Intelligent circuit breaker with dynamic coordination system

Abstract

Power distribution system including a first smart circuit breaker; a plurality of second smart circuit breakers, the second smart circuit breaker being structured to transmit circuit breaker information to the first smart circuit breaker;and an energy monitoring device coupled to the first and second smart circuit breakers and structured to receive breaker information, the energy monitoring device comprising a dynamic coordination system structured to: (i) determine whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required based at least in part on the breaker information, (ii) identify the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need to be adjusted based on a determination that the adjustment is required, and (iii) transmit an alert to the user, indicating that the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1A;

Description

Title of the invention: Intelligent circuit breaker with dynamic coordination system

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to circuit breakers for use with a load, and in particular to an intelligent circuit breaker with a dynamic coordination system.

[0003] BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0004] Circuit breakers, such as, for example but without limitation, circuit breakers, are typically used to protect electrical circuits from damage due to an overcurrent condition, such as an overload condition, a short circuit, or another fault condition, such as an arc fault or a ground fault. Circuit breaker coordination uses a plurality of circuit breakers in a power distribution system to isolate electrical problems, stop nuisance tripping, and prevent system outages. Circuit breaker coordination includes both general and selective coordination.Selective coordination applies to the entire range of overcurrents on the system and the entire range of overcurrent tripping times associated with those overcurrents, while coordination is required for overcurrent protection devices for critical electrical systems in healthcare facilities. Circuit breaker coordination is intended to minimize the risk of power loss in life-saving systems (e.g., but not limited to, emergency lighting, fire detection, elevators, etc.), to reduce the risk of operational loss or costly downtime for, for example, but not limited to, computer equipment or continuous process manufacturing operations, and to provide faster identification and resolution of fault conditions on the system by isolating the electrical problem (e.g., tripping of the faulty circuit breaker).

[0005] However, even with circuit breaker coordination, nuisance tripping occurs due to an incorrect parameter setting (e.g., trip settings) of one or more circuit breakers. During this power loss, conventional circuit breakers require manual intervention to adjust the trip settings of the circuit breaker(s) to establish coordination between the breaker(s). Furthermore, identifying the source of the problem (e.g., without limitation, an incorrect trip setting, a fault condition type, etc.), the location of a fault condition, and a defective circuit breaker or Incorrect configuration presents a challenge, leading to significant operational losses. Furthermore, the power distribution system may need to be shut down to perform manual adjustments, such as adjusting the trip parameters that caused the operational loss, resulting in lost production, costly downtime, or inventory destruction. Conventional circuit breakers lack a proactive or preemptive mechanism for correcting incorrect circuit breaker configuration settings (e.g., trip parameters) and an alerting capability to notify the user or operator of an ongoing or potential trip event, enabling immediate correction and adjustment of incorrect circuit breaker parameters.

[0006] It is possible to improve the coordination and adjustment of circuit breaker configuration parameters in a power distribution system. Summary of the invention

[0007] These requirements, as well as others, are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept in which a power distribution system using dynamic coordination comprises: a first intelligent circuit breaker comprising a first electronic trip unit having a first communication module; a plurality of second intelligent circuit breakers, each comprising a second electronic trip unit having a second communication module, the first intelligent circuit breaker being arranged at a first level and the second intelligent circuit breakers being arranged at one or more remaining levels, each level comprising at least one upstream circuit breaker coupled to respective downstream circuit breakers, in which the second intelligent circuit breaker is structured to transmit circuit breaker information to the first intelligent circuit breaker,and wherein the first electronic trip unit and the second electronic trip unit comprise an energy monitoring device that monitors and controls the operation of the first and second smart circuit breakers, the energy monitoring device comprising a dynamic coordination system structured to: (i) determine whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required based at least in part on the circuit breaker information, (ii) identify the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters are to be adjusted based on the determination that the adjustment is required, and (iii) transmit an alert to the user, the alert comprising an indication that the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker,and in which the first and second intelligent circuit breakers can be coupled in communication to a device, user also including the energy monitoring device comprising the dynamic coordination system.

[0008] According to an embodiment given by way of example of the disclosed concept, a dynamic coordination method with a first smart circuit breaker at a first level and second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker at one or more remaining levels in a power distribution system is provided, each level comprising at least one upstream circuit breaker, each upstream circuit breaker being coupled to respective downstream circuit breakers, and each smart circuit breaker comprising a power monitoring device equipped with a dynamic coordination system. The method includes the transmission, by the second smart circuit breakers, of circuit breaker information including real-time data to the first smart circuit breaker; the reception, by the first smart circuit breaker, of the circuit breaker information;The determination, by a dynamic coordination system of an energy monitoring device, of whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required, based at least in part on real-time data; the identification of the upstream circuit breaker whose configuration parameters must be adjusted based on a determination that the adjustment is required; the transmission of an alert to a user device coupled in communication to the first and second smart circuit breakers, the alert including an indication that the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker; and the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment given by way of example of the disclosed concept, a method of installing a dynamic coordination system in an energy monitoring device in a user device that can be coupled to a first smart circuit breaker and to a plurality of second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker in an energy distribution system is provided.The method includes connecting the first and second smart circuit breakers to the energy monitoring device; determining whether the energy monitoring device includes the dynamic coordination system; creating a dynamic coordination indicator to enable or disable the dynamic coordination system on a user interface of the energy monitoring device based on a determination that the energy monitoring device does not include the dynamic coordination system; and creating a dynamic coordination configurator on the user interface. Brief description of the drawings.

[0010] A complete understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0011] [Fig.IA] is a diagram of an intelligent circuit breaker according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0012] Fig. 1B is a diagram of a power supply system according to an example embodiment of the concept described;

[0013] [Fig.2] is a schematic of a front view of an electronic trigger according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a functional diagram of an energy monitoring device according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0015] Figs. 4A-B illustrate diagrams of example power distribution systems according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a diagram of an example of an energy distribution system according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a diagram of an example of a power distribution system with a communication module according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a diagram of an example of an energy distribution system according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0019] Fig. 8 is a diagram of an example of a power distribution system with a communication module according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0020] Figs. 9A-B represent a user interface of a dynamic coordination system according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0021] Figs.10A-B represent an organizational chart for a dynamic coordination process according to an example of an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0022] Figure 11 is a flowchart for a dynamic coordination process according to an example of an embodiment of the disclosed concept; and

[0023] The [Fig. 12] is a flowchart for a method of installing a dynamic coordination system in an energy monitoring device for a first smart circuit breaker and second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker in an energy distribution system according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT MODES

[0025] The directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, superior, inferior, up, down and their derivatives, concern the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting to the claims, unless expressly stated.

[0026] As used here, the singular form of "a / an" and "it / her" includes plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] As used here, the term "number" means one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0028] Conventional coordination systems using a plurality of conventional circuit breakers are subject to nuisance tripping due, for example, but not limited to, an incorrect circuit breaker setting. For example, if an upstream circuit breaker is coupled to two downstream circuit breakers, and the upstream circuit breaker has a rated current (IN) of 30 A and a rated continuous current (IR) of 0.5 x IN (i.e., 15 A), and the downstream circuit breakers each have IN = 10 A and IR = 1 x IN, then the sum of the current of the downstream circuit breakers is 20 A, which is greater than the IR of the upstream circuit breaker. In another example, a smart circuit breaker (upstream or downstream) may have an incorrect configuration (for example, but not limited to, an incorrect current setting, an incorrect reset time, or an incorrect delay time).In these cases, since conventional circuit breakers are not equipped with the ability to automatically detect or warn of such an incorrect configuration before a tripping event occurs, a fault event occurs, and a circuit breaker with incorrect configuration parameters trips. The tripping of the circuit breaker(s) causes a power loss at the outgoing node (i.e., the faulty downstream circuit breaker). During this power loss, conventional circuit breakers require manual intervention to correct an incorrect configuration (e.g., an incorrect trip setting) of the upstream circuit breaker in order to establish coordination between the circuit breakers. Furthermore, identifying the source of the problem and the faulty circuit breaker poses a challenge for the conventional coordination system.Furthermore, the system must be shut down to manually adjust the trip parameters, leading to significant operational losses (e.g., without limitation, costly downtime, lost production, loss of perishable goods, etc.). Thus, a proactive, dynamic correction mechanism for the configuration parameters (e.g., without limitation, trip parameters) of the circuit breakers is generally lacking, resulting in substantial operational losses.

[0029] Examples of embodiments of the disclosed concept address these problems. For example, the present disclosure proposes a proactive dynamic coordination system that automatically determines whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required based at least in part on circuit breaker information including real-time circuit breaker data. downstream, automatically identifies the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need adjusting based on a determination that adjustment is required, and automatically transmits an alert to a user. The alert includes an indication that adjustment of the identified smart circuit breaker's configuration parameters is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker. In some examples, such determination, identification, and transmission can also be performed at the request of a user. The circuit breaker information includes real-time data and function codes for reading the real-time data. The real-time data includes at least real-time current data and real-time time data.Real-time current data includes at least the nominal current (IN) and the nominal DC current (IR), and real-time data includes reading time and delays. Real-time data may also include real-time voltage data or other protection parameters. Based on the received breaker information, the dynamic coordination system determines that adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart breaker is required. For example, if the sum of the nominal DC currents (IR) of the downstream breakeres exceeds the IR of the respective upstream breaker, then the dynamic coordination system determines that the upstream breaker now has an incorrect nominal current (IR) setting, which will lead to tripping and power loss if corrective action is not taken.The dynamic coordination system then identifies the upstream circuit breaker with the incorrect current rating (IR) and automatically transmits a wireless alert to the user, for example, via Bluetooth®, SMS, etc., indicating that trip parameters must be adjusted before a trip event occurs. The user can then determine whether to remotely adjust the trip parameters based on the alert using the dynamic coordination system or manually adjust the trip parameters at the location of the upstream circuit breaker in question.Thus, by automatically determining and identifying a smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need adjusting, and by automatically alerting the user of the need to adjust the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker before an actual trip event occurs, the dynamic coordination system prevents the trip event from occurring, avoids any power loss associated with the trip event, and prevents significant operational losses as well as health and safety risks. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination system offers the user an option to remotely adjust the configuration parameters of the smart circuit breaker. The smart circuit breaker is identified using the dynamic coordination system installed in a user device connected to the system via a wired or wireless connection, offering the user flexibility, efficiency, and time savings. This remote adjustment capability eliminates the need to shut down the power distribution system to manually adjust circuit breaker configuration parameters. However, the user can also manually adjust the configuration parameters at the identified circuit breaker location as desired. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination system can be easily added to existing power control devices (e.g., without limitations, firmware, software, codes, etc.).For any user device that can be coupled with smart circuit breakers, the dynamic coordination system can be added by updating the user device's energy monitoring capabilities. This can be done by accessing, for example, an external cloud or storage device that includes the dynamic coordination system. Updates can be as simple as adding a few tabs (e.g., a dynamic coordination indicator, a dynamic coordination configurator, etc.) to the energy monitoring device's user interface. For smart circuit breaker electronic trip units, the trip unit's energy monitoring capabilities are configured to include the dynamic coordination system by default.However, such inclusion is simple, requiring only an update to the existing monitoring device, for example, by adding source code or updating the energy monitoring device, for instance, via the external cloud or storage device. The trip unit can include a button as a dynamic coordination indicator; however, the indicator does not need to be physically present and can simply be displayed as a virtual button on a user interface shown on the electronic trip unit's screen. Thus, no additional hardware is required. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination system can be used with any communication modules (e.g., without limitation, MODBUS® RTU, Ethernet, MODBUS® TCP, PROFIBUS, INCOM, etc.) available for circuit breakers.Thus, the dynamic coordination system establishes a suitable communication network (e.g., a client-server network, a peer-to-peer network, etc.) using existing communication modules without requiring the installation of additional communication mechanisms for dynamic coordination. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination system allows smart circuit breakers to communicate automatically with each other. In addition, the dynamic coordination system can be adapted to the complexity of the power distribution system. That is to say, the dynamic coordination system can be used in a simple residential power system with a single downstream level as in a complex industrial power system with many levels of circuit breakers.

[0030] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an intelligent circuit breaker 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The intelligent circuit breaker 1 is coupled to a hot (input) conductor 3, a load (output) conductor 5, and a neutral conductor 7. The hot conductor 3 can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown) such as a 120 VAC residential supply or other suitable power source. The AC power source can be coupled to a power supply circuit (not shown) within the intelligent circuit breaker 1. The load conductor 5 can be electrically connected to a load 9, for example, a light, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, etc. The intelligent circuit breaker 1 can be directly connected to the neutral conductor 7 as shown in Figure 1A. The neutral conductor 7 can be electrically coupled to the load 9 to complete the AC power supply circuit.The intelligent circuit breaker 1 is structured to open by tripping or switching to interrupt the current flowing to the load 9 in the event of a fault (e.g., a short-circuit fault, a parallel arc fault, a permanent earth fault, etc.) or severe overload to protect the load 9.

[0031] The smart circuit breaker 1 can be connected to a user device 24 comprising an energy monitoring device via, for example, but not limited to, a USB cable 22A. In some examples, the user device 24 can be connected wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth®, WiFi, SMS, etc.), allowing the operator or user to monitor and control the smart circuit breaker 1 without having to connect to the smart circuit breaker 1 via the USB cable 22A. The user device 24 can be any user device (e.g., a PC, a cell phone, etc.) and may include, among other things, a controller 160 as described with reference to [Fig. 3]. The controller 160 may include a processor 165, a memory 170, and an energy monitoring device 110 comprising a dynamic coordination system 115.The user device 24 is described in more detail with reference to [Fig.3].

[0032] An intelligent circuit breaker 1 is part of a power distribution system 10', 10”, 10”' as described with reference to Figures 4A-8. The intelligent circuit breaker 1 includes an electronic trip unit 100, an operating mechanism 200, mechanical contacts 300, a current sensor 400 and an arc extinguisher 500.

[0033] The electronic trigger 100 is structured to control the operating mechanism 200 to trigger the opening of the mechanical contacts 300 according to a signal from the current sensor 400. The electronic trigger 100 can The electronic trip unit 100 may be removable (e.g., exchangeable or interchangeable) and attached to a permanent structure module of the smart circuit breaker 1. The electronic trip unit 100 may include a communication module 105 and an energy monitoring device 110. The electronic trip unit 100 may also include a display 125 (e.g., but not limited to, an LCD), various indicators, navigation buttons or buttons 115A, 120, 130, 135, 140, a USB port 145, and a battery holder 150 as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The electronic trip unit 100 may also include a processing unit (not shown) comprising a processor and memory.

[0034] The communication module 105 can be any communication module available for communication between the intelligent circuit breakers 1. For example, the communication modules 105 can be MODBUS® RTU, Ethernet, MODBUS® TCP, PROFIBUS, INCOM modules which can be integrated into each circuit breaker.

[0035] The energy monitoring device 110 may be firmware, software, a software application, codes or instructions that can be obtained from an external cloud or USB drive to monitor, control or test the smart circuit breaker 1. In some examples, the memory may include the energy monitoring device 110. The energy monitoring device 110 includes energy monitoring features such as a dynamic coordination system 115.

[0036] The dynamic coordination system 115 may be firmware, software, a software application, codes, or instructions included in the energy monitoring device 110 during manufacturing. The dynamic coordination system 115 is structured to determine whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more smart circuit breakers 1 is required based at least in part on circuit breaker information including at least real-time data from downstream switches, to identify the smart circuit breaker 1 whose configuration parameters need to be adjusted based on a determination that the adjustment is required, and to transmit an alert to a user, the alert including an indication that the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker.The 115 dynamic coordination system automatically performs the determination, identification, and transmission of the alert. In certain cases, the user can also request such services from the 115 dynamic coordination system.

[0037] Determining whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required includes: comparing the current parameters of the trip unit associated with at least one of the following: a current rating or a time parameter of each smart circuit breaker, to the respective required parameters of the trip associated with at least one of a rated current or time parameter, the determination establishing whether a setting of the trip parameters of any smart circuit breaker is required on the basis of a comparison result indicating that the current parameters of the trip do not meet the respective required parameters of the trip, and the determination establishing that the setting of the trip parameters of one or more smart circuit breakers is required on the basis of a determination that the setting of the current parameters of the smart circuit breaker(s) does not meet the respective required parameters of the trip.If the identified smart circuit breaker is an upstream circuit breaker, determining whether to adjust the configuration parameters includes: comparing the current rating of each upstream circuit breaker with a sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers, determining that the current rating of each upstream circuit breaker is greater than the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers, and determining that an adjustment of the upstream circuit breaker trip parameters is required based on a determination that the current rating of the upstream circuit breaker is not greater than the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers.

[0038] The dynamic coordination system 115 transmits the alert to the user device 24 via a wired connection using a 22A USB cable or wirelessly (e.g., without limitation, via Bluetooth®, SMS, etc.). Upon receiving the alert, the user can remotely or manually adjust the configuration parameters of the identified circuit breaker. The smart circuit breaker 1 has been previously configured by the user with regard to energy monitoring (e.g., protection settings, factory settings, etc.) and dynamic coordination.Dynamic coordination configurations include specifying a different device address for each smart circuit breaker, determining the number of levels and the number of smart circuit breakers at each level, establishing at least one upstream circuit breaker at each level, and selecting respective downstream circuit breakers for each upstream circuit breaker based on user input. The dynamic coordination system is described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 9.

[0039] The processor may be, for example and without limitation, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable processing device or circuit assembly. The memory may be any one of a variety of types of internal and / or external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, and the like, which provide a storage register, i.e., a machine-readable medium, for data storage such as that of an area internal storage of a computer, and can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0040] The operating mechanism 200 is structured to open the mechanical contacts 300 in response to a signal from the electronic trigger 100 based on the current measured by the current sensor 400. The opening of the mechanical contacts 300 ensures galvanic isolation between the power source and the load 9. For example, and without limitation, the operating mechanism 200 is structured to cause the mechanical contacts 300 to open by moving a movable arm to separate them. The mechanical contacts 300 may include a primary contact and a secondary contact.

[0041] The current sensor 400 can be, for example, without limitation, a Rogowski coil (for example, two coils including one coil on an iron core and the other coil on an air core) and is structured to measure the alternating current flowing through the smart circuit breaker 1 to the load 18. The current sensor 400 can be installed on the load terminals 14. As the current passes through the smart circuit breaker 1, the coil on the iron core generates a current that powers the electronic trip 100. The other coil on the air core produces the signal for determining the current through the smart circuit breaker 1.

[0042] The arc extinguisher 500 may be an arc tube for each pole of the smart circuit breaker 1 and may include a blower box mounted around the mechanical contacts 300 (e.g., primary contacts). The arc extinguisher 500 is structured to extinguish arcs and channel gases away from the smart circuit breaker during an interruption.

[0043] Figure 1B is a diagram of an example of a power system 20 according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The power system 20 includes facilities 22 (for example, without limitation, a residential house, an office building, an industrial complex, etc.) comprising a power distribution system 10, a user device 24, and an end-user device 24' coupled in communication to the power distribution system 10 or to the user device 24. The facilities 22 can range from a family home to an industrial complex as illustrated in Figure 1B.The power distribution system 10 includes a first smart circuit breaker 1 which includes a first electronic trip 100 including a first communication module 105 and a plurality of second smart circuit breakers 1 each including a second electronic trip 100 having a second communication module 105 as illustrated in Figures 4A-8. The first smart circuit breaker 1 may be the only circuit breaker in a higher level of the power distribution system 10. The first and second communication modules 105 may be any communication module (by . For example, without limitation, MODBUS® RTU, Ethernet, MODBUS® TCP, PROFIBUS, INCOM, etc.) are available for the circuit breakers. The user device 24, 24' can be any type of user device (for example, without limitation, a PC, a digital assistant, a laptop, a mobile phone, etc.) capable of receiving and transmitting messages from the energy monitoring device 110 wirelessly or via a wired connection. For example, an operator authorized to access the energy distribution system 10 can connect the user device 24 to the smart circuit breakers 1 via a USB cable 22A plugged into the USB port 145 (as shown in [Fig. 2]) or wirelessly (via, for example, Bluetooth®, SMS, WiFi, etc.). In this example, the operator could be an end user.The 24' user device can be coupled either to smart circuit breakers 1 or to a 24' user device (where, for example, the end user is not the operator), and communicate wirelessly with the smart circuit breakers 1 (via, for example, Bluetooth®, SMS, WiFi, LTE, LTE-A, New Radio, etc.). The user can remotely adjust the configuration parameters of the circuit breaker identified as having incorrect configuration parameters using the dynamic coordination system 115 included in the 24' user device. The dynamic coordination system 115 included in the electronic trip unit 100 and the 24' user device is identical or similar, with minor differences.

[0044] For a simple residential or office installation, a first embodiment provides a dynamic coordination capability as described with reference to Figures 4A-B. In this embodiment, the power distribution system 10' comprises the first smart circuit breaker 1 arranged as a single customer and upstream circuit breaker at a first level, and the second smart circuit breakers 1 arranged as servers at a single downstream level below the first level. The first and second communication modules 105 may include, for example, a MODBUS® RTU module, which establishes a client-server network. MODBUS® RTU is a communication module that enables electronic devices to communicate with each other over serial data lines (for example, asynchronous serial data lines).Thus, the first smart circuit breaker 1 is structured to transmit a request to the second smart circuit breakers 1 for breaker information including real-time data; the second smart circuit breaker 1 is structured to receive the request and transmit the breaker information to the first smart circuit breaker in response to the request; and the first smart circuit breaker 1 is further structured to receive the breaker information. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the second smart server circuit breakers 1 can only transmit breaker information when requested by the first smart client circuit breaker 1. Circuit information includes at least real-time data and function codes for reading the real-time data. The real-time data includes at least real-time current data and real-time time data. The real-time data includes at least the rated current and the rated DC current. The real-time data includes at least the reading time and the delay. The real-time data may also include real-time voltage data or other protection parameters.The first smart breaker 1 (i.e., the dynamic coordination system 115 of the first smart breaker 1) receives breaker information including real-time data and determines whether a setting of the configuration parameters of one or more smart breaker 1s is required based at least in part on the breaker information of all downstream breaker 1s in the power distribution system 10', identifies the smart breaker 1 whose configuration parameters need to be set based on a determination that the setting is required, and transmits an alert to the user device 24, 24' coupled in communication to the first and second smart breaker 1s, the alert including an indication that the setting of the configuration parameters of the identified smart breaker 1 is required and the device address of the identified smart breaker 1.

[0045] For larger installations such as the industrial complex 22, the second or third embodiment provides dynamic coordination capability for a more complex power distribution system 10', 10" as illustrated in Figures 5-8. In the second and third embodiments, the power distribution system 10", 10" comprises a first smart circuit breaker 1 as the sole client and circuit breaker in the first level, and the second smart circuit breakers 1 as servers arranged in the remaining levels. In the second embodiment (as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6), the first and second communication modules 105 may also include, for example, a MODBUS® RTU module, which again establishes a client-server network.Thus, the first smart circuit breaker 1 is structured to transmit a request to the second smart circuit breakers 1 for breaker information including real-time data, the second smart circuit breaker 1 is structured to receive the request and transmit the breaker information to the first smart circuit breaker in response to the request, and the first smart circuit breaker 1 is further structured to receive the breaker information. Thus, in the second embodiment, the second smart server circuit breakers 1 can only transmit breaker information when requested by the first smart client circuit breaker 1. The first smart circuit breaker (i.e., . that is, the dynamic coordination system 115 of the first smart circuit breaker 1) receives breaker information including real-time data and determines whether a setting of the configuration parameters of one or more smart circuit breakers 1 is required based at least in part on the breaker information of all downstream circuit breakers 1 in the power distribution set 10”, identifies the smart circuit breaker 1 whose configuration parameters need to be set based on a determination that the setting is required, and transmits an alert to the user device 24, 24' coupled in communication to the first and second smart circuit breakers 1, the alert including an indication that the setting of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker 1 is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker 1.

[0046] In the third embodiment (as illustrated in Figures 7 to 8), the first and second communication modules 105 include an Ethernet module that can establish a peer-to-peer network, allowing the first and second smart circuit breakers 1 to communicate with each other as peers over Ethernet (for example, and without limitation, via MODBUS® TCP or GOOSE messaging). That is, the second smart circuit breakers 1 transmit circuit information, including real-time data, to the first smart circuit breaker 1 without having to wait to receive a request for circuit breaker information, including real-time data, from the first smart circuit breaker 1.The first smart breaker 1 receives breaker information and determines whether a setting of the configuration parameters of one or more smart breaker 1s is required based at least in part on the breaker information, identifies the smart breaker 1 whose configuration parameters need to be set based on a determination that the setting is required, and transmits an alert to the user device 24, 24' coupled in communication to the first and second smart breaker 1s, the alert including an indication that the setting of the configuration parameters of the identified smart breaker 1 is required and the device address of the identified smart breaker 1.

[0047] Figure 2 is a front view of an example of an electronic trip unit 100 according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The electronic trip unit 100 is structured to control the operating mechanism 200 to trigger the opening of the mechanical contacts 300 based on a signal from the current sensor 400 as described with reference to Figure 1. That is, the electronic trip unit 100 receives a signal from the current sensor 400, analyzes the signal, and if the signal indicates that the current and time data exceed the current level and time delay parameters, then the electronic trip unit 100 trips the smart circuit breaker 1 by opening the Mechanical contacts 300 via the operating mechanism 200. The electronic trigger 100 may include a status indicator 120, a display 125, navigators 130, a dynamic coordination indicator 115A, a USB port 145, reading or trigger cause indicators 140, a reset button 135, and a battery holder 150, in addition to the communication module 105, the energy monitoring device 110, and the processing system as described previously with reference to [Fig. 1A]. This figure is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the electronic trigger 100 may include more or fewer other characteristic components depending on the circumstances, the manufacturer, or the user's preferences.

[0048] The status indicator 120 indicates the status (for example, a green light for normal operation, a red light for a firmware error, a calibration error, a coil error, or an error in the operating mechanism associated with the electronic trigger 100). The display 125 shows, for example, but is not limited to, a loading screen following initial power-up, the main menu during loading, and submenus. The main menu displays, for example, but is not limited to, a summary of the parameters and characteristics of the electronic trigger, measurement information, the chronology of the use of the electronic trigger 100, the operating status of the intelligent circuit device 1, current and / or voltage waveforms, etc.Features include, but are not limited to, available language options, communication modules, thermal memory, long delay curve selection, neutral reading, power supply (e.g., forward or reverse), zone selective locking capability, maintenance mode reading, user information modification, etc. Submenus include further options for a specific function. For example, for long delay curve selection, the submenu may display selection options such as, e.g., unlimited, 12t, 14t, 10.5t, It, etc. Menus are accessed using browsers.

[0049] The dynamic coordination indicator 115A, when illuminated, indicates that the smart circuit breaker 1 has the dynamic coordination feature. The dynamic coordination feature is new and can be added to the electronic trip unit 100 by installing it within the energy monitoring device 110 during manufacturing. While [Fig. 2] shows the dynamic coordination indicator 115A added as a button, it may not be physically added to the trip unit 100 but rather displayed as a virtual indicator on the screen 125. Thus, no additional hardware is required for dynamic coordination. The dynamic coordination system 115 automatically determines whether the configuration parameters of a circuit breaker are set. The intelligent system is required based on circuit breaker data, identifies the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need to be set, and transmits an alert to the 24 / 24' user device wirelessly or via a wired connection. The 24 / 24' user device may also include the energy monitoring device 110, which includes the dynamic coordination system 115 as described with reference to [Fig. 3]. The dynamic coordination system 115 in the electronic trip unit 100 and the 24 / 24' user device may be identical or similar, with minor differences.Upon receiving the alert, the operator or user can remotely adjust the configuration parameters of the remotely identified circuit breaker using the dynamic coordination system 115 in the user device 24, 24' or manually adjust the configuration parameters at the location of the identified circuit breaker using the electronic trip unit 100.

[0050] The trip indicator 140 illuminates if a current level trip parameter is exceeded due to, for example, but not limited to, a trip caused by a long delay or overheating, a trip caused by a short delay or a mechanism error, an instantaneous trip, or a ground fault or ground alarm. The reset button 135 can be pressed to reset the trip indicator 140. In some examples, the electronic trip unit 100 may also include rotary switches, for example, but not limited to, trip switches setting the trip levels based on the circuit breaker's rated current, or time switches for setting the responses in seconds (s).The battery holder 150 is structured to house a power supply battery for the reading or trigger cause indicators 140 when the electronic trigger 100 is not powered.

[0051] Figure 3 is a functional diagram of a user device 24, 24' according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. As can be seen in Figure 3, the example user device 24, 24' is a PC or laptop computer and includes an input device 155 (which in the illustrated embodiment is a keyboard), an output device 575 (which in the illustrated embodiment is an LCD screen), and a controller 160. However, the user device 24, 24' can be any user device capable of communicating with the first and second smart circuit breakers 1 via a wired or wireless connection.A user can provide input to the controller 160 using the input device 155, and the controller 160 provides output signals to the display 157 to allow the display 157 to show real-time information, for example, but not limited to, real-time current data, real-time voltage data, real-time time data for the smart circuit breaker 1. The data from. Real-time current data includes the rated continuous current (IR), the rated interrupt current (IN), the rated interruption current, the permissible short-time current, etc. Real-time voltage data includes the rated voltage, the rated interruption current, etc. Real-time time data includes reading time, delays, etc. Real-time data may also include rated voltages or other protection parameters.

[0052] The controller 160 includes an energy monitoring device 110 for controlling, monitoring, and / or adjusting the smart circuit breaker 1. The monitoring features include trip characteristics, for example, but not limited to, a maintenance mode, earth protection, the type of available communication adaptation modules (CAMs), or a dynamic coordination system 115. A maintenance mode relates to the arc flash maintenance capability and may include, for example, an Arc Flash Reduction Maintenance System™. Earth protection relates to the earth fault protection provided for the smart circuit breaker 1 in accordance with national or regional requirements.A CAM function supports various available CAM types (e.g., without limitation, MODBUS® RTU (Remote Terminal Unit), MODBUS® TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), Ethernet, PROFIBUS, INCOM, etc.) to enable smart circuit breakers 1 to communicate with each other. The dynamic coordination system 115 may already be part of the energy monitoring device 110 or be integrated into the energy monitoring device 110 by updating the energy monitoring device 110. Upon integration, the smart circuit breakers 1 in the energy distribution system 10 are configured for dynamic coordination based on user input.The dynamic coordination configuration includes specifying a different device address for each smart breaker 1, determining a number of levels and a number of smart breaker 1s at each level, establishing at least one upstream breaker 1 at each level, and selecting the respective downstream breakers for each upstream breaker based on user input.During configuration, the dynamic coordination system 115 is structured to determine whether a setting of the configuration parameters of one or more smart switches 1 is required based at least in part on breaker data including real-time data from downstream circuit breakers 1 in the power distribution system 10, identify the smart circuit breaker 1 whose configuration parameters need to be set based on a determination that the setting is required, and transmit an alert to the user device 24, 24' coupled in communication to the first and second smart circuit breakers 1, the alert including an indication that the setting of the configuration parameters of the . Identified smart breaker 1 is required and the device address of identified smart breaker 1. The user may have previously configured protection parameters for smart breaker 1, and with the use of the dynamic coordination system 115, the user can now view real-time data of each downstream breaker 1 and adjust incorrect configuration parameters of a smart breaker in real time remotely using the dynamic coordination system 115 from the user device 24, 24' or manually at the location of the identified smart breaker.

[0053] The controller 160 also includes a processor and memory. The processor may be, for example and without limitation, a microprocessor (pP), a microcontroller, or another suitable processing device, which interfaces with the memory. The memory may be any of a variety of types of internal and / or external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, and the like, which provide a storage register, i.e., a machine-readable medium, for data storage such as that of an internal storage area of ​​a computer, and may be volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory stores within itself a number of programs, instructions, or codes executable by the processor.One or more of the programs implement (by means of computer / processor executable instructions) at least one embodiment of the process discussed here in detail for energy monitoring and dynamic circuit breaker coordination.

[0054] Figures 4A-B illustrate a power distribution system 10' according to an example of a first embodiment of the disclosed concept. In this embodiment, the user has configured the smart circuit breakers 1 for dynamic coordination for installations requiring a simple power distribution system. First, the user specified a different device address (01, 02, 03) for each circuit breaker in the power distribution system 10'. In this example, the device address is numeric (e.g., 01, 02, etc.); however, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the device address may be, for example, alphabetic, alphanumeric, or any other combination thereof.The user then determined that there would be two levels of circuit breakers in the 10' power distribution system, with smart circuit breaker 01 as the sole upstream circuit breaker at the first level (L1) and smart circuit breakers 02 and 03 as downstream circuit breakers below the level of the single circuit breaker (L2). Thus, downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 receive current from upstream circuit breaker 01 and supply loads 9 and 9', respectively. It can be understood that there may be more or fewer downstream circuit breakers at L2 depending on the number of loads within the 10' power distribution system. In Figures 4A-B, the available CAM is one module. MODBUS® RTU (indicated by the dashed arrows) establishing a client-server (slave-master) network. In this embodiment, the upstream circuit breaker 01 is the sole client, and the downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 are servers. Thus, the upstream circuit breaker 01 transmits a request to the downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 for real-time data, including current and time data, using MODBUS® RTU. In response, the downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 transmit the requested real-time data to the upstream circuit breaker 01 using MODBUS® RTU.

[0055] Figure 4A illustrates the power distribution system 10' in which the setting of all circuit breakers is correctly configured, and therefore no circuit breakers have tripped. Figure 4B illustrates the power distribution system 10' including the upstream circuit breaker 01 with an incorrect trip setting. In this example, the upstream circuit breaker has a rated current (IN) of 30 A and a rated continuous current (IR) of 0.5 x IN (i.e., 15 A), and the downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 each have IN = 10 A and IR = 1 x IN. Thus, the sum of the IR currents of the downstream circuit breakers 02 and 03 is 20 amperes, which exceeds the IR of the upstream circuit breaker. Thus, if the IR of the upstream circuit breaker 01 is not set in time, there will be a fault near one of the downstream circuit breakers 02 or 03, and the faulty downstream circuit breaker 03 will trip as illustrated in [Fig. 4B]. Due to this tripping, there will be a power loss at the outgoing node 03.Typically, the user must manually adjust the IR trip parameters of the upstream circuit breaker 01 to restore coordination and operate the power distribution system. Such manual adjustment may require shutting down the power distribution system itself.However, the dynamic coordination system 115, when connected to the intelligent circuit breakers 01, 02, 03, automatically determines whether a setting of the configuration parameters of one or more upstream circuit breakers 1 is required on the basis at least in part of real-time data of all the downstream circuit breakers 1 in the power distribution system 10 by comparing the nominal current of the upstream circuit breaker 01 to a sum of the nominal currents of the downstream circuit breakers 02, 03, by determining whether the nominal current of the upstream circuit breaker 01 is greater than the sum of the nominal currents of the downstream circuit breakers 02, 03, and by determining that a setting of the trip parameters of the upstream circuit breakers 01 is required on the basis of a determination that the nominal current of the upstream circuit breakers 01 is not greater than the sum of the nominal currents of the downstream circuit breakers 02, 03.The dynamic coordination system 115 then identifies the upstream circuit breaker 01 whose configuration parameters need to be adjusted based on a determination that adjustment is required, and transmits an alert to a user device 24, 24' coupled in communication to the first and second intelligent circuit breakers 1. The alert includes. An indication that adjustment of the configuration parameters of the upstream circuit breaker identified as 01 is required, and the device address of the upstream circuit breaker identified as 1. In some examples, the dynamic coordination system 115 may determine that adjustment of any smart circuit breaker is required based on an incorrect current rating, incorrect time parameters, or another protection parameter that can be adjusted via the dynamic coordination system 115.That is to say, the dynamic coordination system 115 can first compare the current trip parameters associated with at least one of a current rating or time parameter of each circuit breaker with respective required trip parameters associated with at least one of a current rating or time parameter, determine whether a setting of the trip parameters of any smart circuit breaker is required on the basis of a comparison result indicating that the current trip parameters do not meet the respective required trip parameters, and determine that the setting of the trip parameters of one or more smart circuit breakers is required on the basis of a determination that the setting of the current parameters of the smart circuit breaker(s) does not meet the respective required trip parameters.Upon receiving the alert, the user can adjust the configuration settings of the identified smart circuit breaker remotely or manually.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates a 10” power distribution system according to an example of a second embodiment of the disclosed concept. In this embodiment, the user has configured the intelligent circuit breakers 1 for dynamic coordination for installations requiring a more complex power distribution system. First, the user specified a different device address (01-12) for each circuit breaker in the 10” power distribution system.The user then determined that there would be three levels of circuit breakers in the 10" power distribution system: smart breaker 01 being the sole breaker at the first level (L1), smart breakeres 02-04 downstream of breaker 01 at the second level (L2), and smart breakeres 05-12 at the third level (L3) with breakeres 05-06 downstream of breaker 02, breakeres 07-09 downstream of breaker 03, and breakeres 10-12 downstream of breaker 04. Each breaker 05-12 at the lowest layer feeds 9-9vu loads. It is understood that there may be more levels and / or more or fewer downstream breakeres at each level, depending on requirements (e.g., the number of loads within the 10" power distribution system), circumstances, or preferences.In this embodiment, the available CAM is also a MODBUS® RTU module (designated by the dashed arrows) establishing a client-server (slave-master) network. Circuit breaker 01 is the only client and all downstream circuit breakers 02-12 are . servers. Thus, the upstream circuit breaker 01 transmits a request to the downstream circuit breakers 02-12 for real-time data, including current and time data, using MODBUS® RTU. In response, the downstream circuit breakers 02-12 transmit the requested real-time data to the upstream circuit breaker 01 using MODBUS® RTU.

[0057] The dynamic coordination system 115, when connected to the intelligent circuit breakers 01-12, automatically determines whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more upstream circuit breakers 1 is required based at least in part on the breaker information of the downstream circuit breakers 02-12 in the power distribution system 10”. For example, the dynamic coordination system 115 compares the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker 01 and a sum of the rated currents of the downstream circuit breakers 02-4, the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker 02 and a sum of the rated currents of the downstream circuit breakers 05-06, the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker 03 and a sum of the rated currents of the downstream circuit breakers 07-09, and the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker 04 and a sum of the rated currents of the downstream circuit breakers 10-12.Next, the dynamic coordination system 115 determines whether the rated current of any upstream circuit breaker 01-04 exceeds the sum of the rated currents of the respective downstream circuit breakers 02-12, and determines that an adjustment of the trip parameters of an upstream circuit breaker is required based on the determination that the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker(s) does not exceed the sum of the rated currents of the respective downstream circuit breakers. For example, upstream circuit breaker 02 has a rated current (IN) of 30 A and a rated continuous current (IR) of 0.5 x IN (i.e., 15 A), and downstream circuit breakers 05, 06 each have IN = 10 A and IR = 1 x IN. Thus, the sum of the IR currents of downstream circuit breakers 05, 06 is 20 amps, which exceeds the IR of the upstream circuit breaker.In this example, the dynamic coordination system 115 determines that the IR current rating of the upstream circuit breaker 02 needs adjusting and therefore sends an alert to the user device 24, 24' indicating that adjustment is necessary and providing the identity of the upstream circuit breaker 02 whose configuration parameters need adjusting. In some examples, the dynamic coordination system 115 may determine that an intelligent circuit breaker 01 needs adjusting based on an incorrect current rating, incorrect time parameters, or other protection or configuration parameters that can be adjusted via the dynamic coordination system 115. The user can act immediately upon receiving the alert to adjust the trip parameters using the dynamic coordination system 115 remotely or manually at the location of the identified intelligent circuit breaker.Thus, the new dynamic coordination system. 115 not only eliminates the need for manual adjustment of the identified circuit breaker trip parameters, but also proactively and dynamically prevents any tripping event as a consequence, for example, of incorrect trip parameters, thus avoiding any resulting power loss or operational loss that can be significant for a complex industrial complex. Furthermore, even if a trip event does occur, the 115 dynamic coordination system offers the user the convenience and flexibility of remotely adjusting incorrect trip parameters from anywhere. The user can still manually adjust incorrect trip parameters at the identified circuit breaker if desired. While the [Fig.[5] shows two downstream circuit breaker levels L2, L3 with three downstream circuit breakers in L2 and 8 downstream circuit breakers in L2, the user can define as many downstream circuit breaker levels and as many downstream circuit breakers assigned to each level or a higher circuit breaker as they wish and in accordance with the MODBUS® requirement (e.g., a maximum of 247 electronic devices on a data link).

[0058] Figure 6 illustrates a 10" power distribution system according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The circuit breakers 01-12 are intelligent circuit breakers 1 as described with reference to Figure 1. The upstream 01 and downstream 02-12 circuit breakers communicate via MODBUS® RTU over serial lines shown in dashed lines. MODBUS® RTU is a communication module that enables electronic devices to communicate with each other over serial data lines (e.g., asynchronous serial data lines). While Figure 6 shows MODBUS® RTU as the application layer communication protocol between the circuit breakers 01-12, other suitable communication adapter modules (e.g., INCOM, PROFIBUS, etc.) may be used if preferred or available.

[0059] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a 10” power distribution system according to an example of a third embodiment of the disclosed concept. The circuit breakers 01-12 are smart circuit breakers 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1. The architectural structure of the 10” power distribution system in Figures 7 and 8 is the same as that of the 10” power distribution system in Figures 5 and 6, and the structural description is therefore omitted for brevity. It should be noted, however, that the structure may differ depending on circumstances, requirements, or preferences. The 10” power distribution system differs from the 10” power distribution system in that it includes integrated Ethernet for communication between the smart circuit breakers 01-12, as shown in [Fig. 8].

[0060] Figure 8 illustrates an Ethernet bus for a 10" power distribution system according to an example of a third embodiment of the disclosed concept. Smart circuit breakers include integrated Ethernet and communicate with each other in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network using, for example, MODBUS® TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or GOOSE (Object-Oriented Generic Substation Event) messaging. GOOSE messages are published by a device via Ethernet multicast so that messages from one electronic device (e.g., the electrical trip of a smart circuit breaker 1) can be subscribed to by any number of other electronic devices (the electrical trip of other smart circuit breakers 1). The upstream circuit breaker 01 and the downstream circuit breakers 02-12 communicate via an Ethernet switch, which creates the P2P network and uses multiple ports for communication between the smart circuit breakers 01-12.In the P2P network, every downstream circuit breaker 02-12 transmits real-time current and time data to the upstream circuit breaker 01 without having to wait to receive a real-time data request from the upstream circuit breaker 01, as in a client-server communication relationship. This implementation thus provides additional efficiency and time savings by eliminating the need for downstream circuit breakers 02-12 to wait for a request from the upstream circuit breaker 01 to transmit a response including real-time data.

[0061] Figures 9A-B illustrate a user interface 112 of the energy monitoring device 110 according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. Fig. 9 shows the user interface 112 displayed on the screen 157 of a user device 24, 24' as described with reference to [Fig. 3]. The screen 157 displays various control and monitoring features of the smart circuit breaker 1, and the user or operator uses the input device 155 to control, monitor, and adjust the configuration parameters of the circuit breaker. For example, the screen 157 can display general information (e.g., without limitation, the type of electronic trip 100, the version of the energy monitoring device 110, trip characteristics, etc.), system information, a current protection configuration, a communication configuration, current graphs, and / or a dynamic coordination feature.The trip unit functions display, for example, but not limited to, a maintenance mode, earth protection, the type of available Communication Adaptor Modules (CAMs), or circuit breaker dynamic coordination characteristics. A maintenance mode indicator shows whether arc flash maintenance capability is provided to the smart circuit breaker 1 and may include, for example, an Arc Flash Reduction Maintenance System™. An ​​earth protection indicator shows whether earth fault protection is provided for the smart circuit breaker 1 in accordance with the relevant standards. National or regional requirements. A CAM indicator shows the communication protocols (e.g., MODBUS, INCOM, PROFIBUS, Ethernet, etc.) available for transmitting and / or receiving information between smart circuit breakers 1. The dynamic coordination indicator 115B shows whether a dynamic coordination system 115 is available or enabled in smart circuit breakers 1. The dynamic coordination system 115 is new and can be added to the energy monitoring device 110, if it is not already included in the current version, by updating the firmware or software application via the external cloud or a USB drive. The update includes the addition of the dynamic coordination indicator 115B and the dynamic coordination configurator 115C.The 115C dynamic coordination configurator can be a drop-down menu, forming a roadmap for the dynamic coordination configuration of smart circuit breakers 1.The 115C dynamic coordination configurator may include a first structured mechanism for performing a dynamic coordination configuration of each smart breaker on the basis of a first user input including a specification of a different device address for each smart breaker, a number of levels and a number of smart breakeres at each level, establishing at least one upstream breaker at each level, and a selection of respective downstream breakeres for each upstream breaker, and a second structured mechanism for, after completion of the dynamic coordination configuration, determining whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more smart breakeres is required on the basis at least in part of real-time data from the downstream breakeres, and alerting a user on the basis at least in part of a determination that the adjustment of the configuration parameters is required.The dynamic coordination configurator 115C may also include a third structured mechanism for remotely adjusting the configuration parameters of the upstream circuit breaker(s) based on a user request. While FIG. 9 illustrates the user interface 112 displayed on the screen 157 of a user device 24, 24', the electronic trip unit 100 may display a similar user interface on its screen 125.

[0062] Figures 10A-B illustrate a flowchart for a dynamic coordination method 1000 according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The method 1000 can be implemented using smart circuit breakers 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1 and its components. The method 1000 involves a client-server network as described with reference to Figures 4A-6, and includes a power distribution system 10', 10" comprising a first smart circuit breaker and a plurality of second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker.

[0063] In 1010, the first smart circuit breaker transmits a circuit breaker information request including real-time data including at least current and real-time time data to second smart circuit breakers.

[0064] In 1020, the second intelligent circuit breakers receive the request for circuit breaker information from the first intelligent circuit breaker.

[0065] At 1030, the second intelligent circuit breakers transmit the circuit breaker information in response to the demand.

[0066] At 1040, the first smart circuit breaker receives circuit breaker information from the second smart circuit breakers.

[0067] At 1050, the dynamic coordination system determines whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required, based at least in part on the circuit breaker information and real-time data. If not, process 1000 terminates. If so, process 1000 continues at 1060.

[0068] In step 1060, the dynamic coordination system identifies the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need to be adjusted. The identified smart circuit breaker can be any circuit breaker with incorrect configuration parameters (for example, but not limited to, current rating, time parameters, etc.) within the power system.

[0069] In step 1070, the dynamic coordination system transmits an alert to a user device connected via communication to the energy monitoring device. The alert includes an indication that the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker need to be adjusted and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker. In some examples, the identified smart circuit breaker may have an incorrect current rating (for example, a current rating not exceeding the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers). In this example, the dynamic coordination system transmits the alert, including the identity of the upstream circuit breaker and an indication that the current rating of the identified upstream circuit breaker must be adjusted.

[0070] In 1080, the user sets the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker. The user sets the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker remotely or manually.

[0071] Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart for a coordination process 1100 dynamic according to an example of an embodiment of the disclosed concept. The 1100 process can be implemented using smart circuit breakers 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1 and their components. The 1100 process involves a peer-to-peer network as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, and includes a power distribution system 10” comprising a first smart circuit breaker and second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker.

[0072] In 1110, the second intelligent circuit breakers transmit circuit breaker information including real-time data to the first intelligent circuit breaker.

[0073] At 1120, the first smart circuit breaker receives circuit breaker information from the second smart circuit breakers.

[0074] At 1130, the dynamic coordination system determines whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required, based at least in part on the circuit breaker information. If not, process 1100 terminates. If so, process 1100 continues at 1140.

[0075] In 1140, the dynamic coordination system identifies the intelligent circuit breaker whose configuration parameters need to be set.

[0076] In step 1150, the dynamic coordination system transmits an alert to a user device connected via communication to the first and second smart circuit breakers. The alert includes an indication that the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker need to be adjusted and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker. In some examples, the identified smart circuit breaker may have an incorrect current rating (for example, a current rating not exceeding the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers). In this example, the dynamic coordination system transmits the alert, including the device address of the upstream circuit breaker and an indication that the current rating of the identified upstream circuit breaker must be adjusted.

[0077] In step 1160, the user sets the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker. The user sets the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker remotely or manually.

[0078] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method 1200 for installing a dynamic coordination system in a power monitoring device for a first smart circuit breaker and subsequent smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker in a power distribution system, according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The method 1200 can be implemented using the smart circuit breaker 1 as described with reference to Figure 1 and its components.

[0079] In 1210, the user connects a first smart circuit breaker and the second smart circuit breakers to an energy monitoring device of a user device. The user device can be any user device (for example, a PC, a laptop, a mobile phone, etc.) capable of communicating with the first and second smart circuit breakers via a wired connection (for example, via a USB cable) or wirelessly (for example, via Bluetooth®, SMS, WiFi, LTE, LTE-A, New Radio, etc.).

[0080] In 1220, the user determines whether the energy monitoring device includes a dynamic coordination system.

[0081] In 1230, the user creates a dynamic coordination indicator to enable or disable the dynamic coordination system on a user interface of the energy monitoring device based on a determination that the energy monitoring device does not include the dynamic coordination system.

[0082] In 1240, the user creates a dynamic coordination configurator on the user interface. The dynamic coordination configurator includes a first structured mechanism for performing a dynamic coordination configuration of each smart circuit breaker based on a first user input comprising a specification of a different device address for each smart circuit breaker, a number of levels and a number of smart circuit breakers at each level, establishing at least one upstream circuit breaker at each level, and a selection of respective downstream circuit breakers for each upstream circuit breaker, and a second structured mechanism for, after completion of the dynamic coordination configuration, determining whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more upstream circuit breakers is required based at least in part on real-time data from the second smart circuit breakers received from the first smart circuit breaker,and alert a user based, at least in part, on a determination that configuration parameter adjustment is required. The dynamic coordination configurator may also include a third structured mechanism for remotely adjusting the configuration parameters of the upstream circuit breaker(s) based on a user request.

[0083] Although specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations to these details can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the invention. Therefore, the particular arrangements described are intended to be illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept, which is to be applied to the entire scope of the appended claims and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. Demands Energy distribution system using dynamic coordination comprising: a first intelligent circuit breaker comprising a first electronic trigger including a first communication module; a plurality of second intelligent circuit breakers, each comprising a second electronic trip unit including a second communication module, the first intelligent circuit breaker being arranged at a first level and the second intelligent circuit breakers being arranged at one or more remaining levels, each level comprising at least one upstream circuit breaker coupled to respective downstream circuit breakers, wherein the second intelligent circuit breakers are structured to transmit breaker information to the first intelligent circuit breaker and the first intelligent circuit breaker is structured to receive breaker information, wherein the first electronic trip unit and the second electronic trip unit comprise a power monitoring device structured to monitor and control the operation of the first intelligent circuit breaker and the second intelligent circuit breakers,the energy monitoring device comprising a structured dynamic coordination system for automatically: (i) determine whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required based at least in part on the circuit breaker information; (ii) identify the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters must be adjusted based on a determination that adjustment is required; and (iii) transmit an alert to the user, the alert including an indication that adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the identified smart circuit breaker, in which the first and second intelligent circuit breakers can be coupled in communication to a user device which also includes the energy monitoring device comprising the dynamic coordination system, and in which the configuration for dynamic coordination includes the specification of a different device address for each smart breaker, the determination of a number of levels and a number of smart breakeres at each level, the establishment of at least one upstream breaker at each level, and the selection of the respective downstream breakeres for each upstream breaker based on a user input.

2. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic coordination system is further structured to: remotely adjust the configuration parameters of the identified circuit breaker on the basis at least in part of a user input, wherein the first and second intelligent circuit breakers are coupled to the user device; or manually adjust the configuration parameters of the identified circuit breaker on the basis at least in part of an alert.

3. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the identified smart circuit breaker is an upstream circuit breaker, and the determination establishing whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required comprises: comparing the current rating of each upstream circuit breaker to a sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers; determining whether the current rating of each upstream circuit breaker is greater than the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers; and determining whether an adjustment of the trip parameters of the upstream circuit breaker is required based on a determination that the current rating of the upstream circuit breaker is not greater than the sum of the current ratings of the respective downstream circuit breakers.

4. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein determining whether a setting of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required includes: comparing the current trip parameters associated with at least one of the rated current or time parameters of each smart circuit breaker with the respective required trip parameters associated with at least one of the rated current or time parameters; the determination establishing whether an adjustment of the trip parameters of any smart circuit breaker is required on the basis of a comparison result indicating that the current trip parameters do not meet the respective required trip parameters; and the determination that the adjustment of the trip parameters of one or more smart circuit breakers is required on the basis of a determination that the current parameters of the smart circuit breaker(s) do not meet the respective required trip parameters.

5. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication modules comprise Ethernet, and the first smart circuit breaker and the second smart circuit breakers communicate in a peer-to-peer relationship, and wherein the second smart circuit breakers transmit breaker information to the first smart circuit breaker without having to wait to receive a request for breaker information from the first smart circuit breaker.

6. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the first smart circuit breaker is further structured to transmit a request to the second smart circuit breakers for breaker information including real-time data, the second smart circuit breakers are further structured to receive the request, and the second smart circuit breakers transmit the breaker information to the first smart circuit breaker in response to the request received from the first smart circuit breaker.

7. Power distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the first and second communication modules comprise a communication module enabling the first and second smart circuit breakers to communicate over serial data lines, the first smart circuit breaker being a single client and the second smart circuit breakers being servers in a client-server network, and the power distribution system comprises two levels, the second level being a single downstream level including all the second smart circuit breakers.

8. Power distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the first and second communication modules include a communication module enabling the first and second smart circuit breakers to communicate on serial data lines, the first smart circuit breaker being a single client and the second smart circuit breakers being servers in a client-server network, the power distribution system comprises more than two levels.

9. A method of dynamic coordination with a first intelligent circuit breaker at a first level and second intelligent circuit breakers downstream of the first intelligent circuit breaker at one or more remaining levels in a power distribution system, each level including at least one upstream circuit breaker, each upstream circuit breaker being coupled to respective downstream circuit breakers, each intelligent circuit breaker including an energy monitoring device having a dynamic coordination system, the method comprising: the transmission, by the second intelligent circuit breakers, of circuit breaker information including real-time data to the first intelligent circuit breaker; the reception, by the first intelligent circuit breaker, of the circuit breaker information;the determination, by the dynamic coordination system, establishing whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of a smart circuit breaker is required based at least in part on the circuit breaker information; the identification of the smart circuit breaker whose configuration parameters are to be adjusted based on a determination that the adjustment is required; the transmission of an alert to a user device coupled in communication to the first and second smart circuit breakers, the alert including an indication that the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker is required and the device address of the upstream identified circuit breaker; and the adjustment of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker, method in which each smart circuit breaker includes a communication module establishing a client-server network, the; the first smart circuit breaker being a single client and the second smart circuit breakers being servers, and the transmission, by the second smart circuit breakers, to the first smart circuit breaker includes: the transmission, by the first smart circuit breaker, of a real-time data request to the second smart circuit breakers; the reception, by the second intelligent circuit breakers, of the real-time data request from the first intelligent circuit breaker; and the transmission, by the second intelligent circuit breakers, of the real-time data to the first intelligent circuit breaker in response to the request, in which the first intelligent circuit breaker and the second intelligent circuit breakers communicate in a client-server network.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the setting of the configuration parameters of the identified smart circuit breaker comprises: remote adjustment of the configuration parameters of the smart circuit breaker identified on the basis of a user input, in which the first and second smart circuit breakers are connected to a user device also including the energy monitoring device including the dynamic coordination system, or manual adjustment of the configuration parameters of the smart circuit breaker identified by the user.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the identified smart breaker is an upstream breaker, and the determination establishing whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more smart breakeres is required comprises: comparing the rated current of each upstream breaker and a sum of the rated currents of the respective downstream breaker(s); the determination of whether the rated current of each upstream circuit breaker is greater than the sum of the rated currents of the respective downstream circuit breakers; and the determination that the parameters of the identified upstream circuit breaker trip must be set on the basis of a determination that the rated current of the upstream circuit breaker is not greater than the sum of the rated currents of the respective downstream circuit breakers.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein each smart circuit breaker includes a communication module establishing a peer-to-peer network between the first and second smart circuit breakers, and each second circuit breaker transmits real-time data to the first smart circuit breaker without having to respond solely to the receipt of a request for real-time data from the first smart circuit.

13. Method of installing a dynamic coordination system in an energy monitoring device of a user device that can be coupled to a first smart circuit breaker and a plurality of second smart circuit breakers downstream of the first smart circuit breaker in a power distribution system, comprising: connecting the first and second smart circuit breakers to the energy monitoring device; determining whether the energy monitoring device includes the dynamic coordination system; creating a dynamic coordination indicator to enable or disable the dynamic coordination system on a user interface of the energy monitoring device based on a determination that the energy monitoring device does not include the dynamic coordination system;and the creation of a dynamic coordination configurator on the user interface, wherein the dynamic coordination configurator includes: a first structured mechanism for achieving a dynamic coordination configuration of each smart circuit breaker on the basis of a first user input including a specification of a different device address for each smart circuit breaker, a number of levels and a number of smart circuit breakers at each level, the establishment of at least one upstream circuit breaker at each level, and the selection of respective downstream circuit breakers for each upstream circuit breaker; and a second structured mechanism for, after the completion of the dynamic coordination configuration, determining whether an adjustment of the configuration parameters of one or more upstream circuit breakers is required on the basis at least in part of real-time data from the second smart circuit breakers received from the first; smart circuit breaker, and alert a user based at least in part on a determination that adjustment of configuration parameters is required.

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