Multiple-pole circuit breaker with shared current sensor for arcing fault detection
US7944654B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/33
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-pole circuit breaker for a power distribution system having multiple line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other, and a common neutral conductor, comprises first and second current sensors, a ground fault detection circuit, and an arcing fault detection circuit. The first current sensor is adapted to be coupled to both of the line conductors and to the neutral conductor and produces a first output signal indicative of the resultant of the electrical currents flowing in the line and neutral conductors. The ground fault detection circuit receives the first output signal and produces a trip signal in response to the detection of a ground fault. The second current sensor comprises a coil wound on a toroidal core and is adapted to be coupled to both of the line conductors in a manner that the electrical currents in the line conductors flow in opposite directions inside the toroidal core, thus inducing in the coil a second output signal that is a function of the difference of the electrical currents in the line conductors. The arcing fault detection circuit receives the second output signal and includes a processor programmed to analyze the second o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.