US Patent 7319309 Load tap change monitoring system and method

A system and method for remotely monitoring load tap changes on utility-type equipment are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a sensor measures a voltage before a tap change and compares the measured voltage to a voltage after the tap change. From this information, the direction of the tap change and the distance traveled can be determined. The system and method can also include a timer to measure an elapsed time required to complete a particular tap change and use this time information to determine the distance traveled. The direction of the tap change can be determined from a sensor that triggers the timer. The system and method thereby enable efficient and cost-effective remote monitoring of load tap changes and positions.