INTELLIGENT AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE MONITORING CAPABILITIES

• US 20090127932A1
• Filed: 11/21/2007
• Published: 05/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lennox Industries Incorporated (Lennox International Incorporated), Lennox Manufacturing Inc. (Lennox International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Lennox Industries Incorporated (Lennox International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Warren, Donald, Smith, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,720,576 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/64
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/06 with automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems

Abstract

An intelligent auxiliary power supply system for supplying power to a load such as a furnace or air handler using a rechargeable power source. An intelligent controller determines appropriate periods for switching to auxiliary power, thus allowing the user to realize increased energy related cost savings. A plurality of sensors including a current transducer, an indoor and outdoor temperature sensor, and a clock transmit information to the intelligent controller. Implementing user configured algorithms, the intelligent controller continuously compares information transmitted from said sensors and said load, to information inputted by the user via an electronic device to determine the appropriate power configuration. A remote electronic device may also be connected to the system, allowing the user to control the system while not in close proximity to said system and also allowing the user'"'"'s energy provider to send requests to switch to auxiliary power.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power supply system comprising:

(a) a controller coupled to at least one load, said controller being adapted to receive information from at least one sensor;

(b) a switch coupled between said load and a first power source and a second power source, wherein each of said first and second power source is coupled to the at least one sensor, and

wherein said controller controls the switch to connect the load to the second power source in response to information from said at least one sensors.

2. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a current transducer coupled to a main electrical utility line which supplies a control area with electricity.

3. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

4. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 3 wherein the temperature sensor is placed inside a control area and a second temperature sensor is placed outside the control area.

5. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a clock.

6. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a voltage monitor coupled to said second power source.

7. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said load comprises a furnace.

8. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said load comprises an air handler.

9. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said load comprises a water heater.

10. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to communicate with at least one input device.

11. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 10 wherein said controller comprises a programmable thermostat.

12. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 10 which further comprises a memory to store information sent from any of said sensors, said controller, and said input device.

13. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said at least one sensors and said controller are adapted to communicate via wireless means.

14. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 which further comprises a remote electronic device coupled to said controller, wherein said remote electronic device is adapted to transmit information to said controller.

15. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 14, wherein said remote electronic device is configured to send information comprising a request to said controller, directing said switch to connect said load to said second power source.

16. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 which further comprises an inverting system, and a charging system.

17. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said controller comprises a user programmable controller.

18. A method for controlling a load connected to a primary and a backup power supply comprising the steps of:

a) sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a voltage sensor;

b) sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor;

c) implementing a control algorithm to augment the primary power supply with the backup power supply in response to an input from said sensors;

wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the loads in the power supplies.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said implementing step of step c) further comprises implementing said control algorithm in response to an input from at least one sensor other than said first and second voltage sensors.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said implementing step of step c) further comprises implementing said control algorithm in response to an input device.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein said implementing of step c) further comprises implementing an algorithm for operating a heating unit in either long-term comfort mode, short-term comfort mode, or long term protection mode based on information received from said sensors.