Dynamic load shedding system for a standby generator
AssigneeBriggs & Stratton Corporation
InventorsBrandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Sie Teong Lim
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.
Claims21
A method of managing a plurality of electric loads powered by a standby generator, the method comprising the steps of:
- interconnecting each of the plurality of electric loads to one of a plurality of outputs such that the electric loads receive power through the outputs;
- assigning an initial priority value to each of the electric loads between a highest priority value and a lowest priority value;
- monitoring the combined load on the generator;
- selectively disconnecting the electric loads from the generator in a sequential order from the lowest priority value to the highest priority value when the combined load on the generator reaches a rated value for the generator, wherein the electric loads having the lowest priority value are sequentially disconnected from the generator until the combined load on the generator falls below the rated value for the generator;
- and
- selectively reassigning the priority values to one or more of the electric loads to modify the order the electric loads are disconnected from the generator.
A method of managing a plurality of electric loads in a residence powered by a standby generator, the method comprising the steps of:
- interconnecting each of the plurality of electric loads to one of a plurality of outputs;
- assigning an initial priority value to each of the electric loads between a highest priority value and a lowest priority value in a control unit;
- monitoring the combined load on the generator in the control unit;
- selectively disconnecting the electric loads from the generator in a sequential order from the lowest priority value to the highest priority value when the combined load on the generator reaches a rated value for the generator, wherein the electric loads having the lowest priority value are sequentially disconnected from the generator until the combined load on the generator falls below the rated value for the generator;
- and
- selectively reassigning priority values to one or more of the electric loads to modify the order the electric loads are disconnected from the generator.
A load management system for managing one or more electric loads in a residence powered by a standby generator, the system comprising:
- a transfer switch coupled to the standby generator;
- a control unit contained within the transfer switch and operable to selectively connect and disconnect each of the electric loads from the generator, the control unit being configured to:
- assign an initial priority value to each of the electric loads between a highest priority value and a lowest priority value;
- monitor the combined load on the generator;
- selectively disconnect the electric loads from the generator in a sequential order based on the initial priority value assigned to each load, wherein the loads having the lowest priority value are sequentially disconnected until the combined load on the generator falls below a rated value for the generator;
- selectively reassign priority values to the electric loads based upon user input;
- and
- adjust the loads connected to the generator based upon the reassigned priority values.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.