Claims:

1. An arc fault detection (AFD) device (100) operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits(220) of a Circuit Breaker (CB) (200),and configured to detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits (220), said AFD device (100) comprising a current sensor (110/120) for each of a plurality of the one or more branch circuits (210), said current sensor (110/120) being configured to process branch current in respective branch circuit (210), and through a microcontroller that is operatively coupled to said AFD device (100), detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits (210) based on said processed branch current.

2. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein, upon detection of said arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits, said microcontroller issues a trip signal through said AFD device (100) to said CB(200) to isolate respective branch circuit (210) where arcing is detected.

3. The AFD device of claim 1, said AFD device (100) further comprises a push button (130) that enables identification the branch circuit (210) where arcing is detected by allowing the CB (200) to switch on upon pressing said button (130).
4. The AFD device of claim 1, said AFD device (100) further comprises a visual indicator (1140) configured to indicate the branch circuit (210)where arcing is detected.

5. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein said AFD device (100) provides protection against series and/or parallel arcing faults occurring in said CB (200).

6. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein said AFD device (100) is installed with top shroud (210), wherein an external conducting medium is provided to tap line and neutral currents from any of said CB line and neutral to power up said AFD device (100).

7. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein said AFD device (100) is operatively coupled with a plurality of circuit breakers in a distribution panel.
8. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein said CB is any or a combination of a miniature CB (MCB), Residual current circuit breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO), and Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB).

9. The AFD device of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller forms part of control unit of said AFD device.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) device that is operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits of a Circuit Breaker (CB), and is configured to detect arcing in any of the one or more branch circuits.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Arcing in electrical systems is a well-known but undesirable phenomenon, typically resulting from either poor installation procedures, lose contacts, physical damage to cables, thereby creating an arc between two conductors or to ground. Arcs may damage electrical system components immediately or over time and result in potentially detrimental circuit breaks. Thus, if an arc has sufficient energy, it may become a sustained arc or recur at regular intervals and can subsequently lead to fire.
[0004] United States Patent US 2007/0132531 refers to a protective device that gives arc fault, overload and short circuit protection in a single unit, however this protective device is not mechanically coupled with multiple branch circuits. United States Patent5,818,671, on the other hand, pertains to a detachable arcing fault detection module that is connected to a circuit breaker, however this detection module is also not coupled with multiple branch circuits, and hence is not as effective and is expensive.
[0005] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0009] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arc fault detection unit that is mechanically coupled to multiple branch circuits, giving added arc fault protection to MCB/RCBO.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arc fault detection unit for multiple branch circuits giving cost advantage.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) device that is operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits of a Circuit Breaker (CB), and is configured to detect arcing in any of the one or more branch circuits.
[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) device operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits of a Circuit Breaker (CB), and configured to detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits, wherein the AFD device can include a current sensor for each of a plurality of the one or more branch circuits, and wherein the current sensor can be configured to process branch current in respective branch circuit, and through a microcontroller that is operatively coupled to said AFD device, detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits based on said processed branch current.
[0014] In another aspect, upon detection of the arcing in any of the one or more branch circuits, the microcontroller can issue a trip signal through the AFD device to the CB to isolate respective branch circuit where arcing is detected.
[0015] In another aspect, the proposed AFD device can include a push button that enables identification the branch circuit where arcing is detected by allowing the CB to switch on upon pressing said button.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the AFD device can further include a visual indicator configured to indicate the branch circuit where arcing is detected.
[0017] In another aspect, the AFD device can provide protection against series and/or parallel arcing faults occurring in said CB.
[0018] In another aspect, the AFD device can be installed with a top shroud, wherein an external conducting medium can be provided to tap line and neutral currents from any of the CB line and neutral to power up the AFD device.
[0019] In another aspect, the AFD device can be operatively coupled with a plurality of circuit breakers in a distribution panel.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the CB can be any or a combination of a miniature CB (MCB), Residual current circuit breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO), and Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB).
[0021] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can form part of control unit of said AFD device.
[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary circuit breaker arrangement with shroud that is operatively coupled with AFD device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary circuit breaker arrangement without shroud that is operatively coupled with AFD device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0028] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0029] The present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) device that is operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits of a Circuit Breaker (CB), and is configured to detect arcing in any of the one or more branch circuits.
[0030] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) device operatively coupled with one or more branch circuits of a Circuit Breaker (CB), and configured to detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits, wherein the AFD device can include a current sensor for each of a plurality of the one or more branch circuits, and wherein the current sensor can be configured to process branch current in respective branch circuit, and through a microcontroller that is operatively coupled to said AFD device, detect arcing in any of said one or more branch circuits based on said processed branch current.
[0031] In another aspect, upon detection of the arcing in any of the one or more branch circuits, the microcontroller can issue a trip signal through the AFD device to the CB to isolate respective branch circuit where arcing is detected.
[0032] In another aspect, the proposed AFD device can include a push button that enables identification the branch circuit where arcing is detected by allowing the CB to switch on upon pressing said button.
[0033] In yet another aspect, the AFD device can further include a visual indicator configured to indicate the branch circuit where arcing is detected.
[0034] In another aspect, the AFD device can provide protection against series and/or parallel arcing faults occurring in said CB.
[0035] In another aspect, the AFD device can be installed with a top shroud, wherein an external conducting medium can be provided to tap line and neutral currents from any of the CB line and neutral to power up the AFD device.
[0036] In another aspect, the AFD device can be operatively coupled with a plurality of circuit breakers in a distribution panel.
[0037] In yet another aspect, the CB can be any or a combination of a miniature CB (MCB), Residual current circuit breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO), and Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB).
[0038] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can form part of control unit of said AFD device.
[0039] With reference to FIGs. 1 and 2, the present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection (AFD) unit 100compatible for one or multiple branch circuits 220 of a circuit breaker (CB) 200. In an aspect, the present invention relates to an arc fault detection unit 100 that can be installed in one or multiple branch circuits 220, wherein the proposed single AFD unit 100 allows protection for multiple branches and results in gang tripping if arcing occurs in any of the branch circuits 220 connected to the AFD unit 100. The proposed AFD unit 100can be designed to continuously monitor multiple branch currents that uses one or more currents sensors S1 110 and S2 120 placed separately for every branch. The proposed AFD unit/device is capable of processing multiple branch currents in a single control unit that is configured in the AFD 100. The control unit, in an exemplary embodiment,can be a microcontroller based unit/system that can include peripherals such as ADCs, timers and arc detection logic that can be executed by the microcontroller in real-time and upon detection of arc fault, the trip signal is issued through the AFD trip mechanism to the connected MCB’s 200 to isolate the circuit.
[0040] Also, in another embodiment, configuration of the AFD unit 100 can be such that a push button 130 can be provided in the front facie to enable differentiating the faulty branch by allowing the breaker to switch on upon pressing the button 130. The AFD device 100 can further, in another embodiment, be provided with LED 140 indication which can indicate faulty branch among multiple branches connected to the AFD unit 100. The proposed AFD device 100 can further provide protection against series and parallel arcing faults occurring in the system.
[0041] In another aspect, the proposed AFD unit 100 can be an add-on device that can be compatible with one or more Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)/Residual current circuit breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) 200 in a row. The proposed AFD device 100 can be installed with the top shroud 210 as depicted in FIG. 1 where an external conducting medium can be provided to tap line and neutral currents from any of the adjoining MCB line and neutral to power up the AFD control unit. Also, multiple sensors S1 110, and S2 120 can be placed on the individual branch as shown in FIG. 2 in order to tap branch currents to the AFD processing unit. The present disclosure aims to reduce overall cost by deploying single AFD unit 100 for multiple MCB’s 200 in a distribution panel.
[0042] In an aspect, as per standard IEC62606 and UL1699, arc fault detection should occur within specified time for arc currents ranging from 2.5A up to 63A. Thus, threshold selection can be based on rated AC line current flowing through the system by continuously sensing the current from the sensors 110/120.
[0043] In an aspect, the proposed single AFD unit 100 can be configured to provide protection against arc faults in multiple branch circuits 220. Furthermore, the proposed AFD unit 100 enables low cost arc fault protection detection, and can also be configured as a field installable device, wherein field installation gives flexibility in adding/removing branch circuits from arc fault protection system. ?
[0044] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection unit that is mechanically coupled to multiple branch circuits, giving added arc fault protection to MCB/RCBO.
[0046] The present disclosure relates to an arc fault detection unit for multiple branch circuits giving cost advantage.