A system and method for managing power consumption of HVAC system includes a transfer switch, a detector interface and an HVAC controller of the HVAC system. The transfer switch is configured to switch a power line supplied to a load between a utility power source and a backup power source. The detector interface is in communication with the transfer switch or a controller of the backup power source and the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller is configured to receive data regarding the switching of power line supplied to the load between the utility power source and the backup power source and control an operation of components of the HVAC system based on the capacity of power source, thereby manages or lowers the power consumption of HVAC system. The detector interface is configured to provide switching information and capacity of the backup power source to the HVAC controller.

A reserve power supply system for providing a supplemental source of electrical power to a main power source. The system includes a backup battery and a switch that can be controlled to couple the backup battery to the main power source when reserve power is needed. The system also includes a sensor to detect when the backup battery should be engaged and a system control unit.

Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a microgrid capable of connecting to a main electrical grid supplying electrical power at a frequency (or other characteristic, such as voltage). A sensor may provide a signal to a control system, wherein the signal corresponds to the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid. The control system may compare the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid to a first threshold, and automatically provide power from the microgrid to the main electrical grid if the frequency (or other characteristic) of the electrical power from the main electrical grid crosses the first threshold.

An auxiliary electric power device, which is coupled to a prime mover, provides electric power to convenience outlets, appliances, and heating cooling units. Based on a mode of a transmission coupled to the prime mover, one of a plurality of control schemes is selected to control the power provided by the auxiliary electric power device.

An auxiliary electric power device, which is coupled to a prime mover, provides electric power to convenience outlets, appliances, and heating cooling units. Based on a mode of a transmission coupled to the prime mover, one of a plurality of control schemes is selected to control the power provided by the auxiliary electric power device.

A device for supplying electrical power including one or more photovoltaic panels includes one or more photovoltaic panels configured to generate electricity. The example device also includes an electric motor electrically operated by electricity generated by the one or more photovoltaic panels, and a generator mechanically coupled to the electric motor. A positive bus bar and negative bus bar are electrically coupled to the generator. At least one secondary battery is electrically coupled to the positive bus bar and negative bus bar. At least one electrical outlet is electrically coupled to the positive bus bar and negative bus bar.

A device for supplying electrical power including one or more photovoltaic panels includes one or more photovoltaic panels configured to generate electricity. The example device also includes an electric motor electrically operated by electricity generated by the one or more photovoltaic panels, and a generator mechanically coupled to the electric motor. A positive bus bar and negative bus bar are electrically coupled to the generator. At least one secondary battery is electrically coupled to the positive bus bar and negative bus bar. At least one electrical outlet is electrically coupled to the positive bus bar and negative bus bar.

A power generation plant includes a plant device, an AC motor for starting the plant device, at least one DC power source, and a first inverter disposed between the at least one DC power source and the AC motor and between the at least one DC power source and an electrical power grid. The first inverter is configured to convert DC power from the at least one DC power source to AC power and is capable of selectively supplying the AC power to the AC motor or the electrical power grid.

A power management system for home, apartment, facility and building circuits includes a grid inter-active system comprising a cord, an electrical connection to an outlet, and a connection to an external power producing appliance. In addition, the system includes a communication or automatic interface associated with a system that detects power outages or other grid or time related event.

A power management system for home, apartment, facility and building circuits includes a grid inter-active system comprising a cord, an electrical connection to an outlet, and a connection to an external power producing appliance. In addition, the system includes a communication or automatic interface associated with a system that detects power outages or other grid or time related event.