Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a monitoring system, for monitoring a vacuum on-load tap changer. The tap changer includes a housing with insulating fluid, a diverter switch inside of the housing and including at least one movable contact and at least two vacuum interrupters, and at least one pressure sensor which measures the pressure in the housing. The method, which is performed by a processing circuitry in the system, includes determining a pressure signature, including two succeeding peaks within a time interval, continuously measuring the pressure, detecting when the measured pressure shows the pressure signature, determining, based on the measured pressure within the pressure signature, the time between the first rise in pressure and the second drop, and setting the determined time to represent the switch time of the diverter switch.

Abstract: A circuit includes a monitor circuit. The monitor circuit includes a nonlinear functional unit configured to receive a current sense signal and to generate a power signal representing the power of the current sense signal. The circuit further includes a first filter configured to receive the power signal and to generate a first filtered signal and a second filter configured to receive an input signal that depends on the current sense signal and to generate a second filtered signal. A comparator circuit is configured to receive the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal and to compare the first filtered signal with a first threshold value and the second filtered signal with a second threshold value. The protection signal is indicative of whether the first filtered signal exceeds the first threshold value or the second filtered signal exceeds the second threshold value.

Abstract: This consists of a system capable of integrating all the control, supervision and monitoring functions of power transformers (2) equipped with on-load tap changers bringing benefits such as design simplifications, manufacturing simplifications, reductions in manufacturing costs, optimization and reduction of maintenance costs, and increased reliability of the transformer, which is promoted to the category of intelligent transformer, ready for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Smart Grids.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a functional safety, FS, watch-dog timer circuit for a computing device of a frequency converter controlling a motor. The FS watchdog timer circuit is configured to trigger a safe state of the frequency converter in response to a timer of the FS watchdog timer circuit expiring. Moreover, the FS watchdog timer circuit is configured to reset the time in response to receiving a first refresh signal from the computing device funning FS software using non-inverted logic as well as in response to receiving a second refresh signal from the computing device running the FS software using inverted logic.

Abstract: A low-voltage protective switching device includes: at least one outer conductor path from an outer conductor supply terminal of the low-voltage protective switching device to an outer conductor load terminal of the low-voltage protective switching device; a neutral conductor path from a neutral conductor terminal of the low-voltage protective switching device to a neutral conductor load terminal of the low-voltage protective switching device; a mechanical bypass switch disposed in the outer conductor path; a first semiconductor circuit arrangement of the low-voltage protective switching device connected parallel to the mechanical bypass switch; an electronic control unit; a current measuring arrangement disposed in the outer conductor path, the current measuring arrangement being connected with the electronic control unit; and a first mechanical disconnecting switch disposed in series to the first semiconductor circuit arrangement and in parallel to the mechanical bypass switch.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor includes a core domain with a plurality of cores and a power controller having a first logic to receive a first request to increase an operating voltage of a first core of the core domain to a second voltage, to instruct a voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to an interim voltage, and to thereafter instruct the voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to the second voltage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of medical detector systems as well as their methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more detectors are coupled to wearable structures for detecting at least a first tracer within a body portion. In another embodiment, one or more detectors are coupled to a wearable structure, where the detector corresponds to a CMOS chip that directly detects a first radioactive tracer.

Abstract: Isolators for high frequency signals transmitted between two circuits configured to operate at different voltage domains are provided. The isolators may include resonators capable of operating at high frequencies with high transfer efficiency, high isolation rating, and a small substrate footprint. In some embodiments, the isolators may operate at a frequency not less than 20 GHz, not less than 30 GHz, not less than 65 GHz, or between 20 GHz and 100 GHz, including any value or range of values within such range. The isolators may include inductive loops with slits and capacitors integrally formed at the slits. The sizes and shapes of the inductive loops and capacitors may be configured to control the values of equivalent inductances and capacitances of the isolators. The isolators are compatible to different fabrication processes including, for example, micro-fabrication and PCB manufacture processes.

Abstract: A method for providing operationally safe activation of at least one electronic component in a system, a start process of the system being initiated, a decision logic being activated, at least one temperature sensor being read out by the decision logic, the decision logic, based on the measured temperature of the at least one temperature sensor, checking whether the at least one electronic component is activatable in an operationally safe manner, and an activation of the at least one electronic component being initiated by the decision logic, if the temperature measured by the at least one temperature sensor is below a threshold value. A related system is also described.

Abstract: A security device for an electrically powered device includes a remote location-tracking circuit for mounting in a power plug or power cable, a control means for mounting in the power plug or power cable with the remote location-tracking circuit, an immobilizing circuit which is a power shut-down circuit for immobilizing a tool positioned within the tool casing, wherein the power shut-down circuit includes a relay; and a power cable connected between the control means and power shut-down circuit, the power cable being adapted to supply power to the tool, and the power shut-down circuit being controlled by the control means, wherein if the remote location-tracking circuit is removed by severing the power cable, thereby disconnecting the control means from the power shut-down circuit, the power shut-down circuit is configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool via the relay until the control means is re-connected.

Abstract: A power apparatus, a current detecting circuit and a current detecting method are provided. The power apparatus includes a power conversion circuit and the current detecting circuit. The power conversion circuit generates an output current. The current detecting circuit includes first and second current sensing resistors and a control circuit. The first current sensing resistor and the second current sensing resistor sense the output current to generate first and second sensing voltage, respectively. The control circuit receives the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage, and converts the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage respectively into a first current sensing value and a second current sensing value. The control circuit triggers a protection mechanism when the first current sensing value is greater than a first overcurrent protection value.

Abstract: A semiconductor current cutoff device, including a circuit having a first branch including an energy absorbing member and a second branch including a semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch being connected in parallel with the first branch, a current measuring means for measuring the intensity of the electrical current at a connection terminal of the device, and an electronic control unit for controlling the semiconductor switch, programmed to control the opening of the semiconductor switch when the current intensity measured by the current measurement means reaches a predetermined value, the device then switching from a conductive state to a cutoff state, the circuit including a third branch including a mechanical switch, and the electrical control unit being programmed so that the semiconductor switch is closed before the mechanical switch.

Abstract: A display system including an upright column, tower or pedestal meeting IP56 weatherproofing standards and including a first vent and a second vent positioned vertically above the first vent, a mounting arm coupled to the upright column, tower or pedestal, an industrial PC mounted within the upright column, tower or pedestal between the first vent and the second vent, a fan mounted within the upright column, tower or pedestal adjacent the first vent, a thermostat mounted within the upright column, tower or pedestal and controlling the fan continuously at or above a non-zero minimum speed so that a positive pressure is maintained within the upright column, tower or pedestal between the first vent and the second vent, and a large format display mounted to the mounting arm and receiving signals from the industrial PC, the upright column, tower or pedestal extending upwardly to support a canopy and the vents being mounted in an openable plate.

Abstract: A display system including an upright housing meeting IP56 weatherproofing standards and including a first vent and a second vent positioned vertically above the first vent, a mounting arm coupled to the upright housing, an industrial PC mounted within the upright housing between the first vent and the second vent, a fan mounted within the upright housing adjacent the first vent, a thermostat mounted within the upright housing and controlling the fan continuously at or above a non-zero minimum speed so that a positive pressure is maintained within the upright housing between the first vent and the second vent, and a large format display mounted to the mounting arm and receiving signals from the industrial PC.

Abstract: A capacitor component includes: a body having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other in a thickness direction and side surfaces facing each other in a length direction and connected to the first and second main surfaces, the body including a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of internal electrodes stacked in the thickness direction and alternately exposed through the side surfaces of the body with each of the plurality of dielectric layers interposed therebetween; and external electrodes disposed on the side surfaces and the second main surface of the body and electrically connected to the plurality of internal electrodes.

Abstract: One embodiment of system that proactively protects computers from storm-related electrical damage. System includes chassis housing microchip and circuitry; software application installed on computer; and cloud-based server. Server scans online weather services for local weather alerts. When server sends alert to software application, based on computer location, application turns computer off and wirelessly instructs chassis to disconnect computer from power supply—before storm arrives. One embodiment uses a hub-and-spoke workflow that periodically scans once and routes alerts to users' software applications in affected locations only. Protection system scans every few minutes so even fast-moving storms are not missed, yet system neither overloads weather service servers nor incurs excessive usage fees. System also protects other appliances with wireless connectivity.

Abstract: A network element (“NE”) is capable of starting an automatic configuration in response to an initiator such as a dongle. In one embodiment, after resetting a counter used for identifying a signal, a process for the automatic configuration forces a first test signal at a test mode output (“TMO”) pin of a console interface to a logic state zero. Upon detecting a break condition at a receiver pin, a second test signal at the TMO pin is forced to a logic state one. When logic state one is detected at the receiver pin of the NE, an automatic configuration mode at the NE is activated.

Abstract: A display system including an upright housing meeting IP56 weatherproofing standards and including a first vent and a second vent positioned vertically above the first vent, a mounting arm coupled to the upright housing, an industrial PC mounted within the upright housing between the first vent and the second vent, a fan mounted within the upright housing adjacent the first vent, a thermostat mounted within the upright housing and controlling the fan continuously at or above a non-zero minimum speed so that a positive pressure is maintained within the upright housing between the first vent and the second vent, and a large format display mounted to the mounting arm and receiving signals from the industrial PC.

Abstract: A touch panel hardly affected by pyroelectric noise due to temperature includes a first pyroelectric material and a second pyroelectric material, and is capable of detecting press pressure applied to the first pyroelectric material and/or the second pyroelectric material. The upper surface of the first pyroelectric material and the lower surface of the second pyroelectric material are surfaces on which a positive charge is generated when the temperature increases, and a negative charge is generated when the temperature decreases. The lower surface of the first pyroelectric material and the upper surface of the second pyroelectric material are surfaces on which a negative charge is generated when the temperature increases, and a positive charge is generated when the temperature decreases.

Abstract: A system to protect and reconfigure a computer network in case of advance warning of a disruption event that would disrupt the operation of the computer network is presented. The system comprises a main control system (MCS) that comprises a software system that makes continuous local backups of data nodes, maintains a plurality of remote backups, and maintains an ordered list of the remote backups. With the first warning of the disruption event, the MCS: 1) locks down some virtual servers at each remote backup and secures a selected remote backup; 2) determines the expected start and end time of the disruption event; 3) warns users about the disruption event; 4) uses the selected remote backup to provide a local copy of the data nodes; and 5) shuts down vulnerable critical systems. When the disruption event occurs, the MCS promotes the selected remote backup to be the primary data node.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that provide an energy usage auto-baseline used for diagnostics and/or prognostics. One embodiment describes a method that includes determining, using an industrial control system, energy usage associated with an industrial automation component over a period of time based at least in part on an operational parameter associated with the industrial automation component, generating, using the industrial control system, an energy usage baseline associated with the industrial automation component based at least in part on the energy usage, in which the energy usage baseline includes an expected energy usage associated with the industrial automation component, and sending, using the industrial control system, a notification to a display of the industrial control system, in which the notification indicates that the industrial automation component is potentially experiencing a fault when the energy usage exceeds the energy usage baseline.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus sequentially displays, based on the identification code stored in the storage unit, an image showing an operational procedure necessary to clear the maintenance event and then an image that prompts to close a cover corresponding to the maintenance event, on a display unit. The identification code stored in the storage unit is deleted in a case where the maintenance event is cleared. The image forming apparatus displays an image that prompts to close the cover, without displaying an image showing an operational procedure necessary to clear the maintenance event identified with the identification code, in a case where the identification code is stored in the storage unit at the time of start of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A power device may automatically disconnect a wired connection in response to received weather alert data based on a configuration file including one or more user preference settings. The power device may include an input to receive power from an external power source, and an output to provide the wired connection to an electronic device by providing the power received from the input to the electronic device. The power device may also include a receiver to receive the weather alert data. The power device may process the received weather alert data and disconnect the wired connection based on the one or more user preference settings. A timer function may define a time period that the power device monitors its receiver for weather alert data and automatically disconnects and reconnects the wired connection.

Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit includes forming a deep n-well (DNW) in a substrate, and forming a PMOS transistor in the DNW. The method also includes forming an NMOS transistor in the substrate and outside the DNW, and forming a reverse-biased diode. The method further includes forming an electrical path between a drain of the PMOS transistor and a gate structure of the NMOS transistor. The dissipation device is also connected to the electrical path.

Abstract: A card key has a structure in which an engagement projection of a cell cover engages with an engagement recess of a card key body to fix the cell cover to the card key body. An engagement contact surface of each of the engagement recess and the engagement projection, which are engaged with each other, is provided at an angle of 90° relative to a direction of sliding of the cell cover. The card key body is provided with an escape sloped surface that allows deformation of a first side portion of the cell cover by avoiding interference with a second side portion of the cell cover, thereby to enable the cell cover to be pulled out from the card key body. Therefore, removal of the cell cover is eased. Further, even if the card key receives a shock, the cell cover is restricted from being unexpectedly detached.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first module including a first conductive component and a power control unit coupled to the first conductive component. The electronic device further includes a second module, a first hinge for pivoting the second module relative to the first module, and a first arm connected to the first hinge. The power control unit controls whether to execute a first power management status according to whether the first arm contacts the first conductive component as the second module pivots relative to the first module at a first angle by the first hinge.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry system for reducing the risk of electric shock to a medical patient can include physiological sensors, at least one of which has a light emitter that can impinge light on body tissue of a living patient and a detector responsive to the light after attenuation by the body tissue. The detector can generate a signal indicative of a physiological characteristic of the living patient. The pulse oximetry system may also include a splitter cable that can connect the physiological sensors to a physiological monitor. The splitter cable may have a plurality of cable sections each including one or more electrical conductors that can interface with one of the physiological sensors. One or more decoupling circuits may be disposed in the splitter cable, which can be in communication with selected ones of the electrical conductors. The one or more decoupling circuits can electrically decouple the physiological sensors.

Abstract: The subject matter herein generally relates to electrical generators and motors, and more specifically, to electrical turbo-generators. In an embodiment, an electrical system includes a circuit. The circuit includes one or more rotating power delivery assemblies comprising a plurality of sliding surfaces that deliver power to a rotating load. The circuit also includes one or more radio frequency current transformers (RFCTs) that measure radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to arcing events in the one or more rotating power delivery assemblies. The electrical system also includes a processor that receives the measurements from the one or more RFCTs and determines a health value of the circuit based, at least in part, on the received measurements.

Abstract: A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component includes one or more transient voltage suppression structures. In an embodiment, the semiconductor component may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, an ESD protection circuit, or combinations of these circuits.

Abstract: A terminal protection method that is applied to a terminal is provided. In the method, an air pressure change value collected by an air pressure sensor is obtained; the air pressure change value is compared with a preset air pressure change threshold; and when the air pressure change value exceeds the preset air pressure change threshold, a break instruction is generated, where the break instruction is used to break a power supply circuit of a mainboard circuit of the terminal. According to the terminal protection method provided in the present invention, the power supply circuit of the mainboard circuit of the terminal can be timely broken when the terminal falls into water, thereby solving a problem of a short circuit that occurs on the mainboard circuit of the terminal after the terminal falls into water.

Abstract: A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) supplies power to rotate a motor, controlling both the speed and direction. The method normally used for this power conversion by the VFD results in energy losses and line harmonics. When the motor is driven by the VFD to be rotating at the same speed and direction as if the motor was straight across the incoming AC power, a transfer in power supply to the motor can be made using contactors to bypass the VFD. When in this bypass mode, the energy losses of the VFD are greatly reduced, and the line harmonics due to the VFD are greatly reduced. When it is subsequently recognized that the speed reference has deviated from being the same speed and direction as if the motor was straight across the incoming AC power, a transfer in power supply can be made from using contactors to once again drive the motor from the VFD.

Abstract: A collector monitoring system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the collector monitoring system includes: a sensor connected to an interior surface of a dynamoelectric machine housing, the sensor for sensing a condition of a collector during operation of a dynamoelectric machine; and a diagnostic system operably connected to the sensor, the diagnostic system configured to: obtain data about the condition of the collector from the sensor; compare the data about the condition of the collector with a predetermined condition threshold; and provide an indicator of a collector fault in response to the data about the condition of the collector exceeding the predetermined condition threshold.

Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.

Abstract: A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for protection of a solid-state relay includes a switch element connected between an input signal source and an input terminal of the solid-state relay. The solid-state relay includes an output terminal for connection to a load. A sensing element is associated with the solid-state relay to sense an operating parameter associated with the solid-state relay. A feedback element controls the switch element to switch an operating state in response to the operating parameter exceeding a reference parameter. The solid-state relay changes state in response to the switch element to control an output current of the solid-state relay between an energized or de-energized state.

Abstract: A mobile generator for generating a direct voltage for a tool supplied with direct current includes an alternating-voltage generator (1), an electronic control unit (3), a rectifier unit (2), which has a direct-voltage output (6) with live conductors (9, 10) for connecting the tool (11), and a protective device (14). The protective device is between the live conductors (9, 10) and a protective potential (18), especially ground or a protective wire. The protective device (14) has an insulating spark gap (15) responding in the case of an error with a defined response voltage (UT) for grounding the live conductors (9, 10).

Abstract: An example method of detecting a generator overvoltage condition includes predicting a primary control current to provide a predicted control current, monitoring the primary control current, and detecting a generator overvoltage condition based on a comparison of the predicted control current to the primary control current. The method interrupts the primary control current based on the comparing.

Abstract: Physical layer device auto-adjustment based on power over Ethernet (PoE) magnetic heating. In one embodiment, information generated by a PoE module that is indicative of the PoE operation over the network cable (e.g., level of current, heating, etc.) is made available to the physical layer device (PHY). This information enables the PHY to infer a change in the level of inductance on the line. In response, the PHY can then adjust a characteristic of transmission by the PHY.

Abstract: The transformer module comprises a transformer, a network IC module, and a body. The body has a containing space for encapsulating the transformer and the network IC module. A plurality of upper terminals is set on a top side of the transformer, and the transformer is electrically connected with the network IC module through the plurality of upper terminals, so as to stack the network IC module on the top side of the transformer. A network connector can electrically connect with the transformer and the network IC module of the transformer module in order when being connected with the transformer module through a computer mainboard.

Abstract: An electronic device of preventing poor heat dissipation and having ESD protection and a protection method for the electronic device are disclosed, in which the electronic device includes a main body, an outer covering, a processing unit and a protective device. The processing unit and the protective device are disposed in the main body. The protective device is coupled to the processing unit. When the outer covering and the main body are closed tightly, the protective device can send a warning signal to the processing unit.

Abstract: A battery management and protection system can include various features to improve safety-critical and other functions. Among the features that can be included in some implementations are automatic loading of safety or other parameters during start-up of the system; a centralized timekeeper and an event system that can trigger actions in the system independently of a central processing unit; use of the same modules for both automatically-controlled safety-related measurements and firmware-controlled measurements; enhanced diagnostic features, and a sleepwalking feature that allows certain modules in the system to continue to perform various functions even when the module or the system is in a low-power sleep mode.

Abstract: A circuit control device for controlling power consumption of a plurality of circuit units includes a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether a detection temperature of each of the circuit units meets a predetermined overheat condition, and an overheat protection unit configured to execute an overheat protection operation when the overheat condition is met in any one of the circuit units, wherein the overheat protection operation is an operation to reduce power consumption of an overheat unit meeting the overheat condition, among the circuit units, and a neighbor unit disposed near the overheat unit.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a solar cell group, the safety mechanism constituted of: a signal receiver arranged to assert a permissive signal indicative of reception by the signal receiver of a predetermined signal; an electronically controlled switch arranged to provide in a closed state an effective short circuit across the output of the solar cell group responsive to the absence of the asserted permissive signal of the signal receiver; and a power harvester in communication with the solar cell group and arranged to provide electric power to the signal receiver when the electronically controlled switch is the closed state.

Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an outer side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm.

Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an inner side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm. The upper metal cross arm and the lower cross arm are able to provide a distance between the ground down-leading wire and the pole tower.

Abstract: A generator protection device is provided. The generator protection device includes a safety factor estimation module configured to estimate a safety factor as a function of a terminal voltage (VS) of a source-end generator, and a swing center voltage (SCV) between the source-end generator and a receiving-end generator. The system further includes a comparison module configured to compare the estimated safety factor with a defined safety threshold limit, and a decision module configured to trigger an alarm or a generator circuit breaker trip action or both, based on the comparison between the estimated safety factor and the defined safety threshold limit.

Abstract: A device and method of protecting a link in a medium, high, or very high voltage power network, with current and voltage transformers and trip circuits being disposed on the link. The protection device includes a mechanism to directly connect to a power supply, to the current and voltage transformers, and to the trip circuits, via analog links, and a mechanism to convert from analog to digital that is connected to a central processor unit via a digital link, the analog-digital conversion mechanism including an integrated test plug socket function.

Abstract: A communication system includes a host device and a peripheral device. The host device includes a data terminal and a power terminal. A data conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The data conductor is configured to channel data between the data terminal and the peripheral device. A power conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The power conductor is configured to channel power between the power terminal and the peripheral device. A zener diode couples the data conductor to the power conductor. The zener diode is configured to control a voltage channeled between the host device and the peripheral device while data is channeled through the data conductor at a desired speed that is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The Stall Delay Attachment is a copper terminal strip that is designed to increase the life of any battery, voltage regulator or starter by acting as a surge protector or a heat sink that dissipates heat only for electrical current and would be attached and fused into a battery cable that leads to the battery on one end and attached and fused to an electrical wire leading to the voltage regulator or starter on the opposite end of the Stall Delay unit requiring no direct connection of the Stall Delay unit to the battery, voltage regulator or starter of any car, boat, motorcycle, riding lawn mower, tractor, truck or RV.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values.