U.S. patent application number 15/248617 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for method and apparatus for efficient fuel consumption.
The applicant listed for this patent is INI Power Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Larry J. Markoski.
Application Number | 20170054321 15/248617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47882406 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170054321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markoski; Larry J. |
February 23, 2017 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENT FUEL CONSUMPTION
Abstract
A method for efficient fuel consumption comprises recharging
batteries or operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine
through an electrical connection. The method also includes
monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical
connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and (iii) length of time
of the recharging or task, to determine if the recharging has reach
a preselected endpoint or the task has been completed. The method
further includes generating a signal through a communication link
to cause the engine to stop operating by: (a) preventing operation
of a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of fuel to the engine, or
(c) preventing delivery of oxygen to the engine.
Inventors: |
Markoski; Larry J.;
(Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INI Power Systems, Inc. |
Morrisville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47882406 |
Appl. No.: |
15/248617 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14336361 |
Jul 21, 2014 |
9450450 |
|
|
15248617 |
|
|
|
|
13408903 |
Feb 29, 2012 |
8810053 |
|
|
14336361 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02P 9/04 20130101; B60L
53/60 20190201; H02J 7/0013 20130101; H02J 7/0071 20200101; Y02T
10/7072 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; F02B 63/04 20130101; H02J
7/0031 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101; Y02T
90/14 20130101; H02J 7/0068 20130101; H02J 7/32 20130101; Y02T
90/16 20130101; H02J 7/1446 20130101; Y02T 10/92 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/32 20060101
H02J007/32; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; H02P 9/04 20060101
H02P009/04; H02J 7/04 20060101 H02J007/04; H02J 7/14 20060101
H02J007/14; F02B 63/04 20060101 F02B063/04; B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18 |
Claims
1. A method for reducing emissions, comprising: recharging
batteries with an engine through an electrical connection, while
monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical
connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and (iii) length of time
of the recharging, to determine if the recharging has reached a
preselected endpoint; and generating a signal through a
communication link to cause the engine to stop operating by: (a)
preventing operation of a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of
fuel to the engine, or (c) preventing delivery of oxygen to the
engine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the engine is a diesel
engine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the engine is the engine of a
vehicle.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the engine is not the engine of a
vehicle.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the batteries are less than 100% recharged.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal causes the engine to
stop operating by preventing a spark plug from operating.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring is monitoring the
current in the electrical connection.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring is of the length
of time of the recharging.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the recharging has completed a bulk charging stage.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the recharging is in an absorption charging stage.
11. A method for reducing emissions, comprising: recharging
batteries with an engine through an electrical connection, while
monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical
connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries and (iii) length of time
of the recharging, to determine if the recharging has reached a
preselected endpoint; and generating a signal to a user indicating
that the preselected endpoint has been reached; wherein the
preselected endpoint occurs when the batteries are less than 100%
recharged.
12-14. (canceled)
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the signal is a wireless signal
sent to a device carried by the user.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the signal is a sound.
18. (canceled)
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the recharging has completed a bulk charging stage.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the recharging is in an absorption charging stage.
21. A method for reducing emissions, comprising: recharging
batteries with an engine through an electrical connection, while
monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical
connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries and (iii) length of time
of the recharging, to determine if the recharging has reached a
preselected endpoint; and generating a signal to a user indicating
that the preselected endpoint has been reached; wherein the signal
is at least one member selected from the group consisting of a
wireless message sent to an electronic device carried by the user,
and sound having a volume of at least 40 dB.
22-24. (canceled)
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the batteries are less than 100% recharged.
26-29. (canceled)
30. The method of claim 21, wherein the preselected endpoint occurs
when the recharging has completed a bulk charging stage.
31. A device for reducing emissions from an engine recharging at
least one battery, comprising: a monitor, for monitoring a stage of
recharging of the at least one battery, and an effector, for
generating a signal when a preselected stage of recharging of the
at least one battery has been reached, wherein the monitor
comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of
an ammeter and a volt meter.
32-40. (canceled)
41. A device for reducing emissions from an engine recharging at
least one battery, comprising: a monitor, for monitoring a stage of
recharging of the at least one battery, an effector, for generating
a signal when a preselected stage of recharging of the at least one
battery has been reached, and a communication link adapted for
sending the signal from the effector to the engine, for stopping
the engine.
42-45. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Portable generators for producing electricity are well known
and have been commercially available for many years. These devices
typically include an internal combustion engine, are designed to
generate sufficient electrical power to run one or more common
household or commercial electronic devices, and typically use
gasoline as fuel. They are adapted to provide alternating current
(AC) electricity, through a standard two-prong or three-prong plug
receiver, at 120 or 240 volts, and at 50 to 60 Hz; also common is
an additional 12 volt DC power port for charging lead acid
batteries. Many of these devices are not fuel injected and include
a carburetor and a manual choke. Fuel is delivered to the
carburetor with the aid of a fuel pump or by gravity. The
carburetor mixes the fuel with air before it enters the cylinder.
In the cylinder, the fuel-air mixture is ignited by a catalytic
spark from a spark plug. Combustion of the fuel then drives the
engine.
[0002] Diesel generators are also known. They operate in a similar
fashion to gasoline generators, except a spark plug is not used to
ignite the fuel-air mixture. Rather, compression of the fuel-air
mixture with the cylinder causes auto-ignition and in some cases a
glow-plug is added to enhance cold starting operation
[0003] Some of the smallest commercially available portable
generators include the YAMAHA Inverter EF1000iS and the HONDA
EU1000i. The capacity of the fuel tanks in these types of devices
is about 0.6 gallons of gasoline, allowing operation at the maximum
load of around 1000 W of 4 to 6 hours, or at 1/4 load for 8 to 12
hours. These generators produce less noise than larger models,
having a typical sound output of 47 to 59 dB. These devices include
an internal combustion engine using gasoline fuel, so they
necessarily generate carbon monoxide (CO), and do not come equipped
with a catalytic converter or CO safety shut down features. Thus
the manufactures strongly discourage indoor use because of the
danger of carbon monoxide poisoning to humans and animals.
[0004] There has been a proliferation of small portable electronic
devices and electric vehicles in recent years, most of which
include small onboard rechargeable batteries. Examples include
laptop computers, scooters, mobile telephones, personal digital
assistants, portable digital cameras, golf carts and global
positioning systems. The rechargeable batteries are most commonly
lithium ion and lead acid batteries, although other varieties are
available. The small portable electronic devices typically include
a removable power cord with a standard two-prong or three-prong
plug, or a universal serial bus (USB) plug, for plugging into a
corresponding plug receiver, which allows for recharging the
rechargeable batteries. Also commonly available are removable power
cords with a standard cigarette lighter plug, for recharging the
rechargeable batteries using a cigarette lighter plug receiver in
an automobile or other vehicle.
[0005] For field operation by consumers of portable appliances such
as televisions and radios, and small portable electronic devices
and recharging of the batteries therein, portable generators have
come into common use. Although an automobile is used to get to the
field location for camping or tailgating, and is therefore
available for recharging batteries or for providing DC power,
unless the engine and alternator are running there is a risk of
draining the automobile battery, and compromising the operation or
starting capacity of the automobile. If the engine is running, over
extended periods of time, there will be substantial use of the
gasoline from the fuel storage tank, far in excess of the amount of
electricity needed to recharge batteries for small portable
electronic devices. This results because the rechargeable batteries
require a specific amount of time and power to recharge, and even
when just idling the vehicle engine consumes far more fuel than
necessary to recharge the batteries. The advantage of using a
portable generator is the much greater efficiency for generating
the amount of electricity needed to recharge batteries, over the
period of time necessary for recharging, as compared to an
automobile engine. In other words, there is a superior match
between the power generation and the power consumption. However,
there is still a significant mismatch between the amount of power
produced by even the smallest commercially available portable
generators and small portable electronic devices and the small
rechargeable batteries they contain.
[0006] Often, remote field location operations are staged, first
setting up a base camp, next a remote camp, and lastly individuals
on foot or with only a single vehicle are sent even farther afield.
Remote field location operations are therefore required to carry
all supplies, especially consumable supplies, which will be needed.
Not only is the total amount of supplies often minimized to reduce
cost and weight, but the variety of supplies is also minimized, to
reduce logistical costs and complexity in transporting materials
to, and resupplying, the base camp.
[0007] To get to remote field locations, such as those in
wilderness areas far away from highways, vehicles which use diesel
fuel, rather than gasoline are commonly used. The supplies carried
to such remote field locations only include diesel fuel, not
gasoline, for the vehicles. In these cases, recharging of batteries
is carried out using power generated by the vehicle, keeping the
vehicle engine running while recharging the batteries or from a
large 2-10 kW diesel generator carried by the vehicle. As noted
above, a vehicle engine and alternator is especially inefficient
for recharging small batteries. Lastly, unless constantly monitored
the vehicle engine or diesel generator will continue running even
if the batteries have completed recharging, continuing the
consumption of diesel fuel until human intervention or until all of
the fuel is consumed. Under these circumstances, the use of diesel
fuel and a generator or vehicle engine and vehicle alternator is
particularly inefficient for recharging small batteries.
[0008] To address this inefficient use of diesel fuel in remote
field location operations, other energy sources have been used, but
each suffers from drawbacks. Solar power units are available, but
they tend to be large and require significant set up time to spread
out the solar cells for sufficient energy generation. Furthermore,
sun light is only available during the day, and unpredictable cloud
cover can make the availability of solar power unreliable and
intermittent over the time scale of remote field location
operations. Wind power is potentially available night and day, but
otherwise can require similarly bulky equipment and can be
similarly unreliable and intermittent.
[0009] In order to address the needs of remote field location
operations for small amounts of electrical power over an extended
period of time for both the operation of, and recharging of
batteries within, small portable electronic devices or small
electric vehicles, small portable generators including an internal
combustion engine has been considered. However, such devices still
suffer from many of the disadvantages of using a vehicle engine or
large diesel generator. Although the use of fuel over any specific
period of time is less, the small portable generators still
continue to run when recharging of batteries is completed unless
constantly monitored. A further disadvantage is that an additional
fuel, such as gasoline, is needed since small portable generators
typically do not use the same fuel as diesel vehicles, complicating
the supply logistics by adding to the total amount and variety of
materials.
SUMMARY
[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention is a method for
efficient fuel consumption, comprising: recharging batteries or
operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine through an
electrical connection, while monitoring at least one of (i) current
in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and
(iii) length of time of the recharging or task, to determine if the
recharging has reach a preselected endpoint or the task has been
completed; and generating a signal through a communication link to
cause the engine to stop operating by: (a) preventing operation of
a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of fuel to the engine, or (c)
preventing delivery of oxygen to the engine.
[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention is a method for
efficient fuel consumption, comprising: recharging batteries with
an engine through an electrical connection, while monitoring at
least one of (i) current in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage
of the batteries and (iii) length of time of the recharging, to
determine if the recharging has reach a preselected endpoint; and
generating a signal to a user indicating that the preselected
endpoint has been reached. The preselected endpoint occurs when the
batteries are less than 100% recharged.
[0012] In a third aspect, the present invention is a method for
efficient fuel consumption, comprising: recharging batteries or
operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine through an
electrical connection, while monitoring at least one of (i) current
in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries and
(iii) length of time of the recharging or task, to determine if the
recharging has reach a preselected endpoint or the task has been
completed; and generating a signal to a user indicating that the
preselected endpoint has been reached or the task has been
completed. The signal is at least one member selected from the
group consisting of a wireless message sent to an electronic device
carried by the user, and sound having a volume of at least 40
dB.
[0013] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is a device for
efficient fuel consumption by an engine recharging at least one
battery or operating a device carrying out a task, comprising: a
monitor, for monitoring a stage of recharging of the at least one
battery or completion of the task, and an effector, for generating
a signal when a preselected stage of recharging of the at least one
battery has been reached or the task has been completed. The
monitor comprises at least one member selected from the group
consisting of an ammeter and a volt meter.
[0014] In a fifth aspect, the present invention is a device for
efficient fuel consumption by an engine recharging at least one
battery or operating a device carrying out a task, comprising: a
monitor, for monitoring a stage of recharging of the at least one
battery or completion of the task, an effector, for generating a
signal when a preselected stage of recharging of the at least one
battery has been reached or the task has been completed, and a
communication link adapted for sending the signal from the effector
to the engine, for stopping the engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a graph showing current (amperage) and voltage
versus time for recharging a battery.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a device for efficient fuel
consumption.
[0017] FIGS. 3-9 illustrated a variety of devices, systems and
configurations for efficient fuel consumption.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In order to avoid wasting fuel, the generator or vehicle
engine should be turned off once a task, such as recharging
batteries or operating an electronic device, has been completed.
However, having a person monitor the recharging process or a device
carrying out a task can be inconvenient. The present invention
makes use of the discovery that efficient fuel consumption may be
realized by purposefully ending the operation of a generator or
engine without requiring continuous monitoring by a person.
Efficient fuel consumption is achieved by ending operation of the
generator or engine when, for example, charging is competed or the
first stage of recharging is completed for rechargeable batteries,
or when devices have completed a task. When the operation of the
generator or engine is ended may be determined by monitoring the
passage of a specific amount of time, or by monitoring current,
voltage and/or power flowing to a load, such as a rechargeable
battery and/or an electronic device. The generator or vehicle
engine may be stopped by, for example, providing a signal to a
person, or automatically, for example, by stopping the flow of fuel
or air to the generator or vehicle engine, or cutting power to a
spark plug, for example by grounding the spark plug.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a graph showing current (amperage) and voltage
versus time for recharging a battery. The figure is a qualitative
diagram for a lead acid battery, but almost any rechargeable
batter, such as a lithium ion battery or nickel cadmium battery,
will exhibit similar stages. The three stages are labeled bulk (the
first stage), absorption (the second stage) and maintenance (the
third stage). When any battery is recharged from a state when less
than 75%, preferably less than 50%, most preferably less than 25%,
including less than 5%, of the total amount of energy which the
battery can store is left available in the battery, it will
typically first go through the bulk stage of recharging, followed
by the absorption stage of recharging. The final stage,
maintenance, will be entered just before, or just after, the
battery is fully recharged. For any rechargeable battery, the
characteristic voltage, current and/or power consumption of each of
the stages may be easily determined by monitoring one or more of
these characteristics in the electrical connection between a power
source, such as a generator or vehicle engine, and a battery which
is being recharged from a discharged state.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first stage of recharging
consumes the most power. The current flowing to the battery is the
greatest during this stage, and the voltage typically increases
gradually towards a maximum value reached during recharging. Since
the most power is consumed during this stage of recharging, the
power output of a generator or vehicle engine will be most closely
matched with the power consumed by the recharging process. Fuel is
most efficiently consumed during this stage of recharging. This
stage is completed, for example, when the battery is about 90%
recharged.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second stage of recharging,
absorption, exhibits a significant drop in current, and voltage
will be steady or almost steady at a maximum value. The amount of
power consumed during this stage is significantly less than the
amount of power consumed during the first stage, so the mismatch of
the power output of a generator or vehicle engine is substantially
greater than during the first stage of recharging. Fuel is much
less efficiently consumed during this stage, as compared to the
first stage of recharging. Depending on the desired efficiency of
fuel consumption, it may be desirable to end recharging of a
battery at a time just before, to just after, entering the second
stage. This stage is completed, for example, when the battery is
about 99% recharged.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the third stage of recharging,
maintenance, exhibits a further significant drop in current;
voltage may also drop during maintenance (as illustrated) or
voltage may be maintained at or near a maximum value. The third
stage is reached just before, or at the point when, a battery is
fully recharged. Fuel is no longer being efficiently used or is
being wasted, during this third stage of recharging. It is always
desirable to end recharging of a battery a time before, to just
after, entering the third stage.
[0023] Since any generator or vehicle engine may produce more power
than a recharging battery consumes during any of the three stages,
each stage will also have a characteristic duration for each type
of battery. For any rechargeable battery, the characteristic
duration of each of the three stages may easily be determined by
monitoring one or more characteristics in the electrical connection
between a power source, such as a generator or vehicle engine, and
a battery which is being recharged from a discharged state.
[0024] Similarly, when a device has completed a task, there will be
a significant decrease in the voltage or current flowing to the
device. Furthermore, a device may complete a task in a
characteristic period of time. Stopping the operation of the engine
supplying electricity to the device when the task has completed,
either based on the voltage, current or period of time, will
increase efficiency.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a device for efficient fuel consumption,
1. The device includes a monitor, 3, and an effector, 7, which are
in communication. These two elements may be integrated together, or
may be connect via an electrical connection, 5. The monitor and the
effector could also be in communication through a wireless
connection, or through a network connection, such as a local area
network or the internet.
[0026] The monitor is the element of the device which determines
when the generator or vehicle engine should be stopped, or
determines the stage of the recharging operation. The monitor may
monitor current flowing to the battery, and may include an ammeter,
preferably an inductive ammeter; the monitor may monitor voltage of
the battery, and may include a voltmeter; the monitor may monitor
power consumed by the recharging operation, and may include both an
ammeter and a voltmeter. Alternatively, the monitor may include a
clock or timer, to measure duration to determine the stage of the
recharging operation. Combinations of these devices may also be
used.
[0027] The effector generates a signal to stop the operation of the
generator or vehicle engine. For example, the effector may produce
a sound, such as special tone or musical passage, or a noise, which
indicates to a person to end the operation of the generator or
vehicle engine; or the effector may send a message, such as a text
message to a mobile telephone, or a message to a pager which
indicates to a person carrying the mobile telephone or pager to end
the operation of the generator or vehicle engine.
[0028] Alternatively, the effector may be in communication with a
device which will end the operation of the generator or vehicle
engine. For example, some generators and vehicles come equipped
with a remote start-stop device, through which the effector may
directly stop the generator or vehicle engine. Alternatively, the
effector could activate a switch which stops a fuel pump or
interrupts or grounds the electrical connection of a spark plug to
a power source, or the effector could stop operation of a generator
or vehicle engine by interrupting the supply of air or oxygen to
the engine. Combinations may also be used.
[0029] The oxidation products of the internal combustion process
from a generator or vehicle engine, including carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, and some trace organics, are of concern.
Accumulation of carbon monoxide, even in small amounts, is
poisonous to humans and animals. Optionally, a carbon monoxide
sensor may also be included in the device, 1, for detecting the
level of carbon monoxide. The detector may set off an alarm when
the level of carbon monoxide approaches, or reaches, a dangerous
concentration. In addition to an alarm, or instead of an alarm, the
carbon monoxide detector may cause the effector to notify a person,
or cause the effector to directly turn off the generator or vehicle
engine, when the level of carbon monoxide approaches, or reaches, a
dangerous concentration.
[0030] Optionally, the device may also include the electrical
connection, such as extension cord or cable, which connects the
generator or vehicle engine with the load including rechargeable
batteries, and/or an electrical connection to the on/off switch of
the generator or vehicle engine. Each of the monitor, the effector,
and/or the electrical connection of the device may include
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), electronic
circuits, logic circuits, processors, computers, memory, wireless
communication elements, internet connections and/or other suitable
components that may execute one or more software and/or firmware
programs.
[0031] FIGS. 3-9 illustrate devices, systems and configurations for
efficient fuel consumption. FIG. 3 illustrate system or
configuration, 10, for efficient fuel consumption. Included in the
figure is fuel containing generator or vehicle, 12, and load, 20.
The load may be one or more rechargeable batteries, optionally
contained in or connected to one or more electronic devices.
Device, 16, includes a monitor and an effector. Electrical
connections, 14 and 18, electrically connect the generator or
vehicle to the load; the device may also be electrically connected
to the generator or vehicle, and the load, via the electrical
connections, or may be sufficiently proximate to the electrical
connections, for monitoring the current, voltage or power of the
recharging operation. In another configuration, such as when the
monitor is monitoring the duration of the recharging operation, the
device may be spaced away from the electrical connections. Also
illustrated is a communication link, 22, between the device and the
generator or vehicle; the communication link may be an electrical
connection or may be a wireless connection, for stopping the
operation of the generator or vehicle engine. In operation, when
the monitor within the device, 16, determines that the recharging
operation is nearing the end of the first stage, or entering or
beginning the second stage, the effector will cause the generator
or vehicle engine to stop operation, through the communication
link, 22, thereby stopping the further consumption of fuel by the
generator or vehicle, 12. Alternatively, when the monitor within
the device, 16, determines that the recharging operation is nearing
the end of the second stage, or entering or beginning the third
stage, the effector will cause the generator or vehicle engine to
stop operation, through the communication link, 22, thereby
stopping the further consumption of fuel by the generator or
vehicle, 12.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates system or configuration, 30, for
efficient fuel consumption. Included in the figure are generator or
vehicle, 32, and load, 40. The load may be one or more rechargeable
batteries, optionally contained in or connected to one or more
electronic devices. Device, 36, includes a monitor and an effector.
Electrical connections, 34 and 38, electrically connect the
generator or vehicle to the load; the device may also be
electrically connected to the generator or vehicle, and the load,
via the electrical connections, or may be sufficiently proximate to
the electrical connections, for monitoring the current, voltage or
power of the recharging operation. In another configuration, such
as when the monitor is monitoring the duration of the recharging
operation, the device may be spaced away from the electrical
connections. Also illustrated is a person, 42, who is neither
monitoring the recharging operation nor monitoring the device. In
operation, when the monitor within the device, 36, determines that
the recharging operation is nearing the end of the first stage, or
entering or beginning the second stage, the effector will issue a
sound, preferably louder than the generator or vehicle engine, for
example louder than 47 to 59 dB, or send a message, such as a text
message to a mobile telephone, or a message to a pager, to notify
the person to turn off the generator or vehicle engine, thereby
stopping the further consumption of fuel by the generator or
vehicle, 32. Alternatively but less preferably, when the monitor
within the device, 36, determines that the recharging operation is
nearing the end of the second stage, or entering or beginning the
third stage, the effector will issue a sound, preferably louder
than the generator or vehicle engine, for example louder than 47 to
59 dB, or send a message, such as a text message to a mobile
telephone or a message to a pager carried by the person, to notify
the person to turn off the generator or vehicle engine, thereby
stopping the further consumption of fuel by the generator or
vehicle, 32. Preferably, the effector within the device, 36, does
not use a visual signal such as a color change on a light emitting
diode, emanating from the device, to notify the person. Preferably,
the effector within the device, 36, does not use a quiet sound, for
example having a loudness of less than 40 dB, to notify the person.
The sound or signal from the device, 36, is distinct from any sound
or signal issued by the load, 40, which indicates completion of
recharging.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrate system or configuration, 50, for efficient
fuel consumption. Included in the figure is fuel containing
generator or vehicle, 52, a load, 62, and one or more power storage
batteries, 64. Preferably, the load may be one or more lithium ion
or nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries, optionally contained in
or connected to one or more electronic devices. Preferably, the
power storage batteries are lead acid batteries. Device, 56,
includes a monitor and an effector. Electrical connections, 54 and
60, electrically connect the generator or vehicle to the load, and
electrical connections 54 and 58 electrically connect the generator
or vehicle to the power storage batteries; the device may also be
electrically connected to the generator or vehicle, the load, and
the power storage batteries, via the electrical connections, or may
be sufficiently proximate to the electrical connections, for
monitoring the current, voltage or power of the recharging
operations. Electrical connection 60 is optional. In another
configuration, such as when the monitor is monitoring the duration
of the recharging operation, the device may be spaced away from the
electrical connections. Another electrical connection, 66, is
present between the load and the power storage batteries. Also
illustrated is a communication link, 68, between the device and the
generator or vehicle; the communication link may be an electrical
connection or may be a wireless connection, for stopping the
operation of the generator or vehicle engine.
[0034] In the configuration of FIG. 5, in contrast to the
configuration of FIG. 3, two recharging operations are taking
place: recharging of the rechargeable batteries present in the
load, 62, and the rechargeable batteries present in the power
storage batteries, 64. The monitor present in the device, 56, may
monitor both recharging operations, or alternatively may only
monitor the recharging of the power storage batteries, 64. In
operation, when the monitor within the device, 56, determines that
one or both recharging operations is nearing the end of the first
stage, or entering or beginning the second stage, the effector will
cause the generator or vehicle engine to stop operation, through
the communication link, 68, thereby stopping the further
consumption of fuel by the generator or vehicle, 52. Alternatively,
when the monitor within the device, 56, determines that one or both
recharging operations is nearing the end of the second stage, or
entering or beginning the third stage, the effector will cause the
generator or vehicle engine to stop operation, through the
communication link, 68, thereby stopping the further consumption of
fuel by the generator or vehicle, 52.
[0035] The inclusion of the power storage batteries, 64, can
improve the efficiency of the system. For example, the power output
of a generator or vehicle engine will be more closely matched with
the power consumed by recharging the power storage batteries alone
(in the case of lead acid batteries for the power storage batteries
and lithium ion batteries for the load) or the combination of the
power storage batteries and the load, as compared with the power
consumed by recharging the load alone. In this case, the monitor
need only monitor recharging of the power storage batteries. Once
the power storage batteries are recharged, either to the end of
first stage or the end of the second stage, the effector may stop
operation of the generator or vehicle engine; recharging of the
load may be completed using power from the power storage batteries,
64, via electrical connection 66. This configuration takes
advantage not only of the greater match between the power output of
the generator or vehicle engine and the power storage batteries,
but also the great speed with which the power storage batteries may
be recharged. Preferably, the power storage batteries are separate
from, and in addition to any batteries present in the generator or
vehicle, 52.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrate system or configuration, 70, for efficient
fuel consumption. Included in the figure is fuel containing
generator or vehicle, 72, a load, 82, and one or more power storage
batteries, 84. Preferably, the load may be one or more lithium ion
or nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries, optionally contained in
or connected to one or more electronic devices. Preferably, the
power storage batteries are lead acid batteries. Device, 76,
includes a monitor and an effector. Electrical connections, 74 and
80, electrically connect the generator or vehicle to the load, and
electrical connections 74 and 78 electrically connect the generator
or vehicle to the power storage batteries; the device may also be
electrically connected to the generator or vehicle, the load, and
the power storage batteries, via the electrical connections, or may
be sufficiently proximate to the electrical connections, for
monitoring the current, voltage or power of the recharging
operations. Electrical connection 80 is optional. In another
configuration, such as when the monitor is monitoring the duration
of the recharging operation, the device may be spaced away from the
electrical connections. Another electrical connection, 86, is
present between the load and the power storage batteries. Also
illustrated is a person, 88, who is neither monitoring the
recharging operation nor monitoring the device.
[0037] In the configuration of FIG. 6, in contrast to the
configuration of FIG. 4, two recharging operations are taking
place: recharging of the rechargeable batteries present in the
load, 82, and the rechargeable batteries present in the power
storage batteries, 84. The monitor present in the device, 76, may
monitor both recharging operations, or alternatively may only
monitor the recharging of the power storage batteries, 84. In
operation, when the monitor within the device, 76, determines that
one or both recharging operations are nearing the end of the first
stage, or entering or beginning the second stage, the effector will
issue a sound, preferably louder than the generator or vehicle
engine, for example louder than 47 to 59 dB, or send a message,
such as a text message to a mobile telephone or a message to a
pager carried by the person, to notify the person to turn off the
generator or vehicle engine, thereby stopping the further
consumption of fuel by the generator or vehicle, 72. Alternatively
but less preferably, when the monitor within the device, 76,
determines that one or both recharging operations are nearing the
end of the second stage, or entering or beginning the third stage,
the effector will issue a sound, preferably louder than the
generator or vehicle engine, for example louder than 47 to 59 dB,
or send a message, such as a text message to a mobile telephone, or
a message to a pager, to notify the person to turn off the
generator or vehicle engine, thereby stopping the further
consumption of fuel by the generator or vehicle, 72. Preferably,
the effector within the device, 76, does not use a visual signal
such as a color change on a light emitting diode, emanating from
the device, to notify the person. Preferably, the effector within
the device, 76, does not use a quite sound, for example having a
loudness of less than 40 dB, to notify the person. The sound or
signal from the device, 76, is distinct from any sound or signal
issued by the load, 82, which indicates completion of
recharging.
[0038] The greater efficiency noted for the configuration of FIG. 5
is also present in the configuration of FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrate system or configuration, 100, for
efficient fuel consumption. Included in the figure is a fuel
containing generator, 102, having a standard AC electrical outlet,
122, and on-off switch, 124. Also illustrated is a mobile
telephone, 104, containing rechargeable batteries, which acts as a
load. Connected to the mobile telephone is an AC adapter cord, 106,
which has an AC plug, 110, which converts AC current to DC current
needed to recharge and operate the mobile telephone. A device for
efficient fuel consumption, 108, is also illustrated, which
includes a housing, 116, in which the monitor and effector are
housed. The device also includes an electrical cable, 114, having
an AC outlet, 112, which receives the AC plug, and is connected to
the housing, which is electrically connected to an electrical cable
have an AC plug, 118, which plugs into the AC outlet of the
generator. An electrical connection, 120, is also part of the
device, which electrically connects the effector to the on-off
switch of the generator. In this aspect of the device, the monitor
is an ammeter which monitors the current passing through the
housing, 116, from electrical cable, 118, to electrical cable, 114.
When the monitor determines that the recharging operation of
rechargeable batteries within the mobile telephone (which acts as
the load in this configuration), have completed the first stage or
second stage of recharging, then the effector sends a signal though
electrical connection, 120, which causes the generator on-off
switch to stop the generator. In a further different configuration,
the monitor is a timer set to a time corresponding to the amount of
time for completing the first stage or second stage of recharging,
then the effector sends a signal though electrical connection, 120,
which causes the generator on-off switch to stop the generator.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates externally visible parts of the device,
108, in greater detail. In addition to those elements shown in FIG.
7 (including the electrical cables, 114 and 118, the electrical
connection, 120, and the housing, 116), FIG. 8 also shows a
display, 126, for providing information to the user, such as in
which stage of recharging the device will cause the recharging
operation to end, and/or the type of batteries being recharges.
Also shown are buttons, 130 and 132, for selecting which type of
batteries are to be recharged, and/or in which stage of recharging
the device will cause the recharging operation to end. Lastly,
button, 128, may be used to turn the device on and off.
[0041] Optionally, button, 128, may be used to mark the end-point
of recharging or the end-point for a device completing a task. For
example, a battery charging device, without the batteries or with
fully charged batteries, may be connected to the device, 108, while
the generator, 102, is running; the button, 128, is then depressed
to set the current or voltage which corresponds to the end-point of
the recharging operation. In another example, a device which has
completed a task, may be connected to the device, 108, while the
generator, 102, is running; the button, 128, is then depressed to
set the current or voltage which corresponds to completion of the
task.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrate another system or configuration, 200, for
efficient fuel consumption. Included in the figure are a vehicle,
202, having a diesel engine, and an electrical cable, 214, which is
plugged into the cigarette lighter (not shown) of the vehicle. The
electrical cable has an AC outlet, 212, into which is plugged an AC
plug, 210, which is connected to an AC adapter cord, 206, which is
in turn connected to a mobile telephone (which acts as the load),
204, containing rechargeable batteries. Also illustrated is a
device for efficient fuel consumption, 208, which has a housing,
216, and vehicle remote start-stop, 217, for the vehicle, 202. In
the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9, the device, 208, does not
include the electrical cable which electrically connects the
vehicle to the mobile telephone. However, the device does include a
monitor which includes an inductive ammeter; during operation the
inductive ammeter is placed around and in proximity to the
electrical cable, 214, so that it can monitor the current flowing
through the cable. The device also include an effector, which
includes the vehicle remote start-stop, 217: when the monitor
determines that the recharging operation has completed the first
stage, or has completed the second stage, it causes the effect to
stop the diesel engine of the vehicle. In a further different
configuration, the vehicle remote start-stop is replaced with a
speaker for generating a loud sound; when the monitor determines
that the recharging operation has completed the first or second
stage, the speaking generates a loud sound sufficient to notify a
person to turn off the engine of the vehicle.
[0043] The devices and systems described herein may be, or include,
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), electronic
circuits, logic circuits, processors, computers, memory, wireless
communication elements, internet connections and/or other suitable
components that may execute one or more software and/or firmware
programs, that provide the described functionality.
* * * * *