Abstract:
A method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply having sensor for sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a first voltage sensor; sensor for sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor and implementing a control algorithm in a controller to augment power from said primary power supply with power from the backup power supply in response to an input from the first and second voltage sensors and an input from at least one external sensor wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the at least one load and the primary and backup power supplies.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/943,721 filed on Nov. 21, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,720,576, by Donald Warren et al., entitled “INTELLIGENT AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE MONITORING CAPABILITIES”, which is commonly assigned with the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to power systems, and in particular to an auxiliary power supply system which is capable of making user defined power management decisions based on information received from a plurality of sensors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Heating and cooling systems typically consume the greatest amount of electrical power in both residences and businesses. In fact, during the summer months in many metropolitan areas, the demand for electricity may exceed an energy provider&#39;s capacity to deliver enough electricity to all customers, resulting in brownouts and blackouts. As a result of this phenomenon, energy providers have begun to implement various pricing schemes which feature higher costs for customers who consume power during peak demand periods. Other pricing schemes may involve charging the consumer higher prices based on their peak consumption per billing period. In addition to tiered pricing schemes, some energy providers have also added utility surcharges to the bills of those customers who consume power during peak hours. 
     The prior art reveals auxiliary power supply systems which attempt to help alleviate some of these problems recently faced by energy consumers. These prior art systems provide a means for supplying auxiliary power to a business or residence during power outages or during times selected by the user to correspond to peak demand hours. Some prior art systems include the use of fuel powered portable generators which are very noisy and can often be dangerous to the user if the exhaust from said generators is not properly ventilated. Another drawback of using fuel powered generators is that the rising cost of fuels such as gasoline and diesel, make the prospect of long term use of such generators unaffordable for many consumers. 
     Other auxiliary power supply systems revealed in the prior art utilize rechargeable batteries, which provide a quiet, clean power supply source. Such a system is revealed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,954 to Dailey (“the &#39;954 patent”) which claims an auxiliary power supply system having a switch which disconnects a load from a line delivering electricity from an energy provider, and connects said load to rechargeable batteries. 
     The switch disclosed by the &#39;954 patent is activated by a programmable controller which directs the switch to shift the load to the batteries during power outages and during time periods of peak demand. The programmable controller relies on an internal clock to decide whether the current time is “on peak” of “off peak.” One drawback of such a system is that the controller may switch to the auxiliary power source (batteries) during inappropriate periods should the controller&#39;s clock malfunction in some manner, potentially causing the user to be charged higher energy prices. Further, the system is limited to pricing schemes wherein the utility provider sets rates based solely on time. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an auxiliary power supply system which is capable of monitoring a plurality of sensing devices and making user defined decisions based on data received from said devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, there is provided herein, an auxiliary power supply system that, in its preferred embodiments, is capable of monitoring a plurality of sensing devices and utilizing the information provided by said devices to make appropriate power management decisions when certain conditions, as predetermined by the user, are present. By utilizing an auxiliary source of power when certain conditions are present, such as during periods of peak power use, the user may realize increased energy savings. Furthermore, by utilizing the information received from a plurality of sensing devices, the auxiliary power supply system of the present invention will not switch to the auxiliary power source during inappropriate periods. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the auxiliary power supply system is coupled to a system configured for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). The auxiliary power supply system includes an intelligent controller which may be configured by the user to receive input from a plurality of sensors. A current monitoring sensor coupled to the line supplying current to the residence or business, transmits to the intelligent controller, information relating to the amount of current being delivered to said residence or business. Similarly, indoor and outdoor temperature sensors transmit temperature information to the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller may be configured by the user to switch the HVAC system from line power to auxiliary power during periods of high power consumption by the user&#39;s residence or business, or during times the user&#39;s energy provider charges higher prices for power consumption (“peak demand periods”). If the user configures the auxiliary power system to switch the HVAC system over to the auxiliary power source during peak demand periods, the intelligent controller will first determine if certain current and temperature conditions are present. The intelligent controller may be configured by the user to compare information received from the sensors to certain “set” values before switching to the auxiliary power source. The set values may include set current values, set temperature values, and other values pertaining to sensors connected to the auxiliary power supply system. Algorithms specifically related to controlling furnace operation during winter months may also be implemented by the intelligent controller when so configured by the user. The intelligent controller may be configured by the user via a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, or other similar electronic device capable of communicating with said intelligent controller. Information received from the sensors as well as information concerning operation of the HVAC system, is temporarily stored in a memory, such as a database where it may utilized by the intelligent controller in making power management decisions. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the intelligent controller is configured to communicate with a remote electronic device. The remote electronic device may include a device controlled by the energy provider, such as a computer, configured to transmit a signal capable of being received by the intelligent controller, directing said intelligent controller to switch to auxiliary power. The remote electronic device may also include a user controlled personal computer, personal digital assistant, or other such device capable of communicating with the intelligent controller. Using a remote electronic device, the user may configure the intelligent controller when away. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary power supply system further comprises an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) apparatus including the transfer switch, a voltage sensor, a charger, and an inverter. The UPS is connected to the intelligent controller, a main distribution panel, the HVAC system, and the auxiliary power source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of an auxiliary power supply system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller of the present invention to make power management decisions when a peak consumption pricing scheme has been implemented by the user&#39;s energy provider; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller of the present invention to make power management decisions when a time-of-use/peak demand pricing scheme has been implemented by the user&#39;s energy provider; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller of the present invention to efficiently operate a furnace using power management control algorithms; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the auxiliary power supply system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicants&#39; invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary power supply system  100  of the present invention is shown. The auxiliary power supply system  100  is configured for installation and use in both residences and businesses. The presently preferred embodiment of the system  100  is configured for use with loads such as heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems (HVAC), including both furnaces and air handlers  102 . However, it should be noted that other loads may be similarly connected should the user so desire. For example, a water heater may be connected to the power supply system in order to supply auxiliary power to said heater during appropriate periods. 
     The system  100  is coupled to the main distribution panel  104  serving the residence, business, or other control area. The main distribution panel  104  is connected to the energy provider&#39;s main utility line  106  which supplies electricity to the residence or business. One advantage of the present invention over some backup power supply systems found in the prior art is that in order to install the system  100  of the present invention, entry into the main distribution panel  104  is not required, which substantially reduces installation costs. 
     An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) apparatus  108  comprising a transfer switch  110 , a charging system  112 , a voltage sensor  114 , and an inverting system  116  is connected to the main distribution panel  104 . The transfer switch  110  of the presently preferred embodiment has two configurations which may be implemented by a programmable intelligent controller  118 . In the first configuration, the transfer switch  110  closes a circuit between the main distribution panel  104  and the air handler/furnace  102 . In the first configuration, the transfer switch  110  also closes a circuit between the main distribution panel  104  and the charging system  112  and opens a circuit between the inverter  116  and the air handler/furnace  102 . The charging system  112  and the inverting system  116  are connected to an auxiliary power source, which comprises an array of DC batteries  120  in the presently preferred embodiment. The batteries  120  are the source of auxiliary power during power outages, periods of peak demand, and other appropriate periods. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, transfer switch  110  is coupled between at least one load  102  and a first  104  and second power source  120 . Also in a preferred embodiment, both the first  104  and second  120  power sources comprise a voltage sensor  116  or the like. A voltage sensor can comprise a sensor designed to measure voltage or a switch or the like designed to respond to a high or low voltage. This aids in the determination of whether there is a power outage. In the transfer switch&#39;s  110  second configuration, the transfer switch  110  opens the circuit between the main distribution panel  104  and the air handler/furnace  102  and closes the circuit between the inverter  116  and the air handler/furnace  102 . The elements of the UPS apparatus  108  are well known in the art. Those skilled in the art should pay particular attention to the specifications and requirements of the air handler/furnace  102 , the batteries  120 , the incoming voltage/current from the distribution panel  104 , and the intelligent controller  118  when choosing specific UPS  108  apparatus components. Further, while not shown, it is possible to have a circuit breaker between the UPS  108  and the air handler/furnace  104 . 
     The intelligent controller  118  directs the transfer switch  110  to operate in a particular configuration based on information received from a plurality of sensors. As used herein sensors is defined as any device which can sense or retrieve information useful in operation such as time, temperature, voltage, current, humidity, pressure, and other information. In order to monitor the power being supplied to the residence or business, a current monitoring sensor such as a current transducer  122  is coupled to any line which the user would like to monitor. It is contemplated that the user would couple the current transducer to the main incoming utility line  106  supplying electricity to a control area, such as a residence or business. The current transducer  122  may be placed at any of a plurality of locations including an external power meter (not shown), or internally at the main distribution panel  104 . Power monitoring sensors such as current transducers  122  are well known in the art and those skilled in the art may choose to implement various types of power monitoring devices in alternate embodiments of the invention. The current transducer  122  of the presently preferred embodiment is connected to the intelligent controller  118  by wireless means. The current transducer  122  and intelligent controller  118  both contain hardware well known in the art for such wireless communications. Alternate embodiments of the invention may be configured to utilize a wired means for connecting the current transducer  122  to the intelligent controller  118 . The intelligent controller  118  is configured to compare the information received from the current transducer  122  with set current values defined by the user in order to determine which switch configuration is most appropriate. A more detailed description of the power management algorithms employed by the intelligent controller  118  is found below. 
     Outdoor temperature sensors  124  and indoor temperature  126  sensors are also connected to the intelligent controller  118  by wireless means. Wireless means for transmitting temperature information is well know in the art. It is contemplated that alternate embodiments of the system  100  may include a wired means for connecting the temperature sensors  124 / 126  to the intelligent controller  118 . The outdoor  124  and indoor  126  temperature sensors may utilize thermocouples, thermistors, or other well known temperature sensing devices known in the art. The intelligent controller  118  of the presently preferred embodiment is configured to continuously receive the signals sent by the indoor  126  and outdoor  124  temperature sensors as well as the current transducer  122 . However, alternate embodiments of the intelligent controller  118  may be configured to receive information from the sensors at predetermined or random intervals of time. The user will configure the intelligent controller  118  to include set temperature values. Logic decisions made by the intelligent controller  118  will take into account whether the outdoor and indoor temperature are greater or lesser than the user defined set temperature values. A more detailed description of the power management algorithms employed by the intelligent controller  118  is found below. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may include more than one of each of the indoor  126  and outdoor  126  temperature sensors, allowing for more extensive temperature monitoring of the residence or business. 
     The intelligent controller  118  will also be configured to receive input from an input device such as an electronic device  128 . Examples of such a device include a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, or other electronic device capable of transmitting by wireless or wired means, information entered by the user. The electronic device  128  contains software configured to effectively communicate with the intelligent controller  118 . The electronic device  128  will allow the user to enter control parameters such as set temperature values, set current values, and set time periods for use of auxiliary power. The user may also define which control algorithms are to be implemented by the intelligent controller  118 . 
     The intelligent controller  118  also includes a means for sending and receiving communications to and from a remote electronic device  130 . The auxiliary power supply system  100  of the presently preferred embodiment is configured to receive signals, via a modem  132  attached to the intelligent controller  118  by means of an Ethernet cable. Telephone lines connecting the modem  132  to a remote electronic device  130  controlled by the energy provider, allows the energy provider to communicate with the system  100 . This configuration permits the energy provider to send requests to the intelligent controller  118  to switch to operation under auxiliary power. If the energy provider is capable of providing such signals, said signals will be sent during periods of peak demand and may assist the user in realizing increased energy savings. This capability may prevent the user from being charged increased prices and may also allow said user to benefit from possible incentives offered by the energy provider. The intelligent controller  118  may also send signals to the remote device, providing information related to the status of the auxiliary power supply system  100 . For example, if the batteries  120  are not adequately charged, the intelligent controller  118  will send a signal to the energy provider, notifying them that the system  100  is not ready to switch to auxiliary power. It should be noted that alternate embodiments of the invention may include other means for communicating with a remote device. For example, such other means may include communication via universal serial bus (USB), power transmission lines, fiber optics, wireless, or any other transmission means. It is also contemplated that other alternate embodiments of the auxiliary power supply system  100  may include a remote electronic device  130  such as a personal computer or personal digital assistant such that the user may remotely control the operation of the system  100 . An advantage of this capability is that it provides the user with increased accessibility and control. For example, before leaving on vacation, the user may turn off their HVAC system or set their thermostat to an efficient temperature setting. Shortly before retuning, the user may wish to activate said HVAC system, via their PDA, such that said HVAC system heats or cools the residence to a normal temperature prior to their arrival. 
     A thermostat control device  134  is connected to the intelligent controller  118  using standard pin connections  136  well known in the art. The thermostat control device  134  is a means for controlling the furnace/air handlers  102  of HVAC systems. Said thermostat control device  134  permits the user to set a desired temperature value for the control area (residence or business) which is then achieved by means of a feedback control system. The device  134  sends signals to the intelligent controller  118  which directs the operation of the air handler/furnace  102 . The intelligent controller  118  is also connected to the air handler/furnace  102  by means of said standard pin connections  136 . 
     The air handler/furnace  102  is connected to the transfer switch  110  by a line which provides an alternating current (AC) voltage. This AC voltage is supplied by either the batteries  128  (via inverter  116 ) or by the incoming line voltage  106  from the energy provider (via main distribution panel  104 ), depending on the configuration of the transfer switch  110 . The standard pin connections  136  found on both the thermostat control device and the furnace or air handler are as follows: 1.) R (low voltage˜24 VAC); 2.) C (common); 3.) G (fan only); 4.) W 1  (stage  1  heat); 5.) W 2  (stage  2  heat); 6.) Y 1  (stage 1 cool); 7.) Y 2  (stage  2  cool); 8.) B 1  (heat pump stage  1 ); and  9 .) B 2  (heat pump stage  2 ). Although the preceding pin connections  136  are utilized in the presently preferred embodiment, it should be understood that alternate embodiments of the invention may utilize various pin configurations  136 . 
     The intelligent controller  118  is a programmable logic device which is well known in the art and is adapted to communicate with the other elements of the auxiliary power supply system  100 , including sensors and other electronic devices capable of communicating with said system  100 . The intelligent controller  118  contains a processor, memory, software, a clock, and a plurality of inputs and outputs adapted for communicating with the various elements described herein. The intelligent controller  118  of the presently preferred embodiment is mounted within the thermostat control device  134 . However, alternate embodiments of the auxiliary power supply system  100  may be configured such that the intelligent controller  118  is mounted within the UPS  108 . 
     The intelligent controller  118  is adapted to employ a plurality of control algorithms, thus permitting the user to customize the control of the system  100  to best adapt to the pricing scheme implemented by the energy provider. The intelligent controller  118  of the presently preferred embodiment of the auxiliary power supply system  100  is configured to allow for three modes of operation, with each of said modes utilizing a different control algorithm. However, alternate embodiments of the system may be configured such that any number of modes may be configured for implementation. It should be noted that in all modes of operation, the intelligent controller will attempt to switch to auxiliary power if there is a loss of line power or the energy provider requests that the switch occur. However, alternate embodiments may also omit such “triggering events” from the control algorithms employed by the intelligent controller  118 . 
     The first mode of operation may be chosen when the energy provider implements a pricing scheme based on the user&#39;s peak power consumption for the billing period. In such a scheme, the user is charged a price for consuming power depending on their peak usage for the billing period. Under this scheme, the control algorithm dictates that the intelligent controller  118  will switch to the auxiliary power source when the current transducer  122  senses current being supplied to the residence or business in excess of a value set by the user. A flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller  118  in the first mode of operation is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     A second mode of operation may be chosen by the user if the energy provider implements a pricing scheme based on the peak demand “seen” by the energy provider. A flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller in the second mode of operation is shown in  FIG. 3 . In such a pricing scheme, the energy provider may charge higher prices based on time of use. Under this scheme, the user should configure the intelligent controller  118  to switch to the auxiliary power source during the peak time period chosen by the energy provider. In order to ensure that the switch to auxiliary power is made during appropriate periods, the intelligent controller  118  should also be configured to monitor the outdoor temperature and compare it to the set temperature value chosen by the user. The indoor temperature is also monitored, either by an indoor temperature sensor  126  or by a temperature sensor located on the thermostat  134  if so equipped. The intelligent controller  118  uses this data to determine a temperature differential. Because operation of the auxiliary power supply system  100  is to occur during all times of the year, the user may program the intelligent controller  118  to determine when the outdoor temperature value either exceeds or falls below a set temperature value. In such a pricing scheme, the switch to the auxiliary power source will require that the sensed temperature values either exceed or fall below the user determined set temperature values. This provides an advantage not seen in prior art auxiliary power supply systems because the decision by the controller  118  to switch to auxiliary power is not strictly dependent on the accuracy of the controller&#39;s  118  clock. In circumstances where the clock does not accurately provide the correct time, the controller  118  will be prevented from switching to auxiliary power if the sensed temperature values are not appropriate. For example, on an early summer morning, if the clock malfunctions such that it indicates a time of 2 pm, the sensed outdoor temperature value is 70° F., and the set temperature value is 90° F., the controller  118  will not switch to the auxiliary power source. When using the second mode of operation, the intelligent controller  118  may also be programmed to compare the measurements taken by the current transducer  122 , to predetermined set current values. The user may require that the sensed current value exceed the set current value prior to switching to the auxiliary power supply. By requiring the controller  118  to compare current values, the system  100  is less likely to be activated during inappropriate periods. 
     In a third mode of operation, the user may choose to program the intelligent controller  118  to control the HVAC system according to a control algorithm configured to more efficiently control the power consumption of a furnace  102 . Such a control algorithm is disclosed in the commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,751 entitled, “CONTROL ALGORITHM FOR BACKUP POWER SYSTEM” filed on Mar. 9, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Such a third mode of operation will be especially useful to those utilizing furnaces  102  during winter months.  FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the logic employed by the intelligent controller  118  of the present invention to efficiently operate a furnace  102  using power management control algorithms. The control algorithm optimizes battery life based on predetermined dynamics that characterize the association between the furnace  102  and residence or business. The intelligent controller is connected to a database  138  or other means so configured to store information (memory) concerning indoor and outdoor temperature values, heating unit cycle times (length of run time and off time), operating mode (high or low heat), indoor temperature set point, and electrical power usage. With reference to  FIG. 4 , during normal operation on electrical line power, the intelligent controller  118  continually monitors whether there is a loss of electrical power. If not, the intelligent controller logs input data, calculates control parameters, and logs these parameters. The control parameters comprise the following non-exclusive list: dwelling overall heat transfer coefficient (U o ), time to freeze variable (T), and heat ratio (φ). The input data comprise the following non-exclusive list: indoor set point temperature, indoor air temperature, outdoor or exterior air temperature, cycle-off time, cycle-on time, operating mode, and electrical power usage. The preceding data is sent from both the thermostat control device  134 , sensors  122 ,  124 ,  126 . Data pertaining to cycle times and the operating mode is recorded by the intelligent controller  118 . These input data are recorded multiple times over time. In one embodiment, such recordings are sufficient to acquire statistically significant calculations. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , when line power is lost or any other triggering event occurs, the intelligent controller  118  initiates a delay before switching to auxiliary electrical power. Next, the intelligent controller  118  checks to see whether there is a comfort mode override. If so, the intelligent controller  118  switches into long-term protection mode in which the intelligent controller  118  conserves as much auxiliary electrical energy as possible. If there is no comfort mode override, the intelligent controller  118  checks to see whether the battery  120  has a low charge. If so, the intelligent controller  118  switches into long-term protection mode. If the battery  120  does not have a low charge, the intelligent controller  118  checks to see whether a cycle count is greater than a pre-determined short-term power outage limit. If so, the intelligent controller  118  checks to see whether the cycle count is greater than a pre-determined long-term limit. If this second check is positive, then the intelligent controller  118  switches into long-term protection mode. If the second check is negative, the intelligent controller  118  switches into a long-term comfort mode. The intelligent controller  118  in a long-term comfort mode comprises increasing the differential temperature band as compared to a short-term comfort mode. The intelligent controller  118  may take other actions in a long-term comfort mode to more efficiently use the remaining electrical energy. If the intelligent controller  118  determines that a cycle count is not greater than a pre-determined short-term power outage limit, the intelligent controller  118  continues in a normal or short-term comfort mode. At any time during operation in the auxiliary power configuration, the intelligent controller&#39;s  118  indoor temperature set point may be overridden by user input. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, alternative power sources are connected to the UPS apparatus  108 . Said alternative power sources may include electricity provided by such well known technologies as solar paneling  500 , wind driven generators  502 , portable generators  504 , and other sources known in the art. The intelligent controller  118  of alternate embodiments may be programmed to switch to these alternative sources when the batteries  120  can no longer provide the required voltage to operate the HVAC system. The alternative power sources may also be used to recharge the batteries  120 , thus saving the user added expenses. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.