Abstract:
A portable generator produces secondary voltage to feed a portable trailer mounted transformer through secondary cables. Transformer voltages are stepped up to primary levels with disconnects/fuses protecting the transformer and generator. From the fuses a primary underground cable feeds a junction box mounted on the bottom side of the portable trailer for underground applications. Overhead applications include a temporary overhead erectable structure with overhead disconnects. A temporary ground rod with a grounding cable is used to establish a path to ground and a common neutral system for the portable trailer and all components of the portable generator apparatus and system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/202,374, filed on Mar. 10, 2014, entitled “Portable Generator System for Providing Temporary Power to an Electrical-Distribution System,” which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/789,514, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The portable primary voltage generator (“PPVG”) apparatus, system and method are safe, efficient, and economical ways to provide temporary power to underground or overhead distribution power lines while a section of the line or circuit is de-energized with no other possible way of being re-energized. The PPVG energizes the distribution power line with the same voltage standards that the utility or owner of the power line are required to meet by either 1) parallel connection of the PPVG with the electrical grid then separating the PPVG and section of line wished to be isolated, or 2) first separating and de-energizing the intended section of the power line then reenergizing the de-energized section of the power line using the PPVG. These PPVG procedures allow maintenance and or repairs to be performed on de-energized conductor and/or apparatus and minimize the impact to customer service. By de-energizing a section of line and then re-energizing the load side of the section being worked upon the following benefits are accomplished, without limitation:
       1) maintenance or repair on de-energized power lines which is safer and more efficient than working on energized lines;   2) provides an option for continued power service to be delivered to the customer(s) when a line must be de-energized because of the scope of work to be done on the line;   3) reduces outages or impact of outages and, thus, increases reliability of electrical power and improves a utility company&#39;s negotiations over rates and revenue with the local public utility commission, for example in the State of California—the California Public Utility Commission (“CPUC”).       
 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for addressing problems associated with providing continued electrical service to end users when a portion of the electrical distribution line is de-energized for maintenance or repair, or has been knocked out as a result of severe weather conditions or terrorist attack. 
         [0007]    There is likewise a need to reduce outages or impact of outages attendant to maintenance or repair of power lines or circuits, severe weather conditions or terrorist attack. 
         [0008]    There is a corresponding need for an apparatus, system and/or method for maintenance or repair on de-energized power lines which is safer and more efficient than working on energized lines. 
         [0009]    Further it would be useful if multiple features can be incorporated into one portable primary voltage generator apparatus, system and method to provide allowing for applications to both underground and overhead electrical power lines. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The connections of the PPVG to electrical power distribution lines are made by utility employees at either an underground interface or an overhead interface. At no time will the operator of the PPVG touch or come within the distance limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) for energized apparatus or conductors. To assure proper voltage is maintained to utility customers, utility engineers assess the section of line that will be energized by the PPVG to assure the load on the section of line will be within the capabilities of the PPVG. The PPVG suitable to the energy load requirements of the section of line will be maneuvered into position (and structure erected for overhead applications) under the direction and supervision of a qualified employee of the utility or owner of the line. Prior to the PPVG being connected to distribution lines the PPVG is grounded using temporary ground source and grounding cable(s) with all components of the PPVG at the same potential. Then the PPVG is connected to the secondary generator for a predetermined secondary voltage range through the secondary interface, with the circuit breaker at the secondary generator closed. The secondary generator is started energizing the PPVG to primary levels, with an embodiment of the PPVG providing and delivering a voltage range from 601 volts to 35,000 volts. When the desired and designed proper voltage, amperage, and frequency are verified through telemetry the secondary generator circuit breaker will be opened de-energizing the PPVG. At that time the connections are made to either the underground interface or the overhead interface with disconnects/fuses open. The PPVG operator will then close the circuit breaker energizing the PPVG to the bottom side of the open disconnects/fuses. Then the utility employee closes the disconnect(s)/fuse(s), reenergizing the section of distribution line and restoring power to the customers of the utility. Voltage will be monitored and maintained using telemetry and a secondary voltage regulator to maintain the delivered voltage within the standards set by the utility or owner of the line. The operation is reversed for removal of the PPVG. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes a telemetry unit which provides remote information gathering and monitoring for the secondary voltage interface, the transformer temperature, the primary current transformer, and the primary potential transformer. 
         [0012]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes transformer primary protective devices selected from fuses, switches, fused switches, sectionalizer(s), line recloser(s), grounding bank(s), or any other type of automatic, automated, or controlled device to protect the transformer from load side fault. 
         [0013]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes a primary underground interface that provides a trailer mounted junction box with load break and dead break bushing applications. 
         [0014]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes an overhead interface that provides a trailer mounted overhead erectable structure which when erected yields a structure for overhead disconnect/fuses for utility connections. 
         [0015]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes an oil containment system that provides a catch basin held within the trailer to contain oil in the event of a transformer failure or leak. 
         [0016]    An embodiment of the PPVG includes a fire extinguishing/suppression system that provides an integral plumbing assembly to deliver a fire extinguishing chemical to PPVG components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable primary voltage generator  10  having the primary overhead interface  38  erected and connected to power distribution lines while a section of the overhead source line or circuit  112  is de-energized with no other possible way of being re-energized. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  depicting, inter alia, a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable primary voltage generator  10  having the primary underground interface  36  connected to an underground junction box  102  while a section of the underground source line or circuit is de-energized with no other possible way of being re-energized, with the overhead erectable structure  104  in a stowed position on the trailer  1000 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts planar front view of a telemetry display and control panel  32  of an embodiment of a portable primary voltage generator  10 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of the overhead erectable structure  104  for the embodiment of a portable primary voltage generator  10  of  FIG. 1 , depicting, inter alia, the 360 degree adjustable positioning of the primary overhead interface  38 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable primary voltage generator  10  and the various trailer  1000  ground support assemblies  106  and pivot assembly  108  for the overhead erectable structure  104 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts a system schematic of an embodiment of portable primary voltage generator  10 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A-7C  depict a method  210  of using an embodiment of portable primary voltage generator  10  to energize a distribution power line. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A-8C  depict a method  310  of terminating use of an embodiment of portable primary voltage generator  10  once repairs/maintenance to a distribution power line have been completed. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  depicts a graphic representation of the number of residential customers that can be supported by an embodiment of portable primary voltage generator  10  plotted against the daytime high ambient outside temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , an apparatus, a system, and methods of use for embodiments of portable primary voltage generator are disclosed. 
         [0027]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , an embodiment of the PPVG  10  apparatus and system, includes a trailer  100  comprising an external surface comprising four side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface, at least one enclosed area within the four side, top and bottom external surfaces comprising corresponding enclosed internal surfaces, at least one enclosed area entrance from one external side surface and a corresponding door, at least one hitch assembly, at least one axel, at least one overhead erectable structure  104  comprising a bottom end and a top end, at least one overhead erectable structure support assembly  106 , at least one overhead erectable support structure pivot assembly  108 , at least one overhead structure support assembly ground support assembly  110 , at least one overhead erectable structure locking pin  46 , and at least one overhead erectable structure holder assembly  50 . 
         [0028]    The at least one trailer enclosed area includes at least one generator  12 , at least one secondary voltage regulator  14 , at least one voltage synchronizer  16 , at least one circuit breaker  18 , at least one secondary voltage interface  20 , at least one transformer  22 , at least one temperature monitoring device  24 , at least one transformer primary protection assembly  26  including disconnects and/or fuses, at least one potential transformer  28 , and at least one current transformer  30 , and at least one primary underground interface  36 ,  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0029]    At least one telemetry display and control panel  32  is included on one trailer external side surface,  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0030]    At least one primary overhead interface  38  is rotatably affixed to the at least one overhead erectable structure  104  top end, the primary overhead interface  38  comprising at least one riser termination  40 , at least one overhead disconnect  42 , and at least one cutout arm  44 . 
         [0031]    Shielded and grounded wiring connects the generator, regulator, synchronizer, circuit breaker, transformer, telemetry display and control panel, interface, components. An underground junction conduit port is provided in the trailer external bottom surface with corresponding riser neck into the at least one enclosed trailer area above the trailer enclosed floor. An overhead junction conduit port is provided in the trailer external side surface corresponding to the at least one overhead erectable structure support assembly  106  and into the at least one enclosed trailer area. As thus configured,  FIGS. 1-6 , the PPVG apparatus  10  provides an uninterrupted source of electrical power within a designed voltage range to utility customers while underground or overhead distribution power lines or circuits are otherwise being maintained or repaired through the primary underground interface  36  or the primary overhead interface  38  to an isolated power distribution system  34 . 
         [0032]    The connections to electrical power distribution lines are made by utility employees at either an underground junction box  102  or overhead transmission lines  112 ,  FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 . At no time will the operator of the PPVG apparatus  10  will touch or come within the distance limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) for energized apparatus or conductors. To assure proper voltage is maintained to utility customers, utility engineers assess the section of line that will be energized by the PPVG apparatus  10  to assure the load on the section of line will be within the capabilities of the PPVG apparatus  10 . For example,  FIG. 9  depicts a graphic representation of the number of residential customers that can be supported by an embodiment of portable primary voltage generator  10  plotted against the daytime high, ambient outside temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0033]    The appropriately engineered and designed PPVG apparatus  10  for this specific application is then maneuvered into position (and the overhead erectable structure erected for overhead applications) under the direction and supervision of a qualified employee of the utility or owner of the line. Prior to the PPVG apparatus  10  being connected to distribution lines the PPVG apparatus  10  is grounded using temporary ground rods with all components of the PPVG apparatus  10  at the same potential. Then the PPVG  10  is connected to the generator  12  for a specified, desired voltage range, depending on the load requirements and the PPVG apparatus components selected, through the secondary voltage interface  20 , with the circuit breaker  18  at the secondary voltage regulator  14  closed. The generator  12  is started energizing the PPVG apparatus  10  to primary levels, with the possible potential ranging from 120 volts to 230,000 volts, depending upon the equipment. When the desired voltage, amperage, and temperature are verified through the telemetry display and control panel  32  the circuit breaker  18  is opened to de-energize the PPVG  10 . At that time the connections are made to either the underground interface or the overhead interface with transformer primary protection  26  disconnects/fuses open. The PPVG apparatus  10  operator will then close the circuit breaker  18  energizing the PPVG apparatus  10  to the bottom side of the open transformer primary protection  26  disconnects/fuses. Then the utility employee closes disconnects/fuses at the transformer primary protection  26 , reenergizing the section of distribution line and restoring power to the customers of the utility. Potential and current are monitored and maintained using telemetry  32  and a secondary voltage regulator  14  to maintain the delivered voltage within the standards set by the utility or owner of the line. The operation is reversed for removal of the PPVG  10  apparatus. 
         [0034]    The transformer primary protection  26  for an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes a fused disconnect/fuse cutout such as any of those manufactured by Kearney™, S&amp;C™, ABB™, Cooper™, or Thomas and Betts™. 
         [0035]    The transformer primary protection  26  for an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  further includes a current limiting fuse, universal fuse, fault tamer fuse, and/or liquid fuse such as any of those manufactured by General Electric®, Cooper™, Thomas and Betts™, or Josyln™. 
         [0036]    The transformer primary protection  26  for an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  further includes recloser/interrupter/sectionalizer assemblies such as those manufactured by Cooper™ (DAS Switch w/iDC Control; Nova recloser w/control), Josyln™ (PowerMax w/control), McGraw Edison™ (Automatic recloser w/control), or Kyle™ (recloser w/control). 
         [0037]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes a telemetry display and control panel  32  which, inter alia, provides remote information gathering and monitoring for the secondary voltage interface  20 , the transformer  22  temperature through a temperature monitoring device  24 , the current transformer  28 , and the potential transformer  30 . 
         [0038]    A method  210  of using an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  and PPVG system to provide temporary power to underground or overhead distribution power lines while a section of the line or circuit is de-energized,  FIGS. 7A-7C , includes the following steps:
       1) assessing the section of line that will be energized by the PPVG apparatus  10  to assure the load on the section of line will be within the capabilities of the PPVG,  212 ;   2) maneuvering the PPVG apparatus  10  into position,  214 ;   3) grounding the PPVG apparatus  10  using temporary ground rods with all components of the PPVG grounded at the same potential,  216 ;   4) erecting the trailer mounted overhead erectable structure  104  for overhead applications,  218 ;   5) connecting the PPVG apparatus  10  to the generator  12 , with the circuit breaker  18  at the generator  12  closed, for a desired secondary voltage range through the secondary voltage interface  20 , 220 ;   6) starting the generator to energize the PPVG apparatus  10  to primary levels for a specified voltage range,  222 ;   7) opening the secondary generator circuit breaker, when proper voltage, amperage, and temperature are verified through telemetry, de-energizing the PPVG apparatus  10 , 224 ;   8) connecting either the underground interface  36  or the overhead interface  38  with disconnects/fuses in the open position,  226 ;   9) closing the circuit breaker, thus energizing the PPVG apparatus  10  to the bottom side of the open transformer primary protection  26  disconnects/fuses,  228 ;   10) closing the transformer primary protection  26  disconnects/fuses, reenergizing the section of distribution line and restoring power to the customers of the utility,  230 ; and   11) monitoring and maintaining the delivered voltage within the standards set by the utility or owner of the line using telemetry,  232 .       
 
         [0050]    It would be understood by persons in the art that the PPVG apparatus and PPVG system are equivalent for practicing the foregoing steps for providing temporary power to underground or overhead distribution power lines while a section of the line or circuit is de-energized,  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
         [0051]    A method  310  of disconnecting an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  and PPVG system from underground or overhead distribution power lines,  FIGS. 8A-8C  once the section of de-energized power line has been repaired, includes the following steps:
       1) confirming with the utility or owner of the line that the required or scheduled repair and/or maintenance on the line is completed,  312 ;   2) opening the disconnects/fuses, de-energizing the section of distribution line,  314 ;   3) opening the circuit breaker, thus de-energizing the PPVG apparatus  10  to the bottom side of the open disconnects/fuses,  316 ;   4) disconnecting the distribution line interface,  318 ;   5) closing the generator circuit breaker,  320 ;   6) stopping the generator to de-energize the PPVG to pre-operational levels,  322 ;   7) disconnecting the PPVG apparatus  10  from the generator, with the circuit breaker at the generator open,  324 ;   8) opening the transformer primary protection  26  disconnects/fuses,  326 ;   9) retracting the overhead erectable structure  104  for overhead applications,  328 ;   10) disconnecting the PPVG grounding rods for all components of the PPVG apparatus  10 , 330 ; and   11) maneuvering the PPVG apparatus  10  from the operational position to transport the PPVG apparatus  10  to the next repair/maintenance worksite,  332 .       
 
         [0063]    It would be understood by persons in the art that the PPVG apparatus and PPVG system are equivalent for practicing the foregoing steps for disconnecting an embodiment of the PPVG. 
         [0064]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes transformer primary protective devices  26  selected from fuses, switches, fused switches, sectionalizer(s), line re-closer(s), grounding bank(s), or any other type of automatic, automated, or controlled device to protect the transformer  22  from load side fault. 
         [0065]    A specific embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  provides a voltage range of from 120 volts to 230,000 volts. 
         [0066]    Another specific embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  provides a voltage range of from 601 volts to 35,000 volts. 
         [0067]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes a primary underground interface  36  that provides a trailer mounted junction box with load break and dead break bushing components. 
         [0068]    For overhead power transmission line applications, an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes the trailer mounted overhead erectable structure  104 , an overhead erectable structure support assembly  106 , an overhead erectable structure pivot assembly  108 , and an overhead erectable structure ground support assembly  110 ,  FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 . 
         [0069]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes an overhead interface  38  that provides a trailer mounted overhead erectable structure  104  which when erected yields a structure for overhead disconnect/fuses for utility connections on overhead transmission lines  112 . The top portion of the overhead erectable structure  104  includes a rotatable portion that allows the overhead disconnect/fuses to be readily positioned for connection to the potion of overhead transmission lines  112  required for power transmission to the utility users during the repair/maintenance procedures,  FIG. 4 . The overhead interface  38  of an embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  provides at least one riser termination  40 , at least one overhead disconnect  42 , and at least one cutout arm  44 ,  FIG. 4 . 
         [0070]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes an oil containment system that provides a fabricated catch basin and absorbent, such as PIG Corporation&#39;s PIG® sludge pellets, held within the trailer  100  around the trailer enclosed floor and up the trailer enclosed interior sides and the riser neck for a suitable dimension to contain oil in the event of a transformer  22  failure or leak. 
         [0071]    An embodiment of the PPVG apparatus  10  includes a fire extinguishing/suppression system, such as the DuPont® Waterless Fire Suppression System, within the at least one enclosed trailer area comprising an integral plumbing assembly to automatically deliver a fire extinguishing chemical, such as the Du Pont® FM-200 Agent, to the PPVG  10  components within the at least one enclosed trailer area upon predetermined critical parameters or at predetermined telemetry set points. Alternative embodiments include ports in the sides of the enclosed trailer area for discharge of an ABC - Class fire extinguisher into the enclosed trailer area. 
         [0072]    Accordingly, the PPVG apparatus  10 , system, and corresponding methods for assembly, power distribution, and dis-assembly provide the flexibility of delivering an uninterrupted source of electrical power to utility customers while underground or overhead distribution power lines or circuits are otherwise being maintained or repaired. The methods and corresponding apparatus and system of the PPVG alleviate the existing limitations for maintenance or repair of these power lines or circuits. The PPVG apparatus  10 , system and corresponding methods provide electrical utility companies with the ability of being able to address power line or circuit maintenance and repair issues without disruption of electrical power to those utility customers on the receiving end of the respective lines or circuits being maintained or repaired.