Abstract: In one example, a computing device is configured to calculate fees and revenues related to a lighting infrastructure application framework. An example computing device comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the memory configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising receiving, data that includes at least one of sensor data and controller information related to at least one of a sensor and a controller, wherein the sensor and the controller are within a local area network coupled to a computing device having the processor and are associated with at least one lighting node platform device; calculating information describing the fees and the revenues associated with the received data, wherein the revenues are for a lighting infrastructure owner associated with the computing device; and transmitting the calculated information to another device associated with the lighting infrastructure application framework.

Abstract: A multi-faults service restoration method for a power distribution network overcomes the defect that a traditional service restoration method for the power distribution network cannot solve multi-faults. The method includes the steps of performing multi-faults judgment on multi-faults with processing unfinished, to form many multi-faults and many single-faults; then performing unaided fault recovery area division on the multi-faults, and performing power restoration on unaided fault recovery areas one by one; and after the multi-faults are processed, performing power restoration on each single-fault.

Abstract: There is provided a fault detecting apparatus for detecting a fault in an electric circuit including connecting circuits and an aggregating circuit. The fault detecting apparatus includes a fault detector that detects a fault when at least one of connecting circuit current detectors detects that a current flows and an aggregating current detector detects that a current does not flow.

Abstract: A user-programmable portable wireless remote monitoring system includes a base unit, a series of sensor units and a remote control device. The base unit is connected to the internet, and receives wireless alerts from sensor arrays deployed in the sensor units. When the sensor units detect a problem, then they send an alert to the base unit, which then relays the alert to the remote control device that is preferably a smart phone, tablet, or the like, including software for operating the system. The system may also incorporate smart outlets that are remotely operable by the remote control device, various monitors, a touchscreen, and wearable tracking devices to monitor a person within the home. The system is designed to provide security, home system monitoring, personal medical monitoring, and remote control of various electrical appliances. The system may also be controlled by using oral commands.

Abstract: A temperature sensor 120 automatically shuts down charging operations in response to a temperature increase in a charging handle 150 of an electric vehicle charging station 100. The temperature sensor is connected between a ground conductor and a high voltage conductor L1 in the charging handle. The charging handle includes a return conductor L2/N. The temperature sensor includes a thermistor R1-NTC that changes its resistance in response to an increase in temperature in the charging handle. A portion of current in the high voltage conductor is diverted to the ground conductor, instead of the return conductor, in response to the thermistor sensing a temperature increase, thereby causing a ground fault detector 160 to trip in the charging station.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for remote sensing to derive a calibrated power measurement for a power distribution point. Magnetic field sensors of a sensor module sense a magnetic field emitted by the power distribution point. A first processor generates an uncalibrated power measurement for each magnetic field sensor, the uncalibrated power measurement derived from the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor and a voltage carried by the power distribution point. A second processor determines a response of each magnetic field sensor to a known power load being drawn through the power distribution point. The second processor derives a transfer function using the response of each magnetic field sensor to the known power load. The second processor applies the transfer function to the uncalibrated power measurement for each magnetic field sensor to generate the calibrated power measurement for the power distribution point.

Abstract: A method for connecting low power radios into a self-assembling and self-healing network with multiple portals to higher speed networks such as, but not limited to, electrical or optical Ethernet is provided for monitoring transmission lines, for example. A clamp or other device is provided that includes an integral or associated current transformer and associated circuitry with design elements to address high temperature operation or other operating parameters. An arrangement of sensors is provided (e.g., sensors can be associated with clamps or positioned along infrastructure being monitored and without dependence on any clamps or other devices) that are designed to communicate and operate in an geographically distributed array to provide increased and autonomous monitoring of large utility, highway, communication and similar networks. A unique collection of sensors (e.g.

Abstract: A voltage adjustment device, a voltage adjusting method and a power control system for a distribution system are provided, in which the voltage adjustment device and a static var compensator are appropriately operated in a coordinated manner and the sustention of voltage and the enhancement of the operation efficiency are attained. A voltage adjustment device for a distribution system is installed in the distribution system including a static var compensator on an end side and controls a secondary voltage to be within a predetermined limit value by adjusting a tap position.

Abstract: Techniques comprising obtaining, using a sensor unit coupled to a power line in a power distribution system, at least one measurement of at least one inertial property of the power line; and detecting at least one condition of the power line at least in part by analyzing the at least one measurement. A sensor unit configured to be coupled to a power line in a power distribution system, the sensor unit comprising an inertial sensor configured to collect at least one measurement of at least one inertial property of the power line.

Abstract: For network stabilization of an electric power supply network, the voltage at a first network connection point at a first voltage level to a power generator, and at a second network connection point to a second voltage level, as well as at at least one third network connection point to a load, are each sensed as a voltage measurement, wherein a reactive power draw or a reactive power delivery by the power generator is ascertained using a linkage of the voltage measurements with the geographic location of the relevant network connection point.

Abstract: A voltage stability monitoring apparatus monitors the voltage stability of a transmission corridor through which power flows between different parts of a power system. The apparatus monitors an equivalent load impedance at an interface between the transmission corridor and a part of the power system designated as generating the power. This equivalent load impedance at the interface comprises a ratio of a voltage phasor at the interface to a current phasor at the interface. The apparatus tracks a Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance of the designated part by separately updating that voltage and impedance. Notably, the apparatus updates the Thevenin equivalent voltage to reflect the magnitude of any changes in the voltage phasor that are associated with large variations in the magnitude of the equivalent load impedance at the interface. The apparatus computes an index indicating the voltage stability as a function of this tracked Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance.

Abstract: A method for determining the contribution of a grid subsystem (12) to oscillations in grid frequency experienced by an external electrical grid (14) in an electrical power network (10). A measurement of grid frequency is taken in the grid sub-system (12) and/or the external electrical grid (14). The measurement(s) of grid frequency can be used to extract oscillations in grid frequency in the grid subsystem (12) and/or the external electrical grid (14). A measurement of active power is recorded on a transmission line (16c) between the grid subsystem (12) and the external electrical grid (14). The phase relationship between the oscillations in grid frequency and the oscillations in active power allows the contribution of the grid subsystem (2) to oscillations in grid frequency in the external electrical grid (14) to be determined.

Abstract: A system, and associated method, for controlling a motor drive coupled to an AC power source in a condition wherein the motor drive is generating a regenerative current. The system includes a plurality of electronic switching devices structured to be provided in anti-parallel connection with a plurality of rectifier diodes of the motor drive, and a controller structured and configured to receive a number of phase voltages from the AC power source, determine a grid angle for the AC power source using the number of phase voltages, and generate a number of control signals for controlling the electronic switching devices using the grid angle when the motor drive is generating the regenerative current.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a switching mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the switching mechanism (such as a switch) selectively electrically couples a first electrical-connection node and a second electrical-connection node. For example, using the switching mechanism, an electronic device that is electrically coupled to the first electrical-connection node may be selectively electrically coupled to a second electronic device that is electrically coupled to the second electrical-connection node. The selective electrical coupling may be based on one or more measurements of an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on the one or more measurements.

Abstract: A method and system for reading exception data by a storage server from a storage controller. An exception event is detected at the storage server. The storage server registers with the controller, such that only one storage server can read the exception data at a time. If the storage server is registered with the controller, the storage server reads the exception data. If the storage server does not successfully register with the controller, the controller keeps track of which storage servers have not read the exception data, to ensure that all storage servers can read the data.

Abstract: An electric power management system 1 is comprised of an electric power management device 10, measuring devices 4 and 5, and a database 6. The database 6 has stored system information which specifies, for every electric device, a user entity, a location to supply electric power and an associated measuring device, and has stored a needlessness condition which is configured for every user entity or for every location, and specifies a case where an electric device 2 consumes electric power needlessly.

Abstract: A voltage stability monitoring apparatus monitors the voltage stability of a transmission corridor through which power flows between different parts of a power system. The apparatus monitors an equivalent load impedance at an interface between the transmission corridor and a part of the power system designated as generating the power. This equivalent load impedance at the interface comprises a ratio of a voltage phasor at the interface to a current phasor at the interface. The apparatus tracks a Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance of the designated part by separately updating that voltage and impedance. Notably, the apparatus updates the imaginary part of the Thevenin equivalent voltage to reflect the magnitude of any changes in the voltage phasor that are associated with large variations in the magnitude of the equivalent load impedance at the interface. The apparatus computes an index indicating the voltage stability as a function of this tracked Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance.

Abstract: Data is communicated between a digital power transmitter and one or more digital power receivers over a transmission line comprising positive and negative conductors. If the transmitter is sending data to the receiver, a first transmitter electrical switch is selectively operated to increase electrical charge in the transmission-line capacitance. If the receiver is sending data to the transmitter, a first receiver electrical switch is selectively operated to increase electrical charge in the transmission-line capacitance.

Abstract: A low fault current isolation arrangement senses a loss of voltage and automatically isolates and de-energizes a down live primary wire if overcurrent protection devices have not cleared the high impedance fault in an electric power distribution network. Incorporating an operator selectable time delay response, the low fault current isolation arrangement permits overcurrent protection devices to attempt to detect and shut down the affected conductor, and then isolates and shuts down the low current fault if the overcurrent devices are not successful. The isolation arrangement continuously monitors AC voltage as remotely provided by smart meters even after a fault location is de-energized, and serves as a back up, and not as a replacement, for existing overcurrent protection schemes. A host computer operates in conjunction with plural smart meters each coupled to an associated customer distribution transformer in conjunction with the fault isolator to detect and shut down high impedance faults.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for protection of a solid-state relay includes a switch element connected between an input signal source and an input terminal of the solid-state relay. The solid-state relay includes an output terminal for connection to a load. A sensing element is associated with the solid-state relay to sense an operating parameter associated with the solid-state relay. A feedback element controls the switch element to switch an operating state in response to the operating parameter exceeding a reference parameter. The solid-state relay changes state in response to the switch element to control an output current of the solid-state relay between an energized or de-energized state.

Abstract: Performing power quality and synchrophasor analysis on a resampled signal. A first signal may be initially received which corresponds to a power system. The first signal may have a plurality of cycles and may have a frequency that varies over time. One or more parameters may be determined from the first signal. Based on the one or more parameters, the first signal may be resampled to produce an even angle signal. Various power quality measurements may be performed on the even angle signal. Similarly, further processing may be performed to perform synchrophasor measurements, e.g., to determine phasor, frequency, and/or rate of frequency change for the first signal. In some embodiments, the resampling processing elements (e.g., circuitry, programmable hardware elements, processors and memories, etc.) may be shared between the two analyses.

Abstract: Method and module for measuring the rate of change of frequency of a waveform related to a converter unit of a wind turbine generator, comprising: measuring an instantaneous value of said rate of change of frequency of the waveform, calculating a first filtered value of said rate of change of frequency, said first filtered value having good accuracy but low time response, and calculating a second filtered value of said rate of change of frequency said second filtered value having a good time response but low accuracy, comparing said first and second filtered values and selecting that an output value of said measured rate of change is based on said first or second filtered values depending on said comparison.

Abstract: A method for controlling an energy storage unit having a model which tracks each charging instances includes, for each charging event, capturing energy charged into the energy storage unit and an unit energy price of the charging source(s) at the time of charging; updating a unit price of total energy stored in the storage unit at each time-step; during a discharging event, updating the unit price of energy in the storage unit on a selected cost model; comparing the unit price of energy in the storage unit with other generation sources in the microgrid and a utility tariff; selecting a lowest cost combination from generation, storage, and grid and using the lowest cost combination to supply a load; and if a controller decides to use stored energy at any time, sending a discharge command to the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A digital thermal model for compensating for error in a current transformer used in a solid-state overload relay. The thermal model implements a difference equation that determines using a low-pass filter two parameters corresponding to calibration points along an overload trip curve. The trip curve is adjusted at an ultimate trip current (one calibration point) independently of a trip time at a locked rotor current (another calibration point) of a motor protected by the overload relay. The ultimate trip current and trip time can be adjusted based on a motor full load current set by a user. Large CT error will cause the thermal model to adjust the trip time at the locked rotor current, increasing the range of acceptable CT error, allowing the overload relay to have a wider adjustment range.

Abstract: This specification discloses an intelligent and digitalized process level interface which is referred to herein as an Intelligent Process Interface (IPI). The input of the IPI includes both analog and digital channels and therefore the IPI can be used for substations in transition or retrofit stages with both conventional and non-conventional primary devices. The IPI acts not only as a digitalized interface, but also as an intelligent supervisory and control unit for switching functions. The architecture of the IPI is flexible and allows for the functionality to be distributed to several devices.

Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for detecting a power outage. In one aspect, a status request requesting a status of a portion of a power distribution network is received, where the request includes a reference to a power meter that is located within the portion of the network. In response to the status request, a block of communications channels is selected, where the block includes a target communications channel over which a signal corresponding to the referenced power meter is received. In turn, an amplitude of the signal being received over the target communications channel is obtained. A determination is made whether the amplitude of the signal is less than an outage threshold and a status notification is provided that specifies the status of the portion of the power distribution network for which the status has been requested.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of avoiding that wind turbine voltage levels within a wind power plant do not exceed predetermined overvoltage and/or undervoltage protection levels. In particular, the present invention relates to shifting of an output voltage level of a wind power plant in order to protect an internal power plant grid against overvoltages.

Abstract: A microgrid comprising a utility interconnect connecting the microgrid to an electric utility power distribution system; an underground power distribution system wherein the underground power distribution system is configured to have a feature selected from redundant power distribution capabilities and being wired as a loop distribution system with sectionalizing switches; a first set of loads comprising all nonresilient mission critical loads in the microgrid; a second set of loads comprising all resilient mission critical loads in the microgrid not contained in the first set of loads; a combined mission critical load comprising the first set of loads and the second set of loads; a first power generation source; and a second power generation source wherein the second power generation source is a renewable energy power generation source is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are methods of protecting microgrids by implementing similar features.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes: a battery; at least one pressure sensor provided on a surface of the battery; and a controller electrically connected with the at least one pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor samples a pressure parameter on the surface of the battery. The controller acquires the pressure parameter, detects a magnitude relation between the pressure parameter and a predefined threshold value, and generates a control instruction for protecting the battery based on the detected magnitude relation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an agent. The agent is configured to receive information from an electrical power grid. The agent is further configured to identify an event from the information. The agent is further configured to classify the event. The agent is further configured to determine whether to initiate an action based on a classification of the event. The agent is further configured to initiate the action in response to a determination to initiate the action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transformer, wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.

Abstract: A power system includes main circuit interrupters each having a load output, feeder circuit interrupters, a number of tie circuit interrupters, and a circuit. The circuit is structured to block communication, at least when at least one of the tie circuit interrupters has an open state between a first and a second of the main circuit interrupters, of a zone selective interlocking output of one of the feeder circuit interrupters having a line input electrically connected to the load output of the first main circuit interrupter to a zone selective interlocking input of the second main circuit interrupter, and of a zone selective interlocking output of a different one of the feeder circuit interrupters having a line input electrically connected to the load output of the second main circuit interrupter to a zone selective interlocking input of the first main circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A computer-based method for contingency analysis of oscillatory stability in an electrical power transmission system is provided. The method uses at least one processor. The method includes receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of component inputs from a plurality of system components within the electrical power transmission system. The method also includes generating a nominal matrix for the electrical power transmission system. The nominal matrix includes a set of equations at least partially modeling the electrical power transmission system. The method further includes calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the nominal matrix. The method also includes identifying a contingency representing a postulated disturbance of the electrical power transmission system. The method further includes estimating a contingency eigenvalue for the contingency using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the nominal matrix.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: A modulation method is provided. The modulation method includes the steps of receiving multiple sinusoidal signals, obtaining the maximum value of the sinusoidal signals, obtaining the median value of the sinusoidal signals, and obtaining the minimum value of the sinusoidal signals within a period to generate a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value, generating a difference according to an upper limit and a lower limit of a predetermined comparison value, and comparing the two differences to generate an optimized modulation signal.

Abstract: A method and system for sending a repetitive permissive guard signal from an electrical power substation to a distributed generation site over existing medium voltage distribution lines to detect an islanding condition and apply transfer trip protection is disclosed. The permissive guard signal causes a receiver at the distributed generation site to control a recloser at the distributed generation site. Loss of the signal at the receiver device causes the tripping of the recloser at the distributed generation site in less than two seconds. The tripping of the recloser physically disconnects the distributed generation site from the electric power grid. The coupling to the medium voltage distribution lines can be implemented via a single phase-to-ground coupling or via a phase-to-phase differential coupling for multi-phase medium voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: An equipment control device has: a reception unit for receiving desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or a desired operation termination time, operation period information and electrical power information; a time-shift period setting unit for setting a time-shift period indicating a period which has a time range including the desired time information and during which the operation start time or the operation termination time of a household appliance is shiftable; an electrical power charge information acquisition unit for acquiring electrical power charge information; an operation time computing unit for computing the operation start time or the operation termination time, on the basis of which the electricity charge that is billed when the household appliance is operated within the time-shift period falls to or below a predetermined charge; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation start time or the operation termination time to the household appliance.

Abstract: A method and system for detection of intrusion in networked control systems, is provided. The method includes generating an operating model of a system being controlled. The operating model of the system comprises a relationship between a plurality of components in the system defined by a plurality of parameters. Further, the method includes calculating an estimated value of at least one parameter for at least one component in the system. The operating model is used to calculate the estimated value of the at least one parameter. Furthermore, the method includes measuring a latest value of at least one parameter at a predefined interval. The method also includes triggering an alert for intrusion for the at least one component based on an analysis of at least one of the latest value and the estimated value of at least one parameter.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a plurality of power supply devices; a battery device; an abnormal state detection unit that detects a state of a first power supply device is an abnormal state; and a switching control unit that, when it is detected the state of the first power supply device is the abnormal state, switches a state from an electric power input forbidding state in which electric power is not inputted into a second power supply device to an electric power input permitting state in which electric power is inputted into the second power supply device, and switches the state from an electric power supply forbidding state of not supplying the electric power stored by the battery device to the external load to an electric power supply permitting state of supplying the electric power stored by the battery device to the external load.

Abstract: A system for managing an electric power delivery system is disclosed that includes a set of remote intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and a central IED. The remote IEDs may be configured to obtain information related to rotor angles, operating frequencies, rate of change of frequency, rotating inertia, and power consumption levels of loads and generators included in the electric power delivery system. The central IED may communicate with the remote IEDs to determine which loads and generators are associated with a sub-grid of the electric power delivery system and whether to disconnected certain loads or generators. Based on this determination, the central IED may direct the remote IEDs to disconnect loads or generators from the electric power delivery system, or to rapidly increase or decrease generator output as appropriate.

Abstract: A solar string includes first and second solar modules coupled to first and second filters by an electric transmission line. The second solar module includes a solar panel including a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to convert photon energy to electrical energy. A processor is coupled to the solar panel and is in communication with the first solar module. The processor is configured to monitor an output of the solar panel and to transmit a status signal including an environmental condition of the second solar module to the first solar module by way of the electric transmission line. The first and second filters are configured to pass electrical power to a central inverter of a solar array in which the solar string is disposed and to prevent the status signal transmitted from the second solar module to the first solar module from being transmitted to the central inverter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the voltage of an electrical distribution system are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run digital simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various equipment configurations an equipment configuration that is expected to cause the voltage deviation of the segment to approach a desired value. The data processing circuitry then may generate the control signal, which may cause the equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system to conform to the equipment configuration.

Abstract: A system for conducting a real-time power capacity assessment of an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine is configured to store and process patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output, forecasting power capacity of the electrical system subjected to a simulated contingency event.

Abstract: A distributed power supply system is configured to execute a process for determining whether or not to permit a diagnostic process in such a manner that it is determined whether or not a difference between a set upper limit value and an actual measurement current value is not less than a load current value, the set upper limit value being a predetermined upper limit value set with respect to a detected current of a current sensor, the measurement current value being detected by the current sensor in a state where the diagnostic process is not executed, and the load current value being a value of a current flowing from a commercial power utility to a power load during execution of the diagnostic process; and if it is determined that the difference is not less than the load current value, the controller permits the diagnostic process.

Abstract: A home appliance can operate in a future time frame. Information is obtained from a power distributor in order to determine a time when to operate the home appliance in this future time frame. The home appliance then operates at the time determined with information from the power distributor.

Abstract: Fault isolation and service restoration in an electrical grid are provided. An approach for receiving a notification message including a state of an electrical component on an electrical grid, and determining, by a computing system, a command message including at least one action to take in response to the state of the electrical component, is described. The approach further includes sending the command message to at least one of the electrical component and other electrical components on the electrical grid.

Abstract: A computer-based electrical power management and allocation system is provided that collects demand for electric power usage and allocates electric power supply in satisfaction thereof. A load control server is used to collect and schedule electrical power start requests according to policies established by either or both of the electric power consumers and electric power suppliers. The energy system collects electrical power start requests and holds them in a reservation pool for later satisfaction according to prescribed customer and supplier policies and according to an overall optimization criterion of the energy system. Start messages are then subsequently issued to begin device operation once the energy system's operational criterion is relaxed and the devices are then removed from the reservation pool. Similar queuing for later satisfaction may also be applied to the distribution of other utilities, such as water, natural gas, or guaranteed interne bandwidth.

Abstract: A load management system provides an interface between a power input and several switched power outputs and un-switched power outputs. A controller groups the switched power outputs into one or more load groups based on a switched current limit determined for the system and the measured currents of the electrical loads. The load groups are defined so that the sum of electrical load currents in each load group does not exceed the switched current limit. The controller also activates one or more switches to apply electrical power to the load groups according to a power sequence. A method for distributing electrical power to electrical loads using load groups is also provided.