Accessory to the INCON® Optimizer3 Circuit Breaker Monitor

Records and analyzes trip & close coil current signatures

Compares each new signature to a baseline to detect deviations

Signature deviations can identify breaker deficiencies 

Deviations can trigger user-configured threshold alarms

Alarms can be used to apply data-driven maintenance

Records signature, date, and time of each breaker operation

Provides simplified NERC PRC-005 testing compliance

SFTP communication protocol via COMTRADE or CSV files

Can aid in deferring or eliminating offline testing

Improves safety, minimizes truck rolls, reduces costs

Trip & Close Coil Wiring & Current Sensors

The monitoring process begins with the Trip and Close Coil wiring being routed through the current sensors. The system utilizes 3 sensors —  two for the trip coil wiring and one for the close coil wiring. These sensors capture the current waveforms during breaker operations.

Data Collection by the Trip Signature Monitor Hub

The Trip Signature Monitor Hub is responsible for collecting coil current measurements from the sensors. As the breaker operates, the Hub continuously monitors the current passing through the coils and relays it to the Optimizer3, ensuring that every detail is recorded accurately.

Trip Signature Retrieval and Analysis

TripTracer™ technology performs an in-depth analysis of the signature compared to the baseline. This analysis helps to identify any anomalies or deviations from the baseline, providing insights into potential issues within the breaker's latch mechanisms.

1. BUFFER VALLEY TIME

This refers to the duration between the initial spike in the current (inrush peak) and the start of the current saturation. A short buffer valley time might indicate that the breaker is reacting quickly, while a longer time could suggest potential delays in operation, possibly due to mechanical or electrical issues.

2. INRUSH PEAK CURRENT

This is the maximum current observed immediately before the breaker starts to trip. A high inrush peak current can indicate that coil windings are shorted or there is high friction in the latch mechanism. A low inrush peak current can indicate high coil resistance and impending coil failure.

3. BUFFER VALLEY CURRENT

This is the current level during the buffer valley time. If the buffer valley current is higher than expected, it could indicate that coil windings are shorted or there is high friction in the latch mechanism.

4. SATURATION TIME

This is the duration for which the current remains at a nearly constant level after the inrush peak, indicating the acceleration of the breaker's operating mechanism. A prolonged saturation time might suggest weakness in the operating spring pressure, high friction in the operating mechanism or a sluggish 52a or 52b switch.

5. PEAK SATURATION CURRENT

This is the highest current level during the saturation phase. A high peak saturation current can indicate that coil windings are shorted or station battery voltage is unusually high.

6. DISCHARGE TIME

This refers to the time taken for the current to decrease to zero after the peak saturation phase. A shorter discharge time could indicate possible shorted coil windings.