Remote Bridging Switch for Multi-Phase Power Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power delivery systems lack the capability for efficient remote restoration of power in multi-phase services when a single phase loses electrical power, leading to inefficiencies in dispatching skilled personnel and maintaining equipment in large metropolitan areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electric meter, isolation switches, and a controller that automatically detects electrical characteristics below a threshold, allowing for the isolation of a faulty phase and rerouting power from another phase to maintain continuous supply to the load, utilizing a bridging switch to ensure seamless power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility personnel visually inspect and perform measurements on electrical equipment, then power outages can be detected and addressed, but the cost and time required to dispatch personnel increases with geographic area
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated monitoring and control at the customer premises. The intelligent circuit breaker with phase loss detection automatically identifies power outages and executes restoration procedures without requiring utility personnel intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating dispatch time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual inspection and physical measurement with electronic sensing and automated control systems. Sensors continuously monitor electrical parameters, and the controller automatically processes data and actuates switches, substituting human personnel with an automated electronic system that operates continuously without travel time.
2Reliability
If utility personnel are distributed over a wide geographic area to monitor equipment, then power outages can be detected, but the investment and operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers the monitoring function from the utility company's centralized staff to the customer's local automated system. The intelligent circuit breaker and controller at the customer premises perform continuous monitoring and automatic restoration, eliminating the need for utility personnel to be physically present or rapidly dispatchable across wide geographic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system that acts between the utility's central monitoring and the local electrical equipment. This intermediary system at the customer premises performs local intelligence and automation functions, reducing the burden on both utility personnel and customer equipment while maintaining reliable outage detection and restoration.
3Reliability
If manual restoration of power phases is performed, then power can be restored after phase loss, but the process is slow and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service restoration by automatically detecting phase loss conditions, isolating the affected phase, and reconfiguring the electrical circuit to restore power. The intelligent circuit breaker and controller execute the restoration sequence autonomously without requiring skilled utility personnel to travel to and manually repair the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the system with isolation switches and bridging switches positioned to enable automatic restoration. The control logic is pre-programmed with restoration procedures, allowing the system to immediately execute the correct sequence of switch operations when a phase loss is detected, eliminating the need for manual assessment and decision-making.
4Loss of time
If automated remote monitoring and restoration systems are implemented, then response time to power outages is reduced, but the device complexity and initial investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated restoration function into separate, modular components: phase loss detection sensors, isolation switches for each phase, bridging switches for reconfiguration, and a control unit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automated rapid response while managing complexity through functional decomposition and modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling electrical power in a multi-phase electrical service to a load is provided. The system includes an electric meter that determines when an electrical characteristic of a phase of a multi-phase electrical service is below a threshold. A first switch and second switch are coupled to the first phase and second phase respectively and disconnect the phases from a power source. A bridging switch is coupled between the phases, the bridging switch being arranged between the load and the first and second switches. A controller is coupled between the electric meter, the first switch, the second switch, and the bridging switch. The controller causes the first switch to open in response to the electrical characteristic of the first phase being below the threshold and causing the bridging switch to close when the first switch is opened.