Low power regulator system and method
AssigneeFisher Controls International LLC
InventorsRichard J. Vanderah, Paul R. Adams, David E. Woolums, Jon B. Milliken
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.
Claims18
A pressure regulator for controlling fluid in a pipeline, the pressure regulator being operated by a battery, comprising:
- a battery sensor adapted to sense an operation parameter of the battery, and responsively generate an operation parameter signal;
- a memory adapted to store a threshold capacity value of the battery, and responsively generate a threshold capacity signal;
- and
- a controller unit for controlling power consumption of the pressure regulator, wherein the controller unit is adapted to receive the operation parameter signal and the threshold capacity signal, and responsively generate a command signal to operate the pressure regulator in at least one of a plurality of operating modes.
A controller unit adapted to control power consumption of a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator being operated by a battery, the controller unit comprising:
- a battery sensor adapted to sense an operation parameter of the battery, and responsively generate an operation parameter signal;
- a memory adapted to store a threshold capacity value of the battery, and responsively generate a threshold capacity signal;
- and
- a processor adapted to receive the operation parameter signal and the threshold capacity signal, and responsively generate a command signal to operate the pressure regulator in at least one of a plurality of operating modes.
A method for controlling power consumption of a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator being operated by a battery, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a battery sensor for sensing an operation parameter of the battery;
- storing a threshold capacity value of the battery;
- operating the pressure regulator in at least one of a plurality of operating modes in accordance with a logic routine based on the operation parameter and the threshold capacity value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.