Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply, a system, and method. A power supply may include a power converter for converting AC primary power into DC power, an internal load, and a DC power plug for delivering DC power from the power supply to a load external to the power supply. The power converter may include a standby circuit to place the power converter into a low power quiescent operating mode. A switch may be integrated into the DC power plug, the switch having an operate state and a standby state. The switch may control the flow of power from the power converter to the internal load.

Abstract: An energy management system comprises at least one energy consuming device and an energy controller. The energy controller supplies energy to the energy consuming device and transmits an energy curtailment signal in response to an energy over-consumption condition. In one embodiment, the curtailment signal can be directed to a predetermined class of energy consuming device. In another embodiment, the energy consuming device can determine whether to curtail energy consumption in response to the curtailment signal. The energy controller can be in the form of a power strip.

Abstract: A charge pump can be used with a bus-powered device connected to a bus. The charge pump is formed of a power connection from the bus carrying a DC power signal constrained to not exceed a given current limit and a given voltage limit, a DC-to-DC step-down voltage converter, a capacitor, and a DC-to-DC step-up voltage converter. The step-down converter has an input connected to the power connection and produces an intermediate signal having a voltage the same or less than the voltage of the power signal. The capacitor is connected to the output of the step-down converter. The step-up converter has an input connected to the output of the step-down converter and to the capacitor, and produces a final output signal having a voltage greater than the given voltage limit. The output of the step-up converter is connected to and provides DC power to the device.

Abstract: A power distribution module for conveying power to one or more accessories is disclosed. The power distribution module includes a constant-hot power bus; an ignition-hot power bus; and at least one output terminal for conveying power to said one or more accessories, wherein the at least one output terminal is selectively capable of providing one of ignition-hot power to said one or more accessories from the ignition-hot power bus, and constant-hot power to said one or more accessories from the constant-hot power bus.

Abstract: Provided is a device for limiting a current of electric appliance. The current limiting device includes: at least two loads; at least two load driving units connected to the loads to control applying power to the loads; a power detecting unit detecting a power type; a micom controlling the load driving unit according to the power type detected by the power detecting unit to drive the load using a current flowing into the load within an allowable value; and at least one current limiting unit connected to at least one control line connecting the micom and the load driving unit and limiting a current of the load driving unit connected to the control line when the micom malfunctions by using a control signal of the micom and a signal of the power type detected from the power detecting unit as an input signal.

Abstract: The electric service load of a machine having at least one electric heater and at least one electric motor may be managed as follows. Where the electrical service load of the machine exceeds a threshold, which may result from transient in-rush current attendant upon start-up of an electric motor, or where this load is expected to exceed the threshold, at least one of the heaters may be de-energized. The heater may remain de-energized either for a pre-determined period of time or until the electrical service load falls below a further threshold.

Abstract: An improved method and system for facilitating no-break power transfer between an APU and a main engine includes determining a required APU speed for conducting power transfer based on various APU operating parameters, such as engine speed, fuel, environmental temperature, etc. The APU controller then adjusts the APU speed up or down to the required APU speed. Communication between an aircraft computer and the APU controller may also be provided so that operational data can be exchanged to adjust the electrical load of the aircraft below a maximum load threshold set by the APU, avoiding overloading of the APU during power transfer. By exchanging operational data between the APU controller and the aircraft computer, both the APU and the electrical load can be adjusted to optimize no-break power transfer despite varying APU operating conditions and main engine generator frequencies.

Abstract: Upon power failure of a commercial power source, an automatic switching device switches to power supply from a hybrid vehicle. An ECU of the vehicle, when receiving a request for generation of a commercial AC voltage, sets an upper-limit power generation amount based on a remaining amount of fuel. The ECU transmits the upper-limit power generation amount via an antenna to an on-premises ECU, while controlling a power generation amount based on the upper-limit power generation amount. The on-premises, when receiving the upper-limit power generation amount, controls the load state such that commercial AC power is supplied firstly to a first load of priority level 1, according to proprieties registered in advance, and such that the amount of the power supplied to the electric loads does not exceed the upper-limit power generation amount.

Abstract: An intelligent power port device comprising an outlet providing power and a controller located adjacent the outlet which monitors current and voltage at the outlet, and which is programmable to control power supplied by the outlet. The controller is in electrical communication with controllers of other intelligent power port devices, forming an intelligent power port network.

Abstract: A system and method for discovering channel impediments for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cabling power loss in PoE applications is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, discontinuities, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance can be used in powering decisions and in adjusting power budgets allocated to power source equipment ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a management system for in-house power consumption, more particularly to a management system for in-house power consumption efficiently performing in-house power consumption by means of estimating power consumption of each operation of in-house electric devices.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance is provided. The electric cooking appliance includes a plurality of surface heating elements and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an operational status of a corresponding surface heating element. The electric cooking appliance also includes a first cooking unit, a second cooking unit and an electronic control to facilitate sharing power between the first cooking unit and the second cooking unit based on the operational status of the plurality of surface heating elements.

Abstract: A power supply includes a transformer, a second output line, a second output line, a controller, and a current bypass circuit. The transformer has a primary side and a secondary side. The first output line derived from a first point on the secondary side. The first output line outputs a first voltage. The second output line is derived from a second point on the secondary side. The second output line outputs a second voltage lower than the first voltage. The controller controls an amount of current flowing in the primary side based on the second voltage so that the second voltage is maintained at a prescribed voltage. The current bypass circuit controls current flowing in the first output line to flow in the first output line when a potential difference between the second voltage and the second voltage exceeds a prescribed value.

Abstract: An information handling system power supply system has a plurality of power supply units (PSUs) with outputs connected in parallel and a current balancing circuit for equalizing current from these outputs. A pseudo output current value may be added to the actual output current value for each PSU so that the parallel load sharing current balance system thinks all of the PSUs are sharing the load equally. This allows simple and inexpensive paralleling of differently rated PSUs without complex load sharing circuitry. Also, PSU stress factors may be easily compensated. For each PSU there may be a first voltage, VS1, generated that is proportional to the output current of the respective PSU. A pseudo current bias voltage, VIbais, is added to the first voltage, VS1, to produce a biased second voltage, VS2, (VS2=VS1+VIbais). The biased second voltage, VS2, now represents the apparent current output of the respective PSU when current load balancing each PSU of the power supply system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for coordination of power state management in and electronic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a first circuit arrangement (E) for supplying variable loads that can be connected to the first circuit arrangement (E) from a first current or voltage source (MV) in a first state of the first circuit arrangement having the following features: the first circuit arrangement (E) has a first terminal and a second terminal for connection to the first current or voltage source (MV) and a third terminal, at least one fourth terminal and at least one fifth terminal for connection to a second current or voltage source (Z); the second terminal is at a reference potential; the first circuit arrangement (E) has at least one eighth terminal for connection to two loads (R2; R3); the first circuit arrangement (E) has controllable switching means for changing over between the first state and a second state; in the first state, the at least one eighth terminal for connection to the two loads (R2, R3) is connected to the first terminal and the third terminal and the fifth terminal are connected to th

Abstract: In a method for regulating the power supply of a plurality of field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, connected to a data bus DBL and supplied with electrical current over the data bus DBL, the electrical current requirements of the individual field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 are determined, and the electrical current consumptions of the field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 are adjusted by means of corresponding control signals. In this way, the electrical current consumption of individual field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 can be centrally adjusted and therewith the process conditions matched.

Abstract: A multi-output circuit device with preset power supply priority that provides higher safety, wherein, the load of inferior priority depending on the preset overload breaking sequence is cut off first when the total load amperage exceeds the rated amperage while maintaining power supply to the load of superior priority under the operation status of variable local loads.

Abstract: A socket assembly enables a number of electrical appliances to be automatically isolated from, and reconnected to, an electrical power supply upon respectively switching off or on a “master” appliance. Generally, the assembly includes: a master electrical outlet and at least one slave electrical outlet, both connectable to a common power source; sensing means for sensing power drawn from the master electrical outlet; a controller operable to isolate the at least one slave electrical outlet from the power source when the sensing means detects a fall in power drawn from the master electrical outlet from a first, higher level to a second, lower level.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control circuit of power supply with selectable current-limiting modes, wherein the control circuit which maintains the power-output circuit of the power supply within the energy-limiting standard is performed with automatic detection mode. In the present invention, a current-limiting set unit of the control circuit is coupled to the power-output circuit and provides a current-limiting set value according to power-output levels of the power-output circuit and outputs a current-limiting set signal to a current-limiting switch unit. The current-limiting set unit sets up switch junctions on the power-output levels of the power-output circuit, and the current-limiting switch unit receives the current-limiting set signal to determine the state of the switch junctions in order to provide current-limiting detect values of single set or multiple sets of power-output levels for the current-limiting set unit.

Abstract: A switching power supply with clamping circuit includes a clamping circuit between a slave output terminal and a master output terminal thereof, to prevent voltage drift at the slave output terminal. The clamping circuit includes a switching circuit connected between the slave output terminal and the master output terminal, and a voltage stabilizing circuit connected between the slave output terminal and the switching circuit. When the output voltage at the slave output terminal steps up to a certain level, the voltage stabilizing circuit functions and enables the switching circuit, and therefore prevents the output voltage from climbing higher than the load requires.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing a supply to plurality of machinery or appliances. The supply may be any of oil, gas, electrical power, water, heated and cooled air, etc. the plurality of appliances can include any of gas and oil powered devices, electrical devices, rooms having HVAC ductwork, etc. The distribution of the operating supply is provided by prioritizing the appliances with a predetermined priority. The appliances are connected in a series connection in order of priority. When any appliance is determined to be in an “ON” state of operation subsequently connected appliances are prevented from operating. Alternatively, when more than one appliance is able to operate simultaneously using the operating supply, the appliances may be divided into a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups include a group for each possible combination of appliances and each group is prioritized.

Abstract: Switching power converter controller providing control of plurality of switching power converters which provide power to a host microprocessor. A watchdog timer included in the switching power converter controller is configured to countdown a timer unless it receives a reset signal from the host microprocessor. The switching power converter controller is configured to assert a reset command for the host microprocessor if the watchdog timer expires and to not de-assert the reset command until the plurality of switching power converters are operating as desired.

Abstract: An electric power monitoring system includes a source monitor for measuring momentary power output of an electric source supplying electric power to a power distribution system having at least one electric load. The momentary power output is compared with a reference load capability for the electric source to determine the ability of the electric source to support additional load, and load capability data is transmitted based on the load capability. At least one load control receives the transmitted load capability data and controls the supply of power to the at least one corresponding electric load based on the load capability data.

Abstract: A switching power converter controller controls a plurality of switching power converters which provide power to a host microprocessor. A watchdog timer in the switching power converter controller counts down a timer unless it receives reset signals from the host microprocessor and the watchdog timer issues an interrupt to the microprocessor if the watchdog timer expires. The microprocessor in the switching power converter controller provides a reset command to the host microprocessor in response to receipt of the interrupt. If the host microprocessor does not respond to the reset command, the microprocessor causes the switching power supply controller to power down the power converters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling power consumption at a user of electric power, especially a dwelling supplies with power from a power plant. The invention is characterized in that the control unit is a main unit arranged to control the power consumption also based on an estimate of a historical consumption pattern at the user, so that the instantaneous consumption is reduced both in the periods in which the power load at the user is highest, and in the periods in which the historical consumption pattern of the user dictates that there is a high load, and that the main unit user is arranged to distribute the power consumption by means of a random function distributing the connection of the power consuming units over a given time interval, the random function being independent of energy plants and other users.

Abstract: The present invention (with reference to FIG. 2a) relates to an integrated camera and illumination device. The device comprises illumination apparatus having a plurality of light emitting diodes (17) arranged in a circuit which regulates current output by the circuit to an approximately constant level. The device comprises camera apparatus having a CMOS sensor (12) in a circuit supplied by the current regulated by the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A multi-output electric power source device has at least two channels for producing a constant voltage and a constant voltage from a single input voltage. Each channel is provided with a switching regulator in the input stages thereof and a series regulator in the next stage thereof. An over-heat detector circuit is provided in common for both channels. When the over-heating of either one of switching transistors in the channels is detected, the switching regulators turn off both switching transistors thereby to interrupt both output voltages from being supplied to an external circuit. When an over-voltage is detected, series regulators also interrupt the output voltages from being supplied to the external unit.

Abstract: A device for curtailing electric demand is suitable as a tool for responding to the real-time pricing of electrical energy or for reducing demand during power shortages. The device (104) according to the present invention works in conjunction with an energy management system (40), which receives demand signals from an electric meter (24). Upon executing a curtailment command sent to the device (104) through a communications network (48, 50, 102), device intercepts and biases the signal going to the energy management system (40), which, in effect, coerces it to reduce the demand upon the meter (24) and upon the electric grid (20).

Abstract: A power management system controls power and energy drawn by a load monitoring total drawn power and energy and modifying load usage. A power meter monitors power drawn by a load and provides a control circuit with an indication of power draw. The control circuit controls the power delivered to the load based on predetermined criteria, such a power threshold. Other sensors and controls such as environment status detectors or emergency commands are used by the control circuit to adjust the power provided to the load, or even to shut off power to the load. The control circuit can be a microprocessor based controller, or can be a remotely located personal computer which interacts with load drivers through a communication link. The control circuit can also have a profile for operation under various criteria, with profile parameters adjustable depending upon conditions. The profile parameters can be adjusted automatically by a control program, or by a user remotely.

Abstract: A switching power supply having two or more DC outputs includes a DC power supply, a transformer having a primary winding, at least two secondary windings, and a feedback winding, a main switching element having an off-state period and an on-state period, connected in series to the primary winding and to be turned on by a voltage generated in the feedback winding, the main switching element having a control terminal and a threshold voltage to turn the main switching element on; and a rectifying circuit connected to each secondary winding, a starting circuit which initially turns on the main switching element at startup of the power supply and a switching circuit provided between the two DC outputs, and wherein, when the switching circuit is turned on, a voltage generated in the feedback winding is lowered during the off-state period of the main switching element and a voltage to be applied to the control terminal of the main switching element is controlled so as to be less than the threshold voltage, and the

Abstract: A current management system for a telecommunications power system includes a power bus, a communications bus, and a distribution module connected to the power bus and the communications bus. A plurality of loads are connected to the distribution module. A plurality of rectifier modules are connected to the power bus, the communications bus and to at least one alternating current source. Each of the rectifier modules includes a neuron that generates a rectifier current signal for the rectifier module. A master controller that is connected to the communications generates an average current signal from the rectifier current signals. The neurons generate a first rectifier control signal that slightly modifies current that is output by the rectifier modules based upon the average current signal and the rectifier current signal. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of each of the rectifier modules. The master controller generates an average temperature signal from the rectifier temperature signals.

Abstract: An electrical control module for use with a stored energy assembly having a motor for use with a circuit breaker assembly, the circuit breaker assembly providing an electrical signal through electrical contacts for actuating the circuit breaker assembly, the electrical control module comprising a rectifying circuit, which receives and rectifies the electrical signal so as to provide a rectified electrical signal; a motor switch circuit connected to the motor; and an electrical signal flow maintenance circuit, which is operatively connected to the rectifying circuit, the motor switch circuit and the motor, wherein the electrical signal flow circuit maintenance maintains at least a threshold rectified electrical when the electrical contacts are closed so that the motor switch circuit is on and the motor operates.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device having a plurality of output circuits such as a semiconductor memory device, a drive signal having a boosted voltage level which is produced from a boosting circuit is applied to a gate of a low-level outputting MOS transistor in the output circuit. As a result, even when a potential at the ground wiring line is floated, a substantial decrease of a potential difference between the ground wiring line and the gate of the low-level outputting MOS transistor can be prevented. Also, a signal having a sufficiently high level can be supplied to a gate of a low-level outputting output MOS transistor. As a consequence, delays in the switching operation of the output MOS transistor can be suppressed, and the output circuit can be operated at high speed.

Abstract: A remote controlled system for remotely controlling a high load device, such as the defrosting cycle of a self-defrosting refrigerator, is provided. The system includes a data interface to receive commands from an electricity supplier and to transmit those commands via the power line to the refrigerator. The refrigerator is equipped with a power line interface to receive the commands from the power line and transmit the commands to a defrost sequencer. Between the power line interface and the defrost sequencer may be provided another interface that converts the commands into a digital signal more suitable for the defrost sequencer, which is typically a microprocessor.

Abstract: A device which intervenes between an electric switch and a motor which it controls, such intervention reducing the number of times the motor is powered on by keeping the motor running. The device calculates the difference in the amount of energy used in starting compared with normal running. Then, it calculates how long the motor must be turned off, if turning it off is to be economical. If the motor is turned off for a period which is not economical, the motor control device will intervene and keep the motor running until it is no longer economical to keep it running. In applications where an industrial tool is being used so frequently that it is being stopped, then started again in short intervals, this device would keep the tool running constantly until a sufficient period since the last use has lapsed and the device is allowed to shut the motor off.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical control circuit for controlling energy consumption units includes a microcomputer, semiconductor output amplifiers, and control circuits. Each of the output amplifiers is connected to a respective one of the consumption units for providing electrical energy to the units. The control circuits are connected to the microcomputer and to a respective one of the output amplifiers for controlling the electrical energy provided to the consumption units. The control circuits generate a measurement signal indicative of a variable of the respective one of the output amplifiers. The computer systems process the measurement signals to determine if either a critical change or a sub-critical change of the variable has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a static and monolithic current limiter and circuit-breaker component including, between two terminals, a one-way conduction current limiter, a sensor of the voltage between the terminals, and a mechanism for inhibiting the conduction of the current limiter when the voltage sensed exceeds a given threshold.

Abstract: An operation control device for use in an electric power supply system for supplying electric power from one electric power source to a plurality of electric power consuming systems, which can determine based on an outside signal whether or not the electric power consuming systems can proceed to operations includes an output electric power detecting unit for detecting electric power outputted by the electric power source; and a comparison control unit for comparing a detected value of the output electric power detecting unit with a preset reference value to output a comparison signal indicative of a result of the comparison as the outside signal to be supplied to the plural electric power consuming systems. The comparison signal indicating an inoperable state when the detected value exceeds the reference value, whereby the electric power consuming systems are permitted to proceed to steps of their operations or stand by.

Abstract: The present invention features a direct, closed-loop method for controlling an unbalanced, power-distribution network having a great number of nodes, branches and laterals, as well as multiphase loads. The network has a radial structure. One or more formulae are first derived for a power-distribution network. The formulae may be an explicit loss formula, a voltage formula, a line flow formula or any combination thereof. Network flow programming techniques which incorporate the formulae are then developed to directly achieve steady state. Finally, the control steps are performed on the power-distribution network in real time to control its operation. The control steps may include placing a capacitor, regulator or switch at a specific position in the network and/or reconfiguring the network in some other manner.

Abstract: A data protection and recovery system for an energy controller for a water heater is disclosed. The energy controller is a microprocessor based system which includes a central processing unit, volatile and non-volatile memories, and a clock. It functions to energize the water heater only during a certain period of the day. During normal operation of the system, the system uses the volatile memory as a workspace, and normally copies data in the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory. The system senses electrical disturbances, such as power surges, and prevents the writing of any data to the non-volatile memory components during the electrical disturbance. After the electrical disturbance subsides, the system checks the integrity of the data written to the volatile memory, and if it was not corrupted by the electrical disturbance, the data is then written to the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A demand control apparatus includes a switch in the control signal line of an electrically powered piece of equipment. The switch is controlled by a digital recycle counter so as to periodically cycle off and on during times when an equipment generated control signal is present in the control signal line. The control signal line could be a thermostat control line on a standard air conditioning unit and the equipment generated control signal would normally correspond to the thermostat calling for cooling. When the switch is opened the equipment reacts as though the thermostat has been satisfied. When the equipment generated AC control signal is sensed in the control signal line, a digital counter is activated to hold the switch open until a preset number of AC pulses have occurred. The switch is then closed until a second preset number of AC pulses have occurred. The open-closed cycle is repeated as long as the equipment control signal is present.

Abstract: An energy management system comprising a method and an apparatus for controlling thermal runaway in a telecommunications switching station backup battery recharging system receiving current from a power supply and delivering current through a rectifier to a battery and a load, the system having a low voltage disconnect switch capable of interrupting current to the battery. A current shunt is provided for generating a first signal having a first value representative of the current flowing through the rectifier. A current shunt is provided for generating a second signal having a second value representative of the current flowing through the load. A microprocessor is provided for calculating a third value, the third value being equal to the second value subtracted from the first value. A microprocessor is also provided for generating a third signal indicative of thermal runaway when the third value exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An audio/visual alarm system which includes multiple microprocessor-controlled alarm units connected in a common loop to a fire alarm control panel and an interface control circuit. The interface control circuit causes brief interruptions in power to the alarm units which synchronize operation of the alarm units and which can also be used as alarm control signals. The interface control circuit allows for control of both audio and visual alarms using only the single common loop connection between alarm units.

Abstract: A micro processor controlled system is provided for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical outlets for example for use in a parking lot. A central power supply communicates with a series of outlet receptacles each arranged to supply electrical power. Each receptacle has its own micro processor controlled control unit which is arranged to control the supply of power to the receptacle. A detector unit detects the insertion of a connector plug to the receptacle and actuates a comparator which compares the instantaneous current drawn by the load with a predetermined variable maximum current and allows that current to be drawn only if it is less than the maximum. In the event that the maximum is exceeded, the load is disconnected and is only allowed to be reconnected after the connector plug is removed. A thermostat can be used to control the supply of power depending upon the outside temperature.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for automatically defrosting a refrigeration system. The present invention includes a microprocessor which initiates a defrost cycle during a time of day which is most efficient for the refrigerator and the utility company. Moreover, the defrost cycle is initiated during a time of day which has the least impact on food stored within the microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed and enabled so as to analyze the power consumption of the refrigerator during a 24 hour period, and from this analysis, the microprocessor is able to determine the time of day and period(s) of time which will be most efficient for the initiation of a defrost cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring formation characteristics as a function of angular distance segments about the borehole is disclosed. The measurement apparatus includes a logging while drilling tool which turns in the borehole while drilling. Such characteristics as bulk density, photoelectric effect (PEF), neutron porosity and ultrasonic standoff are all measured as a function of such angular distance segments where one of such segments is defined to include that portion of a "down" or earth's gravity vector which is in a radial cross sectional plane of the tool. The measurement is accomplished with either a generally cylindrical tool which generally touches a down or bottom portion of the borehole while the tool rotates in an inclined borehole or with a tool centered by stabilizer blades in the borehole.

Abstract: A load demand and operation control and management process for controlling diverse operation and individual electrical requirement of any load or loads of energy-consuming equipment, the process utilizing process apparatus which optimizes the performance of the equipment while precisely controlling and synchronizing the demand of its individual load requirements with the energy supplied thereto, so that the life and efficiency of the equipment is enhanced while load demand is controlled. The process apparatus of the invention consists of a digital recycle counter and a switch placed wholly within the control power line of a load.

Abstract: A load shedding apparatus for limiting peak electrical demand in an electrical system to a target level through load shedding. The apparatus employs predictive control logic to estimate the amount of energy that needs to be shed in a predetermined future period. Preferably, the load shedding apparatus forecasts the amount of energy require in a predetermined future period by analyzing current energy consumption, current load shedding, and error factors indicative of the random energy demand characteristics of the electrical system. The apparatus estimates the amount of energy that needs to be shed in view of the forecast of the amount of energy required in the predetermined future period. The apparatus selects non-essential loads for shedding until the estimated amount of energy that needs to be shed is reached. The apparatus transmits shed control signals to selected devices within the electrical system to disconnect the selected devices.