Patent ID: 7916627
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. A power distribution protection system comprising: a source coupled to a load by a distribution line, the distribution line being segmented by a plurality of fault protection devices; each of the source and the plurality of fault protection devices including a communication device permitting transmission or reception of a signaling message and each of the source and the plurality of fault protection devices being operable to determine the existence of a fault within the communication system, wherein upon detection of a fault condition of the distribution line, each of the source and plurality of fault protection devices detecting the fault condition communicate the signaling message to an adjacent source or one of the plurality of fault protection devices, and each of the source and the plurality of fault protection devices receiving a signaling message is operable to adjust a fault protection characteristic such that the one of the source and the plurality of fault protection devices nearest to the fault on the distribution line operates to isolate the fault from the remainder of the distribution line.