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 harvesting and measurement device is operable in at least a normal operation mode, a demand measurement mode, and a fault measurement mode. In the normal operation mode, the device is able to harvest energy from an associated power line and monitor current and voltage conditions through a lower power circuit. In the demand measurement mode, harvesting elements of the circuit are disabled so as not to interfere with accuracy of demand current measurements. In the fault measurement mode, one or more Hall sensors are activated such that high currents can be accurately measured.

Systems and methods for energy harvesting and current and voltage measurements

An apparatus is provided for securing to and collecting power from an electrical conductor, including a current transformer comprising a core and an electrical winding that receives an induced current from magnetic flux generated according to alternating current present on the electrical conductor, and a clamping mechanism that attaches the apparatus to the electrical conductor. According to various aspects, apparatus may include a housing that encloses circuitry for monitoring conditions of the electrical conductor, where the circuitry includes one or more sensors, and wireless communications circuitry.

Adjustable overhead conductor monitoring device

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

A device for detecting fault current. The device senses the current in a line and converts it to a proportional voltage signal. The voltage signal is used to switch a solenoid to first and second positions depending upon the value of the signal. The device will re-set itself after sensing a fault current when normal line current is restored.

R Reese

Papers

Apparatus having automatic re-set means for detecting a fault current