Remote Disconnect Switch Position Sensing Without Proximity Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a remote disconnect switch in meters, such as using a proximity switch, complicate the design and increase costs, as they lack accuracy in detecting switch malfunctions or manual tampering.
Innovation Solution
A position sensing module that calculates a match indicator by comparing electrical characteristics, such as voltages and currents, over a predetermined period to determine the position of the switch, providing true or false values based on line-side and load-side matches, and determining the switch state based on these indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity switch is used to detect the position of the RD switch, then the switch position can be inferred, but the design becomes electrically and mechanically more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position detection function from a separate proximity switch component and integrates it into the existing RD switch assembly. The detection capability is built into the switch itself through the use of a magnet and magnetic sensor, eliminating the need for an additional proximity switch and its associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the position detection function with the RD switch by integrating a magnet and magnetic sensor directly into the switch assembly. This merging of functions allows the switch to both disconnect service and detect its own position, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a proximity switch is used to detect the position of the RD switch, then the switch position can be inferred, but the cost of the meter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position detection function with the RD switch by integrating a magnet and magnetic sensor directly into the switch assembly. This merging of functions allows the switch to both disconnect service and detect its own position, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The RD switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the service disconnect mechanism and the position detection sensor. The magnet and magnetic sensor integrated into the switch assembly enable the same component to both actuate the disconnect and report its position, eliminating the need for separate expensive components.
3Measurement precision
If electrical characteristics are compared over a predetermined period to determine switch position, then accuracy of detection is improved and malfunctions can be detected, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a predetermined period for comparison that is sufficient to detect switch position and malfunctions but not excessively long. This partial action approach balances the need for accurate detection with the constraint of processing time, using just enough measurement duration to achieve reliable detection without unnecessary computational overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Position sensing and verification modules and a meter are provided. A module is configured to determine a position of one or more switch poles by measuring a current across the one or more switch poles. If a current is greater than or equal to a predetermined current threshold, the position is closed. If a current is less than the predetermined current threshold, the position is open. The module is configured to determine a line voltage with respect to a first reference value, determine a load voltage with respect to the first reference value, compare the line voltage to the load voltage to determine if the line voltage and the load voltage are within a predetermined threshold, and confirm the position of the one or more switch poles based on the comparison of the line voltage to the load voltage for the one or more line phases.