Claims:
1. A circuit breaker comprising:
a processing unit adapted to be in communication with one or more remote computing devices, at least one remote computing device of said one or more remote computing devices comprising an electronic visualization means for displaying data representing operating parameters and/or status information of said circuit breaker, characterized in that the electronic visualization means displays said data representing operating parameters and/or said status information before the circuit breaker issues a trip command so as to enable said at least one remote computing device remote to provide a command to clear the display.

2. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker is associated with a fault condition.

3. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic visualization means comprises a bistable or latching display.

4. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic visualization means is adapted to receive the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker.

5. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electronic visualization means receives the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from the electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker using a serial communication protocol.

6. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electronic visualization means displays data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker by applying appropriate voltages as per the data to be displayed, the data displayed remains on the display even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU.

7. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more remote computing devices are near field communication (NFC) devices.

8. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more remote computing devices are battery or aux powered devices configured to energies a NFC compatible ETU by creating electromagnetic field.

9. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 8, wherein the NFC compatible ETU is adapted to receive the electromagnetic field and operate in ON condition even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU, the NFC compatible ETU receives said command to clear the display.

10. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker further comprises a NC tag or a NFC antenna to receive said command from said one or more remote computing devices.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, breaker status etc., in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).

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] Electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, provide protection for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as, for example, current overloads, short circuits, abnormal voltage and other fault conditions. Typically, circuit breakers include an operating mechanism which opens electrical contact assemblies to interrupt the flow of current trough the conductors of an electrical system in response to such fault conditions. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, typically resulting from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.
[0004] Circuit breakers are generally installed to protect equipment from overcurrent (than its rated current) situations, for example, when a short circuit or ground fault occurs in an electrical supply conductor. Upon the occurrence of any such overcurrent condition, electrical contacts inside circuit breaker get opened, and stop supply of electrical current to equipment. Designs for circuit breakers generally include accommodations for both high quiescent currents and high withstand currents. To maintain a high withstand current rating, the contacts must be locked closed at the current withstand rating and be able to withstand the large electrodynamics repulsion forces generated by the current flow.
[0005] Circuit breakers are used to break the current passing through it in case the current goes above a certain threshold value. An electronic trip unit (ETU) provides a variety of protections such as current protection, voltage protection, frequency protection, power protection etc. Thus, whenever circuit breaker trips due to occurrence of any fault condition, it is important to record the source of breaker tripping and the corresponding phase currents, voltages and tripping protection settings. Sometimes even few cycles before and after circuit breaker tripping can also be saved so that the service engineering can identify the probable cause of fault and can resolve it.
[0006] The data on what fault conditions were present to trigger the trip condition is useful for fault diagnosis. Thus, a circuit breaker ideally includes an indication of the condition that leads to the tripping of the circuit breaker. However in many current mechanical or electrical circuit breaker designs, the event that led to the trip condition is not indicated by the circuit breaker. Thus, fault diagnosis is complicated by the lack of information to assist a technician.
[0007] Therefore, the electronic trip unit needs to save the trip and event record before issuing trip command to trip coil (FSD). One of the important requirements of records is that it should be available to the technician even when the self-power is not present. So most of the time, the trip/alarm indications are given using LED’s which are driven by small capacitors which are charged when self-power is present. Though this is cost effective solution but has two drawbacks. First the tripping current and voltage values cannot be displayed and second the capacitors which are providing supply to the ETU for driving the fault indication may get discharged soon (few seconds to minutes) if the indication is viewed frequently or for longer time.
[0008] Another way out is to use LCD to display the trip record with current and voltage parameters. As current consumption of LCD displays is more than LEDs, the circuitry requires a separate battery to drive the LCD when self-power is not available. In this case, if the battery is discharged it will have to be replaced by the new battery which may be a tedious task. Once the fault is cleared by the service engineer, the indication from the ETU needs to be cleared before turning ON the power supply. So there has to be a mechanism to clear the fault indication from LCD display or LED. Usually in case of an LED indication, a clear button is given which when pressed can clear the fault. Whereas, in case of LCD display the service engineer can clear the fault indication by navigating to command screen and giving the command to clear the fault indication. This is also an acknowledgment to the ETU that the cause for fault is checked and rectified by service engineer. However, there is a problem with this type of fault indication and clearing process is that the user needs to go near to the panel to press the query/clear button or navigate the display. Also there are chances that the battery is already discharged and to see the cause of breaker tripping it needs to be replaced and hence the panel may have to be opened. So this is not a very convenient process for the service engineer.
[0009] Efforts have been made in related art to address above stated problem by using a system and method. An example of such device is recited in a WO2014099154A1, entitled “System and method for providing information to and/or obtaining information from a component of an electrical distribution system”. The patent describes an electrical distribution system wherein information is communicated to and/or from an electrical component of the electrical distribution system using near-field communications. The patent discloses about a handheld near field communication (NFC) based device. This device can be used to change the settings of electronic trip unit (ETU). It is also able to get metering, harmonics, breaker related data from trip unit using NFC. It is possible to do settings of various NFC capable ETU’s by using this handheld device in case when trip units are not self-powered (for example when the site is not commissioned). A small LCD display is used to display the trip record in the form of bar code. So when ETU is going for trip, it will display the trip information on display in the form of BARCODE. After tripping if self-powered supply is not available, unit will store the status in internal memory so that user can power the device through NFC and display the information on display. Then required information can be retrieved through display by clicking the photos of the barcode displayed on LCD screen and display the data on mobile phone/laptop etc. After validation the trip status, user can clear the trip command using NFC communication.
[00010] However, according to the cited patent, user has to click photos of the barcode to decode the reason of breaker tripping. Further, in the conventional microcontroller based ETU mostly use graphical LCD’s to display the metering, settings, trip record and breaker related data. When circuit breaker trips, self-power to the ETU is cut off. In this case usually lithium ion coin cells are used to turn ON the ETU and view the trip/event record. The current consumption of LCDs are about 10-20mA in navigation mode. So depending upon the frequency of display navigation and time for which a user is navigating the display, the battery will be drained. Also the batteries have a shelf life and it is possible that they are drained before being much used. So the user has to first change the battery to view the trip record. In case of MCCB’s user may have to open the panel to replace the battery. So this is not a very preferable option as other devices inside the panel may still be live. Furthermore, in the conventional system, once the fault is cleared by the service engineer, indication needs to be cleared from the display before turning ON the circuit breaker. For this purpose, also user has to navigate the display or press the clear button. Hence user has to go near the panel to view/clear the fault indication. Additionally, in the conventional system or device of fault indication and clearing process is the problematic where the user needs to go near to the panel to press the query/clear button or navigate the display. Also there are chances that the battery is already discharged and to see the cause of breaker tripping it needs to be replaced and hence the panel may have to be opened. So this is not a very convenient process for the service engineer.
[00011] Whereas there is certainly nothing wrong with existing system or method or device, nonetheless, there still exists a need to provide an efficient, effective, reliable, and improved bi-stable/latching display making the displays appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record. Further, there is also a need of a latching/bi-stable display instead of a LCD or LED based fault indication and use of near field communication (NFC) to clear the fault indication or acknowledge the fault. Furthermore, there is a need to provide a user friendly system and method by which user can view the trip record/data from a distance as it does not require any key press or display navigation to turn ON the ETU to view the record.
[00012] 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.
[00013] 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.
[00014] 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.
[00015] 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.
[00016] 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
[00017] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[00018] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bi-stable/latching display makes them appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record.
[00019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a latching/bi-stable display in place of a LCD or LED based fault indication and use of near field communication (NFC) to clear the fault indication or acknowledge the fault.
[00020] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic visualization means or bistable or latching display for displaying data representing operating parameters and/or status information of a circuit breaker.
[00021] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic visualization means or bistable or latching display for receiving the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from the electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker using a serial communication protocol.
[00022] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a NFC enabled electronics device to read trip information via NFC tag.
[00023] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a NFC enabled electronics device, to energize the microcontroller to clear the fault during power off condition, microcontroller can be energized using power of electromagnetic field generated from NFC enabled electronics device.

SUMMARY
[00024] The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, circuit breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[00025] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide efficient, effective, reliable, improved electrical circuit breakers. Further, a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, circuit breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[00026] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker. In an aspect, the circuit breaker can include a processing unit and at least one remote computing device. In another aspect, the processing unit can be adapted to be in communication with one or more remote computing devices. In another aspect, at least one remote computing device of one or more remote computing devices can include an electronic visualization means for displaying data representing operating parameters and/or status information of the circuit breaker. In another aspect, the electronic visualization means can display the data representing operating parameters and/or said status information before the circuit breaker issues a trip command so as to enable said at least one remote computing device remote to provide a command to clear the display.
[00027] In an aspect, the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker can be associated with a fault condition.
[00028] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can include a bistable or latching display.
[00029] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can be adapted to receive the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker.
[00030] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can receive the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from the electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker using a serial communication protocol.
[00031] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can display data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker by applying appropriate voltages as per the data to be displayed, the data displayed remains on the display even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU.
[00032] In an aspect, one or more remote computing devices can be near field communication (NFC) devices.
[00033] In an aspect, one or more remote computing devices can be battery or aux powered devices configured to energies a NFC compatible ETU by creating electromagnetic field.
[00034] In an aspect, the NFC compatible ETU can be adapted to receive the electromagnetic field and operate in ON condition even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU, the NFC compatible ETU receives said command to clear the display.
[00035] In an aspect, the circuit breaker further can include a NC tag or a NFC antenna to receive said command from said one or more remote computing devices.
[00036] In contrast to the conventional circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides bi-stable/latching display makes them appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record. Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides a latching/bi-stable display in place of a LCD or LED based fault indication and use of near field communication (NFC) to clear the fault indication or acknowledge the fault Furthermore, the present invention provides a latching display to display continuously a fault till it is cleared by powering ON the ETU. Since the visibility from all the angles of a latching/bi-stable display is better as compared to LCD, record can be viewed from a distance also. So it is more users friendly and convenient as compared to conventional system.
[00037] Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides fault indication or any parameter latched on the bi-stable display can be cleared by using NFC based device which can provide power as well as command to ETU to clear the indication. Furthermore, present invention can use of latching/bi-stable display to store/display the reason of last circuit breaker tripping. The circuitry thus doesn’t require any battery power or capacitor bank based power supply to turn ON the trip unit when self-power is not present.
[00038] 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
[00039] 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. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00040] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the ETU, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00041] FIG. 2 illustrates a complete flow diagram of the process from sensing the fault to issuing trip command, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00042] FIG. 3 illustrates a basic functional block diagram of proposed invention, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00043] 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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00044] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00045] 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.
[00046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00047] 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.
[00048] 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.
[00049] 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.
[00050] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical circuit breakers, and more specifically relates to, a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, circuit breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[00051] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide efficient, effective, reliable, improved electrical circuit breakers. Further, a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, circuit breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[00052] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker. In an aspect, the circuit breaker can include a processing unit and at least one remote computing device. In another aspect, the processing unit can be adapted to be in communication with one or more remote computing devices. In another aspect, at least one remote computing device of one or more remote computing devices can include an electronic visualization means for displaying data representing operating parameters and/or status information of the circuit breaker. In another aspect, the electronic visualization means can display the data representing operating parameters and/or said status information before the circuit breaker issues a trip command so as to enable said at least one remote computing device remote to provide a command to clear the display.
[00053] In an aspect, the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker can be associated with a fault condition.
[00054] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can include a bistable or latching display.
[00055] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can be adapted to receive the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker.
[00056] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can receive the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from the electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker using a serial communication protocol.
[00057] In an aspect, the electronic visualization means can display data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker by applying appropriate voltages as per the data to be displayed, the data displayed remains on the display even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU.
[00058] In an aspect, one or more remote computing devices can be near field communication (NFC) devices.
[00059] In an aspect, one or more remote computing devices can be battery or aux powered devices configured to energies a NFC compatible ETU by creating electromagnetic field.
[00060] In an aspect, the NFC compatible ETU can be adapted to receive the electromagnetic field and operate in ON condition even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU, the NFC compatible ETU receives said command to clear the display.
[00061] In an aspect, the circuit breaker further can include a NFC tag or a NFC antenna to receive said command from said one or more remote computing devices.
[00062] In contrast to the conventional circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides bi-stable/latching display makes them appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record. Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides a latching/bi-stable display in place of a LCD or LED based fault indication and use of near field communication (NFC) to clear the fault indication or acknowledge the fault Furthermore, the present invention provides a latching display to display continuously a fault till it is cleared by powering ON the ETU. Since the visibility from all the angles of a latching/bi-stable display is better as compared to LCD, record can be viewed from a distance also. So it is more user friendly and convenient as compared to conventional system.
[00063] Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides fault indication or any parameter latched on the bi-stable display can be cleared by using NFC based device which can provide power as well as command to ETU to clear the indication. Furthermore, present invention can use of latching/bi-stable display to store/display the reason of last circuit breaker tripping. The circuitry thus doesn’t require any battery power or capacitor bank based power supply to turn ON the trip unit when self-power is not present.
[00064] In an embodiment, a method to save the fault record/event record/breaker status on the latching display before the circuit breaker issues a trip command. When the fault can be detected by ETU, it sends trip record/event record/breaker status frame to the latching display using any onboard serial communication protocol such as SPI/I2C or any like protocol. The data in the frame received can be latched on the display by applying appropriate voltages as per data to be displayed. Then the trip command can be issued to the circuit breaker. Data once latched on the bi-stable display can remain on the screen even if the power supply is cut off from the ETU. Thus the service engineer can view the record as and when required. Here it is not required to press any query button or go near the breaker to navigate the display since the last reason of fault is always displayed till cleared by the user. The present invention doesn’t require any battery power or capacitor charge to be maintained to view the record. NFC is not required for reading the fault information.
[00065] When the user wants to clear the fault indication, same can be achieved by near field communication based device. Near field communication devices can provide power to the NFC compatible ETU. Near Field communication device can be “battery or aux” powered device which is capable to energies the NFC compatible ETU by creating electromagnetic filed. This will turn ON the electronic trip unit when self-power is not present. Now a command can be given to the ETU via the NFC based device, to clear the fault indication from the latching display. On receiving the command, ETU can communicate the frame to latching display using SPI/I2C protocols such that the appropriate voltage can be applied to display to clear the fault indication. Thus the fault indication can be cleared from the latching display or any acknowledgment information can be latched to display.
[00066] As used herein, "near-field communications" or "NFC" shall mean a technique wherein two devices are coupled to one another and wirelessly transfer power and/or information within the near-field over a short distance (such as, without limitation, about four cm) using coupled inductive circuits. Near-field.
[00067] Communications are governed by various standards, such as, without limitation, ISO/IEC 18092, ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 21481, and ECMA-352.
[00068] As used herein, the term "near-field" shall mean a region that is in proximity to an electromagnetic radiating structure, such as an antenna or coil, where the electric and magnetic fields do not have a plane-wave characteristic, but instead vary greatly from one point to another. Furthermore, the near- field can be subdivided into two regions which are commonly known as the reactive near-field and the radiating near-field. The reactive near-field is closest to the radiating structure and contains almost all of the stored energy, whereas the radiating near- field is where the radiation field is dominant over the reactive field but does not possess plane-wave characteristics and is complicated in structure. This is in contrast to the far- field, which is generally defined as the region where the electromagnetic field has a plane- wave characteristic, i.e., it has a uniform distribution of the electric and magnetic field strength in planes transverse to the direction of propagation.
[00069] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the ETU, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates various parts of the ETU such as PWM circuitry 104, capacitor voltage sensing circuitry 104, microcontroller 108 to sense the fault and its interface with latching/bi-stable display 114.
[00070] As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic trip 100 can include a microcontroller 100 which is responsible for storing the ETU settings; generate current, voltage, frequency and energy metering data. The microcontroller 108 can sense the current flowing through the circuit breaker 102 and in case the current is above threshold as per the settings applied, the microcontroller 108 can trip the circuit breaker 102. The microcontroller 108 can also responsible for generating event records, trip records, storing circuit breaker related data such as breaker operation counters, maintenance date and time etc.
[00071] FIG. 1 also shows a display 114 that can be interfaced with the microcontroller 108 through SPI/I2C protocol. The display114 used is a latching/ bi-stable one which is capable of displaying metering, settings, records, breaker data etc. The microcontroller can send data to the latching/bi-stable display via SPI/I2C at regular intervals for metering parameters. For all other parameters such as settings or breaker data, parameter will be displayed when user navigates the display 114. Electronic trip unit 100 in the FIG.1 also has an NFC transceiver tag which can be used to perform NFC based communication with devices such as mobile phone or any handheld NFC capable devices. When ETU 100 is not on self-power, NFC based devices can provide power to the ETU 100 and read data from it if required.
[00072] In an embodiment, the electronic trip unit 100 can be capable of providing several types of protections such as current based, voltage based, frequency based and power based protections. When fault is sensed by the breaker, trip record which gives the information of source of trip, current/voltage metering parameters during trip, settings of tripping protection etc. is stored in the electronic trip unit. In another embodiment, ETU 100 can sense the current flowing through the circuit breaker and in case of a fault breaks the current by issuing a trip command. Modern day ETU’s are capable of providing varied variety of protections such as over current protection, over voltage, under voltage protection, over frequency, under frequency protection etc. In this case it becomes very important to store the trip record/event record/breaker status as it will be helpful for the service engineer to find the exact cause of fault and rectify it in lesser downtime. Trip record gives the information of source of trip, time of trip, current/voltage metering parameters during trip, settings of tripping protection etc. Event record gives the indication of ETU in alarm or pickup and cause of alarm or pickup condition.
[00073] In an embodiment, in order to explain the functioning of bi-stable/latching display, an e-paper display is being used as an example. But the invention can be used with any other latching/bi-stable display also. E-paper display functions by using small particles of black and white color. An electric charge moves the particles of a certain color to the top of each ink capsules outlining an image on the display surface. If the electric charge applied is negative, then black colored particles will be repelled towards the top of the ink capsules. So the display surface will appear black at that point. Whereas if positive charge is applied, then white colored particles will be repelled towards the top of ink capsules. So the display surface will appear white at that point. Thus depending upon the voltage polarity applied, the black and white colored particles will arrange themselves and image is formed. So the power is needed only to move the colored particle, which is to change the image. But if an image is formed the particles will be held at that location till next time power is applied. In order to change the image, current required by an e-paper display is usually 2-3mA, whereas in case of an LCD it is 20-30mA. And once the image is formed on the display, it will be retained as power is required to change the image.
[00074] In an embodiment, bi-stable/latching display 114 can make them appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record. When the circuit breaker 102 senses a fault, it issues a trip command. On issuing the trip command, the circuit breaker breaks the current flowing through it and hence the power supply to the electronic trip 100 unit is also cut-off. So before issuing the trip command, the source of tripping, phase current and voltage values and the tripping protection settings are written to the latching display. Then the trip command is issued. These can cut-off the power supply to the ETU 100 and to display 114. Hence the trip record can be permanently displayed till anyone clears it by applying power to the breaker. Thus user can view the trip record without pressing a query button or navigating the display. Also the bi-stable display 114 can be viewed from all the angles and from a distance. So the user doesn’t need to go near to the panel to view the record. Battery is not required to turn ON the display when self-power is not present. Hence the task of frequently changing the battery is saved by using latching/bi-stable display 114. The parameters to be latched on the display on ETU power down can also be configured by the user. It can be any ETU related parameter such as trip record, event record, fault counters, breaker operation counters, energy or maximum demand data before power down etc. So based on the parameter configured by user, when power down is sensed by the ETU, communication frame is sent to the latching display. Latching display 114 can latch the data on receiving the frame. In case user doesn’t configure any data on the latching display, by default fault record can be displayed.
[00075] FIG. 2 illustrates a complete flow diagram of the process from sensing the fault to issuing trip command, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00076] At step 202, configure the parameter to be latched on the display when power down detected.
[00077] At step 204, detect whether event/Trip occurred or not. If the event/ Trip are occurred then it can go to next step 206 or if the event/ trip are not occurred then it can go to the step 206.
[00078] At step 206, ETU can sense whether power down.
[00079] At step 208, generate Trip/Event record and communicate to display.
[00080] At step 210, latch data on bi-stable display.
[00081] At step 212, trip breaker can issue command to FSD.
[00082] At step 214, communicate parameter to display which needs to be latched before power down, in case when the power down is sensed.
[00083] At step 216, latch data on bi-stable display.
[00084] FIG. 3 illustrates a basic functional block diagram of proposed invention, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00085] As shown in FIG. 3, the microcontroller 302 can be responsible for storing the ETU settings; generate current, voltage, frequency and energy metering data. The microcontroller 302 can sense the current flowing through the circuit breaker and in case the current is above threshold as per the settings applied, the microcontroller 302 can trip the circuit breaker. The microcontroller 302 can also responsible for generating event records, trip records, storing circuit breaker related data such as breaker operation counters, maintenance date and time etc.
[00086] FIG. 3 also shows a display 304 that can be interfaced with the microcontroller 302 through SPI/I2C protocol. The display 304 used is a latching/ bi-stable one which is capable of displaying metering, settings, records, breaker data etc. The microcontroller 302 can send data to the latching/bi-stable display 304 via SPI/I2C at regular intervals for metering parameters. For all other parameters such as settings or breaker data, parameter will be displayed when user navigates the display 304. Electronic trip unit can also have an NFC transceiver tag 308 which can be used to perform NFC based communication with devices such as mobile phone or any handheld NFC capable devices 312. When ETU is not on self-power, NFC based devices 312 can provide power to the ETU and read data from it if required.
[00087] FIG. 3 illustrates the basic functionality of NFC module as per embodiment. In self-powered “ON” condition, during fault, microcontroller 302 can write trip information to latch/bi-stable display 304 and would go in power OFF mode. As per FIG. 3, if user want to clear fault indication then using by any NFC enabled electronics media, user can clear the trip by sending appropriate command to ETU. To power up the microcontroller 302, power can be developed by electromagnetic field which is created by NFC enabled electronics media. After power up, microcontroller 302 can clear the trip record or any other parameter latched on the bi-stable display 304 as per command receive from NFC tag 308. In an embodiment, trip information can be also be read by any NFC enabled electronics device 312 via a NFC tag 308 with NFC antenna 310. To clear the fault during power off condition, the microcontroller 302 can be energized using power of electromagnetic field generated from NFC enabled electronics device 312.
[00088] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits and algorithm steps described herein may be implemented or performed as electronic hardware, software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. It is noted that the configurations may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[00089] One or more of the components, steps, and/or functions illustrated in the Figures may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the invention. The novel algorithms described herein may be efficiently implemented in software and/or embedded hardware.
[00090] Only certain features of the invention have been specifically illustrated and described herein, and many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiment described herein in the description. It is to be noted that the invention is explained by way of exemplary embodiment and is neither exhaustive nor limiting. Certain aspects of the invention that not been elaborated herein in the description are well understood by one skilled in the art. Also, the terms relating to singular form used herein in the description also include its plurality and vice versa, wherever applicable. Any relevant modification or variation, which is not described specifically in the specification are in fact to be construed of being well within the scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the spirit of the invention.
[00091] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[00092] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
[00093] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
[00094] In the description of the present specification, reference to the term "one embodiment," "an embodiments", "an example", "an instance", or "some examples" and the description is meant in connection with the embodiment or example described The particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic included in the present invention, at least one embodiment or example. In the present specification, the term of the above schematic representation is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features structures, materials, or characteristics described in any one or more embodiments or examples in proper manner. Moreover, those skilled in the art can be described in the specification of different embodiments or examples are joined and combinations thereof.
[00095] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[00096] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[00097] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[00098] 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
[00099] The present disclosure provides electrical circuit breakers and more specifically electronic trip units.
[000100] The present disclosure provides a system and method of storing, retrieving and clearing the status information, such as fault record, event record, breaker status etc. in the bi-stable/latching display used in case of circuit breaker with microcontroller based electronic trip units (ETU).
[000101] The present disclosure provides a bi-stable/latching display makes them appropriate for usage in case of displaying a fault record.
[000102] The present disclosure provides a latching/bi-stable display in place of a LCD or LED based fault indication and use of near field communication (NFC) to clear the fault indication or acknowledge the fault.
[000103] The present invention provides an electronic visualization means or bistable or latching display for displaying data representing operating parameters and/or status information of a circuit breaker.
[000104] The present disclosure provides an electronic visualization means or bistable or latching display for receiving the data representing operating parameters and/or the status information of circuit breaker from the electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker using a serial communication protocol.
[000105] The present disclosure provides a NFC enabled electronics device to read trip information via NFC tag.
[000106] The present disclosure provides a NFC enabled electronics device, to energize the microcontroller to clear the fault during power off condition, microcontroller can be energized using power of electromagnetic field generated from NFC enabled electronics device.