Importance

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Abstract

A system and method are provided for managing electrical power usage. During a predetermined time period, such as during blackout conditions, a digital signal processor (DSP) controls an IGBT/FET-based device to supply an allocated amount of power. When the consumed amount of power exceeds the allocated amount, the DSP shuts off the power. Alternatively, the system provides a signal to reduce the consumed power. If sufficient load has not been reduced after a predetermined amount of time, the power is shut off. Further alternatively or in addition, the DSP may shut off power to predetermined electrical outlets, while providing power to other electrical outlets, to reduce the power usage to the predetermined amount. During other time periods, the DSP controls the IGBT/FET device to provide a predetermined voltage that is less than the AC incoming line voltage. When the voltage drops below the predetermined voltage, such as during brownout conditions, a microprocessor controls an electronic switch on the primary windings side of a transformer system to provide a boosted output voltage.

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First Claim