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Unread 09-05-2014, 17:22
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Michael Corsetto Michael Corsetto is offline
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FRC #1678 (Citrus Circuits)
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Join Date: May 2004
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Location: Davis, CA
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Re: [FRC Blog] 2015 Control System and Kit of Parts Survey

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Hill View Post
I think you, to quote Dubbya, "misunderestimate" most other teams. I saw the new current sensing ability and immediately saw the benefit. Remember how a lot of teams are having issues tripping the main breaker with 6 CIMs and a compressor? That can now be a problem of the past.
Although this is partly true, current draw isn't the whole story to tripping the 120amp main breaker. The main breaker, which is a thermal breaker, will heat up and become more susceptible to tripping as it gets hotter.

Thus, tripping the main breaker is a function of both current draw and temperature. We have set up our practice bot with a thermocouple on the main breaker and inductive current sensors on the ground pole of the PDB. We have been logging current and temperature values in an attempt to isolate tripping conditions, but even then it can be difficult to really narrow down exactly what is happening the moment the main breaker trips.

I only have a limited knowledge on this subject, I'm hoping the students on our electrical team will post a whitepaper on the subject soon.

Regardless, excited to see current sensing integrated into the PDB.

-Mike
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