Backup power system and method
First Claim
1. A backup power system, the system comprising:
- a secondary power source;
a stored energy component capable of storing energy therein; and
a controller in data communication with the secondary power source and the stored energy component,wherein said controller is configured to;
compare a measured energy level of energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level, andcompare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold, said second threshold being selected so as to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent power fluctuation of the primary power source that are less severe than a prolonged full power loss by the primary power source,said controller being controlled and arranged so as to selectively provide power to an external load from one of a primary power source, the secondary power source, and the stored energy component in response to one or more comparison results.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments of a backup power system and method may include a transfer switch, connections to primary and secondary power sources, a stored energy component, and an interconnected controller with a processor and memory. The transfer switch may provide power to an external load from a selected one of the primary power source, the secondary power source, or the stored energy component. The controller may compare energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level, and also to compare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold. The second threshold may be selected to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent primary power fluctuation that are less severe than a prolonged loss of power.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A backup power system, the system comprising:
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a secondary power source; a stored energy component capable of storing energy therein; and a controller in data communication with the secondary power source and the stored energy component, wherein said controller is configured to; compare a measured energy level of energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level, and compare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold, said second threshold being selected so as to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent power fluctuation of the primary power source that are less severe than a prolonged full power loss by the primary power source, said controller being controlled and arranged so as to selectively provide power to an external load from one of a primary power source, the secondary power source, and the stored energy component in response to one or more comparison results. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of making backup power available for a load that receives normal power from a primary power source, the method comprising:
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comparing a stored energy level in a stored energy component to a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for a secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level; comparing the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold, said second threshold being selected so as to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent power fluctuation of the primary power source that are less severe than a prolonged full power loss by the primary power source; and in response to one or more comparison results, selectively commanding a transfer of power to the load from one of the primary power source, secondary power source, and the stored energy component. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. An article of manufacture, comprising:
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a computer-readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to control power transfer to a load from one or more sources of power, wherein, upon execution by the computer, the computer-readable program code in said article of manufacture causes the computer to; compare a stored energy level in a stored energy element to a first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for a secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level; compare the stored energy level to a second threshold greater than the first threshold, said second threshold being selected so as to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent power fluctuation of a primary power source that are less severe than a prolonged full power loss by the primary power source; and in response to one or more comparison results, generate one or more signals useful in commanding a selective transfer of power to a load from one of the primary power source, the secondary power source, and the stored energy component. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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35. A controller useful in selecting a source of power provided to a load, the controller comprising:
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a processor arranged to receive one or more parameters relating to a primary power source, a secondary power source, and a stored energy component; and a memory operatively connected to the processor; wherein said processor is configured to; compare a measured energy level representing energy stored within the stored energy component against a first threshold stored in said memory, said first threshold relating to a maximum time necessary for the secondary power source to at least reach a predetermined minimum output level; and compare the measured energy level to a second threshold stored in said memory, said second threshold being greater than the first threshold and selected so as to reduce a number of on/off cycles of the secondary power source during periods of intermittent power fluctuation of the primary power source that are less severe than a prolonged full power loss by the primary power source, wherein, in response to one or more comparison results, said processor selectively provides one or more signals that command power to be provided to the load from one of a primary power source, the secondary power source, and the stored energy component. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
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Specification