FIELD OF INVENTION:

The present subject matter described herein, relates to a field-5 fittable
auxiliary device for remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working
of MCB/RCCB. In particular, to the field-fittable auxiliary device for monitoring
and controlling the working of MCB/RCCB like, switchgear devices, remotely as
well as locally. The auxiliary device senses the fault and allows to trip freely, in
10 addition, to the auxiliary device provides a different automatic reclosing
mechanism to different switchgear devices attached with it, after certain period for
certain permissible attempts.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:

Generally, different control systems have been designed to provide
15 automatic reclosure of switchgear devices after a trip occurs. Typically, an attempt
to reclose the switchgear devices is made after first checking a feeder line for a
fault condition. This is done by performing a check generally known as a load
measurement test. The load measurement test typically is performed by injecting a
test current into the feeder circuit, such as by connecting a load measurement
20 resistor (LMR) between the DC main power bus (connected to the substation
supply) and the feeder line. The feeder line voltage referenced to the return line
can then be used to determine the load on the feeder circuit and hence the
presence or absence of a fault condition. The significant problem with known
automatic reclosing systems is that they tend to be sensitive to the presence of
25 negative return voltage, such as occurs with multiple track and feeder circuits.
[003] In the existing field-fittable auxiliary device, Miniature Circuit Breaker
(MCB)/Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) trips on a fault to provide safety
and need to manually switch it ON to close the circuit whenever there is any fault
occurred in the switchgear device. Accordingly, different auxiliaries are used for
30 different switchgears having different number of poles. Therefore, there was no
3
provision of using same auxiliary with complete switchgear range. Also, there was
no as such a single auxiliary device which was used for different switchgear
devices, such as MCB, RCCB, as it has different reclosing mechanism. Generally,
MCB trips whenever there is any fault like short circuit or overload in the circuit.
Also, mechanical switches were used to detect the ON/OFF position of 5 the
switchgear devices, which was affected by wear and tear and thus had less
longevity.
[004] There is need to solve the problems like, there was nothing as such the
auxiliary device which has a closed loop control to the circuit to automatically
10 reclose the circuit based upon the fault occurred. The circuit should not be
reclosed automatically until the fault is examined properly as it can cause damage
to the devices connected near the faulty circuit.
[005] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is
only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention
15 and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that
this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to monitor and control
the working of the MCB/RCCB and like switchgear devices with the remote as
20 well as local control inputs.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to detect the open state of the
MCB/RCCB, caused due to manual intervention or any kind of technical fault
occurred.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to perform the desired
25 reclosing action defined as per different switchgears, i.e. different reclosing
actions, according to the type of fault detected in case of MCBs as well as
RCCBs.
[009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide reclosing the
MCB/RCCB based upon the configuration through Enable/Disable switch,
30 auto/manual switch and padlock.
4
[0010] Further object of the present invention is to provide the less complex in
operations as the same device which is engaged in multiple functions i.e.
automated reclosing actions plus indication of faults occurred.
[0011] Still further object of the present invention is to provide the cost efficient
as the same device which can be used along with complete MCB/RCCB 5 having
different number of poles.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will
be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following
detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in
10 which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0013] One or more drawbacks of conventional field-fittable auxiliary device, and
additional advantages are provided through the auxiliary device as claimed in the
present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the
15 technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the
disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the
claimed disclosure.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present subject matter relates to a field-fittable
auxiliary device for remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working
20 of MCB/RCCB like, switchgear devices. The auxiliary device comprises a
plurality of position sensing units, where one position sensing unit consists of a
plurality of moving arms interlinked with a plurality of sensors (Sensor A, Sensor
B and Sensor C) which together track the position of moving arms/knob, and
another position sensing unit consists of a plurality of moving arms interlinked
25 with a plurality of sensors (Sensor X, Sensor Y and Sensor Z) which together
track the working state of switchgear (ON/TRIP/ Manually OFF). Further, the
auxiliary device comprises a plurality of analog signal input units that is
configured to sense the presence of analog input (AC input) at a terminal and
provides information to the processing unit, a digital signal input unit that is
30 configured to sense digital input signal at terminal and provides information to the
processing unit, a padlock unit having a sensor D to detect mechanical movement
5
of a switch and provide the feedback to the processing unit, and a mode selection
unit with a plurality of position sensors i.e. sensor E and sensor F, that is provided
to select the mode of operation of the switchgear devices.
[0015] Accordingly, the field fittable auxiliary device is connected with
controlling devices i.e., PLC systems and like devices, to monitor and 5 nd control
remotely the switchgears in the MCB and RCCB like, switchgear devices.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present subject matter relates to a method
for remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working of switchgear
devices. The method comprises the steps of positioning a plurality of magnetic
10 sensors in a plurality of moving arms and sending digital feedback signals to a
processing unit, providing a padlock unit having a sensor D to detect mechanical
movement of a switch and provide the feedback to the processing unit, and
providing a mode selection unit that is provided with a plurality of position
sensors (i.e. Sensor E and Sensor F) are reflective photo micro sensors to select
15 the mode of operation of the switchgear devices, such that the plurality of position
sensors are three transmissive photo micro sensors and used for detecting the
working state of the MCB/RCCB, i.e. ON/ Manually OFF/ Tripped.
[0017] Accordingly, the auxiliary device recloses the switchgears if the auxiliary
device is attached with RCCB and it is tripped or turned OFF manually, and the
20 field-fittable auxiliary device does not reclose or turn ON the switchgears if the
auxiliary device is attached with the MCB and it is tripped.
[0018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure
described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the
aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the
25 disclosure.
[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features
described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent
by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
30
6
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only
typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be
considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference 5 to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number
identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same
numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and
components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with
10 embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example,
and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of field-fittable device, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0022] Fig. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate diagrammatic view of a plurality of magnetic
15 sensors i.e. sensor A, sensor B and sensor C, to sense positions of the moving arm
of the switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter;
[0023] Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate diagrammatic view of a plurality of position
sensors to sense the operation modes of the moving arm of the switchgear, in
20 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0024] Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate diagrammatic view of a plurality of position
sensors detecting positions of MCB i.e., ON/Manually OFF/Tripped based on
digital feedback signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter;
25 [0025] Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate diagrammatic view of a plurality of position
sensors detecting positions of RCCB i.e., ON/Manually OFF/Tripped based on
digital feedback signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter; and
[0026] Fig. 6 illustrate flow diagram of reclosing actions for MCB and RCCB
30 devices attached to the auxiliary device.
7
[0027] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the
purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from
the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and
methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
of the disclosure described here5 in.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0028] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been
shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be
10 understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular
forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used
in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
15 device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include
only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or
inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more
elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements
20 in the system or device.
[0030] The present subject matter relates to a field-fittable auxiliary device for
remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working of MCB/RCCB and
like switchgear devices.
[0031] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the
25 principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the
same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not
30 explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject
matter. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly
8
to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of
the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to
furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such
specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are
believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to it5 s
organization and method of operation, together with further objects and
advantages will be better understood from the following description when
considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0032] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
10 described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be
noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject
matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the
principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
15 [0033] Reference may be made to Figure 1 illustrating block diagram of a fieldfittable
auxiliary device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter. The auxiliary device 100 comprises a plurality of position sensing units
102, 103, where one position sensing unit 102 consists of a plurality of moving
arms interlinked with a plurality of sensors (Sensor A, Sensor B and Sensor C)
20 which together track the position of moving arms/knob, and another position
sensing unit 103 consists of a plurality of moving arms interlinked with a plurality
of sensors (Sensor X, Sensor Y and Sensor Z) which together track the working
state of switchgear (ON/TRIP/ Manually OFF). The another moving arm gets
linked to the internal mechanism of associated switchgear devices. Further, the
25 auxiliary device 100 includes a power supply unit 104 having a Switched Mode
Power Supply (SMPS) circuit to convert main alternating power supply to
required power supply for the proper functioning of the processing unit 101, an
analog signal input unit 107 that is configured to sense the presence of analog
input (AC input) at a terminal and provide information to the processing unit 101,
30 and a digital signal input unit 105 that is configured to sense digital input signal at
terminal and provide information to the processing unit 101.
9
[0034] Accordingly, the auxiliary device 100 includes a padlock unit 106 having a
sensor D to detect mechanical movement of the switch of switchgear devices and
provide the feedback to the processing unit 101, a mode selection unit 108 having
a plurality of position sensors (Sensor E, Sensor F) that is provided to select the
mode of operation of the switchgear devices, and a plurality of digital feedbac5 k
units 109 for providing digital feedback signals (F1 and F2), where the digital
feedback signal (F1) provides feedback of Open or Close state of the Switchgears,
and the digital feedback signal (F2) provides the feedback for the working or
tripped state of switchgears. Further, the auxiliary device 100 includes a local
10 indication unit 110 that is configured to provide different light indication status
with different colors and different patterns, to different states of the switchgear
devices such that the status is provided with different combination colors i.e., Red,
Yellow, Green and etc., for different sources, that is AC as well as DC supply, for
different mode auto mode or manual mode. In addition, the auxiliary device 100 is
15 connected with a plurality of controlling devices like, PLC systems and like
devices, to monitor and control remotely the switchgears in the switchgear
devices.
[0035] Reference may be made to Figure 2a, 2b and 2c illustrating diagrammatic
view of a plurality of magnetic sensors (sensor A, sensor B and sensor C) to sense
20 positions of the moving arms of the switchgear, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter. The auxiliary device 100 comprises a
plurality of magnetic sensors (sensor A, sensor B, sensor C) to sense positions of
the moving arms of the switchgear. Generally, it uses two magnetic sensors
(sensor A, sensor B) to detect ON position and OFF position of the moving arms
25 of the auxiliary device 100 such that these sensor signals are the digital feedback
signal F1 which is sent to the processing unit 101. After receiving the feedback
signal F1, the processing unit 101 sends another signal to the gears to adjust the
center position of the gear of the moving arm to make it free from the gears. The
third magnetic sensor (Sensor C) is to detect the position of the gear of the
30 moving arm is properly adjusted to the center position.
10
[0036] Reference may be made to Figure 3a and 3b illustrate diagrammatic view
of a plurality of position sensors to sense operation modes of the moving arms of
the switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
The auxiliary device 100 comprises a plurality of position sensors (Sensor D,
Sensor E, Sensor F) which are reflective type photo micro sensors and detectin5 g
three different operation modes of the auxiliary device 100 such as, Auto or
Manual operations, Enable or Disable operations and Padlock operations. The
auxiliary device 100 switches to ON/OFF state whenever the analog signal input
unit 107 senses the signals at ON/OFF terminal.
10 [0037] Accordingly, the auto/manual switch is used to select the operation modes
of the auxiliary device 100, such that the auxiliary device 100 can be controlled by
230V AC input signal as well as 24V DC input signal. The auxiliary device 100 is
controlled on the 24V DC input signal when it is in “Auto Mode” and receiving
controls from automated control units like, PLC systems and like devices. The
15 auxiliary device 100 is controlled on the 230V AC input signal when the selected
mode is in “Manual Position”, therefore the control of the auxiliary device 100
through local controls, as shown in figure 3a.
[0038] The Enable/Disable switch is used to control the reclosing function of the
auxiliary device 100. If the switch is on “E” position i.e., Enable position, then the
20 auxiliary device 100 will reclose the switchgear to ON position according to the
control input sensed. There are two possible cases: (a) if the auxiliary device 100
is attached with RCCB and it is tripped or turned OFF manually, then it recloses
the switchgear; and (b) if the auxiliary device 100 is attached with MCB and it is
tripped, then the reclosing device will not reclose or turn ON the switchgear,
25 except in the case when MCB is turned off manually. If the Enable/Disable switch
is on “D” position i.e., Disable position, then the auxiliary device 100 will not
reclose the switchgear in either of the case, i.e. tripped or turned OFF manually, as
shown in figure 3b.
[0039] The Padlock operation i.e. Sensor D, is used to detect the mechanical
30 movement of the switch as well as provides a feedback to the Processing Unit
101, which is sensed by the photo micro sensor, as shown in figure 3b. Hence, this
11
operation is stopping the remote or local or manual controlling inputs to control
the knob.
[0040] Reference may be made to Figure 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate diagrammatic
view of a plurality of transmissive photo micro sensors detecting the working state
of the MCB/RCCB i.e., ON/Manually OFF/Tripped based on digital feedbac5 k
signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The
auxiliary device 100 comprises three transmissive photo micro sensors for
detecting the working state of the MCB/RCCB i.e., ON/ Manually OFF/ Tripped.
When the switchgear device is in ON position, the first moving arm is in position
10 1A and the second moving arm is in position 2A which are sensed by the sensor X
and sensor Y. Therefore, the sensor signals indicate that the switchgear device is
closed, as shown in figure 4a.
[0041] Accordingly, when the switchgear device is in TRIPPING in response to a
fault, the second moving arm can leave its position 2A before the movement in
15 position of the first moving arm, as shown in figure 4b. Therefore, the switchgear
device has an internal mechanism to release very quickly in response to fault in
comparison to the movement of its knob assembly. This sequence of movement
helps to indicate the TRIP position of switchgear device. When the switchgear
device is MANUALLY turned OFF by its knob, the first moving arm can move
20 prior to the second moving arm, as the knob being brought down helps release the
mechanism of switchgear device, as shown in figure 4c.
[0042] Reference may be made to Figure 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate diagrammatic
view of a plurality of magnetic sensors detecting positions of RCCB i.e., ON/
Manually OFF/ Tripped based on digital feedback signals, in accordance with an
25 embodiment of the present subject matter. When the switchgear device is in ON
position, the first moving arm is in bottom position 1A which is sensed by the
sensor X, as shown in figure 5a. When the switchgear device is in TRIPPING in
response to a fault, the first moving arm can leave the position 1A to position 1C
which is neither sensed by sensor X nor sensor Z, as shown in figure 5b. Hence,
30 this is corresponding to the switchgear device`s center position of knob indicating
a fault-induced tripping.
12
[0043] Accordingly, when the switchgear device is MANUALLY turned OFF by
its knob, the first moving arm will come to the position 1B, which is sensed by
sensor Z, as shown in figure 5c. In this case of mid-trip, the auxiliary device 100
is to manually reset further functioning of reclosing.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter relates t5 o
positions of the moving arms which are sensed from the magnetic sensors (Sensor
X, Sensor Y, Sensor Z) positioned in the moving arms positions
(Top/center/bottom) and sends digital feedbacks F1 signals to the processing unit
101 about the state of the switchgear device. Then, the processing unit 101 sends
10 another signal to the gears to adjust the center position of the gear of the moving
arms to make it free from the gears, so that the next switching should perform
smoothly.
[0045] Reference may be made to Figure 6 illustrate flow diagram of reclosing
actions for MCB and RCCB devices attached to the field-fittable auxiliary device.
15 A method for remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working of
MCB/RCCB in the auxiliary device 100. The method comprises the steps of:
positioning a plurality of magnetic sensors (Sensor A, Sensor B, Sensor C) in a
plurality of moving arms and sending digital feedback signals to a processing unit
101 about the position of knob and gear, providing a power supply unit 104
20 having a Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) circuit to convert main
alternating power supply to required power supply for the proper functioning of
the processing unit 101, providing an analog signal input unit 107 to sense the
presence of analog input (AC input) at a terminal and provides information to the
processing unit 101, providing a digital signal input unit 105 that to sense digital
25 input signal at terminal and provides information to the processing unit 101,
providing a padlock unit 106 having a sensor D to detect mechanical movement of
a switch of switchgear devices and provide the feedback to the processing unit
101, and providing a mode selection unit 108 that is provided with a plurality of
position sensors (Sensor E, Sensor F) to select the mode of operation of the
30 switchgear devices. Further, the method involves providing a plurality of digital
feedback units 109 to digital feedback signals (F1 and F2, and providing a local
13
indication unit 110 to indicate different light indication status with different colors
and patterns to different states of the switchgear devices. In addition, the field
fittable auxiliary device 100 is connected with a plurality of controlling devices
i.e., PLC systems, to monitor and control remotely the switchgears in the
switchgear devices5 .
[0046] Accordingly, the method involves providing a plurality of position sensors
(Sensor X, Sensor Y, Sensor Z) that are three transmissive photo micro sensors
and used for detecting the working state of the MCB/RCCB, i.e. ON/ Manually
OFF/ Tripped.
10 [0047] In an aspect of the present subject matter relates to the the auxiliary device
100 providing the reclosing the switchgears in Enable mode operation after certain
time for certain number of attempts as the fault sensed due to some leakage, such
that the user needs to manually reset the auxiliary device 100 for its further
functioning of reclosing the switchgear devices if the mid-trip of the RCCB.
15 [0048] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended
claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should
be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be
interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as
20 “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within
the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such
an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such
recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least
25 one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such
phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation
by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even
when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least
30 one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should
typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds
14
true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition,
even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, 5 ons, or
two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include
10 but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C,
etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least
15 one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,
B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that
virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
20 contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or
both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the
possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0049] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of
components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the
25 functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps
or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations.
Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures
depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other
dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present
30 invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated
embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of
15
other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the
above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof
also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present
invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the
practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” 5 also
contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited
feature.
[0050] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described
in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present
10 subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather,
the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present
subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component
of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is
intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations
15 which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:

1. A field-fittable auxiliary device (100) for remotely and locally monitoring
and controlling the working of switchgear devices, the field-fittable
auxiliary device (100) comprising:
a processing unit 5 (101);
a plurality of position sensing units (102, 103), where one position
sensing unit (102) consists of a plurality of moving arms interlinked with a
plurality of sensors (Sensor A, Sensor B and Sensor C) which together
track the position of moving arms/switch, and another position sensing
10 unit (103) consists of a plurality of moving arms interlinked with a
plurality of sensors (Sensor X, Sensor Y and Sensor Z) which together
track the working state of switchgear (ON/TRIP/ Manually OFF);
a power supply unit (103) having a Switched Mode Power Supply
(SMPS) circuit to convert main alternating power supply to required
15 power supply for the proper functioning of the processing unit (101);
an analog signal input unit (107) that is configured to sense the
presence of analog input (AC input) at a terminal and provide information
to the processing unit (101);
a digital signal input unit (105) that is configured to sense digital
20 input signal at terminal and provide information to the processing unit
(101);
a padlock unit (106) having a sensor device i.e., Sensor D, to detect
mechanical movement of a switch of switchgear devices and provide the
feedback to the processing unit (101);
25 a mode selection unit (108) having a plurality of position sensors
(Sensor E and Sensor F) that is provided to select the mode of operation of
the switchgear devices;
17
a plurality of digital feedback units (109) for providing digital
feedback signals (F1 and F2); and
a local indication unit (110) that is configured to provide different
light indication status with different colors and different patterns to
different states of the switchgear devices5 ;
wherein the field fittable auxiliary device (100) is connected with a
plurality of controlling devices i.e., PLC systems and like devices, to
monitor and control remotely the switchgears in the switchgear devices.
2. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
10 digital feedback signal (F1) provides feedback of open or close state of the
switchgear, and the digital feedback signal (F2) provides the feedback for
the working or tripped state of switchgear.
3. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
local indications are provided in a visual form and indicating different
15 states (ON/OFF/TRIPPED) with various controlled input sources (Auto or
Manual mode) of the switchgear devices.
4. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
field-fittable auxiliary device (100) is controlled through 230V AC input
signal as well as 24V DC input signal.
20 5. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
two magnetic sensors (Sensor A, Sensor B) detect positions of the moving
arms of switchgear, and a third magnetic sensor (Sensor C) senses the
position of gear of the moving arm which is properly adjusted to a center
position.
25 6. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of position sensors (Sensor D, Sensor E, Sensor F) are reflective
type photo micro sensors and detecting three different operation modes of
18
the auxiliary device (100) such as, Auto or Manual operations, Enable or
Disable operations and Padlock operations.
7. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of position sensors (Sensor X, Sensor Y, Sensor Z) are three
transmissive type photo micro sensors and detecting the working state 5 of
the MCB/RCCB, i.e. ON/ Manually OFF/Tripped.
8. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
field-fittable auxiliary device (100) switches to ON/OFF state whenever
the analog signal input unit (107) senses the signals at ON/OFF terminal.
10 9. The field-fittable auxiliary device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
compact size of the field-fittable auxiliary device (100) is at 27 mm i.e.,
1.5 module sized width.
10. A method for remotely and locally monitoring and controlling the working
of switchgear devices, in a field-fittable auxiliary device (100); the method
15 comprising the steps of:
positioning a plurality of magnetic sensors (Sensor A, Sensor B,
Sensor C) in two moving arms and sending digital feedback signals to a
processing unit (101) about the position of knob and gear;
providing a power supply unit (103) having a Switched Mode
20 Power Supply (SMPS) circuit to convert main alternating power supply to
required power supply for the proper functioning of the processing unit
(101);
providing an analog signal input unit (107) to sense the presence of
analog input (AC input) at a terminal and provides information to the
25 processing unit (101);
19
providing a digital signal input unit (105) that to sense digital input
signal at terminal and provides information to the processing unit (101);
providing a padlock unit (106) having a sensor device i.e. Sensor
D, to detect mechanical movement of a switch of switchgear devices and
provide the feedback to the processing unit 5 (101);
providing a mode selection unit (108) that is provided with a
plurality of position sensors (Sensor E, Sensor F) to select the mode of
operation of the switchgear devices;
providing a plurality of digital feedback units (109) to digital
10 feedback signals (F1 and F2); and
providing a local indication unit (110) to provide different light
indication status with different colors and different patterns to different
states of the switchgear devices;
providing a plurality of position sensors (Sensor X, Sensor Y,
15 Sensor Z) that are three transmissive type photo micro sensors and
detecting the working state of the MCB/RCCB, i.e. ON/ Manually OFF/
Tripped;
wherein the field-fittable auxiliary device (100) is connected with
controlling devices i.e. PLC systems and like devices, which allow the
20 auxiliary device to be monitored and controlled remotely.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the switchgear devices are
known as MCB/RCCB and like switchgear devices.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the field-fittable auxiliary
device (100) recloses the switchgears if the auxiliary device (100) is
25 attached with RCCB and it is tripped or turned OFF manually.
20
13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the field-fittable auxiliary
device (100) does not reclose or turn ON the switchgear if the auxiliary
device (100) is attached with the MCB and it is tripped.
14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the user needs to manually
reset the auxiliary device (100) for its further functioning of reclosing 5 the
switchgear devices if the mid-trip of the RCCB.
15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the field-fittable auxiliary
device (100) provides the reclosing the switchgears in Enable mode
operation after certain time for certain number of attempts as the fault
10 sensed due to some leakage.