EP0600072A1 - Trip energy monitor - Google Patents
Trip energy monitorInfo
- Publication number
- EP0600072A1 EP0600072A1 EP93915404A EP93915404A EP0600072A1 EP 0600072 A1 EP0600072 A1 EP 0600072A1 EP 93915404 A EP93915404 A EP 93915404A EP 93915404 A EP93915404 A EP 93915404A EP 0600072 A1 EP0600072 A1 EP 0600072A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- trip
- signal
- energy monitor
- solenoid coil
- generated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H1/00—Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
- H02H1/06—Arrangements for supplying operative power
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/02—Details
- H02H3/05—Details with means for increasing reliability, e.g. redundancy arrangements
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to solid-state circuit interrupters havingmicroprocessor-based tripping systems and more particularly, it relates to an improved trip energy monitor for microprocessor-based tripping systems used in circuit interrupters for determining if there is sufficient energy to activate a trip solenoid coil.
- circuit breakers have been widely used in commercial and in ⁇ dustrial applications for protecting electrical conductors and apparatus connected thereto from damage due to excessive current flow.
- Circuit breakers typically include trip systems which were designed to interrupt when the current flowing through them exceeded a predetermined level.
- most simple trip systems utilized an electromagnet to trip the circuit in response to current or voltage fluctuations.
- the elec ⁇ tromagnet provided a magnetic field in response to current flowing through the circuit breaker. When the current level increased beyond the predetermined level or trip point, the magnetic field "trips" a mechanism which causes a set of circuit breaker contacts to release, thereby "opening" or "breaking" the circuit path.
- the microcomputer stores trip points which activate the trip solenoid when the current within the current path exceeds the trip points. Nevertheless, these microprocessor-based tripping systems are not without disadvantages since they inter ⁇ rupt the current path in response to power faults using techniques that are inaccurate or unreliable under certain conditions. For example, it is generally only after a power fault is detected in the current path that the microprocessor-based tripping system attempts to engage the trip solenoid to break the circuit breaker current path. However, after a power fault has occurred, the system power is sometimes insufficient to successfully engage the trip solenoid. While this at ⁇ tempted energization of the trip coil may not only fail, it will further pull down the power supply voltage used by the microprocessor thereby resulting in erroneous control logic signals.
- FIG. 1 A prior art monitoring circuit is shown in Figure 1 which in- cludes an operational amplifier and a number of asso ⁇ ciated circuit components interconnected thereto so as to perform a comparator function. While this prior art monitoring circuit performed its function satisfactorily, it suffers from the disadvantages of requiring a relatively high number of electrical components for its implementation, being high in cost, and having a low re ⁇ liability.
- the present invention is directed to an improved trip energy monitor which is formed of a minimum number of circuit components and has increased reliability and reduced cost. Accordingly, the present invention represents an improvement over the prior art monitoring circuit of Figure 1.
- the trip energy monitor of the instant invention includes a Zener diode, a current-limiting resistor, and an inverting buffer.
- the present invention is concerned with the provision of an improved trip energy monitor for microprocessor-based trip units which includes a Zener diode, a current- limiting resistor, and an inverting buffer.
- the Zener diode has its cathode connected to receive a power signal.
- the resistor has its one end connected to the anode of the Zener diode and its other end connected to a ground potential.
- the inverting buffer has its input connected to the junction of the resistor and the anode of the Zener diode.
- the inverting buffer has an output for providing a reference logic signal.
- the reference logic signal is read by a microprocessor to determine whether or not a trip signal is to be generated for energizing a solenoid coil to interrupt a current path in a circuit interrupter.
- Figure 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a prior art monitoring circuit
- Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a trip energy monitor, constructed in accordance with the prin- ciples of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 a schematic circuit diagram of an improved trip energy monitoring circuit 10 for use in association with microprocessor-based electronic trip units employed in solid-state circuit interrupters.
- the trip units include a trip solenoid coil for breaking the current path in the circuit interrupter in response to a trip signal generated by a microprocessor.
- the trip energy monitoring circuit 10 serves to monitor the power supply voltage connected to the solenoid coil and generates a reference logic signal to the microprocessor to indicate the availability of sufficient energy to fire the trip solenoid.
- the microprocessor will check the logic level of the reference signal to determine whether or not the power supply voltage is at that time capable of supplying the solenoid coil with a sufficient amount of power to effect interruption of the current path thereby elimi ⁇ nating a failed attempt to energize the solenoid coil and/or causing a microprocessor malfunction. If the power level is sufficient to energize the trip solenoid coil, the microprocessor will generate the trip signal so as to interrupt or break the current path.
- the trip energy monitoring circuit 10 is comprised of a Zener diode CRl, a current-limiting resistor Rl, and a Schottky inverting buffer INVl.
- the Zener diode CRl has its cathode connected to an input terminal 12 for receiving a power signal V ⁇ .
- the power signal V ⁇ is generated from a power supply (not shown) and is used to operate the trip solenoid coil.
- the anode of the diode CRl is connected to one end of the resistor Rl and to the input of the inverting buffer INVl at an internal node 14.
- the other end of the resistor Rl is connected to a ground potential GND.
- the output of the inverting buffer INVl is connected to an output terminal 16 for generating a reference logic signal V ref . This reference signal is monitored by the microprocessor to determine when the trip signal is to be generated.
- the Zener diode CRl has preferably a breakdown voltage of +9.1 volts, such as Part No. 1N5239B.
- the resistor has preferably a resistance value of 10k ohms.
- the inverting buffer is preferably comprised of a hex Schmitt-trigger inverter of the type similar to MC54/74HC14A, which is manufactured and sold by Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, Illinois.
- the reference signal V ref is checked to determine if it is read as a high logic or a low logic. If the reference signal V avatar f is read as a low logic, the microprocessor determines that there is sufficient power to activate the solenoid coil and attempts to do so. If the reference voltage V ref is read as a high logic, the microprocessor determines that there is insufficient power to activate the solenoid coil and waits, but checking periodically the logic level of the reference voltage V ref . Once the reference signal V, ⁇ is switched to the low logic, the microprocessor will attempt to activate the solenoid coil once again.
- the Zener diode CRl is non-conductive until the power signal V ⁇ reaches a sufficient voltage, which maintains the output of the inverting buffer INVl at a high logic level.
- the power signal V ⁇ reaches the sufficient voltage (i.e., approximately +11.4 volts)
- the diode will be rendered conductive and the input of the inverting buffer will be at a high logic. Accordingly, the output thereof will be switched to the low logic. This indicates to the microprocessor that sufficient energy is available to trip the solenoid coil.
- the trip signal will be generated by the microprocessor which is a cyclical waveform providing increased trip energy due to better synchronization with the maximum available energy.
- the Schmitt-trigger in- verter has a hysteresis voltage so as to produce a high immunity against noise. Further, this hysteresis voltage insures that the trip signal from the microprocessor will be of a repeatable length to the trip solenoid coil.
- the present invention provides an improved trip energy monitor for microprocessor-based trip units which includes a Zener diode, a current-limiting resistor, and an inverting buffer.
- the trip energy monitor provides a reference logic signal which is read by a miccroprocessor to determine whether or not a trip signal is to be generated for energizing a solenoid coil to interrupt a current path in a circuit interrupter.
- the trip energy monitor of the present invention provides for more reliable operation and performance at reduced cost than those traditionally available.
Landscapes
- Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
- Memory System Of A Hierarchy Structure (AREA)
- Measurement Of Radiation (AREA)
- Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)
- Breakers (AREA)
- Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Un moniteur d'énergie de déclenchement destiné à des disjoncteurs à micro-processeur comporte une diode Zener (CR1), une résistance de limitation de courant (R1) et un tampon d'inversion (INV1). Ce moniteur d'énergie de déclenchement fournit un signal logique de référence qu'un microprocesseur lit pour déterminer si un signal de déclenchement doit être émis pour activer un solénoïde chargé d'interrompre le trajet d'un courant dans un rupteur.A trip energy monitor for microprocessor circuit breakers includes a Zener diode (CR1), a current limiting resistor (R1) and an inversion buffer (INV1). This trigger energy monitor provides a logic reference signal that a microprocessor reads to determine whether a trigger signal should be issued to activate a solenoid responsible for interrupting the flow of current in a switch.
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US90143892A | 1992-06-19 | 1992-06-19 | |
US901438 | 1992-06-19 | ||
PCT/US1993/005836 WO1994000862A1 (en) | 1992-06-19 | 1993-06-17 | Trip energy monitor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0600072A1 true EP0600072A1 (en) | 1994-06-08 |
EP0600072A4 EP0600072A4 (en) | 1994-11-23 |
Family
ID=25414193
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19930915404 Withdrawn EP0600072A4 (en) | 1992-06-19 | 1993-06-17 | Trip energy monitor. |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0600072A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH06509907A (en) |
AU (1) | AU4539793A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2115358A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX9303735A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994000862A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2157830B1 (en) * | 1999-09-24 | 2002-02-16 | Power Controls Iberica Sl | TENSION AND OVERVOLTAGE FALL DETECTOR COUPLABLE TO AUTOMATIC SWITCHES. |
JP5351062B2 (en) * | 2010-01-13 | 2013-11-27 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Circuit breaker |
DE102017214903B4 (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2022-08-18 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit breaker power supply monitoring and method |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01126565A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-05-18 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Voltage abnormality detection system |
JPH02211019A (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1990-08-22 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Power interruption detection circuit |
EP0395153A2 (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1990-10-31 | Philips Patentverwaltung GmbH | Circuit for supervising two operation voltages |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5038246A (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1991-08-06 | Square D Company | Fault powered, processor controlled circuit breaker trip system having reliable tripping operation |
US5136456A (en) * | 1989-11-17 | 1992-08-04 | Sigma Instruments, Inc. | Faulted current indicator with protection against temporary overloads and transients |
-
1993
- 1993-06-17 EP EP19930915404 patent/EP0600072A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-06-17 JP JP6502465A patent/JPH06509907A/en active Pending
- 1993-06-17 WO PCT/US1993/005836 patent/WO1994000862A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-06-17 CA CA 2115358 patent/CA2115358A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-06-17 AU AU45397/93A patent/AU4539793A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-06-21 MX MX9303735A patent/MX9303735A/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01126565A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-05-18 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Voltage abnormality detection system |
JPH02211019A (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1990-08-22 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Power interruption detection circuit |
EP0395153A2 (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1990-10-31 | Philips Patentverwaltung GmbH | Circuit for supervising two operation voltages |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 13, no. 370 (P-920) 17 August 1989 & JP-A-01 126 565 (FUJI) 18 May 1989 * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 14, no. 507 (E-0998) 6 November 1990 & JP-A-02 211 019 (TOKYO ELECTRIC) 22 August 1990 * |
See also references of WO9400862A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2115358A1 (en) | 1994-01-06 |
JPH06509907A (en) | 1994-11-02 |
EP0600072A4 (en) | 1994-11-23 |
AU4539793A (en) | 1994-01-24 |
MX9303735A (en) | 1994-02-28 |
WO1994000862A1 (en) | 1994-01-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19940311 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): DE FR GB IE |
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RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: JENSEN, SCOTT, R. Inventor name: BAACK, JERRY, R. |
|
RHK1 | Main classification (correction) |
Ipc: H02H 1/06 |
|
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 19941003 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A4 Designated state(s): DE FR GB IE |
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STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN |
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18W | Application withdrawn |
Withdrawal date: 19941209 |