Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical protection systems and systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a combined circuit system with protection against undervoltage and overvoltage, in a single system with a provision for shunt release.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrical equipment is often subjected to fluctuations in system voltage, which can lead to damage due to operation under under-voltage or over-voltage conditions. In order to protect against such damage, it is common practice to use under voltage release or over voltage release devices. Modern electrical equipments also use shunt releases to trip circuit breakers remotely in the event of an over-current or short-circuit fault. They allow for the isolation of faulty equipment and help prevent damage to the electrical system. Currently, there are no solutions that offer all three of these protections in a single device or system, and existing solutions either provide under-voltage and over-voltage protection without the ability for remote tripping, or provide shunt release only without protection against under-voltage or over-voltage faults. This lack of a comprehensive solution limits the effectiveness of protection for electrical equipment and creates the need for multiple devices to address these various fault conditions.
[0003] Additionally, current shunt releases are designed to operate at specific input voltages, which results in increased production costs and limits the flexibility for end users to choose their desired control supply voltage. For instance, current shunt releases are also designed to operate at specific input voltages, such as 12Vdc, 24Vdc, 48Vdc, 110Vdc, 220Vdc, 12Vac, 24Vac, 48Vac, 220Vac, and 440Vac, which results in increased production costs and excess inventory for manufacturers due to the need for multiple varieties. This also limits the flexibility for end users to choose their desired control supply voltage.
[0004] The use of under voltage (UV), over voltage (OV), and shunt (SH) release devices in combination with a circuit breaker can also be limited by space constraints, preventing the use of additional accessories such as auxiliary contacts (AUX) or trip alarm contacts (TAC). A solution that combines UV, OV, and shunt release into a single system and allows for the use of multiple accessories would address these limitations.
[0005] There is therefore a need for a combined circuit system that can provide protection against under-voltage, over-voltage, and shunt release in a single system, and which can be operated by a wide range of voltages.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a single system that offers protection against under-voltage and over-voltage, with a provision for shunt release.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to enable the system to be operated by a wide range of voltages, increasing flexibility for end users.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to reduce production costs and excess inventory for manufacturers by eliminating the need for multiple varieties of shunt releases.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to allow for the use of additional accessories in combination with the system.
[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to improve the effectiveness of protection for electrical equipment by addressing multiple fault conditions in a single system.
[0011] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure generally to a combined circuit system with protection against undervoltage and overvoltage, in a single system with a provision for shunt release.
[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit system for voltage protection and shunt release may include a electromagnetic coil configured to trip a circuit breaker connected to the system when deenergized, and allow intended flow of current when energized by voltage across said electromagnetic coil. The system may also include a silicon-controlled resistor (hereinafter referred to as SCR) with a gate terminal configured to the electromagnetic coil on the system such that, when a gate signal is received by the SCR, current flows through the gate terminal to cause voltage across the electromagnetic coil falls, thereby deenergizing the electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the system may include a shunt release circuit configured such that on receiving an input voltage through a set of input terminals associated with the shunt release circuit, said shunt release circuit passes the input voltage through an opto-isolator connecting said shunt release circuit to the system to cause a photodiode of the opto-isolator to transmit the gate signal to the SCR, thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system
[0014] In an embodiment, the system may include a overvoltage release circuit having a first Zener diode connected to the SCR such that when voltage supplied to the system is above a maximum voltage threshold, said first Zener diode sends the gate signal to the SCR, thereby tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system in event of overvoltage.
[0015] In an embodiment, the system may include a undervoltage release circuit having a second Zener diode configured in reverse bias mode between a power source and the electromagnetic coil such that when voltage passing through said second Zener diode is below a minimum voltage threshold, said second Zener diode prevents flow of current to the electromagnetic coil, thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker system in event of undervoltage.
[0016] In an embodiment, the electromagnetic coil comprises a plunger biased towards a delatched position, said electromagnetic coil configured to move the plunger to a latched position when said electromagnetic coil is energized and to a delatched position through actuation of the spring when said electromagnetic coil is deenergized to cause the circuit breaker to trip.
[0017] In an embodiment, the system may include at least one metal oxide varistor (MOV) configured at the set of input terminals to protect circuit from high voltage surges.
[0018] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit may include a voltage regulator configured to transmit the input voltage at a constant current from the set of input terminals to the opto-isolator, said constant current being sufficient to cause the opto-isolator to transmit the gate signal to the SCR.
[0019] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit may include at least one diode configured between the set of input terminals and the voltage regulator to act for half wave rectification, thereby converting the input voltage indicative of AC voltage to a DC voltage, thereby allowing the system to provide voltage protection and shunt release for both AC and DC input voltages. In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit may be configured to operate in a wide band of voltages.
[0020] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit is isolated from a circuit of the system to allow for remote tripping without interfering with the undervoltage release and overvoltage release
[0021] In an embodiment, the system may be an integrated circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB).
[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 illustrate exemplary representations of a circuit system for voltage protection and shunt release, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] 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.
[0026] Embodiments explained herein generally relate to electrical protection system and systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a combined circuit system with protection against undervoltage and overvoltage, in a single system with a provision for shunt release.
[0027] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the combined circuit system for voltage protection and shunt release may include an electromagnetic coil configured to trip a circuit breaker connected to the system when deenergized, and allow intended flow of current when energized and a silicon-controlled resistor (SCR) with a gate terminal configured to the electromagnetic coil on the system such that, when a gate signal is received by the SCR, current flows through the gate terminal to cause voltage across the electromagnetic coil falls, thereby deenergizing the electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the system may include a shunt release circuit configured such that on receiving an input voltage through a set of input terminals, said shunt release circuit passes the input voltage through an opto-isolator connecting said shunt release circuit to the system to cause a photodiode of the opto-isolator to transmit the gate signal to the SCR, thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system
[0028] In an embodiment, the system may include an overvoltage release circuit and a undervoltage release circuit which trip the circuit breaker in the events of overvoltage and undervoltage respectively.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrate exemplary representations of a circuit system for voltage protection and shunt release. As shown therein, the system 100 includes an electromagnetic coil 110 and a silicon-controlled rectifier (hereinafter SCR) 115, shunt release 120 with a voltage regulator 128, a undervoltage release circuit 130 with a first Zener diode 135, an overvoltage release circuit 140 with a second Zener diode 145.
[0030] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit system 100 for voltage protection and shunt release may include the electromagnetic coil 110 configured to trip a circuit breaker connected to the system 100 when deenergized, and allow intended flow of current when energized. By tripping the circuit breaker, the electromagnetic coil 110 may disconnect the supply of power to a load, thereby protecting the load from undervoltage and overvoltage. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic coil 110 comprises a plunger biased towards a delatched position, said electromagnetic coil 110 configured to move the plunger to a latched position when said electromagnetic coil 110 is energized and to a delatched position through actuation of the spring when said electromagnetic coil 110 is deenergized to cause the circuit breaker to trip. However, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the system 100 may be suitable adapted to use other mechanisms that allow the electromagnetic coil 110 to trip when said electromagnetic coil 110 is deenergized.
[0031] In an embodiment, the system 100 may also include the silicon-controlled resistor (SCR) 115 with a gate terminal configured to the electromagnetic coil 110 on the system 100 such that, when a gate signal is received by the SCR 115, current flows through the gate terminal to cause voltage across the electromagnetic coil 110 falls, thereby deenergizing the electromagnetic coil 100 and tripping the circuit breaker.
[0032] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include the shunt release circuit 120 configured such that on receiving an input voltage through a set of input terminals (105-1), said shunt release circuit 120 passes the input voltage through an opto-isolator 125 connecting said shunt release circuit 120 to the system 100 to cause a photodiode of the opto-isolator 125 to transmit the gate signal to the SCR 115, thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil 110 and tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system 100. In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120 may be configured to receive the input voltage either through an automatic or manual trigger to remotely trip the circuit breaker. For example, in an emergency situation, such as a power outage or electrical fault, a manual trigger may be activated to send the input voltage to the shunt release circuit 120 to quickly and safely disconnect electrical equipment from the power source so as to prevent damage the equipment and ensure the safety of personnel. In other examples, an automated fault detector may send the input voltage to the shunt release circuit 120 when a fault is detected.
[0033] In an embodiment, the opto-isolator 125 may be configured to receive the input voltage and convert the input voltage into a gate signal for the SCR 115. In an embodiment, the opto-isolator may include a light emitting element that produces light in response to the input voltage. The opto-isolator 125 may further include a light sensing element, such as a photodiode, that senses the light produced by the light emitting element and generates the gate signal for the SCR 115. In such embodiments, the opto-isolator 125 may be configured to cause the photodiode to generate the gate signal by passing the input voltage through the light emitting element to produce light.
[0034] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120 may include a voltage regulator 128 configured to transmit the input voltage at a constant current from the set of input terminals 105-1 to the opto-isolator, said constant current being sufficient to cause the opto-isolator 125 to transmit the gate signal to the SCR 115. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shunt release circuit 120 may also include at least one resistor between the set of input terminals and the opto-isolator 125. The voltage regulator 128 may be configured to ensure a constant current is supplied to the opto-isolator 128, irrespective of the magnitude of the input voltage. For example, when the input voltage is in between 12Vdc and 415Vdc or 30Vac and 440Vac, voltage regulator 128 may ensures supply of constant current across the at least one resistor that is sufficient to cause the opto-isolator to transmit the gate signal to the SCR. In an embodiment, in case of DC input the shunt release circuit 128 may be operated by voltages ranging from 12Vdc to 415Vdc, and in case of AC input, shunt release circuit 128 may be operated by voltages ranging from 30Vac to 440Vac.
[0035] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120 may include at least one diode 122 configured between the set of input terminals and the voltage regulator 128 to act for half wave rectification, thereby converting the input voltage indicative of AC voltage to a DC voltage, thereby allowing the system 100 to provide voltage protection and shunt release for both AC and DC input voltages. In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120 may be configured to operate in a wide band of voltages. By allowing the shunt release circuit to operate in a wide band of voltages, the system 100 eliminated the need for maintaining variety during production which will lead to increased product cost and excess inventory at manufacturers end, thereby also providing flexibility for end user to choose his control supply voltage.
[0036] In an embodiment, the system 100 include the overvoltage release circuit 140 having the first Zener diode 145 connected to the SCR 115 such that when voltage supplied to the system 100 is above a maximum voltage threshold, said first Zener diode 145 sends the gate signal to the SCR 115, thereby tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system 100 in event of overvoltage. In an embodiment, the maximum voltage threshold may be determined by according to maximum acceptable voltage level of an application in which the system 100 is used, so as to protect said application from damage caused by overvoltage. Accordingly, a breakdown voltage of the first Zener diode 145 is selected to be equal to the maximum voltage threshold.
[0037] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include the undervoltage release circuit 130 having the second Zener diode 135 configured in reverse bias mode between a power source and the electromagnetic coil 110 such that when voltage passing through said second Zener diode 135 is below a minimum voltage threshold, said second Zener diode 135 prevents flow of current to the electromagnetic coil 110, thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker system 100 in event of undervoltage. In an embodiment, the minimum voltage threshold may be determined by according to level of an application in which the system 100 is used, so as to protect said application from damage caused by undervoltage. Accordingly, a breakdown voltage of the second Zener diode 135 is selected to be equal to the minimum voltage threshold.
[0038] In an embodiment, the undervoltage release circuit 130 and the over voltage release circuit 140 may be configured to trip the circuit breaker during undervoltage and overvoltage respectively. The undervoltage release circuit 130 and the over voltage release circuit 140 may receive power from a set of input terminals 105-2 and trip the circuit breaker when during undervoltage or overvoltage. In an embodiment, the system 100 include at least one metal oxide varistor (hereinafter referred to as MOV) 150-1 configured at the set of input terminals 150-1 associated with the shunt release circuit 120 to protect circuit from high voltage surges. In an embodiment, one or the at least one MOV 150-2 may also be configured at the input terminals 105-2 associated with the undervoltage release circuit 130.
[0039] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120, the undervoltage release circuit 130 and the overvoltage release circuit 140 may be combined in the system 100, so as to allow said system 100 to provide functionality to undervoltage and overvoltage protection, and shunt release. In such embodiments, the system 100 may be configured such that the shunt release circuit 120, the undervoltage release circuit 130 and the overvoltage release circuit 140 may be able to trip the circuit breaker using a common electromagnetic coil 110.
[0040] In an embodiment, the shunt release circuit 120 is isolated from a circuit of the system to allow for remote tripping without interfering with the undervoltage release 130 and overvoltage release 140. For instance, in an embodiment, the opto-isolator 125 may be connected such that the gate signal is directly sent to the SCR 115, thereby by-passing the first Zener diode 145 of the overvoltage release circuit 140. By-passing the first Zener diode 145 may allow the shunt release circuit 120 to trip the circuit breaker at a lower voltage compared to voltage required by the overvoltage release circuit 140 to energize the electromagnetic coil 110. Moreover, since the shunt release circuit 120 may be isolated, said shunt release circuit 120 may not affect the normal functioning of the undervoltage release circuit 130 and the overvoltage release circuit 140. By combining functionality of overvoltage release, undervoltage release and shunt release, the system 100 may be able function with smaller space requirements compared to existing solutions, thereby allowing accommodation other accessories devices including, but not limited, Auxiliary contact (AUX), Trip Alarm Contact (TAC), and the like.
[0041] In an embodiment, the system 100 may find applications in distribution boards, panel boards, and switchboards. In an embodiment, the system 100 may be an integrated circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB).
[0042] The present disclosure, therefore, solves the need for a combined circuit system that can provide protection against under-voltage, over-voltage, and shunt release in a single system, and which can be operated by a wide range of voltages.
[0043] 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
[0044] The present disclosure provides for a single system that offers protection against under-voltage and over-voltage, with a provision for shunt release.
[0045] The present disclosure enables the system to be operated by a wide range of voltages, increasing flexibility for end users.
[0046] The present disclosure provides for a system with reduced production costs and excess inventory for manufacturers by eliminating the need for multiple varieties of shunt releases.
[0047] The present disclosure provides for a system that allows for the use of additional accessories in combination with the system.
[0048] The present disclosure provides for a system with improved effectiveness of protection for electrical equipment by addressing multiple fault conditions in a single system.
, Claims:1. A circuit system (100) for voltage protection and shunt release, comprising:
an electromagnetic coil (110) configured to trip a circuit breaker connected to the system (100) when deenergized, and allow intended flow of current when energized by voltage across said electromagnetic coil (110);
a silicon-controlled resistor (SCR) (115) with a gate terminal configured to the electromagnetic coil (110) on the system (100) such that, when a gate signal is received by the SCR (115), current flows through the gate terminal to cause voltage across the electromagnetic coil (110) fall, thereby deenergizing the electromagnetic coil (100) and tripping the circuit breaker; and
a shunt release circuit (120) configured such that on receiving an input voltage through a set of input terminal (105-1), said shunt release circuit (120) passes the input voltage through an opto-isolator (125) connecting said shunt release circuit (120) to the system (100) to cause a photodiode of the opto-isolator (125) to transmit the gate signal to the SCR (115), thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil (110) and tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system (100).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises an overvoltage release circuit (140) having a first Zener diode (145) connected to the SCR (115) such that when voltage supplied to the system (100) is above a maximum voltage threshold, said first Zener diode (145) sends the gate signal to the SCR (115), thereby tripping the circuit breaker connected to the system (100) in event of overvoltage.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises an undervoltage release circuit (130) having a second Zener diode (135) configured in reverse bias mode between a power source and the electromagnetic coil (110) such that when voltage passing through said second Zener diode (135) is below a minimum voltage threshold, said second Zener diode (135) prevents flow of current to the electromagnetic coil (110), thereby deenergizing said electromagnetic coil and tripping the circuit breaker system (100) in event of undervoltage.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic coil (110) comprises a plunger biased towards a delatched position, said electromagnetic coil (110) configured to move the plunger to a latched position when said electromagnetic coil (110) is energized and to a delatched position through actuation of the spring when said electromagnetic coil (110) is deenergized to cause the circuit breaker to trip.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises at least one metal oxide varistor (MOV) (150) configured at the set of input terminal (105) to protect circuit from high voltage surges.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shunt release circuit (120) comprises a voltage regulator (128) configured to transmit the input voltage at a constant current from the set of input terminals (105-1) to the opto-isolator, said constant current being sufficient to cause the opto-isolator (125) to transmit the gate signal to the SCR (115).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shunt release circuit (120) comprises at least one diode (122) configured between the set of input terminals (105-1) and the voltage regulator (128) to act for half wave rectification, thereby converting the input voltage indicative of AC voltage to a DC voltage, thereby allowing the system (100) to provide voltage protection and shunt release for both AC and DC input voltages.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shunt release circuit (120) is configured to operate in a wide band of voltages.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shunt release circuit (120) is isolated from a circuit of the system to allow for remote tripping without interfering with the undervoltage release (130) and overvoltage release (140).