Auxiliary generator self-test verification device

• US 7,436,287 B1
• Filed: 07/27/2005
• Issued: 10/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel L. Bollin
• Original Assignee: Daniel L. Bollin
• Inventors: Bollin, Daniel L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass; Jeff
• Assistant Examiner(s): Labbees; Edny
• Application Number:
  US11/190,733
• Time in Patent Office: 1,175 Days
• Field of Search: 340/309.16, 340/679, 340/635, 340/539.17, 320134-136
• US Class Current: 340/309.16
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/343 in operation
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/066 characterised by the use of dynamo-electric machines H02J9/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/08 requiring starting of a prime-mover

Abstract

A device for monitoring the self-testing of an auxiliary generator provides an alarm signal if the generator does not start and operate within a predetermined time period.

Claims

1. A device for verifying the self-testing function of an auxiliary electric generator that includes starting the auxiliary electric generator for energizing the output of the auxiliary electric generator to verify that the generator is operable to supply electric energy after an auxiliary generator test period expires, the device comprising:

a timer adapted to be connected to an output of the auxiliary generator;

an alarm device connected to said timer, said timer being operative to activate said alarm device upon a predetermined timeout interval passing without detection of energization of the auxiliary electric generator output, said predetermined timeout interval being greater than the auxiliary generator self-test period.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said timer is also operative to reset to begin a new predetermined timeout interval upon detection of energization of the auxiliary generator output.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein said timer is included in a microprocessor that is also adapted to be connected to the auxiliary generator output, said microprocessor operable to detect a failure of an auxiliary electric generator self-test function.

4. The device according to claim 3 wherein said alarm device includes an electrically energized annunciator that generates an audio signal.

5. The device according to claim 3 further including a relay connected to said microprocessor, said relay adapted to be connected to an external circuit, said microprocessor being operable to selectively energize said relay upon the auxiliary electric generator failing to complete an auxiliary electric generator self-test within said time out interval whereby said external circuit is actuated.

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein said external circuit includes an automatic telephone dialer that is operable to alert a remote location upon actuation of said external circuit.

7. The device according to claim 3 further including a visual indicator connected to said microprocessor, said microprocessor operable to cause said visual indicator to provide a first indication when the device is operating properly, said microprocessor also operable, upon detection of failure of an auxiliary electric generator self-test function, to actuate said visual indicator to provide a second indication that there has been an auxiliary electric generator self-test failure.

8. The device according to claim 7 wherein said visual indicator is a Light Emitting Diode.

9. The device according to claim 3 further including a reset switch connected to said microprocessor, said reset switch operable upon closure to reset said microprocessor timer to initiate a new time out interval for the auxiliary generator self-test.

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein said reset switch is a pushbutton.

11. The device according to claim 3 further including a test switch connected to said microprocessor, said test switch operable upon closure to cause said microprocessor to actuate said alarm to demonstrate that said alarm is operable.

12. The device according to claim 11 wherein said test switch is a pushbutton.

13. The device according to claim 3 wherein said microprocessor is further operable to monitor at least one operating parameter of the auxiliary generator, said microprocessor also operable to actuate said alarm during a generator self-test upon said operating parameter failing to meet a predetermined threshold.

14. The device according to claim 13 wherein said operating parameter is the auxiliary generator output voltage and further wherein said microprocessor is operable to actuate said alarm during a generator self-test upon determining that the output voltage exceeds a predetermined maximum output voltage.

15. The device according to claim 14 wherein said operating parameter is the auxiliary generator output voltage and further wherein said microprocessor is operable to actuate said alarm during a generator self-test upon determining that the output voltage is less than a predetermined minimum output voltage.

16. The device according to claim 13 wherein said operating parameter is the auxiliary generator operating time duration and further wherein said microprocessor is operable to actuate said alarm during a generator self-test upon determining that the generator operating time duration is less than a predetermined time period.

17. The device according to claim 2 wherein said timer is included in an Applied Specific Integrated Circuit that is also adapted to be connected to the auxiliary generator output, said Applied Specific Integrated Circuit operable to detect a failure of an auxiliary electric generator self-test function.

18. A method for verifying a self test function of an auxiliary electric generator that includes starting the auxiliary electric generator for energizing the output of the auxiliary electric generator to verify that the generator is operable to supply electric energy after an auxiliary generator self-test period expires, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a microprocessor that includes a timer and that is operable to be connected to an output of the auxiliary electric generator, the timer being connected to an alarm device;

(b) monitoring the generator output; and

(c) actuating the alarm device upon a predetermined timeout interval passing without the auxiliary electric generator being energized for a self-test, the timeout interval being greater than the auxiliary generator self-test period.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the microprocessor also is connected to a relay and step (c) also includes actuating the relay whereby a remote facility is alerted to the failure of the generator self test.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein step (b) also includes monitoring at least one operating parameter of the auxiliary generator and step (c) includes actuating the alarm during a generator self-test upon the operating parameter failing to meet a predetermined threshold.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the generator operating parameter monitored in step (b) is the generator output voltage level and the alarm is actuated in step (c) when the output voltage level is outside of a predetermined operating voltage range.

22. The method of claim 18 further including in step (c) resetting the timer to begin a new predetermined timeout interval upon detection of energization of the auxiliary generator output.