Energyline Systems, Inc.

S&c Electric Company

Witold Bik

Donald S Berkowitz

William Christian Tracy Nelson

Barry Tangney

Ed Brasher

Daniel Partridge

Michael A Maloney

John Hammons

Stephen F Isaacson

Jeff Heckathorn

Terry R Klusmeyer

William Christian Nelson

Method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or &ldquo;team&rdquo; is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.

Method and apparatus for automated reconfiguration of an electric power distribution system with enhanced protection

A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed. Under the supervision of the microcontroller, a motor drive power switching circuit selectively applies a source of power, such as from an on site battery, to an electric motor to drive the switch toward open or closed position at different speeds, output force levels such as at different torques, and in continuous or incremental movements depending on conditions determined by the microcontroller in response to sensor inputs.

Motor operator for over-head air break electrical power distribution switches

Method and apparatus for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or &ldquo;team&rdquo; is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.

A system and method which detects and responds to abnormalities in a distribution system by reconfiguring nodes of the system to minimize the effects of the abnormality without the requirement of communicating with a central controller. The nodes in the system coordinate a response to a system abnormality through a process of self-organization in which each node acts based on its own programming, sensors, and stored data. Each node keeps other nodes apprised of its actions so that they may in turn decide what actions are appropriate for them to take.

Method for automated reconfiguration of a distribution system using distributed control logic and communications

Method for automated reconfiguration of a distribution system using

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El Cerrito, CA, United States of America

Witold Bik