Claims:1. A testing system for a circuit breaker, said system comprising:
an electronic trip unit (ETU) (101) of the circuit breaker configured with a first ethernet unit (103), said first ethernet unit (103) configured to operatively couple with an ethernet router (107); and
a simulation test kit (102) configured with a second ethernet unit (104), said second ethernet unit (104) configured to operatively couple with the ethernet router (107) to form a communication channel between the simulation test kit (102) and the ETU (101),
wherein the simulation test kit (102) is configured to transmit a set of first signals to the ETU (101) through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU (101), and
wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU (101) generates and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit (102) through the communications channel.
2. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of first signals corresponds to electrical power input to the ETU, said electrical power corresponding to electrical faults adapted to trip the ETU.
3. The testing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrical faults are any or a combination of over current, overvoltage, short circuit, earth fault and instantaneous fault.
4. The testing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of second signals correspond to trip events of the ETU.
5. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of second signals received by the simulation test kit is stored in a memory device operatively coupled with the simulation test kit.
6. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical parameters are any or a combination of current, voltage and frequency.
7. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical power corresponds to a multi-phase electrical power.
8. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a power storage device to provide power to the simulation test kit.
9. The testing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the simulation test kit comprises slave units corresponding to functional units of the ETU.
10. A testing method for a circuit breaker, said method comprising the steps of:
establishing (301), by an ethernet router, a communications channel between a first ethernet unit of an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker and a second ethernet unit of a simulation test kit,
wherein the simulation test kit is configured to transmit (302) a set of first signals to the ETU through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU, and
wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU generates (303) and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit through the communications channel.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a field for testing air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for simulating the electrical operation of the air circuit breakers using Ethernet communication.

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. The ETU is the part of a circuit breaker that senses the fault current and gives command to opens the circuit in the event of overload, short circuit, or ground fault as well voltage-based protection. The ETU is the brain of the circuit breaker, which continuously monitors current, & voltage of the bus bar and act instantaneously when detect any fault in the system. When circuit breakers are connected within electrical power systems for protecting the main and branch circuits, it is necessary to periodically determine whether the circuit breakers are operating properly.
[0004] Currently, simulation kit is used to test ACB release through serial communication. The simulation test kits are used to check performance of a device under different conditions to increase reliability and performance of the device. While testing the device number of records can be saved in a memory for later use. The simulation test kits are coupled to the device such as circuit breakers using connection serial communication cables such as RS232 and RS485, which needs to be done manually. Simulation kit is an electronic device specially manufactured to test ACB release and trip records are saved into simulation kit. The simulation kit involves use of a physical medium i.e. serial cable, which required to be connected to ACB release manually through connector. The simulation kit generates analogue signals which gives input to ACB release to power ON. The speed of data transmits and receive is slower in serial communication, while running test script.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a means to provide an easier way to carry out release testing within a shorter duration of time with low cost.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A general object of the present invention relates generally to field for testing air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for simulating the electrical operation of the air circuit breakers using Ethernet communication.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can increase the communication speed by providing IP based Ethernet communication network.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provides a system to increase the security level of the communication.

SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to field for testing air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for simulating the electrical operation of the air circuit breakers using Ethernet communication.
[0010] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a testing system for a circuit breaker, the system including: an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker configured with a first ethernet unit, the first ethernet unit configured to operatively couple with an ethernet router; and a simulation test kit configured with a second ethernet unit, said second ethernet unit configured to operatively couple with the ethernet router to form a communication channel between the simulation test kit and the ETU, wherein the simulation test kit is configured to transmit a set of first signals to the ETU through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU, and wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU generates and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit through the communications channel.
[0011] In an embodiment, the set of first signals corresponds to electrical power input to the ETU, the electrical power corresponding to electrical faults adapted to trip the ETU.
[0012] In another embodiment, the electrical faults are any or a combination of over current, overvoltage, short circuit, earth fault and instantaneous fault.
[0013] In another embodiment, the set of second signals correspond to trip events of the ETU.
[0014] In another embodiment, the set of second signals received by the simulation test kit is stored in a memory device operatively coupled with the simulation test kit.
[0015] In another embodiment, the electrical parameters are any or a combination of current, voltage and frequency.
[0016] In another embodiment, the electrical power corresponds to a multi-phase electrical power.
[0017] In another embodiment, the system includes a power storage device to provide power to the simulation test kit.
[0018] In another embodiment, the simulation test kit comprises slave units corresponding to functional units of the ETU.
[0019] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a testing method for a circuit breaker, the method including the steps of: establishing, by an ethernet router, a communications channel between a first ethernet unit of an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker and a second ethernet unit of a simulation test kit, where in the simulation test kit is configured to transmit a set of first signals to the ETU through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU, and wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU generates and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit through the communications channel.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a testing setup for a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary module diagram of simulation test kit for testing a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a method for a testing a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of an implementation of the proposed method for testing a circuit breaker, 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 field for testing air circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a means for simulating the electrical operation of the air circuit breakers using Ethernet communication.
[0031] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a testing system for a circuit breaker, the system comprising: an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker configured with a first ethernet unit, the first ethernet unit configured to operatively couple with an ethernet router; and a simulation test kit configured with a second ethernet unit, said second ethernet unit configured to operatively couple with the ethernet router to form a communication channel between the simulation test kit and the ETU, wherein the simulation test kit is configured to transmit a set of first signals to the ETU through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU, and wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU generates and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit through the communications channel.
[0032] In an embodiment, the set of first signals corresponds to electrical power input to the ETU, the electrical power corresponding to electrical faults adapted to trip the ETU.
[0033] In another embodiment, the electrical faults are any or a combination of over current, overvoltage, short circuit, earth fault and instantaneous fault.
[0034] In another embodiment, the set of second signals correspond to trip events of the ETU.
[0035] In another embodiment, the set of second signals received by the simulation test kit is stored in a memory device operatively coupled with the simulation test kit.
[0036] In another embodiment, the electrical parameters are any or a combination of current, voltage and frequency.
[0037] In another embodiment, the electrical power corresponds to a multi-phase electrical power.
[0038] In another embodiment, the system comprises a power storage device to provide power to the simulation test kit.
[0039] In another embodiment, the simulation test kit comprises slave units corresponding to functional units of the ETU.
[0040] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a testing method for a circuit breaker, the method comprising the steps of: establishing, by an ethernet router, a communications channel between a first ethernet unit of an electronic trip unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker and a second ethernet unit of a simulation test kit, wherein the simulation test kit is configured to transmit a set of first signals to the ETU through the communications channel, the set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU, and wherein, in response to the set of first signals, the ETU generates and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit through the communications channel.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a testing setup for a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the system comprises power distribution device that can include, for example, a circuit breaker (also referred to as air circuit breaker, herein) having an electronic trip unit(ETU), a programmable relay, a meter, and the like. The air circuit breaker 100 can include a simulation test kit 102 that can be configured with a memory 105 (also referred as microSD card, herein). The system can include a first ethernet unit 103 (also referred as ethernet module 103, herein) that can be operatively coupled with the electronic trip unit 101 of the air circuit breaker. The system can include a second ethernet unit 104 (also referred as Ethernet module 104, herein) that can be operatively coupled with the simulation test kit 102, and can be configured to create a connection between the simulation test kit 102 and the air circuit breaker 100. The first ethernet unit 103 and the second ethernet unit 104 can be connected to an Ethernet router 107. Each electronic trip unit can have its unique internet protocol (IP) address.
[0043] In an embodiment, Ethernet/IP can be the most mature and reliable Ethernet network available for industrial automation applications. The high speed of network protocol allows it to be used in applications where other networks fall short. Ethernet/IP utilizes both standard Ethernet and transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) technologies and an open application layer protocol called the control and information protocol (CIP). The combination of all these technologies allows an enterprise to integrate industrial automation control devices with local area networks (LAN) or wide area networks (WAN) for consolidated data management. The network may also follow one or more network standards, such as one or more network protocols for the devices to communicate with each other.
[0044] In an embodiment, the air circuit breaker 100 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.
[0045] In an embodiment, the simulation test kit102 can be provided to test the functioning of the air circuit breakers100.The simulation test kit 100 includes a display and a keypad on the face plate. The simulator 102 can be manipulated externally by controls located on its face plate. These controls allow the operator to simulate different aspects of the actual air circuit breakers. All primary circuit breaker functions are thereby redirected to the simulator once the connection is established between the air circuit breakers and the simulation test kit 102.The simulator can thoroughly test the functions of the air circuit breaker100 without operating the circuit breakers.
[0046] In an embodiment, three-phase transmission lines enter the substation and are connected to a power grid through switching circuitry, and through a bank of air circuit breakers.The air circuit breaker can be configured to receive a multi-phase electrical supply 108 (also referred as R, Y, B, herein), from one or more electrical power source. An inductive coilcan be configured to monitor each transmission line and can provide a measure of the amount of current flowing through a respective transmission line.
[0047] In an embodiment, the simulation test kit 102 can be configured to transmit a set of first signals (also referred as test script, herein), through the communication channel, to electronic trip unit 101 that can be associated with the air circuit breaker. The set of first signals can correspond to an electrical power having predefined parameters to trip the air circuit breaker 100. In response to tripping of the air circuit breaker 100 upon receiving the set of first signals, the electronic trip unit 101 can transmit a set of second signals (also referred as trip feedback signals, herein), to the simulation test kit 102. The set of second signals can correspond to one or more trip records of the electronic trip unit 101 in response to the set of first signals.
[0048] In another embodiment, the set of first signals can correspond to electrical power comprising any or combination of overload (OL), short circuit (SC), earth fault (EF), and instantaneous (INST). The one or more trip records can be stored in the memory 105(also referred as microSD card 104, herein), of the simulation test kit 102. The air circuit breaker 100 can be configured to receive a multi-phase electrical supply (also referred as R, Y, B, herein), from one or more electrical power source. The simulation test kit 102 can be connected to electronic trip unit101 with Bluetooth module for setting parameter value of R, Y, B current, voltage, frequency etc. to test the electronic trip unit.The predefined parameter can include any or combination of current, voltage, and frequency. The system can include a chargeable battery 106 (also referred as battery or external power supply 106, herein), to provide electrical power to the simulation test kit.
[0049] In an embodiment, the simulation test kit 102 can be connected to a release of the air circuit breaker 100 with the help of a safe connection that can be established by using the first ethernet unit 103 and second ethernet unit 104. The air circuit breaker can include a breaker 100 that can be operatively coupled with the electronic trip unit 101. The safe connection can be made by utilizing password protected connection. Once the connection is established, the simulation test kit 102 can set predefined parameter values of the three-phase electrical supply using the set of first signals. The predefined parameter can include but not limited to current, voltage, and frequency.
[0050] In an embodiment, the set of first signals can have predefined values such that they can cause different fault conditions in the air circuit breaker and under which the air circuit can trips. This can be used to check the performance of the air circuit breaker in the faulty conditions and can be used to increase the reliability of the air circuit breaker. Further, when the electronic trip unit trips in response to the set of first signals, the electronic trip unit can generate a set of second signals that can correspond to trip records of the electronic trip unit in response to the set of first signals. The set of second signals can represents its performance under the corresponding set of first signals. Further, the trip records can be stored in the memory 105 associated with the simulation test kit. The simulation test kit can include slave units that are corresponding with functional units of the electronic trip unit. The stored trip records can be used for making improvements to the air circuit breaker to improve its performance and reliability.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary module diagram of simulation test kit for testing he air circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary module diagram 200 of the simulation test kit 102 can comprise one or more processor(s) 202. The one or more processor(s) 202 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 204 of the system simulation test kit 102. The memory 204 can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 204 can include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0053] The simulation test kit 102 can also include an interface(s) 206. The interface(s) 206 can comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, battery charging and the like. The interface(s) 206 can facilitate communication of simulation test kit 102. The interface(s) 206 can also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the simulation test kit 102. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 208 and database210.
[0054] The processing engine(s) 208 can be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 208 can be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 308 can comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium can store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 208. In such examples, the simulation test kit 102 can comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to simulation test kit 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 208 can be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0055] The database 210 can comprise data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 208 or the simulation test kit 102. With reference to FIG. 1, the present disclosure relates to simulation test kit 102 for testing the air circuit breaker. The simulation test kit 102 can include a second ethernet unit 104 that can be configured to establish a communication with the air circuit breaker.
[0056] In an embodiment, in order perform the above-mentioned verification, the processing engine 208 can include a test script engine 212, which can be configured to select a set of first signals (also referred as test script, herein) to the electronic trip unit 202. The set of first signals can have a predefined parameter value. The set of first signals can correspond to an electrical power having predefined parameters to trip the air circuit breaker. The set of first signals can correspond to electrical power comprising any or combination of overload (OL), short circuit (SC), earth fault (EF), and instantaneous (INST). The set of first signals can be communicated to the electronic trip unit using a communication engine 214.
[0057] In an embodiment, the set of first signals can be run on the electronic trip unit 101 and the electronic trip unit can generate a set of second signals. The set of second signals can be generated in response to the set of first signals and can be sent to the processing engine 208. The set of second signals can correspond to one or more trip records of the electronic trip unit in response to the set of first signals. The one or more trip records can be saved in the memory using a trip record engine 216.
[0058] In another embodiment, the processing engine 208 can include other engine(s) 218, as is required to implement the processing engine 208.
[0059] FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a method for a testing a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] Referring to FIG.3, the method 300 includes establishing 301, by an ethernet router, a communications channel between a first ethernet unit 103 of an electronic trip unit 101 of the circuit breaker and a second ethernet unit 104 of a simulation test kit 102. The simulation test kit 102 is configured to transmit 302 a set of first signals to the ETU 101 through the communications channel. The set of first signals corresponding to electrical parameters of an electrical power to be received by the ETU 101, and in response to the set of first signals, the ETU 101 generates 303 and transmits a set of second signals to the simulation kit 102 through the communications channel.
[0061] In an embodiment, the method further includes the set of first signals corresponds to electrical power input to the ETU 101, the electrical power corresponding to electrical faults adapted to trip the ETU. The electrical faults are any or a combination of over current, overvoltage, short circuit, earth fault and instantaneous fault. The set of second signals correspond to trip events of the ETU. The set of second signals received by the simulation test kit 102 is stored in a memory device 105 operatively coupled with the simulation test kit 102.The electrical parameters are any or a combination of current, voltage and frequency. The simulation test kit comprises slave units corresponding to functional units of the ETU.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of an implementation of the proposed method for testing a circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the method 400, after the simulation test kit 102 is powered on, all module and other peripherals can be initialized. One or more peripherals with the ethernet module can be initialized. Serial peripheral interface (SPI) protocol can be initialized to communicate with the slave units of the simulator that are corresponding with functional units of the electronic trip unit, for current voltage signal generation with the memory. The ethernet protocol can be initialized for communication with the electronic trip unit. The system and other settings can be configured with respect to the electronic trip unit settings based on default user network IP.
[0063] Further, a scheduler can start executing the tasks on the basis of their priority. The simulation test kit 102 can start with a default setting read from the memory. The default setting can be changed by user. The set of first signals can be changed when required. The connection between the simulation kit and the electronic trip unit can be made using a security password. When the connection is established, the selected set of first signals can be run on the electronic trip unit 202 as per the setting for trip the breaker. The electronic trip unit 202 can transmit a set of signals (also referred as trip feedback signals, herein) to the simulation test kit 102. The trip record can be saved in the microSD card 104 (also referred as memory 104, herein).
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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
[0067] The present invention provides a system that can increase the communication speed by providing IP based Ethernet communication network.
[0068] The present invention provides a system to increase the security level of the communication and the cost can be reduced.
[0069] The present invention provides a system in which power consumption can be reduced.