Generator Controller Network Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems require elaborate hardware and extensive technical programming, necessitate multiple parameter entries, and often need separate devices for remote communication, leading to increased costs, security risks, and difficulties in establishing and maintaining remote connections, as well as limitations in controlling other electronic components and updating programming.
Innovation Solution
A method using a network to control a power management system by accessing a generator controller, exchanging communications, and synchronizing clocks across electronic components, allowing for efficient control and programming updates through a server, while preventing unauthorized access and maintaining secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power management systems use elaborate hardware systems and extensive technical programming to control electronic components, then control capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the generator, communicates with the automatic transfer switch, manages load control modules, and synchronizes clocks across the power management system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated control devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control functions into a single integrated generator controller that can communicate with and control multiple electronic components (automatic transfer switch, load control modules) through a unified network interface. This merging consolidates hardware requirements and simplifies the system architecture
2Ease of operation
If separate devices are used for remote communication with electronic components, then remote access capability is achieved, but security risks and connection establishment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator controller serves as an intermediary device that receives remote commands through the network and translates them into control actions for the automatic transfer switch and load control modules. This intermediary approach allows remote access without requiring direct connections to each electronic component, reducing security risks and simplifying connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The generator controller is designed to handle multiple communication protocols and control functions through a single network interface, enabling versatile remote access capability while maintaining a reduced number of connection points that are easier to secure and manage
3Ease of operation
If conventional systems require multiple parameter entries to operate electronic components, then operational control is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator controller automatically manages operational parameters by receiving high-level commands from remote users and autonomously determining the specific parameter settings needed to execute those commands. For example, when instructed to transfer load, the controller automatically configures the appropriate parameters for the automatic transfer switch without requiring manual parameter entry, significantly reducing operational time and complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If programming is updated through cumbersome methods in conventional systems, then programming updates are achieved, but system adaptability and update efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The generator controller acts as an intermediary for programming updates, receiving updated control logic and parameters from remote sources through the network and distributing them to the automatic transfer switch and load control modules. This centralized update mechanism eliminates cumbersome manual programming methods and enables efficient system-wide updates through a single interface
Solution Approach 2:
The generator controller is designed to handle multiple types of programming updates through a unified interface, including control logic, operational parameters, and synchronization settings. This universal update capability allows diverse programming needs to be addressed through a single efficient update mechanism, enhancing both adaptability and update efficiency
5Device complexity
If generator controllers in conventional systems cannot control other electronic components, then generator control simplicity is maintained, but overall power management control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The generator controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities, incorporating communication interfaces and control logic that enable it to manage not only the generator but also the automatic transfer switch and load control modules. This universal controller approach maintains relative simplicity by consolidating control functions while significantly enhancing overall system adaptability and control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for the generator, automatic transfer switch, and load control modules into a single integrated controller. This consolidation maintains simplicity by reducing the number of separate control devices while expanding the overall control capability of the system through the generator controller's ability to manage multiple electronic components
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a method of using a network to control a power management system. The method includes using the network to access a generator controller that is part of the power management system. The method further includes using the network to exchange communications with the generator controller in order permit the generator controller to control other electronic components that are part of the power management system.