Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.

Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.

Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless device to generate wireless signals, a computer comprising a chassis and a motherboard, and a wireless device holder positioned on the chassis to accommodate and recharge the wireless device. The wireless device includes a rechargeable battery cell and two charging terminals connected to the rechargeable battery cell. The wireless device holder includes a main body including a holder connector connected to the motherboard, to enable the wireless device holder to communicate with and to be powered by the motherboard, a recharging unit to recharge the rechargeable battery cell, and two charging contact members corresponding to the charging terminals and connected to the recharging unit. When the wireless device is placed in the wireless device holder, the charging contact members contact the charging terminals, and the recharging unit recharges the rechargeable battery cell with power supplied by the motherboard.

Abstract: Various portable electronic devices are respectively equipped so that manually provided mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and stored there in. The stored electrical energy can be used to power the respective portable electronic device for at least a brief period. Suitably equipped portable electronic devices can thus be operated in emergency situations without external sources of electrical power, replacement batteries, or the like.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply device has a plurality of battery modules connected to each other in series by coupling a safety plug unit to a safety plug unit connecting base to output a series voltage from a power supply output coupler. The safety plug unit connects/disconnects electrode terminals of all the battery modules to each other. Female electrode bodies electrically connected to power supply terminals of the respective battery modules are collectively positioned in a limited area and are arranged at equal intervals on the safety plug unit connecting base. An output voltage of each battery module is set to be lower than 50V to reduce the risk of injury during use, inspection or maintenance of the high voltage power supply device and to downsize the device.

Abstract: An engine start-up system is disclosed. The engine start-up system has a 24-volt starter motor configured to crank the engine. The engine start-up system also has an energy source configured to supply electrical power to the starter motor. A 12-volt-operated magnetic switch is integrated with the 24-volt starter motor and is operable to permit the energy source to supply electrical power to the starter motor.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter (32) is connected between two battery banks (12, 14) so that state-of-charge of the bank (12) is that is used to crank the engine of the vehicle is maintained without a direct connection to the alternator. Alternator current flows through one or more cables to the other bank (14) and that bank (14) keeps bank (12) charged via the converter (32).

Abstract: In a vehicle electrical system powered by a battery for supplying a plurality of loads, an integrated module is provided between the positive terminal of the battery and the loads, and the integrated module includes an arrangement for detecting a state of charge of the battery, a control unit for power management of the vehicle electrical system, and at least one supply output for supplying power to the loads.

Abstract: A system and method produces electrical power for a load. First and second battery banks are provided, as is an inverter bank, which produces three phase. A switch alternately connects one of the first or second battery banks to the load and to the inverter bank with the other of the first or second battery banks being disconnected from the load and the inverter bank. A motor is connected to the output of the inverter bank. The motor drives an alternator bank, which alternator bank is electrically connected to, and recharges, the other of the first or second battery banks. A timer periodically alternates the battery banks between a load mode and recharge mode.

Abstract: The power supply system of the present invention includes: a cell assembly in which a first assembled battery, formed from a plurality of first cells connected in series, and a second assembled battery, formed from a plurality of second cells connected in series, are connected in parallel; and a generator for charging the cell assembly. The cell assembly is configured such that an average charging voltage V1 as a terminal voltage when the first assembled battery reaches a charging capacity that is half of a full charge capacity is set to be a voltage that is smaller than an average charging voltage V2 as a terminal voltage when the second assembled battery reaches a charging capacity that is half of a full charge capacity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charging device for a portable electronic product with a charging circuit, including: a mechanical energy collecting device configured on a main body of the portable electronic product, adapted to collect and store part of mechanical energy of a user of the portable electronic product; a mechanical energy-electrical energy converting device coupled with the mechanical energy collecting device, adapted to convert mechanical energy stored by the mechanical energy collecting device into electrical energy; and a processing circuit connected between an output end of the mechanical energy-electrical energy converting device and an input end of the charging circuit of the portable electronic product, adapted to process energy output from the mechanical energy-electrical energy converting device and input processed energy to the charging circuit of the portable electronic product.

Abstract: Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: A vehicle control system has a battery, a vehicle alternator for charging the battery, a vehicle-alternator control device capable of controlling the vehicle alternator, and a battery current detection device. The battery current detection device has a battery current detecting means capable of detecting a charging/discharging current of the battery, a battery voltage detection means capable of detecting a voltage of the battery, a battery temperature detection means capable of detecting a temperature of the battery, a microcomputer, and a communication controller. The communication controller performs digital data communication to transfer digital control signals between the vehicle alternator and the battery current detection device.

Abstract: A battery powered system using a battery operated hydraulic pump to spin a weighted flywheel which is connected to a generator that generates electricity used to power all of the energy requirements for a vehicle. This system will use dual strings of batteries where one string of batteries can be recharging while the other string is supplying the power to the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A limit value of an output current of power converter is defined as a first current value when a voltage at both ends of capacitor is higher than a voltage at both ends of battery, and a limit value of the output current thereof is defined as a second current value when the voltages are substantially equal to each other, the first current value is set to be smaller than the second current value. Thus, when a voltage at both ends of capacitor and a voltage at both ends of battery are substantially equal, heat is hardly generated. The limit value of the output current is set to a maximum current consumed by load. When a voltage at both ends of capacitor is higher than a voltage at both ends of battery, the limit value of the output current is set to be smaller than the second current value, and thereby heat generation is suppressed. Thus, the size of the heat dissipating components can be reduced, and a power supply system whose entire size can be minimized can be provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for charging a battery (110). The method includes the steps of receiving (212) an input power supply signal (300), monitoring (216) the input power supply signal to determine when the input power supply signal reaches first and second predetermined thresholds (314, 316) and in response to the monitoring step, selectively controlling (217) a charging switch (122) that controls the flow of the input power supply signal to the battery. The controlling step can include activating (220) the charging switch when the input power supply signal reaches the first predetermined threshold and deactivating (226) the switch when the input power supply signal reaches the second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: To protect the inverters and motor generators from damage caused by abnormal currents resulting from the sudden changes in voltage that occur when changing the battery voltage. A vehicle equipped with an engine 10* and first and second motor-generators 11 and 12 that can generate electricity by being driven by engine 10* or from regeneration of kinetic energy of the vehicle, power supply line 25 that connects first motor-generator 11 with second motor-generator 12, and battery 23 connected via switch 24 in the middle of electric power supply line 25. When changing the voltage of battery 23, switch 24 is opened before the voltage of battery 23 is changed, and switch 24 is closed only after one of the motor generators 11 and 12 is caused to generate electric power or propel the vehicle in order to reduce the difference in voltage between power supply line 25 and battery 23.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine integrated with a control device includes stator current switching circuit sections, each of which has a switching element disposed on a heat sink; a field current switching circuit section; a control circuit section which controls the stator current switching circuit sections and the field current switching circuit section; and a case which contains the stator current switching circuit sections and has suction holes each for a cooling air inflow, the heat sinks of three phases for the stator current switching circuit sections being disposed in a circumferential direction of the rotary electric machine. In the rotary electric machine, of the suction holes of the case, an area of the suction hole for the heat sink of the phase disposed in the midst is set to be larger than an area of the suction hole of other phase.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes a generator, a step-down circuit for reducing an output voltage of the generator to a predetermined voltage, a current controller for controlling a charging current that is supplied from the step-down circuit to a secondary battery, based on an amount of power generated by the generator, a mode selector for selecting charging modes, and a monitor for monitoring an amount of stored electricity. The step-down circuit receives an output of the generator, in charging, at a high voltage and a small current and is used to charge the battery at a low voltage and a large current.

Abstract: A charger including a power supply connectable to an outside power source, first and second battery power sources connected to the power supply for providing power to a battery pack, and a controller connected to the first and second battery power sources for controlling the first and second battery power sources. The first and second battery power sources are preferably connected in parallel to the battery.

Abstract: Method and systems of managing power distribution in switch based circuits. The method and system including a number of switches for controlling power distribution. The method and system further including a number of voltage elevators associated with each switch to facilitate the activation thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for switching from one voltage to another voltage are disclosed. The system relates to an induction generator or motor that switches between a first voltage and a second voltage. The method comprises transitioning between two or more voltage levels by inserting and removing resistance and capacitance following a systematic timing scheme. The generator/motor may have one or more windings, such as a primary and auxiliary winding.

Abstract: Self powered cell phones are provided with an armature which is supported to freely oscillate in swinging opposite motions and which includes a wire coil configured to intersect the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet during such motions, which generates electrical voltage and current that can be used to operate the phone or charge or recharge its batteries. Recharging mechanisms are manually or flywheel operated to impart the armature's motions and supply the generated current to the cell phone batteries.

Abstract: Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: A voltage raising device that provisionally maintains an operation and function when there is an abnormality provided. If a battery voltage drops when an engine is restarted after an idle stop, the voltage raising device raises the output voltage to a target voltage by using a voltage detecting circuit and a current detecting circuit. If an overcurrent determining circuit detects overcurrent, a switching control circuit reduces the target voltage to perform a control. If overvoltage is output, for example, due to an increased target voltage caused by an internal setting deviation resulting from a failure, an overvoltage detecting circuit outputs a prohibition signal ENV to stop the switching operation. However, as long as the output voltage is not overvoltage, the voltage raising operation is allowed. Therefore, the possibility that the engine can be started at least once without a problem is increased.

Abstract: A battery ECU controls a main battery composed of a plurality of battery cells connected to each other in series. The battery cells are grouped into cell blocks each having a cell-block monitor circuit. A control unit controls charging/discharging processes on the basis of signals output by the cell-block monitor circuit. A signal output by a cell-block monitor circuit on a high-voltage side turns on a transistor for propagating a signal to a cell-block monitor circuit on a middle-voltage side. In the cell-block monitor circuit on a middle-voltage side, the propagated signal turns on another transistor for further propagating a signal to a cell-block monitor circuit on a low-voltage side. In the cell-block monitor circuit on a low-voltage side, the propagated signal turns on a further transistor for outputting a signal to a control unit.

Abstract: Circuitry for charging a battery includes a switch for coupling the power source to the battery. The switch is turned on and off in accordance with a periodic control signal including a plurality of periods. Each period includes a first duration during which the control signal is in a first state and a second duration during which the control signal is in a second state. The switch is turned on when the control signal is in the first state to couple the power source to the battery, and turned off when the control signal is in the second state to decouple the power source from the battery. Since the switch is periodically turned off while the battery is being charged, the average amount of heat generated by the switch is reduced, thereby preventing excessive thermal emission from the battery charging circuitry.

Abstract: A control circuit for regulating current supplied from a power source to at least one load. The control circuit has a current mirror circuit electrically coupled between the power source and the at least one load, and being capable of regulating current supplied from the power source to the at least one load at different levels; a real-time clock (RTC) circuit adapted for recording real time; and a micro control unit (MCU) electrically coupled between the RTC circuit and the current mirror circuit, and configured such that when the real time changes from a first time period to a second time period, the MCU generates control signals to trigger the current mirror circuit to regulate current supplied from the power source to the at least one load from a first level corresponding to the first time period to a second level corresponding to the second time period.

Abstract: A fuel-efficient auxiliary power generation, conversion, and supply system configured within the periphery of a vehicular conveyance, and typically including a plurality of batteries, a power generator, an internal combustion engine, and an instrument control assembly including an inverter portion and a rectifier portion. The system generally comprises a portion of an electrical circuit substantially independent from a primary operative electrical circuit of the vehicular conveyance, and the combustion engine operates independently from a primary operative engine of the vehicular conveyance.

Abstract: When a control section (39) turns on a switch (31, 33, 35), a capacitor (37) is connected to a secondary battery (B1) in parallel. Accordingly, voltage between both ends of each capacitor (37, 38) reaches voltage between both polarities of each secondary battery (B1, B2). Thereafter, when the control section (39) turns off the switch (31, 33, 35) and turns on a switch (32, 34, 36), each capacitor (37, 38) is connected to the secondary battery (B2, B3) in parallel. The capacitor (37, 38) is charged/discharged to balance voltage between both polarities of the secondary battery (B1 to B3).

Abstract: In a system, a generator is configured to charge a battery through a charging wire connecting therebetween. A first unit measures a voltage of the battery, and a second unit detects an operating rate of the generator. A third unit determines that the charging wire is broken when the measured battery voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage and the detected operating rate of the generator is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A flashlight includes one or more light devices for being energized to generate light, one or more chargeable batteries are received in the housing and coupled to the light device for energizing the light device, an electric generating device is received in the housing, and rotatable or drivable by an actuating device. A directing device is coupled between the electric generating device and the chargeable battery for preventing an anti-phase electric current from flowing toward the chargeable battery and for preventing the chargeable battery from being damaged by the anti-phase electric current. A coupler may be coupled to the electric generating device for coupling to various electric facilities.

Abstract: A charging mechanism includes means for generating electrical current and means connected to the generating means for distributing the generated current. At least one battery bank formed from a plurality of batteries is connected in series. A means for charging the batteries is connected between the bank and the distribution means. A voltage controller controls a voltage level provided by at least one battery bank from at least one of exceeding and falling below a predetermined voltage level. Upon the controlling means detecting the voltage level is below the predetermined voltage level, the controlling means causes the generating means to generate the electric current to be provided to at least one battery bank by the distribution means and the charging means charges at least one battery bank.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting a malfunction in an on-vehicle charging system provided with a generator driven by an engine and a battery connected with the generator via a charging line. The apparatus comprises a first control unit controlling a generated condition of the generator and including a first voltage detector detecting a voltage generated by the generator and a second control unit including a second voltage detector detecting a voltage across the battery. The apparatus further comprises a communication device communicating, in the form of digital signals, via a communication line between the first and second control units, information about both the generated voltage and the battery voltage and a malfunction determination unit determining whether or not a malfunction occurs in the charging system on the basis of the communicated information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-voltage vehicle electric system in which a dual-battery vehicle electric system is integrated. In this dual-voltage vehicle electric system, two conventional vehicle batteries are used and are generally operated while connected in series. The series circuit provides the supply voltage for the vehicle electric system at a relatively high voltage for high-power loads. In order to implement an emergency start, both batteries, specifically a starter battery (BS) and a vehicle electric system battery (BB), are connected in parallel. In the case of a defective generator (G) or DC/DC converter (1), an emergency operating supply via battery is possible.

Abstract: A generator system has two modes of operation, such as 120 VAC and 240/120 VAC. The generator system has a permanent magnet generator with two independent sets of windings that each generate a three phase AC voltage. One three phase AC voltage is coupled to a first cycloconverter and the second three phase AC voltage is coupled to a second cycloconverter. Live outputs of each cycloconverter are coupled to each other through a switch, such as a relay, and netural outputs of each cycloconverter are coupled to ground. A controller controls the cycloconverters to provide the modes of operation. In the 120 VAC mode, the switch across the live outputs of the first and second cycloconverters is closed, shorting the live outputs of the first and second cycloconverters together so that the live outputs are in parallel and the controller operates the first and second cycloconverters so their output voltages are in phase with each other.

Abstract: A generator system in accordance with the invention has two modes of operation, such as 120 VAC and 240/120 VAC modes of operation. The generator system has a permanent magnet generator with two independent sets of windings that each generate a three phase AC voltage. One three phase AC voltage is coupled to a first or master cycloconverter and the second three phase AC voltage is coupled to a second or slave cycloconverter. Live outputs of each cycloconverter are coupled to each other through a switch, such as a relay and neutral outputs of each cycloconverter are coupled to ground. A controller controls the cycloconverters to provide a first voltage, illustratively 120 VAC, across their respective outputs having the same amplitude.

Abstract: An automotive power supply system which has two storage batteries mounted in a vehicle which are charged by the electrical energy produced by an electric generator driven by an engine of the vehicle. The system includes a switching device which works to switch between electric connections of the generator to the batteries as functions of predetermined parameters, thereby ensuring the stability in charging and keeping the batteries within a desired serviceable capacity range.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for an automotive alternator includes a switching transistor that controls an amount of field current supplied to a field coil of the alternator. The switching transistor is controlled in an ON-OFF fashion, and output voltage of the alternator is always monitored by a detector circuit that detects disconnection in a circuit for charging an on-board battery with the output voltage. It is determined that the disconnection occurred when a difference between the output voltage at a time when the switching transistor is turned off and the output voltage at a time when the switching transistor is turned on exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A load and battery charge device in a vehicle electrical system controllably disconnects a battery or other stored energy source from the electrical system when the battery state causes the system voltage to operate below a desired threshold. The device filters generator ripple voltage during batteryless operation to maintain an acceptable ripple voltage. The load and battery control device operates to recharge the battery that is disconnected from the vehicle electrical system at a controlled voltage independent of the vehicle electrical system voltage. The load and battery control device controls the rate of battery recharge so as to avoid overburdening the vehicle electrical system and then reconnects the battery to the vehicle electrical system once the battery voltage has reached a minimum threshold.

Abstract: An automated battery configuration system for a telecommunications power system includes at least one rectifier module, a controller and at least one backup battery. A database system is associated with the controller stores a plurality of records that include a plurality of backup battery parameters. A user interface that is associated with the controller receives user-provided input of at least one battery specifying parameter. The user interface communicates with the database system to retrieve a selected one of the records based on the battery specifying parameter. The controller communicates with the database system and employs at least one of the parameters of the selected record to alter an operating setting of the telecommunications power system. The battery specifying parameters include a manufacturer designation and a model designation of the backup battery.

Abstract: A power control circuit having an input for receiving power from a power source and an output for driving a bicycle electromotive unit comprises a storage unit; a first switching element disposed between the storage unit and the output; a voltage sensor that senses a voltage associated with the storage unit; and a switch control circuit operatively coupled to the voltage sensor and to the first switching element to disable the communication of power to the output when the voltage associated with the storage unit is less than a first reference voltage and to enable the communication of power to the output when the voltage associated with the storage unit is greater than the first reference voltage. After the switch control circuit enables the communication of power to the output, the switch control circuit may maintain the communication of power to the output when the voltage associated with the storage unit falls below the first reference voltage and is above a second reference voltage.

Abstract: A control apparatus enhances charge and discharge performance of a main battery in a low temperature environment, extends the life of the main battery and improves the reliability of the whole system. The control apparatus is for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor disposed therein. The electric motor has both driving and power-generating functions to directly connect to the engine mounted on the hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a main battery which supplies driving electric power to the electric motor and is charged by generated electric power from the electric motor. The vehicle includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the main battery.

Abstract: A circuit that receives signals from a dynamo and provides signals for charging a battery and indicating bicycle speed. The circuit includes a first switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide first signals for charging the battery; and a second switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide second signals for indicating bicycle speed. If the dynamo outputs periodic signals, the first signals may correspond to one of the half periods of the periodic signals (e.g., the positive half periods), and the second signals may correspond to the other half periods (e.g., the negative half periods) of the periodic signals.

Abstract: A voltage regulator of a vehicle AC generator includes a switching element connected between a battery and a field coil, a control circuit for controlling the switching element according to battery voltage, a power circuit for supplying the control circuit with a constant voltage and a reverse-current blocking diode having an anode connected through an outside power line to the battery and a cathode connected to the power circuit. Even if a large negative surge voltage is generated in a power line connected to a battery, and applied to the power circuit, the output voltage, i.e. VDD, does not widely fluctuate, so that devices included in the voltage regulator, such as a comparator or an oscillator, can operate properly.

Abstract: A circuit that receives signals from a dynamo and provides signals for charging a battery and indicating bicycle speed. The circuit includes a first switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide first signals for charging the battery; and a second switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide second signals for indicating bicycle speed. If the dynamo outputs periodic signals, the first signals may correspond to one of the half periods of the periodic signals (e.g., the positive half periods), and the second signals may correspond to the other half periods (e.g., the negative half periods) of the periodic signals.

Abstract: A system for recharging batteries of an electric vehicle or mobile power plant has a dual or multiple bank of batteries. One of the battery banks powers the vehicle, while the other bank is on stand-by. The system has at least two generators. The generators are engaged to a motor driving one of the wheels of the vehicle, by means of a V-belt and a V-belt drive wheel pulley. The generators are electrically connected to respective banks of the dual or multiple battery banks, and provide transient recharging of the corresponding battery bank when the vehicle or mobile power plant is braking or coasting. Each battery bank is fully discharged before it is recharged, thus extending the battery life.

Abstract: A method of energizing a combined starter/alternator to start an engine in a vehicle including a primary energy storage device and a secondary energy storage device. The method includes the steps of monitoring a charge value on the secondary energy storage device, and activating a converter switching circuit to charge the secondary energy storage device with the primary energy storage device until the charge value is greater than a maximum charge value. Thereafter, an inverter switching circuit is activated to energize the starter/alternator with the power available in the primary and secondary energy storage devices. The starter/alternator is activated as a starter motor until the engine starts or the charge on the secondary energy storage device falls below a mininum charge value.

Abstract: The present invention includes a means for charging the battery of an electronic device by converting acoustic energy to electrical current. In one preferred embodiment, the protective layer of a liquid crystal display screen has a magnetic material disposed thereon. The housing of the liquid crystal display includes a corresponding coil of wire. As the protective layer has freedom of motion given by the liquid crystal panel, when acoustic energy is incident upon the protective layer, the protective layer moves, causing the magnetic material to generate a changing magnetic field in the coil. In an alternate embodiment, the protective layer is connected to piezoelectric transducers. When acoustic energy is incident upon the protective layer, the piezoelectric transducers are actuated. In another embodiment, the electronic device comprises an input for receiving concentrated acoustic energy from various sources including loudspeakers and acoustic waveguides.

Abstract: A telecommunications power system according to the invention includes a power bus and a plurality of batteries that are connected to the power bus. A distribution module is connected to the power bus. A plurality of loads are connected to the distribution module. A plurality of rectifier modules are connected to the power bus and at least one AC power source. A generator provides backup AC power to the rectifier modules when the AC power source is interrupted. A controller is connected to the rectifier modules and the generator. A controller includes a battery recharging control module that allows the user to select a first mode of operation that allows the generator to recharge the battery when the generator provides the backup AC power. A second mode of operation prevents the batteries from recharging when the generator provides the backup AC power.