Duplex inverter generator
A multiple inverter generator and operating method thereof. A first inverter generator delivers AC) power through a first power line to a power output and a second inverter generator delivers AC power through a second power line. A low current coupler selectively couples the first power line and the second power line with limited electrical current. A parallel power switch selectively couples the first power line and the second power line. A controller activates, while the parallel power switch electrically isolates the first power line from the second power line, the low current coupler for a synchronization time period to form a limited current electrical connection. The controller also configures, within a time out period after activation of the low current couple for the synchronization time period, the parallel power switch to electrically connect the first power line and the second power line.
1 . A multiple inverter generator, comprising:
a first inverter generator delivering alternating current (AC) power through a first power line to a power output;
a second inverter generator delivering AC power through a second power line;
a low current coupler alternately isolating and coupling the first power line and the second power line, the low current coupler, when coupling, operating to form an electrical connection that limits electrical current flowing between the first power line and the second power line;
a parallel power switch, in parallel with the low current coupler, selectively coupling the first power line and the second power line; and
a controller configured to, when operating:
activate, while the parallel power switch is configured to electrically isolate the first power line from the second power line, the low current coupler for a synchronization time period to form the electrical connection that limits electrical current flowing between the first power line and the second power line; and
configure, within a time out period after activation of the low current couple for the synchronization time period, the parallel power switch to electrically connect the first power line and the second power line.
2 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 1 , further comprising an output power load sensing device configured to, when operating, measure a present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output, and wherein the controller is further configured to:
receive, from the output power load sensing device, a first measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output;
activate, based on the first measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output exceeding a first threshold, the low current coupler for the synchronization time period;
receive, from the output power load sensing device subsequent to receiving the first measurement, a second measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output; and
configure, based on the second measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output being received within a second time period and the second measurement exceeding a second threshold, the parallel power switch for the synchronization time period.
3 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 1 , wherein the first power line and the second power line each comprise a respective split phase power line.
4 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 1 , wherein the low current coupler comprises:
a current limiting resistor; and
a switch in series with the current limiting resistor.
5 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 4 , wherein the switch comprises a timer relay.
6 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 1 , wherein the low current coupler comprises:
a semiconductor switch that operates to electrically couple the first power line and the second power line while limiting current flowing therebetween; and
a semiconductor switch controller that, when the low current coupler is coupling the first power line and the second power line, controls the semiconductor switch to couple the first power line to the second power line with limited current.
7 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 6 , wherein the low current coupler further comprises an electronically controllable switch in series with the semiconductor switch.
8 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 7 , wherein the electronically controllable switch comprises a timer relay.
9 . The multiple inverter generator of claim 1 , wherein the synchronization time period comprises a time period sufficient to allow the second inverter generator to synchronize with the first inverter generator.
10 . A method of operating a multiple inverter generator comprising a first inverter generator delivering alternating current (AC) power through a first power line to a power output and a second inverter generator delivering AC power through a second power line, wherein the method comprises:
activating, while a parallel power switch is configured to electrically isolate the first power line is isolated from the second power line, a low current coupler for a synchronization time period to form an electrical connection that limits electrical current flowing between the first power line and the second power line; and
configuring, within a time out period after activation of the low current couple for the synchronization time period, the parallel power switch to electrically connect the first power line and the second power line.
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
receiving a first measurement of a present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output;
activating, based on the first measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output exceeding a first threshold, the low current coupler for the synchronization time period;
receiving, subsequent to receiving the first measurement, a second measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output; and
configuring, based on the second measurement of the present amount of electrical power delivered to the power output being received within a second time period and the second measurement exceeding a second threshold, the parallel power switch for the synchronization time period.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the first power line and the second power line each comprise a respective split phase power line.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the low current coupler comprises:
a current limiting resistor; and
a switch in series with the current limiting resistor.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the switch comprises a timer relay.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the low current coupler comprises a semiconductor switch that operates to electrically couple the first power line and the second power line while limiting current flowing therebetween, and wherein the method further comprises controlling the semiconductor switch to couple the first power line to the second power line with limited current.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the low current coupler further comprises an electronically controllable switch in series with the semiconductor switch.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the electronically controllable switch comprises a timer relay.
18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the synchronization time period comprises a time period sufficient to allow the second inverter generator to synchronize with the first inverter generator.