Claims:
1. A system for external communication with a circuit breaker (CB), comprising:
an accessory communication module (ACM) operatively coupled with the CB, wherein the ACM is operatively coupled with one or more additional modules; and
an auxiliary power supply operatively connected to any or a combination of the ACM or to the one or more additional modules, wherein a surge protection circuit (SPC) is configured in the ACM.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SPC comprises current limiting resistors R1 and R2, transient voltage suppressors (TVS) diode D1, a common mode choke L1, and a filtering capacitor C1.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the auxiliary power supply is configured in the ACM, the power supply is tapped from the ACM to the one or more additional modules.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more additional modules are selected from any or a combination of a temperature module, a programmable relay module, and a zone selective interlocking (ZSI) module, and wherein the one or more additional modules are configured in a daisy chain connection with the ACM.
5. A system for selectively powering a circuit breaker (CB), comprising:
a trip unit (TU) of the CB configured to communicate with one or more additional modules; and
an input supply voltage provided to any or a combination of the TU or the one or more additional modules, wherein during a fault condition, the TU issues a trip command to actuate a solenoid L2 for opening breaker contacts.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the TU, upon detecting the fault condition, issues the trip command to N channel MOSFET Q1 that enables the solenoid L2 to open the breaker contacts.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein during switching process of the MOSFET Q1, voltage across capacitor C2 that is connected in parallel to the solenoid L2, drops and supply to the one or more additional modules also follows the same voltage drop pattern as of the capacitor C2 till level of the voltage is adjusted by resistors R4 and R5.
8. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the TU comprises a MOSFET Q2 and a capacitor C3, wherein the capacitor C3 holds a charge value corresponding to the input supply voltage before the fault condition.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the moment the drop in the input supply voltage reaches to a value where gate to source voltage of the Q2 reduces, current limit action of the Q2 takes place so as to check further drop in the input supply voltage.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the current limit action of the Q2 in the TU prevents malfunction of the one or more additional modules connected thereto.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electrical switching devices such as circuit interrupters/circuit breakers. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to accessory communication modules for circuit interrupters. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to interfacing of accessory communication modules with electronic trip unit(s).

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] Circuit interrupters, such as for example and without limitation, circuit breakers (and therefore interchangeably referred to as circuit interrupters hereinafter), are used to protect electrical circuitry from damage due to an over current condition, such as an overload condition, a short circuit, or another fault condition, such as an arc fault or a ground fault. Circuit breakers typically include a pair of separable contacts per phase that may be operated either manually by way of a handle disposed on the outside of the case or automatically in response to a detected fault condition. Typically, such circuit breakers include an operating mechanism that is designed to rapidly open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism, such as a trip unit that senses a number of fault conditions to trip the breaker automatically. Upon sensing a fault condition, the trip unit trips the operating mechanism to a trip state, which moves the separable contacts to their open position.
[0004] From design consideration, among other parameters and reasons, industrial circuit breakers often use a circuit breaker frame that houses a trip unit. For example, United States Patent Numbers US5910760 and US6144271 show exemplary designs. The trip unit may be modular and replaced in order to alter electrical properties of the circuit breaker. It is well known to employ trip units that utilize a microprocessor to detect various types of over current trip conditions and provide various protection functions, such as, for example, a long delay trip, a short delay trip, an instantaneous trip, and/or a ground fault trip.
[0005] Because of the flexibility and configurability of microprocessor-controlled circuit breakers and large size and complexity of industrial settings in which they are used, there is a need for a centralized system that provides communications to and from the circuit breakers. Also, there is a need for a communication system that provides re-configurability of the circuit breakers from a centralized location. Further, there is a need for monitoring of circuit breakers at a centralized location. Further still, there is a need for a circuit breaker system that can communicate with a central system, which central system provides monitoring, communication, and control functions from a central location to the circuit breaker system, which in turn can be achieved by using an accessory communication module interfacing to the trip unit. There is also a need in the art to provide a mechanism in the interface section of the accessory communication module and the trip unit that helps avoid drop in input supply voltage caused by breaker tripping.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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
[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide for a centralized system (such as an accessory communication module) providing communications to and from circuit breakers.
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system (such as an accessory communication module) providing re-configurability of circuit breakers from a centralized location.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide means for monitoring of circuit breakers at a centralized location.
[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker system that can communicate with a central system such as an accessory communication module, which provides monitoring, communication and control functions from a central location to the circuit breaker system.
[0015] Still another object of the present disclosure is to eliminate large expensive surge protection devices placed in trip unit while reducing PCB routing problems.

SUMMARY
[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical switching devices such as circuit interrupters that include a trip unit. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to accessory communication module(s) for circuit interrupters. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to interfacing of accessory communication modules with electronic trip unit.
[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for external communication with a circuit breaker (CB) that is operatively coupled with an accessory communication module (ACM), which, in turn can be operatively coupled with one or more additional modules; and an auxiliary power supply can be operatively connected to any or a combination of the ACM or to the one or more additional modules, wherein a surge protection circuit (SPC) can be configured in the ACM.
[0018] In an aspect, SPC of the present disclosure can include current limiting resistors R1 and R2, transient voltage suppressors (TVS) diode D1, a common mode choke L1, and a filtering capacitor C1.
[0019] In an aspect, auxiliary power supply can be configured in ACM, wherein the power supply can be tapped from the ACM to one or more additional modules.
[0020] In an aspect, one or more additional modules can be selected from any or a combination of a temperature module, a programmable relay module, and a zone selective interlocking (ZSI) module, and wherein the one or more additional modules can be configured in a daisy chain connection with the ACM.
[0021] In an aspect, the present disclosure can provide a system for selectively powering a circuit breaker (CB) that includes a trip unit (TU) that can be configured to communicate with one or more additional modules; and an input supply voltage provided to any or a combination of the TU or the one or more additional modules, wherein during a fault condition, the TU can issue a trip command to actuate a solenoid L2 for opening breaker contacts.
[0022] In an aspect, TU, upon detecting fault condition, can issue trip command to N channel MOSFET Q1 that enables solenoid L2 to open breaker contacts, wherein during switching process of the MOSFET Q1, voltage across capacitor C2 that can be connected in parallel to the solenoid L2, drops and supply to the one or more additional modules also follows the same voltage drop pattern as of the capacitor C2 till level of the voltage is adjusted by resistors R4 and R5.
[0023] In an aspect, TU of the present disclosure can comprise a MOSFET Q2 and a capacitor C3, wherein the capacitor C3 can hold a charge value corresponding to input supply voltage before fault condition, wherein the moment the drop in the input supply voltage reaches to a value where gate to source voltage of the Q2 reduces, current limit action of the Q2 takes place so as to check further drop in the input supply voltage. Notably, the current limit action of the Q2 in the TU prevents malfunction of the one or more additional modules connected thereto.
[0024] 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
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system with general interface of an accessory communication module (ACM) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system with direct interface of a trip unit (TU) with an accessory communication module (ACM) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system with proposed surge protection interface of a trip unit (TU) with an accessory communication module (ACM) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary waveform of drop in supply voltage during breaker tripping with direct interface in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary waveform of drop in supply voltage during breaker tripping with proposed surge protection interfacing interface in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical switching devices such as circuit interrupters that include a trip unit. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to accessory communication module(s) (ACM) for circuit interrupters. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to interfacing of ACM with electronic trip unit (ETU or TU). In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a circuit breaker (CB) system that can communicate with a central system that provides monitoring, communication, and control functions from a central location to the CB system. Notably, the present disclosure ensures healthy operation of the ACM connected to the TU during breaker tripping.
[0036] As used herein, a person having knowledge in the relevant art would appreciate that electrical surge and electrical surge protection applies to a very broad spectrum of different equipment and environments. Efforts in the art employ bulky and expensive bi-directional semiconductor based voltage clamping devices, commonly called transient voltage suppressors (TVS), current limiting resistors, common mode choke and filter capacitor to provide protection against electrical surge events. The present disclosure aims to address aforementioned and other shortcomings encountered in pertinent art as would be apparent through various aspects hereinafter.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure where an access communication module (ACM) 100 can be connected to additional modules such as 120, 130, and 140, among others, for instance, in a daisy chain connection. From an implementation perspective, such an arrangement (of daisy chain connection) can enable effective working communication between the additional modules (120, 130, and 140), particularly during tripping conditions.
[0038] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for external communication with a circuit breaker (CB) that is operatively coupled with an accessory communication module (ACM) 100, which, in turn can be operatively coupled with one or more additional modules (shown herein as 120, 130, and 140, while there can be more such modules in actual implementation). An auxiliary power supply 102 can be operatively connected to any or a combination of the ACM 100 or the one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140), wherein a surge protection circuit (SPC) can be provided in the ACM 100. In an aspect, power supply 102 can be tapped from the ACM 100 to the one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140). In an aspect, SPC of the present disclosure can include current limiting resistors R1 and R2, transient voltage suppressors (TVS) diode D1, a common mode choke L1, and a filtering capacitor C1.
[0039] In an aspect, one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140) can be selected from any or a combination of temperature module, programmable relay module, and zone selective interlocking (ZSI) module, and configured in a daisy chain connection with the ACM 100.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system with general interface of an accessory communication module (ACM) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, SPC of the present disclosure can include current limiting resistors R1 and R2, transient voltage suppressors (TVS) diode D1, a common mode choke L1, and a filtering capacitor C1. Moreover, the SPC or any component thereof, and/or active interaction with one or more modules (120, 130, 140)/trip unit 150 can be configured by means of a communication control section 110.
[0041] In an aspect, in accordance with implementation of the present disclosure, when interfacing ACM (or even additional modules configured therewith) shown in the instant figure, it should be provided with a protection circuit (i.e. SPC) to protect against electrical surge events.
[0042] In an aspect, an interfacing circuit can be configured in TU so as to prevent malfunction of the one or more additional modules connected to ACM during tripping under fault conditions.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an another exemplary block diagram of a system with direct interface of a trip unit (TU) 150 with an accessory communication module (ACM) 100 in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, single surge protection circuit (SPC) of the present disclosure that has been configured in the ACM 100, as described above, provides compactness, simplicity, and a low cost architecture that helps meet existing surge protection requirements, making the trip unit 150 compact and cost effective. FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary block diagram of a system with proposed surge protection interface in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the interfacing between the ACM 100 and the TU 150 takes effect based on how the TU 150 is structured to communicate with the ACM 100 that can be connected to additional modules (such as 120, 130, and 140) such as, but not limited to, temperature module, programmable relay module and zone selective interlocking (ZSI) module, etc. In an aspect, TU 150 can include and thereby make use of a trip unit control section 152 that can be configured to monitor and control working of various components of the TU 150 or even its interaction with ACM 100 or one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140). In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for selectively powering a circuit breaker (CB) that can include a trip unit (TU) 150 configured to communicate with one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140), and an input supply voltage that can be provided to any or a combination of the TU 150 or the one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140), wherein during a fault condition, the TU 150 can issue a trip command to actuate a solenoid L2 for opening breaker contacts.
[0044] In an aspect, TU 150, upon detecting a fault condition, can issue a trip command to N channel MOSFET Q1, which enables solenoid L2 to open breaker contacts, wherein during switching process of the MOSFET Q1, voltage across capacitor C2 that is connected in parallel to the L2, drops, and accordingly supply to one or more additional modules (such as 120, 130, 140 and the like) also follows the same voltage drop pattern as of the C2 till the level of the voltage is adjusted by resistors R4 and R5.
[0045] In an aspect, TU 150 of the present disclosure includes a MOSFET Q2 and a capacitor C3, wherein the capacitor C3 holds a charge value corresponding to input supply voltage before fault condition, wherein the moment the drop in the input supply voltage reaches to a value where gate to source voltage of the Q2 reduces, current limit action of the Q2 takes place so as to check the further drop in the input supply voltage. Further, the current limit action of Q2 in the TU 150 prevents malfunction of one or more additional modules (120, 130, and 140) connected thereto.
[0046] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary waveform of drop in supply voltage during breaker tripping with direct interface in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, during tripping condition, TU 150 and supply voltage levels of additional modules (120, 130, and 140) may suffer a drop, and in order to avoid aforementioned problems, a simple, cost effective, compact solution has been proposed as illustrated in accordance with Fig. 4 of the present disclosure. Again referring to FIG. 4, resistors R4 and R5 are configured to fix the voltage level, below which the supply voltage of additional modules will not drop. During normal operation, P channel MOSFET Q2 is in saturation mode and D2 can be used to avoid discharging of capacitor C2. Furthermore, diode D4 and capacitor C3 can be used to hold the charge during tripping condition.
[0047] FIG. 5B illustrates another exemplary waveform of drop in supply voltage during breaker tripping with proposed surge protection interfacing interface in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, when trip unit 150 detects a fault condition, it will issue a trip command to N channel MOSFET Q1, which will enable the solenoid L2 to open the breaker contacts. During switching process of Q1, voltage across capacitor C2 drops as illustrated herein, and the supply voltage to additional modules also follow the same voltage drop pattern of C2 till the voltage level adjusted by R4 and R5 resistors. Since the capacitor C3 holds a charge value corresponding to the supply voltage before tripping condition, the moment drop in input supply voltage reaches a value where gate to source voltage of Q2 reduces, current limit action of Q2 takes place and checks the further drop in input supply voltage which is also connected to additional modules. The current limit action of Q2 MOSFET in the trip unit prevents malfunction of additional modules connected to ACM.
[0048] 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
[0049] The present disclosure provides a centralized system (such as an accessory communication module) providing communications to and from circuit breakers.
[0050] The present disclosure provides a centralized system (such as an accessory communication module) providing communications to and from circuit breakers.
[0051] The present disclosure provides provide means for monitoring of circuit breakers at a centralized location.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a circuit breaker system that can communicate with a central system such as an accessory communication module, which provides monitoring, communication and control functions from a central location to the circuit breaker system.
[0053] The present disclosure eliminates large expensive surge protection devices placed in trip unit while reducing PCB routing problems.