Patent ID: 8310370
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for continuous monitoring of electrical safety conditions and managing of energy consumption in a branch electrical circuit using a microcontroller embedded in a smart circuit breaker, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of inputs detected by a plurality of sensors in the circuit breaker, including a temperature sensor, a plurality of voltage sensors, and a plurality of current sensors; determining, by the microcontroller, an amount of energy consumed during a preset interval of time; receiving a temperature of a circuit breaker panel board detected by the temperature sensor, and comparing the temperature with a preset temperature alarm threshold value to determine if the panel board is overheating; determining, by the microcontroller, a neutral conductor condition based on a plurality of voltages and currents received from the plurality of voltage and current sensors by comparing a voltage differential with a first preset threshold differential voltage value; and transmitting, by the microcontroller, a plurality of data values derived from the plurality of sensor inputs via a secure communications link to a data processing system for storage and presentation to an energy consumer.