Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the total load presented to an AC power source such as a generator or inverter used to provide backup or portable power. The frequency of the output AC power is controlled in response to the loading on the power source, thereby providing information about that loading of the power source which is carried by the AC power itself, thus reducing or eliminating the need for traditional wired and wireless communications. By controlling the frequency of AC power, controllable loads and load control devices can determine the amount of remaining power available from the power source in order to determine if a given load can be connected without creating an overload. The frequency may also be controlled at the power source to indicate an overload, with the loads being responsive to that overload frequency to reduce the load and thereby alleviate the overload.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the total load presented to an AC power source such as a generator or inverter used to provide backup or portable power. The frequency of the output AC power is controlled in response to the loading on the power source, thereby providing information about that loading of the power source which is carried by the AC power itself, thus reducing or eliminating the need for traditional wired and wireless communications. By controlling the frequency of AC power, controllable loads and load control devices can determine the amount of remaining power available from the power source in order to determine if a given load can be connected without creating an overload. The frequency may also be controlled at the power source to indicate an overload, with the loads being responsive to that overload frequency to reduce the load and thereby alleviate the overload.