Intelligent auxiliary power supply system with current and temperature monitoring capabilities

• US 7,720,576 B2
• Filed: 11/21/2007
• Issued: 05/18/2010
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel; Ramesh B
• Application Number:
  US11/943,721
• Publication Number:
  US 20090127932A1
• Time in Patent Office: 909 Days
• Field of Search: 700/22, 700/82, 700/286, 700290-291, 700295-296, 700/298, 700/300, 713/320, 713/340, 318/400.3, 340/333
• US Class Current: 700/286
• 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:

at least one external sensor;

an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) apparatus comprising a switch coupled between a first and second power source, said switch connecting either of said first or second power source to at least one load;

a controller coupled to said at least one external sensor, said switch, and said at least one load, said first and second power source coupled to said switch before said controller;

wherein said switch includes at least one sensor to monitor a voltage level of both of said first and second power sources; and

wherein said switch connects either of said first or second power sources to said at least one load in response to both a signal from said controller dependent on a condition of said at least one external sensor and said monitored voltage level.

2. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 further comprising a current transducer coupled to a main electrical utility line.

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

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

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

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

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

10. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 9 wherein said controller comprises a programmable thermostat.

11. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 9 which further comprises a memory to store information sent from any of said external sensors, said controller, and said input device.

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

13. 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.

14. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 13, 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.

15. The auxiliary power supply system of claim 1 wherein said UPS further comprises an inverting system, and a charging system.

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