Methods and systems for providing power

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for providing power.SOLUTION: A system comprising a generator, an inverter, and a battery can be used to provide power. The system can also comprise a transfer switch. The system can provide power to another device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16 / 521,200, filed July 24, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical power is generally required to control most functions within commercial and industrial plants and facilities. Furthermore, these plants and facilities have critical safety functions that must be maintained in the event of a loss of electrical power to avoid safety degradation or damage. For example, during a hypothetical accident scenario, a nuclear power plant requires specific systems to continuously maintain electrical power in order to safely shut down the plant and avoid potential core damage. As another example, an industrial chemical plant must maintain control of critical chemical processes to avoid explosions and / or chemical spills. Therefore, many commercial and industrial plants and facilities require backup generators to provide an emergency power source for the majority of the plant's and facility's equipment in the event of a loss of utility power. However, many of these plants and facilities require emergency backup power for a variety of critical smaller electrical loads that operate over a range of AC and DC voltages and currents to control, operate, and monitor the most critical equipment to facilitate safe shutdown and avoid major accidents and damage. During these power loss events, time is of the essence and it is essential to restore power to these critical small electrical loads as quickly and simply as possible in order to mitigate the event and minimize any damage caused by the loss of power.

[0003] For example, during extreme accident scenarios and natural disaster events, nuclear power plants have specific time requirements for restoring power to critical equipment (e.g., equipment that provides critical cooling functions to prevent damage or event escalation). In extreme accident scenarios, if critical equipment loses off-site grid power and the installed backup generators also fail, the nuclear power plant may have a very short window of time within a matter of hours for serious damage to the facility to occur. This scenario was exemplified by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi earthquake and resulting nuclear accident. Therefore, there is a critical need to ensure that nuclear power plants are never without primary or backup emergency power to critical safety equipment for a certain period of time.

[0004] Nuclear power plants are designed with emergency backup power systems that utilize one or more large installed generators; however, the equipment is complex and difficult to maintain, fuel supplies for long-duration events are limited, and the large installed backup generator equipment can be damaged by natural disasters or disrupted by prolonged grid loss events. To address this concern, the U.S. nuclear industry and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission implemented the diversity and flexibility mitigation ("FLEX") strategy to ensure that nuclear power plants receive power beyond their main power systems and installed emergency power systems in the event of a prolonged power loss event. Generally, the FLEX strategy provides a third form of emergency power through large, portable machinery and generators that nuclear power plants can utilize in the event of a prolonged power loss. Additional FLEX equipment is distributed throughout the United States in strategic locations to serve as many nuclear power plants as possible, while ensuring that a natural disaster does not damage more than one FLEX storage location. However, the FLEX strategy is extremely costly to maintain, somewhat complex to implement during extreme events, and can suffer significant delays in mobilizing FLEX equipment to provide power to nuclear facilities during very large natural disaster events or terrorist-type events that affect regional or national power grids. Furthermore, FLEX equipment is designed to provide power to an entire nuclear power plant (e.g., much like a large backup generator), not just to critical pieces of equipment that require power to maintain the safety of the nuclear power plant. For example, a nuclear power plant may only need to provide power to three pieces of equipment and / or components to maintain the safety of the reactor core, while the rest of the nuclear power plant can remain safe without power.

[0005] Therefore, there is a long-felt need in the nuclear power industry to be able to provide emergency power response to critical equipment much more quickly and efficiently. Thus, the need for targeted, rapid-response backup power for critical equipment at nuclear power plants and in other commercial plants / facilities is apparent. The disclosure herein addresses these long-felt needs. Specifically, exemplary embodiments herein provide several systems and methods for rapidly deploying portable power devices to restore power to critical small electrical loads (both AC and DC power) regardless of the status of the industrial plant / facility's main power source or installed backup power or power distribution system. These systems and methods not only provide targeted third-tier backup power, but also provide a means for long-term power in the most severe accident and natural accident scenarios and are applicable to a variety of facilities and industrial plants. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive. Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for protecting various critical instrumentation and control circuits, as well as power circuits, when a main power source fails (e.g., is disrupted).

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a generator, a rectifier, a battery, and a power distribution hub. The generator can provide power to the rectifier. The rectifier can be an alternating current (AC)-to-direct current (DC) inverter and / or a DC-AC converter. The rectifier can provide power received from the generator to the battery and the power distribution hub. In addition, the rectifier can receive power only from the battery it is supplied with and provide power received from the battery to the power distribution hub. The power distribution hub can distribute power to one or more power providing devices.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes a generator, a transfer switch, a rectifier, a battery, and a control module. The generator can provide power to the transfer switch. The transfer switch can provide power to the rectifier and the control module. The rectifier can be an AC-DC inverter and / or a DC-AC converter. The rectifier can provide power received from the transfer switch to the battery and the control module. Additionally, the rectifier can receive power from the battery and provide power received from the battery to the transfer switch and the control module. The control module can output the power received from the transfer switch. The control module can have two or more DC outputs. The control module can have two or more AC outputs.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a battery, a rectifier, a variable frequency drive, and a reversible contactor. The battery can provide power to the rectifier. The rectifier can be an AC-DC inverter and / or a DC-AC converter. The rectifier can provide power to the variable frequency drive and can provide control power to another device. The variable frequency drive can receive AC power from the rectifier and convert the AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can provide three-phase AC power to a reversible contactor switch that can change the polarity of the three-phase AC power. The reversible contactor switch can provide the three-phase AC power to an output.

[0010] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the method and system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A]1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for providing electrical power. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power. [Figure 17]1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computing device for providing power. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to particular methods, components, or implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another example includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations by use of the preceding "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another example. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0014] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not occur.

[0015] Throughout the description and claims herein, the word "comprise" and variations of this word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers, or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of" and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal example. "Such as" is not used in a limiting sense but is used for descriptive purposes.

[0016] This specification describes components that can be used to implement the described methods and systems. These and other components are described herein, and where combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are described, it is understood that, although specific reference to each of these various individual and collective combinations and permutations may not be explicitly set forth, each is specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all examples in this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the described methods. Thus, where there are various additional steps that may be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed in any specific example or combination of examples of the described methods.

[0017] The present method and system may be more readily understood by reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments and examples contained therein, as well as the figures and their surrounding description.

[0018] The methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts of methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded into a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, when executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the function(s) specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0019] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory and may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus and cause the computer or other programmable apparatus to perform a series of operational steps to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide the steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0020] Thus, the blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system that performs the specified functions or steps, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0021] Described herein is a rapidly deployable, portable, battery-powered backup power system that provides targeted AC and DC control, display, and system power for a variety of critical systems and components. The rapidly deployable, portable, battery-powered backup emergency power system is designed for extended operation with an integrated backup uninterruptible generator power system. The rapidly deployable, portable, battery-powered backup emergency power system may be configured for extended operation, such as up to 30, 60, or 90 days of operation.

[0022] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary system 100 for providing power. As shown in FIG. 1A, system 100 includes a control module 102, a battery 104, a transfer switch 106, and an inverter 108. In the exemplary embodiment, system 100 is coupled to a cart 110 such that system 100 is a portable system.

[0023] The control module 102 may have an input / output interface (I / O), an interface, one or more outputs 103, an auxiliary port, a switch, etc. The I / O may enable the control module 102 to communicate with one or more devices. The I / O may include any type of suitable hardware for communicating with a device. For example, the I / O may include direct connection interfaces such as Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB), as well as wireless communications, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, radio frequency (RF), etc. The control module 102 may provide power to its output 103. For example, the control module 102 may receive power from at least one of the transfer switch 106 and / or the inverter 108, and the control module 102 may provide the received power on the output 103 to power one or more devices. As an example, one or more cables may be connected to the output 103 to couple the control module 102 to one or more devices, and the control module 102 may provide power to one or more devices via the one or more cables connected to the output 103. The control module 102 can be removable from the cart 110 and still remain functional. For example, the control module 102 can be relocated a distance away from the cart 110, and the control module 102 can be coupled to the system 100 via one or more cables (e.g., electrical connection 112c) coupled to the control module 102.

[0024] The battery 104 may be one or more batteries configured to store power and provide the stored power. The battery 104 may provide DC power. The battery 104 may have an associated voltage, such as 12V, 24V, 48V, 125V, 250V, 400V, etc. Additionally, the battery 104 may have an output current. For example, the battery 104 may output 5A, 50A, 150A, 300A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 104 may be a 12V battery with a rated output of up to 150A. In another exemplary embodiment, the battery 104 may be a 24V battery with a rated output of up to 300A. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the battery 104 may be a battery with any voltage and / or current characteristics.

[0025] The battery 104 may be any battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The battery 104 may be a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 104 includes an auxiliary output. The auxiliary output may be capable of receiving and / or providing DC power to another device. For example, a device capable of operating on DC power may be coupled to the battery 104 to receive power from the battery 104. As an example, a light may be coupled to the battery 104. As another example, a device capable of providing DC power may be coupled to 104. As an example, a maintenance battery charger may be coupled to the battery 104 to charge the battery 104.

[0026] The battery 104 may be one or more batteries configured to store power from the inverter 108. For example, the battery 104 can receive power from the inverter 108 via an electrical connection and store power from the inverter 108. In other words, the inverter 108 can charge the battery 104 via the electrical connection. In addition, the battery 104 can provide power to the inverter 108. For example, the battery 104 can discharge (e.g., provide power to) the inverter 108 via the electrical connection. Thus, the battery 104 can receive power from the inverter 108 and provide power to the inverter 108.

[0027] The transfer switch 106 may include any switch capable of switching between two or more power sources. For example, the transfer switch 106 may receive power from a generator (not shown) coupled to the transfer switch 106 via one or more electrical connections 112a, b. The transfer switch 106 may provide the received power to the inverter 108 via the electrical connections. Alternatively, the transfer switch 106 may provide the received power to the control module 102 via the electrical connections. The transfer switch 106 may include an adjustable voltage detector time delay module. The adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger when the presence of AC is detected on the electrical connections. That is, the adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to set the voltage delay trigger when power is received from the generator. The transfer switch 106 may provide power to the control module 102 after triggering the adjustable voltage detector time delay module. That is, when the transfer switch 106 detects power from the generator through an electrical connection, the transfer switch 106 can provide power to the control module 102 through a different electrical connection.

[0028] The transfer switch 106 may have electrical connections 112a, b, c, d, e that are capable of providing power to or receiving power from another device. For example, the electrical connections 112a, b, c, d, e may provide power to or receive power from the control module 102, the battery 104, and / or the inverter 108. The electrical connections 112a, b, c, d, e may be any suitable DC and / or AC electrical connections. For example, the electrical connection 112a may be configured to provide power to another device. As an example, the electrical connection 112a may provide power to an auxiliary device, such as a task light or another electrical device. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection 112a provides power to a power providing device (e.g., a power distribution hub) that facilitates providing AC and / or DC power to one or more other devices. The electrical connection 112b may be configured to receive power from a generator (not shown). Electrical connection 112c may be configured to provide power to control module 102. Electrical connections 112d, e may be configured to provide power to or receive power from inverter 108. Thus, transfer switch 106 can utilize electrical connections 112a, b, c, d, e to provide power to or receive power from another device.

[0029] Additionally, the transfer switch 106 can receive power from the inverter 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer switch 106 can switch between receiving power from the generator and the inverter 108. In other words, the transfer switch 106 can bid between the generator and the inverter 108. That is, the transfer switch 106 can automatically switch between the generator and the inverter 108. For example, if the generator is low on fuel, the transfer switch 106 can switch to receiving power from the inverter 108, which is receiving power from the battery 104. In this way, the transfer switch 106 can continue to output power to the control module 102 even if one of the power sources of the transfer switch 106 (e.g., the generator, the battery 104) stops providing power to the transfer switch 106.

[0030] The inverter 108 may be any device capable of converting AC power to DC power and converting DC power to AC power. The inverter 108 may receive power from a generator via an electrical connection or may receive power from the transfer switch 106. For example, the inverter 108 may receive AC power from a generator or directly from the transfer switch 106. The inverter 108 may provide the received AC power to the control module 102 via an electrical connection. The inverter 108 may convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter 108 may provide (e.g., output) DC power to the battery 104 via an electrical connection. As an example, the inverter 108 may charge the battery 104 via an electrical connection. The inverter 108 may charge the battery 104 while also providing AC power to an output, such as the control module 102. That is, the inverter 108 may charge the battery 104 while simultaneously providing power to the control module 102.

[0031] Additionally, the inverter 108 can receive DC power from the battery 104. For example, the inverter 108 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, and 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The inverter 108 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter 108 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the inverter 108 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC three-phase, 480 VAC three-phase, or any suitable output. The inverter 108 can provide the inverted AC power to the control module 102 via an electrical connection. For example, the inverter 108 can include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch can be capable of bidding the AC power output to the control module 102 between two or more electrical inputs. For example, one electrical input can be a generator (not shown), and the other electrical input can be provided by the battery 104. In other words, the inverter 108 can (e.g., automatically) switch power inputs to maintain a constant output to the control module 102. The inverter 108 can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of the inverter 108. For example, the inverter 108 can have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of system 100. As shown, control module 102 has outputs 103a, b, a plurality of switches 114, two displays 116a, b, and a control interface 118. Outputs 103a, b can output DC power and / or AC power. Outputs 103a, b can output the same or different types of power and the same or different amounts of power. For example, output 103a can be associated with a first power output (e.g., DC power and / or AC power), and output 103b can be associated with a second power output (e.g., DC power and / or AC power). As one example, output 103a can output a first DC voltage, and output 103b can output a second DC voltage. As another example, output 103a can output a first AC voltage, and output 103b can output a second AC voltage. As a further example, output 103a may output a DC voltage, and output 103b may output an AC voltage.

[0033] The switches 114 can toggle the outputs provided by the control module 102. That is, the outputs 103 a, b can be controlled by the switches 114. For example, the switches 114 can be associated with a breaker that determines whether the control module 102 provides power to the outputs 103 a, b. As an example, the switches 114 can be individually flipped to control the outputs 103 a, b such that the output of the control module 102 can be changed based on the position of the switches 114. Additionally, one of the switches 114 can be a power switch that switches the control module 102 between an off state and an on state.

[0034] The control module 102 may have two displays 116a, b. The two displays 116a, b may indicate the status of the control module 102. For example, the two displays 116a, b may indicate the outputs of the control module 102. As an example, the two displays 116a, b may be associated with particular outputs of the control module 102, and the two displays 116a, b may indicate the voltage and current currently being supplied by each output.

[0035] The control module 102 may include a control interface 118. The control interface 118 may have any capability for controlling the operation of the inverter 108. For example, the control interface 118 may control the power provided to the inverter 108. That is, the control interface 118 may have the capability to turn the inverter 108 on and off. The control interface 118 may also indicate the status of the inverter 108. For example, the control interface 118 may indicate whether the inverter 108 is receiving power from the battery 104 or a generator (not shown). As another example, the control interface 118 may indicate whether the battery 104 is being charged by power provided by the generator via the transfer switch 106. The control interface 118 may direct the operation of the inverter 108. For example, the control interface 118 may instruct the inverter 108 to draw power from the battery 104 rather than the generator. Similarly, the control interface 118 may instruct the inverter 108 to draw power from the generator rather than the battery 104. Although the control interface 118 is described as controlling the operation of the inverter, one skilled in the art will understand that the control interface 118 may be capable of controlling the operation of the control module 102, the battery 104, and / or the transfer switch 106.

[0036] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the system 100. Specifically, FIG. 1C illustrates electrical connections 112a, b, c, d, e, f between the control module 102, the battery 104, the transfer switch 106, and the inverter 108. As shown, the transfer switch 106 is coupled to the inverter 108 via two electrical connections 112e, 112d. Additionally, the control module 102 is coupled to the transfer switch 106 via a single electrical connection 112c. Similarly, the battery 104 is coupled to the transfer switch 106 via a single electrical connection 112f.

[0037] 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200 for providing electrical power. As shown, system 200 has a generator 202, an inverter 204, a battery 206, and a power distribution hub 208. Further, system 200 includes an apparatus 250. Apparatus 250 may include inverter 204 and battery 206. In addition, apparatus 250 may include any of the components of system 200. For example, apparatus 250 may include cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the components of system 200 is a separate device that is not contained within an apparatus.

[0038] The generator 202 may be any generator capable of providing electrical power. For example, the generator 202 may be capable of alternating current (AC). The generator 202 may be capable of outputting 100 VAC to 250 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, the generator 202 may output 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC. The generator 202 may operate on any suitable fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, liquid propane gas (LPG), natural gas, or the like. The generator 202 may operate on two or more fuels. For example, the generator 202 may be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG. The generator 202 may be capable of switching between the two fuels either manually or automatically. As one example, the generator 202 may by default operate on gasoline stored in a gas tank associated with the generator 202. If the generator 202 runs out of gasoline in the gas tank, the generator 202 may switch to LPG. As another example, the generator 202 may switch between two or more LPG tanks coupled to the generator 202. That is, if a first of the two or more LPG tanks runs out of LPG, generator 202 can manually or automatically switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks. Generator 202 can provide (e.g., output) electrical power to inverter 204 via electrical connection 220. For example, generator 202 can provide AC power to inverter 204 via electrical connection 220. Additionally, generator 202 can provide electrical power to distribution hub 208 via electrical connection 220 and electrical connection 226. Stated another way, generator 202 can bypass inverter 204 and provide electrical power directly to distribution hub 208.

[0039] The inverter 204 may be any device capable of converting AC power to DC power and converting DC power to AC power. For example, the inverter 204 may be a rectifier. The inverter 204 may receive power from the generator 202 via the electrical connection 222. For example, the inverter 204 may receive AC power from the generator 202 via the electrical connection 222. The inverter 204 may provide the received AC power to the power distribution hub 208 via the electrical connection 226. The inverter 204 may convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter 204 may provide (e.g., output) DC power to the battery 206 via the electrical connection 224. As an example, the inverter 204 may charge the battery 206 via the electrical connection 224. The inverter 204 may charge the battery 206 while also providing AC power to the power distribution hub 208. That is, inverter 204 is capable of charging battery 206 while simultaneously providing power to power distribution hub 208 .

[0040] Additionally, inverter 204 can receive DC power from battery 206. For example, inverter 204 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. Inverter 204 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. Inverter 204 can output the inverted AC power. For example, inverter 204 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC three-phase, 480 VAC three-phase, or any suitable output. Inverter 204 can provide the inverted AC power to power distribution hub 208 via electrical connection 224. For example, inverter 204 can include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch may be capable of bidding the AC power output to power distribution hub 208 between electrical connection 220 (e.g., provided by generator 202) and electrical connection 222 (e.g., provided by battery 206). In other words, inverter 204 may be capable of (e.g., automatically) switching between power inputs received from generator 202 via electrical connection 220 and from battery 206 via electrical connection 222 to maintain a constant output to power distribution hub 208 via electrical connection 224. Inverter 204 may have one or more indicators that indicate the status of inverter 204. For example, inverter 204 may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0041] The battery 206 may be one or more batteries configured to store power and provide the stored power. The battery 206 may provide DC power. The battery 206 may have an associated voltage of 12V, 24V, 48V, 125V, 250V, 400V, etc. Additionally, the battery 206 may have an output current. For example, the battery 206 may output 5A, 50A, 150A, 300A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 206 may be a 12V battery with a rated output of up to 150A. In another exemplary embodiment, the battery 206 may be a 24V battery with a rated output of up to 300A. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the battery 206 may be a battery having any voltage and / or current characteristics.

[0042] Battery 206 may be any battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Battery 206 may be a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. Battery 206 includes an auxiliary output 210. Auxiliary output 210 is capable of receiving and / or providing DC power to another device. For example, a device capable of operating on DC power may be coupled to auxiliary output 210. As an example, a light may be coupled to auxiliary output 210. As another example, a device capable of providing DC power may be coupled to auxiliary output 210. As an example, a maintenance battery charger may be coupled to auxiliary output 210 to charge battery 206.

[0043] The battery 206 may be one or more batteries configured to store power from the inverter 204. For example, the battery 206 can receive power from the inverter 204 via the electrical connection 222 and store power from the inverter 204. Stated another way, the inverter 204 can charge the battery 206 via the electrical connection 222. In addition, the battery 206 can provide power to the inverter 204. For example, the battery 206 can discharge (e.g., provide power to) the inverter 204 via the electrical connection 222. Thus, the battery 206 can receive power from the inverter 204 and provide power to the inverter 204. The power distribution hub 208 can receive power from the generator 202 via the electrical connections 222 and 228. Additionally, the power distribution hub 208 can receive power from the inverter via the electrical connection 226. The power distribution hub 208 can include two or more outputs 212 a, b and an auxiliary 214.

[0044] The power distribution hub 208 can provide AC power to the outputs 212a, b. For example, the power distribution hub 208 can provide 100-250 VAC power to the outputs 212a, b. The outputs 212a, b provide power to two or more power providing devices 216a, b. Specifically, the output 212a can provide power to the power providing device 216a via an electrical connection 228, and the output 212b can provide power to the power providing device 216b via an electrical connection 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connections 228, 230 include cables coupled to the power distribution hub 208 and the power providing devices 216a, b. The power providing devices 216a, b can provide a variety of different power outputs. For example, the power providing devices 216a, b can provide AC power and DC power. As an example, the power providing devices 216a, b can provide AC power and DC power simultaneously. The power output provided by the power providing devices 216a,b may be 0-260 VDC, such as 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC, and 0-250 VAC, such as 120 VAC, 240 VAC, or any suitable DC and / or AC output. The power providing devices 216a,b may have two or more output ports associated with each of the power providing devices 216a,b such that the power providing devices 216a,b can provide power to multiple devices simultaneously.

[0045] The power distribution 208 may have an auxiliary 214. The auxiliary 214 may provide power to one or more additional devices via output connections 215. For example, the auxiliary 214 may couple the power distribution hub 208 to another power distribution hub. Stated differently, the auxiliary 214 provides the power distribution hub 208 with the ability to power one or more additional power distribution hubs to provide additional power providing devices 216 a, b. That is, the auxiliary 214 may have the ability to act as a pass-through that matches the voltage of the AC input provided to the power distribution hub 208. The auxiliary 214 may provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and / or any AC power output. The auxiliary 214 may be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliary device such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device. As another example, the auxiliary 214 may be an interface (e.g., a display, a light, etc.) that provides information associated with the power distribution hub 208. As a further example, auxiliary 214 may be an input / output (I / O) interface for communicating with one or more additional electronic devices.

[0046] Although electrical connections 220-230 are shown as direct connections between the various components of system 200 for ease of explanation, one skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 220-230 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0047] 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 for providing electrical power. Specifically, system 300 includes generator 202, transfer switch 302, inverter 204, battery 206, and control module 304. Additionally, system 300 includes device 350 that may include the functionality of transfer switch 302, inverter 204, battery 206, and control module 304. Device 350 (e.g., cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C) may include a wheeled container configured to mount one or more of transfer switch 302, inverter 204, battery 206, and control module 304.

[0048] Generator 202 provides power to transfer switch 302 via electrical connection 320. Generator 220 also provides power to control module 304 via electrical connection 320 and electrical connection 332. Although control module 304 is illustrated as being within apparatus 350, control module 304 can be removed from the apparatus and still function properly. For example, control module 304 can receive power from one or more cables connected to transfer switch 302, generator 202, and / or inverter 204. Thus, control module 304 can be located outside of apparatus 350 and still function as described herein.

[0049] The transfer switch 302 may include any switch capable of switching between two or more power sources. As shown, the transfer switch 302 may receive power from the generator 202. The transfer switch 302 may provide the received power to the inverter 204 via electrical connection 324. Alternatively, the transfer switch 302 may provide the received power to the control module 304 via electrical connection 334. The transfer switch 302 may include an adjustable voltage detector time delay module. The adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger upon detecting the presence of AC on the electrical connection 320. That is, the adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to set the voltage delay trigger upon receiving power from the generator 202. The transfer switch 302 may provide power to the control module 304 after triggering the adjustable voltage detector time delay module. That is, when transfer switch 302 detects power from generator 202 via electrical connection 320 , transfer switch 302 can provide power to control module 304 via electrical connection 334 .

[0050] The transfer switch 302 can have an auxiliary electrical connection 322 capable of providing power to another device. The auxiliary electrical connection 322 can provide power to one or more additional devices. For example, the auxiliary electrical connection 322 can couple the transfer switch 302 to a power distribution hub (e.g., the power distribution hub 208 in FIG. 2 ) or another control module (e.g., another control module 304). In other words, the auxiliary electrical connection 322 provides the transfer switch 302 with the ability to power one or more additional power distribution hubs to provide additional power-providing devices. The auxiliary electrical connection 322 can provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and / or any AC power output. The auxiliary electrical connection 322 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to auxiliary devices such as lights, power tools, or any electrical device.

[0051] Additionally, transfer switch 302 can receive power from inverter 204 via electrical connection 330. In an exemplary embodiment, transfer switch 302 can switch between receiving power from generator 202 and inverter 204. Stated differently, transfer switch 302 can bid between generator 202 and inverter 204. That is, transfer switch 302 can automatically switch between generator 202 and inverter 204. For example, if generator 202 runs out of fuel, transfer switch 302 can switch to receiving power from inverter 204. In this manner, even if one of the power sources of transfer switch 302 (e.g., generator 202, battery 206) stops providing power to transfer switch 302, transfer switch 302 can continue to output power to control module 304 via electrical connection 334.

[0052] The inverter 204 can provide power to the battery 206 and receive power from the battery 206 via electrical connection 326. The inverter 204 can provide the power received from the battery 206 to the transfer switch 302 via electrical connection 330. Additionally, the inverter 204 can be coupled to the I / O 306 of the control module 304 via electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can be controlled via the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter 204 can be toggled on / off. Furthermore, the inverter 204 can provide data via connection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can provide alarms and / or operating status indications to the control module 304. The control module 304 can modify the operation of the inverter 204 based on the alarms and / or operating status indications.

[0053] The control module 304 may have an input / output interface (I / O) 306, an interface 308, an output 310, and an auxiliary port 312. The control module 304 may provide power to or receive power from the auxiliary port 312. The I / O 306 may enable the control module 304 to communicate with one or more devices. The I / O 306 may include any type of suitable hardware for communicating with devices. For example, the I / O 306 may include direct connection interfaces such as Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB), as well as wireless communications, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, radio frequency (RF), etc.

[0054] Interface 308 may include any interface capable of displaying information. For example, interface 308 may be a digital display showing power usage of control module 304. As an example, interface 308 may show the current and voltage being output by control module 304 via output 310. Output 310 may provide either AC power or DC power to one or more devices via output connection 311. For example, output 310 may provide power of 0-24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC, 120 VAC, 240 VAC, etc. to one or more devices.

[0055] Although electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connections between the various components of system 300 for ease of explanation, one skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 320-334 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system 400 for providing power. System 400 is the same as system 300 of FIG. 3, except that control module 304 of device 350 is replaced with control module 402 of device 450. For example, device 450 may include cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Control module 402 may have an interface 404, DC outputs 406a, b, and an auxiliary port 408.

[0057] The inverter 204 can be coupled to the interface 404 of the control module 402 via electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can be controlled via the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter 204 can be toggled on and off. Additionally, the inverter 204 can provide data via connection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can provide alarms and / or operational status indications to the control module 402. The control module 402 can modify the operation of the inverter 204 based on the alarms and / or operational status indications.

[0058] The interface 404 may include any interface capable of displaying information. For example, the interface 404 may be a digital display showing the power usage of the control module 402. As an example, the interface 404 may show the current and voltage being output by the control module 402 via the DC outputs 406a,b. The DC outputs 406a,b may provide any amount of DC power to one or more devices via output connections 407a,b. For example, the DC outputs 406a,b may provide 0-24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC, 240 VDC, 400 VDC, etc. The DC outputs 406a,b may provide the same or different power outputs. For example, one of the DC outputs 406a,b may output a DC voltage of 115-130 VDC, while the other outputs 240-260 VDC. The DC outputs 406a,b may provide power to a variety of DC-driven devices, such as DC motors, DC motor-operated valves, DC solenoids, and DC control power logic circuits.

[0059] The control module 402 can provide power to or receive power from the auxiliary port 408. The auxiliary port 408 can provide power to one or more additional devices. For example, the auxiliary port 408 can couple the control module 402 to another device (e.g., a power distribution hub, a control module, etc.). That is, the auxiliary port 408 can function as a pass-through that matches the voltage of the AC input provided to the control module 402. The auxiliary port 408 can provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and / or any AC power output. The auxiliary port 408 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliary device such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device.

[0060] Although electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connections between the various components of system 400 for ease of explanation, one skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 320-334 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system 500 for providing power. System 500 is the same as system 300 of FIG. 3 and system 400 of FIG. 4, except that control module 304 of device 350 and control module 402 of device 450 are replaced with control module 502 of device 550. For example, device 550 may include cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Control module 502 may have interface 504, AC outputs 506a, b, and auxiliary port 508.

[0062] The inverter 204 can be coupled to the interface 504 of the control module 502 via electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can be controlled via the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter 204 can be toggled on and off. Additionally, the inverter 204 can provide data via connection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can provide alarms and / or operating status indications to the control module 502. The control module 502 can modify the operation of the inverter 204 based on the alarms and / or operating status indications.

[0063] Interface 504 may include any interface capable of displaying information. For example, interface 504 may be a digital display showing power usage of control module 502. As an example, interface 504 may show the current and voltage being output by control module 502 via AC outputs 506a,b. AC outputs 406a,b may provide any amount of AC power to one or more devices via output connections 507a,b. For example, AC output 506a may be a single-phase AC output, while AC output 506b may be a three-phase AC output. AC outputs 506a,b may provide the same or different outputs. For example, AC outputs 506a,b may provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, 400 VAC, etc. AC outputs 506a,b may provide power to a variety of AC-powered devices, such as any AC load, AC motor, AC motor-operated valve, communication equipment, etc.

[0064] The control module 502 can provide power to or receive power from the auxiliary port 508. The auxiliary port 508 can provide power to one or more additional devices. For example, the auxiliary port 508 can couple the control module 502 to another device (e.g., a power distribution hub, a control module, etc.). That is, the auxiliary port 508 can function as a pass-through that matches the voltage of the AC input provided to the control module 502. The auxiliary port 508 can provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and / or any AC power output. The auxiliary port 508 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliary device such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device.

[0065] Although the electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connections between the various components of the system 500 for ease of explanation, one skilled in the art will understand that the electrical connections 320-334 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0066] 6 illustrates an exemplary system 600 for providing electrical power. System 600 includes a battery 602, an inverter 604, a variable frequency drive 606, and a reversible contactor 608. In an exemplary embodiment, system 600 includes an apparatus 650 that includes inverter 604, variable frequency drive 606, and reversible contactor 608. Additionally, although battery 602 is illustrated as not being part of apparatus 650, in an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 650 includes battery 602 as well as all of the capabilities of battery 602. For example, apparatus 600 may include a portable container that can provide electrical power.

[0067] Battery 602 may be one or more batteries configured to store power and provide stored power. Battery 602 may provide DC power. Battery 602 may have an associated voltage, such as 12V, 24V, 48V, 125V, 250V, 400V, etc. Additionally, battery 602 may have an output current. For example, battery 602 may output 5A, 50A, 150A, 300A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, battery 602 may be a 12V battery with a rated output of up to 150A. In another exemplary embodiment, battery 602 may be a 24V battery with a rated output of up to 300A. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, battery 602 may be a battery with any voltage and / or current characteristics.

[0068] The battery 602 may be any battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The battery 602 may be a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 602 includes an auxiliary output 603. The auxiliary output 603 may be capable of receiving and / or providing DC power to another device. For example, a device capable of operating on DC power may be coupled to the battery 602 to receive power from the battery 602 via the auxiliary output 603. As an example, a light may be coupled to the battery 602. As another example, a device capable of providing DC power may be coupled to the battery 602. As an example, a maintenance battery charger may be coupled to the battery 602 via the auxiliary output 603 to charge the battery 602. Additionally, the battery 602 may provide power to the inverter 604. For example, the battery 602 may discharge (e.g., provide power to) the inverter 604 via the electrical connection 628.

[0069] Inverter 604 may be any device capable of converting DC power to AC power. Inverter 604 may receive DC power from battery 602 via electrical connection 620. Inverter 604 may convert (e.g., invert) the received DC power to AC power. Inverter 604 may provide the converted AC power to electrical connection 622. Inverter 604 may have one or more indicators that indicate the status of inverter 604. For example, inverter 604 may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0070] An electrical connection 622 may be coupled to a breaker 612. The inverter 604 may provide power to the breaker 612 via the electrical connection 622. The breaker 612 may be coupled to an electrical connection 624. The electrical connection 624 may be coupled to an electrical connection 626 that is coupled to the variable frequency drive 606 and to an electrical connection 628 that is coupled to a step-down transformer 616. The step-down transformer 616 may step down (e.g., step down) the power provided by the inverter 604 to provide lower power to one or more devices that require a different voltage than the voltage output by the inverter 604. The step-down transformer 616 is coupled to an electrical connection 630 that is coupled to an output 632. The output 632 may be a controlled power output. Thus, output 632 can receive power from inverter 604 after inverter 604 converts DC power from battery 602 to AC power and can step down the received AC power to provide a lower power output on output 632.

[0071] Variable frequency drive 606 receives AC power from inverter 604. Variable frequency drive 606 converts the AC power to three-phase AC power. That is, variable frequency drive 606 receives single-phase AC power from inverter 604 and converts the single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. Variable frequency drive 606 can output three-phase AC power to electrical connection 632. Variable frequency drive 606 can provide AC power between 0 and 480 VAC. Additionally, variable frequency drive 606 can be configured to limit inrush current when a load (e.g., an AC load) coupled to output 640 turns on. The operation of variable frequency drive 606 can be modified through programming. For example, the ramp rate of variable frequency drive 606 can be modified along with the terminal voltage of variable frequency drive 606.

[0072] The electrical connection 634 may be coupled to a breaker 614. The breaker 614 may be coupled to an electrical connection 636. The electrical connection 636 may be coupled to a reversible contactor 608. The reversible contactor 608 may be configured to change (e.g., shift) the phase of the power output by the variable frequency drive 606. Specifically, the reversible contactor 608 may shift the power output to ensure that the frequency of the three-phase AC power is in the proper phase. The reversible contactor 608 may be coupled to a switch 610 that indicates the phase of the three-phase AC power. A user may operate the switch 610 to change the operating mode of the reversible contactor 608. For example, the switch 610 may have a forward mode and a reverse mode. Flipping the switch 610 between the two modes reverses the direction of the three-phase AC power. For example, flipping the switch 610 may shift the three-phase AC power by 120 degrees. The reversible contactor 608 can provide an output to an electrical connection 638 that is coupled to an output 640. The output 640 can be coupled to a device that operates on three-phase AC power. For example, the output 640 can provide power to a variety of AC-powered devices, such as any AC load, an AC motor, an AC motor-operated valve, communication equipment, and the like. While the reversible contactor 608 is illustrated as being separate from the variable frequency drive 606 for ease of explanation, one skilled in the art will understand that the reversible contactor 608 can be incorporated into the variable frequency drive 606. Stated another way, the variable frequency drive 606 can include the capability of the reversible contactor 608. Thus, the variable frequency drive 606 can include the ability to change the phase of the power output by the variable frequency drive 606.

[0073] Additionally, apparatus 600 may include one or more indicators (not shown). For example, the one or more indicators may indicate the power output of one or more outputs (e.g., output 632 and / or output 640). As an example, a first indicator may indicate the AC voltage and / or AC current output by output 632, and a second indicator may indicate the three-phase AC voltage and / or AC current output by output 640.

[0074] Although the electrical connections 620-638 are generally shown as direct connections between the various components of the system 600 for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that the electrical connections 620-638 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0075] 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 for providing electrical power. System 700 has a generator 702, a three-phase power source 704, a transfer switch 706, an inverter 708, a battery 710, and a variable frequency drive 716. In addition, system 700 includes step-down transformers 712a, b, and DC-to-AC inverters 714a, b. Further, system 700 includes an apparatus 750. Apparatus 750 can include transfer switch 706, inverter 708, battery 710, variable frequency drive 716, step-down transformers 712a, b, and DC-to-AC inverters 714a, b. For example, apparatus 750 can be a single device (e.g., a housing) that includes the components of system 700, except for generator 702 and three-phase power source 704.

[0076] Generator 702 may be any generator capable of providing electrical power. For example, generator 702 may be capable of alternating current (AC). Generator 702 may output 100 VAC to 250 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, generator 702 may output 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC. Generator 702 may provide (e.g., output) electrical power to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 720. For example, generator 702 may provide AC power to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 720.

[0077] The generator 702 may operate on any suitable fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, liquid propane gas (LPG), natural gas, etc. The generator 702 may operate on two or more fuels. For example, the generator 702 may be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG. The generator 702 may be capable of switching between the two fuels either manually or automatically. As one example, the generator 702 may by default operate on gasoline stored in a gas tank associated with the generator 702. If the generator 702 runs out of gasoline in the gas tank, the generator 702 may switch to LPG. As another example, the generator 702 may switch between two or more LPG tanks coupled to the generator 702. That is, if a first of two or more LPG tanks runs out of LPG, the generator 702 may manually or automatically switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks.

[0078] The three-phase power source 704 may be any suitable three-phase power source 704. For example, the three-phase power source 704 may be coupled to an electrical grid that receives power from a power plant. The three-phase power source 704 may output 100 VAC to 250 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, the three-phase power source 704 may output 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC. The three-phase power source 704 may provide (e.g., output) power to the transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 722. For example, the three-phase power source 704 may provide AC power to the transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 722.

[0079] Transfer switch 706 may include any switch capable of switching between two or more power sources. As shown, transfer switch 706 may receive power from generator 702 and / or three-phase power source 704. Transfer switch 706 may provide the received power to inverter 708 via electrical connection 724. Alternatively, transfer switch 706 may provide the received power to output 707 via electrical connection 738. Transfer switch 706 may include an adjustable voltage detector time delay module. The adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger upon detecting the presence of AC on electrical connection 720. That is, the adjustable voltage detector time delay module may be configured to set a voltage delay trigger upon receiving power from generator 702.

[0080] Additionally, transfer switch 706 can receive power from variable frequency drive 716 via electrical connection 736. In an exemplary embodiment, transfer switch 706 can switch between receiving power from generator 702, three-phase power source 704, and variable frequency drive 716. Stated another way, transfer switch 706 can bid between generator 702, three-phase power source 704, and variable frequency drive 716. That is, transfer switch 706 can automatically switch between generator 702, three-phase power source 704, and variable frequency drive 716. For example, if generator 702 runs out of fuel, transfer switch 706 can switch to receiving power from variable frequency drive 716. In this way, even if one of the power sources for transfer switch 706 (e.g., generator 702, three-phase power supply 704, and variable frequency drive 716) stops providing power to transfer switch 706, transfer switch 706 can continue to output power to output 707 via electrical connection 738.

[0081] Inverter 708 may be any device capable of converting AC power to DC power and converting DC power to AC power. For example, inverter 708 may be a rectifier. Inverter 708 may receive power from generator 702 and / or three-phase power source 704 via electrical connection 724. For example, inverter 708 may receive AC power from generator 702 and / or three-phase power source 704 via transfer switch 706 by receiving power via electrical connection 724. Inverter 708 may convert the received AC power to DC power. Inverter 708 may provide (e.g., output) DC power to battery 710 via electrical connection 726. As an example, inverter 708 may charge battery 710 via electrical connection 726. Inverter 708 may charge battery 710 while also providing power to one or more additional devices. For example, the inverter 708 may provide power to the step-down transformers 712 a,b and the DC-to-AC inverters 714 a,b while also charging the battery 710 .

[0082] Additionally, inverter 708 can receive DC power from battery 710. For example, inverter 708 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, and 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. Inverter 708 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. Inverter 708 can output the inverted AC power. For example, inverter 708 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, or any suitable AC output. Inverter 708 can provide the inverted AC power to variable frequency drive 716 via electrical connection 734. For example, inverter 708 can include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch can be capable of bidding the AC power output to variable frequency drive 716 between electrical connection 724 (e.g., provided by transfer switch 706) and electrical connection 726 (e.g., provided by battery 710). Stated another way, inverter 708 can switch (e.g., automatically) between power input received from transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 724 and power input received from battery 710 via electrical connection 726 to maintain a constant output to variable frequency device 716 via electrical connection 734. Inverter 708 can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of inverter 708. For example, inverter 708 can have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0083] Battery 710 may be one or more batteries configured to store power and provide the stored power. Battery 710 may provide DC power. Battery 710 may have an associated voltage, such as 12V, 24V, 48V, 125V, 250V, 400V, etc. Additionally, battery 710 may have an output current. For example, battery 710 may output 5A, 50A, 150A, 300A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, battery 710 may be a 12V battery with a rated output of up to 150A. In another exemplary embodiment, battery 710 may be a 24V and / or 48V battery with a rated output of up to 300A. As a further exemplary embodiment, battery 710 may be a 410V battery. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, battery 710 may be a battery with any voltage and / or current characteristics.

[0084] The battery 710 may be any battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The battery 710 may be a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 710 may be one or more batteries configured to store power from the inverter 708. For example, the battery 710 may receive power from the inverter 708 via the electrical connection 726 and store the power from the inverter 708. In other words, the inverter 708 may charge the battery 710 via the electrical connection 726. In addition, the battery 710 may provide power to the inverter 708. For example, the battery 710 may discharge (e.g., provide power to) the inverter 708 via the electrical connection 726. Thus, the battery 710 is capable of both receiving power from the inverter 708 and providing power to the inverter 708.

[0085] Additionally, battery 710 may have an auxiliary output (not shown). The auxiliary output may be capable of receiving and / or providing DC power to another device. For example, a device capable of operating on DC power may be coupled to battery 710 to receive power from battery 710 via the auxiliary output. As an example, a light may be coupled to battery 710. As another example, a device capable of providing DC power may be coupled to battery 710. As an example, a maintenance battery charger may be coupled to battery 710 via the auxiliary output to charge battery 710.

[0086] Variable frequency drive 716 receives AC power from inverter 708 via electrical connection 734. Variable frequency drive 716 converts the AC power to three-phase AC power. That is, variable frequency drive 716 receives single-phase AC power from inverter 708 and converts the single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. Variable frequency drive 716 can output the three-phase AC power to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 736. Variable frequency drive 716 can provide AC power from 0 to 480 VAC. The operation of variable frequency drive 716 can be modified through programming. For example, the ramp rate of variable frequency drive 716 can be modified along with the terminal voltage of variable frequency drive 716.

[0087] The step-down transformers 712a,b can step down (e.g., buck) the power provided by the inverter 708 and / or the battery 710 to provide lower power to one or more devices that require a different voltage than the voltage output by the inverter 708 and / or the battery 710. That is, the step-down transformers 712a,b step down the voltage provided by the inverter 708 and / or the battery 710 and provide the stepped-down voltage to outputs 713a,b. The step-down transformer 712a can receive DC power via electrical connection 728 and provide the stepped-down voltage to output 713a. The step-down transformer 712b can receive DC power via electrical connection 730 and provide the stepped-down voltage to output 713b. The outputs 713a,b can receive power from the inverter 708 after the inverter 708 converts AC power from the transfer switch 706 back to DC power and step down the received DC power to provide a lower power output on the outputs 713a,b. Additionally, the outputs 713a,b can receive DC power from the battery 710 and step down the received DC power to provide a lower power output on the outputs 713a,b. The outputs 713a,b can output voltages of 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltages in the range of 100 VDC to 800 VDC. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the outputs 713a,b outputs 125 VDC, while the other output outputs 250 VDC. The step-down transformers 712a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of the step-down transformers 712a,b. For example, the step-down transformers 712a,b may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the step-down transformers 712a,b. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0088] The DC-AC inverters 714a,b can receive DC power from the inverter 708 and / or the battery 710. The DC-AC inverters 714a,b can receive DC power from the inverter 708 and / or the battery 710 via electrical connection 732. For example, the DC-AC inverters 714a,b can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The DC-AC inverters 714a,b can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The DC-AC inverters 714a,b can output the inverted AC power. For example, the DC-AC inverters 714a,b can output AC power between 0 and 800 VAC, or any suitable output. In an exemplary embodiment, the DC-AC inverters 714a,b can output 110 to 240 VAC. DC-AC inverter 714a can provide inverted AC power to devices via output 715a, and DC-AC inverter 714b can provide inverted AC power to devices via output 715b. DC-AC inverters 714a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of the DC-AC inverters 714a,b. For example, DC-AC inverters 714a,b can have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the DC-AC inverters 714a,b. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0089] Although electrical connections 720-738 are generally shown as direct connections between the various components of system 700 for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 720-738 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0090] Figure 8 illustrates an example system 800 for providing electrical power. Specifically, as described in more detail below, system 800 is the same as system 700 of Figure 7, except that inverter 802 includes the functionality of variable frequency drive 716 of Figure 7.

[0091] Inverter 802 may be any device capable of converting AC power to DC power and converting DC power to AC power. For example, inverter 802 may be a rectifier. Inverter 802 may receive power from generator 702 and / or three-phase power source 704 via electrical connection 724. For example, inverter 802 may receive AC power from generator 702 and / or three-phase power source 704 via transfer switch 706 by receiving power via electrical connection 724. Inverter 802 may convert the received AC power to DC power. Inverter 802 may provide (e.g., output) DC power to battery 710 via electrical connection 726. As an example, inverter 802 may charge battery 710 via electrical connection 726. Inverter 802 may charge battery 710 while also providing power to one or more additional devices. For example, the inverter 802 can provide power to the step-down transformers 712 a,b and the DC-to-AC inverters 714 a,b while also charging the battery 710 .

[0092] Additionally, inverter 802 can receive DC power from battery 710. For example, inverter 802 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. Inverter 802 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. Inverter 802 can output the inverted AC power. Inverter 802 can output the inverted AC power to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 820. For example, inverter 802 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, or any suitable output AC power to transfer switch 706.

[0093] Inverter 802 may include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch may be capable of bidding AC power output to transfer switch 806 between electrical connection 724 (e.g., provided by transfer switch 706) and electrical connection 726 (e.g., provided by battery 710). In other words, inverter 802 may be capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between power input received from transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 724 and power input received from battery 710 via electrical connection 726 to maintain a constant output to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 820. Inverter 802 may have one or more indicators that indicate the status of inverter 802. For example, inverter 802 may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0094] Inverter 802 may be capable of outputting three-phase AC power. That is, inverter 802 may convert the inverted AC power into three-phase AC power and output the three-phase AC power to transfer switch 706 via electrical connection 820. Inverter 802 may provide three-phase AC power from 0-480 VAC. The operation of inverter 802 may be modified through programming. For example, the ramp rate of inverter 802 may be modified along with the terminal voltage of inverter 802.

[0095] Although electrical connections 820-836 are generally shown as direct connections between the various components of system 800 for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 820-836 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0096] 9 illustrates an exemplary system 900 for providing electrical power. System 900 has a generator 902, a three-phase power source 904, AC-DC converters 906a, b, a power distribution device 908, a battery 910, a variable frequency drive 916, and a transfer switch 918. In addition, system 900 includes step-down transformers 912a, b, and DC-AC inverters 914a, b. Further, system 900 includes an apparatus 950. Apparatus 950 can include AC-DC converters 906a, b, a power distribution device 908, a battery 910, a variable frequency drive 916, a transfer switch 918, step-down transformers 912a, b, and DC-AC inverters 914a, b. For example, apparatus 950 can be a single device (e.g., a housing) that includes the components of system 900, except for generator 902 and three-phase power source 904.

[0097] Generator 902 may be any generator capable of providing electrical power. For example, generator 902 may be capable of generating alternating current (AC). Generator 902 may output 100 VAC to 250 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, generator 902 may output 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC. Generator 902 may provide (e.g., output) electrical power to AC-DC converter 906a via electrical connection 920. For example, generator 902 may provide AC power to AC-DC converter 906a via electrical connection 920.

[0098] The generator 902 may operate on any suitable fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, liquid propane gas (LPG), natural gas, etc. The generator 902 may operate on two or more fuels. For example, the generator 902 may be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG. The generator 902 may be capable of switching between the two fuels either manually or automatically. As one example, the generator 902 may be capable of running by default on gasoline stored in a gas tank associated with the generator 902. If the generator 902 runs out of gasoline in the gas tank, the generator 902 may switch to LPG. As another example, the generator 902 may switch between two or more LPG tanks coupled to the generator 902. That is, if a first of two or more LPG tanks runs out of LPG, the generator 902 may manually or automatically switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks.

[0099] The three-phase power source 904 may be any suitable three-phase power source 904. For example, the three-phase power source 904 may be coupled to an electrical grid that receives power from a power plant. The three-phase power source 904 may output 100 VAC to 480 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, the three-phase power source 904 may output 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC. The three-phase power source 904 may provide (e.g., output) power to the AC-DC converter 906b via electrical connection 924. For example, the three-phase power source 904 may provide AC power to the AC-DC converter 906b via electrical connection 924.

[0100] The AC-DC converters 906a, b can convert AC power to DC power. For example, the AC-DC converters 906a, b can be rectifiers. The AC-DC converters 906a, b can receive power from the generator 902 and / or the three-phase power source 904 via electrical connections 920, 924. For example, the AC-DC converter 906a can receive AC power from the generator 902, and the AC-DC converter 906b can receive AC power from the three-phase power source 904. Specifically, the AC-DC converter 906a can receive AC power from the generator 902 via electrical connection 920, and the AC-DC converter 906b can receive AC power from the three-phase power source 904 via electrical connection 924. The AC-DC converters 906a, b can convert the received AC power to DC power. The AC-DC converters 906 a,b can provide (e.g., output) DC power to the power distribution device 908. Specifically, the AC-DC converter 906 a can provide AC power to the power distribution device 908 via an electrical connection 922, and the AC-DC converter 906 b can provide AC power to the power distribution device 908 via an electrical connection 926.

[0101] Power distribution device 908 may be any device capable of distributing electrical power. Specifically, power distribution device 908 may be configured to receive power from AC-DC converters 906 a,b and provide the received power to battery 910, step-down transformers 912 a,b, DC-AC inverters 914 a,b, and / or variable frequency drive 916. Power distribution device 908 may receive power from generator 902 and / or three-phase power source 904 via AC-DC converters 906 a,b. Power distribution device 908 may receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. For example, power distribution device 908 may receive DC power from AC-DC converter 906 a via electrical connection 922 and DC power from AC-DC converter 906 b via electrical connection 926. The power distribution device 908 can provide (e.g., output) DC power to the battery 910 via an electrical connection 928. As an example, the power distribution device 908 can charge the battery 910 via the electrical connection 928. The power distribution device 908 can charge the battery 910 while also providing power to one or more additional devices. For example, the power distribution device 908 can provide power to step-down transformers 912a,b and DC-to-AC inverters 914a,b while also charging the battery 910.

[0102] Additionally, power distribution device 908 can receive DC power from battery 910. For example, power distribution device 908 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. Power distribution device 908 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. That is, power distribution device 908 can invert DC power received from battery 910 and AC-DC converters 906a, b. Power distribution device 908 can output the inverted AC power. For example, power distribution device 908 can output AC power between 0 and 800 VAC, or any suitable output. In an exemplary embodiment, power distribution device 908 can output 110 to 240 VAC. Power distribution device 908 can provide the inverted AC power to variable frequency drive 916 via electrical connection 936. Power distribution device 908 may include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch may be capable of bidding DC power received from electrical connection 922 (e.g., provided by AC-DC converter 906a), electrical connection 926 (e.g., provided by AC-DC converter 906b), and electrical connection 928 (e.g., provided by battery 910). In other words, power distribution device 908 may be capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between the power input received from AC-DC converter 906a via electrical connection 922, the power input received from AC-DC converter 906b via electrical connection 926, and the power input received from battery 910 via electrical connection 928 to maintain a constant output to variable frequency device 916 via electrical connection 936. Power distribution device 908 may have one or more indicators that indicate the status of power distribution device 908. For example, power distribution device 908 may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0103] Variable frequency drive 916 receives AC power from power distribution device 908 via electrical connection 936. Variable frequency drive 916 converts the AC power to three-phase AC power. That is, variable frequency drive 916 receives single-phase AC power from power distribution device 908 and converts the single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. Variable frequency drive 916 can output the three-phase AC power to transfer switch 906 via electrical connection 938. Variable frequency drive 916 can provide AC power from 0 to 480 VAC. The operation of variable frequency drive 916 can be modified through programming. For example, the ramp rate of variable frequency drive 916 can be modified along with the terminal voltage of variable frequency drive 916.

[0104] Transfer switch 918 may include any switch capable of switching between two or more power sources. As shown, transfer switch 918 may receive power from variable frequency drive 916 as well as three-phase power source 904. Specifically, transfer switch 918 receives three-phase AC power from variable frequency drive 916 via electrical connection 938, and transfer switch 918 receives three-phase AC power from three-phase power source 904 via electrical connection 940. Transfer switch 918 may output the received power. Specifically, transfer switch 918 may output the received power to output 919.

[0105] Additionally, transfer switch 918 can switch between receiving power from three-phase power source 904 and variable frequency drive 916. In other words, transfer switch 918 can bid between three-phase power source 904 and variable frequency drive 916. That is, transfer switch 918 can automatically switch between receiving power from three-phase power source 904 and receiving power from variable frequency drive 916. For example, if three-phase power source 904 is unable to provide power, transfer switch 918 can switch to receiving power from variable frequency drive 916. In this manner, transfer switch 918 can continue to output power to output 919 even if one of the power sources of transfer switch 916 (e.g., three-phase power source 904 or variable frequency drive 916) stops providing power to transfer switch 918.

[0106] Battery 910 may be one or more batteries configured to store power and provide the stored power. Battery 910 may provide DC power. Battery 910 may have an associated voltage, such as 12V, 24V, 48V, 125V, 250V, 400V, etc. Additionally, battery 910 may have an output current. For example, battery 910 may output 5A, 50A, 150A, 300A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, battery 910 may be a 12V battery with a rated output of up to 150A. In another exemplary embodiment, battery 910 may be a 24V and / or 48V battery with a rated output of up to 300A. As a further exemplary embodiment, battery 910 may be a 410V battery. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, battery 910 may be a battery with any voltage and / or current characteristics.

[0107] The battery 910 may be any battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The battery 910 may be a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 910 may be one or more batteries configured to store power from the power distribution device 908. For example, the battery 910 can receive power from the power distribution device 908 via the electrical connection 928 and store power from the power distribution device 908. Stated another way, the power distribution device 908 can charge the battery 910 via the electrical connection 928. In addition, the battery 910 can provide power to the power distribution device 908. For example, the battery 910 can discharge (e.g., provide power) to the power distribution device 908 via the electrical connection 928. Thus, the battery 910 can both receive power from the power distribution device 908 and provide power to the power distribution device 908.

[0108] Additionally, the battery 910 may have an auxiliary output (not shown). The auxiliary output may be capable of receiving and / or providing DC power to another device. For example, a device capable of operating on DC power may be coupled to the battery 910 to receive power from the battery 910 via the auxiliary output. As an example, a light may be coupled to the battery 910. As another example, a device capable of providing DC power may be coupled to the battery 910. As an example, a maintenance battery charger may be coupled to the battery 910 via the auxiliary output to charge the battery 910.

[0109] The step-down transformers 912a,b can step down (e.g., step down) the power provided by the power distribution device 908 and / or the battery 910 to provide lower power to one or more devices that require a different voltage than the voltage output by the power distribution device 908 and / or the battery 910. That is, the step-down transformers 912a,b step down the voltage provided by the power distribution device 908 and / or the battery 910 and provide the stepped-down voltage to outputs 913a,b. The step-down transformer 912a can receive DC power via electrical connection 930 and provide the stepped-down voltage to output 913a. The step-down transformer 912b can receive DC power via electrical connection 932 and provide the stepped-down voltage to output 913b. The outputs 913a,b can receive power from the power distribution device 908 and step down the received DC power to provide a lower power output on the outputs 913a,b. Additionally, the outputs 913a,b can receive DC power from the battery 910 and step down the received DC power to provide a lower power output on the outputs 913a,b. The outputs 913a,b can output voltages of 12VDC, 24VDC, 48VDC, 72VDC, as well as voltages in the range of 100VDC to 800VDC. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the outputs 913a,b outputs 125VDC, while the other output outputs 250VDC. The step-down transformers 912a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of the step-down transformers 912a,b. For example, the step-down transformers 912a, b may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the step-down transformers 912a, b. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0110] The DC-AC inverters 914a,b can receive DC power from the power distribution device 908 and / or the battery 910. The DC-AC inverters 914a,b can receive DC power from the power distribution device 908 and / or the battery 910 via the electrical connection 934. For example, the DC-AC inverters 914a,b can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The DC-AC inverters 914a,b can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The DC-AC inverters 914a,b can output the inverted AC power. For example, the DC-AC inverters 914a,b can output the inverted AC power. For example, the DC-AC inverters 914a,b can output AC power between 0 and 800 VAC, or any suitable output. In an exemplary embodiment, power distribution device 908 can output 110-240 VAC. DC-AC inverter 914a can provide inverted AC power to devices via output 915a, and DC-AC inverter 914b can provide inverted AC power to devices via output 915b. DC-AC inverters 914a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of the DC-AC inverters 914a,b. For example, DC-AC inverters 914a,b can have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the DC-AC inverters 914a,b. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0111] Although electrical connections 920-940 are generally shown as direct connections between the various components of system 900 for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that electrical connections 920-940 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0112] Figure 10 illustrates an example system 1000 for providing electrical power. Specifically, as described in more detail below, system 1000 is the same as system 900 of Figure 9, except that power distribution device 1002 includes the functionality of variable frequency drive 916 of Figure 9.

[0113] The power distribution device 1002 may be any device capable of distributing power. Specifically, the power distribution device 1002 may be configured to receive power from AC-DC converters 906 a,b and to provide the received power to a battery 910, step-down transformers 912 a,b, DC-AC inverters 914 a,b, and / or variable frequency drives 916. The power distribution device 1002 may receive power from a generator 902 and / or a three-phase power source 904 via the AC-DC converters 906 a,b. The power distribution device 1002 may receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, and 100 VDC to 800 VDC. For example, power distribution device 1002 can receive DC power from AC-DC converter 906a via electrical connection 922 and from AC-DC converter 906b via electrical connection 926. Power distribution device 1002 can provide (e.g., output) DC power to battery 910 via electrical connection 928. As an example, power distribution device 1002 can charge battery 910 via electrical connection 928. Power distribution device 1002 can charge battery 910 while also providing power to one or more additional devices. For example, power distribution device 1002 can provide power to step-down transformers 912a,b and DC-AC inverters 914a,b while also charging battery 910.

[0114] Additionally, the power distribution device 1002 can receive DC power from the battery 910. For example, the power distribution device 1002 can receive voltages ranging from 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, and 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The power distribution device 1002 can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. That is, the power distribution device 1002 can invert DC power received from the battery 910, similar to that from the AC-DC converters 906a, b. The power distribution device 1002 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the power distribution device 1002 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, or any suitable output AC power. The power distribution device 1002 can provide the inverted AC power to the transfer switch 1016 via the electrical connection 1020. The power distribution device 1002 can include an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch may be capable of auctioning DC power received from electrical connection 922 (e.g., provided by AC-DC converter 906a), electrical connection 926 (e.g., provided by AC-DC converter 906b), and electrical connection 928 (e.g., provided by battery 910). In other words, power distribution device 908 may be capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between the power input received from AC-DC converter 906a via electrical connection 922, the power input received from AC-DC converter 906b via electrical connection 926, and the power input received from battery 910 via electrical connection 928 to maintain a constant output to transfer switch 1016 via electrical connection 1020. Power distribution device 1002 may have one or more indicators that indicate the status of power distribution device 1002. For example, power distribution device 1002 may have one or more lights and / or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, the lights include light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0115] The power distribution device 1002 may be capable of outputting three-phase AC power. That is, the power distribution device 1002 can invert received DC power to AC, convert the inverted AC power to three-phase AC power, and output the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch 1016 via electrical connections 1020. The power distribution device 1002 can provide three-phase AC power from 0 to 480 VAC. The operation of the power distribution device 1002 can be modified through programming. For example, the ramp rate of the power distribution device 1002 can be modified along with the terminal voltage of the power distribution device 1002.

[0116] Although the electrical connections 1020-1038 are generally shown as direct connections between the various components of the system 1000 for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that the electrical connections 1020-1038 may include additional components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, etc.

[0117] 11 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 1100 for providing electrical power. In step 1110, electrical power is received from at least one of a generator (e.g., generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, generator 702 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or generator 902 of FIGS. 9 and 10) or a battery (e.g., battery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, battery 602 of FIG. 6, battery 710 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or battery 910 of FIGS. 9 and 10). The electrical power can be received from the generator or battery by an inverter (e.g., inverter 204 of FIGS. 2-5, inverter 604 of FIG. 6, inverter 708 of FIG. 7, inverter 802 of FIG. 8, power distribution device 908 of FIG. 9, and / or power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10).

[0118] In step 1120, when AC power is received from the generator, the AC power is provided to a power distribution hub (e.g., power distribution hub 208, control module in FIG. 2). For example, an inverter may receive AC power from the generator and provide the AC power to the power distribution hub. As another example, the generator may provide AC power directly to the power distribution hub. The power distribution hub may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the power distribution hub may provide power to one or more power providing devices (e.g., power providing devices 216a, b in FIG. 2).

[0119] In step 1130, the received AC power is converted to DC power and the DC power is provided to a battery. For example, an inverter can convert the AC power to DC power and provide the DC power to a battery. The battery can receive the DC power and charge the battery with the received DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices. For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devices coupled to an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., auxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2).

[0120] In step 1140, if DC power is received, the received DC power is converted back to AC power. The DC power can be received from a battery by an inverter. The inverter can convert the received DC power to AC power. For example, if the generator cannot provide power, the inverter can switch to receiving power from a battery.

[0121] In step 1150, AC power may be provided to a power distribution hub. The inverter may provide the AC power to the power distribution hub. The power distribution hub may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the power distribution hub may provide power to one or more power providing devices (e.g., power providing devices 216a, b of FIG. 2).

[0122] 12 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 1200 for providing electrical power. In step 1210, electrical power is received from at least one of a generator (e.g., generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, generator 702 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or generator 902 of FIGS. 9 and 10) or a battery (e.g., battery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, battery 602 of FIG. 6, battery 710 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or battery 910 of FIGS. 9 and 10). The electrical power can be received from the generator or battery by a transfer switch (e.g., transfer switch 302 of FIGS. 3-5).

[0123] In step 1220, if AC power is received from the generator, the AC power is provided to a control module (e.g., control module 304 in FIG. 3 , control module 402 in FIG. 4 , control module 502 in FIG. 5 ). For example, a transfer switch can receive AC power from the generator and provide the AC power to the control module. As another example, the generator can provide AC power directly to the control module. The control module may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the control module can provide DC power to one or more devices and can provide AC power to one or more devices.

[0124] In step 1230, when AC power is received from the generator and the battery is not fully charged, the AC power is provided to an inverter (e.g., inverter 204 of FIGS. 2-5, inverter 604 of FIG. 6, inverter 708 of FIG. 7, inverter 802 of FIG. 8, power distribution device 908 of FIG. 9, and / or power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10). For example, a transfer switch may provide power to the inverter.

[0125] In step 1240, the AC power is converted to DC power by an inverter and the DC power is provided to a battery. For example, an inverter can convert the AC power to DC power and provide the DC power to a battery. The battery can receive the DC power and charge the battery with the received DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices. For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devices coupled to an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., auxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2).

[0126] In step 1250, if DC power is received, the received DC power is inverted to AC power. The DC power may be received from a battery by an inverter. The inverter may convert the received DC power to AC power. For example, if the generator is unable to provide power, the inverter may switch to receiving power from the battery. The inverter may output the inverted AC power. For example, the inverter may output the inverted AC power to a transfer switch.

[0127] In step 1260, the inverted AC power is received from the inverter. For example, a transfer switch receives the inverted AC power from the inverter. In step 1270, the AC power can be provided to a control module. The transfer switch can provide the inverted AC power received from the inverter to the control module. The control module may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the control module can provide power to one or more power providing devices (e.g., power providing devices 216a, b in FIG. 2). Additionally, the control module can output any of DC power, AC power, and / or three-phase power via an output (e.g., output 310 in FIG. 3, DC outputs 406a, b in FIG. 4, AC single-phase output 506a, and / or three-phase AC output 506b in FIG. 5).

[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1300 for providing power. In step 1310, DC power is received from a battery (e.g., battery 602 in FIG. 6). For example, the DC power can be received by an inverter (e.g., inverter 604 in FIG. 6). In step 1320, the DC power can be inverted to AC power. For example, the DC power can be inverted to AC power by an inverter. In step 1330, the AC power can be provided to a variable frequency drive (e.g., variable frequency drive 606 in FIG. 6). For example, the inverter can provide the AC power to a variable frequency device. The variable frequency drive can convert the received AC power from single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. In step 1340, three-phase power is output. For example, the variable frequency drive can output three-phase power.

[0129] 14 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 1400 for providing electrical power. In step 1410, electrical power is received from at least one of a generator (e.g., generator 702 of FIGS. 7 and 8), a three-phase power source (e.g., three-phase power source 704 of FIGS. 7 and 8), or a battery (e.g., battery 710 of FIGS. 7 and 8). The electrical power can be received from the generator, three-phase power source, or battery by a transfer switch (e.g., transfer switch 706 of FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0130] In step 1420, if AC power is received from a three-phase power source, the received three-phase power is output. For example, a transfer switch (e.g., transfer switch 706 in FIGS. 7 and 8) may output three-phase power.

[0131] In step 1430, when AC power is received from the generator, the received AC power is provided to a variable frequency drive (e.g., variable frequency drive 716 in FIG. 7 ) to output three-phase power. For example, an inverter can provide the AC power to the variable frequency drive, which converts the single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power to one or more devices.

[0132] In step 1440, when AC power is received from the generator, the AC power is provided to an inverter (e.g., inverter 708 of FIG. 7 and / or inverter 802 of FIG. 8). For example, a transfer switch can receive AC power from the generator and provide the AC power to the inverter. The inverter can convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can convert AC power to DC power and provide the DC power to a battery. The battery can receive the DC power and charge the battery with the received DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices. For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devices coupled to an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., auxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2).

[0133] In step 1450, DC power is output to provide DC power to the battery if the battery is not fully charged. The DC power may be output to one or more devices. For example, the DC power may be output to a step-down transformer (e.g., step-down transformers 712a, b in FIGS. 7 and 8) or to a DC-AC inverter (e.g., DC-AC inverters 714a, b in FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0134] In step 1460, when power is received from the battery, the received DC power is inverted to AC power by an inverter. The inverter can provide the inverted AC power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can provide the inverted AC power to a variable frequency drive. In step 1470, the variable frequency drive can receive the inverted AC power from the inverter. The variable frequency drive can convert single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power to one or more devices.

[0135] 15 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 1500 for providing electrical power. In step 1510, electrical power is received from at least one of a generator (e.g., generator 902 of FIGS. 9 and 10), a three-phase power source (e.g., three-phase power source 904 of FIGS. 9 and 10), or a battery (e.g., battery 910 of FIGS. 9 and 10). The electrical power can be received from the generator, three-phase power source, or battery by a transfer switch (e.g., transfer switch 706 of FIGS. 7 and 8). The electrical power can be received from the generator, three-phase power source, or battery by a power distribution device (e.g., power distribution device 908 of FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0136] In step 1520, if AC power is received from a generator or a three-phase power source, the AC power is converted to DC power. For example, the generator or three-phase power source can provide AC power to a power distribution device (e.g., power distribution device 908 in FIG. 9 and / or power distribution device 1002 in FIG. 10). The power distribution device can convert the AC power to DC power.

[0137] The AC power can be provided to an inverter (e.g., inverter 708 of FIG. 7 , inverter 802 of FIG. 8 , power distribution device 908 of FIG. 9 , and / or power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10 ). For example, a transfer switch can receive AC power from a generator and provide the AC power to the inverter. The inverter can convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter may provide power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can convert AC power to DC power and provide the DC power to a battery. The battery can receive the DC power and charge the battery with the received DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices. For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devices coupled to an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., auxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2 ).

[0138] In step 1530, when power is received from a battery, DC power is received. In step 1540, the received DC power can be inverted to AC power by an inverter. The inverter can provide the inverted AC power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can provide the inverted AC power to a variable frequency drive. The variable frequency drive can receive the inverted AC power from the inverter. The variable frequency drive can convert single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive can output three-phase AC power to one or more devices.

[0139] In step 1550, the DC power can be provided to a step-down transformer, which outputs the DC power. The DC power may be output to one or more devices. For example, the DC power may be output to a step-down transformer (e.g., step-down transformers 912a, b in FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0140] In step 1560, the DC power is provided to a DC-AC inverter (e.g., DC-AC inverters 914a, b of FIGS. 9 and 10). The DC-AC inverter may output AC power. The DC-AC inverter may output AC power to one or more devices.

[0141] In step 1570, when AC power is received from a generator or three-phase power source and the battery is not fully charged, the AC power is converted to DC power and the DC power is provided to the battery. For example, the AC power received from the generator or three-phase power source can be provided to an inverter. The inverter can convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter can provide power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can convert the AC power to DC power and provide the DC power to a battery. The battery can receive the DC power and charge the battery with the received DC power.

[0142] 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 1600 for providing power. In step 1610, a loss of power for a device is determined. For example, a critical piece of equipment may lose power. In step 1620, one or more cables associated with the device are tethered. For example, one or more cables may provide power to the device, and the one or more cables may be tethered by one or more cable clamps.

[0143] In step 1630, a portable power-providing device (e.g., system 100 of FIG. 1 , system 200 of FIG. 2 , system 300 of FIG. 3 , system 400 of FIG. 4 , system 500 of FIG. 5 , system 600 of FIG. 6 , system 700 of FIG. 7 , system 800 of FIG. 8 , system 900 of FIG. 9 , and / or system 1000 of FIG. 10 ) is coupled to one or more tethered cables. For example, the portable power-providing device may be electrically connected to one or more cable clamps.

[0144] In step 1640, power is provided to the device via a battery (e.g., battery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, battery 602 of FIG. 6, battery 710 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or battery 910 of FIGS. 9 and 10) or generator (e.g., generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, generator 702 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and / or generator 902 of FIGS. 9 and 10) associated with the portable power-providing device.

[0145] 17 shows an example system 1700. Control module 102, transfer switch 106, and / or inverter 108 of FIG. 1 , inverter 204 and / or power distribution hub 208 of FIG. 2 , control module 304 of FIG. 3 , control module 402 of FIG. 4 , and / or control module 502 of FIG. 5 , inverter 604 and / or variable frequency drive 606 of FIG. 6 , inverter 708, transfer switch 706, and / or variable frequency drive 716 of FIG. 7 , inverter 802 of FIG. 8 , power distribution device 908, variable frequency drive 916, and / or transfer switch 918 of FIG. 9 , and / or power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10 may be and be controlled by computer 1701 as shown in FIG. 17 .

[0146] The computer 1701 may include one or more processors 1703, a system memory 1712, and a bus 1713 that couples various system components, including the one or more processors 1703, to the system memory 1712. With multiple processors 1703, the computer 1701 may utilize parallel computing. The bus 1713 may be one or more of several possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0147] The computer 1701 may operate on and / or include a variety of computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory). Readable media may be any available media that is accessible by the computer 1701 and may include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory 1712 has computer-readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The system memory 1712 may store data, such as power data 1707, and / or program modules, such as the operating system 1705 and power software 1706, that are accessible to and / or operated by the one or more processors 1703.

[0148] The computer 1701 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. Figure 17 shows a mass storage device 1704, which may provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 1701. The mass storage device 1704 may be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, a magnetic cassette or other magnetic storage device, a flash memory card, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or the like.

[0149] Any amount of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device 1704, such as the operating system 1705 and the power software 1706. The operating system 1705 and the power software 1706 (or some combination thereof) may each have program modules and elements of the power software 1706. Power data 1707 may also be stored on the mass storage device 1704. The power data 1707 may be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. Such databases may be DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, MySQL®, PostgreSQL, etc. The databases may be centralized within the network 1715 or distributed across locations within the network 1715.

[0150] A user may enter commands and information into computer 1701 through input devices (not shown). Examples of such input devices include, but are not limited to, keyboards, pointing devices (e.g., computer mouse, remote control), microphones, joysticks, scanners, tactile input devices such as gloves and other body coverings, motion sensors, etc. These and other input devices may be connected to the one or more processors 1703 through a human-machine interface 1702 that is coupled to bus 1713, but may also be connected by other interface and bus structures such as a parallel port, a game port, an IEEE 1394 port (also known as a Firewire port), a serial port, a network adapter 1708, and / or a universal serial bus (USB).

[0151] A display device 1711 may also be connected to the bus 1713 via an interface, such as a display adapter 1709. It is contemplated that the computer 1701 may have more than one display adapter 1709, and that the computer 1701 may have more than one display device 1711. The display device 1711 may be a monitor, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a television, a smart lens, smart glasses, and / or a projector. In addition to the display device 1711, other output peripheral devices may be components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown), which may be connected to the computer 1701 via the input / output interface 1710. Any steps and / or results of the method may be output (or caused to be output) to an output device in any form. Such output may be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to, text, graphics, animation, audio, tactile, etc. The display device 1711 and the computer 1701 may be part of a single device or may be separate devices.

[0152] The computer 1701 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices 1714a, b, c. The remote computing devices may be personal computers, computing stations (e.g., workstations), portable computers (e.g., laptops, mobile phones, tablet devices), smart devices (e.g., smartphones, smart watches, activity trackers, smart apparel, smart accessories), security and / or surveillance devices, servers, routers, network computers, peer devices, edge devices, etc. The logical connections between the computer 1701 and the remote computing devices 1714a, b, c may be through a network 1715 such as a local area network (LAN) and / or a general wide area network (WAN). The network 1715 may utilize one or more communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., or may be a cellular network (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 4G network, a 5G network, etc.). Such network connections may be through a network adapter 1708. The network adapter 1708 may be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments are conventional and commonplace in homes, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

[0153] Although application programs and other executable program components, such as operating system 1705, are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, such programs and components are considered to reside at various times in different storage components of computing device 1701 and be executed by one or more processors 1703 of the computer. An implementation of power software 1706 may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Any of the methods described may be performed by processor-executable instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium.

[0154] Although specific configurations have been described, the scope is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations described, as the configurations herein are intended to be non-limiting and in all respects possible configurations.

[0155] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps should be followed, or where the claim or description does not specifically otherwise state that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, no order is intended to be inferred in any respect. This also applies to any possible non-expressive basis for interpretation, including matters of logic regarding the arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of features described in the specification.

[0156] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and described configurations be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0157] (Embodiment) Embodiment 1. An apparatus including one or more batteries, a transfer switch configured to receive AC power from an external power source via a first electrical connection, provide the AC power to an inverter via a second electrical connection, receive AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection, provide the AC power to an external device via a fourth electrical connection, and provide the AC power to a control module via a fifth electrical connection; the inverter configured to receive DC power from the one or more batteries via a sixth electrical connection, convert the received DC power back to AC power, and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection; and the control module configured to control operation of the inverter, provide a first power output via a first output, and provide a second power output via a second output. Embodiment 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the first electrical output comprises AC power or DC power, and the second electrical output comprises AC power or DC power. Embodiment 3. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection when no AC power is present on the first electrical connection. Embodiment 4. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the transfer switch includes an adjustable voltage sensing time delay module configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger upon detecting the presence of AC power on the first electrical connection, and wherein the transfer switch is further configured to override the power selection of the inverter. Embodiment 5. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the transfer switch is configured to provide AC power to the control module via the fifth electrical connection when AC power is not available via the first electrical connection. Embodiment 6. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the inverter is further configured to receive AC input from the second electrical connection, convert the received AC input to DC power, and provide the DC power to one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteries are configured to be charged by the provided DC power. Embodiment 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection while simultaneously providing DC power to the one or more batteries via the sixth electrical connection. Embodiment 8. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the external power source includes an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel. Embodiment 9. The apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold one or more batteries, a transfer switch, an inverter, and a control module. Embodiment 10. The device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one battery of the one or more batteries includes an auxiliary port configured to provide or receive external DC power, and the one or more batteries include one or more of a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) acid battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery. Embodiment 11. An apparatus including one or more batteries, an inverter configured to receive DC power from the one or more batteries via a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to AC power, provide the inverted AC power to a power distribution hub via a second electrical connection, receive AC power from an external power source via a third electrical connection, and provide the received AC power to the power distribution hub via the second electrical connection, wherein the inverter is configured to auction AC power from the first electrical connection and the third electrical connection, and the power distribution hub is configured to receive AC power via the second electrical connection, provide a first power output via a first output, and provide a second power output via a second output. Embodiment 12. The device described in embodiment 11, wherein the power distribution hub includes a voltage indicator configured to indicate the AC voltage received via the second electrical connection, and an ampere indicator configured to indicate the AC current passing through the power distribution hub. Embodiment 13. The apparatus of embodiment 11, further comprising a power providing device coupled to the first output via a cable, wherein the power providing device is configured to receive power from the first output via the cable, provide DC power to the first output of the power providing device, and provide AC power to the second output of the power providing device. Embodiment 14. An apparatus as described in embodiment 13, wherein a first power extension cable is coupled to a first output of the power providing device and a second power extension cable is coupled to a second output of the power providing device. Embodiment 15. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein a first output of the power providing device includes a first plurality of power outlets configured to couple to one or more electrical devices, and a second output of the power providing device includes a second plurality of power outlets configured to couple to one or more electrical devices. Embodiment 16. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the external power source includes an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel. Embodiment 17. The apparatus of embodiment 11, further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold one or more batteries, a transfer switch, an inverter, and a power distribution hub. Embodiment 18. The device of embodiment 11, wherein at least one battery of the one or more batteries includes an auxiliary port configured to provide or receive external DC power, and the one or more batteries include one or more of a lithium ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) acid battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery. Embodiment 19. The device of embodiment 11, wherein the inverter is further configured to receive AC input from the second electrical connection, convert the received AC input to DC power, and provide the DC power to one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteries are configured to be charged by the provided DC power. Embodiment 20. The device of embodiment 11, further comprising a detachably connected jumper cable, configured to receive power from an external power source via the fourth electrical connection and provide the received power to the power distribution hub via the fifth electrical connection by bypassing the inverter. Embodiment 21. An apparatus including one or more batteries; an inverter configured to receive DC power from the one or more batteries via a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to AC power, and provide the inverted AC power to a step-down transformer and a variable frequency drive via a second electrical connection, wherein the step-down transformer is configured to receive AC power from the inverter via the second electrical connection, step down the received AC power to a lower AC voltage, and provide the stepped-down AC power to a first output; and a variable frequency drive configured to receive AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection, convert the received AC power to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to a second output. Embodiment 22. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising a reversible contactor configured to receive three-phase AC power from the variable frequency drive, change the phase of the three-phase AC power, and output the changed three-phase AC power to the second output. Embodiment 23. The device of embodiment 22, wherein the reversible contactor further includes a switch, and the reversible contactor changes the phase of the three-phase AC power based on the switch. Embodiment 24. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein the variable frequency drive is further configured to limit an inrush current received via the second electrical output when a load coupled to the second output is activated. Embodiment 25. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein one or more operating parameters of the variable frequency drive can be changed, the one or more operating parameters including a ramp rate of the variable frequency drive and a terminal voltage of the variable frequency drive. Embodiment 26. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the step-down transformer via the second electrical connection and to provide AC power to the variable frequency drive via the third electrical connection. Embodiment 27. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising a container configured to hold one or more batteries, an inverter, a step-down transformer, and a variable frequency drive. Embodiment 28. The device of embodiment 21, wherein at least one battery of the one or more batteries includes an auxiliary port configured to provide or receive external DC power, and the one or more batteries include one or more of a lithium ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) storage battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery. Embodiment 29. The device of embodiment 21, further comprising a voltage indicator configured to indicate an AC voltage output via the first output, and an ampere indicator configured to indicate an AC current output via the first output. Embodiment 30. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising: a voltage indicator configured to indicate the three-phase AC voltage output via the second output; and an ampere indicator configured to indicate the three-phase AC current output via the second output. Embodiment 31. An apparatus including a transfer switch configured to receive AC power from an external power source via a first electrical connection, provide the AC power to an inverter via a second electrical connection, receive AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection, and provide the AC power to an external device via a fourth electrical connection; wherein the inverter is configured to receive AC power from the transfer switch via the second electrical connection, convert the received AC power to DC power, and provide the converted DC power to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters via a fifth electrical connection; and wherein the one or more batteries are configured to receive the converted DC power from the inverter via the fifth electrical connection, and provide DC power to the one or more step-down transformers, and provide DC power to the one or more DC-AC inverters. Embodiment 32. The apparatus of embodiment 31, further comprising a variable frequency drive configured to receive AC power from the inverter via a sixth electrical connection, convert the received AC power to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch via a third electrical connection. Embodiment 33. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection when no AC power is present on the first electrical connection. Embodiment 34. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter is further configured to convert the AC power to three-phase AC power and provide the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch via a third electrical connection. Embodiment 35. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the transfer switch includes an adjustable voltage sensing time delay module configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger upon detecting the presence of AC power on the first electrical connection, and wherein the transfer switch is further configured to override the power selection of the inverter. Embodiment 36. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter is further configured to receive DC power from one or more batteries via the fifth electrical connection, invert the received DC power to AC power, and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection. Embodiment 37. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection while simultaneously providing DC power via the second electrical connection to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters via the fifth electrical connection. Embodiment 38. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the external power source includes at least one of a three-phase power source or an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel. Embodiment 39. The apparatus of embodiment 31, further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold one or more batteries, a transfer switch, an inverter, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters, wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) acid battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery. Embodiment 40. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the one or more step-down transformers are configured to receive DC power, step down the received DC power to a lower DC voltage, and provide the stepped-down DC power to a second output, and the one or more DC-AC inverters are configured to receive DC power, convert the received DC power to AC power, and output the AC power to a third output. Embodiment 41. An apparatus, including one or more AC-DC converters configured to receive AC power from an external power source, convert the AC power to DC power, and provide the converted DC power to a power distribution device via a first electrical connection, wherein the power distribution device receives the converted DC power from the one or more AC-DC converters via the first electrical connection, provides the converted DC power to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters via second electrical connections, converts the converted DC power back to AC power, and the one or more batteries are configured to receive the converted DC power from the power distribution device via the second electrical connection, provide the DC power to one or more step-down transformers, and provide the DC power to one or more DC-AC inverters; and the transfer switch is configured to receive the converted AC power from the power distribution device via the third electrical connection, receive AC power from at least one of an external power source or the power distribution device, and provide the received AC power to an output. Embodiment 42. The apparatus of embodiment 41, further comprising a variable frequency drive configured to receive AC power from the power distribution device via a fourth electrical connection, convert the received AC power to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch via a third electrical connection. Embodiment 43. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the power distribution device is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection when no AC power is present on the first electrical connection. Embodiment 44. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the power distribution device is further configured to convert the AC power to three-phase AC power and provide the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch via a third electrical connection. Embodiment 45. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the inverter is further configured to receive DC power from the one or more batteries via the second electrical connection, invert the received DC power to AC power, and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection. Embodiment 46. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the power distribution device is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection while simultaneously providing DC power to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters via the second electrical connection. Embodiment 47. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the external power source includes at least one of a three-phase power source or an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel. Embodiment 48. The apparatus of embodiment 47, further comprising: a first AC-DC converter of the one or more AC-DC converters configured to receive AC power from an AC generator and provide DC power to a power distribution device via a first electrical connection; and a second AC-DC converter of the one or more AC-DC converters configured to receive AC power from a three-phase power source and provide DC power to a power distribution device via a fifth electrical connection. Embodiment 49. The apparatus of embodiment 41, further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold one or more batteries, a transfer switch, an inverter, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-AC inverters, wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) acid battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery. Embodiment 50. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the one or more step-down transformers are configured to receive DC power, step down the received DC power to a lower DC voltage, and provide the stepped-down DC power to a second output, and the one or more DC-AC inverters are configured to receive DC power, convert the received DC power to AC power, and output the AC power to a third output.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: one or more batteries; A transfer switch, receiving AC power from an external power source via a first electrical connection; providing AC power to the inverter via the second electrical connection; receiving AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection; providing AC power to an external device via the fourth electrical connection; and a transfer switch configured to provide AC power to the control module via the fifth electrical connection; The inverter receiving DC power from the one or more batteries via a sixth electrical connection; converting the received DC power back to AC power; and configured to provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection; the control module: controlling the operation of the inverter; providing a first power output via a first output; and The apparatus is configured to provide a second power output via a second output.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical output comprises AC power or DC power and the second electrical output comprises AC power or DC power.

3. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection when no AC power is present on the first electrical connection.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer switch includes an adjustable voltage sensing time delay module configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger upon detecting the presence of AC power on the first electrical connection, and the transfer switch is further configured to override a power selection of the inverter.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer switch is configured to provide AC power to the control module via the fifth electrical connection when AC power is not available via the first electrical connection.

6. The inverter receiving AC input from the second electrical connection; converting the received AC input to DC power; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to provide the DC power to the one or more batteries, the one or more batteries configured to be charged by the provided DC power.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection while simultaneously providing the DC power to the one or more batteries via the sixth electrical connection.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the external power source comprises an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, the transfer switch, the inverter, and the control module.

10. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one battery of the one or more batteries includes an auxiliary port configured to provide or receive external DC power, and wherein the one or more batteries include one or more of a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery.

11. 1. An apparatus comprising: one or more batteries; An inverter, receiving DC power from the one or more batteries via a first electrical connection; converting the received DC power back into AC power; providing the inverted AC power to a power distribution hub via a second electrical connection; receiving AC power from an external power source via a third electrical connection; and an inverter configured to provide the received AC power to the power distribution hub via the second electrical connection, the inverter configured to auction AC power from the first electrical connection and the third electrical connection; the power distribution hub: receiving AC power via the second electrical connection; providing a first power output via a first output; and The apparatus is configured to provide a second power output via a second output.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the power distribution hub includes a voltage indicator configured to indicate an AC voltage received via the second electrical connection and an ampere indicator configured to indicate an AC current passing through the power distribution hub.

13. further comprising a power providing device coupled to the first output via a cable, the power providing device comprising: receiving power from the first output via the cable; providing DC power to a first output of the power providing device; and The apparatus of claim 11 , configured to provide AC power to a second output of the power providing device.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a first power extension cable is coupled to the first output of the power providing device and a second power extension cable is coupled to the second output of the power providing device.

15. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first output of the power providing device includes a first plurality of power outlets configured to couple to one or more electrical devices, and the second output of the power providing device includes a second plurality of power outlets configured to couple to the one or more electrical devices.

16. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the external power source comprises an AC generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.

17. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, the transfer switch, the inverter, and the power distribution hub.

18. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein at least one battery of the one or more batteries includes an auxiliary port configured to provide or receive external DC power, and wherein the one or more batteries include one or more of a lithium-ion (Li+) battery, a lead (Pb) battery, or a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) battery.

19. The inverter receiving AC input from the second electrical connection; converting the received AC input to DC power; 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further configured to provide the DC power to the one or more batteries, the one or more batteries configured to be charged by the provided DC power.

20. further comprising a removably connected jumper cable; receiving power from the external power source via a fourth electrical connection; and 12. The apparatus of claim 11, configured to provide the received power to the power distribution hub via a fifth electrical connection by bypassing the inverter.

21. 1. An apparatus comprising: one or more batteries; An inverter, receiving DC power from the one or more batteries via a first electrical connection; converting the received DC power back into AC power; providing the inverted AC power to a step-down transformer and a variable frequency drive via a second electrical connection; The step-down transformer is receiving AC power from the inverter via the second electrical connection; stepping down the received AC power to a lower AC voltage; and an inverter configured to provide the stepped-down AC power to a first output; and 1. A variable frequency drive comprising: receiving AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection; converting the received AC power to three-phase AC power; and An apparatus comprising: a variable frequency drive configured to provide the three-phase AC power to a second output.

22. 1. An apparatus comprising: A transfer switch, receiving AC power from an external power source via a first electrical connection; providing AC power to the inverter via the second electrical connection; receiving AC power from the inverter via a third electrical connection; and a transfer switch configured to provide AC power to the external device via the fourth electrical connection; The inverter receiving AC power from the transfer switch via the second electrical connection; converting the received AC power to DC power; and providing the converted DC power to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-to-AC inverters via a fifth electrical connection; the one or more batteries receiving the converted DC power from the inverter via the fifth electrical connection; providing DC power to the one or more step-down transformers; and An apparatus configured to provide DC power to the one or more DC-to-AC inverters.

23. 1. An apparatus comprising: one or more AC-DC converters; receiving AC power from an external power source; converting the AC power to DC power; and one or more AC-DC converters configured to provide the converted DC power to a power distribution device via a first electrical connection; the power distribution device: receiving the converted DC power from the one or more AC-DC converters via the first electrical connection; providing the converted DC power via a second electrical connection to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DC-to-AC inverters; converting the converted DC power back to AC power; and providing the inverted AC power to a transfer switch via a third electrical connection; the one or more batteries receiving the converted DC power from the power distribution device via the second electrical connection; and providing DC power to the one or more step-down transformers; and configured to provide DC power to the one or more DC-to-AC inverters; The transfer switch receiving the inverted AC power from the power distribution device via the third electrical connection; receiving AC power from at least one of the external power source or the power distribution device; and and providing the received AC power to an output.

24. 1. A method comprising: receiving power from at least one of a generator or a battery through a transfer switch; When AC power is received from the generator, providing the received AC power to a control module; When AC power is received from the generator and the battery is not fully charged, providing the AC power to an inverter; converting the AC power to DC power by the inverter; and providing the DC power to the battery; When DC power is received from the battery, inverting the received DC power to DC power by the inverter; providing the inverted AC power to the transfer switch; and and providing the inverted AC power to the control module.

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