WO2002037653A2

WO2002037653A2 - A method and apparatus for automatically detecting and managing an ac power fault

Info

Publication number: WO2002037653A2
Application number: PCT/SG2001/000219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lee-Soon Tan
Original assignee: Ng, Yum-Meng
Priority date: 2000-10-30
Filing date: 2001-10-18
Publication date: 2002-05-10
Also published as: AU2001296208A1; WO2002037653A3

Abstract

An apparatus and method for/of monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to electrical loads (7) in a building is disclosed. It includes a first system which detects the power faults in individual loads (7) and transmits a signal to a processing unit where the signals are processed. It optionally includes a second system means comprising of central intelligence unit to verify data, carry out diagnosis and pre-designated tasks. A signal from the first system means is sent to and received by the second system means which calls up one or more pre-designated recipients to report the power fault and provide full information about the fault and status of the load (7) and whereby the recipient can verify the power fault, status of the loads (7) and issue switching instructions to the first system means through the second system means.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING AND MANAGING AN AC POWER FAULT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to detect and recognize an electrical fault, self resetting of the AC power supply, optionally rectifying and protecting equipment against any AC fault, automatic switching control, generating a digital signal when a fault occurs, remote accessing through any communication link, withstanding a high current and voltage surge, regulating electrical power supply and distribution of the power supply The invention more particularly relates to an automate method and apparatus to perform the above-mentioned tasks at different locations The rectification of faults can be accomplished without being attended to manually by a technical assistant on site The method electronically sends a feedback and report to the mam operation station after rectification and verification the fault via existing telecommunication means

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, electπcal power distribution within a building uses a conventional method, which comprises of a Distribution Board (hereinafter referred as DB). The said DB further comprises of a plurality of Molded Case Circuit Breakers (hereinafter referred as CCB), a plurality of Earth Leak Circuit Breaker (hereinafter referred as ELCB) and a plurality of Mam Circuit Breakers (hereinafter referred as MCB) In certain applications, a switch means or fuse means is also provided to increase the protection of electrical equipment (hereinafter referred as load). The above-mentioned devices protect the load during the following electrical phenomena or occurrence i Power surge due to lightning activities or other loads ii Alternate Current (AC) power transient leakage, in Short circuits iv Power fluctuation v Earth faults vi Over loading or over current vi High impulse voltage When the above mentioned faults occurs in a building such as commercial complex, factories, warehouse and etc, the respective circuit breakers will operate to protect the loads on the respective circuits. This will cause electrical supply interruption to certain part of the building. As a result, a technical assistant has to be called to attend and rectify the problem on 5 site. Solving the said problem in this manner is time consuming as the technical personnel first will have to identify where the fault occurred, recognize the fault and then rectify the fault.

Whenever an AC power fault occurs, the fault is detected by any of the said devices. However, there is no built-in functions which generate, convert and transmit signals internally either digital or analogue, to an auxiliary device for an optional control and monitor. Therefore lo in prior art apparatus as a result, there will not be any data or information to be transmitted externally for further processing of the fault event.

This problem becomes even worse if the electrical faults or disturbances occur in a remote area such as a telecommunication tower, wherein these faults or disturbances have to be rectified immediately. Other examples of critical areas are hospitals and airports wherein

) lost or interruption of power supply even for a short period of time can cause serious consequences.

Conventional MCB uses bi-metal contact and normally closes the contact point of the circuit. If there is a current that exceeds the limit (with some tolerance) set for the load, heat will be generated by the high current causing the different metals of the bi-metal contact to expand

2i) at different rate, thus causing the bi-metal contact to bend at an angle and hit the switching mechanism thus cutting off the incoming current. Since heat has to build up before the MCB works, its reaction to excess current is slow and damage may already have been done before power is cut off. Furthermore, conventional MCB cannot be tested to check if it is in good working condition before or during loading.

25 There is also the problem in accurately setting the MCB's cut-off current and the time delay between heating of the bi-metal caused by the high current and the cut-off time. The inaccuracy and delay are due to the slow reaction of the bi-metal contact to heat, resulting in a large margin of error before the MCB cuts off the current. The MCB's current cut-off accuracy and time is determined by the manual setting and compound material used in bi-metal. Thus, it

ID is very difficult to determine and set an accurate tolerance range. A limitation of the conventional AC installation is the lack of regulation and stabilization of the fluctuation of AC current and/or voltage immediately after a power failure, i.e. when power is being restored from the sub-station and particularly where the fluctuation occurs beyond a range set as tolerable. As per the power equation P=IV, the lowering of either current 5 I or voltage V (against the constant consumption of power P) will raise the voltage or current and may cause damage to the appliances.

The conventional method of supplying electricity through the installation's cable or wires cannot control the maximum amount of current that is carried by the cables. For example, when a heavy load appliance such as an air-conditioner is installed, a circuit would 10 be normally be added in parallel to an existing high load circuit. When heavy load appliances are in use there is the danger of overload beyond the capacity or limit the wire cable is designed to carry. Such overloading will heat up the cable/wire rapidly and may melt the material forming the insulation layer between the live and neutral wire. Sometime it takes a few minutes to isolate the circuit breaker, which will result in overloading, short-circuit and fire 15 hazard.

In a tropical country like Malaysia, lightning occurs almost everyday and they cause numerous types of electrical nuisances such as tripping. Normally, most of these faults do not need any maintenance work. The only thing that is to be done is to manually reset the respective MCCB or MCB to restore the power supply to the respective loads. In this

20 conventional method, the technical assistant has to be on site to solve this problem.

The objective of the present invention is to reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages by introducing a method and apparatus which is intelligent enough to solve power failures or faults automatically and restore the power supply without the technical assistant being on site.

25

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses an apparatus and a method for monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to electrical loads in a building. The apparatus comprises of a first systems means which detects the power faults in individual loads and ) transmits a signal to a processing unit where the signals are processed and optionally a second system means comprising of a central intelligence unit to verify date, carry out diagnostics and pre-designated tasks. A signal from the first system means is sent to and receiving by the second systems means which calls up one or more pre-designated recipients to report the power fault and provide full information about the fault and status of the load. The recipient can verify the power fault, status of the loads and thereafter issue switching instructions to the first system means through the second system means.

The first system means of the apparatus includes a main switch/a main circuit breaker (MCB), a master intelligence circuit breaker (MICB), an intelligence circuit breaker device (ICB), a metal oxide varistor (MOV), an electronic control circuitry and a central processing unit consisting of an alarm security, data acquisition and operating PCB domain. When a fault in the AC power supply to the electrical loads, is detected by MICB and/or ICB, a signal is sent to the electronic control circuitry by the MICB or ICB which then sends/receives a signals to/from the central processing unit which then sends/receives a signal to/from the second system respectively for further action.

The MICB, ICB and the load are connected in series in that order. The method of monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to electrical loads or a building comprises the steps of detecting AC fault condition and analyzing the nature of fault, transmitting a signal to a processing unit for processing, transmitting the signal from the precedent step to a power alarm monitoring, management and control system (PAMMCS) processing signals in PAMMCS, calling up one or more pre-designated recipients, taking of connective action and verifying action takes. If necessary some of the steps can be omitted and some steps can be included in a stand-alone system with reporting to a PAMMCS suit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a single line drawing showing MICB for earth leakage. Figure 2 is a small single line block diagram of the PAMMCS.

Figure 3 is a single line drawing showing ICB for short-circuit and current detection.

Figure 4 shows a sequence process operation of the PAMMCS.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing control ON/OFF status feedback.

Figure 5A is a continuation diagram of Figure 3 showing communication linked infrastructure. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a system AC power protection and distribution against equipment.

Figure 7 shows an earth leakage time characteristic graph. Figure 8 shows a 6kA/240 V ac short-current time characteristic graph. 5 Figure 9 shows a 20A/240 V ac over-current time characteristic graph.

Figure 10 shows computer screen fault analysis and realtime event report.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described in detail and where necessary, reference is ιo made to the drawings, diagrams that follow to illustrate the working mechanism of the invention. It is to be noted that these drawings are merely to exemplify the invention and the invention may be varied, modified or adapted by a person skilled in the art without departing from the working principle or essence of the invention.

This intelligent system is designed to comply with the IEC 1009 International i ^ Standard and is designed to serve as an AC power control, self diagnostic and reset, fault detection, monitoring and management system. It is capable of performing remote monitoring, isolation, resetting and control switching of remote equipment, especially in the telecommunication industry where there is a high risk of losses after a breakdown of power supply 0 In the system, they are several components incorporating electronic circuitry, customly designed to serve and operate as a protection device against most of the AC faults during the transmission of power to a load. The most important protection and detection components are: a) Earth leakage protector =1 b) Short-circuit protector c) Overload or over-current protector d) Mechanical contactor apparatus e) Alarm security, data acquisition and operation PCB domain system and apparatus

In any circumstances, these components will work systematically to either generate a ιι digital signal whenever a fault has been detected or to isolate and reset the incoming AC power after a fault has been verified and isolated This related digital signal will then be transformed to voice messages for data communication through a phone/GSM/RF line or computer medium.

The present invention comprises of two complementary systems wherein the first system includes a Master Intelligent Circuit Breaker device (hereinafter referred as MICB) (Fig. 5 1) and a Intelligent Circuit Breaker device (hereinafter referred as ICB), (Fig. 2). The second system includes a Power Alarm Monitoring, Management and Control System (hereinafter referred as PAMMCS), (Fig. 3). Both said systems are designed and configured to work with each other.

The said MICB and ICB further include several other devices of electronics circuitry, I D which are designed to serve and operate as a protective device against most of the AC power faults during the transmission of the power to the load. The devices will be described in detail below. The most important devices are: - a) Earth Leakage Current Protection Service b) Short Circuit Protection Device i ^ c) Overload or Over-current Protection Device d) Metal Oxide Veristor e) Mechanical Contactor Device f) Alarm Security, Data Acquisition and Operation PCB domain. These devices are described as below: -

2D (a) Earth Leakage Current protection (Fig. 1 )

The Earth Leakage Current protection device is electronically operated wherein the said device is designed to protect loads from earth leakage faults, power fluctuations, phasing and automatic shut downs. In other words, the said device is designed to function as a self- activated detection device whereby if the incoming power supply complies with the standard ^ safety requirement of the said device, the incoming AC power is automatically switched to 'ON' mode Any outgoing AC power supply from the said device is safe to be distributed to any load on the circuit.

The said device also serves to protect loads from the incoming power supply. If in any case, there is voltage fluctuation or phasing problems in, the AC power supply either to tne

'0 internal power supply system or from any of the external load the device will automatically shut off The said device will then automatically reset itself to 'STANDBY' mode after a pre- determined delayed time (preferably more than a second) and gets ready for the next instruction via manual or telecommunication means.

In the said device, an Earth Leak Current Transformer is provided with a test button (21) or with an internal digital test input to carry out a self-physical test on the system's reliability and performance, (preferably every six months) by the end user. The said device is also capable of withstanding an impact from a short circuit fault, up to 6kA/240V ac, and a high impulse voltage, of 8 kV. The breaking time is less than 5 milliseconds (ms). The said device is also capable of detecting a earth fault current between 5 mA to 1000 mA with a breaking time of less than 1000 ms.

ID Figure 1 will illustrate the device performance. The AC power supply will go through the Main switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (13) and ICB (14) and distributed to an external load (7). Referring to Figure 2, the MICB (13) is designed with a zero-phase current transformer (ZCT) (1) and electronic components as a protection and detection device when an AC power supply is distributed to an external load (7) via ICB (14). Within a pre-determined leakage

1 5 current tolerance value detected by the ZCT (20), the AC power is distributed to the ICB (14) AC input via a switching mechanism (contactor) internally. The operating voltage shall be above 7.5Vdc.

If any AC fault is detected by the ZCT (1), a signal will be generated to the power supply domain for auxiliary control. (b) Short Circuit Protection Device

The said Short Circuit Protection is designed and configured to control and protect power distribution to a particular load (7). The said device is electronically operated to detect current status of the load (7) through sensitive and high accuracy magnetic sensor (10). The said magnetic sensor (10) is designed in such a manner that, it is flexible to set a pre- determined current and tolerance value, which allows a safe and stable output current to be supplied to the load. Each of the tolerance value is adjustable from as low as 20% to as high as 300% of the actual required current value.

The said device is activated by an external 12V DC signal, which is grounded When the ICB (14) is activated, a pre-determined value of current will flow out to an external load (7)

'0 In normal circumstances, the load (7) is supplied with a safe and stable AC power supply ^' If any of the earlier mentioned AC faults (eg. Over loading or short circuit) occurs when the supply is distributed to the load, the ICB (14) will automatically shut down the outflow of the current to that particular load and freeze for more than 15 seconds.

The said device is capable to withstand a short circuit impact of 6 kA 240 V AC and an impulse voltage as high as 8 kV. The breaking time of this device is approximately less than

5ms The said device is also designed to detect any high AC current above 5A/ 240V or 415V

AC with a breaking time of approximately less than 2.5 seconds if the output current has exceeded the preset value.

Figures 2 & 3 illustrate the device performance. The AC power supply will go through

I D the Mam switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (13) and ICB (14) and distributed to an external load

(7). As referring to Figure 3, when a pulse of 12Vdc is triggered to the "Power monitoring & control" circuitry (8), the related ICB's contactor (5) will be switching to "ON" position via the

Control Circuitry" (9) which allows the AC power supply to be distributed to an external load

(7) The ICB (14) is designed with an AC coil (3), EI/CT (4) and electronic components for i ^ taking the task as a protection and detection device when an AC power supply is distributed to an external load (7) Within a pre-determined current tolerance value detected by the magnetic sensor, the AC power is allowed to be distributed to the external load (7) via a switching mechanism (contactor) internally. The operating voltage shall be above 7.5Vdc

The power monitoring and control circuitry at the central process central is illustrated in D Figures 11 and 12

(c) Overloaded or over-current protection Device

The Overload or over-current protection consists of a coil means to detect current flow from a circuit to the load. This device is fully protected with an automatic isolation if in any case the current exceeds the allowed value, it generates an alarm signal. 5 Figures 2 & 3 will illustrate the device performance The AC power supply will go through the Main switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (13) and ICB (14) and distributed to an external load (7) Referring to Figure 3, when a pulse of 12Vdc is triggered to the "Power monitoring & control" circuitry (8), the related ICB (14) will be switching to "ON" position via the

Control Circuitry' (8) which allows the AC power supply to the external load The ICB (14) is

'I- designed with an AC coil, EI/CT (4) and electronic components for taking the task as a protection and detection device when an AC power supply is distributed to an external load Within a pre-determined current tolerance value, detected by the EI/CT sensor, the AC power is distributed to the external load via a switching mechanism (contactor) internally The operating voltage shall be above 7 5Vdc

(d) Metal Oxide Veristor The MOV (15) provides high quality surge protection that arises from the AC power source The MOV utilizes a suppression circuit that provides minimum 15,000 peak amps of surge protection and will protect equipment from transients in all conditions This MOV is developed to fully accomplish the highly demanding Transient immunity EMC requirement

(e) Mechanical Contactor Device in The main function of the said Contactor (22) is to either make a contact between the incoming and the outgoing current to an external load or break the contact therein The said contactor is designed to withstand a short circuit impact preferably not less than 6kA/240ac

Figures 2 & 3 will illustrate the contactor (22) performance The AC power supply passing through the Mam switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (14) and ICB (16) and distributed to

1 an external load (17) As referring to Figure 3, when a pulse of 12Vdc is triggered to the "Power monitoring & control' circuitry, the related ICB's contactor will be switching to "ON" position via the control circuitry which allows the AC power supply to be outflow from the ICB (14) to an external load (7)

(f) Alarm Security, Data Acquisition and Operation PCB domain o The overall processing of the system activities such as protection, resetting, switching, registration, isolation prevention, data acquisition and remote operation is carried out in the system's configuration

The present invention provides for a method for monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to an electrical installation of a building wherein the characteristics of the AC is detected and monitored by means of tapping a circuit parallel to the AC mains The parallel circuit's AC is then converted to direct current (DC) and the characteristics of the DC, which proportionately reflect that of the AC, is detected and monitored by electronic means which in turn regulate and control the AC supply to the circuits and loads of the building's electrical installation

The foregoing method is based on the parallel looping principle and on Kirchoff s First -.aw (I - I, + l <) wherein the total current of the primary parallel loop (12) and the secondary loop (13) equals the current of the mains (11). If, for example, the secondary loop is designed to draw a low current (13), the characteristics of the primary loop's AC will be reflected proportionately in the said secondary loop's AC. In order to monitor the characteristics of the secondary loop's AC, it would be preferred that electronic means be provided for such purpose 5 for accuracy and sensitivity.

As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6, the preferred method of the AC to DC conversion is to connect the AC parallel loop through a power transformer (P. Trans) whereby the AC of, for example, 240V may be stepped down to 12.5V AC which is then rectified by a rectifier (D1 ) as shown in Figure 5. The resultant low voltage DC, e.g. 12.5V DC as converted from the 12.5V l o AC of the example, now serves a DC power source for the various components and devices of IBES such as the MICB, ICB, Power Supply Board, Data Memory/Control, etc; each of these will be further described later.

The parallel looping briefly explain above provides the basis for the method of the present invention in monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to an

15 electrical installation wherein the characteristics of the AC is monitored by way of a parallel circuit whereby the AC is converted to (low) direct current (DC) and the characteristics of the

DC, which proportionately reflect that of the AC is monitored by electronic means.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the DC converted from the AC parallel looping is used as a power source to run the components and devices of the electronic 2o means which in turn monitors and analyzes the characteristics of the said DC, said electronic means then regulate and control the AC supply to the loads and circuits of the building's electrical installation. A power distribution board may be designed to provide for modular outlet means for these components and devices. Such modular power outlet means may be provided in the form of pin-connector sockets. 25 Figure 5 shows an example of such a power distribution board for distributing the DC power supply as converted from the AC/DC converter/rectifier.

The control circuitry of the MICB is illustrated in Figure 13 and the circuitry of the ICB is illustrated in Figure 14.

The second system, Power Alarm Monitoring, Management and Control System

\u (PAMMCS) (24) is another intelligent system in the present invention that alerts the person in charge or a technical assistant of the AC power fault and allows the technical assistant to verify and command the MICB (13) and ICB (14) from the main operating station to the designated fault area via existing telecommunication lines such as the PSTN, GSM, RF or the computer modem.

The said PAMMCS is the core intelligence of the said system whereby a remote monitoring and control could be processed through the software and hardware, which are installed in the computer.

All types of signals from the first system are sent via telecommunication sources for processing to the PAMMCS (17) device. The communication input port could be linked to any assistant communication means like : PSTN, RF, GSM, Order wire, Fiber optic, Internet ιo etc. to carry out programming, control and monitoring purposes. The said port is designed with surge and short circuit current protection with an impulse level of 20kV in the event the phone line is struck by lightning.

When there is an AC current fault in the AC Power system, a signal generated by the MCB or ICB will be transmitted to a domain which is the CIU "Alarm /signal processing input" 1 port. The said CIU will then verify the data, perform an intelligent diagnostics on the transmitted data and subsequently alert the designated personnel accordingly (as shown in Figure 4). The CIU will receive the instructions from the authorized personnel, analyze for validity and subsequently execute the instructions.

This second system is designed and configured to allow to call up any one of the 2i) number of pre-designated telephone numbers which have been programmed in the system itself, when a fault is detected. The system will either call out or send computer digital data to the pre-designated number/area with full information about the fault and the status of the load (7) at the moment. Upon receiving a voice message or computer digital data, the technical personnel has to key in his/her identification code (ID code) for verification and registration. If

T ή the technical personnel is an authorized personnel, then he will be able verify the fault, status of the load and carry out switching 'ON-OFF' any of the load at a remote area. The loads can be identified according to the desired zone classification.

PAMMCS is made up of 4 main components: - a) Central Intelligent Unit (CIU)

The CIU is the core intelligent of the PAMMCS. Any fault (signal) generated by the MCB or ICB will be transmitted to the CIU. CIU will then verify the data, perform intelligent diagnostics on the data and subsequently alert the designated personnel (up to 4 numbers) accordingly CIU will then receive the instructions from the authorised personnel, analyse for validity and subsequently execute the instructions.

The CIU contains the standard configuration of the following (which is expandable) - 5 i 8 alarm input zones that accept any dry contact feedback ii 1 tamper input in 1 siren driver (audio) iv 1 strobe lamp driver (12Vdc) v 1 alarm activated relay output (NO/NC) in vi RS485 system communication port vii differential audio input/output viii stored customers program on E2PR0M ix with ready built in less than 256 I/O port b) TELEIF Card i ^ TELEIF card is connected to the incoming telephone line for programming and control purposes It is designed to prevent surges and excessive current of short duration from entering into the system via the phone line. It takes up to 20KV m the event that the phone line is struck by lightning cj Home Automation Module (HAM) o The HAM module is communicating with the CIU via the RS485 bus (KA & KB) It has the following - i 8 input open collector output ii 8 status input in expandable to 256 channels by adding the HAM module and communicating each other via RS485 bus (KA & KB) d) Power Supply Module

It allows AC power supply input from 85~264Vac to be rectified to 15Vdc output to supply to the system The output current is approximately 1 7A and with a consumption of

25 5W > Now the working mechanism of the present invention will be described in detail The system consists of two complementary systems The first system, it consists of a Main switch or MCB (12), MOV (15), MICB (13) and the ICB (14) devices, (Figure 4). The Main switch or MCB (12) serves as a manual isolation for service purposes and also, limit the total supply to the system, as well as to the external loads.

Referring to Figure 5, each time an AC fault is detected by any of the said protection

5 devices like MOV (15), MICB (13), ICB (14), a signal is transmitted to the "DC power supply control and PCB circuitry" (25) for analyzing. When a fault is detected, a signal is sent to the

Alarm/signal processing input" (26) to be activated. The alarm/signal processing unit will send back instructions to the MICB or ICB to reset itself automatically or be in an 'OFF' mode. At the same time, the ASPU sends a signal to an alarm input device or other audible or visual alarm ιo such as an alarm bell or light.

The only difference between MICB (13) and ICB (14) cutoff characteristic is that the MICB (14) will automatically reset to standby position after exceeding 1 second duration when a fault is recognized by its internal fault detector (11) (Figure 1); the ICB (16) will only cutoff when a fault is recognized by its internal detector (Figures 3 and 4) individually and "freeze" the

1 operation for some time duration.

Figure 2 illustrates the device performance between MICB (13) and ICB (14). Under normal operations, the AC power supply passing through the Main switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (13) and ICB (14) and flow to an external load (7). Referring to Figure 1 , the MICB (14) is designed with a ZCT (1 ) and electronic components (9) for taking the task as a protection and o detection device when an AC power supply is distributed to an external load via ICB (14). Within a pre-determined leakage current tolerance value detected by the ZCT (1), the AC power is distributed to the ICB (16) AC input via a switching mechanism (contactor [5]) internally. The operating voltage shall be above 7.5Vdc.

In this design, the MICB (14) and ICB (16) are working in between an operating 5 voltage of 7.5 - 12.5Vdc which is supplied by the system's AC/DC power domain. The ideal DC power supply shall be always set at 10~12Vdc for an operation to takes place. If the operating voltage goes lower than 7.5Vdc from power supply domain, then the internal control circuitry of the MICB (13) and ICB (14) will shut-down the DC power to the mechanism (contactor[5]) and leads to an isolation of the outgoing AC supply in relation to an external load

^■>u (7). The system and the external load will be protected by this critical and unique performance. If this event occurs, under the design concept of Figure 6 (6 and 7), there is a possibility of power fluctuation from the incoming AC power supply. The system or the external load (when they are parallel in connection) will be fluctuated with a minimum -30% of the normal working AC voltage.

In the event any AC fault is detected by the ZCT (1), a signal will be generated to an 5 alternate power supply domain for auxiliary control.

Under normal working circumstances, the tolerance current can be set via a 'R (Fig.

1) resistance. When a value is set for 'R', the value will then be transmitted to an electronic circuitry controller (2). As long as the incoming AC or DC is stable and leakage current tolerance value outflow is working under the permitted setting value, the controller will trigger in the switching mechanism (5) and allow the AC power to outflow to the external load via ICB.

If the external load suffers from a leakage current over the pre-determined current tolerance value, the controller (2) will then generate a digital signal of 'High/1' to the "Intelligent fault diagnose/Analyzer" (11) located at the power supply domain for immediate termination of

DC power supply to the MICB and a full resetting of the system and to isolate the AC power

15 supply to the external load (7) by the ICB's mechanism.

In another situation, should the external load suffer from a power fluctuation above the normal AC power from the incoming source, (referring to the design concept in Figure 6), the fuse (5A) (16) fuse will blow when the withstand voltage and current's characteristic set by the component's manufacturer are exceeded, and this will isolate the AC power to the load via the

20 ICB, thus, again protecting the system and the external load.

If any of the AC power resetting circumstances arise (as mentioned above), the output power will be forced to reset to Off mode (even if it is at "ON" mode) due to the automatic and systematic calibration of the system. A process of identification of the equipment's AC power supply status and verification of the fault is taking place during this period. The cutoff time

25 characteristic is shown in Figure 8.

The distribution of the AC power will continue to the equipment only when the outflow of the AC power from the system complies with the safety and protection requirements set in this intelligent system as described earlier.

Referring to Figure 3. when a pulse of 12Vdc (18) is triggered to the "Power monitoring

^■< & control" circuitry (8). the related ICB's contactor will be switching to "ON" position via the

"Control Circuitry^" which allows the AC power supply to outflow to an external load. The ICB (14) is designed with an AC coil (3), EI/CT (4), electronic components (9) and 'Intelligent fault analyzer' (28) for taking the task as a protection and detection device when an AC power supply is distributing to an external load. Within a pre-determined current tolerance value detected by the magnetic sensor (46) and EI/CT (4) coil, the AC power is distributed to the external load via a switching mechanism (contactor) (5) internally. The operating voltage of the contactor shall be above 7.5Vdc.

A short-circuit from the external load could occur when the external load suffers from an incident in which the Live (L) and Neutral (N) conductors make direct contact shorting with each other or Live (L) to ground short. This incident will be detected by ICB (16) and the load will be isolated once the signal is confirmed by the "DC power supply control and PCB circuitry". At that critical time, a high surge of current results and a high temperature of heat is generated by high temperature. When this occurs, the AC coil (3) located at the ICB (14) internally will create a high magnetic current; this magnetic current will then attract the magnetic sensor (10) to make an instant "close" contact. The sensor is located near next to the AC coil (3).

In the event a normal AC power supply flows through the AC coil (3) to an external load (7), this component will generate a small magnetic current as a signal. This small magnetic current will allow an operation to take place. If an instant short circuit occurs between the ive', 'Neutral' and 'Earth', the resulting high current in the AC coil (3) will activate the magnetic sensor (10) to energize a 12Vdc signal pulse to the 'electronic Control circuitry' (9). The cutoff time characteristic is attached in Figure 8.

The magnetic sensor (10) is always with a standby DC power supply of 12V and with an "Open contact" position. At anytime the undesired situation arises (either short-circuit or over-current), the magnetic sensor will be at "Close Contact" and switch the 12Vdc signal to perform these three functions; a) Switch a 12Vdc output for alternate control or alarm buzzer, b) "Freeze" the internal operation and c) Switch to control circuitry for data registration and action Details of each of the three functions is given below:- a) Switch a 12Vdc output for alternate control or alarm buzzer When the magnetic sensor (10) makes a "close" contact with a 12Vdc power supply, this power is sufficient to trigger any external ICB (14), relay or buzzer for external control and security alarm application. b) "Freeze" the internal operation 5 When the magnetic sensor (10) makes a "close" contact with a 12Vdc power supply, this voltage will then transmit to a power delay circuitry (11) by electronic means inside the ICB (14). The duration will be determined by a "RC" timing characteristic ('R' stands for resistor and V stands for capacitor). In between the duration, the ICB (14) will not carry out any "ON/OFF" operation. in c) Switch to control circuitry for data registration and action

When the magnetic sensor (10) makes a "close" contact with a 12Vdc power supply, it will then also trigger a reset signal to the "Power monitoring and Control" (40) which is located at the power supply domain. The "Power monitoring and control" (40) will then shut down the DC power supply to the mechanism (contactor) (15) which is located in the ICB (16). The

1 overall process of the termination of AC power supply to the external load shall be less than a standard time of 20 ms.

An over-current could occur when the external load requires a higher current than the pre-determined current value set by this EI/CT component. Once, a load consumes a current higher than the pre-determined value, the control circuitry will delay for about 2.5 seconds o before the power supply to load is terminated.

Referring to Figure 3, during a distribution of AC current flow through the EI/CT coil (4) to a load, this component will generate a small voltage/current as a signal. This small voltage/current will be injected into the 'Electronic control circuitry' (9) which processes the signal into a stable signal for verification. If the consumption is increasing through a multiple 5 configuration on the external loads which are in parallel connection, this component will simultaneously increase its sensitivity into the control circuitry. When it reaches a predetermined current value set by the control circuitry, a signal will then be generated by the 'Electronic Control Circuitry' (9) to the power supply domain which then cuts-off the DC power supply to its own ICB's (14) contactor. This process takes place without affecting the rest of the it⁾ system and leads to a termination of the outflow current to the load. The EI/CT coil (4) is a component which does not generate any heat during a transmission of power over distance and time. It also does not loss cause any loss of power during external loading.

When the control circuitry is activated by the EI/CT (4) and cut-off the outflow AC 5 power current to a load (7), the voltage, which generated by the EI/CT coil (42), will then be transmitted to a power delay circuitry (9) by electronic means inside the ICB (14). The duration of the breaking time will be determined by a "RC" circuitry's parameter ('R' stands for resistor and 'C stands for capacitor). In between the duration, the ICB (16) will not allow any "ON/OFF" operation, in When any AC fault is detected by the EI/CT (4) and AC coil (3), a signal will be generated to the power supply domain for auxiliary control. The cutoff time characteristic is shown in Figure 9.

Once a fault in the power supply is detected by the ICB (14) it will automatically switch off the faulty electrical load and will automatically and simultaneously switch on a pid- 15 designated load. For example, assume if the load is an air conditioner. If a first unit air- conditioner is faulty (e.g. tripped by overload) the ICB can shut off the first air-conditioner and immediately switch on an alternate second air-conditioner, or carry out any other preprogrammed tasks.

Further once a fault in a load is detected by the ICB (14) it automatically freezes the 2o faulty load for a pre-set time period and re-sets the load for standby for a pre-set time period for the next instructions. If a power surge due to lightening or other causes the power-supply to the load is frozen for a pre-set period of time, after which the ICB will be reactivated for the next instructions (See Figure 14) for example upon the AC coil (3) detecting a surge, the magnetic switch will be activated which will trigger the circuitry and the relay in the circuitry is activated. 25 The relay prevents the transmittance of further instructions to the load until the pre-set time period in the circuitry is exhausted.

The EI/CT Coil (4) performs a corresponding function in the event of an overload current (See Figure 14). Further the EI/CT (4) is used to detect the magnitude of the AC power to a load. it) To provide safety for the equipment, from IBES PAMMCS from surges, two types of surge protection are installed, i.e. MOV and ICB. The MOV (15) that is installed in this system is preferred to be not less than 16KA for a complete system. Any incoming surges to the system or to the external load grounded by this component as shown in Figure 2. For those individual external loads, the system provides a secondary surge protection in the ICB (14) with a withstand level of at least 6Ka of surge

5 protection. When the surge reaches 6Ka or above, as described earlier through the AC coil (?), the ICB (16) will instantly isolate the AC source to the external load (7).

The contactor (5) either for MICB (13) or ICB (14), is powered by the 'Power monitoring and control' circuitry (8) which is located at the power supply domain. If the 'Intelligent fault diagnose/analyzer' (7) circuitry (11) does not receive and create any negative in AC fault signal, then a switching operation either 'ON/OFF' or 'Close contact' to a contactor could be done by just triggering a 12Vdc power supply to the 'Monitoring and control' (8) input terminal. The contactor shall be always at Open contact for standby.

The technical characteristic of this contactor shall be a component which is configured to withstand an AC current distribution circuit breaker listed in any of the International

15 Standard.

In the second system, all type of signals from the first system is sent for processing to the PAMMCS (17) device. These signals are sent via telecommunication sources which, have been mentioned earlier in the description. The said second system is designed and configured to allow to call up any one of the number of pre-designated telephone numbers which have

20 been programmed in the system itself, when a fault is detected. The said system will either call out or send computer digital data to the pre-designated number/area with full information about the fault and the status of the load (7) at the moment. Upon receiving a voice message or computer digital data, the said technical personnel has to key in his/her identification code (ID code) for verification and registration. If the technical personnel is an authorized personnel,

25 then he will be able verify the fault, status of the load and switching 'ON-OFF' any of the load at a remote area. The loads can identified according to the desired zone classification.

Simple instruction will be given through the telecommunication lines and the technical personnel should follow all instruction and procedures accordingly in default of which any misuse will be invalidated and terminated. The second system is designed to shut down

M) automatically after 20 seconds if the voice mail or computer digital data does not respond promptly. When the problem is rectified, a visual indicator will indicate to the personnel in charge that the problem is solved and will sent a detail report and status of the incident and the affected load at the moment.

As referring to Figure 5A, the PAMMCS (17) is operating at < 15V dc power supply and is backed-up by a 12Vdc battery in case of power failure. The output current is approximately dc 1.7 A with a consumption approximately less than 50 W.

Figures 5 and 5A will illustrate the device performance. The AC power supply flows through the Main switch or MCB (12) to the MICB (13) and ICB (14) to an external load (17). Referring to Figure 5, the DC power supply control will monitor and control the MICB (13) and ICB (14) performance, If the status of both components and the external load are in working condition, the system is allowed to be activated by any external source which carry a dc power signal.

The 'Power supply control' (8) circuitry will capture all the activities and information in the system. It also secures all the switching control and status monitoring under a systematic and normal working condition. Any alarm signal generated by any of. the component in the system, the data will be transmitted to the external "Alarm/signal processing input" (19) terminal. This signal will then be transmitted to the PAMMCS (50) as shown in Figure 5A for processing. As it is in a form of digital signal, it goes direct to the "Central Intelligent Unit" (CIU) alarm input terminal whereby the digital signal shall be converted to analogue for voice messages. This CIU is software based whereby it is programmable for any configuration.

The CIU will process the voice message which depends on the signal detected by the system Alarm zone input. The information will then be compressed into the communication link whereby it is compatible to a PSTN, Modem, RF, Order wire, GSM or other infrastructure.

Through the communication link and a modem or compatible with, no limitation to the number of PAMMCS station or phone numbers, the same information is received and processed in the computer network (see Figure 4). The software is pre-programmed and the information will be printed out immediately (see Figure 10).

For example, if an ICB (14) detects an AC fault, e.g. over-current, the dc power supply control and PCB circuitry will immediate shut down the dc power to the related ICB's contactor (16), and isolate the external load for safety precaution in less than 2.5 second. After receiving a data signal (either a dry-contact, dc voltage or ground) from the ICB (14), the "DC power control and PCB circuitry" will transmit a signal which if received from the ICB, to the

"Alarm/signal processing input" module. In this module, there are several input zones for fault identification.

This input zones are classified into fault category; and are pre-programmed, example: zone 1 for Earth fault i. zone 2 for Short-circuit ii. zone 3 for over-current v. zone 4 for high temperature v. zone 5 for AC power failure in vi. zone 6 for equipment 1 failed vii. zone 7 for viii. zone 8 for ix. others

Once the fault is classified under zone 3 (over-current), the information will be 15 comprised into this category and converted into voice and analogue signal, which will be announced by the voice, messages and transmitted over the communication links.

At the Network Management Control Center (NMC), through the modem (or compatible), the computer receives an analogue signal and converts it into a digital signal which will be processed by the software which is installed in the computer. Once a signal is 20 transferred to the computer (24), an alarm buzzer will come ON' to alert the technical personal on standby at the station and the alarm zone information will be seen in the monitor (Figure

11). By acknowledging the system, the technical personal can switch on to the second level of the information to retrieve more information of the event (Figure 10); like (not limited to the below) 2 i. Date and time i. Location ii. Site number v. Person in-charge v. Telephone number 30 vi. Nature of fault vii. Equipment number of failure viii. Status of the equipment ix. Etc.

Data can be retrieved by an authorized person in various forms or analysis or summaries for any period. After acknowledging the status of a fault, without physically attending to the site personally, the technical personal will be able to remotely access the site by keying-in the password into the computer and will be able to carry out some remote checking or switching activities. Any switching of the IBES system shall be a pulse of positive 12Vdc/<1 second.

Under normal operation condition, (Figure 5 & 5A), the entire process is still the same as mentioned for all the devices. Under no-fault condition a signal can be still sent, either to the first or second system and which will instruct the ICB (16) to be in a 'ON or OFF' mode. This will supply or isolate AC power to the load. The ICB device will then sent a status feedback to the first and second system for confirmation. The system described above offers the following features in a unique device/system of i. Automatic AC fault protector, detection, monitoring, switching, status verification and identification; ii. Automatic fault isolation and AC power resetting; iii. Automatic AC data information and transmission; iv. Automatic voice message identification; v. Automatic environmental switching control; vi. Security alarm and programmable timer control; vii. Local or remote direct access control through a PSTN line (or compatible); viii. Expandable to Internet/direct access through a home page; ix. Compatible to PSTN line or any of the SDH fibre optic network configurations in a transporter.

Thus, when such tripping occurs, the system automatically analyses and identifies the problem, automatically informs the person-in-charge either through the computer or telephone

(PSTN line), and receives respective instructions from the person from a remote area, e.g. reset post A, post B, post C, post D and close post E. the system will then automatically carry out the instructions. supply control equipment. The system has complementary functions.

Claims

1. Apparatus for monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to electrical loads in a building comprising of a first system means consisting of at least

5 one: - main switch/a main circuit breaker device (MCB) master intelligence circuit breaker (MICB) intelligent circuit breaker device (ICB) metal oxide varistor (MOV) o - central process control power monitoring and control unit consisting of an alarm security, data acquisition and operating PCB domain wherein a fault in the AC power supply to electrical loads when detected by MICB, ICB a signal is sent to the cpc by the MICB or ICB which then sends a signal to pmcu from where response signals are send back to the cpc.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 which further includes a second system means comprising of a second system means comprising of a central intelligence unit to verify data, carry out diagnostics and carry out pre-designated tasks, TELEIF card, a home o automation module (HAM) and a power supply module: - wherein a signal from the first system means is sent to and received by the second system means which calls up one or more pre-designated recipients to report the power fault and provide full information about the fault and .status of the load and whereby the recipient can verify the power fault, status of the loads and issue 5 switching instructions to the first system means through the second system means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the load is connected to the ICB which is connected to the MICB which is connected to the main switch/MCB or connected in series.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the central processing unit sends/receives all signals on protection data, resetting, switching, registration, isolation and alarm, and processes the signals and transmits the signals to the second system means.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 when the MICB includes: - an earth leakage current protection device, /. intelligence fault diagnostic analyser unit, ii. a mechanical contactor which is designed to withstand a short circuit impact of not less than 6kA/240 V AC and a switching mechanism to activate the said mechanical contactor and wherein the operating voltage of the switching mechanism is above 7.5 V dc.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the ICB includes: - i. an assembly of short circuit protection device with a magnetic sensor and wherein the said assembly has a short circuit withstand^' level of 6kA/240 V AC and a high impulse voltage of 8kV, ii. overcurrent protection device, iii. mechanical container which is designed to withstand a short circuit impact of not less than 6kA/240 V AC and a switching mechanism to activate the said mechanical contactor and wherein the operating voltage of the switching mechanism is above 7.5 V dc.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the central intelligence unit of the second system includes at least one alarm input zone that accepts any dry contact feedback, temper unit, siren driver, strobe lamp driver and alarm activated relay output, a system communication port, differential audio input/output, EEPROM for storing customer programme and a ready built-in less than 256 I/O port.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the home automation module (HAM) communicates with the central intelligence unit and includes a plurality of input and an open collector output and a plurality of status inputs.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein when a power fault is detected by the ICB it automatically switches off the faulty electrical load and automatically and simultaneously switches on a pre-designated load.

5

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claiml wherein when a power fault is detected by the ICB it automatically freezes the faulty load for a pre-set time period and re-sets for standby after the pre-set time period for further instructions.

o 11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein an AC Coil in the ICB detects short circuit in the power supply to the load.

12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein an EI/CT device detects overload current in the power supply to the load. 5

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a EI/CT device is used to detect the magnitude of the AC power supply to a load.

14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein AC power protection and distribution 0 includes an electric circuitry where the AC power supply is provided with a parallel loop wherein the AC is converted to DC and the characteristics of the DC which proportionately reflect that of the AC, is detected and monitored by electronic means which in turn regulate and control the AC supply to the circuits and loads.

5 15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein AC circuits are segregated to two or more circuits according to load consumption and the parallel loop is provided on the AC circuit, which is designated as having a higher safety priority^'.

16. A method of monitoring, regulating and controlling alternating current (AC) supply to o electrical loads in a building comprising the steps of: - (a) detecting AC fault condition and analysing AC fault condition and analysing the nature of fault;

(b) transmitting a signal to a processing unit for processing;

(c) transmitting the signal from step (b) to a power alarm monitoring management and control system (PAMMCS);

(d) processing signals in PAMMCS;

(e) calling up one or more pre-designated recipients;

(f) taking of corrective action;

(g) verifying action taken.

17. A method as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the steps (e) and (f) are executed by telecommunication means.

18. A method as claimed in Claim 16 comprising further steps of: - a) switching ON/OFF loads by a recipient b) collecting of data; and c) producing status reports.