Method and apparatus using a five-wire network for distribution of electrical power
US5793593A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G7/20
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention features a method and an apparatus for distributing electrical power from a power source to a distribution transformer, using at least one hot-phase conductor, a neutral conductor and an independent ground conductor. The neutral conductor is connected to the ground conductor at only one point in the distribution system, preferably at or near the power source. Normal imbalance current flows only in the neutral conductor. Return current flow in the earth is eliminated by the single point neutral-to-ground connection. Magnetic field (MF) generation in this power distribution system is thus reduced and stray voltage problems eliminated. In addition, high-impedance faults are easily detected because the only current ever flowing in the ground conductor is fault current. A method is also described for converting existing power distribution systems to the independent ground topology of the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.