Software management of an intelligent power conditioner with backup system option employing trend analysis for early prediction of ac power line failure

• US 6,112,136 A
• Filed: 05/12/1998
• Issued: 08/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Uninteruptible Power Products Inc.
• Original Assignee: Uninterruptible Power Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Hogan, Michael W., Kamper, Teresa A., Kohls, Gregory C., Paul, Steven J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Palys, Joseph E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Crockett, Robert G.
• Application Number:
  US09/079,298
• Time in Patent Office: 840 Days
• Field of Search: 700/291-295, 700/297, 713/340
• US Class Current: 700/293
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/2513 Arrangements for monitoring electric power systems, e.g. power lines or loads; Logging
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/062 for AC powered loads

Abstract

A software management system of an intelligent power conditioner with backup system option employing trend analysis for early prediction of AC power line failure. An AC line power conditioner utilizing a microprocessor based control system for providing suitable alarms when an operating input AC line is defective or the trend of measured deficiencies predicts line power failure and for initiating an inverter control signal when an inverter module is attached as an option. The software controlled system analyzes the input and output voltages, provides analysis of input voltage surges and sags, measures transient amplitude and transient pulse width, counts glitches and dropouts, measures frequency, and identifies each defect and computes associated trends, stores all accumulated data in a Log Buffer for digital printout, and then provides appropriate alarms to a user. These alarms advise the user of imminent power failure and the need for an inverter module, if an inverter module, which can be attached by simple plug in, has not been attached thereto. If an inverter is unconnected, the addition of an inverter is suggested when defects are excessive, or when the trend indicates a higher than normal predilection to failure. A connected inverter module is activated when line defects prescribe such operation.

Claims

1. A software management system of an intelligent power conditioner with backup system option employing trend analysis for early prediction of AC power line failure, utilizing a microprocessor based control system for providing suitable alarms when an operating input AC line is imminently defective and for initiating an inverter control signal when an inverter module is attached as an option, whereby said control system analyzes the input and output voltages, provides analysis of input voltage surges and sags, measures transient amplitude and transient pulse width, counts glitches, and discontinuities or dropouts, measures frequency, and identifies each defect and computes associated trends, stores all accumulated data in a Log Buffer for digital printout and video display, and then provides appropriate alarms to the user advising of imminent power failure and the need for said inverter module, if said inverter module, which can be attached by simple plug in, has not been attached thereto.

2. The power conditioner of claim 1 whereby a measured defect actuates a visual alarm.

3. The power conditioner of claim 1 whereby a measured defect actuates an audible alarm.

4. The power conditioner of claim 1 whereby accumulated data is stored in a Log Buffer, for printout or visual display by the user.

5. The power conditioner of claim 1 whereby the trend analysis is used to determine incipient power line failure, and thus alert the user that an inverter module is required.

6. The power conditioner of claim 1 whereby the trend analysis system keeps track of battery operation and is used to manage battery recharging for optimum battery life.

7. The power conditioner of claim 3 whereby the audible alarm is a beeper alarm.

8. The power conditioner of claim 3 whereby the audible alarm is a human voice speaking an appropriate message which identifies the determined problem.

9. The power conditioner of claim 5 whereby the inverter module is designed as a plug-in unit, install able by the user.