Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

System, method, and apparatus for electric power grid and network management of grid elements

A current transforming harvester ("CTH") is capable of producing power from a conductor on a preexisting power grid without alteration of the conductor or the preexisting power grid. The CTH includes a current transformer ("CT") that captures energy via magnetic flux from the conductor. The CT is substantially circular and includes two halves called a "split core," which allow the CT to easily attach to the conductor without opening the circuit in which the conductor operates. A clamping mechanism of the CTH may secure the CTH to the conductor via a pair of spring-biased clamp pads. The CTH includes circuitry that converts the magnetic flux energy captured by the CT into electrical energy suitable for consumption by an electrical device.

Power line energy harvesting power supply

A power line monitoring device is mounted to a power line. The device includes circuitry for monitoring the power line and communicating information regarding the power line. A ground reference point of the circuitry is electrically coupled to the power line. Therefore, the monitoring device, including its circuitry, has substantially the same voltage potential as the power line. Accordingly, there is a substantially equalized or uniform electric field around the device The substantially equal voltage potential and electric field allow communications with the monitoring device to have reduced noise and interference, as compared to other devices that have different voltage potentials than their corresponding power lines. A pad of semi-conductive material may be disposed between the power line and the electrical conductors to slow a rate of change of the voltage potential of the device circuitry when mounting the device to the power line, minimizing risk of corona discharge.

Overhead communicating device

A device for providing power factor correction of a low voltage subnet that includes a low voltage feeder line that is connected to one or more low voltage power supply lines that supply power to one or more customer premises is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a power factor measurement module configured to measure power parameters for determining a power factor of the power traversing the low voltage subnet; a power factor correction assembly configured to vary a capacitance connected to the low voltage feeder of the low voltage subnet; a controller in communication with the power factor measurement assembly and the power factor correction assembly. The controller may be configured to cause the power factor correction assembly to change the capacitance based on the determined power factor. The controller may form part of a power line communication device configured to provide communications to the one or more customer premises.

Method and system for providing power factor correction in a power distribution system

Real-time power line rating may be provided. First, sensor data may be received corresponding to a conductor of a power line. The sensor data may provide real-time weather conditions for the conductor's environment. The sensor data may be received from a sensor device configured to collect the sensor data. The sensor data may correspond to the weather conditions at a location of the sensor device on the power line. Next, design limitations for the power line having the conductor may be received. The conductor of the power line may have a design ampacity based upon the design limitations and assumed weather conditions for the conductor's environment. Then a dynamic ampacity may be calculated for the power line based upon the received sensor data and the received design limitations for the power line. The power line may then be operated according to the calculated dynamic ampacity instead of the design ampacity.

Real-time power line rating

Communication networks having redundant signal paths for sensed operating conditions and control parameters for electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Electrical power system control communications network

Improved switchgear is disclosed that includes a bus bar system that can be assembled from modular parts. The bus bar system includes modules such as high-voltage cables, connectors coupled to the cables and a third cable-less bus bar that is assembled using mechanical and/or push-on connections. By using these types of bus bars, various configurations, orientations of phase planes, and sizes of bus bar systems may be assembled. The connectors and cable-less bus bar may include either push-on. connection points, mechanical connections points or a combination of both. The bus bars may themselves include insulation and semiconductive shields. The improved switchgear may also include solid insulation, such as EPDM rubber, to insulate the bus bar system from the exterior surfaces of the switchgear.

Switchgear using modular push-on deadfront bus bar system

In a power distribution system, a reliable, accurate, and energy efficient fault circuit indicator is provided through a microcomputer-based fault current indicator design. First, reliability is improved inherently because the microcomputer, and the software embedded therein, replace the functionality of numerous discrete, less reliable electronic components found in prior designs. Second, the embedded software is capable of placing the fault current indicator in one of a number of energy conservation states, without compromising the fault current indicator's ability to provide information relating to the occurrence of a fault. Finally, greater fault current indication accuracy is achieved by detecting excessive line current, followed by a significant drop in line voltage.

Variable trip fault indicator

A grounding and testing device for power distribution systems includes an electrically insulated housing with a bore that extends from an aperture at a front of the housing towards a rear of the housing An electrical contact is disposed at least partially within the bore, and the bore, aperture, and conductive contact are adapted to mate with a bushing A current interrupter, such as a current limiting fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a grounding cable An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter A lead is electrically connected to the contact to provide a connection point for a permanent ground connection

Frank John Muench

Papers

Electrical power system control communications network

Switchgear using modular push-on deadfront bus bar system

Variable trip fault indicator

Grounding device for electric power distribution systems

Motorized loadbreak switch control system and method