BR122022021529B1 - SYSTEM, METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE IN AN ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a system that includes an electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network (101); and a control system (130, 230) that includes more than one electronic processor, wherein the electronic processors are configured to cause the control system (130, 230) to interact with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), wherein an interaction between the control system (130, 230) and the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) includes one or more of providing information to the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B ) by the control system (130, 230) and the receipt of information from the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) by the control system (130, 230) and, if any of the electronic processors are unable to cause the control system (130, 230) interacts with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), at least one of the other electronic processors is capable of causing the control system (130, 230) to interact with the apparatus .

Description

Cross reference to related request

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional patent application No. 62/443,435, filed on January 6, 2017 and entitled "CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .

Technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a control system for an electrical appliance. Background

[0003] The switching mechanism, including reclosers, can be used in an electrical power distribution network to protect the network against electrical fault conditions. Fault conditions are detected through monitoring, by the switching mechanism, of currents and voltages in the electrical energy distribution network. Fault conditions include temporary or permanent amplitude faults, as well as frequency or phase relationship faults. Under normal operating conditions, the recloser is closed, and electrical current flows through the recloser. In response to detecting a fault condition, the recloser trips or opens in order to prevent current from flowing through the recloser and then opens and closes several times in an attempt to clear the fault. If the fault condition persists, the recloser remains open. If the fault condition is eliminated, the recloser closes and the distribution network resumes normal operation. Relays can be used to monitor and control the flow of current in the distribution network. Voltage regulators can be used to monitor and control a voltage level in the distribution network. Asset monitors can be used to monitor critical assets connected to the electrical distribution network.

summary

[0004] In a general aspect, a system includes an electrical apparatus configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network; and a control system including more than one electronic processor. The electronic processors are configured to cause the control system to interact with the electrical apparatus, wherein an interaction between the control system and the electrical apparatus includes one or more of the provision, by the control system, of information to the electrical apparatus. and the receipt, by the control system, of information from the electrical device. If some of the electronic processors are unable to cause the control system to interact with the electrical appliance, at least one of the other electronic processors is capable of causing the control system to interact with the appliance.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the features presented below. The fact that some of the electronic processors are not capable of causing the control system to interact with the electrical appliance may include that some of the electrical processors are temporarily or permanently incapacitated due to a processor failure, that they are in a state of reprogramming or reconfiguration, or that are in transition to another state.

[0006] The control system may also include one or more conditioning modules, and each conditioning module may be configured to detect a property of the electrical power distribution network, and to generate data based on the detected property. At least one conditioning module of the control system may be configured to detect one or more of an electrical power distribution system current and an electrical power distribution system voltage, and to generate data based on the detected current or voltage. .

[0007] The control system may also include a command module, the more than one electronic processors may be part of the command module, and the fact that the electronic processors are configured to cause the control system to interact with the apparatus electrical appliance may include that the command module is configured to generate a command signal for the electrical appliance based on data generated by one or more of the conditioning modules, the command signal being sufficient to cause the appliance to monitor or control one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network. The fact that the command signal is sufficient to control or monitor one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network may include that the command signal is sufficient to cause the electrical appliance to provide one or more of an operational state of the appliance. electrical appliance or the electrical power distribution network, diagnostic information relating to the electrical appliance or the electrical power distribution network, and a mode of operation of the electrical appliance. The control system may also include an input interface, wherein the command module may be configured to receive input data from the input interface, and the command signal may be based on data from one or more of the modules. conditioning and input interface.

[0008] The control module may also include a communication interface, the communication interface may be configured to allow any of the electronic processors to communicate with one or more of the other electronic processors.

[0009] The electronic processors may have more than one ready state, and the electronic processors may be capable of causing the control system to interact with the electrical apparatus in a first ready state, and may be unable to generate the signal command in a second state of readiness. The control system may be configured to interact with the electrical apparatus by providing different types of information to the electrical apparatus, or by receiving different types of information from the electrical apparatus, and the electronic processors may have a third state of readiness, and electronic processors may be capable of providing and receiving all of the different types of information in the first state of readiness, and electronic processors may be capable of providing or receiving at least some of the different types of information in the first state of readiness. third state of readiness.

[0010] The first readiness state may be an ON state, the second readiness state may be an OFF state, and the third readiness state may be a LOW CONSUMPTION state, and the third readiness state may consume less energy than the first state of readiness. Each of the electronic processors may be configured to determine a readiness state of any other electronic processor via the communication interface. Each of the electronic processors may be configured to change the readiness state of any other electronic processor through the communication interface.

[0011] A first set of one or more electronic processors may be configured to provide a state change signal to a second set of one or more electronic processors, and the electronic processors of the second set of processors may change the ready state in response to receiving the state change signal. The state change signal may include an enable signal or a sleep signal, with the electronic processors of the second set of processors transitioning to the first ready state in response to receipt of the enable signal, and the electronic processors of the second set of processors transitioning to the second ready state in response to receiving the sleep signal. In some implementations, the first set of electronic processors provides the state change signal to the second set of electronic processors in response to an activation from the command module. Activation from the command module can be initiated from a source remote from the control system.

[0012] Each of the electronic processors may have an arming time, with the arming time being a time necessary for the electronic processor to transition to the first state of readiness after applying power to the electronic processor, and the arming time of at least one of the electronic processors is shorter than the arming time of another electronic processor.

[0013] The electronic processors can be part of a single integrated device.

[0014] The aspect of the electrical power distribution network may include one or more of a current flow in the electrical power distribution network and a voltage level in the electrical power distribution network.

[0015] The electrical apparatus may include electrical contacts configured to receive current from a transmission line of the electrical power distribution network, and the command signal from the control system may be sufficient to cause the electrical contacts to disconnect from each other to prevent current from flowing through the transmission line, or connect to each other to allow current to flow through the transmission line. The electrical apparatus may include a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator including a tap-changer, and the voltage regulator may adjust the tap-changer to control the voltage level in the electrical power distribution network in response to the receiving the command signal from the control system.

[0016] The electrical apparatus and the control system can be integrated into a single unit.

[0017] In some implementations, the system includes an asset monitoring system, wherein the asset monitoring system is configured to monitor one or more aspects of an asset connected to the electrical power distribution network, and to provide the system with control information about the one or more monitored aspects. The one or more monitored aspects may include information related to a state of an asset connected to the electrical energy distribution network, and the asset may include one or more of a switch, a recloser, a fuse and a transformer. The asset state can include one or more of an asset operational capability and an asset health.

[0018] In another general aspect, a system includes an electrical apparatus configured to control or monitor one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network; and a control system configured to interact with the electrical apparatus and to receive power from the electrical power distribution network or a backup power source, the control system including a command module including more than one electronic processor , with each of the electronic processors having a plurality of readiness states, with the electronic processors consuming different amounts of energy in each ready state and, when the control system receives energy from the support power source, the module command is configured to place at least some of the electronic processors into one of a plurality of ready states, wherein some of the electronic processors are placed into a ready state in which the electronic processors consume less power than the electronic processors consume in at least another state of readiness.

[0019] Implementations may include one or more of the features presented below. The fact that the control system is configured to interact with the electrical apparatus may include that the control system is configured to provide different types of command signals to the electrical apparatus, the command signals being sufficient to cause the electrical apparatus to operate. electrical control or monitor one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network and, when the control system receives power from the supporting power source, the command module is capable of generating at least one command signal to the electrical appliance . The readiness states may include a first readiness state, a second readiness state, and a third readiness state, with the electronic processors consuming less power in the third readiness state than in the first readiness state, and less power in the second readiness state. state of readiness than in the third state of readiness, and when the control system receives power from the backup power source, at least some of the electronic processors are placed in the second state of readiness or the third state of readiness. In some implementations, when the control system receives power from the backup power source, at least some of the electronic processors are placed, or remain, in the first state of readiness. The electronic processors may be capable of generating any of the command signals for the electrical apparatus in the first ready state, none of the command signals for the electrical apparatus in the second ready state, and less than all of the command signals for the electrical apparatus electrical in the third state of readiness.

[0020] The control system may also include a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to allow any one of the electronic processors to communicate with one or more of the other electronic processors, and wherein at least one of the electronic processors provides a state change signal to one or more of the other electronic processors. The control system may include a conditioning module configured to measure an amount of current or voltage present in the electrical power distribution network, and to generate data based on that measurement.

[0021] The electrical apparatus may include electrical contacts configured to control current in a transmission line of the electrical power distribution network, and a command signal from the control system may be sufficient to cause the electrical contacts to disconnect from each other to prevent current from flowing through the transmission line, or connect to each other to allow current to flow through the transmission line. When the control system receives power from the backing power source, a first set of electronic processors may be placed in the third ready state, and the first set of electronic processors in the third ready state may generate a command signal when the data from the conditioning module indicates that the amount of current detected exceeds a threshold, and the command signal is sufficient to cause the electrical device to disconnect the contacts.

[0022] The control system may also include an input interface, wherein the input interface is configured to receive a configuration setting for the command module, wherein the configuration setting defines the state in which to place each electronic processor , when the control system transitions between receiving power from the electrical distribution network and the back-up power source, and the command module may be configured to place each of the electronic processors in the specified ready state in the configuration setting.

[0023] The command module may be configured to place at least some of the electronic processors into one of a plurality of ready states after a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the control system began receiving power from the power source. supporting energy.

[0024] In another general aspect, a method of operating an electrical apparatus in an electrical power distribution network includes interacting with the electrical apparatus in a command module of a control system, the command module including a plurality of electronic processors, each of the plurality of electronic processors being associated with a plurality of readiness states, and each of the plurality of electronic processors being in a readiness state in which the electronic processors are capable from interacting with the electrical apparatus, and at least one of the plurality of electronic processors is in a state of readiness in which the electronic processors are not capable of interacting with the electronic processor, in which the electrical apparatus is configured to monitor or control a or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network, and interacting with the electrical apparatus includes one or more of sending information to the electrical apparatus and receiving information from the electrical apparatus.

[0025] The method may also include receiving an indication of a detected property of an electrical power distribution network; generate data based on the indication received; and generating a command signal based on the generated data, wherein interacting with the electrical appliance may include causing the command module to send the command signal to the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical appliance is configured to control or monitor a or more aspects of the electrical energy distribution network, in response to receiving the command signal.

[0026] In another general aspect, a method of operating an electrical apparatus that controls or monitors one or more aspects of an electrical power distribution network includes receiving power in a control system; determine whether the energy received comes from a first source or a second source, the first source being the electrical energy distribution network and the second source being a support energy source; and placing at least some electronic processors in one of a plurality of readiness states when the incoming power comes from the second source, wherein, when the electronic processor is in one of a plurality of readiness states, the electronic processor consumes less power than the electronic processor consumes in at least one other readiness state of the electronic processors.

[0027] In another general aspect, a control system for use with an electrical appliance that controls or monitors one or more aspects of an electrical power distribution network includes a command module that includes a plurality of electronic processors, wherein electronic processors are associated with a plurality of readiness states, with each readiness state defining a scope of operations that the electronic processors are capable of performing when they are in the ready state; and a processor communication interface, wherein the processor communication interface connects the electronic processors and is configured to provide data from any of the electronic processors to any other electronic processors, wherein the control system is configured to receive power from from one of the electrical power distribution network and a back-up power source, and when the control system receives power from the back-up power source, at least some of the electronic processors are placed in a state of readiness that consumes less energy than at least one other readiness state.

[0028] Implementations of any of the techniques described herein may include an electrical apparatus, a control system, a system that includes a control system and an electrical apparatus, a device for protecting an electrical power distribution network, a device for monitoring and/or controlling an aspect of an electrical power distribution network, a kit for adapting a control system, an electrical appliance with an integrated control system, instructions stored on a machine-readable non-transitory storage medium, and /or a method. Details of one or more implementations are demonstrated in the attached drawings and description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings as well as from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of example electrical power systems.

[0030] Figures 3A and 3B are block diagrams of exemplary electrical devices that can be used in the electrical power systems of Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] Figure 3C is a block diagram of an example of an asset monitoring system that can be used in the electrical power systems of Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of a process for operating an electrical appliance.

[0033] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example of a command module for a control system.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example of a process for operating an electrical appliance.

Detailed Description

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example of an electrical power system 100. The electrical power system 100 includes an electrical power distribution network 101 that transfers electricity from a power source 102 to electrical loads 103 via a transmission route 104, and a system 105 that includes an electrical apparatus 110 and a control system 130.

[0036] Electrical appliance 110 is any device or apparatus that can be used to monitor and/or control the electrical power distribution network 101 or a portion of the network 101. For example, electrical appliance 110 can be any appliance, device or system capable of controlling and/or monitoring one or more aspects of the network 101. The control system 130 may be any system capable of communicating or interacting with the electrical appliance 110.

[0037] The electrical power distribution network 101 may be, for example, a power grid, an electrical system, or a multi-phase electrical network that supplies electricity to commercial and/or residential customers. The electrical power distribution network 101 may have an operating voltage of, for example, at least 1 kilovolt (kV), up to 34.5 kV, up to 38 kV or 69 kV or higher, and may operate at a fundamental frequency of , for example, 50 to 60 Hertz (Hz). Transmission route 104 may include, for example, one or more transmission lines, electrical cables, and/or any other mechanism for transmitting electricity.

[0038] The control system 130 interacts with the electrical apparatus 110 by sending information to the electrical apparatus 110 and/or receiving information from the electrical apparatus 110. For example, the control system 130 may interact with the electrical apparatus electrical apparatus 110 by generating a command signal 132 for the electrical apparatus 110, and providing the command signal 132 to the electrical apparatus 110. The command signal 132 includes data or information that is sufficient to cause the electrical apparatus 110 control and/or monitor one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101. An apparatus 110 that is configured to control one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101 may provide protection to electrical loads 103, the network 101 and/or the power source 102. An apparatus 110 that is configured to monitor one or more aspects of the power distribution network 101 may, for example, provide the control system 130 with information about the network 101 that enables more efficient operation and robustness of the network 101. The electrical apparatus 110 may be configured to control one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101, monitor one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101, or monitor and control one or more aspects of the electrical energy distribution network 101.

[0039] The control system 130 includes a processing module 140. The processing module 140 has more than one electronic processor, and the electronic processors of the processing module 140 are coordinated and operated such that the control system 130 is a redundant system. In other words, the control system 130 is capable of interacting with the electrical appliance 110 even if some of the electronic processors of the processing module 140 are not fully operational or are completely incapacitated. For example, the control system 130 is capable of generating the command signal 132 and operating the electrical apparatus 110, even when some of the electronic processors are unable to generate the command signal 132. In this way, the system 105 is capable of providing robust and redundant protection and/or monitoring of the electrical loads 103 and/or the electrical power distribution network 101, even when some of the electronic processors of the processing module 140 are unavailable due to, for example, a power outage, a being in a reconfiguration state, or receiving a firmware update.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the control system 130 may use the multiple electronic processors to operate in a conservation mode, which uses less energy than a typical mode of operation, but is still capable of commanding the electrical appliance 110 to protect or monitor the electrical energy distribution network 101 and/or provide other functionality. In some implementations, the control system 130 is capable of operating the electrical apparatus 110 with a backup power source that has less capacity than would be necessary to support the entire system.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a block diagram of an example of an electrical power system 200, which includes a system 205 for monitoring and/or controlling one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101 The system 205 includes an electrical apparatus 210 and a control system 230, which communicates or interacts with the electrical apparatus 210 via a data connection 231. The data connection 231 may be a physical control cable that is connected to the electrical appliance 210 and the control system 230, or the data connection 231 may be a wireless connection. The system 205 may be a single integrated unit that includes both the electrical apparatus 210 and the control system 230.

[0042] The control system 230 may interact with the electrical apparatus 210 by sending information to the electrical apparatus 210 and/or receiving information from the electrical apparatus 210 via the data connection 231. The information may be information from status or diagnostic information that the electrical appliance 210 provides to the control system 230. This information may include, for example, one or more indications relating to the health or mode of operation of the electrical appliance 210. In yet another example, the information may be data obtained by the electrical device 210 and provided to the control system 230, such as current and voltage levels in the electrical energy distribution network 101.

[0043] In some implementations, the control system 230 may communicate or interact with the electrical apparatus 210 by providing a command signal 232 to the electrical apparatus 210. The command signal 232 includes sufficient data or information to cause that the electrical appliance 210 monitors and/or controls an aspect of the electrical power distribution network 101. For example, in response to receiving the command signal 232, the electrical appliance may start or stop the flow of current in the transmission route 104 , monitor an amount of current flowing in the transmission route 104 or a voltage level of the grid 101, and/or change the voltage level of the grid 101. In some implementations, an aspect of the electrical power distribution network 101 is monitored by obtaining information related to electrical apparatus 210. For example, command signal 232 may be used to determine the capacity or operational state of electrical apparatus 210 by monitoring temperature, air pressure, humidity and/or temperature. air quality in the electrical appliance 210, or by monitoring maintenance-related data, such as operation counters and other appliance parameters. The command signal 232 may include data or information that allows the configuration or mode of operation of the electrical apparatus 210 to be changed, and the command signal 232 may include information that represents user-programmable inputs and/or outputs.

[0044] The control system 230 includes a conditioning module 234, which detects a property of the electrical power distribution network 101 and produces data based on the detected property, at an input/output (I/O) interface 236 , and in a command module 238. The command module 238 causes the control system 230 to interact with the electrical apparatus 210, for example by generating the command signal 232 or allowing the control system 230 to receive information from of the electrical appliance 210. The command module 238 includes a processing module 240, which includes more than one electronic processor. The command signal 232 may be based on data from the conditioning module 234. In some implementations, the command signal 232 may also be based on data entered into the I/O interface 236.

[0045] Under normal operating conditions of the system 200, the control system 230 receives power from the electrical power distribution network 101. However, the system 200 may also include a backup power source 250, which provides power to the system control system 230, when the electrical power distribution network 101 is unable to provide power. For example, the backup power source 250 may provide power to the control system 230 when electricity is not able to flow in the transmission route 104 due to a fault condition in the electrical power distribution network 101. Additionally, the source Backup power supply 250 may provide power to other portions of system 205, including electrical appliance 210. In some implementations, backup power source 250 may be strategically restricted to powering only some of the multiple processors in processing module 240, the in order to extend the support period. The back-up power source 250 may be, for example, a battery, a solar panel, a fuel cell, a capacitor bank, or a combination of these devices.

[0046] The processing module 240 of the command module 238 includes more than one electronic processor. The electronic processors of the processing module 240 are associated with readiness states, with each readiness state defining a scope of operations that the electronic processor is permitted to perform while in the ready state. The power consumption of the electronic processor may also depend on the readiness states. The readiness states of the processors are leveraged to form a redundant control system, or the readiness states may also be used to operate the control system 230 in a conservation mode that consumes less power than a typical mode of operation while the Backup power source 250 provides power to system 205.

[0047] The conditioning module 234 may detect, for example, an amount of current that is flowing in the transmission route 104, or an amount of voltage in the transmission route 104. The conditioning module 234 may include components such as , voltage or current transducers, an electronic processor, an electronic storage medium and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC - "analog-to-digital converter"). In implementations in which the network 101 is a multi-phase network and the electrical appliance 210 controls and/or monitors more than one phase, the conditioning module 234 may include a voltage or current transducer and an ADC for each phase. The conditioning module 234 is electrically connected to the electrical power distribution network 101. In this way, the conditioning module 234 can measure or detect a property of the network 101, directly and without operator intervention. The conditioning module 234 produces data based on the detected property of the electrical power distribution network 101, and provides the data to the command module 238.

[0048] I/O interface 236 may be any interface that allows a human operator and/or an autonomous process to interact with control system 230. I/O interface 236 may include, for example, a screen, a keyboard, audio input and/or output (such as speakers and/or a microphone), a serial or parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, and/or any type of network interface such as Ethernet. The I/O interface 236 may also allow contactless communication via, for example, an IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth or near field communication (NFC) connection. The control system 230 may be, for example, operated, configured, modified or updated via the I/O interface 236.

[0049] The I/O interface 236 may also allow the control system 230 to communicate with external and remote systems in relation to the system 205. For example, the I/O interface 236 may include a communications interface that allows communication between the control system 230 and a remote station 260, or between the control system 230 and an electrical appliance other than the appliance 210, via the I/O interface 236 using, for example, the supervisory and acquisition control protocol (SCADA - "Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition") or another service protocol, such as "Secure Shell" (SSH) or the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP - "Hypertext Transfer Protocol"). Remote station 260 can be any type of station through which an operator is able to communicate with control system 230 without coming into physical contact with control system 230. For example, remote station 260 can be a station computer-based workspace, a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable computer that connects to the control system 230 via a services protocol, or a remote control that connects to the control system 230 via a radio frequency signal.

[0050] The command module 238 includes an electronic storage 239 and the processing module 240. The processing module 240 includes at least two electronic processors and may include any number of processors greater than two. The electronic processors of processing module 240 may be any type of electronic processor, and may or may not include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a graphics processing unit. Unit"), a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and/or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC - "application-specific integrated circuit"). All processors of the processing module 240 may be the same, or the processing module 240 may include processors that have different characteristics. Electronic storage 239 may be any type of electronic memory that is capable of storing data, and electronic storage 239 may include volatile and/or non-volatile components. The electronic storage 239 and the processing module 240 are coupled so that the processing module 240 can access or read data from the electronic storage 239 and can write data to the electronic storage 239.

[0051] The command module 238 may also include a processor communication interface 242, which allows the electronic processors of the processing module 240 to exchange data with each other. The processor communication interface 242 may be a bidirectional communication interface, which allows any processor of the processing module 240 to send data to and receive data from any other processor of the processing module 240. The interface 242 may be any type of data bus. data and associated protocol. For example, interface 242 may be a parallel or serial interface, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express) bus, a serial peripheral interface (SPI), an inter-IC bus (I2C), SATA ("serial advanced technology attachment"), PATA ("parallel advanced technology attachment" advanced technology parallel bus), CANbus ("controller area network bus"), USB ("universal serial bus"), Ethernet, or a patented bus implementation. Command module 238 may include more than one processor communication interface 242 such that individual processors of processing module 240 may be connected to some other processors of processing module 240 without necessarily being connected to all other processors of the module. processing 240.

[0052] The electronic processors of the processing module 240 have readiness states. A readiness state defines the type and/or scope of operations that an electronic processor is capable of performing. The electronic processor may be capable of performing operations of a different type and/or scope in each of several readiness states, although some operations may be permitted in more than one readiness state. The command module 238 controls the readiness state of the processors of the processing module 240. In this way, the command module 238 allows the control system 230 to be redundant and/or allows the control system 230 to consume less power while providing sufficient functionality to the electrical appliance 210.

[0053] For example, the electronic processors of the processing module 240 are capable of causing the control system 230 to interact with the electrical apparatus 210 in some, but not all, readiness states. For example, the electronic processors of processing module 240 may be capable of generating command signal 232 in some, but not all, ready states. However, because the processing module includes more than one electronic processor, and the readiness states of the various processors of the processing module 240 can be controlled by the command module 238, the command module 238 is capable of interacting with the electrical apparatus 210 even when some of the processors of the processing module 240 are not in a state of readiness that is capable of causing the command module 238 to interact with the electrical apparatus 210. For example, in implementations in which the command signal 232 is generated , the command module 238 is capable of providing the command signal 232 to the electrical apparatus 210 even when some of the processors of the processing module 240 are unable to produce the command signal 232.

[0054] The readiness states of the electronic processors of the processing module 240 may include an ON readiness state, an OFF readiness state, and a sleep state. In the ON readiness state, an electronic processor receives power and is fully functional. For example, in the ON-ready state, the electronic processor is capable of producing command signal 232. An electronic processor in the OFF-ready state is not capable of producing command signal 232. When in the sleep state, a processor electronic receives power and may be able to perform some computational tasks and operations, but may be unable to generate the command signal 232.

[0055] The processors of the processing module 240 may also have a low-power ready state. An electronic processor in the low-power standby state may be capable of generating command signal 232.

[0056] In some implementations, control system 230 produces more than one type of command signal 232, and in such implementations, a processor of processing module 240 may be capable of generating some, but not all, types of control signals. command, when it is in the low power ready state. Additionally, a processor in the low-power standby state may be capable of receiving and processing data input through the I/O interface 236. In other words, it is possible for a processor in the low-power standby state to have partial functionality, compared to a processor in the ON-ready state.

[0057] The processors of the processing module 240 may have other readiness states. For example, a processor of processing module 240 may enter a write state when writing data to electronic storage 239, and a read state when reading data from electronic storage 239. The read and write states may occur, for example, when the control system 230 receives a firmware update. An electronic processor in the write state, the read state, or an initialization state, which occurs during a transition from the OFF readiness state to the ON readiness state, may be unable to cause the command module 238 to interact with electrical apparatus 210 (e.g., an electronic processor in any of these states may be unable to generate command signal 232).

[0058] Transitions between states take a finite time interval. For example, an electronic processor transitions from the OFF readiness state to the ON readiness state at some point after power is applied to the electronic processor. The amount of time required for an electronic processor to transition from the OFF readiness state to the ON readiness state is the "arming time" of the electronic processor. The electronic processor may transition to the OFF-ready state or the ON-ready state from the sleep state. The transition from the sleep state to the ON-ready state requires a finite time interval, which may be less than the "arm time", but the electronic processor does not enter the initialization state when transitioning from the sleep state to the ON state. readiness status ON. Additionally, the electronic processor may be in a different state while transitioning between two readiness states. For example, when an electronic processor transitions from the OFF readiness state to the ON readiness state, the electronic processor enters the power-on readiness state before reaching the ON readiness state.

[0059] Furthermore, the use of one or more electronic processors with a relatively short "arming time" may allow the control system 230 to operate the electrical apparatus 210 without relying on the backup power source 250. For example, when there is a power outage in the electrical distribution network 101, the backup power source 250 can provide power to the control system 230, ensuring that power is available to the control system 230 immediately when service is restored to the network 101 and , in this way, prevents the occurrence of a period of time during which the electrical apparatus 210 does not protect and/or monitor the network 101. However, an electronic processor that has a relatively short "arming time" transitions from the OFF readiness state to the ON-ready state almost immediately after power-up (such as when power is restored to the electrical distribution network 101). In this way, by including one or more electronic processors with a short "arming time" in the processing module 240, the control system 230 is capable of operating the apparatus 210 almost immediately after power is restored, mitigating or eliminating the need for the backup power source 250.

[0060] An electronic processor may also consume different amounts of energy in different states of readiness. For example, a processor in the ON readiness state consumes more power than a processor in the low-power readiness state, the sleep state, or the OFF readiness state. A processor in the low-power readiness state may consume more power than a processor in the sleep or OFF readiness states. In this way, the amount of power consumed by the control system 230 can be reduced by controlling the readiness state of the processors of the processing module 240, taking into account the operations available in each ready state, in order to ensure that the command module 238 remains capable of generating command signal 232 and/or providing other functionality (such as receiving and/or providing information to electrical appliance 210).

[0061] In other words, the readiness states of the processors of the processing module 240 determine the overall functionality and power consumption of the command module 238. In this way, controlling the readiness state of each of the processors of the command module 238 processing 240 allows controlling the functionality and/or power consumption of the command module 238 and the control system 230.

[0062] To control or select the readiness state of the processing module 240, the command module 238 or the control system 230 may provide activations to individual processors, or one or more of the processors may provide an activation signal to another among the processors, through the processor communication interface 242. The activation signals may be provided in a manner or pattern that is specified by a computer program or configuration file stored in the electronic storage 239. Additionally or alternatively, the activation signals Activation may be provided in a manner specified by an operator of system 205, via the I/O interface. For example, in implementations that include a configuration file, the configuration file may be updated or replaced by the operator of system 205 through I/O interface 236. Additionally, an electronic processor may change readiness states due to an unforeseen event. intentional internal or external to the control system 230. For example, an electronic processor may enter the OFF standby state due to a processor failure, or it may enter the sleep state due to an unexpected decrease in power availability due to conditions of the 101 energy distribution network.

[0063] In another example, an operator of the control system 230 may directly activate the processors of the processing module 240 through the I/O interface 236. The I/O interface 236 may allow an operator to enter the desired state to one or more of the processors of the processing module 240, or an activation to cause one or more of the processors of the processing module 240 to change the ready state. In these implementations, the operator may manipulate the I/O interface 236 to enter configuration data into the control system 230. For example, the I/O interface 236 may include a physical panel or a graphical user interface, which is presented on a screen. Additionally, the operator or an autonomous process can access information about the system 205, such as data from the electrical appliance 210, through the I/O interface 236. The I/O interface 236 can also be coupled to the data connection 231 to send data and receive data from the electrical appliance 210.

[0064] With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, block diagrams of exemplary implementations of electrical apparatus 110 and electrical apparatus 210 are shown.

[0065] Figure 3A is a block diagram of an electrical appliance 310A, which may be any electrical appliance that is capable of opening and closing the transmission route 104. The appliance 310A may be, for example, a circuit breaker, a switch or a recloser. Apparatus 310A includes electrical contacts 311, a drive module 312, and a communication interface 313A for receiving data and/or sending data to a control system such as control system 130 (Figure 1) or control system 230 (Figure two). The electrical apparatus 310A also includes a diagnostic module 316, which measures or extracts environmental information and/or diagnostic information. For example, the diagnostic module 316 may measure environmental information such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and/or air pressure in the vicinity of the electrical appliance 310A. In these implementations, the diagnostic module 316 may include one or more environmental sensors, such as a thermometer, a humidity monitor, a barometer, or any other environmental sensor. The diagnostic module 316 may also include one or more diagnostic sensors or measuring devices, such as a health monitor, a monitor that tracks the total time that the electrical appliance 310A has been deployed, and/or a monitor that tracks the number number of times the 310A electrical appliance worked. The electrical apparatus 310A may be integrated with a control system 230 in a single unit, and located together therewith at a monitoring or control point of the electrical power distribution network 101. In some implementations, the electrical apparatus 310A and the control system 230 are separate units that are connected via a control cable or a wireless data communication link, such as data link 231 (Figure 2).

[0066] Apparatus 310A controls and/or monitors the flow of current in transmission route 104 with contacts 311. When contacts 311 are connected to each other or closed, current is able to flow through apparatus 310A and into the route transmission path 104. When the contacts are disconnected from each other or opened, current is not able to flow through the apparatus 310A or the transmission route 104. Therefore, by opening and closing the contacts 311, the flow of current in transmission route 104 can be controlled.

[0067] To open and/or close the contacts 311, one or more of the contacts 311 may be moved by the drive module 312. The drive module 312 may include electrical and/or mechanical components that drive the contacts 311 to open and close. For example, the drive module 312 may include electronic components, springs, motors, and mechanical linkages that operate to cause one or more of the contacts 311 to move to connect or disconnect from each other.

[0068] Opening and/or closing of contacts 311 may begin via a command signal (such as command signal 132 or 232) received by communication interface 313A. In this way, the command signal operates the apparatus 310A to control the flow of electricity in the transmission route 104. Additionally, the apparatus 310A can be used to monitor the transmission route 104. For example, an amount of current flowing in the transmission route 104. Transmission 104 can be measured when contacts 311 are closed, and in response to a command signal received by communication interface 313A. In another example, a voltage level in transmission route 104 can be measured with contacts 311 open and/or closed, in response to receiving a command signal. In this way, the device 310A can be used to monitor and/or control the electrical energy distribution network 101.

[0069] Figure 3B is a block diagram of the electrical apparatus 310B, which monitors and controls a voltage level in the electrical power distribution network 101 (Figure 1). For example, electrical apparatus 310B may be a voltage regulator that monitors and controls the voltage level in transmission route 104 so that the voltage supplied to electrical loads 103 (Figure 1) is maintained within a predefined range despite changes in load on transmission route 104.

[0070] The electrical apparatus 310B includes a tap selector 314, taps 315 and a communication interface 313B, which receives the command signal 132 or 232 and may be similar to the communication interface 313A. The electrical apparatus 310B may also include the diagnostic module 316. The shunt 315 may be a device, such as a coil or a transformer, that has a variable voltage which is controllable by locating a shunt on the coil. The location of the shunt is varied by the shunt selector 314 in order to control the voltage in the electrical power distribution network 101. The shunt selector 314 may include motors, mechanical linkages and/or electronic circuits to move the shunt and control the voltage.

[0071] Figure 3C is a block diagram of system 105 (Figure 1) with an exemplary asset monitoring system 335. The asset monitoring system 335 communicates with the control system via a data connection 336. The data connection 336 can be any wired or wireless connection capable of transmitting data. The asset monitoring system 335 of Figure 3C is shown with the control system 130 for discussion purposes, but the asset monitoring system 335 may be used with other control systems, such as the control system 230 (Figure 2). . The asset monitoring system 335 may be integrated with the control system 130 in a single unit, and be located at a monitoring or control point on the electrical power distribution network 101. In some implementations, the asset monitoring system 335 and control system 130 are separate units that are coupled only by data connection 336, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0072] The asset monitoring system 335 can send information to and/or receive information from the control system 130 via data connection 336. The asset monitoring system 335 is used to monitor an asset that is associated with the distribution network of electrical power 101. For example, the asset monitoring system 335 can be used to monitor the health and/or operational status of critical assets, such as appliance 130. The asset monitoring system 335 can also be used to monitor critical assets, such as the 310A device (Figure 3A) or the 310B device (Figure 3B). Additionally or alternatively, the asset monitoring system 335 can monitor less sophisticated devices such as transformers and fuses. Additionally, the asset monitoring system 335 can monitor a system that includes an electrical appliance.

[0073] The asset monitoring system 335 typically does not provide direct control of one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101, but the asset monitoring system 335 is capable of monitoring one or more aspects of the assets connected to the grid electrical power distribution system 101. For example, the asset monitoring system 335 may provide the control system 130 with an indication of the capacity and health of one or more monitored assets. In some implementations, the asset monitoring system 335 includes a detection system 317, which includes one or more sensors or devices configured to measure physical properties that provide state information about the monitored asset. For example, the detection system 317 may include one or more temperature sensors, humidity sensors, weight sensors, pressure sensors, current and/or voltage sensors, position sensor, acceleration sensor, operational counter, or a combination of these sensors or devices. The detection system 317 also includes the association of electronic components (such as power sources, electronic processors and electronic memory media) and/or mechanical components (such as enclosures, insulation and mounting systems) to operate the sensors of the detection system 317 .

[0074] The asset monitoring system 335 may be activated to monitor the monitored asset in response to receiving a command signal from the control system 130. In some implementations, the asset monitoring system 335 periodically provides security data. sensor to the control system 130, when the sensor data meets predetermined conditions, when the control system probes the asset monitoring system, or based on other criteria and not necessarily in response to receipt of a command signal from the control system 130. Independently, the control system 130 interacts with the asset monitoring system 335 upon receipt of information from the asset monitoring system 335. In some implementations, the control system 130 may also interact in other ways with the asset monitoring system 335, for example by sending a command signal or other information to the asset monitoring system 335.

[0075] Electrical appliances 310A and 310B are provided as examples of electrical appliances that can be used with a control system, such as control system 130 or control system 230. Asset monitoring system 335 can be used with electrical appliances 110, 220, 310A or 310B. However, other implementations of the electrical device are possible. For example, the electrical appliance may be a device, such as a switch, that controls one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101, but does not necessarily monitor any aspect of the network 101.

[0076] Referring to Figure 4, a flow chart of a process 400 is shown. Process 400 is an example of a process that can be used to provide redundant operation of an electrical appliance. The electrical device can be any device that is capable of controlling and/or monitoring one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network. For example, the electrical apparatus may be a system or apparatus that is capable of monitoring or controlling one or more of a current flow, a voltage level, and a phase or frequency of electricity in the electrical power distribution network 101.

[0077] The electrical appliance may be electrical appliance 110, 210, 310A or 310B. Process 400 may be performed by control system 130 or control system 230, and/or by a component of such control system, such as command module 238. Process 400 is discussed in relation to control system 230 and to electrical appliances 210 and 310A.

[0078] An indication of a detected property of the electrical power distribution network 101 is received (410). The properties of the network 101 may include any characteristic that can be used to evaluate the state or performance of the network 101. For example, The properties of the network 101 may include the flow of current through the transmission route 104 or a voltage level in the electrical loads 103. The sensed property indication may be an indication of an amount of current flowing in the transmission route 104 or a voltage level at a point on transmission route 104.

[0079] The detected property of the network 101 can be measured or determined, for example, by means of the conditioning module 234. The conditioning module 234 can receive current from the transmission route 104 and detect the amount of current in a transformer. current, or other current detection device. Other properties of the network 101, such as voltage, can be detected in addition or alternatively to the current.

[0080] Data is generated based on the indication of the detected property (420). As discussed above, the conditioning module 234 may include a current sensing device, a voltage sensing device, filters and other conditioning devices, and an ADC. The current received from transmission route 104 may be an analog signal, and the signal may be conditioned (e.g., filtered) and/or converted into a signal that includes distinct values by passing the analog signal through an ADC. The conditioning result (if any) and the output of the ADC can be considered to be data generated based on the indication of the detected property of the network 101.

[0081] The command module 238 interacts with the electrical appliance 210 (430). For example, command module 238 may generate command signal 232 based on data from conditioning module 238 and provide command signal 232 to electrical apparatus 210. Because processing module 240 includes more than one electronic processor, the command module 238 is capable of generating command signal 232 (or otherwise interacting with electrical apparatus 210), even if some of the processors of processing module 240 are incapable of generating command signal 232. In others In other words, at least one of the electronic processors of the processing module 240 is in a ready state in which the command signal 232 can be generated. In this way, the command module 238 and the control system 230 provide redundant protection of the network 101 and/or redundant monitoring of the network 101, and the control system 230 is capable of interacting with the electrical appliance 210 (e.g., operating the electrical apparatus 210 or receiving information from the electrical apparatus 210) even when some of the processors in the processing module 240 are rebooting, being powered up, reading or writing data as part of a firmware update, in an error state, or otherwise mode, unavailable to cause the control system 230 to interact with the electrical appliance 210.

[0082] The command module 238 may also include the processor communication interface 242, which allows the processors of the processing module 240 to communicate with each other and/or with the command module 238. In some implementations, The processor communication interface 242 connects each processor in the processing module 240 to all other processors in the processing module 240. In some implementations, the processor communication interface 242 connects a processor in the processing module 240 unless all processors of processing module 240, although each processor of processing module 240 is connected to at least one other processor of processing module 240.

[0083] The processors of the processing module 240 may communicate via interface 242 by sending a signal to another processor. The signal may cause the receiving processor to change readiness states, or the signal may poll the receiving processor for its current readiness state and return information indicating to the sending processor the current readiness state. Referring also to Figure 5, there is shown a block diagram of a command module 538, which is an example implementation of the command module 238. The command module 538 may be used in the control system 230, instead or in addition to command module 238. Command module 538 has components that are similar to components of command module 238. In command module 538, a processing module 540 includes a first set of electronic processors 543 and a second set of processors electronics 544. Each of the first set 543 and the second set 544 includes at least one electronic processor and may include more than one electronic processor.

[0084] The processors of the first set 543 and the second set 544 may be identical or may have different characteristics. For example, the first set 543 and the second set 544 may include different numbers of electronic processors. In another example, the arming time of the processors in the second set of processors 544 may be less than the arming time of the processors in the first set of processors 543, and/or the processors in the second set of processors 544 may require less power to run while they are running. in the ON readiness state than the processors in the first processor set 543. The processors in the first processor set 543 may have different readiness states than the processors in the second processor set 544. For example, the second processor set 544 may include a low-power ready state, while the first set of 543 processors may not have the low-power ready state. Additionally, processors within each of sets 543 and 544 may have characteristics different from those of other processors within the same set.

[0085] The first set of electronic processors 543 and the second set of electronic processors 544 communicate via the processor communication interface 242. Although the interface 242 is shown as being between the first set of processors 543 and the second set of processors 544, in some implementations, any of the processors in the first set of processors 543 can communicate with any of the processors in the second set of processors. 544 through the 242 interface, and vice versa. Additionally, interface 242 may be configured to allow any part of the command module 538 to communicate with all or any of the processors in the first processor set 543 and the second processor set 544. For example, the command module 544. command 538 may include an electronic processor 541, which includes one or more electronic processors in addition to those included in the first and second sets of processors 543, 544. In these implementations, the interface 242 may be configured to communicate with the electronic processor 541 , such that the command module 538 is capable of communicating with any or all of the processors in the first set of processors 543 and the second set of processors 544.

[0086] In some implementations, interface 242 is configured so that less than all processors in the first set 543 and the second set 544 communicate directly with each other. Additionally, interface 242 may allow communications between processors that are part of the same set. Additionally, the command module 538 may include more than one processor communication interface 242, and individual processors of the processing module 540 and in each of the arrays 543 and 544 may be connected to communicate with each other via the interface. 242 anyway.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure. 5, a signal 545 is provided to the second set of processors 544, and a signal 546 is provided to the first set of processors 543. Although the signal 545 is shown as being provided by the first set of processors 543, and the signal 546 is shown as being provided by the second set of processors 544, one or both of signals 545 and 546 may be provided by the electronic processor 541 of the command module 538. Additionally, one or both of the signals 545 and 546 may be received by the electronic processor 541 of the module command 538. Signals 545 and 546 may be used to change the readiness state or determine a current readiness state of the second set of processors 544 and the first set of processors 543, respectively. To illustrate the use of signals 545 and 546, an example of coordination between the first set of processors 543 and the second set of processors 544 to protect electrical loads 103 with electrical apparatus 310A (Figure 3A) is discussed in relation to Figure 5 .

[0088] Data based on an indication of a detected property of the electrical power distribution network 101 can be received in the command module 538, from the conditioning module 234 (Figure 2). In this example, the data indicates that there is an overcurrent condition in the transmission route 104. In response to receiving the data, the command module 538 generates the command signal 232 to the electrical appliance 310A using the processing module 540. The command signal 232 is based on the received data. Therefore, in this example, as the data indicates that an overcurrent condition exists in the transmission route 104, the command signal 232 is sufficient to cause the contacts 311 of the electrical apparatus 310A to disconnect to open the transmission route 104 and protect electrical loads 103 against the overcurrent condition.

[0089] To generate the command signal 232 in this example, the command module 538 polls the first set of processors 543 to determine its readiness state (e.g., the electronic processor 541 may poll the first set of processors 543). In this example, the first set of processors 543 is reading and writing data to electronic storage 239 due to, for example, a firmware update, and the processors of the first set of processors 543 are in a ready state that is unable to generate the command signal 232. Thus, the second set of processors 544 is tasked with generating the command signal 232. The electronic processor 541 of the command module 538 sends the signal 545 to the second set of processors 544 to determine the current readiness state of the second set of processors 544. The second set of processors 544 provides its current ready state to the command module 538 via signal 546. If the processors of the second set of processors 544 are not in a ready state that is capable of generating command signal 232, the command module 538 may send a signal to the second set of processors 544 in order to transition the second set of processors 544 to a ready state in which the command signal 232 is capable of being generated. . For example, if the second set of processors 544 is in a sleep state, the processors 544 may transition to a ready state by a "wake" signal from the electronic processor 541 of the command module 538.

[0090] In this way, the command module 538 is able to coordinate the processors of the processing module 540 to ensure that the command signal 232 is generated even when the first set of processors 543 is unable to generate the command signal 232. In some implementations, the first set of processors 543 is capable of sending signal 545 to the second set of processors 544, even though the first set of processors 543 is unable to generate the command signal 232.

[0091] In cases where the first set of processors 543 is capable of sending the signal 545, the first set of processors 543 can be activated to send the signal 545 to the second set of processors 544 via the command module 538. command module 538 may activate the first set of processors 543 in response to receiving data from the conditioning module 234. In some implementations, the command module 538 may activate the first set of processors 543 in order to output signal 545 in response to an input on the I/O interface 236, such as a command from an operator of the control system 230. Similarly, in cases where the second set of processors 544 is capable of sending signal 546, the control module command 538 may activate the second set of processors 544 to send signal 546 in response to receiving data from the conditioning module 234 or in response to input at the I/O interface 236. Additionally, the command module 538 may activate the processors of processing module 540, based on a computer program stored in electronic storage 239.

[0092] Additionally, in some implementations, the command module 538 is capable of generating different types of command signals 232 for the electrical apparatus 210. Each of the different types of command signals 232 can cause the electrical apparatus 210 perform different control or monitoring functions. For example, electrical appliance 210 may be a recloser that has similar components to electrical appliance 310A (Figure 3A). The command signals for the recloser may include a command to control the flow of electricity in the transmission route 104 when a fault condition is detected by the conditioning module 234, disconnecting the contacts 311 and reconnecting the contacts 311 after a defined time interval. , and disconnecting the contacts after reconnection if the fault condition persists in transmission route 104. Additionally, the command signals for the recloser may also include other types of command signals for the recloser, such as command signals that monitor the network 101 by obtaining the amount of current flowing through the connected contacts 311.

[0093] The processors of the processing module 540 may be capable of generating all types of command signals for the recloser in some of the ready states and only some of the command signals in other ready states. For example, the processors of the processing module 540 may be capable of generating the command signal for monitoring the network 101 in the ON-ready state and the low-power readiness state, but may be capable of generating the command signal for controlling current flow in transmission route 104 only in the ON-ready state.

[0094] As noted above, process 400 is an example of a process for providing redundant operation of electrical apparatus. Additional processes are possible to provide redundant operation of an electrical appliance, a system that includes an electrical appliance, or a system that monitors an electrical appliance. For example, asset monitoring system 335 (Figure 3C) can be operated in a redundant manner. The asset monitoring system 335 monitors an asset of the electrical power distribution network 101 and provides information based on monitoring the control system 130.

[0095] Control system 130 includes processing module 140, which includes more than one electronic processor. The processors of the processing module 140 may be coordinated in a manner similar to that discussed above in relation to Figure 5 in order to ensure that the processing module 140 is always capable of causing the control system 130 to interact with the monitoring system. of assets 335. For example, if none of the processors of the processing module 140 are in a ready state in which the processors are capable of causing the control system 130 to interact with the asset monitoring system 335, the control 130 and/or some of the processors may send a state change signal to one or more of the other processors in order to cause the processors to change to a state in which the processors are capable of causing the control system to control 130 interacts with the asset monitoring system 335.

[0096] The control system 130 may interact with the asset monitoring system 335 by receiving information from the asset monitoring system 335. Additionally, in some implementations, the control system 130 may also send information (such as a command signal) to the asset monitoring system 335. Due to the configuration of the control system 130 and the processing module 140, when some of the electronic processors of the processing module 140 are not capable of causing the control system 130 to receive information from the asset monitoring system 335, others among the electronic processors are capable of causing the control system 130 to receive the information. In this way, the asset monitoring system 335 can be operated redundantly and is capable of providing robust monitoring of an aspect of the network 101 (in this example, a resource in the network 101).

[0097] With reference to Figure 6, a flowchart of an exemplary process 600 is shown. Process 600 is used to operate an electrical appliance. In particular, process 600 can be used to place a control system, which controls electrical apparatus, into a conservation mode that consumes less energy than a typical mode of operation. Process 600 can be used to, for example, extend the life of a backup power source, while still allowing the electrical appliance to monitor and/or control an electrical power distribution network.

[0098] The electrical device can be any device that is capable of controlling and/or monitoring one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network. For example, the electrical apparatus may be a system or apparatus that is capable of monitoring or controlling one or more of a current flow, a voltage level, and a phase or frequency of electricity in the electrical power distribution network 101. The apparatus electrical appliance may be, for example, the electrical appliance 110, 210, 310A or 310B. Process 600 may be performed by control system 130 or by control system 230 and/or by a component of such control system, such as command module 238. Process 600 is discussed in relation to control system 230 and the electrical appliance 210.

[0099] It is determined whether power is received from the grid 101 or from the backup power source 250 (610). As discussed in relation to Figure 2, under normal operating conditions of the electrical power distribution network 101, the system 205 (the control system 230 and the electrical apparatus 210) receives power from the network 101. However, during a fault condition , power outage or other service interruption, electricity does not flow in the transmission route 104 and the grid 101, and the control system 230 does not receive power from the grid 101. When the control system 230 does not receive power from the grid 101, the control system 230 may be powered by the backup power source 250.

[0100] Although the backup power source 250 may be capable of being recharged or otherwise renewed after interruption of service, the backup power source 250 has a limited supply of power available to the control system 230 Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the amount of power used by the control system 230 so that the electrical apparatus 210 is capable of providing protection and/or monitoring capability to the electrical power distribution network 101 for as long a period as possible. , during a prolonged service interruption. Additionally, increasing the useful life of the backup power source 250 also helps ensure that the system 205 is receiving power and is capable of protecting and/or monitoring electrical loads 103 at the time service is restored to the grid 101. Even After service is restored, it is possible that network 101 will not be able to supply power to system 205. For example, a fault condition may still exist on transmission route 104. Therefore, system 205 may continue to need to rely on the backup power source 250 to obtain power even after the service outage has ended.

[0101] The command module 238 of the control system 230 includes the processing module 240. Each of the processors of the processing module 240 has readiness states, and the various readiness states consume different amounts of power and are capable of different operations. In this way, the power consumption of the control system 230 can be controlled through the readiness states of the processors, taking into account the limitations and capabilities of a processor in each readiness state, to ensure that the control system 230 is capable of function as expected under the circumstances.

[0102] Thus, when power is supplied by the back-up power source 250, at least some of the electronic processors of the processing module 240 are placed in a ready state that consumes less power than at least one of the others. readiness states (620). This allows the control system 230 to consume less power, but the control system 230 is still capable of generating the command signal 232 or providing other functionality. For example, some of the processors of the processing module 240 may be placed in the OFF readiness state, while some of the processors of the processing module 240 remain in the ON readiness state. Processors that remain in the ON-ready state are capable of generating command signal 232. In another example, some of the electronic processors may be placed in the OFF-ready state, some in the low-power standby state, and some processors may remain , or they can be placed, in the ON readiness state. In this example, processors that are in the ON-ready state are capable of generating command signal 232.

[0103] Therefore, in conservation mode, the control system 230 can generate a command signal 232 to control or monitor aspects of the electrical power distribution network 101, including being capable of providing diagnostic or status information related to the device. electrical 210, while the control system 230 operates in conservation mode. For example, in an implementation in which the electrical apparatus 210 is a circuit breaker, switch, or recloser (such as the electrical apparatus 310A), the command signal 232 may obtain the state of the contacts 311 or another component of the electrical apparatus 310A and return the state to the control system 230. The control system 230 may display the state at the I/O interface 236 or at the remote station 260. In another example, the control system 230 may determine that contacts 311 are open, and may generate a command signal 232 that causes the contacts to close and then reopen if the fault condition still exists in the transmission route 104. In yet another example, in an implementation in which the electrical apparatus is a asset monitoring system (such as the asset monitoring system 335 of Figure 3C), the control system 230 is capable of receiving and processing information from the asset monitoring system 335 while the control system 230 is in conservation mode.

[0104] In some implementations, to change the readiness state of some of the processors of the processing module 240, the command module 238 issues an activation signal to the processors that are intended to change their readiness states when the control system 230 receives power from back-up power source 250. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal for changing readiness states may be provided by one of the processors of processing module 240 to another processor of processing module 240 via the communication from processor 242 when control system 230 receives power from back-up power source 250.

[0105] The readiness states into which the processors of the processing module 240 are intended to be placed when the control system 230 receives power from the backup power source 250 may be indicated in a computer program or data file. settings. The computer program or configuration file may be stored in electronic storage 239 or may be received through the I/O interface 236. The computer program or configuration file may specify one or more readiness states in which each of the processors of the processing module 240 is intended to operate when the control system 230 receives power from the backing power source 250. The computer program or configuration file can be updated or replaced by an operator through the I/O interface. S 236.

[0106] In some implementations, the computer program or configuration file may specify that the processors of the processing module 240 be placed in specified ready states after a certain time interval has elapsed since the network 101 stopped providing power to the system. 205. This time is called "waiting time." For example, the computer program or configuration file may specify that processors not be placed in specified ready states for several minutes or hours after the network 101 stops providing power to the system 205 (and after the backup power source 250 start supplying power to the system 205). Thus, although command module 238 places at least one of the processors of processing module 240 into a less power-consuming ready state, when back-up power source 250 supplies power to system 205, the processors are not necessarily placed in that ready state immediately after the back-up power source 250 begins supplying power to the system 205. Additionally, in some implementations, the operator of the system 205 may specify the wait time via the I/O interface 236.

[0107] Additionally, the configuration file or computer program may specify that all or substantially all of the processors of the processing module 240 transition to the OFF readiness state or the sleep state after a certain time interval has elapsed ( a "shutdown time") since the 101 grid stopped supplying power. The "off time" may be a time that is selected based on the expected interval of time during which the backing power source 250 is capable of supplying power. The "off time" period and setting may also be entered into the control system using the I/O interface 236. Additionally, the control system 230 may provide a warning that is perceivable to the operator at the I/O interface. /S 236 or remote station 260, when "shutdown time" is imminent.

[0108] Additionally, even in situations in which the control system 230 does not generate the command signal 232, the control system 230 is capable of providing other functionality when in conservation mode. For example, when control system 230 receives power from backup power source 250, all processors of processing module 240 may be placed in the OFF readiness state, except for one processor that is in a low readiness state. consumption. The processor in the low-power standby state is capable of responding to a "wake" signal from, for example, the conditioning module 234 or the I/O interface 236. After the processor receives the "wake" signal, the processor that has been activated provides "wake-up" signals to all processors that are in the OFF readiness state. In this example, the command module 238 does not necessarily generate the command signal 232 to the electrical appliance 210 but, instead, one of the processors in the processing module 238 generated a signal that caused the other processors in the command module 238 to transition to a different readiness state, which may allow the control system 230 to provide more functionality.

[0109] Other features are within the scope of the claims. For example, in some implementations, the control system 230 includes more than one conditioning module 234. The various conditioning modules may be associated with different electronic processors of the processing module 240. For example, one of the conditioning modules may be associated to the first set of electronic processors 543 (Figure 5), and another of the conditioning modules may be associated with the second set of electronic processors 544 (Figure 5). The various conditioning modules may have the same features and capabilities or the features and capabilities of the various conditioning modules may be different. For example, the various conditioning modules may be configured to detect different properties of the electrical power distribution network 101. For example, one of the conditioning modules may be configured to detect a voltage level of the electrical power distribution network 101, another may be configured to detect an amount of current flowing in transmission route 104 and yet another may be configured to detect both current and voltage.

Claims (5)

1. System, comprising: - an electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) configured to control or monitor one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network (101); and - a control system (130, 230) configured to interact with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), the control system (130, 230) configured to receive energy from the electrical power distribution network ( 101) or a support power source (250), the system, being characterized by the fact that the control system (130, 230) comprises: - a command module (238, 538) comprising more than one electronic processor, with each of the electronic processors having a plurality of readiness states, the electronic processors consume different amounts of power in each ready state, and when the control system (130, 230) receives power from the back-up power source ( 250), the command module (238, 538) is configured to place at least some of the electronic processors into one of a plurality of ready states, at least some of the electronic processors are placed into a ready state in which the electronic processors consume less power than electronic processors consume in at least one other ready state. 2. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: - the control system (130, 230) is configured to interact with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) comprising the configuration of the control system control (130, 230) is to provide different types of command signals to the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), the command signals being sufficient to cause the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) controls or monitors one or more aspects of the electrical power distribution network (101), and when the control system (130, 230) receives power from the backup power source (250), the command module (238 , 538) is capable of generating at least one command signal (132, 232) for the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), and - the readiness states include a first readiness state, a second readiness state and a third readiness state, whereby the electronic processors consume less energy in the third readiness state than in the first readiness state, and less energy in the second readiness state than in the third readiness state, and, when the control system (130, 230) receives power from the supporting power source (250), at least some of the electronic processors are placed in the second ready state or the third ready state. 3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the command module (238, 538) is configured to place at least some of the electronic processors in one of the plurality of ready states, after elapse of an interval of predetermined time since the control system (130, 230) began receiving power from the backup power source (250). 4. Method for operating an electrical apparatus in an electrical energy distribution network, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises: - interacting with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) in a command module (238, 538 ) of a control system (130, 230), the command module (238, 538) comprising a plurality of electronic processors, each of the plurality of electronic processors being associated with a plurality of readiness states, and being that at least one of the plurality of electronic processors is in a state of readiness in which the electronic processors are capable of interacting with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), and at least one of the plurality of electronic processors being in a state of readiness in which the electronic processors are not capable of interacting with the electronic processor, whereby - the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) is configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the power distribution network electrical energy (101), - interaction with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) comprises one or more of sending information to the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) and receiving data from the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B); - receive an indication of a detected property of an electrical energy distribution network (101); -generate data based on the indication received; and - generating a command signal (132, 232) based on the generated data, and interacting with the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) comprises causing the command module (238, 538) to send the signal command (132, 232) for the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B), wherein the electrical apparatus (110, 210, 310A, 310B) is configured to control or monitor one or more aspects of the electrical distribution network. electrical energy (101), in response to receiving the command signal (132, 232). 5. Control system for use with an electrical appliance, which controls or monitors one or more aspects of an electrical energy distribution network (101), the control system (130, 230) being characterized by the fact that it comprises: a module control system (238, 538) comprising a plurality of electronic processors, the electronic processors being associated with a plurality of readiness states, each readiness state defining a scope of operations that the electronic processors are capable of performing when they are in the state of readiness; and a processor communication interface (242, 313A, 313B), wherein the processor communication interface (242, 313A, 313B) connects the electronic processors and is configured to provide data from any one of the electronic processors to any other electronic processors, with the control system (130, 230) being configured to receive power from one of the electrical power distribution network (101) and a backup power source (250), and when the control system (130, 230) receives power from the backing power source (250), at least some of the electronic processors are placed in a ready state that consumes less energy than at least one other ready state.