US20150115745A1 - Transfer switch - Google Patents
Transfer switch Download PDFInfo
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- US20150115745A1 US20150115745A1 US14/370,649 US201214370649A US2015115745A1 US 20150115745 A1 US20150115745 A1 US 20150115745A1 US 201214370649 A US201214370649 A US 201214370649A US 2015115745 A1 US2015115745 A1 US 2015115745A1
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- Prior art keywords
- coil
- power
- voltage level
- switch
- source
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
- H01H47/02—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for modifying the operation of the relay
- H01H47/16—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for modifying the operation of the relay for conjoint, e.g. additive, operation of the relay
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
- H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
- H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
- H02J9/061—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for DC powered loads
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
- H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
- H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
- H02J9/08—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems requiring starting of a prime-mover
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/018—Application transfer; between utility and emergency power supply
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/44—Magnetic coils or windings
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to electrical power systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to switching between different electrical power sources.
- Electrical power is provided to various loads in commercial and residential buildings from an electrical grid such as a public utility.
- a backup generator or another public utility may be provided to supply power to the loads if there is an interruption in power from the utility.
- a transfer switch will detect the interruption in power from the grid and start the generator. The transfer switch will switch from the electrical grid to the generator for delivering power to the loads.
- the operating voltage of the electrical grid may vary from country-to-country.
- the transfer switch For each different operating voltage, the transfer switch must be reconfigured to accommodate the particular operating voltage. Reconfiguring the components of the transfer switch can be time-consuming and expensive. Indeed, there is an ongoing demand for further contributions in this area of technology. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a unique transfer switch.
- Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for a transfer switch. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical power system 100 .
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a transfer switch 104 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller 120 .
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of coils 162 and 164 .
- FIG. 5 is an illustration of another embodiment of coils 172 and 174 .
- FIG. 6 is an illustration of another embodiment of coils 172 and 174 .
- FIG. 7 is a schematic flow diagram of a technique 300 .
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical power system 100 .
- the power system 100 includes an electrical power grid 102 such as a public utility.
- the power system 100 also includes a transfer switch 104 that is electrically coupled to and receives power from the power grid 102 .
- the transfer switch 104 is electrically coupled to one or more loads 106 to provide power to the loads 106 .
- the transfer switch 104 is located in or near the building, vehicle, or other location where the loads 106 are located.
- the power system 100 further includes another power source 107 , such as genset 108 , that is electrically coupled to the transfer switch 104 to supply backup power to the loads 106 .
- the other power source 107 may be an electrical grid from a public utility.
- the genset 108 includes a generator 110 driven by an internal combustion engine 112 .
- the generator 110 may be any type of generator including, but not limited to, an AC generator such as permanent magnet alternator.
- the internal combustion engine 112 may be any type of engine including diesel, gasoline, natural gas, gas turbine, microturbine, or any other type of engine or power plant.
- power generation systems may be used in combination with or in place of the power grid 102 and/or the genset 108 such as power from solar, geothermal, wind, and/or tidal energy.
- genset 108 such as power from solar, geothermal, wind, and/or tidal energy.
- other types of energy such as wind or tidal energy, may be used in combination with or in place of the engine 112 to drive the generator 110 .
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the transfer switch 104 .
- the power grid 102 provides three-phase AC power (shown as L1, L2, L3) to the transfer switch 104 through a normally closed contactor 114 .
- the genset 108 When the genset 108 is operating, the genset 108 provides three-phase AC power (shown as L1, L2, L3) to the transfer switch 104 through a normally open contactor 116 .
- the power provided by the power grid 102 and/or the genset 108 is DC power.
- the transfer switch 104 includes an output 117 to provide power to the loads 106 .
- the transfer switch 104 includes circuitry 118 for processing signals, such as, one or more lines L1, L2, L3 from power grid 102 and/or the genset 108 , or signals to and from a controller 120 .
- the circuitry 118 may provide logic for different functions in the transfer switch 104 and/or signal processing.
- the circuitry 118 may be a single component, or a collection of operatively coupled components; and may be comprised of digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both of these types.
- the controller 120 monitors the power from the power grid 102 for any interruptions. If there is an interruption, the controller 120 transmits a signal 122 to start the genset 108 using battery 126 .
- the engine 112 includes a starter 125 that is powered by the battery 126 to start the engine.
- the controller 120 may send a signal 124 for charging the battery 126 .
- a battery charger 128 may be electrically coupled to one or more lines L1, L2, L3, N from the power grid 102 , which may be rectified, to provide power to the battery 126 as controlled by the controller 120 .
- signals are passed to one or more rectifiers 130 , 132 , and 134 to convert the AC voltage to a DC voltage.
- the DC voltage from the rectifiers 130 , 132 , 134 is then provided to one or more electromagnetic devices 136 , 138 , and 140 .
- Each of the electromagnetic devices 136 , 138 , 140 is responsive to a predefined AC power voltage change.
- the electromagnetic device 136 may be a trip solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art.
- the electromagnetic device 136 includes a coil 142 and a coil 144 .
- a selector 146 is electrically coupled to both coils 142 and 144 .
- the selector 146 allows an operating voltage to be selected for use in the transfer switch 104 .
- the selector 146 may be any type of selector that allows selection of an operating voltage such as a switch, direct rewiring of the coils 142 , 144 , a terminal block, jumpers, an electrical switch, or an automatic voltage detection and selection circuit.
- the selector 146 may be a switch 145 which includes an input pole 147 electrically coupled (not shown) to the contactor 114 to receive an input representative of electricity from the power grid 102 . It is contemplated that the input pole 147 may also be electrically coupled to the contactor 116 to receive an input representative of electricity from the power source 107 such as genset 108 .
- the selector 146 may further include an output 149 electrically coupled (not shown) to one or more of the coils 142 , 150 , 156 to place the operating voltage across one or more of the coils 142 , 150 , 156 if the switch 145 is in a first state electrically connecting the input pole 147 to the output 149 .
- the selector 146 may include an output 141 electrically coupled (not shown) to the one or more of the coils 144 , 152 , 158 to place the operating voltage across the coils 144 , 152 , 158 if the switch 145 is in a second state electrically connecting the input pole 147 to the output 141 .
- one selector 146 may be connected to each of the electromagnetic devices 136 , 138 , 140 or three selectors may be used such that each of the electromagnetic devices 136 , 138 , 140 includes its own corresponding selector.
- the selector 146 provides an operating voltage across the coil 142 if one AC power voltage level is selected and the coil 144 if a different AC power voltage level is selected.
- the coils 142 and 144 may be one coil that is center-tapped or two coils that are connected in series or in parallel.
- a moveable contactor actuation member 148 is provided so that the switch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by the coil 142 and/or the coil 144 to break an electric circuit, i.e. to open the normally closed contactor 114 .
- the electromagnetic device 136 includes a solenoid 149 in which the moveable contactor actuation member 148 is an armature 151 of the solenoid 149 , and the coil 142 and the coil 144 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level.
- the electromagnetic device 138 may be a select solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art.
- the electromagnetic device 138 includes a coil 150 and a coil 152 .
- the selector 146 is electrically coupled to both coils 150 and 152 .
- the selector 146 provides an operating voltage across the coil 150 if one AC power voltage level is selected and the coil 152 if a different AC power voltage level is selected.
- the coils 150 and 152 may be one coil that is center-tapped or two coils that are connected in series or in parallel.
- a moveable contactor actuation member 154 is provided so that the switch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by the coil 150 and/or the coil 152 to select one or more gensets 108 to be started and/or starts the genset 108 in conjunction with the controller 120 .
- the electromagnetic device 138 includes a solenoid 155 in which the moveable contactor actuation member 154 is an armature 157 of the solenoid 155 , and the coil 150 and the coil 152 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level.
- the electromagnetic device 140 may be a close solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art.
- the electromagnetic device 140 includes a coil 156 and a coil 158 .
- the selector 146 is electrically coupled to both coils 156 and 158 .
- the selector 146 provides an operating voltage across the coil 156 if one AC power voltage level is selected and the coil 158 if a different AC power voltage level is selected.
- the coils 156 and 158 may be one coil that is center-tapped or two coils that are connected in series or in parallel.
- a moveable member 160 is provided so that the switch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by the coil 156 and/or the coil 158 to make an electric circuit, i.e.
- the electromagnetic device 140 includes a solenoid 161 in which the moveable contactor actuation member 160 is an armature 163 of the solenoid 161 , and the coil 156 and the coil 158 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller 120 .
- Controller 120 includes a processing device 202 , input/output ports 204 , memory 206 , and operating logic 208 . Furthermore, controller 120 communicates with one or more external devices.
- the input/output ports 204 may be any type of ports that allow the controller 120 to communicate with the external devices.
- the input/output ports 204 may be comprised of hardware, software, and/or firmware.
- the external device may be any type of device that allows signals to be inputted or outputted from the controller 120 .
- the external device may be another controller, circuitry 118 , power from lines L1, L2, L3, battery 126 , rectifiers 130 , 132 , 134 , electromagnetic devices 136 , 138 , 140 , selector 146 , battery charger 128 , genset 108 , a computer, a printer, a display, an alarm, an illuminated indicator, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a touch screen display. It is further contemplated that there may be more than one external device in communication with the controller 120 .
- Processing device 202 can be of a programmable type, a dedicated, hardwired state machine, or a combination of these; and can further include multiple processors, Arithmetic-Logic Units (ALUs), Central Processing Units (CPUs), or the like. For forms of processing device 202 with multiple processing units, distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing can be utilized as appropriate. Processing device 202 may be dedicated to performance of just the operations described herein or may be utilized in one or more additional applications. In the depicted form, processing device 202 is of a programmable variety that executes algorithms and processes data in accordance with operating logic 208 as defined by programming instructions (such as software or firmware) stored in memory 206 .
- programming instructions such as software or firmware
- operating logic 208 for processing device 202 is at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware.
- Processing device 202 can be comprised of one or more components of any type suitable to process the signals received from input/output ports 204 or elsewhere, and provide desired output signals. Such components may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination of both.
- Memory 206 may be of one or more types, such as a solid-state variety, electromagnetic variety, optical variety, or a combination of these forms. Furthermore, memory 206 can be volatile, nonvolatile, or a mixture of these types, and some or all of memory 206 can be of a portable variety, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, or the like. In addition, memory 206 can store data that is manipulated by the operating logic 208 of processing device 202 , such as data representative of signals received from and/or sent to input/output device 204 in addition to or in lieu of storing programming instructions defining operating logic 208 , just to name one example. As shown in FIG. 3 , memory 206 may be included with processing device 202 and/or coupled to the processing device 202 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a coil 162 and a coil 164 .
- the coil 162 is a subset of the coil 164 with a terminal 166 located in between terminals 168 , 170 .
- the coil 162 will be selected by the selector 146 .
- the coil 164 will be selected by the selector 146 .
- the coil 162 may be used for coils 142 , 150 , 156 and the coil 164 may be used for coils 144 , 152 , 158 .
- the number of loops in the coils 162 , 164 and the location of the terminal 166 will vary based on the operating voltages of the transfer switch 104 . In addition, it is contemplated that more than one terminal 166 may be used such that more than two voltages may be utilized. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the coil 164 includes several turns, and the coil 162 is a portion of the coil 164 being defined by a subset of the turns of the coil 164 . In one aspect of the present application, neither the coil 162 and the coil 164 is included in an electrical circuit of the other when the first AC power voltage level or the second AC power voltage level is selected, respectively, with the selector 146 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates an embodiment in which two coils 172 , 174 may be connected in series or in parallel, respectively. Moreover, the terminals 175 and 177 may be used to apply a current through the coils.
- the coil 172 and the coil 174 are two separate coils connected in series by a conductor 176 .
- selector 146 will place the coils 172 , 174 in series as seen in FIG. 5 .
- selector 146 will place the coils 172 , 174 in parallel as seen in FIG. 6 .
- the number of loops in the coils 172 , 174 and the location of the conductor 176 will vary based on the operating voltages of the transfer switch 104 .
- more than two coils may be configured in series or in parallel such that more than two voltages may be utilized.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic flow diagram 300 for transferring electric power that is provided to an electrical load from one power source to another power source.
- Operations illustrated are understood to be examples only, and operations may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.
- the operating voltage is selected using the selector 146 .
- the voltage level may be selected automatically by a combination of software or hardware, or be set using mechanical switch, direct rewiring of the coils 142 , 144 , a terminal block, jumpers, an electrical switch, or an automatic voltage detection and selection circuit.
- the transfer switch 104 provides power to the loads 106 from a first power source such as the power grid 102 .
- the transfer switch 104 monitors whether there is an interruption in power from the first power source. If there is no interruption, power continues to be provided to the loads 106 from the power grid 102 through the transfer switch 104 . If there is an interruption, the technique proceeds to the next operation 308 .
- the electromagnetic device 136 opens the normally closed contactor 114 .
- the electromagnetic device 138 selects and/or starts the genset 108 in conjunction with the controller 120 .
- the genset 108 may be started before, at the same time, or after the normally closed contactor 114 is opened.
- the electromagnetic device 140 closes the normally open contactor 116 in order to provide power to the loads 106 from the second power source such as the genset 108 .
- the circuitry 118 and/or the controller 120 may control the timing of the electrical connection of the generator 110 to the load to allow the engine 112 to reach a desired speed.
- a make-before-break scheme in which the normally open contactor 116 is closed before the normally closed contactor 114 is opened such that the genset 108 is providing power to the loads 106 before the power grid 102 is disconnected from the circuit.
- a make-before-break scheme may be desirable in certain applications such as hospitals.
- the present application including the transfer switch 104 , may be used anytime power is switched from one power source to another power source and is limited to situations involving a power interruption or an emergency power situation.
- One aspect of the present application includes an apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source, the transfer switch including: an output to provide the AC electric power to the load; a first contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source; a second contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; an electromagnetic contactor actuation arrangement responsive to a predefined electric power change from the first source to change state of one or more of the first contactor and the second contactor, the arrangement including: a first electric coil; a second electric coil; a selector electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; and a moveable contactor actuation member responsive to a magnetic field change to make or break a contactor-formed electric circuit, the first coil generating the magnetic field change if the AC electric power provided to the load is at the
- Optional features of this aspect may include: wherein the second coil includes several turns, and the first coil is a portion of the second coil being defined by a subset of the turns of the second coil; wherein the first coil includes a first number of turns, the second coil includes a second number of turns different than the first number of turns, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first AC power voltage level or the second AC power voltage level is selected with the selector; wherein the contactor actuation arrangement includes a solenoid, the moveable contactor actuation member is an armature of the solenoid, and the first coil and the second coil are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of the first AC power voltage level and the second AC power voltage level; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to the first contactor to receive an input representative of electricity from the first source, a first output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the
- a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source
- the transfer switch including: a selector to select between a first AC power voltage and a second AC power voltage; an electromagnetic actuator responsive to a voltage level drop to make or break an electric circuit providing the AC electric power to the load through the transfer switch, the electromagnetic actuator including: a coil arrangement to provide a magnetic field in response to an electric current flowing therethrough, the coil arrangement being electrically coupled to the selector to provide an operating voltage across a first number of turns of the coil arrangement if the first AC power voltage is selected and a second number of turns of the coil arrangement if the second AC power voltage is selected, the first number of turns being different than the second number of turns; and an actuation member responsive to a change in the magnetic field caused by the voltage drop to change position and correspondingly change state of the transfer switch.
- Optional features of this aspect may include: wherein the coil arrangement includes a coil with a first terminal and a second terminal, the coil defines the first number of turns between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil includes a third terminal between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil defines the second number of turns between the third terminal and the second terminal, the second number of turns are fewer than the first number of turns, and the second number of turns are included in the first number of turns; wherein the coil arrangement includes a first coil and a second coil independent of the first coil, the first coil defines the first number of turns, the second coil defines the second number of turns, and none of the first number of turns are included in the second number of turns; wherein the transfer switch includes a contactor, the coil arrangement and the actuation member of the electromagnetic actuator defines a solenoid device, and the solenoid device is structured to change condition of the contactor and correspondingly make or break the electric circuit to alter state of the transfer switch; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to
- Another aspect of the present application includes an apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source and operable at two or more different voltage levels, the transfer switch including: an output to provide the AC electric power to the load; a first AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source; a second AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; an electromagnetic switching arrangement responsive to a voltage change of the AC electric power to make or break an electric pathway between the output and at least one of the first input and the second input, the arrangement including: an actuation member structured to move in response to a change in the predefined magnetic field and correspondingly make or break the electric pathway; a first electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a first one of the voltage levels, and a second electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a second one of the voltage levels.
- Optional features of the aspect may include: wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil; a selector to select between the different voltage levels, the selector being electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first one of the voltage levels or the second one of the voltage levels is selected; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including an input pole electrically coupled to the first input to receive a switch input representative of electricity from the first source, a first switch output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state to electrically connect the input pole to the first switch output, and a second switch output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state to electrically
- Yet another aspect of the present application includes a method, comprising: providing a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source, the transfer switch including a switch actuator with a coil arrangement, the coil arrangement including a first coil, a second coil, and an actuation member, the first coil and the second coil each being positioned to induce a predefined magnetic field in the actuation member; determining a voltage level for the AC electric power; controlling movement of the switch actuation member with the first coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first level and with the second coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second level different than the first level; and in response to a change in position of the actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source.
- Optional features of this aspect may include: rectifying electricity provided to the first coil and the second coil; providing the AC electric power from a public electric utility grid as the first source; switching from the first source to the second source in response to a deficiency in the electricity from the grid; after the switching from the first source, providing the AC electric power from a backup generator as the second source; starting an internal combustion engine to prepare for the switching from the first source; driving an electric power generator with the engine to serve as the second source; and generating the AC electric power with the generator driven by the engine; wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil; wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit branch of another; wherein the coil arrangement includes a winding with a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; the first coil is defined between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second coil is defined between the first terminal and the third terminal; controlling movement of a further switch actuation member with a third coil
Abstract
A transfer switch (104) transfers electric power provided to an electrical load (106) from a first power source to a second power source. The transfer switch (104) includes a coil arrangement that controls movement of a member to open or close a contactor of the first or second power source. The coil arrangement may be used with two voltage levels.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to electrical power systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to switching between different electrical power sources.
- Electrical power is provided to various loads in commercial and residential buildings from an electrical grid such as a public utility. In some instances, a backup generator or another public utility may be provided to supply power to the loads if there is an interruption in power from the utility. Typically, a transfer switch will detect the interruption in power from the grid and start the generator. The transfer switch will switch from the electrical grid to the generator for delivering power to the loads.
- The operating voltage of the electrical grid may vary from country-to-country. For each different operating voltage, the transfer switch must be reconfigured to accommodate the particular operating voltage. Reconfiguring the components of the transfer switch can be time-consuming and expensive. Indeed, there is an ongoing demand for further contributions in this area of technology. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a unique transfer switch. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for a transfer switch. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
- The description herein makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of anelectrical power system 100. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of atransfer switch 104. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of acontroller 120. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment ofcoils -
FIG. 5 is an illustration of another embodiment ofcoils -
FIG. 6 is an illustration of another embodiment ofcoils -
FIG. 7 is a schematic flow diagram of atechnique 300. - For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of anelectrical power system 100. Thepower system 100 includes anelectrical power grid 102 such as a public utility. Thepower system 100 also includes atransfer switch 104 that is electrically coupled to and receives power from thepower grid 102. Thetransfer switch 104 is electrically coupled to one ormore loads 106 to provide power to theloads 106. Typically, thetransfer switch 104 is located in or near the building, vehicle, or other location where theloads 106 are located. - The
power system 100 further includes anotherpower source 107, such asgenset 108, that is electrically coupled to thetransfer switch 104 to supply backup power to theloads 106. It is contemplated that theother power source 107 may be an electrical grid from a public utility. Thegenset 108 includes agenerator 110 driven by aninternal combustion engine 112. Thegenerator 110 may be any type of generator including, but not limited to, an AC generator such as permanent magnet alternator. Theinternal combustion engine 112 may be any type of engine including diesel, gasoline, natural gas, gas turbine, microturbine, or any other type of engine or power plant. It is contemplated that other power generation systems may be used in combination with or in place of thepower grid 102 and/or thegenset 108 such as power from solar, geothermal, wind, and/or tidal energy. Furthermore, it is contemplated that other types of energy, such as wind or tidal energy, may be used in combination with or in place of theengine 112 to drive thegenerator 110. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of thetransfer switch 104. Although theFIG. 2 illustrates various components ofswitch 104 in boxes, it is contemplated that the components may be combined or arranged differently from that shown; thus, the particular arrangement shownFIG. 2 should not be construed as limiting. Thepower grid 102 provides three-phase AC power (shown as L1, L2, L3) to thetransfer switch 104 through a normally closedcontactor 114. When thegenset 108 is operating, thegenset 108 provides three-phase AC power (shown as L1, L2, L3) to thetransfer switch 104 through a normallyopen contactor 116. In other embodiments, the power provided by thepower grid 102 and/or thegenset 108 is DC power.FIG. 2 shows that thepower grid 102 and thegenset 108 provide a neutral line N. However, other configurations are contemplated, for example, in which the neutral line N is not switched by thecontactors transfer switch 104. Thetransfer switch 104 includes anoutput 117 to provide power to theloads 106. - The
transfer switch 104 includescircuitry 118 for processing signals, such as, one or more lines L1, L2, L3 frompower grid 102 and/or thegenset 108, or signals to and from acontroller 120. For example, thecircuitry 118 may provide logic for different functions in thetransfer switch 104 and/or signal processing. Thecircuitry 118 may be a single component, or a collection of operatively coupled components; and may be comprised of digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both of these types. - The
controller 120 monitors the power from thepower grid 102 for any interruptions. If there is an interruption, thecontroller 120 transmits asignal 122 to start thegenset 108 usingbattery 126. In one aspect, theengine 112 includes astarter 125 that is powered by thebattery 126 to start the engine. Thecontroller 120 may send asignal 124 for charging thebattery 126. Abattery charger 128 may be electrically coupled to one or more lines L1, L2, L3, N from thepower grid 102, which may be rectified, to provide power to thebattery 126 as controlled by thecontroller 120. - After the
circuitry 118 performs its functions, signals are passed to one ormore rectifiers rectifiers electromagnetic devices electromagnetic devices - The
electromagnetic device 136 may be a trip solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art. Theelectromagnetic device 136 includes acoil 142 and acoil 144. Aselector 146 is electrically coupled to bothcoils selector 146 allows an operating voltage to be selected for use in thetransfer switch 104. Theselector 146 may be any type of selector that allows selection of an operating voltage such as a switch, direct rewiring of thecoils - In one aspect of the present application, the
selector 146 may be aswitch 145 which includes aninput pole 147 electrically coupled (not shown) to thecontactor 114 to receive an input representative of electricity from thepower grid 102. It is contemplated that theinput pole 147 may also be electrically coupled to thecontactor 116 to receive an input representative of electricity from thepower source 107 such asgenset 108. Theselector 146 may further include anoutput 149 electrically coupled (not shown) to one or more of thecoils coils switch 145 is in a first state electrically connecting theinput pole 147 to theoutput 149. Furthermore, theselector 146 may include anoutput 141 electrically coupled (not shown) to the one or more of thecoils coils switch 145 is in a second state electrically connecting theinput pole 147 to theoutput 141. - Furthermore, it is contemplated that one
selector 146 may be connected to each of theelectromagnetic devices electromagnetic devices - The
selector 146 provides an operating voltage across thecoil 142 if one AC power voltage level is selected and thecoil 144 if a different AC power voltage level is selected. As discussed below, thecoils contactor actuation member 148 is provided so that theswitch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by thecoil 142 and/or thecoil 144 to break an electric circuit, i.e. to open the normally closedcontactor 114. In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic device 136 includes asolenoid 149 in which the moveablecontactor actuation member 148 is anarmature 151 of thesolenoid 149, and thecoil 142 and thecoil 144 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level. - The
electromagnetic device 138 may be a select solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art. Theelectromagnetic device 138 includes acoil 150 and acoil 152. Theselector 146 is electrically coupled to bothcoils selector 146 provides an operating voltage across thecoil 150 if one AC power voltage level is selected and thecoil 152 if a different AC power voltage level is selected. As discussed below, thecoils contactor actuation member 154 is provided so that theswitch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by thecoil 150 and/or thecoil 152 to select one ormore gensets 108 to be started and/or starts thegenset 108 in conjunction with thecontroller 120. In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic device 138 includes asolenoid 155 in which the moveablecontactor actuation member 154 is anarmature 157 of thesolenoid 155, and thecoil 150 and thecoil 152 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level. - The
electromagnetic device 140 may be a close solenoid or any other suitable electromagnetic device as known to those skilled in the art. Theelectromagnetic device 140 includes acoil 156 and acoil 158. Theselector 146 is electrically coupled to bothcoils selector 146 provides an operating voltage across thecoil 156 if one AC power voltage level is selected and thecoil 158 if a different AC power voltage level is selected. As discussed below, thecoils moveable member 160 is provided so that theswitch 145 is responsive to a change in a magnetic field induced by thecoil 156 and/or thecoil 158 to make an electric circuit, i.e. to close the normallyopen contactor 116. In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic device 140 includes asolenoid 161 in which the moveablecontactor actuation member 160 is anarmature 163 of thesolenoid 161, and thecoil 156 and thecoil 158 are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of a first AC power voltage level and a second AC power voltage level. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of acontroller 120.Controller 120 includes aprocessing device 202, input/output ports 204,memory 206, andoperating logic 208. Furthermore,controller 120 communicates with one or more external devices. The input/output ports 204 may be any type of ports that allow thecontroller 120 to communicate with the external devices. For example, the input/output ports 204 may be comprised of hardware, software, and/or firmware. - The external device may be any type of device that allows signals to be inputted or outputted from the
controller 120. For example, the external device may be another controller,circuitry 118, power from lines L1, L2, L3,battery 126,rectifiers electromagnetic devices selector 146,battery charger 128,genset 108, a computer, a printer, a display, an alarm, an illuminated indicator, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a touch screen display. It is further contemplated that there may be more than one external device in communication with thecontroller 120. -
Processing device 202 can be of a programmable type, a dedicated, hardwired state machine, or a combination of these; and can further include multiple processors, Arithmetic-Logic Units (ALUs), Central Processing Units (CPUs), or the like. For forms ofprocessing device 202 with multiple processing units, distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing can be utilized as appropriate.Processing device 202 may be dedicated to performance of just the operations described herein or may be utilized in one or more additional applications. In the depicted form,processing device 202 is of a programmable variety that executes algorithms and processes data in accordance withoperating logic 208 as defined by programming instructions (such as software or firmware) stored inmemory 206. Alternatively or additionally, operatinglogic 208 forprocessing device 202 is at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware.Processing device 202 can be comprised of one or more components of any type suitable to process the signals received from input/output ports 204 or elsewhere, and provide desired output signals. Such components may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination of both. -
Memory 206 may be of one or more types, such as a solid-state variety, electromagnetic variety, optical variety, or a combination of these forms. Furthermore,memory 206 can be volatile, nonvolatile, or a mixture of these types, and some or all ofmemory 206 can be of a portable variety, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, or the like. In addition,memory 206 can store data that is manipulated by the operatinglogic 208 ofprocessing device 202, such as data representative of signals received from and/or sent to input/output device 204 in addition to or in lieu of storing programming instructions definingoperating logic 208, just to name one example. As shown inFIG. 3 ,memory 206 may be included withprocessing device 202 and/or coupled to theprocessing device 202. -
FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of acoil 162 and acoil 164. Thecoil 162 is a subset of thecoil 164 with a terminal 166 located in betweenterminals transfer switch 104 is relatively lower, for example 110 VAC, thecoil 162 will be selected by theselector 146. Conversely, when the operating voltage of thetransfer switch 104 is relatively higher, for example 220 VAC, thecoil 164 will be selected by theselector 146. As one example, thecoil 162 may be used forcoils coil 164 may be used forcoils coils transfer switch 104. In addition, it is contemplated that more than oneterminal 166 may be used such that more than two voltages may be utilized. Furthermore, it is contemplated that thecoil 164 includes several turns, and thecoil 162 is a portion of thecoil 164 being defined by a subset of the turns of thecoil 164. In one aspect of the present application, neither thecoil 162 and thecoil 164 is included in an electrical circuit of the other when the first AC power voltage level or the second AC power voltage level is selected, respectively, with theselector 146. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates an embodiment in which twocoils terminals FIG. 5 , thecoil 172 and thecoil 174 are two separate coils connected in series by a conductor 176. When the operating voltage of thetransfer switch 104 is relatively higher, for example 220 VAC,selector 146 will place thecoils FIG. 5 . When the operating voltage of thetransfer switch 104 is relatively lower, for example 110 VAC,selector 146 will place thecoils FIG. 6 . The number of loops in thecoils transfer switch 104. In addition, it is contemplated that more than two coils may be configured in series or in parallel such that more than two voltages may be utilized. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic flow diagram 300 for transferring electric power that is provided to an electrical load from one power source to another power source. Operations illustrated are understood to be examples only, and operations may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Inoperation 302, the operating voltage is selected using theselector 146. Depending on whether there is one coil or two separate coils and based on the voltage level, one of the configurations shown inFIGS. 4-6 will be used. The voltage level may be selected automatically by a combination of software or hardware, or be set using mechanical switch, direct rewiring of thecoils - In
operation 304, thetransfer switch 104 provides power to theloads 106 from a first power source such as thepower grid 102. Inoperation 306, thetransfer switch 104 monitors whether there is an interruption in power from the first power source. If there is no interruption, power continues to be provided to theloads 106 from thepower grid 102 through thetransfer switch 104. If there is an interruption, the technique proceeds to thenext operation 308. - In
operation 308, theelectromagnetic device 136 opens the normally closedcontactor 114. Theelectromagnetic device 138 selects and/or starts thegenset 108 in conjunction with thecontroller 120. Thegenset 108 may be started before, at the same time, or after the normally closedcontactor 114 is opened. Inoperation 310, theelectromagnetic device 140 closes the normallyopen contactor 116 in order to provide power to theloads 106 from the second power source such as thegenset 108. Thecircuitry 118 and/or thecontroller 120 may control the timing of the electrical connection of thegenerator 110 to the load to allow theengine 112 to reach a desired speed. - Although the above description generally relates to a break-before-make scheme for the operation of the
transfer switch 104, other operational schemes are contemplated such as a make-before-break scheme in which the normallyopen contactor 116 is closed before the normally closedcontactor 114 is opened such that thegenset 108 is providing power to theloads 106 before thepower grid 102 is disconnected from the circuit. A make-before-break scheme may be desirable in certain applications such as hospitals. - Furthermore, the present application, including the
transfer switch 104, may be used anytime power is switched from one power source to another power source and is limited to situations involving a power interruption or an emergency power situation. - One aspect of the present application includes an apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source, the transfer switch including: an output to provide the AC electric power to the load; a first contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source; a second contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; an electromagnetic contactor actuation arrangement responsive to a predefined electric power change from the first source to change state of one or more of the first contactor and the second contactor, the arrangement including: a first electric coil; a second electric coil; a selector electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; and a moveable contactor actuation member responsive to a magnetic field change to make or break a contactor-formed electric circuit, the first coil generating the magnetic field change if the AC electric power provided to the load is at the first AC power voltage level, and the second coil generating the magnetic field change if the AC electric power provided to the load is at the second AC power voltage level.
- Optional features of this aspect may include: wherein the second coil includes several turns, and the first coil is a portion of the second coil being defined by a subset of the turns of the second coil; wherein the first coil includes a first number of turns, the second coil includes a second number of turns different than the first number of turns, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first AC power voltage level or the second AC power voltage level is selected with the selector; wherein the contactor actuation arrangement includes a solenoid, the moveable contactor actuation member is an armature of the solenoid, and the first coil and the second coil are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of the first AC power voltage level and the second AC power voltage level; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to the first contactor to receive an input representative of electricity from the first source, a first output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state electrically connecting the input pole to the first output, and a second output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state electrically connecting the input pole to the second output; wherein the transfer switch includes rectifier circuitry electrically coupled to the contactor actuation arrangement; a public electric utility grid input to the first contactor with the grid to serve as the first source; an electric power generator driven by an internal combustion engine to serve as the second source, the engine including a starter powered by a battery; and wherein the transfer switch includes battery charging circuitry to maintain charge of the battery, the transfer switch is structured to transfer a three phase form of the AC electric power, and the transfer switch further comprises: means for directing the engine to start if a transfer of the load from the grid to the generator is initiated, means for breaking electrical contact of the load with the grid before making electrical contact between the load and the generator, means for timing the electrical connection of the generator to the load to allow the engine to reach a desired speed, and, the first AC power voltage level corresponds to 110 VAC and the second AC power voltage level corresponds to 220 VAC; wherein the contactor actuation arrangement includes: a first electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the first contactor, the first electromagnetic actuator including the moveable contactor actuation member, and the first coil and the second coil; a second electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the second contactor, the second electromagnetic actuator includes a third coil and a fourth coil and another moveable actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil, and the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage level across the third coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and to place the second AC power voltage level across the fourth coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; wherein the transfer switch includes a third contactor, the actuation arrangement includes a third electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the third contactor, the third electromagnetic actuator includes a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and a further moveable actuator member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil, and the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage level across the fifth coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and to place the second AC power voltage level across the sixth coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected.
- Another aspect of the present application includes an apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source, the transfer switch including: a selector to select between a first AC power voltage and a second AC power voltage; an electromagnetic actuator responsive to a voltage level drop to make or break an electric circuit providing the AC electric power to the load through the transfer switch, the electromagnetic actuator including: a coil arrangement to provide a magnetic field in response to an electric current flowing therethrough, the coil arrangement being electrically coupled to the selector to provide an operating voltage across a first number of turns of the coil arrangement if the first AC power voltage is selected and a second number of turns of the coil arrangement if the second AC power voltage is selected, the first number of turns being different than the second number of turns; and an actuation member responsive to a change in the magnetic field caused by the voltage drop to change position and correspondingly change state of the transfer switch.
- Optional features of this aspect may include: wherein the coil arrangement includes a coil with a first terminal and a second terminal, the coil defines the first number of turns between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil includes a third terminal between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil defines the second number of turns between the third terminal and the second terminal, the second number of turns are fewer than the first number of turns, and the second number of turns are included in the first number of turns; wherein the coil arrangement includes a first coil and a second coil independent of the first coil, the first coil defines the first number of turns, the second coil defines the second number of turns, and none of the first number of turns are included in the second number of turns; wherein the transfer switch includes a contactor, the coil arrangement and the actuation member of the electromagnetic actuator defines a solenoid device, and the solenoid device is structured to change condition of the contactor and correspondingly make or break the electric circuit to alter state of the transfer switch; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to the first contactor to receive an input representative of electricity from the first source, a first output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state electrically connecting the input pole to the first output, and a second output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state electrically connecting the input pole to the second output; wherein the transfer switch includes means for rectifying electricity provided to the coil arrangement; a first input interface operable to electrically connect to a public electric utility, the grid to serve as the first source; a second input interface operable to electrically connect the transfer switch to a backup power supply; an electric power generator connected to the second input interface; an internal combustion engine to drive the generator; wherein the transfer switch includes two or more other electromagnetic actuators, a first one of the other actuators including a third coil, a fourth coil, and a first other actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil; a second one of the other actuators including a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and a second other actuation member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil; and wherein the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage across the third coil and the fifth coil if the first AC power voltage is selected and to place the second AC power voltage across the fourth coil and the sixth if the second AC power voltage is selected.
- Another aspect of the present application includes an apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source and operable at two or more different voltage levels, the transfer switch including: an output to provide the AC electric power to the load; a first AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source; a second AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; an electromagnetic switching arrangement responsive to a voltage change of the AC electric power to make or break an electric pathway between the output and at least one of the first input and the second input, the arrangement including: an actuation member structured to move in response to a change in the predefined magnetic field and correspondingly make or break the electric pathway; a first electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a first one of the voltage levels, and a second electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a second one of the voltage levels.
- Optional features of the aspect may include: wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil; a selector to select between the different voltage levels, the selector being electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first one of the voltage levels or the second one of the voltage levels is selected; wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including an input pole electrically coupled to the first input to receive a switch input representative of electricity from the first source, a first switch output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state to electrically connect the input pole to the first switch output, and a second switch output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state to electrically connect the input pole to the second switch output; wherein the transfer switch includes rectifier circuitry, the first one of the levels corresponds to 110 VAC, and a second one of the levels corresponds to 220 VAC; a public power grid connection to the first input, the grid to serve as the first source; an electric power generator connected to the second input; and an internal combustion engine to drive the generator; wherein the transfer switch includes: at least one other electromagnetic actuator comprising a third coil, a fourth coil, and one other actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil; and a selector to select among the different voltage levels, the selector being electrically coupled to provide an operating voltage levels across the first coil and third coil when the first one of the voltage levels is selected and across the second coil and the fourth coil when the second one of the voltage levels is selected.
- Yet another aspect of the present application includes a method, comprising: providing a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source, the transfer switch including a switch actuator with a coil arrangement, the coil arrangement including a first coil, a second coil, and an actuation member, the first coil and the second coil each being positioned to induce a predefined magnetic field in the actuation member; determining a voltage level for the AC electric power; controlling movement of the switch actuation member with the first coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first level and with the second coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second level different than the first level; and in response to a change in position of the actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source.
- Optional features of this aspect may include: rectifying electricity provided to the first coil and the second coil; providing the AC electric power from a public electric utility grid as the first source; switching from the first source to the second source in response to a deficiency in the electricity from the grid; after the switching from the first source, providing the AC electric power from a backup generator as the second source; starting an internal combustion engine to prepare for the switching from the first source; driving an electric power generator with the engine to serve as the second source; and generating the AC electric power with the generator driven by the engine; wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil; wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit branch of another; wherein the coil arrangement includes a winding with a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; the first coil is defined between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second coil is defined between the first terminal and the third terminal; controlling movement of a further switch actuation member with a third coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first level and with the fourth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second level different than the first level; and in response to a change in position of the further actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source; providing the transfer switch with two or more other switch actuators, a first one of the other switch actuators including the third coil, the fourth coil, and the further actuation member; and a second one of the other switch actuators including a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and one other actuation member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil; providing the transfer switch with a first contactor subject to the switch actuator and a second contactor subject to at least one of the other switch actuators; controlling movement of the one other switch actuation member with a fifth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first level and with the sixth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second level different than the first level; and in response to a change in position of the one other actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source; wherein the first level corresponds to 110 VAC and the second level corresponds to 220 VAC.
- While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
Claims (35)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source, the transfer switch including:
an output to provide the AC electric power to the load;
a first contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source;
a second contactor to selectively provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; and
an electromagnetic contactor actuation arrangement responsive to a predefined electric power change from the first source to change state of one or more of the first contactor and the second contactor, the arrangement including:
a first electric coil;
a second electric coil;
a selector electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected; and
a moveable contactor actuation member responsive to a magnetic field change to make or break a contactor-formed electric circuit, the first coil generating the magnetic field change if the AC electric power provided to the load is at the first AC power voltage level, and the second coil generating the magnetic field change if the AC electric power provided to the load is at the second AC power voltage level.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second coil includes several turns, and the first coil is a portion of the second coil being defined by a subset of the turns of the second coil.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first coil includes a first number of turns, the second coil includes a second number of turns different than the first number of turns, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first AC power voltage level or the second AC power voltage level is selected with the selector.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the contactor actuation arrangement includes a solenoid, the moveable contactor actuation member is an armature of the solenoid, and the first coil and the second coil are solenoid windings structured to induce approximately like magnetic fields when energized with a respective one of the first AC power voltage level and the second AC power voltage level.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to the first contactor to receive an input representative of electricity from the first source, a first output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state electrically connecting the input pole to the first output, and a second output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state electrically connecting the input pole to the second output.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transfer switch includes rectifier circuitry electrically coupled to the contactor actuation arrangement.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a public electric utility grid input to the first contactor with the grid to serve as the first source;
an electric power generator driven by an internal combustion engine to serve as the second source, the engine including a starter powered by a battery; and
wherein the transfer switch includes battery charging circuitry to maintain charge of the battery, the transfer switch is structured to transfer a three phase form of the AC electric power, and the transfer switch further comprises:
means for directing the engine to start if a transfer of the load from the grid to the generator is initiated,
means for breaking electrical contact of the load with the grid before making electrical contact between the load and the generator,
means for timing the electrical connection of the generator to the load to allow the engine to reach a desired speed, and,
the first AC power voltage level corresponds to 110 VAC and the second AC power voltage level corresponds to 220 VAC.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the contactor actuation arrangement includes:
a first electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the first contactor, the first electromagnetic actuator including the moveable contactor actuation member, and the first coil and the second coil;
a second electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the second contactor, the second electromagnetic actuator includes a third coil and a fourth coil and another moveable actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil, and the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage level across the third coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and to place the second AC power voltage level across the fourth coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the transfer switch includes a third contactor, the actuation arrangement includes a third electromagnetic actuator structured to change state of the third contactor, the third electromagnetic actuator includes a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and a further moveable actuator member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil, and the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage level across the fifth coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and to place the second AC power voltage level across the sixth coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected.
10. An apparatus, comprising:
a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source, the transfer switch including:
a selector to select between a first AC power voltage and a second AC power voltage; and
an electromagnetic actuator responsive to a voltage level drop to make or break an electric circuit providing the AC electric power to the load through the transfer switch, the electromagnetic actuator including:
a coil arrangement to provide a magnetic field in response to an electric current flowing therethrough, the coil arrangement being electrically coupled to the selector to provide an operating voltage across a first number of turns of the coil arrangement if the first AC power voltage is selected and a second number of turns of the coil arrangement if the second AC power voltage is selected, the first number of turns being different than the second number of turns; and
an actuation member responsive to a change in the magnetic field caused by the voltage drop to change position and correspondingly change state of the transfer switch.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the coil arrangement includes a coil with a first terminal and a second terminal, the coil defines the first number of turns between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil includes a third terminal between the first terminal and the second terminal, the coil defines the second number of turns between the third terminal and the second terminal, the second number of turns are fewer than the first number of turns, and the second number of turns are included in the first number of turns.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the coil arrangement includes a first coil and a second coil independent of the first coil, the first coil defines the first number of turns, the second coil defines the second number of turns, and none of the first number of turns are included in the second number of turns.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the transfer switch includes a contactor, the coil arrangement and the actuation member of the electromagnetic actuator defines a solenoid device, and the solenoid device is structured to change condition of the contactor and correspondingly make or break the electric circuit to alter state of the transfer switch.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: an input pole electrically coupled to the first contactor to receive an input representative of electricity from the first source, a first output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state electrically connecting the input pole to the first output, and a second output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state electrically connecting the input pole to the second output.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the transfer switch includes means for rectifying electricity provided to the coil arrangement.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:
a first input interface operable to electrically connect to a public electric utility, the grid to serve as the first source;
a second input interface operable to electrically connect the transfer switch to a backup power supply;
an electric power generator connected to the second input interface;
an internal combustion engine to drive the generator.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the transfer switch includes two or more other electromagnetic actuators,
a first one of the other actuators including a third coil, a fourth coil, and a first other actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil;
a second one of the other actuators including a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and a second other actuation member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil; and
wherein the selector is electrically connected to provide the first AC power voltage across the third coil and the fifth coil if the first AC power voltage is selected and to place the second AC power voltage across the fourth coil and the sixth if the second AC power voltage is selected.
18. An apparatus, comprising:
a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first source to a second source and operable at two or more different voltage levels, the transfer switch including:
an output to provide the AC electric power to the load;
a first AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the first source;
a second AC electrical power input to provide the AC electric power to the load from the second source; and
an electromagnetic switching arrangement responsive to a voltage change of the AC electric power to make or break an electric pathway between the output and at least one of the first input and the second input, the arrangement including:
an actuation member structured to move in response to a change in the predefined magnetic field and correspondingly make or break the electric pathway;
a first electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a first one of the voltage levels, and
a second electric coil being structured to produce the predefined magnetic field if the AC electric power corresponds to a second one of the voltage levels.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 , further comprising a selector to select between the different voltage levels, the selector being electrically coupled to the first coil and the second coil to provide an operating voltage across the first coil if the first AC power voltage level is selected and the second coil if the second AC power voltage level is selected.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit of another when the first one of the voltage levels or the second one of the voltage levels is selected.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the selector includes an electrical switch, the electrical switch including an input pole electrically coupled to the first input to receive a switch input representative of electricity from the first source, a first switch output electrically coupled to the first coil to place the operating voltage across the first coil if the switch is in a first state to electrically connect the input pole to the first switch output, and a second switch output electrically coupled to the second coil to place the operating voltage across the second coil if the switch is in a second state to electrically connect the input pole to the second switch output.
23. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the transfer switch includes rectifier circuitry, the first one of the levels corresponds to 110 VAC, and a second one of the levels corresponds to 220 VAC.
24. The apparatus of claim 18 , further comprising:
a public power grid connection to the first input, the grid to serve as the first source;
an electric power generator connected to the second input; and
an internal combustion engine to drive the generator.
25. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the transfer switch includes:
at least one other electromagnetic actuator comprising a third coil, a fourth coil, and one other actuation member magnetically responsive to the third coil and the fourth coil; and
a selector to select among the different voltage levels, the selector being electrically coupled to provide an operating voltage levels across the first coil and third coil when the first one of the voltage levels is selected and across the second coil and the fourth coil when the second one of the voltage levels is selected.
26. A method, comprising:
providing a transfer switch to transfer AC electric power provided to an electrical load from a first AC power source to a second AC power source, the transfer switch including a switch actuator with a coil arrangement, the coil arrangement including a first coil, a second coil, and an actuation member, the first coil and the second coil each being positioned to induce a predefined magnetic field in the actuation member;
determining a voltage level for the AC electric power;
controlling movement of the switch actuation member with the first coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first voltage level and with the second coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second voltage level different than the first voltage level; and
in response to a change in position of the actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source.
27. The method of claim 20 , which includes rectifying electricity provided to the first coil and the second coil.
28. The method of claim 26 , which includes:
providing the AC electric power from a public electric utility grid as the first source;
switching from the first source to the second source in response to a deficiency in the electricity from the grid;
after the switching from the first source, providing the AC electric power from a backup generator as the second source.
29. The method of claim 28 , which includes:
starting an internal combustion engine to prepare for the switching from the first source;
driving an electric power generator with the engine to serve as the second source; and
generating the AC electric power with the generator driven by the engine.
30. The method of claim 26 , wherein the second coil is a portion of the first coil.
31. The method of claim 26 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are independent of one another, and neither one of the first coil and the second coil is included in an electrical circuit branch of another.
32. The method of claim 26 , wherein the coil arrangement includes a winding with a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; the first coil is defined between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second coil is defined between the first terminal and the third terminal.
33. The method of claim 26 , which includes:
controlling movement of a further switch actuation member with a third coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first voltage level and with the fourth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second voltage level different than the first voltage level; and
in response to a change in position of the further actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source.
34. The method of claim 33 , which includes:
providing the transfer switch with two or more other switch actuators, a first one of the other switch actuators including the third coil, the fourth coil, and the further actuation member;
and a second one of the other switch actuators including a fifth coil, a sixth coil, and one other actuation member magnetically responsive to the fifth coil and the sixth coil;
providing the transfer switch with a first contactor subject to the switch actuator and a second contactor subject to at least one of the other switch actuators;
controlling movement of the one other switch actuation member with a fifth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a first voltage level and with the sixth coil if the voltage level corresponds to a second voltage level different than the first voltage level; and
in response to a change in position of the one other actuation member, changing between an electrically closed and an electrically open state of an electric circuit between the load and at least one of the first source and the second source.
35. The method of claim 26 , wherein the first voltage level corresponds to 110 VAC and the second voltage level corresponds to 220 VAC.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2012/070519 WO2013107003A1 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2012-01-18 | Transfer switch |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2012/070519 A-371-Of-International WO2013107003A1 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2012-01-18 | Transfer switch |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/849,190 Continuation US10326303B2 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2017-12-20 | Transfer switch |
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US20150115745A1 true US20150115745A1 (en) | 2015-04-30 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/370,649 Abandoned US20150115745A1 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2012-01-18 | Transfer switch |
US15/849,190 Active US10326303B2 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2017-12-20 | Transfer switch |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/849,190 Active US10326303B2 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2017-12-20 | Transfer switch |
Country Status (3)
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US (2) | US20150115745A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104221249B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013107003A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2013107003A1 (en) | 2013-07-25 |
US10326303B2 (en) | 2019-06-18 |
US20180183263A1 (en) | 2018-06-28 |
CN104221249A (en) | 2014-12-17 |
CN104221249B (en) | 2017-05-24 |
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