, is configured to sense a first electrical parameter, which is the current present in the single power circuit conductor passing through the internal opening; and An antenna, supported by and embedded within the housing, is configured to sense a second electrical parameter, the second electrical parameter being an electric field generated by the conductor of the unique power supply circuit, the electric field being related to the potential present in the conductor of the unique power supply circuit, thereby... The potential present in the conductor of the sole power supply circuit is sensed by the change in the capacitance of the antenna, regardless of whether there is current in the conductor of the sole power supply circuit; and A base that supports the plurality of sensing modules.

18. The sensing module system according to claim 17, wherein: Each of the plurality of sensing modules includes one or more leads configured to provide information about the two or more electrical parameters to an external monitoring system.

19. The sensing module system of claim 18, wherein the base includes a common communication port, wherein: The common communication port is communicatively connected to each of the one or more leads from the plurality of sensing modules; and The public communication port is communicatively connected to the external monitoring system; enabling... The external monitoring system receives information about the two or more electrical parameters from one or more leads via the common communication port.

20. The sensing module system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sensing modules are arranged in a spatially aligned array on the base.

21. The sensing module system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of sensing modules are arranged on the base in a linear or coplanar orientation.

22. The sensing module system of claim 17, wherein the base comprises a printed circuit board.

23. A method for sensing two or more electrical parameters in a power circuit, comprising: The housing is attached around the power circuit conductor of the power circuit, such that the power circuit conductor passes through the internal opening of the housing; The first electrical parameter of the power circuit conductor is sensed by a current transformer (CT), which is supported by the housing and positioned around the power circuit conductor. The first electrical parameter is the current present in the power circuit conductor. A second electrical parameter of the power circuit conductor is sensed via an antenna supported by and embedded within the housing. The second electrical parameter is an electric field generated by the power circuit conductor. The electric field is related to the potential present in the conductor of the power supply circuit, and the potential present in the conductor of the power supply circuit is sensed by the change in the capacitance of the antenna, regardless of whether there is current in the conductor of the power supply circuit.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the power supply circuit conductor is a conductor of a branch circuit in the power circuit.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the antenna comprises an antenna array.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the antenna is supported by the housing, and wherein the antenna and the CT surround the internal opening.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The housing has: The outer shell and the body wall, The inner housing wall defines the internal opening of the sensing module. Furthermore, the antenna is positioned between the inner shell wall of the housing and the CT.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The housing has: The outer shell and the body wall, The inner housing wall defines the internal opening of the sensing module. Furthermore, the antenna is positioned between the CT and the outer shell wall of the housing.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the antenna is isolated from the current of the power supply circuit conductor.

30. The method of claim 23, further comprising: A third electrical parameter, namely the temperature of the power circuit conductor, is sensed via a temperature sensor.

31. A sensing module configured to sense two or more electrical parameters in a power circuit, comprising: The housing has: outer shell wall, An inner housing wall defines an internal opening of the sensing module, the internal opening being configured to allow power circuit conductors of the power circuit to pass through therethrough; A current transformer (CT), the current transformer being supported by the housing, the CT being configured to sense a first electrical parameter, the first electrical parameter being the current present in the power circuit conductor passing through the internal opening; A temperature sensor configured to measure a second electrical parameter that serves as the temperature of a conductor in the power supply circuit. as well as An antenna, supported by and embedded within the housing, is configured to sense a third electrical parameter, which is an electric field generated by the power circuit conductor. This electric field is related to the potential present in the power circuit conductor, thereby sensing the potential present in the power circuit conductor through a change in the capacitance of the antenna, regardless of the presence of current in the power circuit conductor.

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