Power metering and control system adaptable to multi-standard device

摘要

A power control device has a voltage-regulator from power source to load, the load configurable to receive power at least at a first or second rate. The device has monitor circuitry to measure power; signal circuitry for signaling a power-reception rate to the load; and circuitry for resetting the load when the power source is overloaded. The device resets the load periodically to the second rate when the load is at the first rate. In embodiments, the power source is a thermoelectric generator or solar panel. In embodiments, the load couples through a USB connector. A companion method of charging smart loads includes applying power to the load; communicating power available to the load; configuring a battery charger in the load to absorb an amount of power less than that available; monitoring power, determining when changed configuration may optimize charging time of a smart load battery; and resetting the smart load to optimize current.

主权项

1. A power control device comprising:
voltage-regulation circuitry configured to couple power from a power source to a load, the load configurable to receive power at least at a first and a second power-reception level, the second level greater than the first level; power monitoring circuitry adapted to detect an overload of the power source and to indicate on a display a power absorbed by the load; signaling circuitry configured to signal circuitry of the load with information regarding a power availability level at the power control device; resetting circuitry configured to reset the load when the power source is incapable of providing sufficient power to the load at the second level, and to use the signaling circuitry to instruct the load to receive power at the first level; wherein the resetting circuitry is further configured to periodically reset the load to the second power reception level when the load is receiving power at the first power-reception level and the power monitoring circuitry is not indicating overload of the power source; and wherein the power source comprises a solar panel.