Smart Circuit Breaker Accessory Power Monitoring for Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostics systems for circuit breaker accessories are inefficient in determining whether malfunctions or power insufficiency lies within the accessory devices or the circuit breaker, leading to time-consuming troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A smart accessory device with a power section, including a current sensor and voltage sensor, and a control section with a processor that continuously monitors power supply to determine if it is sufficient to actuate the circuit breaker's operating mechanism, executing diagnostics to alert users of insufficient power in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional circuit breaker accessories are used without integrated power monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the diagnostic capability and ability to identify power insufficiency issues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power monitoring functionality (voltage sensing, current sensing, and processing) directly into the circuit breaker accessory device. The voltage sensor, current sensor, and processor are integrated within the accessory housing, allowing the accessory to autonomously monitor its own power supply conditions without requiring external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own power supply through integrated sensors and a processor. The device can independently detect power insufficiency conditions and communicate these status updates to the circuit breaker or external systems, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic equipment or manual troubleshooting.
2Reliability
If continuous power monitoring is implemented in accessory devices, then the ability to detect power insufficiency is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor and current sensor continuously monitor power supply parameters without interruption to ensure reliable detection of power insufficiency conditions. This continuous monitoring enables the accessory to maintain accurate awareness of its operational status at all times, improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
While sensors operate continuously, the processor can be configured to perform periodic evaluations of power sufficiency rather than continuous processing. The system monitors continuously but evaluates and communicates status at defined intervals, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining operational reliability.
3Loss of information
If integrated sensors and processing are added to accessory devices, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a power section containing voltage and current sensors, a processing section with a processor, and a communication interface. This modular segmentation allows for targeted implementation of diagnostic features and simplifies manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated monitoring system serves multiple functions: it monitors power supply voltage, measures current consumption, detects power insufficiency conditions, and communicates status information. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single accessory device, reducing the need for separate diagnostic equipment and overall system 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
The solution enables immediate identification of power-related issues, distinguishing between accessory device and circuit breaker problems, ensuring timely addressing of power source issues and reducing commissioning errors.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor structured to sense a current provided by the power source to the accessory device
Implementation Method 2
a voltage sensor structured to sense a voltage provided by the power source to the accessory device
Implementation Method 3
The processor is configured to monitor a power provided by the power source to the accessory device based on information received from the current sensor and based on information received from the voltage sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A smart accessory device is designed to be used with a circuit breaker so as to be able to actuate an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker in order to either open or close the separable contacts of the circuit breaker. The accessory device can be one of a shunt trip, spring release, or under voltage release device. The accessory device continually executes diagnostics to determine whether the power being supplied by an external power source is sufficient to enable the accessory device to actuate the operating mechanism of the associated circuit breaker. If the accessory device determines that the power being supplied by the external source is insufficient, the device triggers an alarm in order to notify a user that the power source is not meeting the power requirements of the device.