Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

United States of America

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IPC Class
G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks 101
H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements 85
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network 60
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection 59
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1.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK TRAFFIC MONITORING

      
Application Number 18183474
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-03-14
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hernandez Cortinas, Edson L.
  • Stephens, Preston
  • Nalla, Bharat
  • Silveira, Mauricio G.
  • Deruwe, Gabriel
  • Holmbo, Dennis
  • Dolezilek, David J.

Abstract

Systems and methods may be used to assess network communications by generating one or more current communication parameters based on communications at an intelligent electronic device (IED) within an electric power delivery system. Network communications may be assessed by determining, at the IED, whether the communications fall within one or more thresholds for the current communication parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 43/0817 - Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability by checking functioning
  • H04L 43/16 - Threshold monitoring

2.

OFFLINE TEST MODE SDN VALIDATION

      
Application Number 18522744
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-29
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dolezilek, David J.
  • Kalra, Amandeep Singh

Abstract

Various examples of systems and methods are described herein in which multiple intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are connected in a network. A software-defined network (SDN) controller may include a rule subsystem, a test mode subsystem, a packet inspection subsystem, and a validation subsystem. The rule subsystem may define a plurality of flow rules. A test mode subsystem may operate the SDN in a testing mode. A packet insertion subsystem may insert test packets within the SDN while the SDN is in the testing mode. The validation subsystem may validate or fail each flow rule depending on how the various test packets are handled.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 41/122 - Discovery or management of network topologies of virtualised topologies e.g. software-defined networks [SDN] or network function virtualisation [NFV]
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 43/50 - Testing arrangements

3.

LINE REACTOR PROTECTION SECURITY USING LOCAL FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT

      
Application Number 18459691
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-01
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chowdhury, Ritwik
  • Taylor, Douglas I.
  • Fischer, Normann

Abstract

The present application discloses systems and methods related to protection of a reactor in an alternating current (AC) electric power system. In one embodiment, a system may include a protective action subsystem to implement a protective action based on identification of a fault condition associated with a reactor. A frequency determination subsystem may determine when a frequency of the AC voltage is outside of a range defined by a lower threshold and an upper threshold and may identify a change in the frequency associated with de-energization of a line in electrical communication with the reactor. A supervisory subsystem may restrain implementation of the protective action when the frequency is outside of the range or when the change in the frequency is associated with de-energization of the line in electrical communication with the reactor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/24 - Arrangements for preventing or reducing oscillations of power in networks
  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 3/01 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics or ripples

4.

Relay replacement assembly

      
Application Number 29789985
Grant Number D1017562
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-28
First Publication Date 2024-03-12
Grant Date 2024-03-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Howe, J P
  • Boos, Nate
  • Connolly, Iii, Raymond M.

5.

CALCULATING ELECTRIC POWER NOISE DISTRIBUTIONS

      
Application Number 17929101
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-01
First Publication Date 2024-03-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tews, Cody W.
  • Seeley, Nicholas C.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for calculating noise distributions in an electric power system. In one embodiment, a system to calculate a noise distribution in an electric power system may comprise a measurement subsystem to obtain a plurality of raw measurements of a parameter in the electric power system. A noise distribution determination subsystem may be configured to generate a plurality of scaled raw measurements from the plurality of raw measurements, generate a power spectrum density from the plurality of scaled raw measurements, generate a cumulative distribution from the power spectrum density, and determine a noise distribution from the power spectrum density. A protective action subsystem may monitor the parameter in the electric power system to identify a signal of interest by utilizing, at least in part, the noise distribution and generating a control action in response to the signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

6.

CONFIGURABLE MULTI-SENSOR INPUT

      
Application Number 17930251
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-07
First Publication Date 2024-03-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Mallett, Travis C.
  • Kazi, Syed Ali
  • Aherao, Harshad S.
  • Das, Dhruba P.
  • Chitnis, Sandesh

Abstract

A configurable multi-sensor analog input may be utilized to connect a power system sensor to an intelligent electronic device. The configurable multi-sensor analog input may include an input port comprising a plurality of input pins and configured to receive electrical signals from one of a plurality of types of power system sensors. The configurable multi-sensor analog input may additionally include a plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels coupled to a subset of the input pins, wherein the subset of input pins in electrical communication with of the plurality of types of power system sensors power system sensor is configured to selectively activate one of the plurality of input channels. A multiplexer may be in electrical communication with the plurality of input channels and configured to select an output based on the subset of input pins in electrical communication with one of the plurality of types of power system sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 23/02 - Electric testing or monitoring
  • G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
  • G06F 1/26 - Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
  • G06F 13/42 - Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation
  • H03M 1/12 - Analogue/digital converters

7.

SPLIT-PHASE PROTECTION OF GENERATORS

      
Application Number 17823344
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-08-30
First Publication Date 2024-02-29
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chowdhury, Ritwik
  • Alla, Matchyaraju
  • Fischer, Normann
  • Finney, Dale S.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to devices, systems, and methods for monitoring a generator. In one embodiment, the system may include a measurement subsystem to receive a plurality of split-phase measurements of branch currents associated with the at least one generator. A split-phase transverse differential monitoring subsystem may receive the plurality of split-phase measurements of branch currents associated with the at least one generator and may generate an offset value representing a standing split-phase current. A protective action subsystem may generate a first protective action based on the phasor operating current.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 9/00 - Arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output

8.

TABLE ASSEMBLY FOR PRESS BRAKE SYSTEM

      
Application Number 17821250
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-08-22
First Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stuart, Josh
  • Emmel, Chris
  • Barner, Steve
  • Garrett, Kyle
  • Snyder, Aaron
  • Schacher, Jason

Abstract

A table assembly is used to support a workpiece to facilitate bending of the workpiece. The table assembly is attached to a press brake system and include a base and a clamp. The clamp is movable relative to the base to enable placement of the workpiece onto the base, and the clamp secures the workpiece to the base to block relative movement between the workpiece and the press brake system without additional user operations. The workpiece is secured via the table assembly without a manual force (e.g., to hold the workpiece in place) while the press brake system operates to bend the workpiece. The table assembly reduces, limits, or eliminates certain user operations during metalworking. The table assembly improves user experience (e.g., reduce an amount of manual labor) and/or efficiency associated with press brake operations.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B21D 5/04 - Bending sheet metal along straight lines, e.g. to form simple curves on brakes making use of clamping means on one side of the work

9.

UNBALANCE PROTECTION FOR SHUNT CAPACITOR BANKS

      
Application Number 18355560
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-07-20
First Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kasztenny, Bogdan Z.
  • Samineni, Satish

Abstract

Protection of shunt capacitor banks in electric power delivery systems using protection settings determined by the protection device or an independent system using capacitor bank arrangement data is described herein. Capacitor bank arrangement data may be entered into an intelligent electronic device (IED). The IED may determine protection settings for the capacitor bank arrangement and for fail-open and fail-short scenarios using the arrangement data. The protection settings may be loaded into a protection element, which applies protection using signals from the power system. Upon detection of an unbalance condition, the IED may effect a protective action by opening a circuit breaker to disconnect the capacitor bank from the power system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/16 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for capacitors
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

10.

BREAKER CONTROL UNITS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

      
Application Number 17812041
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-07-12
First Publication Date 2024-01-18
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chowdhury, Ritwik
  • Finney, Dale S.
  • Fischer, Normann

Abstract

Breaker control units (BCUs) may include an output to selectively cause a circuit breaker (CB) to open and close a circuit, a voltage input to monitor a voltage of at least one of a bus and a line, a processor to calculate a point-on-wave switching time, and a remote input configured to be coupled to a remote intelligent electronic device (IED) to receive commands to selectively open and close the CB at a specified optimal time. Electric power systems may include such BCUs. Methods of switching CBs may include monitoring at least one of a bus and a line with a BCU and controlling switching of the CB at a predetermined point-on-wave value with onboard electronics of the BCU. The methods may additionally include calculating a trapped charge and/or a residual flux with an IED and causing the BCU to switch the CB at a specific optimum point-on-wave value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H02B 1/30 - Cabinet-type casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

11.

TRIP CIRCUIT CURRENT DISPLAY

      
Application Number 17811975
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-07-12
First Publication Date 2024-01-18
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Schweitzer, Iii, Edmund O.
  • Wade, Austin Edward
  • Nafsinger, Brandon Michael
  • Foutch, Bryan Jennings

Abstract

Circuit breakers may perform a variety of operations, including isolating a faulty part of the power system that may result in a cascading outage. However, circuit breaker operations may cause wear and tear of the tripping assembly components, which eventually cause the circuit breaker to wear out. Additionally, long periods of non-operations may cause the mechanical parts inside a circuit breaker to move sluggishly or, in some instances, fail to move at all. In an embodiment, a system includes a circuit breaker that trips to control power flow and an intelligent electronic device (IED) including an electronic display. The IED receives measurement data associated with a trip event for the circuit breaker, generates a current profile based on the measurement data, and presents the current profile via the electronic display.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/327 - Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
  • H01H 73/36 - Protective overload circuit-breaking switches in which excess current opens the contacts by automatic release of mechanical energy stored by previous operation of a hand reset mechanism having electromagnetic release and no other automatic release
  • H01H 71/04 - Means for indicating condition of the switching device

12.

MOUNT FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE

      
Application Number 17811734
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-07-11
First Publication Date 2024-01-11
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Marines, Tyler L.
  • Watts, Steven T.

Abstract

A mount for an electronic device includes a first mount portion having a first base and a first extension extending crosswise to a first base surface of the first base. The mount also includes a second mount portion having a second base, a channel support extending from the second base, a lateral wall extending from the channel support, and a second extension extending crosswise to a second base surface of the second base. The second base, the channel support, and the lateral wall define a channel configured to receive the first base of the first mount portion, and the first base surface, the second base surface, the first extension, and the second extension cooperatively define a space configured to receive the electronic device.

IPC Classes  ?

13.

Offline test mode SDN validation

      
Application Number 17808192
Grant Number 11882002
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-22
First Publication Date 2023-12-28
Grant Date 2024-01-23
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dolezilek, David J.
  • Singh Kalra, Amandeep

Abstract

Various examples of systems and methods are described herein in which multiple intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are connected in a network. A software-defined network (SDN) controller may include a rule subsystem, a test mode subsystem, a packet inspection subsystem, and a validation subsystem. The rule subsystem may define a plurality of flow rules. A test mode subsystem may operate the SDN in a testing mode. A packet insertion subsystem may insert test packets within the SDN while the SDN is in the testing mode. The validation subsystem may validate or fail each flow rule depending on how the various test packets are handled.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/803 - Load balancing, e.g. traffic distribution over multiple links
  • H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
  • H04L 12/721 - Routing procedures, e.g. shortest path routing, source routing, link state routing or distance vector routing
  • H04L 41/122 - Discovery or management of network topologies of virtualised topologies e.g. software-defined networks [SDN] or network function virtualisation [NFV]
  • H04L 43/50 - Testing arrangements
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

14.

PROGRAMMABLE NETWORK DETECTION OF NETWORK LOOPS

      
Application Number 18161165
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-01-30
First Publication Date 2023-10-26
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Mullis, Tristan Lloyd

Abstract

A device may include a loop detection subsystem to place a network flow on a first switch to forward any received open flow discovery protocol (OFDP) packets to the software-defined network (SDN) controller. The device may cause the first switch to egress a query OFDP packet out of a first port of the first switch. The device may detect that the first port on the first switch is attached to a network loop based on the same query OFDP packet being ingressed by the first port of the first switch. The device may implement a remedial action in response to the detected network loop.

IPC Classes  ?

15.

IDENTIFYING CONDUCTOR BREAKS BY DETECTING SERIES ARCING

      
Application Number 18301713
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-17
First Publication Date 2023-10-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dase, Kanchanrao Gangadhar
  • Colwell, James Burton
  • Alla, Matchyaraju
  • Pai, Shreenivas

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems for determining a broken conductor condition in a multiple-phase electric power delivery system. It has been observed that broken conductors pose a safety concern when occurring in the presence of people or vulnerable environmental conditions. Broken conductor conditions disclosed herein may be used to detect and trip the phase with the broken conductor, thus reducing or even eliminating the safety risk. Broken conductors may be determined using detected phase series arcing differences in one phase without commensurate differences in other phases. In various embodiments the phase series arcing attributes may be phase current monitored for decrement and/or phase resistance monitored for increase.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values

16.

TOKEN-BASED ACCESS CONTROL WITH AUTHENTICATION DATA

      
Application Number 17659029
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-04-13
First Publication Date 2023-10-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Masters, George W.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to token-based authentication that uses authentication data including a personal identification number (PIN). For example, an issuer may obtain privilege information including the PIN. The issuer may combine the privilege information with authentication information. The issuer may determine an issuer hash value based on the combined privilege information and authentication information. The issuer may determine an encrypted hash value based on the issuer hash value and a private key of the issuer. The issuer may combine the privilege information with the encrypted hash value as a token. The issuer may then issue the token. The receiver can restrict allowed operations appropriately based on success decrypting the encrypted hash.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems

17.

DIRECT CURRENT MONITORING USING A CENTRALIZED PROTECTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM

      
Application Number 17718496
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-04-12
First Publication Date 2023-10-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jessup, Erin C.
  • Wade, Austin Edward

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to devices, systems, and methods for monitoring a direct current (DC) system. In one specific embodiment, a system may include a centralized protection and control (CPC) system. The CPC system may include a DC interface configured to be in electrical communication with a first DC system and a communication subsystem configured to receive a first measurement, from a remote device, of at least one electrical parameter of the first DC system. The CPC system may also include a DC monitor subsystem to generate a second measurement of at least one electrical parameter of the first DC system based on the electrical communication between the DC interface and the first DC system and generate a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement. An action subsystem may generate an action based on the comparison between the first measurement and the second measurement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05F 1/46 - Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values

18.

INCORPORATION OF PARALLEL REDUNDANCY PROTOCOL IN A SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORK

      
Application Number 18332622
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-09
First Publication Date 2023-10-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Smith, Rhett
  • Robinson, Kylan T.

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to identifying and configuring an in-band controller operating on a host in a software defined network (SDN), the host configured to use a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP). In one embodiment, a system may include a network in communication with the host, the network comprising a plurality of switches interconnected with a plurality of physical links. The in-band controller is in communication with the network and includes a PRP identification subsystem to generate a packet configured such that the network forwards the packet back to the in-band controller, to analyze the packet and determine that the packet conforms to PRP, and to identify a first communication host in communication with the network and configured to operate using PRP. A traffic routing subsystem of the in-band controller may create a plurality of PRP communication flows between the in-band controller and the first communication host.

IPC Classes  ?

19.

CAPACITOR DISCHARGE TOOL

      
Application Number 17711216
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-04-01
First Publication Date 2023-10-05
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Rogerson, Kevin R.
  • Zarate, Anthony L.
  • Hubert, Johnathan A.

Abstract

An active capacitor discharge tool may include circuitry for efficiently discharging a capacitor. The active capacitor discharge tool may include batteries (or regulated voltage sources) for actively discharging a capacitor using multiple discharge paths. The active capacitor discharge tool may alternatively short the capacitor to a ground connection using the multiple discharge paths based on a timing associated with a clock frequency of a clock signal. Discharging a capacitor by alternatively grounding the capacitor using different discharge paths may distribute a generated discharging heat and may discharge the capacitor faster. Moreover, when a capacitor includes stored electrical charges corresponding to a capacitor voltage lower than a sufficiently discharged voltage to enable an operator to handle the capacitor, the active capacitor discharge tool may short an anode and a cathode of the capacitor to discharge the capacitor to the ground connection voltage level.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
  • H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering

20.

Energy packet control of generator prime mover and control processing

      
Application Number 17676526
Grant Number 11777426
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-21
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Grant Date 2023-10-03
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Schweitzer, Iii, Edmund O.
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.
  • Manson, Scott M.
  • Blood, Ellery A.

Abstract

A controller may use energy packets to control a prime mover of a machine. The controller may include an energy packet measurement control to calculate energy packets, perform post-processing actions on the energy packets to generate processed energy packets, and convert the processed energy packets into a fuel valve reference. Post-processing may include a calibration correction to remove measurement artifacts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 9/04 - Control effected upon non-electric prime mover and dependent upon electric output value of the generator
  • F02C 9/26 - Control of fuel supply
  • H02P 9/10 - Control effected upon generator excitation circuit to reduce harmful effects of overloads or transients, e.g. sudden application of load, sudden removal of load, sudden change of load
  • H02P 9/42 - Arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output to obtain desired frequency without varying speed of the generator
  • H02P 101/00 - Special adaptation of control arrangements for generators

21.

Multicast fast failover handling

      
Application Number 17679339
Grant Number 11838174
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-24
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Grant Date 2023-12-05
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Herrmann, Steven D.
  • Meine, Robert

Abstract

Devices, systems, methods, and techniques for multicast failover handling in a computer communication network are disclosed. The methods herein described are particularly suited to software-defined networks (SDNs), and comply with requirements for assuring delivery of network traffic to each destination from a source engaged in multicast network traffic dissemination, assured delivery of each data packet as introduced into the network by the source device and avoidance of duplicate delivery of data. The methods herein are agile and respond rapidly to changes in a network while traffic is on the network.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference
  • H04L 41/0654 - Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications using network fault recovery
  • H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks

22.

Multicast fast failover turnaround overlap handling

      
Application Number 17679348
Grant Number 11848860
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-24
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Grant Date 2023-12-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Herrmann, Steven D.
  • Meine, Robert

Abstract

Devices, systems, methods, and techniques for multicast failover handling in a computer communication network are disclosed. The methods herein described are particularly suited to software-defined networks (SDNs), and comply with requirements for assuring delivery of network traffic to each destination from a source engaged in multicast network traffic dissemination, assured delivery of each data packet as introduced into the network by the source device and avoidance of duplicate delivery of data. The methods herein are agile and respond rapidly to changes in a network while traffic is on the network.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 45/28 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks using route fault recovery
  • H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
  • H04L 45/24 - Multipath
  • H04L 45/12 - Shortest path evaluation
  • H04L 45/42 - Centralised routing

23.

SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORK STATISTICS EXTENSION

      
Application Number 18301750
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-17
First Publication Date 2023-08-17
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Powers, Josh

Abstract

A software-defined network (SDN) rule modification counter system provides counters that track all changes and edits to rules at SDN controllers and SDN switches on an SDN. The system compares counters at the SDN controller and SDN switch to determine if they match. If the counters do not match, a change has been made to the rules. With the addition of rule edit statistics the SDN controller will now have visibility that a rule modification was performed. The SDN controller then verifies that the state of the device is the same as its expected state as a secondary integrity check. Based on the rule modification notification, changes to a central rules table at the SDN controller and changes to rule settings at the SDN switch are made according to pre-programmed logic.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 45/64 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks using an overlay routing layer
  • H04L 45/7453 - Address table lookup; Address filtering using hashing
  • H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks

24.

REDUNDANT GENERIC OBJECT ORIENTED SUBSTATION EVENT (GOOSE) MESSAGES

      
Application Number 17592732
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-02-04
First Publication Date 2023-08-10
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dolezilek, David J.
  • Abboud, Ricardo L.
  • Kalra, Amandeep Singh

Abstract

Systems and methods to send or receive redundant Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) messages are described. An intelligent electronic device may obtain power system data from a power system. The TED may publish the power system data in a first GOOSE message and publish the same power system data in a second GOOSE message. The second GOOSE message may have different header information than the first GOOSE message to allow the subscriber to determine that the redundant GOOSE messages are both received. If the first and second GOOSE message are duplicates with identical header information but unique trailer information methods allow the subscriber to determine that the duplicate GOOSE messages are both received.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H04L 69/22 - Parsing or analysis of headers
  • H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

25.

Redundant generic object oriented substation event (GOOSE) messages

      
Application Number 17592736
Grant Number 11831529
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-04
First Publication Date 2023-08-10
Grant Date 2023-11-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dolezilek, David J.
  • Abboud, Ricardo L.
  • Kalra, Amandeep Singh

Abstract

Systems and methods to send or receive redundant Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) messages are described. An intelligent electronic device may obtain power system data from a power system. The IED may publish the power system data in a first GOOSE message and publish the same power system data in a second GOOSE message. The second GOOSE message may have different header information than the first GOOSE message to allow the subscriber to determine that the redundant GOOSE messages are both received. If the first and second GOOSE message are duplicates with identical header information but unique trailer information methods allow the subscriber to determine that the duplicate GOOSE messages are both received.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 43/0823 - Errors, e.g. transmission errors
  • H04L 43/50 - Testing arrangements
  • H04L 43/08 - Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters

26.

CAPACITOR BANK FAULT DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

      
Application Number 18177206
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-03-02
First Publication Date 2023-07-20
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Blair, Jeremy William

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for determining whether a phase is faulted or one or more phases are open in capacitor bank system. Detecting open and faulted phases may include determining a neutral current of the capacitor bank system. An open-phase event and a fault event may be distinguished based on a magnitude of a neutral current within a first or a second predetermined range. According to one embodiment, an IED may calculate an aggregate power phasor for the phases of the capacitor bank system with respect to each rotation. According to another detection method, in response to the magnitude of the neutral current being greater than a threshold value, an IED may calculate an individual power phasor for each of the phases of the capacitor bank system with respect to each rotation. Based on the angles of the power phases, the IED may determine which phases may be faulted.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/64 - Testing of capacitors
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
  • G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
  • G01R 19/10 - Measuring sum, difference, or ratio

27.

LINEARIZED-TRAJECTORY PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR MICROGRID STABILITY

      
Application Number 17575702
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-01-14
First Publication Date 2023-07-20
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hamilton, Dakota
  • Aliprantis, Dionysios

Abstract

Techniques and apparatus presented herein are directed to improvements in maintaining voltage and frequency stability of an electric power delivery system. To do so, model predictive control (MPC) may be used. Input data may be obtained for a sampling period and may include a current system state. The MPC may predict an initial trajectory of the input data, output data, and a state of the system for a prediction period. The MPC may linearize the output and state trajectories and determine an updated input trajectory based at least in part on the linearized output trajectory. The MPC may determine control inputs to the system which achieve the updated input trajectory for a control period. The MPC may transmit control signals based at least in part on the control inputs to equipment associated with the input data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
  • G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network

28.

Utility basket attachment for a traveling bin

      
Application Number 29768464
Grant Number D0990886
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-29
First Publication Date 2023-07-04
Grant Date 2023-07-04
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Movius, Travis
  • Klein, Jessica D.
  • Rigney, Jessica Raeann

29.

Power supply with boost stage to improve ride through performance

      
Application Number 17645645
Grant Number 11762447
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-22
First Publication Date 2023-06-22
Grant Date 2023-09-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Carver, Josh
  • Lopez, Jr., Robert
  • Sastry, Arkanatha
  • Skendzic, Veselin

Abstract

A power supply includes a Primary or “high voltage” side and a Secondary or “low voltage” side. The primary side has boost stage circuitry that includes a boost stage controller that causes the boost stage circuitry to provide electrical energy, at least at a minimum boost voltage, to an energy storage capacitor. The energy storage capacitor may be charged by electrical energy at the minimum boost voltage and discharge electrical energy during a ride through event to power the electronic device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 1/26 - Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
  • G06F 1/32 - Means for saving power
  • G06F 1/3212 - Monitoring battery levels, e.g. power saving mode being initiated when battery voltage goes below a certain level
  • G06F 1/3296 - Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by lowering the supply or operating voltage

30.

Processing sinewave signals of variable frequency in a device with fixed processing rates

      
Application Number 17645654
Grant Number 11906557
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-22
First Publication Date 2023-06-22
Grant Date 2024-02-20
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Dwyer, Daniel P.
  • Swaminathan, Chandrasekaran

Abstract

A method includes obtaining electrical measurements of an input signal of a power system. The electrical measurements are obtained at a sampling frequency and the input signal is indicative of an operating frequency of the power system. The method includes generating an intermediate signal from the input signal. The intermediate signal has a direct current (DC) component indicative of a magnitude and a phase of the input signal. The method includes filtering the intermediate signal using an adjustable length filter to obtain the magnitude and the phase of the input signal. The length of the adjustable length filter varies based at least in part on a period measurement of the power system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 23/02 - Arrangements for measuring frequency, e.g. pulse repetition rate; Arrangements for measuring period of current or voltage
  • G06F 1/03 - Digital function generators working, at least partly, by table look-up
  • G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
  • G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents

31.

REAL-TIME DIGITAL DATA DEGRADATION DETECTION

      
Application Number 18166670
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-02-09
First Publication Date 2023-06-08
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lautenschlager, Derek
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Sharma, Nishchal
  • Rajasekaran, Vinodev E.
  • Sellakkannu, Karthi
  • Harmukh, Sajal

Abstract

Systems and methods described herein monitor real-time digital data for degradation. A merging unit may measure electrical parameters in an electric power system using a sensor component and may generate a stream of digital data representing measured electrical parameters. The merging unit may transmit the stream of digital data representing measured electrical parameters and receive a plurality of data frames using an interface. A digital data degradation detection subsystem may analyze a plurality of digital metrics associated with the plurality of data frames and make a determination of whether a subset of the plurality of data frames satisfies the plurality of digital metrics, and the subset of the plurality of data frames fails at least one of the plurality of digital metrics. The merging unit may implement a response when the subset of the plurality of data frames fails at least one of the plurality of digital metrics.

IPC Classes  ?

32.

DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION USING INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMER SIGNAL TRANSDUCERS

      
Application Number 18056087
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-16
First Publication Date 2023-06-01
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Donolo, Marcos A.
  • Hartshorn, Jay
  • Dissanayake, Anushka M.
  • Kulkarni, Pallavi
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Yedidi, Vinod K.
  • Patel, Subhash C.
  • D'Aversa, Angelo

Abstract

Signal transducers in electrical communication with shorted leads of current transformers are used to provide monitoring and protection functions to an electric power delivery system. Differential protection is performed by comparing a predetermined threshold against a voltage signal from series-connected leads of signal transducers in electrical communication with shorted leads of current transformers. The signal transducers may be Rogowski coils. Signal transducers in communication with shorted leads may be used to improve safety and increase performance of the current transformers by decreasing susceptibility to saturation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/045 - Differential protection of transformers
  • G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers

33.

Messaging in an electric power system

      
Application Number 17456190
Grant Number 11736569
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-23
First Publication Date 2023-05-25
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dingari, Sreenivas
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Abubakari, Hamza
  • Rzepka, Greg
  • D'Aversa, Angelo
  • Janarthanan, Balaji
  • Swaminathan, Chandrasekaran
  • Gokavarapu, Jyotsna Samhita

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for processing a stream of messages in an electric power system (EPS). In one embodiment, a system may include a configuration subsystem to receive a plurality of criteria from an operator to identify a subset of the stream of messages for real-time processing. A receiver subsystem may identify the subset of the stream of messages based on at least one criterion from the plurality of criteria. A real-time processing subsystem may receive the subset of the stream of messages from the receiver subsystem, process the stream of messages within a fixed interval of a time of receipt, and update a value based on information in the processed stream of messages. A protective action subsystem may implement a protective action based on information in the processed stream of messages.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network

34.

Incremental quantities-based fault locating technique and system

      
Application Number 17809406
Grant Number 11650241
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-28
First Publication Date 2023-05-16
Grant Date 2023-05-16
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Juvekar, Gandhali P
  • Tong, Yajian

Abstract

A technique and a system are used to analyze incremental quantities. The instantaneous electrical measurements associated with a loop in a multiple-phase electric power delivery system are obtained before a fault occurred on the loop and after the same fault occurred on the same loop, and differences between the instantaneous electrical measurements at different times are used to determine incremental quantities, which are used to determine a location of the fault on the loop. Multiple loops in the multiple-phase electric power delivery system are monitored to determine corresponding fault locations on each loop.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks

35.

BASIC INPUT/OUTPUT SYSTEM (BIOS) BOOT CHECK

      
Application Number 17818761
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-08-10
First Publication Date 2023-05-11
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Olson, Ian
  • Leidenfrost, Huba
  • Prestwich, John D.
  • Hendrickson, Ryan Lowell
  • Rinderknecht, Jennice
  • Taylor, Aaron

Abstract

An electronic device includes a processor that performs a basic input/output system (BIOS) process to initialize hardware of the electronic device upon a first start up. The processor determines, within the BIOS process, that initialization of an operating system (OS) on the electronic device has not been performed. The processor waits to receive a user input indicating that the user is ready to initialize the OS, thus protecting the OS initialization process from unintended interruptions such as power loss that can cause the OS initialization to fail irreparably. Upon receiving the user input, the processor begins the OS initialization.

IPC Classes  ?

36.

E.O. SCHWEITZER MANUFACTURING

      
Serial Number 97918724
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-03
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. ()
NICE Classes  ? 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments

Goods & Services

Electrical circuit condition monitoring devices; electrical current fault indicators; electrical fault detectors; electrical voltage indicators; electrical voltage detectors; electrical power system protectors; electrical circuit condition monitoring devices having local and/or remote displays; instrument transformers; current transformers

37.

COORDINATION OF PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS IN AN ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM

      
Application Number 17452096
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-25
First Publication Date 2023-04-27
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Subbarayan, Jai Ganesh
  • Blair, Jeremy William
  • Cockerham, Brett

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods to coordinate protective elements in an electric power system (EPS). In one embodiment, a system may include a Time vs Normalized Impedance Length subsystem to determine a first plurality of times of operation of a first protective element for a plurality of fault locations in the EPS and to determine a second plurality of times of operation of a second protective element for the plurality of fault locations in the EPS. A protective action subsystem may coordinate a response of the first protective element and the second protective element. The protective action subsystem may establish a pickup and a protective action for the second protective element. Upon detection of a fault in the EPS, one of the first protective action and the second protective action may be implemented based on one of the first pickup and the second pickup.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 3/033 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection - Details with several disconnections in a preferential order
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
  • H02H 3/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess voltage

38.

SECURITY DEVICE TO PROTECT UNUSED COMMUNICATION PORTS

      
Application Number 17502328
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-15
First Publication Date 2023-04-20
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Zeller, Mark L.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to monitor communication ports. In one embodiment, a system may include a host device that generates a first flow of traffic to send via a host device communication port. A security dongle may receive the first flow of traffic via a security dongle communication port in communication with the host device communication port. The security dongle may generate a second flow of traffic. The security dongle may transmit the second flow of traffic through the security dongle communication port. The host device may receive the second flow of traffic from the host device communication port and may generate an alarm when the second flow of traffic deviates from an expected response. The communication between the host device and the security dongle allows the host device to detect when the security dongle is disconnected from the host device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
  • G06F 21/86 - Secure or tamper-resistant housings
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • G06F 21/73 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
  • G06F 11/30 - Monitoring

39.

SECURITY DEVICE TO PROTECT ACTIVE COMMUNICATION PORTS

      
Application Number 17502334
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-15
First Publication Date 2023-04-20
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Zeller, Mark L.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to monitor communication ports. In one embodiment, a system may include a first interface to connect to a first host device and a second interface to connect to a second host device. The first interface and the second interface may include a plurality of channels to enable communication between the first host device and the second host device. Control logic may monitor a power channel between the first host device and the second host device and a communication channel between the first host device and the second host device. The control logic may detect an interruption of at least one of the power channel or the communication channel. In response to the interruption, the control logic may disable communication between the first host device and the second host device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • G06F 21/81 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer by operating on the power supply, e.g. enabling or disabling power-on, sleep or resume operations
  • G06F 11/30 - Monitoring

40.

Polymeric mounting suspension for a split core current transformer

      
Application Number 17450480
Grant Number 11662369
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-11
First Publication Date 2023-04-13
Grant Date 2023-05-30
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ryan, Eric
  • Thomas, Mark A.

Abstract

A split core current transformer (CT) includes a first CT core half and a first housing that houses the first CT core half. The split core CT includes a second core half and a housing that houses the second CT core half. The split core CT includes a first set of bushings configured to flexibly couple the first insulative body to the first housing to maintain contact between faces of the first CT core half and faces of the second CT core half.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
  • H01F 38/30 - Constructions

41.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO COMMUNICATE DATA BETWEEN DEVICES OF AN ELECTRIC POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM

      
Application Number 17450374
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-08
First Publication Date 2023-04-13
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Schweitzer, Iii, Edmund O.
  • Cosic, Miralem
  • Rice, Raymond W.

Abstract

A wireless radio repeater includes an antenna configured to receive a message associated with an electric power delivery system. The wireless radio repeater also includes circuitry configured to receive electrical measurement data, identify a condition of the electric power delivery system based on the electrical measurement data, and cause the antenna to re-transmit the message received via the antenna in response to identifying the condition based on the electrical measurement data.

IPC Classes  ?

42.

Isolation of protection functions in electrical power systems during startup

      
Application Number 17492898
Grant Number 11862958
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-04
First Publication Date 2023-04-06
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dingari, Sreenivas
  • D'Aversa, Angelo
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Rzepka, Greg

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods include protection functions in an electrical power system. For example, a processing subsystem may include a processor. A memory subsystem may comprise a first memory section and a second memory section. A memory management subsystem may enable memory access only between the processor and only the first memory section to initialize the at least one protection function and, after initialization of the at least one protection function, enable memory access between the processor and the second memory section. Such a configuration may enable the protection functions as fast as possible without waiting for the functions of lesser criticality to be fully loaded and become operational.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred

43.

ISOLATION OF PROTECTION FUNCTIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS

      
Application Number 17492908
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-04
First Publication Date 2023-04-06
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dingari, Sreenivas
  • D'Aversa, Angelo
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Swaminathan, Chandrasekaran
  • Rzepka, Greg

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods include protection functions in an electrical power system. A processing subsystem may include a processor. A memory subsystem may comprise a first memory section and a second memory section. A memory management subsystem may, in a first operational mode, enable memory access between the processor and the first memory section and the second memory section and, in a second operational mode, enable memory access between the processor and only the first memory section.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers

44.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A BACKUP SECURE COMMUNICATION LINK IN AN ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

      
Application Number 18063427
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-12-08
First Publication Date 2023-03-30
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Meine, Robert

Abstract

A controller for an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine that a first switch of the electric power distribution system is a primary switch communicatively coupled to an intelligent electronic device (IED) of the electric power distribution system, determine that a second switch of the electric power distribution system is a backup switch communicatively coupled to the IED, and distribute a first copy of a security association key (SAK) to the first switch and a second copy of the SAK to the second switch in response to determining that the first switch is the primary switch and the second switch is the backup switch to enable the first switch and the second switch to establish respective media access control security (MACsec) communication links with the IED.

IPC Classes  ?

45.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AN ISLANDED DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION USING INVERTER POWER GENERATION

      
Application Number 17806318
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-10
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Manson, Scott M.
  • Calero, Jorge Fernando
  • Kokkinis, Angelos

Abstract

Systems and methods are described herein to accommodate different settings associated with a converter-based electric power generator and an inverter-based electric power generator for electric power generation within an electric power delivery system. The electric power delivery system may provide electric power generated by a bulk electric system to the loads via distributed substations using a first operating frequency. Moreover, the distributed substations may include inverter-based electric power generators to supply the electric power demand of downstream loads in an islanded configuration. That said, the inverter-based electric power generators may supply the electric power using a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. Protective systems, positioned downstream from the distributed substations, may use different settings associated with the bulk electric system or the inverter-based electric power generators based on detecting the frequency of the supplied electric power.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

46.

Systems and methods for operating an islanded distribution substation using inverter power generation

      
Application Number 17806319
Grant Number 11929608
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-10
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Grant Date 2024-03-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Manson, Scott M.
  • Calero, Jorge Fernando
  • Kokkinis, Angelos

Abstract

Systems and methods are described herein to accommodate different settings associated with an inverter-based electric power generator and an inverter-based electric power generator for electric power generation within an electric power delivery system. The electric power delivery system may provide electric power generated by a bulk electric system to the loads via distributed substations using a first operating frequency. Moreover, the distributed substations may include inverter-based electric power generators to supply the electric power demand of downstream loads in an islanded configuration. That said, the inverter-based electric power generators may supply the electric power using a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. Protective systems, positioned downstream from the distributed substations, may use different settings associated with the bulk electric system or the inverter-based electric power generators based on detecting the frequency of the supplied electric power.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

47.

Event analysis and display

      
Application Number 17822023
Grant Number 11899517
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-24
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Khan, Md Arif
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.
  • Bestebreur, Jared Kyle

Abstract

Techniques and apparatus presented herein are directed toward monitoring an electric power delivery system to detect and locate a power generation event. A power generation event may include a tripped generator, a loss of a transmission line, or other loss of power generation. To detect the event, an analysis engine may receive and monitor input data. A detection signal may be generated based on the input data. Upon detecting the event, the analysis engine may determine a source and propagation of the event through the delivery system. Based on the source and propagation of the event, the analysis engine may determine the location of the event. The analysis engine may generate an overlay with the input data to provide the location and other information about the event to a user such that remedial action can be taken to resolve the event and restore the lost power generation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 1/3218 - Monitoring of peripheral devices of display devices
  • H03H 17/04 - Recursive filters
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
  • G06F 3/14 - Digital output to display device
  • H03H 17/00 - Networks using digital techniques

48.

DETECTION OF PARALLEL REDUNDANCY PROTOCOL TRAFFIC IN SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKS

      
Application Number 17463866
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-09-01
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Smith, Rhett

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to systems and methods for identifying and configuring a host in a software defined network (SDN) configured to communicate using a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP). In one embodiment, a system may include a first communication host and a second communication host configured to transmit information through a network. An SDN controller in communication with the network may include a PRP identification subsystem to monitor traffic transmitted by the first communication host to the second communication host, determine that the traffic comprises at least one data packet that conforms to PRP. Upon detection of a host configured to use PRP, a traffic routing subsystem creates a plurality of communication flows between the first communication host and the second communication host to route PRP traffic between the first communication host and the second communication host.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
  • H04L 12/26 - Monitoring arrangements; Testing arrangements
  • H04L 12/707 - Route fault prevention or recovery, e.g. rerouting, route redundancy, virtual router redundancy protocol [VRRP] or hot standby router protocol [HSRP] using path redundancy
  • H04L 12/721 - Routing procedures, e.g. shortest path routing, source routing, link state routing or distance vector routing
  • H04L 12/751 - Topology update or discovery
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol

49.

Detection of in-band software defined network controllers using parallel redundancy protocol

      
Application Number 17463874
Grant Number 11750502
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-09-01
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Grant Date 2023-09-05
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Smith, Rhett

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to identifying and configuring an in-band controller operating on a host in a software defined network (SDN), the host configured to use a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP). In one embodiment, a system may include a network in communication with the host, the network comprising a plurality of switches interconnected with a plurality of physical links. The in-band controller is in communication with the network and includes a PRP identification subsystem to generate a packet configured such that the network forwards the packet back to the in-band controller, to analyze the packet and determine that the packet conforms to PRP, and to identify a first communication host in communication with the network and configured to operate using PRP. A traffic routing subsystem of the in-band controller may create a plurality of PRP communication flows between the in-band controller and the first communication host.

IPC Classes  ?

50.

DETECTION OF INCIPIENT FAILURES IN INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

      
Application Number 17809666
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-29
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Khan, Md Arif

Abstract

Methods and devices are provide for determining a failure in a potential transformer and identifying a phase of the potential transformer exhibiting failure. The failures may be incipient failures. Detecting the failure may include determining voltage magnitudes and angles; determining phase-errors; determining phase-phase errors; and determining an uncorrelated phase using the phase-phase errors. The devices and methods may provide an alarm or indication of the phase exhibiting the potential transformer failures. Post processing may be performed to optimize the time and amount of provided alarms or indications. The voltage angles and magnitudes may be provided by the potential transformers being monitored.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/62 - Testing of transformers
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values

51.

EVENT ANALYSIS AND DISPLAY

      
Application Number 17822024
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-08-24
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Khan, Md Arif
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.
  • Bestebreur, Jared Kyle

Abstract

Techniques and apparatus presented herein are directed toward monitoring an electric power delivery system to detect and locate a power generation event. A power generation event may include a tripped generator, a loss of a transmission line, or other loss of power generation. To detect the event, an analysis engine may receive and monitor input data. A detection signal may be generated based on the input data. Upon detecting the event, the analysis engine may determine a source and propagation of the event through the delivery system. Based on the source and propagation of the event, the analysis engine may determine the location of the event. The analysis engine may generate an overlay with the input data to provide the location and other information about the event to a user such that remedial action can be taken to resolve the event and restore the lost power generation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • G06F 3/14 - Digital output to display device

52.

Systems and methods for communicating data securely for an electric power delivery system

      
Application Number 17462246
Grant Number 11811947
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-31
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Grant Date 2023-11-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gordon, Colin

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power delivery system includes processing circuitry a memory that includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to receive first data via parallel redundancy protocol (PRP), generate a first integrity check value using a media access control security (MACsec) integrity check function based on the first data, receive second data via PRP, generate a second integrity check value using the MACsec integrity function based on the second data, compare the first integrity check value and the second integrity check value with one another, and output a notification in response to determining that the first integrity check value and the second integrity check value do not match one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • G06F 16/23 - Updating
  • G06F 21/64 - Protecting data integrity, e.g. using checksums, certificates or signatures

53.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REACTOR POWER FLOW MANAGEMENT FOR SYSTEM STABILITY

      
Application Number 17411274
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-25
First Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kazmi, Maaz Syed Muhammad
  • Sangaraju, Pradeep Varma
  • Upreti, Ashish

Abstract

An electric power delivery system may include a number of electric power generators and loads distributed across a number of islands (e.g., branches). The electric power delivery system may also include reactors between each two islands of the electric power delivery system that may allow current flow between the islands. However, excessive current flow across the reactors may cause system failure and is undesirable. Accordingly, systems and methods are described to control reactive power and active power generation and consumption of the electric power delivery system to reduce (e.g., minimize) the current flow across the reactors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
  • H02J 3/16 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by adjustment of reactive power

54.

Fuzzer test system for applications in electric power systems

      
Application Number 17585125
Grant Number 11592494
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-26
First Publication Date 2023-02-28
Grant Date 2023-02-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Silveira, Mauricio G.
  • Clemans, Timothy D.
  • Yellajosula, Jaya R A K
  • Viele, Elizabeth

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods to conduct a fuzzer test on a device under test and configured for use in an electric power system. In one embodiment, a system may include a configuration subsystem to receive a parameter of the device under test. A fuzzer subsystem in communication with the configuration subsystem may be configured to conduct a fuzzer test on the device under test. The fuzzer subsystem may include a fuzzer state machine to generate input data to deliver to the device under test, a packet buffer to store input data generated by the fuzzer state machine, and a packet regulator to deliver input data generated by the fuzzer state machine based the parameter. A physical interface in communication with the packet regulator may transmit input data to the device under test based on the parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

55.

SURGE-IMMUNE DC INPUT SUPPLY APPARATUS

      
Application Number 17398458
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-10
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • El-Mansouri, Adam S.
  • Randall, Anthony L.
  • Wold, Valeriy F.

Abstract

A DC power supply may use an input supply surge protection circuit that may be robust against positive and negative power surges. DC power may be provided through a first unidirectional circuit component such as a diode or selectively controlled MOSFET coupled in parallel with a transient voltage suppressor or Zener diode. The first unidirectional circuit component may have a first voltage rating and the transient voltage suppressor or Zener diode may have a second voltage rating lower than the first voltage rating. This may allow current to flow backward over the transient voltage suppressor or Zener diode to protect the first unidirectional circuit component from exposure to voltage beyond the first voltage rating in a power surge.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 9/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection

56.

Systems and methods for establishing a secure communication link in an electric power delivery system

      
Application Number 17400260
Grant Number 11895152
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-12
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Grant Date 2024-02-06
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Skelton, Duane C.
  • Gordon, Colin

Abstract

A non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to operate in a recovery mode after initiating a startup operation, transmit a data frame to a device of an electric power delivery system during the recovery mode, the data frame indicating a request for a security association key (SAK), receive the SAK from the device in response to transmitting the data frame, and use the SAK to communicate data via a media access control security (MACsec) communication link.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network

57.

Software-defined network statistics extension

      
Application Number 17400325
Grant Number 11677663
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-12
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Grant Date 2023-06-13
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mullis, Tristan Lloyd
  • Powers, Josh

Abstract

A software-defined network (SDN) rule modification counter system provides counters that track all changes and edits to rules at SDN controllers and SDN switches on an SDN. The system compares counters at the SDN controller and SDN switch to determine if they match. If the counters do not match, a change has been made to the rules. With the addition of rule edit statistics the SDN controller will now have visibility that a rule modification was performed. The SDN controller then verifies that the state of the device is the same as its expected state as a secondary integrity check. Based on the rule modification notification, changes to a central rules table at the SDN controller and changes to rule settings at the SDN switch are made according to pre-programmed logic.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 45/64 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks using an overlay routing layer
  • H04L 45/7453 - Address table lookup; Address filtering using hashing
  • H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks

58.

Synchronous motor startup configuration to synchronous mode at a field zero-crossing

      
Application Number 17815264
Grant Number 11736051
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-27
First Publication Date 2023-02-09
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Donolo, Marcos A.
  • Dissanayake, Anushka M.
  • Kulkarni, Pallavi

Abstract

A system to reconfigure a motor from induction mode to synchronous mode at a zero crossing of the field voltage during startup using only stator current signals is described herein. The zero crossing may be detected by asymmetry induced in the stator currents by a current asymmetry inducing module of the motor. The current asymmetry inducing module may include a resistor and diode in series and in parallel with a discharge resistor of the field windings. Asymmetry is induced in the current obtained from the stator, and used to determine a zero crossing of the field voltage. Upon the rotor reaching a startup frequency and the detected zero-crossing of the field voltage, the motor may be reconfigured from induction mode to synchronous mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 25/022 - Synchronous motors
  • H02P 21/34 - Arrangements for starting
  • H02P 1/46 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual synchronous motor
  • H02P 1/50 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual synchronous motor by changing over from asynchronous to synchronous operation
  • G01R 31/34 - Testing dynamo-electric machines
  • H02P 6/08 - Arrangements for controlling the speed or torque of a single motor

59.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING ELECTRIC POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM EVENT LOCATIONS USING MACHINE LEARNING

      
Application Number 17378286
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-07-16
First Publication Date 2023-01-26
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Hao, Kei

Abstract

Systems and methods for determining a location of an event in an electric power delivery system using a machine learning engine are provided. The machine learning engine may be trained based on a topology of the electric power delivery system, where the topology may be a layout of line sections and corresponding sensors of the electric power delivery system. Based on the topology, one or more training matrices that indicate possible event locations may be generated. In turn, the machine learning engine may be trained using the training matrices and logistic regression models to determine locations of events that occur during operation of the electric power delivery system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
  • G06N 20/00 - Machine learning

60.

Current measuring device for an electric power protection system

      
Application Number 17380145
Grant Number 11617269
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-20
First Publication Date 2023-01-26
Grant Date 2023-03-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lee, Brent R.
  • Skendzic, Veselin
  • Sastry, Arkanatha
  • Lopez, Jr., Robert
  • Jalli, Jeevan

Abstract

Current measurement devices for printed circuit board mounting are disclosed herein. The current measurement devices include a hollow and flexible core to improve response to a primary signal and decrease weight. The current measurement device includes a housing with guides to maintain alignment of the core. An electromagnetic shield may be placed between the circumference of the core and the housing. The housing may include apertures to facilitate washing. The current measurement device may include a primary conductor external to the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
  • H05K 1/02 - Printed circuits - Details
  • G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof

61.

DYNAMIC HISTOGRAM BUILDER

      
Application Number 17383049
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-07-22
First Publication Date 2023-01-26
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Khan, Md Arif
  • Huddleston, Riley Grant
  • Hewitt, Eric J.

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for dynamically generating a histogram for viewing via a user interface. Embodiments presented herein provide apparatus and techniques for generating a histogram and adjusting a view of the histogram without the computations being perceived by a user. To do so, histogram indices may be computed for various time intervals (e.g., minutes, hours, days, etc.) of input data. The indices may be used to generate a histogram for a time interval that may be larger than the interval used to compute the histogram indices. At the time period for the histogram displayed via the user interface is changed by the user, a dynamic histogram builder computes an adjusted histogram using histogram indices for the updated and/or changed time period. Embodiments herein provide techniques which reduce the time to compute the histogram and consume less computing resources to do so.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/26 - Monitoring arrangements; Testing arrangements

62.

Detection of ringdown for electromechanical mode identification in online environment

      
Application Number 17378249
Grant Number 11927610
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-16
First Publication Date 2023-01-19
Grant Date 2024-03-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Khan, Md Arif
  • Huddleston, Riley Grant
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.

Abstract

A system includes a processor operatively coupled to memory. The processor performs operations that include obtaining electrical measurements of a power system. The processor determines a scaled energy value of a first set of the electrical measurements that are scaled with respect to a second set of electrical measurements. The processor determines that a potential ringdown event occurred by comparing the scaled energy value to a threshold energy value. The processor determines that the potential ringdown event is a confirmed ringdown event by comparing a scaled error value to a threshold error value. The processor generates one or more mode estimates from the confirmed ringdown event.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
  • G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique

63.

Automatically determining the size of a capacitor bank using wireless current sensors (WCS)

      
Application Number 17454172
Grant Number 11549996
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-09
First Publication Date 2023-01-10
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hao, Kei
  • Rice, Raymond W.
  • Mobley, James

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a capacitor bank controller that automatically determines the size of a capacitor bank using wireless current sensors. The capacitor bank controller determines a first capacitor bank size estimate using voltage and current measurements from when the capacitor bank is open and when the capacitor bank is closed a first time. The capacitor bank controller determines a second capacitor bank size estimate by using voltage measurements and current measurements from when the capacitor bank is open and when the capacitor bank is closed a second time. The capacitor bank controller determines a filtered capacitor bank size estimate based on the first capacitor bank estimate and the second capacitor bank estimate and controls operation of the capacitor bank based on the filtered capacitor bank size estimate.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/40 - Testing power supplies
  • G01R 31/3842 - Arrangements for monitoring battery or accumulator variables, e.g. SoC combining voltage and current measurements
  • H02H 7/16 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for capacitors

64.

Self-configuration of network devices without user settings

      
Application Number 17372887
Grant Number 11552891
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-12
First Publication Date 2023-01-10
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Rajasekaran, Manodev J.
  • Rzepka, Greg

Abstract

A method includes obtaining, via a power system device, a source media access control (SMAC) address. The method includes generating, via the power system device, an Ethernet frame of power system data with a destination media access control (DMAC) address comprising at least a portion of the SMAC address. The method includes sending, via the power system device, the Ethernet frame to an intelligent electronic device (IED) of a power system.

IPC Classes  ?

65.

Systems and methods for enabling a maintenance mode of protection devices in digital secondary systems

      
Application Number 17363529
Grant Number 11550285
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-30
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Wyszczelski, Karen S J
  • Nadkar, Priyanka
  • Nalla, Bharat
  • Mutha, Sathish Kumar

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for determining a maintenance mode of one or more merging units of an electric power delivery system using an intelligent electronic device that may rely on communication from wired (or wireless) electrical measurement devices. The intelligent electronic device may be a line relay. The merging units may provide data to the line relay including at least one bit indicating a maintenance mode of each merging unit. If a maintenance mode bit from a particular merging unit indicates that the merging unit is in the maintenance mode, logic of the line relay may determine if a maintenance mode override is received. If so, the line relay may disregard the maintenance mode bit and process the data from the merging unit. If the logic determines that the merging unit is in the maintenance mode, the line relay may force data from the merging unit to zero.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors

66.

DYNAMIC CAPABILITY REGION FOR ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION

      
Application Number 17661390
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-04-29
First Publication Date 2022-12-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Blood, Ellery A.
  • Manson, Scott M.

Abstract

This disclosure discusses systems, methods, and techniques for producing and utilizing a capability region of one or more monitored equipment. To do so, an intelligent electronic device (IED) may access a data set of one or more known performance characteristics of the monitored equipment. The known performance characteristics are based on, or dependent of, one or more variables. The IED may also access a constraint library with geometric primitives. Then, the IED may analyze the data set and may produce the capability region using the geometric primitive. The IED may compare an operating point of the monitored equipment to the capability region of the monitored equipment. Based on the comparison, the IED may implement a control action.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means

67.

Autonomous real-time remedial action scheme (RAS)

      
Application Number 17329436
Grant Number 11735913
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-25
First Publication Date 2022-12-08
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cai, Niannian
  • Khatib, Abdel Rahman

Abstract

An autonomous real-time remedial action scheme (RAS) control system may receive electrical measurements of a power system. The RAS control system may determine active power and reactive power of each bus in the power system based on the received electrical measurements. The RAS control system may dynamically determine whether to shed one or more loads, generators, or both in the power system by optimizing an objective function to maintain maximum critical load and maximum critical generation in the electrical system based on the active and reactive power of each bus in the power system and the generation of each generator in the power system. The RAS control system may send a command to trip at least one breaker to cause the at least one breaker to shed the one or more loads, generators, or both. The RAS control system may send a command to runback one or more generators.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 17/02 - Systems involving the use of models or simulators of said systems electric
  • H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network

68.

METHOD OF CONTROLLED SWITCHING FOR TRANSFORMERS

      
Application Number 17318440
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-05-12
First Publication Date 2022-12-01
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Benmouyal, Gabriel
  • Chowdhury, Ritwik

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) may obtain a voltage measurement matrix based on an arrangement of a transformer in a power system. The TED may obtain a delta connection compensating angle based on the location of the circuit breaker and the transformer arrangement. The IED may obtain voltage measurements of the transformer. The TED may determine a residual flux value of the transformer based at least in part on the voltage measurements, the voltage measurement matrix and the delta connection compensating angle. The TED may send a signal to a circuit breaker of the transformer to connect the transformer to the power system based at least in part on the system voltage and residual flux value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for transformers
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors

69.

Real-time digital data degradation detection

      
Application Number 17325458
Grant Number 11606281
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2023-03-14
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nalla, Bharat
  • Sharma, Nishchal
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Akyildiz, Ozan
  • Silveira, Mauricio G.
  • Rajasekaran, Manodev J.
  • Harmukh, Sajal
  • Yellajosula, Jaya R A K

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed to monitor real-time digital data for degradation. In one embodiment, an intelligent electronic device (“IED”) in an electric power system may include an interface to receive a stream of digital data, the stream of digital data comprising a plurality of data frames. A protective action subsystem may monitor the sampled digital data and implement a protective action based on the stream of sampled digital data. A digital data degradation detection subsystem may analyze a plurality of digital metrics associated with the plurality of data frames and make a determination regarding degradation of a communication channel based on whether the plurality of digital metrics fails at least one threshold. In response to the determination, the digital data degradation detection subsystem may implement a response to the determination that the plurality of digital metrics fails at least one threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

70.

Output contact failure monitor for protection relays in electric power systems

      
Application Number 17316939
Grant Number 11749984
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-11
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Grant Date 2023-09-05
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Penberthy, Evan J.
  • Peterson, Brian James

Abstract

Output circuit devices for use in electric power systems may include a first output subsystem for transmitting a first signal output via an output port to a component of the electric power system, an input subsystem for receiving and monitoring the first signal output transmitted by the first output subsystem, and a second output subsystem for transmitting another signal output to the component of the electric power system. The second output subsystem is to transmit the signal output in response to an indication from the input subsystem. Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and associated methods may include one or more output circuit devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

71.

Ambidextrous hold open hinge

      
Application Number 17318459
Grant Number 11674346
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-12
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Grant Date 2023-06-13
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Sawyer, Eric M.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an ambidextrous hinge. The ambidextrous hinge includes a first knuckle with a first engagement feature, a second knuckle with a second engagement feature, and a third knuckle movably coupled between the first knuckle and the second knuckle. The third knuckle includes a third engagement feature that engages the first engagement feature to cause the ambidextrous hinge to lock in a first open position when used as a first swing hinge. The third knuckle includes a fourth engagement feature that engages the second engagement feature to cause the ambidextrous hinge to lock in a second open position when used as a second swing hinge.

IPC Classes  ?

  • E05D 11/10 - Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts
  • E05D 3/02 - Hinges with pins with one pin

72.

Condition-based monitoring systems, methods, and apparatuses

      
Application Number 17319412
Grant Number 11828805
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-13
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Grant Date 2023-11-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Manson, Scott M.
  • Blood, Ellery A.
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.

Abstract

A condition-based monitoring system receives a plurality of measurements from sensors measuring mechanical and electrical aspects of a prime mover and a synchronous machine. The condition-based monitoring system determines a correlation between the mechanical measurements and electrical measurements to estimate parameters of the model. The condition-based monitoring system also updates the model as sensors obtain additional measurements during operation of the prime mover.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/34 - Testing dynamo-electric machines
  • H02P 9/00 - Arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output

73.

Configurable binary circuits for protection relays in electric power systems

      
Application Number 17308152
Grant Number 11934169
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-05
First Publication Date 2022-11-10
Grant Date 2024-03-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Peterson, Brian James
  • Penberthy, Evan J.
  • Rzepka, Greg

Abstract

Configurable binary circuits for use in electrical power systems may include an input/output port, a binary input subsystem for receiving a binary input signal, a binary output subsystem for transmitting a binary output signal, and a switch subsystem for selecting one of the binary input subsystem or the binary output subsystem for operation. Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and associated methods may include one or more configurable binary circuits.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H01H 47/00 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current

74.

DETECTION OF LIGHTNING AND RELATED CONTROL STRATEGIES IN ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS

      
Application Number 17242449
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-04-28
First Publication Date 2022-11-03
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Tews, Cody W.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for detecting lightning and using such information to implement appropriate control strategies in an electric power system. In one embodiment, a system may include a data acquisition subsystem configured to receive a plurality of representations of electrical conditions associated with at least a portion of the electric power system. The system may also include a traveling wave subsystem to identify an initial traveling wave in the electric power system and generated by lightning and identify at least one subsequent traveling wave in the electric power system and generated by lightning. A lightning analysis subsystem may perform an analysis of the initial traveling wave and the at least one subsequent traveling wave to determine a characteristic of the ionosphere based on the analysis and a lightning location. An adaptive control subsystem may adjust a control strategy based on the lightning location.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
  • G01R 31/58 - Testing of lines, cables or conductors
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred

75.

Systems and methods for establishing a secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17811480
Grant Number 11652846
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-08
First Publication Date 2022-10-27
Grant Date 2023-05-16
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bradetich, Ryan
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Wyszczelski, Karen S J
  • Ahsan, Hidayatullah

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to receive operating data associated with the electric power distribution system, determine whether the operating data matches with expected operating data, generate a connectivity association key (CAK) based on the operating data in response to a determination that the operating data matches with the expected operating data, and establishing a connectivity association based on the CAK.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

76.

Power line sag monitoring device

      
Application Number 17811482
Grant Number 11733276
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-08
First Publication Date 2022-10-27
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Manson, Scott M.
  • Achanta, Shankar V.
  • Zweigle, Gregary C.
  • Edge, Richard M.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of sag in a power line. In an embodiment, a monitoring device may include a distance sensor and an operating parameter sensor. A processor of the monitoring device may acquire, via the distance sensor, a first distance measurement. The processor may acquire, via the operating parameter sensor, a first operating parameter measurement. The processor may provide an output signal indicating that the power line is sagging when a combination of the first distance measurement and the first operating parameter measurement exceed a first combined distance-operating parameter threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
  • H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
  • G01B 17/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
  • G01P 15/18 - Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration in two or more dimensions
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • G01R 31/12 - Testing dielectric strength or breakdown voltage

77.

Device level variable role-based access systems, methods, and apparatuses

      
Application Number 17231227
Grant Number 11936642
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-15
First Publication Date 2022-10-20
Grant Date 2024-03-19
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bowen, David J.
  • Dolezilek, David J.

Abstract

Embodiments herein include an intelligent electronic device (IED) by employing a multi-factor authentication process. In some embodiments, to change the access level of the IED, the user may use the password and additional inputs such as an off-site operator sending a command, or the user engaging a push button or switch local to the IED.

IPC Classes  ?

78.

System for testing electrical connections between components

      
Application Number 17226440
Grant Number 11899077
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-09
First Publication Date 2022-10-13
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Barber, Brandon M.
  • Basford, Mike
  • Dowdy, Michael R.
  • Gardner, Martin D.

Abstract

A test system for an electrical system includes a slot array having a plurality of slots and a plurality of recesses formed therethrough, a plurality of mounts in which each mount of the plurality of mounts is positioned within a respective recess of the plurality of recesses to align with a respective slot of the plurality of slots, a connector port having a plurality of pins, and a plurality of conductors in which each conductor of the plurality of conductors extends from a respective pin of the plurality of pins to a respective mount of the plurality of mounts. Each mount of the plurality of mounts is configured to receive an additional conductor via a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots to electrically couple the additional conductor to a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins via a corresponding conductor of the plurality of conductors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/67 - Testing the correctness of wire connections in electric apparatus or circuits
  • G01R 31/71 - Testing of solder joints

79.

Distance elements for line protection near unconventional sources

      
Application Number 17685647
Grant Number 11598800
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-03
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Grant Date 2023-03-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Kasztenny, Bogdan Z.

Abstract

Distance protection for electric power delivery systems that include an unconventional source is disclosed herein using apparent impedance independent of memory and cross-phase polarizing. The apparent impedance may be compared with an offset distance operating characteristic. Fault direction is determined by using zero-sequence ground directional logic for phase-to-ground faults. For phase-to-phase faults, fault direction is determined using weak-infeed directional logic. Fault direction may further use incremental quantity directional principles. The distance protection may further determine a faulted loop using voltage logic. The distance protection may select between traditional distance protection and the methods described herein based on the current feeding the fault.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/08 - Locating faults in cables, transmission lines, or networks
  • G01R 31/52 - Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults

80.

Systems and methods for establishing a secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17209394
Grant Number 11843479
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-23
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Grant Date 2023-12-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gordon, Colin

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory having instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine establishment of setup criteria to operate in a passive mode, operate in the passive mode to communicate data without initiation of a media access control security key agreement (MKA) protocol in response to determination of the establishment of the setup criteria, receive activation data during operation in the passive mode, the activation data being indicative that a media access control security (MACsec) communication link is to be established, and operate in an active mode in response to receipt of the activation data to initiate the MKA protocol to establish the MACsec communication link.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 12/46 - Interconnection of networks
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

81.

Systems and methods for establishing a backup secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17210881
Grant Number 11552822
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-24
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Meine, Robert

Abstract

A controller for an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine that a first switch of the electric power distribution system is a primary switch communicatively coupled to an intelligent electronic device (IED) of the electric power distribution system, determine that a second switch of the electric power distribution system is a backup switch communicatively coupled to the TED, and distribute a first copy of a security association key (SAK) to the first switch and a second copy of the SAK to the second switch in response to determining that the first switch is the primary switch and the second switch is the backup switch to enable the first switch and the second switch to establish respective media access control security (MACsec) communication links with the IED.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 12/46 - Interconnection of networks
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

82.

Authentication of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) using secure association keys (SAKs)

      
Application Number 17212030
Grant Number 11601278
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-25
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Grant Date 2023-03-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Watkins, Timothy J.
  • Stoaks, Paul
  • Skelton, Duane C.
  • Gammel, Dennis

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to establish, over a communication network of a power system, a communication link according to a media access control security (MACsec) Key Agreement (MKA). The TED receives a plurality of access control secure association keys (SAKs) via the communication link. The TED receives one or more checked-out SAKs indicating a request to access the TED The TED allows access based on the one or more checked-out access control SAKs matching at least one of the plurality of access control SAKs.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

83.

Systems and methods to identify open phases of a capacitor bank

      
Application Number 17204250
Grant Number 11808824
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-17
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2023-11-07
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hao, Kei
  • Blair, Jeremy William

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for determining the number of open phases and which particular phases may be open in capacitor bank system. Detecting open phases may include determining a neutral current of the capacitor bank system. According to one detection method, in response to a magnitude of the neutral current being greater than a threshold value, an IED may calculate an aggregate power phasor for the phases of the capacitor bank system with respect to each rotation. According to another detection method, in response to the magnitude of the neutral current being greater than a threshold value, an IED may calculate an individual power phasor for each of the phases of the capacitor bank system with respect to each rotation. Based on the magnitude and angles of the power phases, the IED may determine the presence of open phases and which particular phases may be open, respectively.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/64 - Testing of capacitors
  • G01R 19/10 - Measuring sum, difference, or ratio
  • G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques

84.

Device management in power systems using media access control security (MACsec)

      
Application Number 17204267
Grant Number 11722501
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-17
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2023-08-08
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Skelton, Duane C.

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to establish, over a communication network of a power system, a connection association (CA) with a receiving device using a MACsec Key Agreement (MKA). The processor is configured to automatically send device management information via the MKA process.

IPC Classes  ?

85.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A SECURE COMMUNICATION LINK IN AN ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

      
Application Number 17201359
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-03-15
First Publication Date 2022-09-15
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Skelton, Duane C.
  • Manjunath, Abhilash

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to transmit a first data frame and a second data frame to a switch of the electric power distribution system, determine whether the switch transmits the first data frame and not the second data frame, and establish a media access control security key agreement (MKA) based on a determination of whether the switch transmits the first frame and not the second data frame.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

86.

MERGING UNIT VERIFICATION USING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS

      
Application Number 17190801
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-03-03
First Publication Date 2022-09-08
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nalla, Bharat
  • Patil, Vishal
  • Nelms, Lisa Gayle
  • Ran, Lihua
  • Akyildiz, Ozan

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to verify information received from a merging unit. In one embodiment, a system may include a merging unit interface comprising a port configured to communicate with the merging unit. The system may include a commissioning subsystem to receive a unique identifier (“UID”) associated with the merging unit using the port during a commissioning process, to store the UID associated with the merging unit, and to associate the UID with the port. In operation, a verification subsystem may receive a plurality of transmissions from the merging unit and verify that the plurality of transmissions originated from the merging unit based on matching the UID stored in the commissioning process with the UID in the plurality of transmissions, and confirming that the plurality of transmissions is received through the port associated with the UID.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 7/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for electronic equipment

87.

Systems and methods for communicating data securely for an electric power delivery system

      
Application Number 17462220
Grant Number 11436109
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-31
First Publication Date 2022-09-06
Grant Date 2022-09-06
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gordon, Colin

Abstract

A system includes a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP) link redundancy entity (LRE) configured to receive data and copy the data to create a first copy of the data and a second copy of the data for transmission and a switch configured to cause operation between a first PRP media access control security (MACsec) mode and a second PRP MACsec mode to encrypt the data. The first PRP MACsec mode includes performing MACsec encryption on the data received by the PRP LRE prior to the data being copied by the PRP LRE, and the second PRP MACsec mode includes performing the MACsec encryption on the first copy of the data and the second copy of the data after the data has been copied by the PRP LRE.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 11/14 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in operation, e.g. by using different operation sequences leading to the same result
  • G06F 11/20 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in hardware using active fault-masking, e.g. by switching out faulty elements or by switching in spare elements
  • G06F 11/18 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in hardware using passive fault-masking of the redundant circuits, e.g. by quadding or by majority decision circuits
  • G06F 11/08 - Error detection or correction by redundancy in data representation, e.g. by using checking codes
  • H04L 101/622 - Layer-2 addresses, e.g. medium access control [MAC] addresses
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

88.

Microgrid power flow monitoring and control

      
Application Number 17739634
Grant Number 11588333
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-09
First Publication Date 2022-08-25
Grant Date 2023-02-21
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Khatib, Abdel Rahman
  • Cai, Niannian

Abstract

A microgrid power flow monitoring and control system is described herein. The control system may determine active and reactive power sharing shortage on the electric power delivery system. The control system may utilize the control strategies of generation units, such as ISO control, droop control and constant power control to estimate power flow within a microgrid or other isolated system. A control strategy of one or more generators may be modified based on the determined power flow.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
  • H02J 3/18 - Arrangements for adjusting, eliminating or compensating reactive power in networks

89.

Systems and methods for establishing a secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17201299
Grant Number 11425167
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-15
First Publication Date 2022-08-23
Grant Date 2022-08-23
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bradetich, Ryan
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Wyszczelski, Karen S J
  • Ahsan, Hidayatullah

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to receive operating data associated with the electric power distribution system, determine whether the operating data matches with expected operating data, generate a connectivity association key (CAK) based on the operating data in response to a determination that the operating data matches with the expected operating data, and establishing a connectivity association based on the CAK.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

90.

Dependable open-phase detection in electric power delivery systems with inverter-based resources

      
Application Number 17670864
Grant Number 11735908
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-14
First Publication Date 2022-08-18
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cockerham, Brett Mitchell
  • Chowdhury, Ritwik
  • Town, John C.

Abstract

Systems and methods are described herein to detect an open-phase condition associated with an inverter-based resource for electric power generation within an electric power delivery system. An electric power delivery system may include one or more inverter-based resources that provide three phased electric power to one or more loads of an electric utility. A controller may include circuitry to measure voltage unbalances between different phases, high voltage sequences, phase voltage waveform harmonic distortions, voltage levels, and current levels to dependably detect an open-phase condition of the electric power delivery system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

91.

Automated communication flow discovery and configuration in a software defined network

      
Application Number 17237468
Grant Number 11418432
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-22
First Publication Date 2022-08-16
Grant Date 2022-08-16
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Belussi, Paul A.
  • Smith, Rhett
  • Robinson, Kylan T.
  • Dice, Lance G.
  • Bethmann, Glenn C.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for automating the configuration of a software defined network (“SDN”). In one embodiment, a system may include a first communication host and a second communication host configured to transmit information to the first communication host. A network may provide communication between the first communication host and the second communication host using a plurality of network devices. An SDN controller in communication with the network may include an approved service subsystem to match the communication with an approved service. The SDN controller may also include an analysis subsystem configured to identify a communication flow corresponding to information transmitted by the second communication host to the first communication host. A traffic routing subsystem of the SDN controller may create the communication flow identified by the analysis subsystem between the second communication host and the first communication host.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
  • H04L 45/64 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks using an overlay routing layer
  • H04L 45/302 - Route determination based on requested QoS

92.

Compression of power system signals

      
Application Number 17172447
Grant Number 11509329
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-10
First Publication Date 2022-08-11
Grant Date 2022-11-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Silk, Eric Andrew
  • Ladow, Peter S.
  • Halladay, Matthew J.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to compress an input signal representing a parameter in an electric power system. In one embodiment, a system includes a data acquisition subsystem to receive an input signal comprising a plurality of high-speed representations of electrical conditions. A linear prediction subsystem generates an excitation signal estimate based on the input signal, a plurality of linear prediction coefficients based on the input signal, and an estimated signal based on the excitation signal estimate and the plurality of linear prediction coefficients. An error encoding subsystem may generate an encoding of an error signal based on a difference between the input signal and the estimated signal. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store an encoded and compressed representation of the input signal comprising the excitation signal estimate, the plurality of linear prediction coefficients, and the encoding of the error signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H03M 7/00 - Conversion of a code where information is represented by a given sequence or number of digits to a code where the same information is represented by a different sequence or number of digits
  • H03M 7/40 - Conversion to or from variable length codes, e.g. Shannon-Fano code, Huffman code, Morse code
  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H04B 3/54 - Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
  • G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
  • G01R 21/00 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor

93.

Data sharing in a point-to-point system

      
Application Number 17399796
Grant Number 11411609
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-11
First Publication Date 2022-08-09
Grant Date 2022-08-09
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shrestha, Arun
  • Akyildiz, Ozan
  • Rajasekaran, Manodev J.

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to share data in a point-to-point system. In one embodiment, a system to share point-to-point information may be used in an electric power system, and the system may include a communication interface to communicate using a point-to-point protocol using at least a first port and a second port. A point-to-point information sharing subsystem may receive an indication that point-to-point information received on the first port is to be shared on the second port and may configure the second port to share point-to-point information received on the first port. In some embodiments, a delay associated with the communication link may be added to the shared point-to-point information prior to transmission.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04B 3/54 - Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
  • H04L 69/324 - Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC

94.

Traveling wave overcurrent protection for electric power delivery systems

      
Application Number 17647252
Grant Number 11735907
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-06
First Publication Date 2022-08-04
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Kasztenny, Bogdan Z.

Abstract

Protection of an electric power delivery system using a traveling wave overcurrent element is disclosed herein. A maximum traveling wave mode among the alpha and beta modes is selected and compared with a traveling wave overcurrent threshold to determine a traveling wave overcurrent. Traveling wave overcurrent protection may be enabled depending on a termination status of the protected electric power delivery system. When a remote terminal is terminated on high surge impedance, a local protection system may use local traveling wave current quantities to determine a traveling wave overcurrent, and the traveling wave overcurrent may be used for line protection. Systems for detecting a termination status use local and remote current quantities.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for switching devices
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

95.

SAMPLE TIME OFFSET ALIGNMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM SAMPLES INDEPENDENT OF A COMMON TIME SOURCE

      
Application Number 17456936
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-11-30
First Publication Date 2022-07-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nelms, Lisa Gayle
  • Lee, Tony J.
  • Bridges, Bryon S.
  • Lautenschlager, Derek
  • Ramirez Conejo, Guillermo
  • Mcdaid, Stephanie L.
  • Sharma, Nishchal
  • Nalla, Bharat
  • Rajasekaran, Vinodev E.

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system for time aligning electric power system measurements at an intelligent electronic device (IED) using samples and sample time offset from merging units. The merging units do not require access to a common time signal. The IED does not require storage of a communication latency with the merging units. The sample time offset corresponds to a latency between obtaining the sample and receipt of the sample at the IED. The IED aligns samples from various merging units using sample time offset values communicated from the merging units to the IED. The IED performs monitoring and protection functions using the time aligned samples.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 3/05 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection - Details with means for increasing reliability, e.g. redundancy arrangements
  • H02H 3/16 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to fault current to earth, frame or mass
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network

96.

Adaptive load management based on system capacity in a microgrid environment

      
Application Number 17316947
Grant Number 11398729
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-11
First Publication Date 2022-07-26
Grant Date 2022-07-26
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Upreti, Ashish
  • Balasubramanian, Ashok
  • Mccoy, Tyler Loyd

Abstract

System, methods, and techniques for load management in a microgrid are disclosed. A system of load management includes one or more processors configured to receive a time threshold value defining a time period of power demand in a microgrid, determine a battery rating of the microgrid, and trigger load shedding or load restoration in the microgrid based on one or more of the time threshold value and the battery rating. The load shedding includes selecting and shedding a first load in the microgrid for load shedding, thereby removing a measured power consumption of the selected first load from an overall power consumption of the microgrid by the shedding. The load restoration includes selecting and restoring the first load in the microgrid, there by adding the measured power consumption of the selected first load to an overall power consumption of the microgrid by restoration.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

97.

Secure transfer using media access control security (MACsec) key agreement (MKA)

      
Application Number 17151481
Grant Number 11570179
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-18
First Publication Date 2022-07-21
Grant Date 2023-01-31
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gordon, Colin
  • Stoaks, Paul
  • Gammel, Dennis

Abstract

A key server device obtains authorization information of a user associated with an intelligent electronic device (IED). The key server communicates the authorization information to the IED, via a Media Access Control Security (MACsec) Key Agreement (MKA) protocol to allow the IED to authenticate the user. The key server receives one or more commands from the user. The key server communicates the one or more commands to the IED to allow the IED to perform operations based on the one or more commands.

IPC Classes  ?

98.

Systems and methods for configuring a secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17147855
Grant Number 11637444
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-13
First Publication Date 2022-07-14
Grant Date 2023-04-25
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gordon, Colin

Abstract

A control system of an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory having instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations that include receiving an indication of a profile, generating a connectivity association key (CAK) based on the profile, distributing a copy of the CAK to a device of the electric power distribution system, and establishing a connectivity association with the device in accordance with the profile based on a verification that the device possesses the copy of the CAK.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

99.

Recloser control with distributed energy resource synchronization

      
Application Number 17704860
Grant Number 11616370
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-25
First Publication Date 2022-07-07
Grant Date 2023-03-28
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Thompson, Craig
  • Manson, Scott M.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a recloser control that provides autosynchronization of a microgrid to an area electric power system (EPS). For example, a recloser control may include an output connector that is communicatively coupled to a recloser at a point of common coupling (PCC) between the area EPS and the microgrid. The recloser control may include a processor that acquires a first set of measurements indicating electrical characteristics of the area EPS and acquires a second set of measurements indicating electrical characteristics of the microgrid. The recloser control may send synchronization signals to one or more distributed energy resource (DER) controllers to synchronize one or more DERs to the area EPS based on the first set of measurements and the second set of measurements.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
  • H02J 3/40 - Synchronising a generator for connection to a network or to another generator
  • H02J 3/48 - Controlling the sharing of the in-phase component

100.

Systems and methods for adjusting a secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

      
Application Number 17141405
Grant Number 11843583
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-05
First Publication Date 2022-07-07
Grant Date 2023-12-12
Owner Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gordon, Colin

Abstract

An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory having instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations that include receiving an indication to establish a media access control security (MACsec) communication link in accordance with a confidential mode configured to block access to communication traffic associated with the MACsec communication link, indicating that the MACsec communication link is to be established in accordance with the confidential mode, receiving establishment of the MACsec communication link in accordance with the confidential mode, and communicating data via the MACsec communication link.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
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