MX2008006874A - Fault interrupting and reclosing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predicta percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.

Description

INTERRUPTION DEVICE OF FAULT AND RECONNECTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This patent relates to the failure and reconnect interruption device which also includes a method for determining the end of life or, in other words, the remaining operational life of a vacuum fault interrupter of the failure and reconnect interruption device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fault interrupting devices work to isolate a fault condition in a power distribution system. When canceling the fault condition, some fault interrupting devices also operate to reset the circuit. Failures in an energy distribution system can occur for any number of reasons and are often transient. The detection and isolation of the fault mitigates the damage to the system as a result of the failure.

A capability to reset the circuit after a failure without the replacement of hardware components allows the power distribution system to be returned to Normal operation quickly, and in some cases, without operator intervention. The combined failure and reconnect interrupt devices can be designed to operate or to be operated after a fault interruption to reconnect the failed line or lines. After reconnection, if the fault is not canceled, the device will detect the fault and once again, it will operate to open the circuit in order to isolate the fault. When a failure is determined to be permanent, the fault interruption device should act to isolate the circuit and prevent additional reconnection attempts. Several types of fault interruption and reconnection devices incorporate vacuum interrupters to perform circuit interruption and subsequent reconnection functions. During the current interruption operation, as the contacts of the vacuum interrupter open, the contact surfaces erode, and some of that material is deposited in the isolation housing of the switch. Contact wear occurs with each operation, and therefore, the vacuum interrupter has the capacity only for a finite number of fault current interrupting operations. The number of fault interruption operations can be specify for a particular failure protection device based on the design information and the intended application. The failure and reconnect interrupt device may include a counter to track the number of operations. The actual number of interruption cycles that a vacuum interrupter can experience, and therefore, the failure and reconnect interrupt device that incorporates the switch, depends on the number of operating characteristics, including characteristics of the fault current interrupted and the operating characteristics of the vacuum interrupter. For example, the erosion of the material and the corresponding contact degradation become significantly more pronounced as the interrupted current increases. Therefore, the number of cycles that define the life of the fault interrupting device is established conservatively to ensure proper operation of the device during its specified life and on its rated current interrupting capability. However, if the actual device infrequently observes a service interruption near the maximum fault current, this may result in the devices being replaced with substantial remaining operational life. From Similarly, devices that are not replaced in time, may eventually not have the ability to cancel a fault resulting in poor coordination and more customers without power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a graphic illustration of a device Fault interruption and reconnection in a connected or established position where it operates to connect a source and load of a power distribution system. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the fault interrupting device illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a graphic illustration of the operating elements positioned within the housing of the failure and reconnecting device of Fig. 1. Figure 4 is a graphic illustration of the fault interrupting device insurance assembly illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating operational and control elements for a failure and reconnect interruption device.

Figure 6 is a graphic illustration of a failure and reconnect interruption device incorporating a mechanical retention mechanism. Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining the operating life of a vacuum failure switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A fault interruption and reconnect device includes a circuit interrupting device such as a vacuum failure switch, an arc-wheel switch or the like, coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element to generate an operating force to operate the circuit breaker in order to open the circuit, for example, to generate an opening force in order to open the contacts of the circuit breaker , and to generate a reset force in order to close the circuit breaker to close the circuit. The actuator may include an electromagnetic actuator such as a solenoid for opening the contacts and a spring for closing the contacts. The device may also include an insurance, such as an electromechanical insurance for couple the actuator in order to retain the state of the circuit breaker. For example, to keep the vacuum switch contacts closed when the circuit is closed and to keep the contacts open when the circuit is open. The failure and reconnect interruption device may also include a pivot assembly and a release release latch. The pivot assembly and the release latch engage a rod of the mounting structure. Upon detection of a persistent failure in the line segment associated with the device, the latch releases the device so that it can be released from a position connected to a disconnected position. In the connected position, the device is physically coupled to a source and a load of a power distribution system. In the disconnected position, the device is disconnected from at least one of the supply and the load of the power distribution system. Furthermore, in the disconnected or released position, it is possible to visually discern the state of the device and, therefore, determine the failed line segment associated with the device. Referring to Figure 1, a failure and reconnect interruption device 100 includes a housing 102 comprising a first shunt 104 and a second shunt 106. The housing 102, the first shunt 104 and the second shunt 106 are configured to allow the device 100 to engage the assembly 110, such as a mounting commonly referred to as an assembly Cutting or other convenient assembly. The assembly 110 may include a support 112 that allows the assembly 110 to be secured to a pole or other structure (not shown) to support the assembly 110 relative to the lines of the power distribution system. The first branch 104 can be secured to a supply coupling 114 of the assembly 110 and the second branch can be secured to a load coupling 116 of the assembly 110. The supply coupling 114 can include an alignment member 118 which engages an element of alignment 120 of the device 100 to align the branch 104 with respect to a contact 122 that electrically couples the branch 104 to the supply of the power distribution system. The load assembly 116 may include a rod 124 secured to the assembly 110. The rod 124 is formed to include a channel 125 within which a pivot / slide contact element 126 is positioned. The element 126 is engaged as part of a mechanism of release 128 that provides for the release of device 100 from assembly 110, for example, after a predetermined number of unsuccessful reconnection attempts. Figure 1 shows the device in a connected position where the device is electrically coupled both to the supply side 114 and to the load side 116 of the power distribution system through the cutting assembly 110. The device can also be placed in a connected position. The device 100 includes a latching ring 132. When using a "hot rod" or other convenient insulated tool, and by following all safety instructions and precautions, including, without limitation, making sure that the device 100 is not energized, a technician can grab the engagement ring, and detaching it from the cutting assembly 110, causing the branch 104 to detach of the protective band 122. The protective band 122 is usually against the branch 104, whose force is sufficient in normal operation to retain the device 100 in the connected state and ensure electrical conductivity. However, by applying a force to the engagement ring 132, the branch 104 can be separated from the protection band 122. Once separated, the device 100 is free to rotate about the pivot 130 away from the cutting assembly 110. If mounted vertically, as shown in Figure 1, gravity will act to cause the device 100 to rotate about pivot 130 to a disconnected position. The engagement ring 132 also allows the device 100 to be moved to the connected position shown in Figure 1. The device 100 can be operated, as will be explained, in an automatic mode. In automatic mode, at the time of failure detection, the device 100 operates to open, without being disconnected from the power distribution system, in order to isolate the fault. The device 100 can then attempt reconnection one or more times. If after reconnection, the fault is no longer detected, the device 100 remains closed. However, if the failure is persistent, the device 100 will open once more. After a predetermined number of reconnection attempts, the release mechanism acts to release the device 100 from the assembly 110 allowing the device to separate from the connected state shown in Figure 1 and enter the disconnected state. In some applications, it may be desirable to disable the reconnect function. In that case, at the time of a first failure detection, the device will release or "detach" from the assembly to the disconnected position. A selector 136 is provided (figure 2) to allow a technician to set the operating mode, automatic (AUTO) or without reconnection (NR). For example, the selector 136 may include a ring 136 so that the selector 136 can be activated using a hot rod or other convenient tool from the ground or a hopper truck. A cycle counter 138 can also be provided. Cycle counter 138 provides an indication of the total interruption cycles, and therefore provides an indication as to when the device may require service or replacement, a record of fault activity and data for statistical analysis of the performance of the device and / or system. Referring to Figure 3, the device 100 includes a circuit interrupting device 140. The circuit interrupting device 140 can be any convenient device, examples of which include vacuum interrupters and arc-rotor switches. The circuit breaker 140 can be coupled via an isolation coupling 142 to a solenoid 144. The solenoid 144 can be configured with a first primary coil 146 that conducts the line-to-load current that is used to generate, as a result of a fault current, a force opening in the coupling 142 to activate the circuit interrupting device 140, for example, by exerting an opening force on the contacts of the vacuum interrupter. If the circuit interrupting device is a vacuum interrupter, as shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, it may include an axial magnetic field coil 141 that allows the vacuum interrupter 140 to interrupt a current of fails in excess of that for which it is classified. The solenoid 144 may further include a secondary coil winding 148 which can be used as a transformer source to provide electrical power to storage devices (not shown) such as capacitors for operating the solenoid 144, release latches and circuits control electronics (not shown in figure 3). The solenoid 144 may also include a spring 149. The spring 149 provides a closing force on the coupling 142 to return the circuit breaker to the closed or connected state, for example, by pushing the contacts to close. More than one spring can be provided. For example, a first spring can be used to provide a closing force, while a second spring is used to provide a force of deviation in order to keep the contacts in contact. Thus, the device 100 includes a solenoid 144 which operates to provide an opening force (energized coil) and a closing force (spring). A pin or other convenient coupling 152 couples the solenoid piston 150 to a lever 154. The lever 154 is mounted within the bracket (not shown) to rotate about a pivot point 156. The solenoid piston coupling 150 the lever 154 causes the pivoting movement of the lever 154 at the time of the extension and retraction of the solenoid piston 150 relative to the solenoid 144. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 100 may further include an insurance assembly. 160. The lock assembly 160 is secured within the housing 102 and has a "C" -shaped structure generally including a first retention portion 162 and a second retention portion 163. The retention assembly 160 essentially consists of a pair of electrically controllable "horseshoe" magnets 164 and 165 (magnetic stator parts); whose respective end positions define the first retention portion 162 and the second retention portion 163. The magnets 164 and 165 are spaced apart to define a slot 167 within which a recess is placed. frame 168 of lever 154. Frame 168 itself may be magnetic or may be made of magnetic material or, as shown, the end may include a magnetic insert 169. Magnetic stator 164 and 165 is formed by the combination of permeable "C" or "horseshoe" shaped elements 170 and 172 having magnetic material 174 placed therebetween at a specific location. Combined with the magnetic material 174 is a coil 176. The coil 176 is coupled to the electronic control circuits (not shown) to receive an electric current whose effect is to neutralize the magnetic field of the magnetic material 174. With the absence of current in the coil, the magnetic material 174 acts to create a magnetic field shared by the elements 170 and 172 within the first and second holding portions 162 and 164 to retain the lever 154 in either the first or second holding portions 162 and 164, depending on the state of the actuator and the circuit breaker. The magnetic material can be placed closer to one end of the "C" shape than the other, so that due to its relative position, the magnetic force applied to the magnetic insert (frame) 169 can be greater in a holding portion , for example 162, that in the other, for example 164. The application of current inside the coil acts to neutralize the magnetic field in the first and second retaining portions 162 and 164, so that, under the action of the solenoid 144, the device for interrupting the The circuit can be driven from the closed state or connected to the open or disconnected state or, under the action of the return spring 149, the circuit interrupting device can be driven from the open or disconnected state to the closed or connected state. This is explained in more detail below. With the solenoid 144 in the closed position or connected state of the circuit, the end 168 is placed next to the first retaining portion 162. In the absence of current in the coil 176, a magnetic field is present in the first retaining portion 162 that it exerts a holding force on the end 168 and / or the magnetic insert 169, as the case may be. The holding force resists the movement of the end 168, and therefore the lever 154, holding it, and the solenoid 144, in the closed circuit position. At the time of detection of a fault current, the solenoid 144 generates a force on the solenoid piston 150 to open the circuit interrupting device 140. Concomitantly, the electronic circuits of control apply a current to the coil 176 by neutralizing the magnetic field and releasing the lever 154. The axial movement of the solenoid piston 150 in conjunction with the opening of the circuit breaker causes the lever 154 to rotate so that the end 168 is placed next to the second holding portion 164. The current is removed from the coil 176 by restoring the magnetic field so that the second holding portion 164 exerts a force on the end 168, which resists movement of the end 168 and secures the lever 154, and therefore the solenoid 144, in the open position or disconnected state of the circuit. The current can be removed from the coil 176 at any point in the movement of the lever 154, to minimize the energy extracted from the energy storage means. The strength of the magnet, in combination with the mechanical advantage provided by having a magnetic act at the end 168 relative to the pivot 156, provides sufficient force to resist the closing force exerted by the spring. Of course, it should be understood that in other embodiments various combinations of links, gears or other force multiplication arrangements may be employed. To close the interruption device circuit, the current is once again applied to the coil 176 to neutralize the magnetic field. With the magnetic field neutralized, the lever 154 is free to move and the spring has sufficient force to force the circuit interrupting device 140 into the closed or connected state. Once the end 168 is substantially decoupled from the second holding portion 164, the current inside the coil 176 is terminated by restoring the magnetic field and the magnetic holding force. The lever 154 is once again retained by contacting the first retainer portion 162. Therefore, the lock assembly 160 provides for the retention of the solenoid 144 both in the open position / disconnected state of the circuit and in the closed position / connected state of the circuit. circuit. The mechanical advantage required and the magnetic force are determined for a particular application. For example, the lock assembly 160 in combination with the mechanical advantage can provide a clamping force that is greater than the force acting on the solenoid, for example, two or more times the force acting on the solenoid. A flexible conductive protective band (not shown) can be coupled from a moving contact 172 of the circuit breaker 140 to the solenoid 144 for supplying electrical power to the first coil 146 and the second coil 148. The flexible protection band can also couple the fault current to the solenoid 144. When there is a fault current, the fault current passing through the The solenoid coil 146 develops sufficient axial force to drive the circuit breaker to an open / disconnected state. Once opened, the circuit breaker 140 is kept open by the latching capacity of the latch 160 acting on the lever 154. A controller, which is not shown in FIG. 3, operates at the time of the fault detection to energize the coil 176 for reversing the magnetic field of the magnetic material 174 to allow the solenoid 144 to drive the circuit breaker 140 to the open state. The controller also operates to energize the coil 176 in order to reverse the magnetic field of the magnetic material 174 to allow the circuit breaker 140 to close under the action of the spring 149. Once the contacts are closed, the circuit breaker 140 a once more it drives, and the current is coupled by the protection band to the solenoid coil. If the fault current persists, the device 100 once again acts to open the circuit. The controller operates to provide and manage reconnection attempts, and for example, to provide a delay between the reconnection attempt and to count the number of reconnection attempts. In case the number of reconnection attempts exceeds a threshold value, then device 100 may be separated. The controller may further restrict the solenoid until its release results in the minimum arc time at the switch contacts while still ensuring successful retention in the open position of the circuit. The release mechanism 128 includes the pivot / slip contact member 126 coupled by an arm 180 to an actuator 182. As noted, the element 126 is positioned within the rod 124, and the device 100 can rotate about the rod 124 when the contact 104 is not engaged with the contact 122. The controller operates to cause the actuator 182 to urge the element 126 into the rod 124 to release the device 100 from the assembly 110, for example, causing it to rotate around the rod 124. A Once the device 100 has been separated, after the persistent failure is corrected, it is necessary for a technician to reconnect the device 100 using a hot rod or other convenient tool for coupling the engagement ring 132 and moving the device 100 back to the connected state. To prevent the release of the device 100 from the assembly 110 when the circuit breaker 140 is in the closed / connected state, the release mechanism 128 includes a latch 184 which is mounted to the device 100 and is coupled by a clip 186 to a latching element. release 188. The clip 186 may be a semi-rigid link as it is known, or another arrangement for coupling the release element 188 at a certain point of its displacement. The release element 188 is coupled to the piston of the solenoid 150 for movement with itself. With the circuit breaker 140 in the closed state, the latch 184 engages the element 126 preventing movement thereof which would cause the release of the device 100 from the assembly 110. The latch 184 is held in place by the element 188 and the latch retention 184. piston 150, as described above. With the circuit breaker 140 in the open / disconnected state as caused by the movement of the piston 150, the element 188 is moved with the piston 150 releasing the latch 184 of the element 126. The block diagram of figure 5 illustrates the Solenoid 144 mechanically coupled to the switch 140. The solenoid 144 is also coupled to an energy storage device 190, such as a capacitor, capacitor series, battery or fuel cell. A controller 192 is coupled to the solenoid to monitor the number of interruption operations, as well as to energize the coil 176 in order to release the latch 160. The controller 192 also engages the actuator 182 to effect the separation, if necessary. Finally, the controller 192 is coupled to the counter 138. According to a possible operational logic, the device 100 can nominally drive a determined direct current (A), and can be configured to provide 5 times to 40 times the capacity of current failure cancellation classified as continuous. The fault current above a fault threshold value causes the solenoid 144 to operate to open the circuit breaker 140. The currents below the fault threshold do not cause the operation of the solenoid 144 to open the circuit breaker 140 At the time of detecting a fault current, the device 100 operates to cancel the first detected fault current. The controller can then execute a reconnection strategy. For example, relatively easy reconnection can be made fast If the fault remains, a time delay can be executed before a second reconnection attempt. If the failure persists after the second reconnection attempt, device 100 may be released or "separated". The reconnection strategy, the number of attempts and delay intervals, can be pre-established. Alternatively, an interface to controller 192 may be provided to allow programming of the reconnect strategy. By recognizing that the circuit breaker 140 has completed a preset number of operations, or that some other "end of life" condition has been detected by the controller 192, the controller 192 may block the reconnection strategy, and cause the unit separate or disconnect after opening. In this way, the device 100 provides a positive indication that its capacity has become invalid and that a simple remediation or replacement action is required. The device 100 can be configured to weigh less than about 25 pounds (10 kilograms) so that it can be installed by a technician of a hopper truck, although larger or smaller versions can be contemplated based on the intended application. The ability to interrupt failure and reconnecting the device 100 can greatly reduce or minimize the number of extended interruptions. The effect of the momentary interruptions can be minimized, and the device 100 can keep the equipment downstream, for example, transformer fuses. Figure 6 illustrates a failure and reconnect interruption device 200. Similar reference numerals refer to like or similar elements as described in relation to the device 100 shown in Figure 1. The device 200 operates in a manner essentially the same as device 100; however, it incorporates a mechanical retention mechanism 202 replacing the configuration of the permanent magnet 160 of the device 100. In response to a fault current, the solenoid 144 operates to open the contacts of the circuit breaker 140. The retention system 200 includes a primary lock 204 and a secondary lock 206 that prevent the solenoid 144 from closing the contacts due to the force provided by the spring 149. The latches 204 and 206 are coupled to an actuator 208 that operates in response to axial movement of the solenoid shaft 152. As actuator 208 rotates in direction counterclockwise with the axial movement of the shaft 152 away from the solenoid 144, a set of double-action spring springs 210 are loaded through a rotary spreader 212 secured to the actuator 208. The force generated by the leaf springs 210 rotates one arm 214 counterclockwise. The rotation of the arm 214 is resisted by a damper 216. The damper 216 is used as a timer acting in the direction of traction. As leaf springs 210 equal the strength of shock absorber 216, a rod 220 moves secondary lock 206 which in turn releases primary lock 204. Energy stored in spring 149 closes circuit breaker 140, and mechanism 200 returns to its superior shock position. A quick return mechanism may be employed which is coupled only when the vacuum interrupter is closed by the spring 149 to reset the mechanism 200. If a persistent failure occurs, a rotating cam 224 operated by a spring mass system 226 is moved in position between the actuator 182 and an actuating element 228. The cam 224 causes the actuating element 228 to engage the actuator 182 to drive the element 126. With the latch 184 released, the coupling of the actuating element 228 with the actuator 182 causes the release of the device 200 from the assembly 110. The release of the device 200 from the assembly 110 provides a visual indication that the circuit is open. Nevertheless, if a fault does not occur at the moment when the spring 145 completely closes the circuit breaker 140, the circuit breaker 140 closes and the device 200 is reset. A one-pass function can also be provided for blocking. As described above, a failure and reconnect interruption device, such as device 100, may include a cycle counter 138. Cycle counter 138 provides an indication of the total interruption cycles, and therefore, provides an indication as to when the device may require service or replacement, a record of failure activity and data for statistical analysis of the performance of the device and / or system. As is known for vacuum fault interrupters, each interruption cycle results in the erosion of the contact material and redistribution to the other internal surfaces of the vacuum failure switch. In addition, various characteristics of the interrupted fault current and / or operation of the fault interrupt and reconnect device may affect the extent of material erosion and corresponding contact degradation. However, as an alternative to establishing a fixed number of operating cycles for the device, it is possible to use the monitoring and processing capability of the operational parameter of the failure and reconnect interruption device, such as device 100, to predict in a adaptive the end of life / remaining operational life of the vacuum interrupter. As described above, and with reference once again to Figure 5, a failure and reconnect interruption device, such as device 100, may include a controller 192. Controller 192, in addition to containing within a memory of same a control program to effect the operation of the device 100 for circuit failure and reconnection, may also contain and execute a control program to monitor various characteristics and / or parameters of the interrupted fault current and characteristics and / or parameters of the associated operation of the device 100 to cancel the failure. The control program can be stored inside the memory as stored software, wired microprogramming, specific application hardware or through any convenient means that allow control to operate as herein described to effect the operation of the device, determination of the operational life and / or other functionality. In a possible embodiment of said control program, the control 192 observes at least one, and potentially various predictive parameters, such as fault current characteristics and operating characteristics of the device to provide an end-of-life calculation. For such an exemplary embodiment, the control 192 may measure, track or otherwise monitor the magnitude of the system frequency fault current and the ratio of the asymmetry of the current peaks of the current cycle immediately preceding the interruption of the current. fault current. In addition to these characteristics of the fault current, the control 192 may monitor one or more operational characteristics of the device, such as the time of cancellation of the fault current interrupting operation. An adaptive predicted end-of-life (EOL) can then be determined based on these parameters. The predicted EOL can be determined in terms of the magnitude of failure and cancellation times for the fault current interruption, and this value can be maintained with the memory of the control 192 or, otherwise, retained within the device 100 in a non-volatile form. The ratio of the summed fault current magnitudes, asymmetry ratios and cancellation time products from the preceding fault current interruptions for a threshold obtained from the experimentally verified modeling to predict EOL is established in Equation (1) : Life in Cumulative Percentage Consumed where RMS fault current of previous interruption with DC compensation removed (A) i? = asymmetric value of the most positive peak of the current cycle preceding the fault (A) 12 = asymmetric value of the most negative peak of the current cycle preceding the fault (A) t = time (s) of current interrupter cancellation failure k = operation number number of operations executed K = experimentally determined life constant In an alternative mode, information can be collected and processed cumulatively using an iterative approach. The Equation (2) establishes a relationship between the fault current magnitudes, asymmetry ratios, and cancellation time products of preceding fault current interruptions in an iterative manner: Life in% to cumulative Consumption = * of Vidak-y K where the values of the equation are as indicated above. Additional factors can be considered to determine the various values, for example, life in percentage of simple operation consumed, life in percentage of maximum simple occurrence consumed, life in cumulative percentage consumed, etcetera. For example, the factors may include the degree of asymmetry present in the current at the time of current interruption. The quantification of the degree of asymmetry could be done by normalizing the DC current magnitude to the peak value of the 60 Hz current. Alternatively, the total asymmetric RMS value could be produced. Factors can also include failure cancellation time. The evaluation of the time that the current continues to flow past the opening of the vacuum interrupter and comparing this with a specified maximum time, could provide an indication that the vacuum interrupter has reached the end of its useful service interruption service life. In such modality, the cancellation time threshold for making this determination may be set to be less than the maximum cancellation time specified for the device to provide the appropriate margin. Additional calculations and mathematical models can also be considered to define the relationship between the various factors and the service life of interrupting the useful current of the vacuum interrupter including formulas of the energy law, or exponential and base formulas. The control 192 may operate to retain a record of a life amount as a percentage of maximum single fault, that is, a maximum percentage of life consumed by a fault, from the last fault current interruption events. For example, control 192 may retain data regarding the last N events, where N is an integer. The value of N is arbitrary, but it should be large enough to be statistically important. In a possible mode, the value of N can be 16, but as noted, this can be any value statistically important. The value should be large enough to allow changes in the system (for example, increases in the available fault current or variable load characteristics that change the asymmetry of the fault) or reassignment of device 100 to another part of the system. The control 192 may then determine whether the vacuum interrupter has sufficient remaining life for the device 100 to support a predetermined number of additional events of similar magnitude. For example, control 192 can calculate if two more operations will exceed the useful life remaining of the vacuum interrupter, although any number of operations can be used based on the application. If the vacuum interrupter does not have enough life to operate to cancel the two additional events, the device 100 will signal its EOL in the next failure event. The device 100 can signal its EOL using associated communication capability. It may also cause, or alternatively, separation may occur, as described above, signaling the need to replace the device. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary operating sequence for determining a remaining operational life, i.e., an EOL, of a fault interrupting device and reconnection. In block 200, the device is installed and put into operation, that is, energized, in its assembly. In block 202, a fault current is detected and the device operates, i.e., the vacuum interrupter is caused to open its contacts to cancel the fault. In block 204, the life in percentage of simple operation used is determined. The life in simple operating percentage used can be determined based on Equation (3): life in% of simple operation used = ik2 tk (3). The values of life in percentage of simple operation used can be retained for the last N operations for statistical reasons or other reasons for monitoring the system, but they can also be used as explained below. In block 204 the life in cumulative percentage consumed is also determined, which can be determined according to Equation (1) or Equation (2), above. Next, a determination is made as to whether the device has enough remaining life to remain in normal service. One approach may be to make a comparison to determine whether the cumulative percentage life consumed (for example, the value of equation (1) or (2)) exceeds a value of threshold. Alternatively, a comparison is made to determine if the device has sufficient remaining life to interrupt one or more faults of a particular character. For example, a test can be established to determine if the device has enough life to interrupt a predetermined number of life occurrences in maximum simple operation percentage used. The life in maximum simple operation percentage used can be a pre-established value, for example, one that is determined experimentally, or can be determined dynamically. In an exemplary mode, the maximum simple operating percentage life used is established by taking the values of life as a percentage of simple operation used, for example, calculated in accordance with Equation (3), from the preceding N operations and selecting the maximum of these values. Then, it can be determined if the device has enough life to interrupt a set number, for example, two occurrences of life in percent of maximum simple operation used. Of course, other convenient measurements can be used to determine whether the device has reached almost the end of its useful life. In the exemplary method illustrated in Figure 7, in block 206, the life in percentage of Maximum simple operation used can be determined by taking the life value in maximum simple operation percentage calculated for the 16 preceding fault interruptions. In block 208, the remaining life of the device is then compared to twice the life value in maximum simple operation percentage used, for example according to the equation: 100% - Lifetime in cumulative% used > 2 * life in maximum percentage of simple operation used (4). A true result in block 208 indicates that the remaining life of the device is greater than twice the life in maximum simple operation percentage used. The device can remain in normal operation, and the method repeats. However, a false result results in the device being placed in an EOL mode of operation. In this mode, at the time of the occurrence of the next fault current, block 210, the device will operate to cancel the fault, but then it is also caused to signal its EOL, block 212, for example, separating from the position. In addition to simply predicting EOL of the device that produces as a result, for example, the status permanently separated with the cancellation of the following occurrence of failure, the various values determined, for example, life in percent of simple operation consumed, life in maximum percentage of simple occurrence consumed, life in cumulative percentage consumed, and so on, can be used to activate any of various adaptive device responses to events and possibly even if those events keep happening. One of these responses could be to activate a vacuum interrupter closure if the cancellation time of a simple interruption event has passed a predefined time limit indicative of the decomposition within the vacuum interrupter. Keeping the device closed, that is, keeping the vacuum switch inside the closed device would cause the protection devices of the upstream system to operate to cancel the fault. A second possible response could be to initiate an EOL signaling, for example, by separating the device, followed by a fault current interruption event that produces sufficient current and / or experience long enough cancellation times to cause the EOL limit to be exceeded. The separation action followed by the opening of the vacuum interrupter without separation could require that the vacuum interrupter first be closed to establish the operating mechanism for the separation operation. The separation action following an opening of the vacuum interrupter that did not include a separation operation could be executed using the capacitive stored energy to drive the operating mechanism in order to produce the required separation force. Alternatively, the detonation of a small charge or operation of another convenient mechanism could provide the required force. Although the present description is susceptible to several modifications and alternative forms, some modalities are shown by way of example in the figures and in the modalities described herein. However, it will be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms described, but rather, on the contrary, the invention is intended to encompass all the modifications, alternatives and equivalents defined by the appended claims. It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used herein, the term? 'Is here defined to mean ..." or a similar sentence, is not intended to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its ordinary plan or meaning, and such term should not be construed to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term mentioned in the claims at the end of this patent is mentioned in this patent in a manner consistent with a simple meaning, this is done for purposes of clarity only to not confuse the reader, and does not claim that said term claimed be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that simple meaning. Unless a claimed item is defined by mentioning the word "means" and a function without the mention of any structure, it does not intend that the scope of any item claimed be interpreted based on the request of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

Claims (34)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A failure and reconnect interruption device comprising: a circuit breaker coupled between a source and a load of a power distribution system, the circuit breaker has a closed, connected state and an open, disconnected state; an actuator coupled to the circuit breaker, the actuator adapted to exert on the circuit breaker an operating force to drive the circuit breaker from the closed state to the open state and alternately from the open state to the closed state; and a latch coupled to the actuator, with the circuit breaker in the closed state the latch holds the actuator in the closed state until there is a fault current that causes the opening of the circuit breaker and with the circuit breaker. circuit in an open state the safe holds the circuit breaker in the open state, the device has an automatic mode of operation that includes a reconnection process and an operation mode without reconnection.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic mode of operation comprises a process of interruption, reconnection, interruption, separation.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mode without reconnection comprises a process of interruption, separation.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller, the controller coupled to the actuator to control the operation of the actuator in order to execute the automatic mode of operation and the mode without reconnection.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the controller further comprises resources for controlling the actuator to a mode without reconnection after detecting predetermined conditions.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the conditions Default settings include a predetermined number of operations or end-of-life condition.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch comprises a mechanical link assembly.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a pivot and release latch, the pivot and release latch adapted to couple a rod of a mounting structure, the device is rotatable around the pivot, inside of the rod, the release latch secures the device against release.

9. The device according to claim 8, further comprising a release element coupled to the actuator and moving with the actuator to engage and release the release latch.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the release latch comprises a permanent magnet and a coil.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator comprises a solenoid to provide the opening force and a spring to provide the closing force. 12.- A fault interruption device and reconnection comprising: a circuit breaker coupled between a source and a load of a power distribution system, the circuit breaker has a closed, connected state and an open, disconnected state; an actuator coupled to the circuit breaker, the actuator adapted to exert on the circuit breaker an operating force to drive the circuit breaker from the closed state to the open state and alternately from the open state to the closed state; and a latch coupled to the actuator, with the circuit breaker in the closed state the latch keeps the actuator in the closed state until there is a fault current that causes the opening of the circuit breaker and with the circuit breaker in an open state the insurance keeps the circuit breaker in the open state, the insurance comprises a magnet adapted to couple the actuator and a coil coupled to the magnet, the coil operates to selectively cancel the magnetic field of the magnet. 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the latch comprises a lever coupled to the actuator to rotate in response to the axial movement of a shaft of the actuator from a first position to a second position, the permanent magnet engages the lever in each of the first position and the second position. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the permanent magnet comprises a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, the lever is aligned with the first retaining portion when the lever is in the first position and the The lever is aligned with the second retaining portion when the lever is in the second position. 15.- A method to determine the end of life of a vacuum interrupter, the method comprises: for each fault current detected, monitor at least one parameter associated with the fault current to be interrupted or a switch operation vacuum to interrupt the fault current; use at least one parameter to determine a life value in percentage of simple operation consumed for the vacuum interrupter, the value of the life in percentage of simple operation consumed is associated with the interruption of the fault current; determine a life in cumulative percentage consumed for the vacuum interrupter, the life in cumulative percentage consumed is an accumulation of each one of the life values in percentage of simple operation consumed corresponding to each of the fault currents detected. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the cumulative percentage consumed life comprises a ratio of the accumulation of each one of the life values in percentage of simple operation consumed to a predetermined life constant. 17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the cumulative percentage consumed life comprises the sum of a life value in simple operation percentage consumed for a fault current that will occur at the last of a plurality of fault currents. and an accumulation of each of the life values in percentage of simple operation consumed for each of the plurality of fault currents detected except for the last fault current to occur. 18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one parameter comprises a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of: a magnitude of the fault current; and a failure current interruption cancellation time. 19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one parameter comprises a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of: a pre-interruption RMS fault current; a pre-interrupted RMS fault current with DC compensation removed; an asymmetric value of the most positive peak of the current cycle preceding the fault interruption; an asymmetric value of the most negative peak of the current cycle preceding the fault interruption; a failure current interruption cancellation time; an operation number; total number of operations and a predetermined number of operations. 20. The method according to claim 15, further comprising determining a life value in percent of maximum simple operation consumed, and determining whether the life value in maximum simple operation percentage consumed exceeds a remaining life value. 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising signaling a vacuum interrupter life end. 22. The method of compliance with the claim 20, further comprising signaling an end of life of the vacuum interrupter at the time of a subsequent failure cancellation event after determining that the life in maximum simple operation percentage consumed exceeds the remaining life value. 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the signaling of the end of life of the vacuum interrupter comprises causing the separation of the associated failure protection device from its operative assembly. 24. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the remaining life value comprises a multiple of a predicted remaining life of the vacuum interrupter. 25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the value of the life in percentage of maximum simple operation consumed comprises a life value in percentage of maximum simple operation consumed selected from a set of values of life in percentage of simple consumed operation corresponding to interrupted fault currents. 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the set it comprises the N preceding values of life in percentage of simple operation, determined consumed, where N is a positive integer. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the coordination operation of a fault protection device incorporating the vacuum interrupter with the operation of another fault protection device within a power distribution system when a life value in maximum simple operating percentage consumed exceeds a remaining life value of the vacuum interrupter. 28.- A method to predict adaptively the end of life of a vacuum interrupter that includes: monitoring a parameter for each detected fault current, where the parameters include a magnitude of fault current, an asymmetry of the current of failure or a vacuum interrupter cancellation time; and calculate an end-of-life value for the vacuum interrupter based on the monitored parameters. 29. The method according to claim 28, which also comprises signaling an end Life of the vacuum interrupter based on a comparison of the end-of-life value with a predetermined value. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the signaling of an end of life of the vacuum interrupter comprises the operable disconnection of the vacuum interrupter of an associated energy distribution system. 31. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the predetermined value comprises a multiple of a life value in percentage of maximum simple operation consumed. 32.- The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the life value in percent of maximum simple operation consumed comprises a life value in percentage of maximum simple consumed operation selected from a previous value of life in percentage of simple consumed operation corresponding to interrupted fault currents, where N is a positive integer. 33. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the determination of an end-of-life value comprises determining a life value in cumulative percentage consumed. 34.- The method of compliance with the claim 31, characterized in that the determination of a life value in cumulative percentage consumed comprises iteratively determining the value of life in cumulative percentage consumed.