JPH03502037A - Regulating AC power controller and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Adjustment AC power controller and its method The present invention relates to a controller that electronically adjusts alternating current power. too More specifically, the invention provides a system in which different levels of power are manually selectable and interchangeable. Control of trigger-on time controllers for electronic AC switches that interconnect current sources and loads. The invention relates to a controller that is regulated by a controller.

A large number of AC voltage regulation circuits are known, and AC power to lamps and other loads is standard When connecting an AC input power source such as 120V AC, 60Hz AC line power, and a load to each other. regulated by the control of a subsequent electronic alternating current switch. However, unfortunately , in what these circuits consist of.

A feedback system connected to the load is used to sense the load power and the voltage across the load. Adjustments will only be made. This information is used to trigger the electronic switch into continuity. During each half cycle of AC power, the time for the zero crossing and phase angle is advance or delay. If the average voltage across the load increases or decreases, If the trigger phase angle is advanced or retarded, respectively, and the AC input power The portion of each cow cycle applied to the load via the switch is respectively reduced. or increased. An example of such a circuit is the Oltendorf (01tendor) f) U.S. Patent No. 3,538,427, Foose, etc. U.S. Patent No. 4,300,075 and U.S. patents such as Ho5tka No. 4,359,670. This general-purpose feedback regulator - General Electric Company Semiconductor, Syracuse, York G.E. Application No. announced in July 1970 by the body manufacturing division. Note (G, E, ^pplication Note) 200, 35 “AC power The 0 circuit shown and explained on page 8 of ``Triac for Force Control'' is intended. Works as intended, but is relatively slow to respond,5 results are inaccurate, and costs are high have complexity and cost issues associated with load sensing feedback circuits .

However, at least some of these issues were Bandou disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-106617 The solution is an AC power regulator. In this circuit, the cost, weight of the AC power regulator , described above using a microprocessor to reduce complexity and size. This eliminates the feedback circuit required for the regulator. However, this can only be done by At least a portion (but not necessarily all) of each half-cycle of input power is All it takes is an expensive analog-to-digital converter to convert to digital. this is used is used to measure the incremental change reflected in the AC input voltage, which is This is when the switch is triggered to control the trigger angle of the regulating power switch. similar The device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,670 by Osaka et al. In the Analog-to-digital is used to convert the analog feedback signal to a digital signal before A converter is required.

Although the use of microprocessors has clear advantages over other control devices, , analog-to-digital converters are relatively expensive and reduce the cost of controller electronics by 2 It will increase more than twice as much. U.S. Patent No. 3,691,452 to Agea digital signals without the need for an analog-to-digital conversion step. A circuit is shown that directly controls the loading power. However, unfortunately, the microphone The benefits of low processor are lost during control and there is no adjustment of power.

1 skin power Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device that is directly connected to a load and detects load power and voltage. Does not have a negative feedback circuit and does not require an expensive analog-to-digital converter. The present invention provides a regulated AC power controller that conveniently uses a microprocessor. Is Rukoto.

Part of this goal is to improve the AC power conditioner so that it has a power input for connection to an AC power source. An electronic switch that interconnects power terminals and power output terminals that can be connected to an alternating current source and a load. by providing a switch and means for triggering the electronic switch into conduction. achieved. The improved version responds to the AC mains voltage at the power input terminal and Periodically generates a digital load power pulse with a duration that varies proportionally to the power means for controlling said triggering means in response to the duration of the load power signal; This allows the load power to remain at the selected level despite nominal fluctuations in the AC supply voltage. and the means for maintaining the system in effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the control means is a microprocessor.

Part of the purpose is to provide an AC negative source supplied from an AC input power source to at least one load. The normal value of the AC input power supply voltage is adjusted to adjust the selected level of loading power. said AC input exceeding a preselected threshold level equal to effectively half of the peak value; means for generating a load power signal in response to a supply voltage value; and means for adjusting the selected level of load power in response to the adjustment. This is accomplished by providing an AC power controller.

The purpose is also to control the application of power to multiple loads for an AC input source. selecting a preselected level of power savings for the load; power source voltage is measured by at least partially exceeding a preselected threshold. generating a load power adjustment signal in response to the duration of the signal; Adjusting a portion of each half cycle of AC power applied to the load according to the force adjustment signal Therefore, even though the AC input power supply voltage value fluctuates, it is possible to select a power saving method. This is achieved by providing a power application control method comprising: will be accomplished.

of The purpose, structure, and effects mentioned above will now be explained in detail, and other structures will also be attached. It will become clear from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the regulating AC power controller according to the present invention. FIG.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the regulating AC power controller. be.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the controller circuit 28 shown in FIG. This is a diagram.

FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment shown in a functional block diagram in FIG. .

Figure 4B shows the voltage divider/low-pass filter and input buffer shown in the functional block diagram in Figure 3. Desirability of F, full wave rectifier, zero crossing detector, 45° threshold detector and OR gate. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment.

Figures 5A, B, C, and D represent various points in the circuits shown in Figures 3 and 4B. The generated waveforms Wl, Wl' and T:W2. Waveforms showing W3 and W4 respectively It is a diagram.

FIGS. 6A, B, and C are waveform diagrams showing waveforms of a 45° threshold value detector.

FIG. 7A shows that the load power pulse duration or M of waveform W3 or W4 is The map of FIG. 3 is converted into the trigger control signal T of FIG. 5A by the up table. A preferred embodiment of a computer program used in a microprocessor It is a flowchart or algorithm.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the measurement subroutine SRM of FIG. 7A. It is a chart, or an algorithm.

Figures 7C to 7G show important support calls from the main line program. It shows the subroutines and substitutes for the data necessary for proper and stable control. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a combination of number computation and non-linear lookup.

1" First, referring to Figure 1, 2i is a controller that electronically adjusts AC power. A preferred embodiment 10 is shown in which the controller is shown in FIGS. It has a housing 12 that covers and protects a controller circuit, which will be described later. Con The troller may have N channels for controlling the application of power to N loads. is preferable, and N is any positive integer greater than 1. From the example in Figure 1 As can be seen, N is an integer 6, so to 6 different loads like load N There are six virtually identical channels for individually controlling the application of power.

Each channel such as "C11,6" has an output terminal 14 (mounted in the housing 12). (includes standard type AC plug/socket that can be restored after being installed), bypass switch 1 6 are combined.

When power is applied to the load at a level lower than full power, The display element 18 lights up to display the power being applied. The bypass switch is closed AC power input to the load connected to the output terminal associated with a particular channel in the shunt. Apply full power directly from the power terminal. If the bypass switch is not closed, certain channels Power is limited according to the "conservation" selected for the channel. Shuttle switch closed When switched on, the light on its back will turn on to indicate the bypass status, each channel has 4 positions. “DIP” switch (associated with 16 different levels of power savings of about 10% to 40%) (with 16 composite states) are also associated.

Whenever power saving is set, this shown on a series of display elements. Power savings for each channel is determined by the measures associated with each channel. A remote control connected via a dynamic power saving selection switch 17 or via a cable 36 from the master computer or controller to connector 36A. The selection is made according to the telemetry information received. All power output terminals 14 power from the conventional AC power input circuit of the building where the controller is installed. receive it. Note that power is supplied to the controller through a single power input terminal.

Specifically, the power input terminal is connected to an electrical cord 20 and a conventional AC 1 lug 22. to a building power input circuit or other suitable standard type AC power input source 21. It is connected.

The other switches associated with each channel are an ohm-up time delay selection switch. 24, and this selection switch is also in the 4th position, which is virtually the same as the power saving selection switch 17. It is preferable to use the “dip” switch, but use this selection switch for 2 to 32 minutes ( Select ohm-up time delays of 2 minutes each) during which full power is applied to the load. be done. This is done before warming up a seed load such as a fluorescent lamp. This is because full power is required during the period. After one ohm up, the controlled portion of the total power is applied to the load, thus saving power. Controller 10 of this invention automatically provides full power for a preselected period, regardless of the power savings selected After the warm-up time delay has elapsed, the control The controller acts to gradually reduce power to the load to a selected level.

Advantageously, microprocessors and other space and weight saving equipment By using a 6-channel controller, the size of the 6-channel controller of this invention is approximately 6.5 inches. The size has been significantly reduced to 5 inches x 23 inches, and the weight has also been reduced. It's only 22 bonds. Use a recoverable connector in the housing 12 Instead, a means is provided for making a direct hardwired connection to the load. is desirable.

AC power input drops to a voltage lower than a preselected level or temporarily completes. In the event of a total power outage, as long as the low voltage condition continues, the preselected Regardless of power savings, the controller works to apply full power to the load. After the pressure returns to its normal level, the controller automatically enters its power saving mode of operation. Return dynamically. In addition, at any time, such as in the case of a power outage, all manual operation of the master switch or system reset switch 26. It can be restarted in response to an operation.

The controller has a nominal voltage of 120 volts and 277 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz and 60 volts. Two standard nominal voltages and two standards for AC line power such as a nominal frequency of Hz. 1 piece for setting the controller to operate at either sub-nominal frequency The above switch (not shown) is also included. Independent of input power voltage to controller However, at either of these voltages and frequencies, 16 amps of current can be delivered to the load. Wear. The controller itself has either 120 volts or 277 volts from power supply 21. AC power is supplied.

The nominal voltages as described above vary over a nominal operating voltage range of approximately ±10%.

However, the controller reduces the average voltage variation to various loads by up to ±1%. work to eliminate it.

Referring to FIG. 2, controller circuit 28 is housed within housing 12; A remote control signal from remote master controller 32 is connected to controller circuit 28. It has a remote input interface 30 for interconnection.

In the preferred embodiment, a remote master controller 32 and a remote input interface are provided. Chair 30 was connected to remote input interface 30 by connector 36. It is connected via a communication cable 34.

If remote control is provided, the control may be controlled by manual input interface 42. The manual input provided to the controller circuit is via communication from the remote master controller 32. R3-232 (3 wire) at 300 baud is desired for 0 communications and 10 communications being disabled. The preferred package address is individual for up to 256 packages on 6 channels. In the case of 0 communication loss determined by the 8 position "di7" switch which provides the address , each channel is configured for control during local power-up or reset conditions. Then return to manual switch setting.

Alternatively, another programming method is a portable programming method that plugs into connector 36. A dual display unit (not shown) is provided. in such case In addition, the connector 36 is preferably a “D” R5-232C connector. The logging unit includes a keypad, a 24-hour timer, and an identical Programming entry display for entering control parameters Include a calendar/display to serve as a by input at remote master controller 32. portable programming tool When used with knitting, the controller will be able to set the local time after programming. (1 local time) within 1 second per day, and maintain power consumption during power failure conditions. backup battery to supply time and other programs. More than 16 programs per channel where it is desirable to maintain programming information It is desirable that the programming statement be input into the controller circuit and memorized. .

A preferred embodiment of controller circuit 28 is shown in FIG. This skit The roller circuit 28 includes a microprocessor 44 for each of loads 1 to N. Microprocessor 44 has a suitable input connected to manual input interface 42. a suitable input terminal 4 connected to power terminal 46 and remote input interface 30; It has 8.

Each microprocessor 44 responds to signals at input terminals 46 and 48 to Establishing a preselected savings level for a particular load associated with this. Besides, Mike The processors are respectively zero crossing detector 56, OR gate 58, and 45° threshold detection. It has three input terminals 50, 52, 54 each coupled to a device 60. zero crossing The detector 56 receives a signal from the power supply 21 corresponding to the voltage zero point of the waveform W1 shown in FIG. 5A. is a narrow pulse generated at the zero crossing point of the alternating current power voltage. Waves shown in Figure 5B yielding the shape W2. Waveform W2 is applied to input terminals 50 and O of microprocessor 44. It is applied to both one input terminal of R gate 58.

45° threshold detector 60 receives waveform W1 at its input terminal 62 and, in response, A waveform W3 shown in FIG. 5C is generated.

This waveform W3 is applied to the input terminal 54 of the microprocessor 44 and the OR gate 58. Applied to both remaining input terminals. OR gate 58 outputs waveforms W2 and W3. In response, the waveform W4 applied to the input terminal 52 of the microprocessor 44 is The generated 1 generation W1 is the AC power from the power supply 21 that is supplied to the AC power bus 64. 1 voltage divider and low pass filter 68, whose magnitude is directly proportional to the magnitude of the source voltage. one input terminal is connected to the AC voltage bus 64 and the other input terminal is grounded. It is connected to the reference potential point 7°. The full-wave rectifier 66 serves as a voltage divider and low-pass filter 6 The AC signal generated by 8 is full-wave rectified and a waveform W1 is generated at its output terminal. In addition , the non-rectified AC signal generated at the output side of the voltage divider and low-pass filter 68 is input to the input buffer. The signal is sent to the input side of the full-wave rectifier 66 through the filter 72 .

The microprocessor 44 has input terminals 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54. A trigger signal is selectively applied to its output terminal 74 in response to the signal of. Output end The child 74 is connected to a load control switch 76 connected to each of loads 1 to N. It is.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-C, the waveform W of FIG. 3 is a load power signal in the form of a digital pulse having a width or duration of be.

D changes in proportion to the variation in peak amplitude A of waveform W1.

Note that, as described above, the peak amplitude A is the AC voltage supplied to the power input terminal 19. The power supply voltage is directly proportional to the peak value of the power supply voltage. As is clear from Figure 6 A, B, and C, the wave The width of the pulse generated by the 45° threshold detector when the peak value of shape W1 is A1 is Dl, and when the peak value drops to A2, the pulse width becomes D2, which is shorter than Dl. Become. In response to this pulse @D, the microprocessor detects that the trigger signal is Controls the phase angle when applied to the control switch. This allows AC power supply selected load power level for each load, despite the nominal variation (±10%) in pressure. This effectively maintains the rules.

Referring to FIG. 5A, this load power pulse of waveform W1 is instantaneous during each half cycle. From time t1 when the amplitude first exceeds the preselected threshold level B, the 11 o'clock amplitude is generated until time t2, when B becomes smaller than a preselected threshold level B.

Conveniently, the microprocessor has a high frequency on the order of 1 million Hz. Since it has an ultra-high frequency oscillator, it is possible to check whether the duration of the pulse width of waveform W1 is accurate. Because of this measurement accuracy, it is very good for direct measurements. The control signals are first converted to digital form before being provided to the microprocessor 44. Improved regulatory control is achieved with respect to

The important thing is that if the dark value level B is chosen to be approximately half of the nominal beak S@A. , the pulse width is approximately ±10%, and the load is applied to the substantial fluctuation range of the AC power supply voltage amplitude. It follows closely or is directly proportional to the electric power. Therefore, using this pulse duration When using a load control switch, the on-time that triggers the load control switch is without the need for additional voltage feedback circuits and expensive analog-to-digital converters. This results in improved load power regulation.

Specifically, the derivative of the duration with respect to the peak amplitude A is 2B/ωAF "Equal to fi seconds/volt.

Therefore, if the value of B is approximately equal to half of A, the duration is approximately directly proportional to the load power. do.

Alternatively, time t2 and waveform W2 (which is input by OR gate 58 as part of waveform W4) The duration M of the zero-state pulse that occurs between the next zero-crossing pulse (generated) is: It can be used by the microprocessor as a measurement of amplitude. however, In this case, the pulse duration M, instead of being directly proportional to the amplitude, is approximately inversely proportional to the amplitude. do. In detail, the duration M is approximately defined by the formula = (K-D)/2 . , K = 8.33 ms and D is the duration of the positive pulse of waveform W4. equals time.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the design of the load control switch 76 using bidirectional cyrisks is shown. A preferred embodiment is shown.

Thyristor 78 is connected between positive AC power line bus 64 and neutral power line bus 65. The loads are interconnected in series through the mutual conduction terminals of the thyristors. Thyristor 7 8 also has a gate or trigger input terminal 80, which trigger input terminal 80 is a trigger input terminal. 82 and an AC coupling capacitor 84. interconnected with the vector output terminal. The collector of transistor 86 connects load resistor 88 to via to a suitable DC supply voltage source V+.

When the microprocessor generates a positive pulse at its output terminal 74, the positive pulse is applied to the base of transistor 86, causing transistor 86 to switch into a conductive state. Start to get excited. This discharges capacitor 84 and generates a trigger pulse. , thereby switching the thyristor 78 into a conductive state. After the trigger signal is removed Even if the thyristor conducts until the current through its mutually conducting terminals is in fact zero, stay in state.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the voltage divider and low pass filter 6 shown in block diagram form in FIG. 8, input buffer 72, full wave rectifier 66, zero crossing detector 56.45° threshold detector A preferred embodiment of 60 and OR gate 58 is shown in detail.

connected in series between an active AC voltage bus 64 and a ground reference potential point 70; A pair of resistors 90 and 92 divide the voltage in a voltage divider and low pass filter 68. be exposed. The voltage developed at the connection point is directly proportional to the AC mains voltage, but The signal level is reduced to a level suitable for The voltage developed at connection point 94 is the low pass filter. filtered by a capacitor 96. This capacitor 96 is connected to the connection voltage 94. It is connected between the ground reference potential point 70. This simple filter eliminates high frequency noise and and harmonic distortion. Otherwise, these high frequency noises and harmonic distortions are interfere with desired measurements. Moreover, this network produces accurate and stable attenuation and The waveform Wl', E/p, generated at the power supply voltage and the output terminal of the full-wave rectifier 66 to create a 45° phase between the voltages applied to the remaining sensing portions of the cardiac output monitor.

The power saving region of gas discharge lighting equipment is at a phase of 60° to 90° from the zero crossing of waveform W1. It is within the delay range, which is 159 to 45 degrees from the zero crossing of the zero crossing period of waveform W. It has been established by experts that

The output voltage developed at node 94 is applied to the non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier 98. Ru. Operational amplifier 98 is a voltage follower, amplifying the input and providing a low output to the rest of the circuit. Works to provide impedance.

The output terminal of the operational amplifier 98 is connected to a phase inverter 1 interconnected with a half-wave rectifier 102. Connected to 00. This phase inverter 100 has an input via a coupling resistor 104. It is an operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal connected to the output terminal of buffer 72.

Negative feedback is provided by a feedback resistor 106 interconnected between its output terminal and inverting input terminal. is carried out, and the non-inverting input terminal is connected to ground reference potential point 70. this In this configuration, amplifier 103 acts as a precise 180'' phase inverter and input buffer An amplitude that is kept accurately within 1% of the magnitude of the voltage applied to the input terminal from the is generated at the output terminal 108. This exact gain of -1 is the result of resistors 106 and 104. Established by accuracy.

The non-inverting input to amplifier 103, provided by input buffer 72, is til12 directly to the input side of the first diode 110 of the half-wave rectifier 102. tied together. On the other hand, the inverting output terminal of amplifier 103 is connected to another diode 114. It is continued. The cathodes of diodes 110 and 114 are interconnected together. Therefore, a full-wave rectified waveform W1 is generated at the cathode connection point.

Bias resistor 116 is connected between this cathode connection point and ground reference potential point 70. ing.

The full-wave rectified waveform W1 is passed through lead wire 118 to zero crossing detectors 56 and 45. ° is applied to the input terminal of the threshold detector 60. Zero crossing detector 56 is operational amplifier 12 0, the inverting input terminal of which is connected to lead wire 118, and the non-inverting input terminal of The terminal is connected to a ground reference potential point 70. With this configuration, amplifier 120 It acts as a width comparator or Schmitt trigger to detect the negative tip of waveform W3. Ru. decreases to a level where the positive value is effectively equal to zero, a positive zero-crossing pulse occurs at the fifth generated as shown in the waveform of Figure B. This pulse has a voltage value of zero voltage level. It continues to occur until it slightly exceeds .

The 45° threshold detector 60 also includes an operational amplifier 122 whose non-inverting input terminal is connected to a lead. line 118 and its inverting input terminal is connected to the ground reference voltage through a variable resistor 124. It is connected to point 70. The value of the variable resistor 124 is the nominal peak Wl of the waveform W1. It is chosen to achieve a threshold level approximately equal to half of alI. power control controller is adjusted for use with different sized power supplies as described above. . It is called a 45° threshold detector because of the 45° phase of the sine wave. This is because an amplitude level of 50% is achieved at the corners. Output terminal of operational amplifier 122 The variation in the duration of the pulses produced is proportional to the tangent of the threshold angle.

The OR gate comprises a pair of diodes 126 and 128 whose anodes are are respectively coupled to the output terminals of operational amplifiers 120 and 122, and the cathodes are connected to the output terminals. (biased to ground reference potential 70 through resistor 130) ・Whenever waveform W2 or W3 is positive, the output signal W4 of the OR gate is positive.

The variation in pulse duration or M is used by the microprocessor 44 to Controls the time the load control switch is triggered to adjust load power. child This is done by a lookup table stored in the microprocessor's memory. This is done by calculation.

Having provided a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth in the claims. It is understood that many changes may be made to this invention without departing from the scope of the invention. I want to be

; Volume °S (No change to content) ≧ FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG, 7C FIG, 7D FIG, 7E FIG, 7G Translation of written amendment submitted (Article 184-7, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act) May 7, 1990

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A power input terminal for connecting to an AC input power source, and a power input terminal for connecting to an AC input power source and a negative an electronically triggerable switch interconnecting power output terminals connectable to a load; and means for triggering the switch into conduction. There, The duration varies proportionally to the load power in response to the alternating current supply voltage at the power input terminal. means for periodically generating digital load power pulses having a period of time; in response to the duration of the alternating current load power pulse and controlling said triggering means to Virtually maintains selected level of load power despite nominal variations in supply voltage and the means to An AC power regulator characterized by being provided with. 2. said in combination with means for varying the selected level of load power; The control means is responsive to both a load power signal and a selected level of said load power. and establishing a time for triggering the switch into a conductive state. AC power regulator as described. 3. Other power output terminals that can be connected to other loads, and with other electrical switches interconnecting the power input terminals; other means for triggering said switch into a conducting state; equipped with a combination of The control means controls both switch switches in response to the digital load power signal. The AC power regulator according to claim 1, which controls the trigger means. 4. independently varying selected levels of load power for the load and the other load; in combination with means for controlling the digital load power pulse; and said switch into conduction in response to both a selected level of said load power. 4. The AC power regulator of claim 3, wherein the AC power regulator establishes a time for triggering the condition. 5. The digital load power pulse generating means has an AC power supply voltage value selected in advance. A pulse that varies in direct proportion to the load power during any period above the threshold voltage. the control means includes means for generating the digital pulses at the load power. The alternating current power regulator according to claim 1, further comprising a processor for converting directly into a binary value. Adjustment device. 6. The digital load power pulse generating means is configured such that the AC input power supply voltage value is a positive half cycle. between the 45° phase angle and 135° phase angle of the cycle and the 225° position of the negative half cycle. Approximately half of the nominal maximum value of the AC input supply voltage that occurs between the phase angle and the 315° phase angle. Claim 5 comprising means for generating a pulse during a period in which the threshold value of AC power regulator. 7. The control means is configured to digitally measure the duration of the digital load power pulse. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a microprocessor. 8. Said load power pulse generation means vary substantially in direct proportion to variations in load power. 2. The device of claim 1, comprising means for generating pulses. 9. The load power pulse generating means includes: generating zero-crossing pulses in response to the alternating current input power voltage passing through a virtually zero value; means for controlling said AC input voltage value during each half cycle of said AC input voltage; means for generating symmetrical pulses that vary substantially; Responds to both zero-crossing pulses and symmetrical pulses and is inversely proportional to AC load power means for generating pulses having substantially varying durations; 9. The apparatus of claim 8. 10. The zero-crossing pulse generator has an AC input voltage value of a preselected virtually zero value. comprising a comparator for generating a pulse in response to falling below a threshold level; The device according to claim 1. 11. Selecting AC load power to be supplied from the AC input power supply to at least one load The fact that the AC input supply voltage value is at its nominal peak value in order to adjust the level load power signal in response to passing a preselected threshold level equal to the upper half. means for generating a selected load power signal in response to said load power signal; a means for adjusting the level; AC power controller with 12. The load power signal generating means is configured to generate a nominal beater value of the AC input power supply voltage. A claim with a comparator with a switching threshold set to a value equal to the actual half The regulating power controller according to scope 11. 13. The load power signal is such that the input power voltage exceeds the preselected level. , a digital pulse with a pulse duration directly proportional to the time during each half cycle and the control means includes means for measuring the duration of the pulse and a for controlling the application of power to the load in response to the measured duration of the pulse. including a microprocessor provided with means; The regulating power controller according to claim 11. 14. The load power signal generating means includes: means for detecting when the AC input power voltage exceeds a substantially equal value; Detects when an AC input power voltage value exceeds a preselected threshold level. and means for controlling the control means. means for measuring a period between said sensed points in time and responsive to said period measuring means; means for controlling the application of power to the load; The adjustment device according to claim 11, comprising: 15. The control means includes a means for manually varying the selected load power level. 12. The regulating power controller of claim 11, including a stage. 16. Selected Negative for Percentage of Power Saved for 100% Total Power 16. The regulating power controller according to claim 15, comprising means for displaying the loaded power level. troller. 17. The control means controls a selected level of load power in response to the load power signal. including means for coordinating the application of power to a plurality of different loads, all of which have different The adjusting power controller according to claim 11. 18. The control means includes: for manually selecting the level of power to save for each of the plurality of loads; means and the load according to a manually selected power saving level and the load power adjustment signal. means for effectively controlling the level of power to each of the; including alternating current supply voltage fluctuations by applying its selected power saving level to each load. Claims that nevertheless control the application of power to maintain said power saving level. The controller according to range 17. 19. To control the application of power from an AC input source to multiple loads, selecting a preselected level of power to save for the load; less than the point at which the AC input power passes a preselected virtual non-zero threshold. A system that generates a load power adjustment signal in response to the duration of a signal that is partially measured. Tep and adjusting each half-cycle portion of AC power to the load according to the load power adjustment signal; The selected level of power savings is maintained regardless of fluctuations in the value of the AC input supply voltage. Steps to keep on top; A power application control method including: 20. The step of generating the load power adjustment signal is based on the nominal peak value of the AC supply voltage. Each half period of the AC mains voltage between points in time exceeding a preselected threshold approximately equal to half the period 20. The method of claim 19, including the step of generating symmetrical pulses in the pulse.