Hybrid generator with detachable power unit and panel integration
A generator module includes a battery, a charging circuit, an electric power outlet, and an enclosure. The charging circuit is coupled to an output of a generator and configured to charge the battery. The electric power outlet is configured to provide an output from the battery, the generator, or a combination of the battery and the generator. The enclosure includes the battery, the charging circuit, and the electric power outlet such that the enclosure detachable from the generator.
1 . A generator module comprising:
a battery;
a charging circuit coupled to an output of a generator and configured to charge the battery;
an electric power outlet configured to provide an output from the battery, the generator, or a combination of the battery and the generator; and
an enclosure including the battery, the charging circuit, and the electric power outlet, the enclosure detachable from and re-attachable to the generator via a user-actuated mechanical coupling device.
2 . The generator module of claim 1 , wherein:
the mechanical coupling device is configured to (i) detach and re-attach the generator module to the generator in a first configuration, and (ii) detach and re-attach the generator module to an external circuit in a second configuration.
3 . The generator module of claim 2 , wherein the mechanical coupling device includes a first latch configured to secure the enclosure to the generator and a second latch configured to secure the enclosure to a mount.
4 . The generator module of claim 3 , wherein the mount is a wall mount.
5 . The generator module of claim 2 , wherein the mechanical coupling device includes a first electrical contact configured to electrically connect the generator to the battery and a second electrical contact configured to electrically connect the battery to the external circuit.
6 . The generator module of claim 1 , further comprising:
an inverter configured to convert electrical power stored in the battery to an alternating current signal for the electric power outlet.
7 . The generator module of claim 6 , further comprising:
a controller configured to select a mode for the generator module.
8 . The generator module of claim 7 , wherein the mode includes a quiet mode in which operation of the generator is minimized.
9 . The generator module of claim 7 , wherein the mode includes a maximum power mode in which the battery and the generator provide power to the electric power outlet.
10 . The generator module of claim 7 , wherein the mode includes a no-generator mode in which operation of the generator is prevented.
11 . The generator module of claim 7 , wherein the mode includes a hybrid mode in which the generated is operated during a predetermined load condition.
12 . The generator module of claim 7 , further comprising:
a sensing circuit configured to detect a load on the generator.
13 . The generator module of claim 7 , further comprising:
a battery level indicator in communication with the controller.
14 . A method comprising:
detaching an inverter module from a portable generator, the inverter module comprising a battery, a charging circuit, and an electrical power outlet, the inverter module detachable from and re-attachable to the portable generator via a user-actuated mechanical coupling device;
attaching the inverter module to an external circuit; and
providing power to the external circuit from the battery.
15 . The generator module of claim 7 , wherein the mechanical coupling device comprises at least one of a latch, a bolt, a pin, a buckle, a latch, a lever, or a button.
16 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising determining a predetermined mode of operation in response to the attachment of the inverter module to the external circuit.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the mechanical coupling device is configured to (i) detach and re-attach the inverter module to the portable generator in a first configuration, and (ii) detach and re-attach the inverter module to the external circuit in a second configuration.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the mechanical coupling device includes a first latch configured to secure the inverter module to the portable generator and a second latch configured to secure the inverter module to a mount.
19 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the mechanical coupling device comprises at least one of a latch, a bolt, a pin, a buckle, a latch, a lever, or a button.