Southern States, Inc.

Tan Tran

Joseph R Rostron

Josh Keister

Jiyuan Fan

Hua Fan

Paul A Reneau

Karl Fender

Philip Carson Jones

Embodiments of the present invention include a test-boost electric power recloser that limits the duration of the test current imposed on the power line to less than two electric power cycles, and preferably less than one electric power cycle, when attempting to reclose into a fault. The test-boost recloser sends a test pulse causing a non-latching close followed by a boost pulse causing a latching close if waveform analysis based on the test close indicates that the fault has likely cleared. The test-boost approach can typically be implemented through a software and calibration upgrade to a conventional single-coil recloser, accomplishing results comparable to a dual-actuator recloser at a much lower cost. The recloser may perform iterative and feedback learning feedback processes to automatically improve its operation over time in response to measured fault and non-fault conditions and its success in predicting whether faults have cleared.

Test-boost electric power recloser

A high voltage electric power line monitor includes a current sensor, a voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The monitor is supported by an overhead power line support structure, such an insulator housing a sectionalizing switch. The current sensor coil and the energy harvesting coils are positioned transverse to the power line with the power lane passing through the coils. A foil patch voltage sensor and a communications antenna are carried on an electronics board positioned parallel to the monitored power line, typically below the current sensor. Both the current sensor and the voltage sensor are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the monitored power line creating an air gap between the monitor and the power line. The sensors are housed within a Faraday cage to shield the current sensor from electromagnetic contamination.

Combined current and voltage sensor for high voltage electric power lines

The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil and the power supply coil are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar. An electronics board carries a pair of foil patch antenna elements positioned adjacent to the outer perimeter of the electronics board. Although the in-line power line monitor does not require a separate power supply, the electronics board may carry a backup battery if desired.

Combined in-line DC and AC current sensor for high voltage electric power lines

A remote blade closing detector switch is positioned on or near the jaws of an electric power disconnect switch, where proper seating of the blade in the jaws activates a detector switch. An extended conductor lead electrically connects the detector switch an RFID tag placed in a convenient reading location. The detector switch is configured to control a data signal, power to the antenna of the RFID tag, the power supply to the RFID tag, or a data signal between an RFID chip and an antenna as mechanisms for enabling and disabling the tag to report a status indicator. An antenna tuning compensator may be utilized to compensate for the impedance of the long conductor lead connected to the antenna. A noise filter may also be used to suppress electrical noise picked up by the long conductor lead in the harsh electrical environment of the disconnect switch.

RFID status monitor for high voltage and remote electric power systems

The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, a voltage sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device configured. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil, the power supply coil and the voltage sensor positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar. An electronics board pair carries a pair of foil patch voltage sensors and a pair of foil patch antenna elements positioned adjacent to the outer perimeter of the electronics board. Although the in-line power line monitor does not require a separate power supply, the electronics board may carry a backup battery if desired.

Combined DC current, AC current and voltage sensor for high voltage electric power lines

A high voltage capacitor current monitor that attaches to a bushing on the exterior of a capacitor container (commonly referred to as a 'can'). The capacitor current monitor, which draws operating power from the power line, detects the current flowing through the high voltage capacitor and can be used as part of a capacitor status monitor to detect internal failures down to the level of a single capacitor pack. The monitor may include a radio transmitter and/or a visual status indicator, such as an electronic flag, indicating the detection of a fault or capacitor failure. The current monitor may also include a power supply current transformer providing power to the monitor from the power line. Capacitor current measurements may be communicated with a remote transmission unit (RTU), which communicates with a central control station that schedules capacitor maintenance based on the data received from the status monitors.

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Hampton, GA, United States of America

Tan Tran