System and method for providing dynamic power management

摘要

A power management system suitable for dynamically allocating power provided by a selected power source among one or more associated loads and methods for manufacturing and using same. In a normal operation mode, the power source provides power to one or more enabled loads. The selection of loads that are enabled, and therefore the provided power, can dynamically vary over time. If an undesired power condition arises, a power limiting mode is entered, wherein at least one of the enabled loads is disabled. The resultant power provided by the power source to the remaining enabled loads is measured, and the power limit mode is maintained until the undesired power condition is resolved. As needed, further corrective action, such as disabling additional enabled loads, can be applied to resolve the undesired power condition. The power management system thereby can comprise a hierarchical system for dynamically resolving undesired power conditions.

主权项

1. A method for providing power management to a power source for providing input current to a plurality of power outlets and a plurality of other loads, comprising:
measuring, in an unrestricted power mode, an input current provided by the power source to the loads and the power outlets across each power phase of the power source; determining whether the measured input current is less than a first set current value; repeating said measuring the input current, in the unrestricted power mode, in response to said determining; deciding whether the measured input current is greater than the first set current value and less than a second set current value that is greater than the first set current value; entering a first power limiting mode in response to said deciding, the first power limiting mode including:
disabling each unused power outlet;measuring a first resultant input current provided to the loads and the remaining power outlets across each power phase of the power source; andenabling each of the disabled power outlets and exiting the first power limiting mode if the first resultant input current remains less than a first release current value during a first time interval that is greater than a first release timer value, the first release current value being less than the first set current value.