Abstract: A method of performing automated discovery and mapping of the topology of a network is provided, wherein the networked modules include discovery and mapping-enabled modules and standard modules that are not discovery and mapping-enabled and wherein the network connections include both data connections and power connections. The method comprises the following steps: a) powering up all discovery and mapping-enabled modules on the network with current trips set to maximum level; b) powering up all standard modules; c) determining what modules are on the network; d) determine the topology of the network, including where the modules are connected within the network; e) using the determined topology to determine power requirements for the modules on the network; and f) adjusting the power distribution on the network to accommodate the identified power needs of the network.

Abstract: A method for remote control and monitoring of a valve from a remote control/monitoring station comprises the following steps: providing a valve assembly including a valve body and a movable valve member, a mechanical position sensor, a drive motor, and an analog control module controlling the drive motor in response to incoming analog control signals and producing analog output control signals corresponding to the position of the valve member; removing the mechanical position sensor; removing the analog control module; operatively connecting an optical position sensor to the valve member; operatively connecting a digital control module to the drive motor and the optical position sensor controlling the drive motor in response to incoming digital control signals and producing digital output control signals corresponding to the valve member position; and communicating the digital input and output signals between the valve controller and a remote control/monitoring station over an electronic network.

Abstract: A power management system including granularized control and intelligent power reduction comprises a plurality of devices interconnected on a data/power network. A control node is connected on the data/power network in data communication with the plurality of devices and receiving signals indicative of the power requirements of the individual devices and detecting a total available power for the system. The system further comprises a respective operational priority value corresponding to each of the respective devices. The control node compares the total of the power requirements for all of the devices to the total available power for the system. When the total of the power requirements exceeds the total power available, the control node determines which of the devices has the lowest operational priority value and sends control signals to that device, causing it to either reduce its power use by an incremental amount or turn OFF.