Meter Transfer Switch Lockout for Fast Emergency Power Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power systems lack an easy and efficient way to install surge suppressors and disconnect switches, particularly in emergency situations, and struggle to quickly isolate both grid and alternate power sources from loads, posing hazards for firefighters and others.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate disconnect section with a platform, source and load couplings, a manual switch, and a surge suppressor is mounted on a meter base, allowing for easy installation and operation, including a rack and pinion system for switching between power sources, and a locking mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surge suppressors are installed locally at each device, then surge protection is provided, but the system becomes bulky and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (surge suppression, power disconnect, and meter mounting) into a single integrated meter base assembly. The surge suppressor is built into the meter base structure, eliminating the need for separate local suppressors at each device while maintaining protection coverage.
2Reliability
If surge suppressors are installed in breaker panels, then surge protection is provided, but installation becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the surge protection function from the breaker panel system and integrates it directly into the meter base. This allows surge protection to be installed once at the meter base rather than requiring installation in each breaker panel, significantly reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If disconnect switches are distributed throughout the system, then power disconnection is possible, but finding and operating them becomes difficult in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect switch is merged with the meter base assembly, creating a single centralized location for power disconnection. This integration ensures that emergency personnel can find and operate the disconnect switch at the meter base location without searching throughout the building.
4Speed
If a single disconnect point is provided at the meter base, then emergency isolation is quick and easy, but the system lacks flexibility for selective disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The meter base assembly is segmented into multiple functional components (surge suppressor, disconnect switch, meter mounting) that can operate independently. The disconnect switch can isolate power to the entire load, while the surge suppressor provides continuous protection, enabling both quick emergency isolation and ongoing system protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate disconnect section includes a utility power breaker and an alternate power breaker. A switching mechanism opens and closes the utility power breaker and the alternate power breaker, so as to be in one of a first, second or third state. The utility power breaker is closed and the alternate power breaker is open while in the first state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is closed while in the second state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is open while in the third state.