Electrical Panel Temperature Monitoring for Breaker Connection Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the integrity of electrical breaker connections in data center panel boards are inadequate, as they often require manual intervention, are prone to missing compromised connections, and lack continuous oversight, leading to potential electrical overload and fire hazards due to loose connections and mechanical breakdowns, especially in environments with varying ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A temperature monitoring system with a slotted assembly and computing device that includes wire and ambient temperature probes, integrated into the panel board near electrical breakers, providing continuous connection integrity oversight by correlating power consumption and temperature behavior, and using predictive analytics to manage loads and detect potential faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring methods are used for electrical breaker connections, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to missed detections and lack of continuous oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated temperature sensing technology. Temperature probes continuously monitor electrical connections and transmit data to a computing device, eliminating the need for manual visual or physical inspection while significantly improving detection reliability and continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system enables the electrical panel to self-diagnose connection integrity issues through continuous temperature monitoring and predictive analytics. The system automatically detects potential faults, correlates power consumption with temperature behavior, and generates alerts without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to monitor itself continuously.
2Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then reliability improves through ongoing oversight, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation of sensors and computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature monitoring through permanently installed probes that operate without interruption. The computing device continuously receives temperature data, correlates it with power consumption information, and maintains ongoing oversight of electrical connection integrity, ensuring uninterrupted detection capability throughout system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where temperature probe data is continuously fed to the computing device, which correlates this information with power consumption patterns. This feedback loop enables predictive analytics that can identify emerging faults before they become critical, allowing for proactive maintenance while optimizing energy usage through intelligent data processing.
3Measurement precision
If temperature probes are integrated into the panel board, then measurement precision improves for detecting compromised connections, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges temperature monitoring functionality directly into the electrical panel board structure. Temperature probes are integrated at strategic locations near electrical breakers and connections, combining the monitoring function with the existing panel infrastructure. This integration enables precise temperature measurement at critical points while leveraging the panel's existing mounting and electrical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device performs multiple functions: it receives temperature data from probes, correlates this data with power consumption information, conducts predictive analytics, and generates alerts. This multi-functional approach consolidates monitoring, analysis, and notification capabilities into a single system, improving measurement precision while managing overall system complexity through functional integration.
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
The system ensures ongoing integrity of electrical connections by providing continuous, non-intrusive, and remote oversight, reducing the risk of electrical overload and fire hazards, while supporting energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of electrical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wire temperature probe disposed in the at least one slot and configured to sense a temperature of the at least one corresponding load wire
Implementation Method 2
at least one ambient temperature probe configured to sense an ambient temperature associated with the slotted assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for monitoring temperature in an electrical panel (100) includes receiving, via at least one connector (160) of a slotted assembly (150) disposed in the electrical panel (100), data from at least one of a wire temperature probe (154) and a one ambient temperature probe (158) associated with the slotted assembly (150), the wire temperature probe (154) being configured to sense a temperature of a corresponding load wire (152) associated with at least one electrical breaker (146) of the electrical panel (100), and the ambient temperature probe (158) being configured to sense an ambient temperature associated with the slotted assembly (150). The method also includes determining, based on the data from at least one of the wire temperature probe (154) and the ambient temperature probe (158), a condition of one of the at least one electrical breaker (146) and the electrical panel (100). The method also includes generating an output indicating the condition of the at least one of the at least one electrical breaker (146) and the electrical panel (100).