Circuit Breaker Optical Mesh for Load Center Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for communicating operational data from branch circuits to outside systems are complex and require additional connections or panel modifications, making them difficult to implement and retrofit in existing load centers.
Innovation Solution
The system uses optical communications interfaces within each circuit breaker to form a mesh network, allowing data to be transmitted directly to an aggregator without additional connections or panel modifications, with each breaker acting as a node and automatically determining its position based on neighboring breakers, and includes a mechanically operated optical shunt for uninterrupted data flow during power trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional communication schemes are implemented to transfer data from individual circuit breakers to the aggregator, then data communication capability is improved, but system complexity and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical/wired communication systems with optical communication. Each circuit breaker incorporates optical transceivers that transmit data through optical fibers or light-based communication channels, eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring and signal routing between breakers and the aggregator. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining robust data communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breakers automatically determine their own positions within the panel using optical signals from neighboring breakers. Each breaker receives optical signals from adjacent breakers, identifies its relative position based on the pattern of received signals, and configures its communication routing autonomously. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex addressing schemes, reducing installation complexity.
2Loss of information
If additional connections or panel modifications are made to enable data communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but ease of installation and retrofit capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceivers and light pipes are integrated into the standard circuit breaker design, allowing the same breaker unit to serve both its traditional electrical protection function and its data communication function. The optical components are built-in rather than add-on, meaning no separate communication infrastructure or panel modifications are required. This multi-functionality enables easy installation and retrofitting in existing panels without additional connections.
3Productivity
If circuit breakers use optical communication interfaces to form a mesh network, then data communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple optical ports and positioning logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the circuit breaker unit: electrical circuit protection, optical data transmission, optical data reception, and autonomous position identification. By merging these functions into a single integrated device rather than separate components, the overall system complexity is reduced even though individual breakers perform multiple tasks. The optical ports and positioning logic are integrated into the breaker's existing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each circuit breaker autonomously determines its position within the panel by receiving and analyzing optical signals from neighboring breakers. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for external configuration systems or manual setup, allowing the breaker to automatically configure its communication routing in the mesh network. The positioning logic is embedded within the breaker itself, reducing the need for external complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes system complexity, allows for retrofit applications, and enables efficient data communication from individual circuit breakers to outside systems without altering existing installations, ensuring seamless operation and data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical data transceiver; left and right, and preferably front, side optical ports in the case, each optical port leading to a respective light pipe, each light pipe connected to the optical data transceiver
Implementation Method 2
a mechanically operated optical shunt for providing an optical communication path through the breaker when unpowered as a result of separating the electrical contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A communicating circuit breaker architecture with automatic load center position identification links circuit breakers having electronics for reporting a self-status signal including operating data and a position identifier. Each breaker has light pipes with optical ports at its sides for communicating with its neighbors and preferably a mechanically operated optical shunt providing an optical path through the breaker in the event of a trip. Each breaker has optical data transceivers for the light pipes which transmit self-status information through the light pipes and receive and repeat neighboring breaker status signals to its neighbors. The breakers form a network via their aligned optical ports reporting to an aggregator device in a known position of the Load Center which transmits breaker status reports outside the load center. Each breaker has a logic unit for determining its position in the load center based on the received position of a neighboring device.