Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing damage to an alternator of a genset resulting from high currents within the alternator. The method includes calculating, at a processor, a first quantity related to a current flowing through the alternator during a first time period, and comparing, at the processor, the first quantity with a first threshold. The method further includes calculating, at the processor, a second quantity related to the current flowing through the alternator during at least one of the first time period and a second time period, and comparing, at the processor, the second quantity with a second threshold. The method additionally includes indicating a current overload condition if at least one of the first quantity exceeds the first threshold or the second quantity exceeds the second threshold.

Abstract: Each circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system is paired with an electronic device which includes a computer processor and an electrical sensor. The processor of each device receives sensory current signals from the sensor contained in the same device, converts the signals from analog to digital data, and processes this digital data into information indicative of the direction of current in the vicinity of the circuit breaker with which the device is paired. The devices are networked (e.g., via Ethernet) so that each device's processor receives the current direction information which is produced by every other device, and processes the entirety of the current direction information which is both locally and remotely produced, thereby identifying the suspected fault in the system and deciding whether to send an activation signal to the circuit breaker with which the device is paired in order to isolate the fault.

Abstract: In order to provide an operation and maintenance planning aiding system for a power generation installation which prepares an operation plan for a plurality of power generation units by making use of actual plant data and based on a total judgement including a variety of circumstances of the machine and apparatus or the parts thereof in the power generation units, in the system the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, a power supply command center 3 and a service center 1 are arranged and connected via a communication network 6, the service center 1 obtains the plant data via the communication network 6 from the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, calculates in real time a power generation efficiency of a concerned power generation unit for every plurality of power generation units 41, 42 51 and 52 by making use of the obtained plant data and design data of the concerned power generation unit and prepares an operation and maintenance plan for each of the power generation u

Abstract: A preferential upper limit processing section L_MH1 limits the value of a pre-input manipulated variable output upper limit MH1 so as to adjust a manipulated variable output MV1 of a preferential controller PID1 to a predetermined value MT1 or less. A non-preferential upper limit calculating section C_MH2 calculates a manipulated variable output upper limit MH2 of a non-preferential controller PID2 so as to adjust the sum of manipulated variable outputs MV1 and MV2 to the predetermined value MT1 or less. A preferential upper limit calculating section C_MH1 performs calculation of increasing/decreasing the manipulated variable output upper limit MH1 of the controller PID1 in accordance with the margin of the manipulated variable output MV2 of the controller PID2 with respect to the manipulated variable output upper limit value MH2, and sets the calculated value as a manipulated variable output upper limit value MH1′ in the next control cycle.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The power distribution system includes a plurality of circuit breakers, a plurality of node electronic units, and wherein each associated circuit breaker is electrically coupled with each respective node electronic unit. The system also includes at least one digital network, and at least one central control processing unit (CCPU) wherein each CCPU includes a first power system global information set, and each CCPU is communicatively coupled to the plurality of node electronic units. The method includes transmitting at least one digital message from each node electronic unit to each CCPU over a respective network, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital message, and transmitting at least one multicast message from each CCPU to each node electronic unit such that the circuit breakers are operable from each CCPU.

Abstract: An industrial power delivery system configured in a modular architecture and having a plurality of modules. The modules interconnect via digital communication links and exchange data using a digital format. The modularity of the system enables the system to be scaled to vary future content of the product.

Abstract: Systems that monitor and control energy distribution manage energy distribution or use for Energy Service Providers and end-users. A system includes a publicly or privately accessible distributed network, a network access device, and a management device. The network access device communicates with the management device through the distributed network to control loads at a remote location. The method of monitoring and controlling energy distribution receives data at an on-line Site, processes an application program that evaluates load and market supply data, and initiates power curtailment requests or power curtailment events.

Abstract: A method of monitoring process parameters and process effectiveness over a global network enables multiple processing sites to utilize globally compiled field data to determine process parameters and the like. Application parameters are received from multiple processing sites over the global network, and post-application data is received from the multiple processing sites at preset time intervals. The application parameters and the post-application data are analyzed to determine analytical models for future application parameters, which are accessible by system users via the global network.

Abstract: A method for driving appliances and a household appliance for operating two household appliances includes connecting a first household appliance to an electrical wall outlet and disposing an appliance plug receptacle inside the first household appliance, for example, an ironing dummy. The second household appliance, for example, a pressing iron is plugged into the plug receptacle. To prevent an overloading of the electrical mains, a regulating unit disposed inside the first household appliance regulates the current consumption of at least one of these household appliances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for an electricity transfer station. The present invention provides a method for providing a first electricity flow at a first network connection by monitoring a second electricity flow from a second network connection to one or more third network connections and one or more electricity transfer devices. The present invention then controls the one or more electricity transfer devices and one or more electricity sources so that the second electricity flow is less than or equal to a first value and the first electricity flow is provided at the first network connection. In addition, the present invention provides a system for providing a first electricity flow.at a first network connection using a second electricity flow at a second network connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying configuration information used to control an on-board monitor located aboard a locomotive. Under the control of a remote monitoring and diagnostic center, the on-board monitor periodically collects information from the locomotive and transmits it to the remote monitoring and diagnostic center. When it is desired to change some aspect associated with the data collection process (including the period during which the data is collected, the types of data collected, etc.), it is necessary to change the configuration file that controls the on-board monitor. The configuration file is changed at the remote monitoring and diagnostic center and then transmitted to the on-board monitor.

Abstract: Apparatus for communication for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, the SCADA system comprising: an enterprise server; at least one intelligent electronic device (RTU), wherein the RTU measures a physical process and stores digital data representative of the measurement in a memory area for transmission; a configuration tool (AES) linking the SCADA server with the RTU; a connection device (TAC) for installing the SCADA system on related software program; a gel encapsulation layer (GEL), the method comprising the steps of: (1) communicating a command from the enterprise server to said RTU via the AES to configure said RTU; (2) permitting said RTU to receive data input and to store said data; and (3) transmitting said data back from the RTU to the enterprise server.

Abstract: An electrical management control and monitoring device that easily interfaces with an existing motor vehicle electrical system that includes both “dumb” and “smart” circuits to protect the electrical system during events in which the voltage, current or temperature may change and potentially cause damage or render the vehicle electrically “dead”. The device, which is coupled to the motor vehicle's ignition switch, power source and multiplex bus, includes a motherboard, a microcontroller and software program that monitors the vehicle's capacitor, battery or combination voltage, current and temperature and automatically disconnects non-critical circuits when their values become extreme or reach a preprogrammed threshold. The motherboard includes output connectors that are coupled to solid-state relays that act as a supplemental power source to provide electrical power to components that require electrical power after the ignition has been turned off.

Abstract: A power management system for a portable device uses a variety of techniques for dynamically controlling the allocation of power among components of the portable device. A power-priority scheme progressively disables, or reduces the power to, individual components of the device, such that lesser important functions are disabled sooner, to provide a longer power duration to more important functions, such as data-retention functions. A performance-dependent scheme continuously adjusts the power to select components to maintain a minimum performance level, thereby avoiding power consumption for more-than-necessary performance. A user of the device is provided options for effecting the desired power-prioritization, and levels of performance.

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for writing descriptors, the device including a local memory comprising a multiplicity of mini-queues, wherein each of the mini-queues temporarily stores a plurality of descriptors, wherein each of the descriptors is associated with one of the data packets. Additionally including an output memory comprising a multiplicity of output queues, wherein each of the output queues in output memory is associated with one of the queues in said local memory, and a burst writer which writes N descriptors simultaneously from the mini-queue in the local memory to its associated output queue in output memory.

Abstract: The power and environmental condition monitoring system monitors the quality of power provided to a site as well as other environmental conditions that might affect the operation of electronic equipment at the site. The system detects and records power events, such as spikes, sags, surges, and other transients, records power conditions, such as voltage level, RMS volts, phase differential, A/C frequency, current, and impedance, and records environmental conditions, such as temperature, vibration, and humidity. The system includes an analog signal receiver that receives analog signals from measurement devices and converts the analog signals into digital signal data. At least some of the channels on the analog boards are high frequency channels capable of receiving and converting high frequency voltage event signals. The system also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) for reading the raw digital signal data from the analog signal receiver and for processing the raw digital signal data.

Abstract: A method of abstracting information through object interfaces is described. The object interfaces are used to present platform device information in a pre-boot service environment. Firmware tables such as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface and System Management Basic Input/Output System may be used to auto-configure diagnostic test suites through an abstracted software interface.

Abstract: Energy-aware software control in a computer system requires a display capable of supporting control of individual portions thereof so at to reduce its energy consumption. The energy-aware software control involves profiling screen usage patterns and their impact on the energy consumption by the display. The profiling results in an energy model. A determination is made when to prompt the energy-aware software control of the display. As well, a determination is made as to which screen portions of the display and what display parameters to control based on the energy model. Then, for each portion of the display to be controlled, controlling its display parameters, wherein the screen portions are controlled to attain energy conservation.

Abstract: In the electric power system protective control system, a plurality of protective control apparatuses each having a protective control function to an electric power system are distributed and connected through a communication network to each other so that data communication is permitted among the respective protective control apparatuses. Each of the protective control apparatuses is carried out a process of executing a control operation related to the protective control function of the own apparatus according to a program module. The program module migrates through the communication network to the own apparatus along a predetermined route of migration. Each of the protective control apparatuses executes a process of migrating the program module from the own apparatus to another protective control apparatus. The another protective control apparatus is determined to a next destination of migration according to the route of migration.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently supplying energy to a device in a circuit, the apparatus comprising a powered device having a critical path delay; delay line operative to model said critical path delay; control logic responsive to output from said delay line and operative to generate control output; and a power converter operative to adjust supply voltage to said powered device in response to said generated control output, wherein the delay line, the control logic, and the power converter cooperate to provide first order bang-bang control of said critical path delay.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system analyzes user-inputted hypothetical situations of an electrical distribution network design and automatically interprets, based on user input, a need to conduct analyses that improve reliability of the electrical distribution network. The computer-implemented system includes a storage device configured to store different configurations of the distribution network, data corresponding to elements of the distribution network, and a set of engineering analysis modules. The computer-implemented system includes a controller configured to display and use a graphical user interface (GUI) to prompt a user to answer one or more questions about the distribution network. The controller is configured to receive answers and data from the user and retrieve data corresponding to elements of the distribution network. Then, the controller automatically selects and runs one or more of the engineering analysis modules based on the received answers.

Abstract: A distribution control system includes in each of feeder terminal units a controller that updates a value in a latest current value storage area of a memory, every time a current value is detected at a sampling interval. If a distribution line fault takes place, that is, if the detected current value exceeds a reference value, each controller stores the current value in a fault current value storage area of the memory as a fault current value. The feeder terminal units each supply the information about the fault current to a control center through a substation remote terminal unit so that the control center identifies a fault section from the information for detecting the fault section.

Abstract: A system including a component (e.g., a processor) with a clock and a thermal management controller that monitors a temperature in the system. The thermal management controller varies the component between different performance states (e.g., cycles the processor between a high and a low performance state) when an over-temperature condition is detected. The thermal management controller further throttles the clock of the component while in the low performance state until the over-temperature condition is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer system can be used to reduce power consumption of one or more processors in response to a failure condition such as an overtemperature condition affecting the processor or processors. A signal is provided which indicates a failure condition affecting the processor such as an overtemperature condition or a failure or reduction in performance of a cooling mechanism. In response to the signal, a power consumption of the processor is periodically reduced. This can be accomplished by providing a periodic signal to an input of the processor (e.g., a stop clock input or a processor enable input). The processor reduces power consumption by stopping an internal clock of the processor, for example. The periodic signal can be provided to the input of the processor to periodically reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A method for determining the desired decoupling components for stabilizing the electrical impedance in the power distribution system of an electrical interconnecting apparatus, including a method for measuring the ESR for an electrical device, a method for determining a number of desired decoupling components for a power distribution system, and a method for placing the desired decoupling components in the power distribution system. The method creates a model of the power distribution system based upon an M×N grid for both the power plane and the ground plane. The model receives input from a user and from a database of various characteristics for a plurality of decoupling components. The method determines a target impedance over a desired frequency range. The method selects decoupling components. The method determines a number for each of the decoupling components chosen. The method places current sources in the model at spatial locations corresponding to physical locations of active components.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and method manage battery-produced power without lowering sound quality for music and other sound effects. In the present invention, an operation clock of the CPU of the portable electronic device and a processing wait time for image drawing are dynamically controlled. When there is no sound emission request, the CPU runs at a low clock rate. Where there is a sound emission request, the CPU runs at a high clock speed. When the sound emission ends, the CPU returns to the low clock rate. A user senses no apparent change, as the CPU slows screen drawing speed at high clock speed and increases screen drawing speed at low clock speed.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to shut off their respective controlled appliances. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers shut off the appliances in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a main controller and an engine controller. When an error occurs in an image forming engine, the engine controller sends to the main controller status information representative of original conditions set up before the error and error information representative of the error and causes a second relay to interrupt the application of an AC voltage to a heater controller. The main controller stores the received status information in its memory and turns off a first relay to thereby interrupt the application of the AC voltage to a second power supply. After recovery from the error, the main controller again turns on the first relay and thereby causes the engine controller to restore the original conditions represented by the status information.

Abstract: A sub-net operation with increased availability and reduced power consumption is achieved in a bus system with a plurality of stations (10, 11, 12) which are coupled to one another via a system of conductors (13, 14). Each of the stations includes a transceiver (21) and a control unit (30). The stations are switched from a quiescent state to a standby state in response to the reception of a first wake-up signal and selected stations are switched to a normal operating state upon reception of a second wake-up signal, whereby stations are selected.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the frequency of an ac power signal, includes sensing circuitry to sense the ac signal. In a digital implementation of the invention, a double average of the samples is generated by a processor as the sum of the most recent sample, twice the next most recent sample plus the third most recent sample. The least mean square of a running window of the most recent double average signals is generated to avoid discontinuities at the zero crossings and to reduce the effects of noise. The frequency is determined from this least mean square value of the window of double average signals. As implemented in a protective relay, a trip signal is generated if the frequency is out of limits.

Abstract: A predictive failure system for a power delivery system. The power delivery system includes a number of modules which are interconnected to a system monitor. The system monitor collects data on operating parameters of each module and environmental parameters. The system monitor analyzes the data in order to define conditions based upon the parameters. The parameters are then applied against a set of rules to determine whether a warning or a fault indicator should be generated. The system monitor may be implemented locally as part of the power delivery system or may be located remotely from the power delivery system to enable off site data collection and analysis.

Abstract: A data terminal apparatus includes a basic unit, a plurality of units, a power supply circuit, switching units and a controller. The basic unit realizes a basic function of the data terminal apparatus and requires a basic quantity of DC power. Each of the plurality of units realizes a specific function of the data terminal apparatus and requires quantities of DC power. The power supply circuit receives DC power from a power supply source, and can supply the DC power to the basic unit and the plurality of units. The switching units are provided for the plurality of units, and each of the switching units selectively supplies the DC power from the power supply circuit to a corresponding one of the plurality of units in response to a switching control signal. The controller selectively outputs the switching control signals to the switching units based on the DC power of the power supply source.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrical device that includes an enclosure and an optical signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring maintenance information in a hydroelectric power generation facility comprises sensors coupled to a controller. The sensors detect actual levels of operating parameters for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The detected parameters include a stressor capable of affecting a life span, or mean time between failures, of the turbine or one of its components. The controller determines the amount of the life span used up. A method for monitoring maintenance information in a power generation facility includes the steps of monitoring levels of operating parameters including a stressor for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The stressor affects the life span of the turbine or one of its components, and the amount of the life span used up over the operating period is calculated.

Abstract: A facility management platform (FMP) monitors and views the status of a plurality of individually addressable downstream devices including, but not limited to, addressable terminals, IRG's, settops, cable modems, taps, nodes, and/or hubs at a network control center. The FMP may display problems at these downstream devices, for example, power loss, and/or may automatically notify the appropriate companies and/or personnel to correct the problem.

Abstract: A semiconductor power supplying apparatus driven by a power source includes at least two driven circuits for performing prescribed data processing when electric power is supplied. An electric power supplying circuit is provided so as to convert power from the power source as needed to supply at least two driven circuits with electric power in accordance with voltages that the driven circuits need. A driven circuit power supplying condition signal generating device is provided so as to generate a driven circuit power supplying condition signal for determining a power supplying condition of all of the at least two driven circuits. A power supplying control signal generation circuit is also provided so as to generate a power supplying control signal for controlling operation of the power supplying circuit.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide an apparatus and a method capable of measuring power consumption in a home office and informing an integrated value of the power consumption at certain intervals to an employer of a homeworker, etc. The apparatus supplies power to electric equipment connected to the apparatus, measures an amount of power consumed by the electric equipment, and stores it as an integrated amount of power consumption. The apparatus then reports the integrated amount of power consumption at certain intervals to an outside company or organization registered in advance.

Abstract: An aircraft power system includes a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA), a programmable solid state power controller (SSPC) disposed within the SPDA and a non-volatile memory disposed within the SPDA and adapted to store configuration information for the programmable SSPC. The configuration information stored by the non-volatile memory may include the name and current rating of the SSPC and whether that SSPC is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: Consumption power control is provided for a system LSI made of a combination of a plurality of reusable logic circuit modules, i.e., Intellectual Property (IP) cores. Hardware resources such as interfaces and registers for the consumption power control of other IP cores are prepared and controlled by software for the consumption power control of a system LSI. The consumption power can be controlled at an IP core level. A method is provided which facilitates a system LSI designer to enter a consumption power control specification of a system LSI when the system LSI is configured.

Abstract: Switching operations in a switchgear assembly, in particular a medium-voltage switchgear assembly, are carried out via a control apparatus. The control apparatus has an electronic memory card for variable storage of control data which automatically initiate the switching operation or each switching operation. The control process then takes place exclusively via the memory card. The memory card is inserted into a card reader in the switchgear assembly. After this, an automatic sequence of the desired switching operations takes place using a switching program stored in advance in the memory card.

Abstract: A circuit and method thereof for indicating availability of a power source other than a first power source in a computer system peripheral device (such as a network adapter) connected to a plurality of power sources including. The circuit includes a circuit subassembly coupled to the first power source and a second power source. The circuit subassembly conducts current from the first power source when power is not available from the second power source and otherwise conducts current from the second power source. A first component is coupled to the circuit subassembly and conducts current when the second power source is available; otherwise, it does not conduct current. A second component is coupled to the circuit subassembly and to the first component. The second component conducts current when the first component is conducting current and otherwise does not conduct current.

Abstract: A method for providing maintenance to an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system, and an information system and one or more computer program software means for carrying out same. A method to provide maintenance to an electrical power generation facility and/or an electrical power transmission and distribution network system operated by a Utility. Maintenance personnel visit a site to inspect a condition of said apparatus, and examine information from an Information System operated in co-ordination with a Help Desk.

Abstract: The system uses graph theory to define busline arrangements as a series of vertices and edges, wherein the vertices include the number of busses in the system and the edges include disconnect circuit branches connecting the individual vertices. A particular system configuration, selected by the system operator, determines the status (open or closed) of the various disconnect branches. A processor establishes an incident graph matrix, including positions of all the vertices and edges. The matrix is modified in accordance with graph theory and the condition of the disconnect switches. Graph operations are performed to produce a resulting matrix which defines vertices and the edges incident thereon into zones of protection. Fault analysis in the busline can then be performed in accordance with each zone of protection.

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.

Abstract: A smart module circuit board carries a programmable microprocessor and a plurality of relay type interface circuits for use in organizing relatively high voltage input devices and output devices into a complex system wherein a programmed combination of input device signals determines when and if to energize one or more output devices in the system. The interface circuit comprises input and output stages which operate on logic level voltages and which are decoupled by opto-couplers from a relatively high voltage energization circuit which passes through a relatively high voltage electrical device. The energization circuit comprises a triac which is operated by the output stage in response to outputs from the microprocessor, a manual switch connected in parallel with the triac so that a given electrical load device can be manually activated and a multi-colored LED for indicating the conditions of the input and output circuits individually and in combination.

Abstract: By distributing the intelligence of a drive between a control unit and one or more intelligent power sections by using a high-power standardized serial interface for connecting these components, it is possible as a result to identify different power components with their performance data, and also to diagnose them. Furthermore, independent innovations of the components are possible without having corresponding effects on the other components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a programmable controller module that communicates in series or parallel with the central processing unit, characterized by the fact that it comprises a safety unit (2) composed of hardwired components that receive the plus charge of a DC power supply via a series of contacts (S4 to S7) and the zero volt charge via a series of contacts (S0 to S3), and control safety relays (K1 and K2) connected to outputs (A3, O1, O2) to which are connected electrical apparatuses (K3, K4) disposed on the power lines, and means (L0-7) for reading the status of the various contacts and the status of the outputs associated with the relays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing configuration information to an operator of a work machine adapted to be configured for performing a plurality of work functions. Whether the work machine control system is in power up mode is determined. Configuration parameters are read from memory and provided to the operator.

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.