A power management system for a locker system

Abstract

A power management system for a locker system having a plurality of lockers, each with an electronic lock. The power management system comprises a local locker controller 15 provided at each of the lockers and associated with the respective electronic lock 12 to determine and action a locker opening request. Each local locker controller is connected in series to a central controller 14 by a power and data cable 17. Each local controller 15 comprises at least one capacitor to store charge locally, a limiting resistor to limit current to the at least one capacitor and a bypass component to bypass the limiting resistor upon an opening request being presented to the local locker controller. The capacitor accumulates charge over time through the limiting resistor. Upon receiving an opening request, the local controller bypasses the limiting resistor via the bypass component. Stored charge drawn from the capacitor contributes to opening the electronic lock. After unlocking, the limiting resistor once again limits current to the capacitor. Each local controller may be connected to an electronic reader. A locker system may have the power management system. The invention overcome issues with voltage drops and current peaks during unlocking operations. FIG 6