Power monitoring system

Abstract

An electrical power system includes a standby electrical generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for electrically powering one more loads, at least one thermostat coupled to an air handling system, and a communication device for network communication to at least one remote user interface. The standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat are configured to provide information relating to the operational characteristics of the standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat to the at least one remote user interface via the communication device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power system comprising:
 an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical current for powering one or more loads of an electrical system during utility power interruption;   a wireless communication system that includes a wireless device and facilitates the wireless transmission of data between the electrical generator and the wireless device;   a first sensor sensing an operational characteristic of the electrical generator and a wireless module operatively connected to the first sensor, wherein the wireless module is configured to transmit data relating to the electrical generator to the wireless device;   a second sensor sensing an operational characteristic of the one or more loads of the electrical system and the wireless module operatively connected to the second sensor, wherein the wireless module is configured to transmit data relating to the one or more loads of the electrical system to the wireless device; and   wherein the wireless device receives data transmitted from the wireless module and is configured to convey information relating to the operational characteristics of the electrical generator and the one or more loads of the electrical system to a user by displaying the information relating to the operational characteristics of the electrical generator and the one or more loads of the electrical system at the wireless device.   
     
     
         2 . The power system of  claim 1  wherein a graphical user interface of the wireless device is configured to display information regarding the operational characteristics of at least one of the electrical generator and the one or more loads of the electrical system. 
     
     
         3 . An electrical power system comprising:
 a standby electrical generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for electrically powering one more loads;   at least one thermostat coupled to an air handling system; and   a communication device for network communication to at least one remote user interface, wherein the standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat are configured to provide information relating to the operational characteristics of the standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat to the at least one remote user interface via the communication device.   
     
     
         4 . The electrical power system of  claim 3  further comprising at least one appliance sensor, wherein the at least one appliance sensor is configured to provide information regarding an appliance to the remote user interface via the communication device. 
     
     
         5 . The electrical power system of  claim 4  wherein the at least one appliance sensor comprises at least one of a smoke alarm, a flood sensor, a freeze sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The electrical power system of  claim 3  wherein information regarding the operational characteristics of the standby electrical generator is communicated wirelessly via a communication center.