Power management system that includes a generator controller

• US 9,293,914 B2
• Filed: 11/04/2011
• Issued: 03/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kohler Company
• Original Assignee: Kohler Company
• Inventors: Mauk, Richard A., Albsmeier, Eric D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ali, Mohammad
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pan, Yuhui R
• Application Number:
  US13/289,579
• Publication Number:
  US 20130116840A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,600 Days
• Field of Search: 700/286, 700/276, 700/287
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/00 Circuit arrangements for dc mains or dc distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00001 characterised by the display of information or by user interaction, e.g. supervisory control and data acquisition systems [SCADA] or graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00028 involving the use of Internet protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00036 the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers circuits for indication of single switches H01H9/167
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/1415 with a generator driven by a prime mover other than the motor of a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/40 Display of information, e.g. of data or controls

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a power management system that includes an engine-driven generator and a plurality of load switching and sensor modules that are located remotely from the generator. The load switching and sensor modules include power switching devices and/or sensor circuits. In some embodiments, the power switching devices are operated to selectively provide protected power from a breaker to loads. The power management system further includes a generator controller that is mounted to the engine-driven generator. The generator controller is configured to operate the engine-driven generator and the sensor and load switching modules. The generator controller is further configured to receive input signals from the load switching and sensor modules via a databus, and provide commands to the load switching and sensor modules via the databus to operate the power switching devices and selectively provide power to loads.

Claims

1. A power management system comprising:

an engine-driven generator;

a load switching and sensor module located remotely from the generator, the load switching and sensor module including a power switching device and a sensor circuit;

a databus; and

a generator controller mounted to the engine-driven generator, the generator controller configured to control the engine-driven generator and the power switching device in the load switching and sensor module, the generator controller configured to receive input and output signals from the load switching and sensor module via the databus and provide commands via the databus to the load switching and sensor module in order to control the power switching device and selectively provide power to a particular load, wherein the generator controller includes a power source that is inside the generator controller and supplies power to operate the load switching and sensor module, wherein the load switching and sensor module is not connected to utility power such that the loss of utility power will not affect the operation of the load switching and sensor module;

wherein the sensor circuit includes a sensor input circuit that converts an input signal received from a sensor located remotely from the load switching and sensor module for delivery to the generator controller via the databus, and wherein the sensor circuit includes an output circuit that transmits an output signal received from the generator controller for transmission to the sensor, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor, security sensor, flammable gas sensor, smoke sensor, CO sensor, fuel level, motion sensor, time input, thermostat, moisture sensor, light level, water level, weather sensor or camera sensor, wherein the generator controller is configured to store data that is received from the load switching and sensor module related to the operation of the sensor and the particular load.

2. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the power source is a 12V direct current power source.

3. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the power source is regulated by the generator controller.

4. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the output signal relates to a run alert warning, fault, home automation, security system, door lock system, thermostat, or gated access system.

5. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the generator controller includes timers for activating the power switching device.

6. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the power switching device is configured to selectively provide protected power to the load.

7. The power management system of claim 6, wherein the load includes at least one of lighting, pump, fan, valve, horn, heating, defroster, refrigerator, freezer, pool, irrigation, gate, door, window covering, vent, camera recorder, vacuum, charger, fire lighter, smart appliance or cooling device.

8. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the generator controller is configured to exchange data with an external communication device.

9. The power management system of claim 8, wherein the generator controller is configured to receive commands from the external communication device to activate the power switching device.

10. The power management system of claim 8, wherein the generator controller is configured to deliver signals to the external communication device from the sensor.

11. The power management system of claim 8, wherein the generator controller is configured to exchange data with a wireless device.

12. The power management system of claim 8, wherein the generator controller is configured to exchange data with a computer via a network.

13. The power management system of claim 8, wherein the generator controller is configured to store data related to the operation of the sensor and the particular load.

14. The power management system of claim 13, wherein the generator controller is configured to store data related to sensor input ranges and conversion factors.

15. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the power source in the generator controller supplies power to the sensors and the power switching devices within the load switching and sensor module.