Abstract: Power inverter equipment monitor/controller method and apparatus are described. The invented apparatus provides for the semi-automatic state steering and monitoring of an inverter/charger and alternator system. A flat panel user interface includes an array of switches, displays and indicators for establishing modes of operation of the system, for initializing operating parameters of the system and a connected battery, for establishing rates for the system's operation, permit the user to monitor the system's operating mode and charging data (including charging efficiency factor or CEF) while it is operating to charge the battery and to supply AC power to connected appliances.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of monitoring and/or indicating an accurate state-of-charge of a battery compensates for varying current loads and changing temperature conditions. The apparatus and method compensate for the Peukert Effect which manifests itself when varying current loads are applied to the battery. Also, the apparatus and method may compensate for temperature changes in the environment of the battery. The extent of the Peukert Effect and temperature variation on the battery is based on intrinsic characteristics of the battery which may be experimentally defined. Specifically, preferred apparatuses include memories for storing various discharging/charging related values and a processor to calculate and determine values related to accurately monitoring the battery's state-of-charge. Also, the apparatus may include a battery state-of-charge indicator including a multi-segmented, multi-color LED display.

Abstract: Power inverter equipment monitor/controller method and apparatus are described. The invented apparatus provides for the semi-automatic state steering and monitoring of an inverter/charger and alternator system. A flat panel user interface includes an array of switches, displays and indicators for establishing modes of operation of the system, for initializing operating parameters of the system and a connected battery, for establishing rates for the system's operation, permit the user to monitor the system's operating mode and charging data (including charging efficiency factor or CEF) while it is operating to charge the battery and to supply AC power to connected appliances.