Claims:1. A system for monitoring temperature of bus bar, said system comprising:
a temperature module (106) coupled with the bus bar(104) of the air circuit breaker (102) through a controller area network (CAN) communication (108), the temperature module comprising:
a sensor configured to generate a first set of signals corresponding to temperature of the bus bar;
a control unit operatively coupled with the sensor, the control unit configured to:
determine, from the first set of signals, the temperature of the bus bar,
wherein the control unit is configured to generate an activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; and
a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, said switch operable on receipt of the activation signal,
wherein the switch, on receipt of the activation signal, operates to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the error unit comprises an error indication device selected from a group comprising hooter, LED device, display and a combination thereof.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein when the error unit is electrically coupled to the power supply, the error indication device operates.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a thermistor.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature module comprises an analogue to digital converter configured to convert analogue signals received from the sensor into digital signals process able by the control unit.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a circuit breaker operable on receipt of the activation signal to open its contacts.
7. A method for monitoring temperature of a bus bar (108) by a temperature module (106) coupled to the bus bar of the air circuit breaker (102) through a controller area network (CAN) communication (108), said method comprising:
receiving (502), at a control unit from a sensor configured in the temperature module, a first set of signals corresponding with the temperature of the bus bar;
determining (504), at the control unit from the first set of signals, a temperature of the bus bar,
wherein an activation signal is generated at the control unit when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; and
operating (506), at the control unit on receipt of the activation signal, a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, the switch operating to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to thermal fault detection. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a means for monitoring temperature of bus bar of an electrical network.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Air circuit breaker (ACB) is an electrical device used to provide over current and short-circuit as well voltage-based protection for electric circuits. It can be combination of electronics and mechanical devices. ACB consists of an electronic trip unit (ETU), which controls the switching mechanism of circuit breaker. Air circuit breakers are well known in the art, and are designed to trip in response to an electrical interruption event caused by an overload, short circuit, or thermal runaway condition, thereby opening the circuit to which the circuit breaker is connected and reducing the possibility of damage to the conductor wires or the loads connected to the circuit breaker.
[0004] Typically, a temperature module converts inputs from thermistors and provides breaker upper terminal temperature data in UWMTX3.5 series P&C unit. The temperature module is located inside U-POWER ACB and senses temperature through thermistors connected in the breaker terminals. Hence, temperature rise protection is a factory-installed option. In the known art, ACB MTX 3.5 and onwards releases interface is provided with temperature module via controller area network (CAN) communication for metering and protection purpose with temperature range from 85 C to 115 C.
[0005] The Omega trip unit family consist of basic protection releases and advance protection releases. In advance releases the connector B is given for auxiliary supply, CAN signals, communication RS485 signals & alarm contacts AL+ & AL-. The AL+ & AL- contacts can be configured for TRIP alarm. Whenever breaker trips in any fault, the release controller activated these contacts. Although the circuit breakers themselves normally provide reliable protection for many years, the mechanical connections holding the power conductors can loosen, resulting in higher circuit impedance, higher temperatures, and possibly damage to insulation or even fire hazards.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the industry to monitor the temperature of the bus bars of the circuit breaker effectively with reduced cost.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention relates generally to electronic trip unit of the air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for monitoring the temperature of the bus bars of the air circuit breakers.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can sense and monitor the temperature of the bus bar effectively.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provides a smart changeover switch in which monitoring of each and every sequence of healthy, alarm, pickup and trip mode triggered through temperature module can be performed effectively.

SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates generally to thermal fault detection. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a means for monitoring temperature of bus bar of an electrical network.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring temperature of bus bar, the system including: a temperature module coupled with the bus bar of the air circuit breaker through controller area network (CAN) communication, the temperature module comprising: a sensor configured to generate a first set of signals corresponding to temperature of the bus bar: a control unit operatively coupled with the sensor, the control unit configured to: determine, from the first set of signals, the temperature of the bus bar, wherein the control unit can be configured to generate an activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, the switch operable on receipt of the activation signal, wherein the switch, on receipt of the activation signal, operates to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
[0012] In an embodiment, the error unit includes an error indication device selected from a group including hooter, LED device, display and a combination thereof.
[0013] In another embodiment, when the error unit can be electrically coupled to the power supply, the error indication device operates.
[0014] In another embodiment, the sensor can be a thermistor.
[0015] In another embodiment, wherein the temperature module comprises an analogue to digital converter configured to convert analogue signals received from the sensor into digital signals process able by the control unit.
[0016] In another embodiment, the system includes a circuit breaker operable on receipt of the activation signal to open its contacts.
[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring temperature of a bus bar by a temperature module coupled to the bus bar of the air circuit breaker through controller area network (CAN) communication, the method including: receiving, at a control unit from a sensor configured in the temperature module, a first set of signals corresponding with the temperature of the bus bar; determining, at the control unit from the first set of signals, a temperature of the bus bar, wherein an activation signal can be generated at the control unit when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; operating, at the control unit on receipt of the activation signal, a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, the switch operating to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
[0018] 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
[0019] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0020] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram that represents the components for the changeover switching process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the circuit components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates circuit layout of components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a process for monitoring temperature of bus bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of an implementation of the method for monitoring temperature of a bus bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic trip unit of the air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for monitoring the temperature of the bus bars of the air circuit breakers.
[0031] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring temperature of bus bar, the system including: a temperature module coupled with the bus bar of the air circuit breaker through controller area network (CAN) communication, the temperature module comprising: a sensor configured to generate a first set of signals corresponding to temperature of the bus bar: a control unit operatively coupled with the sensor, the control unit configured to: determine, from the first set of signals, the temperature of the bus bar, wherein the control unit can be configured to generate an activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, the switch operable on receipt of the activation signal, wherein the switch, on receipt of the activation signal, operates to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
[0032] In an embodiment, the error unit includes an error indication device selected from a group including hooter, LED device, display and a combination thereof.
[0033] In another embodiment, when the error unit can be electrically coupled to the power supply, the error indication device operates.
[0034] In another embodiment, the sensor can be a thermistor.
[0035] In another embodiment, wherein the temperature module comprises an analogue to digital converter configured to convert analogue signals received from the sensor into digital signals process able by the control unit.
[0036] In another embodiment, the system includes a circuit breaker operable on receipt of the activation signal to open its contacts.
[0037] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring temperature of a bus bar by a temperature module coupled to the bus bar of the air circuit breaker through controller area network (CAN) communication, the method including: receiving, at a control unit from a sensor configured in the temperature module, a first set of signals corresponding with the temperature of the bus bar; determining, at the control unit from the first set of signals, a temperature of the bus bar, wherein an activation signal can be generated at the control unit when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value; operating, at the control unit on receipt of the activation signal, a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit, the switch operating to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit.
[0038] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises power distribution device that can include, for example, a circuit breaker 102 (also referred to as air circuit breaker 102, herein) having an electronic trip unit(ETU)and the like. The system further includes a temperature module 106 with inbuilt relay for monitoring the temperature of a bus bar 104. The temperature module 106 can be coupled to the bus bars 104 of the air circuit breaker 102 through controller area network (CAN) communication 108.
[0040] In an embodiment, air circuit breaker 102 can include a processor, a power supply, memory and one or more peripherals that communicate with the processor over a data path or interface. The peripherals can include, for example, an analogue to digital (A/D) converter, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory (NVM), flash memory, a display, and a wireless communications port. The memory can be configured to retain system information and programming during a power interruption or outage in the power system. The display may be a touch screen and thus incorporates the input unit therein. The data depicting the status of the trip unit, can be displayed by the display in response to display signals received from the processor over the communication interface.
[0041] In an embodiment, relay inbuilt in the temperature module 106 can include one or more contacts e.g., RL1 and RL2. Relays can be configured as switches that can open and close circuits electromechanically or electronically. Relays control one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in the circuit. The normally open (NO) contacts can connect the circuit when the relay can be activated; the circuit can be disconnected when the relay can be inactive. Normally closed (NC) contacts disconnect the circuit when the relay can be activated; the circuit can be connected when the relay can be inactive.In either case, applying electrical current to the contacts can change their state of operation.
[0042] In an embodiment, the temperature module 106 can be coupled to the air circuit breaker 102 through CAN communication 108. The CAN may also be called as multi-master serial bus, bidirectional bus, and the like. The CAN devices on bus are referred to as nodes. Two or more nodes are required on the CAN network to communicate. All nodes are connected to each other via a two-wire bus. Each node in the CAN bus requires the following: transceiver, controller, and microcontroller. The transceiver converts the data from the controller to bus levels and converts the data from bus levels to suitable level that the controller uses. The controller forms an integral part of the microcontroller that handles framing of data, CRC etc. The microcontroller can decide what the received messages mean and what messages it wants to transmit. The transceiver drives or detects the dominant and recessive bits by the voltage difference between the high and low lines.
[0043] In an embodiment, air circuit breaker 102 includes conductor connections. The conductor connections can be coupled, respectively, to bus bars 104 for electrically coupling the trip unit to a power load. The temperature module 106 can be coupled with the bus bar 104. The temperature module can include sensor. The sensor can be a the rmistor. The sensor can be a thermally sensitive resistors whose prime function can be to exhibit a precise change in electrical resistance when subjected to a corresponding change in temperature of the bus bar 104.
[0044] In another embodiment, temperature module 106 can include an analogue to digital converter (ADC), and a control unit. The ADC can be configured to convert analogue signals received from the sensor into digital signals process able by the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the temperature of the bus bar 104 by comparing the incoming signal with the predefined threshold value.
[0045] In an implementation, the sensor can be configured to generate a first set of signals corresponding to temperature of the bus bar 104. The control unit operatively coupled with the sensor of the temperature module 106. The control unit can be configured to determinethe temperature of the busbar104 from the first set of signals. The control unit can be configured to generate an activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar 104 exceeds a predefined threshold value. The switch e.g., RL1 and RL2 can be configured between a power supply and an error unit. The switch can be operable on receipt of the activation signal. The switch can be operated to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit on receipt of the activation signal.
[0046] In an embodiment, the error unit includes an error indication device selected from a group including hooter, LED device, display and a combination thereof. The control unit can be configured to determine the temperature of the bus bar 104 from the first set of signals. The control unit can be configured to generate an activation signal, which can in turn perform smart changeover switching process, when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value. The air circuit breaker 102 can be operable on receipt of the activation signal to open its contacts. Therefore, sensing and monitoring of the bus bar temperature can be performed effectively.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram that represents the components for the changeover switching process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] Referring to FIG.2, the switch (also referred to as relay, herein) configured between a power supply and an error unit. Relay having one or more contacts RL1 and RL2 can be configured for over temperature alarm indication. The smart changeover switching process includes one or more circuit components. The circuit components include error indication device e.g., optocoupler, phototransistor, photodiode, hooter, and any combination thereof. These contacts RL1 and RL2 can acts like on/ off switch and it can be controlled by temperature module 106 via inbuilt relay. The switch can be turned on whenever the temperature module 106 issues the over temperature pre-trip alarm.
[0049] In an embodiment, an optocoupler can be a semiconductor device that uses a short optical path or link to couple a signal from one electrical circuit to another whilst providing electrical isolation. The optocouplers are typically contained in a single package, often about the size of an integrated circuit, although there is a large degree of variation according to the intended application. Optocouplermay use LEDs, photodiodes & phototransistors and can be used to link circuits together but isolating them electrically.
[0050] Optocoupler may contain an optical emitter which is optically coupled to an optical receiver through an optically transmissive medium. This arrangement permits the passage of information from one electrical circuit that contains the optical emitter to another electrical circuit that contains the optical receiver. A high degree of electrical isolation is maintained between the two circuits. Optocouplers can be used on their own, or to switch a range of other larger electronic devices e.g., transistors providing the required electrical isolation between a lower voltage control signal, for example one from an Arduino or controller, and a much higher voltage or mains current output signal.
[0051] In an embodiment, the control unit of the temperature module106 issues the logic signal to the phototransistor which act as a switch and connects RL1 to RL2, if the bus bar temperature exceeds the alarm threshold set under the over temperature condition. For example, if 24V supply is given to the RL1 contact and the hooter is connected to RL2 contact with common ground, the hooter can get 24V supply as soon as over temperature alarm comes.
[0052] In an embodiment, whenever there can be over temperature alarm the controller port pin can become high which turns on the photo diode and hence the phototransistor of an optocoupler. The optocoupler is used as isolated switch between RL1and RL2 as relay contact.RL1 and RL2 contacts trigger alarm, upon receipt of higher temperature, so that these contacts can connected to hooter or error indication device that can provide the pre-trip alarm on over temperature condition.
[0053] In another embodiment, the relay can be configured between the power supply and the error unit. The relay can be operable on receipt of the activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value. The error indication device operates, when the error unit can be electrically coupled to the power supply. The relationships of theRL1 and RL2 can be illustrated in FIG.3 and the circuit layout of the components can be illustrated in FIG.4.
[0054] In an embodiment, RL1 and RL2 control one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in the circuit. The normally open (NO) contacts can connect the circuit when the relay is activated; the circuit is disconnected when the relay can be inactive. Normally closed (NC) contacts disconnect the circuit when the relay is activated; the circuit can be connected when the relay is inactive.In either case, applying electrical current to the contacts can change their state of operation.
[0055] In an embodiment, the control unit of the temperature module 106 operatively coupled with the sensor. The control unit can be configured to determine the temperature of the bus bar and generate an activation signal when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value. The relay can be operated from NO to NC, when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a process for monitoring temperature of bus bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the method 500 for monitoring temperature of a bus bar by a temperature module 106 coupled to the bus bar. The method includes receiving 502 a first set of signals corresponding with the temperature of the bus bar from a sensor configured in the temperature module 106. The temperature of the bus bar can be determined 504 at the control unit from the first set of signals. An activation signal can be generated at the control unit when the determined temperature of the bus bar exceeds a predefined threshold value.
[0058] In an embodiment, the method further includes operating506 a switch configured between a power supply and an error unit. The switch can be operated to electrically couple the power supply to the error unit on receipt of the activation signal. The error unit includes an error indication device selected from a group including hooter, LED device, display and a combination thereof.
[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of an implementation of the method for monitoring temperature of a bus bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the method 600, all modules and peripheral can be initialized with inbuilt relay, CAN communication 108 and ADC for temperature reading purpose. A scheduler can start executing the tasks on the basis of their priority. Handshaking query can be received from the master module (also referred to as ETU, herein) and an acknowledgement message can be sent to the master module.
[0060] Further, ADC can be initialized for temperature analogue signals reading purpose. The temperature values of the signals can be processed and can be transmitted to the master module for metering and protection purpose via CAN communication 108. The temperature module read the alarm threshold level from the ETU and continuously compare with incoming temperature values. If the incoming temperature value is greater than threshold level, the temperature module can operate the relay to drive the alarm or breaker configured as load.
[0061] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g. for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.
[0062] 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. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. 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 refer 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 spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0063] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, 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 spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0064] The present invention provides a system that can sense and monitor the temperature of the bus bar effectively.
[0065] The present invention provides a system to provide a smart changeover switch, which is a potential free contact that turns on every change of event from healthy to alarm or pick up to the alarm.
[0066] The present invention provides a system in which monitoring of each and every sequence of healthy, alarm, pickup and trip mode triggered through temperature module can be performed effectively.