Wireless powered miniature circuit breaker

Abstract

A system configured to wirelessly power a plurality of electronic circuit breaker (3) devices, comprising: a transmitter control unit (21) acting as a power source and as a master hub for controlling receiver antennas (34c); a source resonator powered by the transmitter control unit and having a transmitter IC and a transmitter antenna; a plurality of circuit breaker (3) devices having a device resonator having a receiver IC and a receiver antenna for receiving radio frequency energy transmitted by the transmitter antenna to power up the receiver IC; a monitoring unit (33b) for obtaining power consumption usage data of a powered device connected to a line current; a controller unit (33c) for controlling and interrupting the supply of current to the line current; and a remote unit for receiving power usage data and sending a signal to the controller unit (33c) to stop or supply the line current to the powered device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer for circuit breaker devices, and more particularly to electronic circuit breakers (ECBs) designed for use in protecting circuits from damage and monitoring current. Background Technology

[0002] When a fault condition is detected (e.g., arcing fault, ground fault, unsafe current level), circuit breaker devices provide protection in an electrical system by monitoring the characteristics of the power supplied to the load and interrupting the flow. Some circuit breaker devices also allow for remote control, such as the ability to open or close the circuit breaker's removable contacts in response to external control signals.

[0003] In Iraq, power companies sell electricity to each household based on the maximum current usage required. Unlike most countries, Iraqis use common circuit breakers (MCBs) not only for protection in their electrical systems but also to restrict their electricity usage. Typically, the common circuit breaker or MCB needs to be manually reset after a trip. If the tripped circuit breaker is unfamiliar, locating it is time-consuming and labor-intensive, potentially disrupting production lines or daily activities. Electronic circuit breakers (ECBs), an improved version of MCBs, address this challenge by automatically resetting the circuit breaker after a user-defined time period, benefiting Iraqi users as well as those from other countries.

[0004] The conventional way to power an ECB is by using a live wire and a neutral wire. However, because the ECB is twice the size of an MCB, the system adds the cost of additional wiring and circuit breaker panel size, as well as the time required to maintain them in the event of a sudden failure.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for circuit breaker devices that are less complex and require less external wiring at the circuit breaker panel to power the circuit breaker device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system configured to monitor and program the operation of a circuit breaker device, wherein the system includes: A wireless power transmission system provides power to a circuit breaker device. The system includes a source resonator positioned inside the circuit breaker panel and a device resonator positioned inside the circuit breaker device, the source resonator and the device resonator being separated by a certain distance, such that the source resonator wirelessly transmits power to the device resonator; a line current from the circuit breaker device for powering at least one receiving device; a monitoring unit coupled to the circuit breaker device for obtaining current usage data of the receiving device connected to the line current; and a controller unit. A controller unit coupled to the circuit breaker device is used to control and interrupt the current supply to the line current; a remote unit is used to receive the power usage data and transmit signals to the controller unit for stopping or supplying the line current to the powered device; and a wireless transmitter unit coupled to the monitoring unit and the controller unit, characterized in that the wireless transmitter unit transmits the power usage data to the remotely located remote unit to monitor power usage and process the signals from the remote unit to stop using the controller unit to stop or supply the line current.

[0007] In addition, the system includes a processor for handling the operations of the monitoring unit and the controller unit.

[0008] In addition, the circuit breaker device includes a seven-segment display or an LED display to show the status indication of the circuit breaker.

[0009] Preferably, the circuit breaker panel has guide rails for mounting the circuit breaker device.

[0010] Preferably, the circuit breaker panel has a printed circuit board antenna shaped as a rail or panel for mounting the circuit breaker device.

[0011] Preferably, the source resonator is a printed circuit board antenna, wherein the printed circuit board antenna is slidably or attached to the circuit breaker panel.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system uses a printed circuit board as the antenna for both the transmitter and the receiver.

[0013] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system or source resonator has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and a power interface.

[0014] Preferably, the source resonator has a transmitter antenna.

[0015] Preferably, the device resonator has a receiver antenna.

[0016] Preferably, the source resonator supplies power to multiple other circuit breaker devices within the circuit breaker panel.

[0017] Preferably, the remote unit located at a distance is used to monitor power usage and connect and disconnect the current supply using the controller unit.

[0018] Preferably, the circuit breaker device includes a capacitor coupled to the line current or wireless power transmission system to store backup power to provide backup power to the circuit breaker in case of a short circuit.

[0019] Preferably, the remote unit is a mobile device having an interface for receiving and transmitting data or signals from a circuit breaker device.

[0020] In addition, the circuit breaker panel has ferrite sheets to block and absorb electromagnetic noise generated by the wireless power transmission system.

[0021] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system uses power from a public power source.

[0022] Preferably, the controller unit is coupled to a sensing circuit for performing circuit breaker operation of the circuit breaker device.

[0023] Preferably, the wireless transmitter unit connected to a network or wireless network transmits data or receives signals.

[0024] Preferably, the remote unit connected to a network or wireless network receives data or sends signals.

[0025] The present invention comprises a combination of features and components fully described and shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that various changes in detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the invention, a more specific description of the invention will be presented by reference to specific embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by means of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An embodiment of an electronic circuit breaker (ECB) with a wireless power transmission system is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 An embodiment of a wireless power transmission system is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 Details of the energy transmitter in the wireless power transmission system are shown.

[0029] Figure 4 Details of the energy receiver in the wireless power transmission system are shown.

[0030] Figure 5 An embodiment of the transmitter-receiver block diagram is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 A flowchart of a wireless power transmission system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and system configured to monitor and program the operation of a circuit breaker device.

[0033] This invention relates to a system configured to wirelessly power an electronic circuit breaker device. Wireless power transfer has the potential to transmit radio frequency (RF) energy at short range. If this RF energy is to be utilized, it can be used for, for example... Figure 1 The circuit breaker device shown opens new opportunities when powered. The system comprises two main parts: at least one energy transmitter (1) and at least one energy receiver electrical miniature circuit breaker (EMCB) or circuit breaker (3). A transmitter antenna (2) connected to the energy transmitter (1) continuously radiates RF energy (5) around it, which powers the circuit breaker (3) device through the receiver antenna (4). Thus, the need to rely on power from live wires to power the components within the circuit breaker device is isolated and eliminated.

[0034] like Figure 2 The system shown includes at least one energy transmitter control unit (11), at least one energy transmitter circuit (12), and at least one energy receiver for an EMCB or circuit breaker (13).

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the energy transmitter includes a loop of energy transmitter circuitry (22a) and an embedded antenna (22c) from the antenna circuitry for channeling RF energy. A transmitter control unit (21) serves as a power supply and a hub for controlling the embedded antenna circuitry (22). The transmitter control unit (21) consists of a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) circuitry (21a) that provides power to the Bluetooth microcontroller unit (MCU) (21b) and the energy transmitter circuitry (22a) and allows data exchange between the Bluetooth MCU and the energy transmitter IC (22b). Preferably, the copper conductor or the loop of the antenna (22c) is embedded in a printed circuit board (PCB) (22) or rail on a circuit breaker panel serving as the transmitter antenna.

[0036] like Figure 4As shown, the energy receiver of the circuit breaker or EMCB (33) includes: a loop of energy receiver circuitry (34a) and an embedded antenna (34c), the embedded antenna being coupled to the circuit breaker device for acquiring the RF signal; a monitoring unit (33b), coupled to the circuit breaker device, for obtaining current usage data of the powered device connected to the line current; a controller unit, coupled to the circuit breaker device, for controlling and interrupting the current supply to the line current when a fault condition is detected; and a remote unit for receiving the power usage data and transmitting a signal to the controller unit for stopping or supplying the line current to the powered device. The receiver antenna (34c) is coupled to the transmitter antenna, wherein the energy receiver IC (34b) converts a portion of the RF signal into energy. Figure 4As shown, the circuit breaker system includes an input power or load current connection and an output power or line current connection at the circuit breaker device, wherein the line current from the circuit breaker device is used to power at least one electrical device or a socket for an appliance such as a lighting fixture, fan, etc. The system has a monitoring module or monitoring unit (33b) coupled to the circuit breaker device for obtaining power usage data of the electrical device connected to the line current, wherein the monitoring unit (33b) is connected to the line current for processing the electrical device connected to the power usage to the same line current, wherein the data is transmitted to a remote unit using a wireless terminal connected to the monitoring unit (33b), the remote unit being remotely located or wirelessly connected for at least one user to monitor the current usage or power usage of the circuit breaker device. The system has a controller unit (33c) coupled to a circuit breaker device for stopping or supplying line current or controlling the current supply to the line current in the circuit breaker device. A remote unit can control the operation of the controller unit (33c) to stop or supply line current to the energized equipment by transmitting signals to the controller unit (33c). The system also has a remote unit or mobile device for receiving power usage data and sending signals to the controller unit to stop or supply line current to the energized equipment. The mobile device has a display module for viewing the operation of the circuit breaker device and controlling the operation of the circuit breaker device or controller unit. The mobile device can be a mobile phone, a computer, or any other electronic device that can be remotely connected via a wireless network. The system also has a wireless transmitter unit coupled to a monitoring unit (33b) and a controller unit (33c) placed within the circuit breaker device for remotely transmitting and receiving data or signals. The wireless transmitter unit connects to wireless networks such as WIFI, 3G, or 4G, or has a wireless transmitter with features such as Bluetooth or NFC. The wireless transmitter unit transmits power usage data to a remotely located unit to monitor power usage and process signals from the remote unit to stop the line current of the controller unit (33c). The system includes a wireless power transmission system that provides power to the circuit breaker device to power the wireless transmitter unit, controller unit (33c), and monitoring unit (33b). This wireless power transmission system includes a source resonator positioned inside the circuit breaker panel and a device resonator positioned at a distance inside the circuit breaker device, such that the source resonator wirelessly transmits power to the device resonator. Furthermore, the circuit breaker device has LEDs for indicating the status of the circuit breaker device, buttons for setting or adjusting the settings of the circuit breaker device, and a seven-segment display for displaying measurement or setting status.

[0037] Figure 5A block diagram concept of an energy transmitter and receiver is shown. The transmitter drives an external antenna to generate an RF field via an antenna driver output pin. The driver is designed to directly drive the antenna integrated on the PCB as well as the antenna connected to a 50Ω cable. In this design, these drivers differentially drive the external antenna.

[0038] When powered on, the Bluetooth MCU (41b) activates the transmitter IC (42b). Subsequently, the antenna driver pins output an unmodulated carrier signal at 13.56MHz. This unmodulated carrier signal first passes through an EMI filter and matching circuitry before reaching the antenna. The EMI filter then filters out higher harmonics, extracts and removes electromagnetic noise from noise components, while the matching circuitry matches the source impedance to the load impedance. Therefore, the transmitter antenna 42c receives the maximum power of the signal with minimal reflection from the load. Finally, the transmitter antenna (42c) can radiate a signal, also known as RF energy across space.

[0039] Transmitter antenna 42c and receiver antenna 44c are coupled together. With the aid of a tuned receiver antenna, RF energy can be transferred from the transmitter antenna using a principle similar to a voltage transformer. RF energy exchange can be optimized when both the transmitter and receiver antennas are tuned to the same frequency (called the resonant frequency). Therefore, maximum power transfer between the antennas is allowed by reducing signal reflections. The receiver antenna is connected to an internal rectifier packaged in the IC, where the RF energy undergoes full-wave rectification. A portion of this energy is used to power the receiver IC. When the remaining energy is output to the output pin, it is then used to supply other circuit components (e.g., ICs, relays, LEDs).

[0040] When power is sufficient, data exchange can occur between the transmitter and receiver. To send commands to the receiver, the transmitter first performs ASK modulation on the carrier wave. These modulated signals are radiated across space and received by the receiver antenna (44c). The receiver consists of a demodulator capable of performing AM demodulation. Once the signal has been demodulated, the receiver is able to access and extract the information contained within it.

[0041] At the end of the request, the transmitter maintains an unmodulated carrier signal to power the receiver and allows it to generate an acknowledgment. When the receiver is ready to respond, it performs passive load modulation by changing its antenna impedance. Therefore, the input impedance change of the receiver IC (44b) modulates the acknowledgment signal across the transmitter antenna. The transmitter receives the modulated signal and performs demodulation, thus retrieving the acknowledgment.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the operation method of this system includes the following steps: • The transmitter control unit supplies power to the energy transmitter circuit (51), wherein the energy transmitter circuit with connected integrated circuit (IC) configures the transmitter IC to perform wireless power transmission operations (52).

[0043] • Thereafter, the transmitter IC directs power to the antenna (53) and radiates RF energy (54), while the receiver IC waits (55') for RF energy until it is available or received (55).

[0044] Then, the receiver antenna receives RF energy, powers on (56), and sets up the receiver IC embedded or fixed to the circuit breaker (57). The transmitter IC then sends data (58) for communication to the receiver IC. The receiver IC receives the data (59) and processes it, executes the embedded instructions (60), and sends an acknowledgment to the transmitter IC (61). If any, the receiver IC will also check and wait for additional data from the transmitter IC.

[0045] Otherwise, the receiver IC will acknowledge the transmission to the transmitter IC, whereby the transmitter IC receives the data (62) to execute additional instructions and sends the data to the receiver IC (63) when necessary.

[0046] Each component in the electronic circuit breaker unit (e.g., MCU, relays, coils, LEDs) is powered by converted RF energy, independent of any power from the live wire. The electronic circuit breaker unit periodically collects current usage data and determines whether it is an overcurrent or a short circuit. If so, the relays disconnect their contacts, interrupting the current. After a user-defined period of time, the relays automatically reset themselves, restoring the current. This automatic reconnection eliminates the need for manual reset of the circuit breaker unit by the user. Supercapacitors are also installed for temporary energy storage.

[0047] The circuit breaker device is designed with actuator levers for automatic or manual tripping and resetting. The lever's position indicates the circuit breaker device's status (open or closed / tripped). The lever can be remotely controlled via a controller unit or relay control coupled to the circuit breaker device, where relay control can automatically connect without requiring manual connection during current surges or remotely connect via a wireless connection to the circuit breaker device. Furthermore, the circuit breaker device has LEDs for status indication and buttons for setting or adjusting circuit breaker device settings. The circuit breaker device includes capacitors or supercapacitors for charging to store power for the circuit breaker device components. No power supply is required to energize the circuit breaker device, as it has a fully isolated power supply to energize the device components. Live conductors or live power sources will only pass through coils that allow current sensing and will exist as line current or output current for supplying power to at least one energized device. Relay control enables electrical miniature circuit breakers (EMCBs), electronic circuit breakers (ECBs), or circuit breaker devices to automatically connect without requiring manual connection during current surges or short circuits. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing between the circuit breaker device and the main controller or remote unit is accomplished using a mobile app or button.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a circuit breaker having: a sensing circuit configured to sense characteristics of line current; a controller unit coupled to the sensing circuit; a wireless transmitter unit; and a power system, characterized in that the power system is configured to provide power to the wireless transmitter unit after the loss of line current, so that the wireless transmitter unit can transmit data about the characteristics to a monitoring module after the loss of line current, wherein the power system is a wireless power transmission system, wherein the wireless power transmission system includes a source resonator configured as a circuit breaker panel and a device resonator, the circuit breaker panel and the device resonator being configured such that the circuit breaker is separated by a distance, such that the source resonator wirelessly transmits power to the device resonator at other locations within the circuit breaker panel.

[0049] This invention relates to an electronic circuit breaker (ECB) that automatically operates an electrical switch designed to protect the circuit from damage and to connect or disconnect, monitor and collect the usage status of the circuit and load equipment.

[0050] In addition, the system includes a processor for handling the operations of the monitoring unit and the controller unit.

[0051] In addition, the circuit breaker device includes a seven-segment display or an LED display to show the status indication of the circuit breaker.

[0052] Preferably, the circuit breaker panel has guide rails for mounting the circuit breaker device.

[0053] Preferably, the circuit breaker panel has a printed circuit board antenna shaped as a rail or panel for mounting the circuit breaker device.

[0054] Preferably, the source resonator is a printed circuit board antenna, wherein the printed circuit board antenna is slidably or attached to the circuit breaker panel.

[0055] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system uses a printed circuit board as the antenna for both the transmitter and the receiver.

[0056] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system or each source resonator has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and a power interface.

[0057] Preferably, the source resonator has a transmitter antenna.

[0058] Preferably, the device resonator has a receiver antenna.

[0059] Preferably, the source resonator supplies power to multiple other circuit breaker devices within the circuit breaker panel.

[0060] Preferably, the remote unit is remotely located to use the controller unit to monitor power usage and connect and disconnect the current supply.

[0061] Preferably, the circuit breaker device includes a capacitor coupled to the line current or wireless power transmission system to store backup power to provide backup power to the circuit breaker in case of a short circuit.

[0062] Preferably, the remote unit is a mobile device having an interface for receiving and transmitting data or signals from a circuit breaker device.

[0063] In addition, the circuit breaker panel has ferrite sheets to block and absorb electromagnetic noise generated by the wireless power transmission system.

[0064] Preferably, the wireless power transmission system uses power from a public power source.

[0065] Preferably, the controller unit is coupled to a sensing circuit for performing circuit breaker operation of the circuit breaker device.

[0066] Preferably, the wireless transmitter unit connected to a network or wireless network transmits data or receives signals.

[0067] Preferably, the remote unit connected to a network or wireless network receives data or sends signals.

[0068] Typically, existing electronic circuit breakers (ECBs) are powered by wires from a main power source, which is primarily energized and neutral.

[0069] This invention relates to an electronic miniature circuit breaker with a wireless power system.

[0070] As used herein, the statement that two or more components are “joined” together should mean that the components are joined together directly or through one or more intermediate components.

[0071] As used herein, the term “processor” means a programmable analog and / or digital device capable of storing, retrieving and processing data; a microprocessor; a microcontroller; a microcomputer; a central processing unit; or any suitable processing device or apparatus.

[0072] This invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. A system configured to monitor and program the operation of a plurality of circuit breaker (3) devices, comprising: The transmitter control unit (21) has a power supply and a microcontroller unit (21b); The source resonator has a transmitter IC (22b) and a transmitter antenna (22c) located inside the circuit breaker panel and is powered by the transmitter control unit (21), wherein the transmitter IC (22b) is configured to direct power to the transmitter antenna (22c) to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy and exchange data with the microcontroller unit (21b) of the transmitter control unit (21); The plurality of circuit breaker (3) devices for performing circuit breaking operations, wherein each of the circuit breaker (3) devices further includes: A device resonator having a receiver antenna (34c) and a receiver IC (34b), wherein the receiver antenna (34c) is configured to receive RF energy emitted by the transmitter antenna (22c) to power on the receiver IC (34b); The monitoring unit (33b) receives power from the receiver antenna (34c) and obtains current usage data of the live conductor that conducts line current through the circuit breaker (3) device; A controller unit (33c), which is coupled to the monitoring unit (33b) as a relay control unit, causes the relay control unit to switch the line current on and off when the monitoring unit (33b) senses the characteristics of the line current; and A remotely configured remote unit having an interface configured to monitor the current usage of the circuit breaker (3) and control the controller unit (33c) coupled to the circuit breaker (3) to stop or supply the line current; characterized in that, Each of the circuit breakers (3) devices is powered by RF energy received by the receiver antenna (34c) without relying on the power of the line current from the live conductor, and when the device resonator is powered on, the source resonator and the receiver IC (34b) of the device resonator exchange data by modulating and demodulating the RF signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker panel has a printed circuit board antenna shaped as a rail or panel for mounting the circuit breaker (3) device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the source resonator is a printed circuit board antenna, wherein the printed circuit board antenna is slidably or attached to the circuit breaker panel.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker (3) device includes a seven-segment display or an LED display to display a status indication of the circuit breaker (3) device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker panel has rails for mounting the circuit breaker (3) device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the source resonator has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and a power interface.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit (33b) is a coil configured to allow current detection.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker (3) device includes a capacitor coupled to a device resonator for storing backup power to provide backup power to components of the circuit breaker (3) device in case of short circuit.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker panel has ferrite sheets to block and absorb electromagnetic noise generated by the wireless power transmission system.

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