Method and system for detecting an arc fault in a power circuit

摘要

The method of detecting an arc fault in a power circuit includes determining a first signal related to current flowing in the power circuit is determined and analyzing the first signal to determine whether the signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit. In case the first signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit, means for suppressing an electric arc are activated. A second signal related to current flowing in the power circuit is then determined and analyzed. An occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is signaled if the second signal does not indicate the presence of an electric arc. The system for detecting an arc fault is designed to perform a corresponding method.

主权项

1. A method of detecting an arc fault in a power circuit, comprising:
determining a first signal related to current flowing in the power circuit; analyzing the first signal and determining whether the first signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit; in case the first signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit, activating means for suppressing an electric arc; determining and analyzing a second signal related to current flowing in the power circuit upon the first signal indicating the presence of an electric arc; and signaling the occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit if the second signal does not indicate the presence of an electric arc, wherein in the case that the second signal still indicates the presence of an electric arc, further comprising performing an optimization analysis on another signal, wherein if the another signal satisfies a predetermined criteria then the first signal is no longer regarded as an indication for the presence of an electric arc.