Arcing fault detection system

Details Arcing fault detection system Arcing fault detection system

1998-07-15

2001-08-14

Metjahic, Safet (Department: 2858)

Electricity: measuring and testing

Fault detecting in electric circuits and of electric components

For fault location

C324S520000, C361S042000, C361S045000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06275044

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to protective devices used in electrical distribution systems. Specifically, the present invention relates to arcing fault detection systems that include isolation devices for isolating arcing fault signals to one of a plurality of branch circuits in an electrical power distribution system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an arcing fault detection system that includes an improved isolation circuit that not only provides a low impedance path for arcing fault signals but also provides power factor-correcting current and improves the surge absorption capability of the system. The low impedance path isolates high-frequency arcing fault signals to the branch circuit in which they occur.
One specific object of the invention is to provide such an improved arcing fault detection system that is capable of providing a power factor-correcting current in the range from about 1 to about 5 amps. Improving the power factor improves the transmission efficiency of the power distribution system.
It is another object of the invention to provide such an improved arcing fault detection system that is adaptable for use in an electrical distribution panelboard servicing multiple branch circuits.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved arcing fault detection system that isolates an arcing fault signal occurring in one branch circuit of a power distribution system from other branch circuits in the same system while improving the detection of the arcing fault signal by increasing the signal generated by arcing faults, particularly series arcs, thereby improving the reliability of detection of the arcing faults.
In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objectives are realized by providing an arcing fault detection system for an electrical distribution system distributing power from a utility source through a plurality of branch circuits each having line and neutral conductors for delivering power to a load. The arcing fault detection system comprises an arcing fault detector coupled to each branch circuit for detecting the occurrence of a high-frequency arcing fault signal in that branch circuit; an isolation circuit on the power side of each arcing fault detector, the isolation circuit comprising a line-to-neutral capacitance to provide a low impedance path for the arcing fault signal, the capacitance being sufficiently large to provide power factor correcting current; and at least one line interrupter for disconnecting the load from the power source in any of the branch circuits in which an arcing fault signal has been detected.


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