Coordinated fault protection system

摘要

A power distribution protection system and method uses communications to coordinate operation of fault protection devices. Communications may be prioritized wherein messages of a lower priority are held or discarded in favor of messages of a higher priority, for example, messages indicating a fault condition. The devices may use multiple channel access schemes in accordance with a priority of a message to be communicated.

主权项

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 plurality of fault protection devices including a communication device permitting transmission or reception of a signaling message and each of the plurality of fault protection devices being operable to determine the existence of a fault condition of the distribution line, wherein upon detection of the fault condition of the distribution line, each of the 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 plurality of fault protection devices receiving a signaling message is operable to adjust a fault protection characteristic such that fault protection devices of 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.