Direct current electrical system arc detection apparatus and method

摘要

Disclosed is an arc detection circuit for monitoring an electrical distribution system which results in detecting arcing in the electrical distribution system and the ability to provide notification and protection for such arcing. The system functions to monitor the electrical distribution system to sense the frequencies of signals in the system using appropriate filtering. One type of filtering which may be used is based upon a heterodyning circuit which provides variable frequency filtering for filtering a signal representative of the current in at least one electrical circuit of the electrical system. The heterodyning circuit output is configured to produce a signal which may be logarithmically related to the filtered signal. If the output signal exceeds a predetermined limit (representative of noise) for a predetermined period (representative of a typical arc duration), the system generates an arc signal. The arc signal may then be used to operate a circuit interrupter or an indicator in a circuit protection system.