Power management system for dispensers

A method of transferring power from a first energy storage system to a dispenser across a detachable electrical interface, the method comprising the steps of:

• transferring a zero net voltage (ZNV) signal across the detachable electrical interface from a received replaceable component to a second component, the detachable electrical interface comprising physical electrical contacts which allow electrical current to be transmitted from the replaceable component to the first circuit when the contacts are touching each other;
• rectifying the ZNV signal to higher voltage direct current (HVDC) power;
• charging a second energy storage system with the HVDC power;
• and
• releasing energy from the second energy storage system to a dispenser load.

A replaceable component for providing lower power zero net voltage (ZNV) power to a dispenser system for managing power delivery to a system having a power controller for managing power delivery to a dispenser, the replaceable component comprising:

• a consumable product cartridge having product to be dispensed;
• detachable physical electrical contacts for forming a detachable electrical interface with the controller of the system which allow electrical current to be transmitted from the replaceable component to the first circuit when the contacts are touching each other;
• a low power direct current (LPDC) power source;
• a switching circuit for converting the LPDC power source to a ZNV power source and supplying the ZNV power to the controller of the system via the detachable electrical contacts;
• wherein, when the electrical contacts are attached to the system, the system is configured to:
• convert the ZNV power source to a higher voltage direct current (HVDC) power source;
• store energy from the HVDC power source within at least one energy storage system;
• and
• power a dispenser load using the stored energy.