Introduction
The unique and versatile HP2S is an unprecedented technological advancement for residential power management. For the first time, a system is available to provide homeowners with a portable back-up power system that is easy to install and use and requires little interaction by the consumer when utility power is interrupted.
Adaptive load management is one of the advanced functions that makes the HP2S unique and versatile. Adaptive load management is made possible by the American Power Conversion (APC) universal transfer switch (UTS). Upon installation of the HP2S, the homeowner programs the UTS in advance, pre-selecting the appliances or electrical systems to be powered during an outage. When utility power is interrupted and the generator is powered up, the UTS automatically transfers power to the pre-selected systems.
While conventional transfer switches distribute all available power across their connected systems, the HP2S UTS uses advanced load-shedding technology to draw from its Honda generator power plant only the wattage required to power the pre-programmed systems. The UTS intelligently monitors electricity usage, directing the generator to temporarily cut back - or shed - power to some systems and deliver power to others on demand. The adaptive load management capability maximizes generator output and keeps the generator from tripping. The UTS also adjusts the generator's engine speed accordingly to maximize efficiency. In essence, adaptive load management allows the generator to perform like a model that is 20 percent to 50 percent more powerful.
A combination of fast relays and algorithms for delayable loads in the APC transfer switch are the key technologies behind adaptive load management. Certain loads, such as air conditioners, furnaces and refrigerators, often are equipped with their own controllers, giving them the ability to be delayed. This delay is helpful in managing the challenges of inrush current.
For example, during an outage, the HP2S may use generator power to support a base load consisting of lighting, a computer and the furnace. When the furnace turns on, it creates an inrush of current supported by the generator. But if a member of the household turns on
the microwave during the furnace inrush, the UTS in the system temporarily sheds power to the furnace so that the draw of microwave doesn't exceed the surge rating of the generator. With a conventional generator alone, the surge of the microwave would exceed the generator's capability, and the generator would trip. The UTS in the HP2S prevents the generator from being overloaded.
HP2S may be using full generator power to support an air conditioner while the refrigerator compressor kicks on. The adaptive load management capability of the HP2S transfer switch temporarily delays power to the air conditioning unit until the refrigerator's compressor turns off. Once the draw from the refrigerator drops, the system restores power to the air conditioning.
Through adaptive load management, the UTS continuously and intelligently monitors electricity usage, keeping the loads in balance and allowing the generator to maximize output and fuel efficiency. Because the UTS manages a flexible system and backs up multiple loads, it allows maximum user flexibility and customization to support a variety of loads and currents.