DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a circuit breaker and, more particularly, to the method of communicating and displaying the protection setting and metering information on the display panel of the breaker with low power consumption.

BACKGROUND

Molded Case Circuit Breaker consist of the Electronic Trip unit which comprises of various blocks like power up section, sensing module, signal conditioning module, data processing unit, Memory management module, User interface and tripping mechanism.

For visual indication and interface with Trip Unit, switches or Displays are deployed on Trip Unit. The user interfaces that may include but not limited to displays, are used to configure the settings of the circuit breakers and also to provide various updates /information on the conditioning of the circuit breakers.

Traditionally, the protection settings were done using DIP switches in unique pattern for different settings, as shown in figure 1. The presence of LCD display eliminates the cumbersome task of mechanical switching. Also in absence of line supply, there is no provision to read trip history record.

Even traditional LCD also consumes large amount of current to display the metering information as continuous read and write of parameter data takes place.

Also when the trip occurs, trip unit is isolated from the line current and hence the display will also switch off. The most important information i.e., the cause of trip cannot be known unless the line current is available again.

The prior-art document US 20090251836 A1, discloses an electricity metering arrangement comprises a circuit breaker with an installed light indicating electricity meter displayed on the front of the unit. The electricity meter comprises a light indicating unit which may be a LED light or LCD display. The circuit breaker based on the invention is combined with a circuit breaker housing (1), a circuit breaker (2) and a built-in light indicating electricity meter (3). It is controlled with a switch (4) and has a fastening unit (5) on the back of the housing. Connections are made to the circuit breaker with screws on top (6) and under (7) the housing. Measurements are displayed on front of the circuit breaker by a light indicator with a scale (8) indicating the electricity load status. However, the light indicator provides the live indication of the load current by using LEDs as light indicating scale for monitoring. There is no provision for reading the fault current that caused breaker to trip.

There are many other prior-art documents related to the visual indication means for circuit breaker, but still there exists a need to provide an efficient and improved LCD as visual indication means with advantages over traditional displays and switches. Further, the provided visual indication means must be efficient in terms of consuming low power for its working and must also work when there is not continuous source of power. Furthermore, the provided visual indication must also enable a customer or user to interact with the trip unit by providing a facility to change / update the control and protection parameters related to the breaker.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an improved means of visual indication for circuit breakers. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the subject matter.
In one implementation, a better Visual indication is provided using LCD display module is provided.

In one implementation, the present invention enables to change the Trip parameter settings using navigation switches or touch pad rather than through mechanical DIP switches.

In one implementation, the trip history information is available even in the absence of the main supply due to the use of replaceable battery backup.

In one implementation, the power consumption is considerably reduced by monitoring battery voltage and taking actions to make economical usage of available power source.

In one implementation, the present invention provides a LCD as visual indication means with advantages over traditional displays and switches. This also provides as means for interfacing with customer in case of non availability of power.

In one implementation, the present invention provides an LCD to provide a smooth interface between user and Trip unit as shown in figure 2. The user can set the protection parameters using navigation switches and read the line parameters and trip data on display. The supply to display module may be either, from the power up section by stepping it down to the voltage input required for the display module or can be driven using a primary battery source. So that even in the absence of line, the display can be used to read the trip record and other important parameters. Methods are introduced to increase the battery life by reducing the current consumption from the same.

Accordingly, in one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. The circuit breaker comprises a power supply module (1); a signal conditioning module (2); a data processing module (3) having at least one controller logic; a display module (4); a decision making module (5); a battery (6) to provide power for working of all said modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7); and a trip unit (7). The display module (4) is configured to enable a user to set at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7). The display module (4) is communicably coupled with said data processing module (3). The decision making module (5) is configured to repeatedly differentiate between at least one input source from power supply module (1) or said battery (6).

In one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. The circuit breaker is characterized in having a built-in light indicating meter located in a housing of said circuit breakers used to display at least one protection setting and metering information, and a keypad to set at least one protection parameter associated with a trip unit (7) of said circuit breaker.

In one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. Te circuit breaker comprises of a keypad; a display (4) having a memory; at least one local power source (1, 6) which provides power to said circuit breaker; a data processing module (3) configured to interpret at least one signal received from said keypad, controls said display and transmits data to a trip unit (7) which programs said trip unit (7) with circuit breaker tripping characteristics and at least one protection setting which are provided to said trip unit from said keypad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference 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 drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates a traditionally used DIP switches in unique pattern for different settings is shown.

Figure 2 illustrates an LCD interface between user and Trip unit is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 3 illustrates the modular structure of the proposed invention is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

In one implementation, the proposed invention relates to an improved means of visual indication for circuit breakers.

In one implementation, the trip unit derives power from line current and hence it includes self power mechanism which requires designing of system with low power. The display module consists of driver IC, backlight and keypad that are powered up using line current. It continuously displays the line parameter like current, voltage, frequency etc. In the present invention the supply to the display is from the power up section, when line current is available by stepping it down to the voltage input required for the display module and in its absence can be driven using a replaceable primary battery source. A logical block is used to differentiate between both the line and alternate source. Only in absence of the line supply, the alternate source will come into picture. Also the ways to reduce the current consumption when powering up from the power supply section or using a secondary source such as battery (to prevent fast discharge) is stated.

In one implementation, the protection settings were done using DIP switches in unique pattern for different settings as shown in figure 1. Having LCD display eliminates the cumbersome task of mechanical switching. Also in absence of line supply, there is no provision to read trip history record. Even traditional LCD also consumes large amount of current to display the metering information as continuous read and write of parameter data takes place. Also when the trip occurs, trip unit is isolated from the line current and hence the display will also switch off. The most important information i.e., the cause of trip cannot be known unless the line current is available again.

In one implementation, in the present invention, the use of LCD (not limited to only LCD’s) provides smooth interface between user and the trip unit as shown in figure 2. User can set the protection parameters using navigation switches and read the line parameters and trip data on display. The supply to display module will be either, from the power up section by stepping it down to the voltage input required for the display module or can be driven using a primary battery source. So that even in the absence of line, the display can be used to read the trip record and other important parameters. Further, the methods are introduced to increase the battery life by reducing the current consumption from the same.

When the supply is there in the line, the power supply module is used to power up all the other modules present in the system as shown in figure 3. The protection parameters can be set using the keypads in the display module (4). This is communicated to the data processing module (3) and all the computations and decision regarding fault current detection and the action taken is done in the respective module. When current sensed in the line is below set fault current, all the modules including the display module (4) takes the power required for its function from the line current itself. It displays all the real time electrical line parameters like current voltage frequency etc for each phase.

Power consumption when supply is from line is reduced by:
- The backlight which consumes high current is controlled through port pin of microcontroller in data processing module, which switches it on for few seconds only when any key is pressed , thus giving the brightness which is required for better visibility when required.
- Further the current consumption of the display module is reduced by adding current limiting resistor in series with backlight LED and thus controlling the illumination required.
- Also, Current is consumed more while writing/reading data from memory, by controlling the refreshing rate of display, this is further reduced.

When the current in the line passes the set fault value, the fault condition is read by the data processing unit (3) which takes decision to issues the trip signal (7) and breaker is opened causing the supply to switch off. Before tripping, the controller logic in the display module (4) saves the data regarding the cause/ nature of the fault in its non – volatile memory.

In the absence of the supply even the display will be off. Here the battery source 6 comes in picture. A battery (6) always forms the part of the display module, but sources the current only when the main supply is off. For this a decision making module (5) is included to differentiate between the input sources from power up module (1) or battery supply (6). It allows only the supply which is strong to source the display module. Since battery (6) comes in picture only when mains is off, it does not display any real time line parameters but the last fault conditions that caused the trip. The logic block continuously reads and compares the input from the two sources for their healthiness.

Power consumption in alternate power mode is reduced in following ways:
- Data processing module consists of Microprocessor which continuously monitors the fall in the line supply through a port pin. When the line supply goes off, battery comes in action. The port pin monitoring the line supply changes its state and thus processor enters in a low power mode.
- In battery mode, the display turns ON only when the key is pressed and the display remains active only for few seconds for the user to read and record. This helps in reducing the consumption of the battery.
- Even the voltage level of battery is monitored continuously through a voltage detector circuit, a fall below certain predetermined voltage level will be acknowledged by the controller and decision for optimized use of battery is taken.
- Use of Super Capacitors in place of battery is also one of the viable solutions for power back up, as it has over a million charge and discharge cycles than battery.

In one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. The circuit breaker comprises a power supply module (1); a signal conditioning module (2); a data processing module (3) having at least one controller logic; a display module (4); a decision making module (5); a battery (6) to provide power for working of all said modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7); and a trip unit (7). The display module (4) is configured to enable a user to set at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7). The display module (4) is communicably coupled with said data processing module (3). The decision making module (5) is configured to repeatedly differentiate between at least one input source from power supply module (1) or said battery (6).

In one implementation, the data processing module (3) is further configured to receive at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7) from said display module (4); detect fault current bypassing based on a set fault value; perform at least one computation and take decision based on detected fault current bypassing; and take a suitable action to protect said circuit breaker by triggering said trip unit (7) to issue a trip signal.

In one implementation, before tripping, said controller logic in the display module (4) saves the data regarding a cause or nature of said fault in its memory.

In one implementation, when said fault current is detected, the power required for the functioning if said circuit breaker is taken from said line current.

In one implementation, said at least one protection parameter is selected from a group of parameters comprising line parameters like current voltage frequency for each phase.

In one implementation, said decision making module (5) is configured to select said at least one input source that provides a minimum power required for working to said display module (4).

In one implementation, said improved display includes a keypad that enables said user to set at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7).

In one implementation, said signal conditioning module (2) is configured to filter the sensors output voltage along with some gain. This output is given to ADC input of data processing module where the computation takes place depending on the input data.

In one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. The circuit breaker is characterized in having a built-in light indicating meter located in a housing of said circuit breakers used to display at least one protection setting and metering information, and a keypad to set at least one protection parameter associated with a trip unit (7) of said circuit breaker.

In one implementation, a circuit breaker with an improved display is disclosed. The circuit breaker comprises of a keypad; a display (4) having a memory; at least one local power source (1, 6) which provides power to said circuit breaker; a data processing module (3) configured to interpret at least one signal received from said keypad, controls said display and transmits data to a trip unit (7) which programs said trip unit (7) with circuit breaker tripping characteristics and at least one protection setting which are provided to said trip unit from said keypad.

Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features:

One features of the invention is that, in the presented invention, the trip related information access will always be there irrespective of the presence of line supply.

Another feature of the invention is that, a replaceable battery backup is available to help read the trip history records.

Another feature of the invention is that, in battery mode, the consumption is reduced considerably hence increasing the life of the battery for prolonged use.
Another feature of the invention is that, the position of the replaceable battery is such that the battery can be changed without demounting the MCCB, as shown in figure 2.

Apart from the above mentioned features, the proposed invention has many other features, few of them are mentioned below:
- A user friendly display for visual interface in non power mode is provided.
- Use of display helps in reading range of data and information.
- Eliminates the need for aux supply to display in case of absence of line supply.
- Use of battery as backup supply prevents loss of data.
- Easy access to replaceable battery makes reading of important trip history records possible.
- Display is also used as means for remote fault signaling in non power mode.

Although an improved means of visual indication for circuit breakers is been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of an improved means of visual indication for circuit breakers.
,CLAIMS:1. A circuit breaker with an improved display, said circuit breaker comprising:
a power supply module (1);
a signal conditioning module (2);
a data processing module (3) having at least one controller logic;
a display module (4);
a decision making module (5);
a battery (6) to provide power for working of all said modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7); and
a trip unit (7); WHEREIN
said display module (4) is configured to enable a user to set at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7);
said display module (4) is communicably coupled with said data processing module (3);
said decision making module (5) is configured to repeatedly differentiate between at least one input source from power supply module (1) or said battery (6);

2. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data processing module (3) is further configured to
receive at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7) from said display module (4);
detect fault current bypassing based on a set fault value;
perform at least one computation and take decision based on detected fault current bypassing; and
take a suitable action to protect said circuit breaker by triggering said trip unit (7) to issue a trip signal.

3. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein before tripping, said controller logic in the display module (4) saves the data regarding a cause or nature of said fault in its memory.

4. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein when said fault current is detected, the power required for the functioning if said circuit breaker is taken from said line current.

5. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one protection parameter is selected from a group of parameters comprising line parameters like current voltage frequency for each phase.

6. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein said decision making module (5) is configured to select said at least one input source that provides a minimum power required for working to said display module (4).

7. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein said improved display includes a keypad that enables said user to set at least one protection parameter associated with said trip unit (7).

8. The circuit breaker as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein said signal conditioning module (2) is configured to filter a current which is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC) input of said data processing module where the computation takes place depending on the input current value, wherein said current comprises of a gain.

9. A circuit breaker with an improved display characterized in that having a built-in light indicating meter located in a housing of said circuit breakers used to display at least one protection setting and metering information, and a keypad to set at least one protection parameter associated with a trip unit (7) of said circuit breaker.

10. An circuit breaker with an improved display, said circuit breaker comprising:
a keypad;
a display (4) having a memory;
at least one local power source (1, 6) which provides power to said circuit breaker;
a data processing module (3) configured to interpret at least one signal received from said keypad, controls said display and transmits data to a trip unit (7) which programs said trip unit (7) with circuit breaker tripping characteristics and at least one protection setting which are provided to said trip unit from said keypad.