US5512832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy analysis fault detection system
Assignee: Texas A&M University System
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Filing: 1993-10-15
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Granted: 1996-04-30
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Expires: 2013-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an arcing fault on a power line carrying a load current. The apparatus monitors and analyzes energy values of the load current flowing through the line. The analyzed energy values are compared to several threshold values. The number of energy values being greater than the threshold values are compiled to determine whether an arcing fault exists on the power line.
Inventors
- 👤 B. Don Russell
- 👤 B. Michael Aucoin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/12; G01R31/1227; G01R31/1263; G01R31/1272; G01R31/50; G01R31/52; H; H02; H02H; H02H1/00; H02H1/0007; H02H1/0015; G01R23/00; G01R23/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of detecting high impedance faults occurring on a power line carrying a load current, comprising the steps of: (a) sampling said load current to obtain sampled load current signals near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (b) analyzing said sampled load current signals to obtain energy values that are stored in an accummulator; (c) calculating an average of said energy values; (d) sampling said load current to obtain a new sampled load current signal near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (e) analyzing said new sampled load current signal to obtain a new energy value; (f) comparing said new energy value to a first threshold value derived from said average; (g) determining whether said new energy value exceeds said first threshold value, and if so, sampling said load current to obtain event state load current signals near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (h) analyzing said event state load current signals to obtain event state energy values; and (i) assessing said event state energy values to identify a sudden and sustained change in energy level indicative of a dangerous arcing fault on said power line.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of detecting high impedance faults occurring on a power line carrying a load current, comprising the steps of: (a) sampling said load current to obtain sampled load current signals near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (b) analyzing said sampled load current signals to obtain energy values that are stored in an accummulator; (c) calculating an average of said energy values; (d) sampling said load current to obtain a new sampled load current signal near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (e) analyzing said new sampled load current signal to obtain a new energy value; (f) comparing said new energy value to a first threshold value derived from said average; (g) determining whether said new energy value exceeds said first threshold value, and if so, sampling said load current to obtain event state load current signals near the fundamental frequency of said load current; (h) analyzing said event state load current signals to obtain event state energy values; and (i) assessing said event state energy values to identify a sudden and sustained change in energy level indicative of a dangerous arcing fault on said power line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said determining step includes the step of adding said new energy value to said accumulator when said new energy value does not exceed said first threshold value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of deleting a value from said accumulator before said adding step.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said assessing step includes the step of comparing said event state energy values to a second threshold value to identify a sudden and sustained change in energy level indicative of a dangerous arcing fault on said power line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said assessing step includes the step of comparing said event state energy values to a third threshold value to identify a sudden and sustained change in energy level indicative of a dangerous arcing fault on said power line.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-04-30 | 1999-10-30 | 2000-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-30 | 2003-10-30 | 2004-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-30 | 2007-10-30 | 2008-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |