5b Protective Device for LV Underground Grid-Type Networks and Network Equipment

Quality Switch, Inc. will develop a new version of a protective device for the low voltage underground grid type networks and network equipment. The new version will ensure a more safe and reliable operation of the grid by adding sensing devices to avoid improper operation, signal operating conditions beyond predetermined boundaries, and degradation of equipment parameters as specified in topic 5b for advanced protective relaying technologies and tools. A specific function of the device will be whereupon the device, sensing a degradation in the quality of contacts within the protective device, will signal for the end user to remove the device from service and replace said contacts before catastrophic failures create outages or endanger utility workers and/or the public. Additional functions will include interfacing and monitoring of sensors on attached equipment to correlate proper functioning of said equipment and signaling, as in the previous case, the degradation of the equipment or an abnormal value of a specific characteristic so that the monitoring utility can dispatch employees to determine necessary action in as timely a manner as the specific characteristic requires. By being proactive in this manner, the device will increase the life span of the attached equipment. These new protection devices will utilize a concept for current and fault interruption that will limit exposure of electrical workers to arc flash via containment of the interruption and said concept will extend the life of the arcing contacts. During phase I, Quality Switch will work to develop this new method of current interruption and work on responsiveness and endurance testing of the current interruption device with consideration on the impact of distributed energy resources to the underground and distribution network systems with a targeted service life span of more than 30 years. Quality Switch has a history of working in the industry since 1974 and participating in the IEEE Transformers Committee to work with electrical system (utility) engineers to optimize sensing and communication to the device and develop algorithms capable of adapting to match each systems’ set points and interface with their supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) or other communication systems. In addition to working with utilities, Quality Switch will leverage capabilities at the Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center (TBEIC) in Warren, Ohio to review stored energy (battery) options for controller service and also additional sensor companies during the research stage.