Patent ID: 8433531
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for automatically testing an emergency power supply system (EPSS) that supplies alternate power to an electrical system in the event of a disruption of power from a main utility power source that normally supplies power to the electrical system, the method comprising: receiving, over a network, and storing electrical parameter data associated with an alternate power source and measured by an intelligent electronic device that measures a characteristic of power generated by the alternate power source and that transforms the measured characteristic into the electrical parameter data for communication over the network, the alternate power source being configured to supply alternate power to the electrical system in the event of a disruption of power from the main utility power source that normally supplies power to the electrical system; receiving, over the network, engine parameter data associated with an engine of the alternate power source; receiving a test parameter selection indicating one or more parameters to be used in testing the emergency power supply system; instructing, over the network, an automatic transfer switch to switch from a normal mode to a test mode to initiate a test of the emergency power supply system by temporarily disconnecting the electrical system from the main utility power source and connecting the electrical system to the alternate power source for a predetermined period of time; responsive to the test parameter selection indicating that the electrical parameter data is to be used in testing the emergency power supply system, evaluating a result of the test based on at least the electrical parameter data including determining a percentage of a load of the electrical system relative to the nameplate rating of the engine; responsive to the test parameter selection indicating that the engine parameter data is to be used in testing the emergency power supply system, evaluating a result of the test based on at least the engine parameter data; and responsive to the evaluating, displaying an indication of an outcome of the result of the test.