WO2009139741A1

WO2009139741A1 - Fault detection for a solar powered security system

Info

Publication number: WO2009139741A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/006054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert B. Houston
Original assignee: Solarbeam Security, Llc
Priority date: 2008-05-13
Filing date: 2008-05-13
Publication date: 2009-11-19

Abstract

A security system and method of detecting intruders that includes a plurality of spaced apart towers configured to detect intrusion. The towers include detection equipment and a respective tower electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel. A fault detection circuit is used to detect faults with various electrical components deployed in the tower. If a fault is detected, the fault detection circuit is configured to generate a selective response to the fault that identifies the component experiencing a fault.

Description

FAULT DETECTION FOR A SOLAR POWERED SECURITY SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

In accordance with applicable treaties, the present application claims foreign priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/930,072 filed on 14 May 2007, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to security systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and system of detecting faults in a solar powered security system.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present application discloses a fault detection system for a solar powered security system. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods of detecting faults in solar powered security systems. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Fig. 1 depicts a security system employing solar towers for emitting a detection beam and a main control unit located at a security headquarters;

Fig. 2 depicts a portion of some of the components of a representative solar tower;

Fig. 3 is a block circuit diagram of an electrical power system of the solar tower;

Fig. 4 is a block circuit diagram of a fault detection subsystem of the solar tower;

Fig. 5 is a block circuit diagram of a solar panel fault detection subsystem of the solar tower; Fig. 6 is a block circuit diagram of a load fault detection circuit subsystem of the solar tower;

Fig. 7 is a block circuit diagram of a power storage fault detection circuit subsystem of the solar tower; and

Fig. 8 is a block circuit diagram of a fuse status circuit subsystem of the solar tower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the invention is illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a security system 100 employing a plurality of solar towers 102 for detecting an intruder 104 to provide security for a respective location 105, such as a building, land or facility. The solar towers 102 include one or more intrusion detection devices 106. The intrusion detection devices 106 are connected with a control unit 108 of the solar tower 102. In one form, the intrusion detection devices 106 comprise a photo-electric beam generator. In alternative arrangements, the intrusion detection devices 106 may comprise an infrared beam generator, a laser beam generator, a microwave beam generator, a visible light beam generator, microphonic (acoustic detection) cables, ultrasound wave generator, radar wave generator, a motion detector, or any combination thereof. In water applications, the intrusion detection devices 106 may comprise a sonar wave generator. In the illustrated embodiment, the intrusion detection devices 106 generate one or more beams or waves 112 that extend between adjacent solar towers 102. In some forms, each respective solar tower 102 includes at least one beam or wave detection device 1 10 that is operable to detect the presence of the respective beams or waves 112 generated by an adjacent or assigned solar tower 102. As such, when an intruder 104 passes through at least one beam or wave 112, thereby breaking the path of the detection beam or wave 112 between the intrusion detection device 106 and a beam or wave detection device 110, the beam or wave detection device 110 generates an intruder signal that is sent to the control unit 108 for processing as set forth in greater detail below. The solar towers 102 are arranged to define intrusion detection zones Z between each pair of solar towers 102, and collectively provide a security perimeter P, which can also be regarded as an intrusion detection zone or area.

As set forth in greater detail below, each respective solar tower 102 includes one or more radio transmitters or transponders that are capable of generating radio signals indicative of a respective fault with the solar tower 102 as well as of an intrusion into a respective detection zone Z. The communication signal is generated using any one of a number of types of radio signals such as, for example, an encrypted digital radio signal, an analog radio signal, an FM or AM radio signal, a wireless network radio signal (such as that used by mobile telephones), a satellite signal, and so forth. The communication signal is picked up or detected by a main control unit 120 located at a security location or headquarters 122.

The main control unit 120 is connected with a plurality of peripheral devices 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral devices 126 are connected with a peripheral control unit 128 that is located some distance away from the main control unit 120. The peripheral control unit 128 includes, or is connected with, a receiver or transponder 124, a display unit 132, and a speaker 134. The receiver 124 is operable to receive communication signals that are generated and transmitted by a respective solar tower 102. The display 132 is operable to display a television signal sent by a television camera located on the solar tower 102. The speaker 134 is configured to generate an audible alarm. The main control unit 120 is also connected with a printer 142 for generating a written or documented record of any communications received from a respective solar tower 102.

The peripheral devices 126 and/or the peripheral control unit 128 are also connected with a public telephone connection 136, a printer 138, and a storage device 140. The public telephone connection 136, which may comprise an Internet connection in some forms, is used by the peripheral control unit 128 to generate a pre-programmed telephone call, text message, or email to a designated network address or telephone number. The printer 138 is used to generate a printed record of the receipt of a fault notification or intrusion detection. The storage device 140 is used to store any data, such as video images and intrusion detection data (date, time, zone, client), that is associated with a communication received from a respective solar tower 102.

Referring to Fig. 2, as set forth above each solar tower 102 includes a control unit 108, which is represented as a control panel in Fig. 2. The control unit 108 monitors all functions of a respective solar tower 102 and is illustrated as a control panel 109 in Fig. 2. The control unit 102, and its associated electronic components, is powered by solar and/or electrical power. As illustrated, the control unit 102 is connected with one or more solar panels 200. In one embodiment, each solar panel 200 is capable of generating up to 18 volts of direct current ("DC") potential with a power rating of up to 20 watts ("W"). As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the solar panels 200 are capable of generating up to 18 volts DC with a power rating of up to 40 W. As set forth in greater detail below, the solar panels 200 are used to charge electrical power storage devices 202 that provide electrical power to the electrical components of each solar tower 102.

The electrical power storage devices 202, in one embodiment, comprise a plurality of rechargeable batteries 202a connected in a parallel electrical configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, eight batteries 202a are included that are rated at 12 V each and capable of providing up to 12 amps of electrical current for a total of 96 amps. In another representative form, the solar tower 102 is connected with a standard electrical power source 204, such as a standard 110 volt alternating current ("VAC") outlet that is supplied power from an electrical power grid (not illustrated). The electrical power source 204 is connected with a step-down transformer 206 that transforms the 110 VAC supplied by the electrical power source 204 into 18 VAC that has a current rating of approximately 40 amps. The output of the transformer 206 is connected with an AC input 220 of the control unit 108. As with the solar panels 200, the electrical power source 204 is capable of charging the electrical power storage devices 202 thereby powering each solar tower 102.

As set forth above, the output voltage of the solar panels 200 is connected with the control unit 108. The control unit 108 includes a solar input circuit 218 that receives the output voltage of the solar panels 200 and, as set forth in Fig. 3 below, provides the output voltage to a solar charge circuit 300. The output voltage of the transformer 206, which is connected with the electrical power source 204, is provided to the electrical power input circuit 220. The electrical power input circuit 220, as set forth in Fig. 3, provides the output voltage of the transformer 206 to an electrical power source charge circuit 306. As further illustrated, the electrical power storage devices 202 are also connected to a battery output circuit 222 of the control unit 108. The battery output circuit 222 provides electrical energy to, amongst other components of the control unit 108, the intrusion detection devices 106, the beam detection device 110, the radio transmitter 214, and the light/heater 216. The control unit 108 also includes a battery fuse circuit 224 and a load fuse circuit 226. The battery fuse circuit 224 protects the batteries 202a from an overload and the load fuse circuit 226 protects the loads connected to the load output circuit 208 from an overload.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the output voltage solar panels 200 are supplied to the solar charge circuit 300. The solar charge circuit 300 conditions the voltage signal received from the solar panels 200 before it is provided, in the form of a charge signal, to a battery charging control circuit 302. A fuse 304 is positioned in the electrical path between the solar charge circuit 300 and the battery charging control circuit 302. The battery charging control circuit 302 is responsible for charging the electrical power storage device 202, which is represented as batteries 202a in Fig. 3.

The electrical power source 204, through transformer 206, is electrically connected with an electrical power charge circuit 306. The electrical power charge circuit 306 conditions the voltage signal received from the electrical power source 204 to selectively produce a charge signal that is provided to the battery charging control circuit 302. The battery fuse 304 is positioned in electrical communication between the electrical power charge circuit 306 and the battery charging control circuit 302. In one form, the solar tower 102 only utilizes power from the electrical power source 204 if the solar panels 200 are not capable of providing a predetermined level of charge to the electrical power storage device 202. As such, the electrical power charge circuit 306 only provides a charge signal to the battery charging control circuit 302 if a fault is triggered that indicates to the control unit 108 that a low charge condition exists and that the solar panels 200 are not capable of charging the batteries 202a.

Referring collectively to Figs. 2 and 3, the output of the battery charging control circuit 302, which comprises the available output voltage of the electrical power storage device 202, is connected with the control unit 108. The electrical power storage device 202 provides power to numerous electrical components of the solar tower 102 that consume power. The control unit 108 is connected with the load output circuit 208. The load output circuit 208 is connected with, amongst other things, a plurality of intrusion detection devices 106 and a beam detection device 1 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the intrusion detection devices 106 in this representative embodiment comprise an infrared beam generation device 210 and a closed circuit television camera 212. As previously set forth, other intrusion detection devices 106 may be utilized in other representative embodiments. The load output circuit 110 is also connected with a beam detection device 110. The beam detection device 1 10, when the beam from the beam generation device 210 is interrupted, is operable to generate an electric warning signal, which is provided to the control unit 108, that is indicative of an intrusion within a respective detection zone Z. The closed circuit television camera 212 is operable to generate video images of a particular detection zone Z. The load output circuit 208 may also be connected with a radio transmitter 214. The radio transmitter 214 is operable to generate a radio signal indicative of various operating conditions of each solar tower 102. For example, if an intruder 104 is detected in a respective detection zone Z, the control unit 108 causes the radio transmitter 214 to generate and transmit a radio signal that indicates that an intrusion in a particular detection zone Z has been detected. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the radio signal is picked-up or received by a main control unit 120 for processing by security personnel. The main control unit 120 may be located at a security location or headquarters 122. In some forms, the control unit 108 may use the radio transmitter 214 to transmit video images taken from the closed circuit television camera 212 to the main control unit 120. The load output circuit 208 is also connected with a light 216 that may be energized by the control unit 108 when an intruder 104 is detected. In some environments, where extremely cold conditions exist, the light 216 may be in the form of a heat lamp that is capable of heating the components of the solar tower 102. Referring to Fig. 4, the control unit 108 of each solar tower 102 includes a fault detection circuit 400. The fault detection circuit 400 is configured to provide personnel working at the security center 122 with a notification that a fault exists with a respective solar tower 102. The fault detection circuit 400 also provides various visual indications to technicians as to exactly where a respective fault exists in the solar tower 102. This allows field technicians to be able to quickly and easily diagnose and repair any problem in the field thereby reducing the amount of downtime associated with the fault. Further, as set forth in detail below, the fault detection circuit 400 allows technicians to bypass a fault warning associated with any respective component of the solar tower 102. The fault detection circuit 400 is connected with the load output circuit 208, the solar power input circuit 218, the electrical power input circuit 220, the battery output circuit 222, the battery fuse circuit 224, the load fuse circuit 226, and a fault relay output circuit 228. See Fig. 2. These circuits are collectively referred to herein as solar tower feature circuits 402 and labeled as such in Fig. 4. As set forth in detail below, the fault detection circuit 400 monitors the solar tower feature circuits 402 and generates a plurality of indications for technical and security personnel when a fault exists in a respective solar tower 102. In one form, fault circuit 400 indicates a fault if a voltage and/or electrical current in any of tower feature circuits 402 is outside an expected range indicative of nominal operation. In one further example, a fault is indicated if an electrical short or open is indicated in circuitry of tower feature circuits 402.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the fault detection circuit 400 is connected with the fault output relay circuit 228. When the fault detection circuit 400 detects a fault, the fault detection circuit 400 generates a fault indication signal that is sent to the fault output relay circuit 228. In response to the fault indication signal, the fault output relay circuit 228 takes one or more responsive actions. In one form, the fault output relay circuit 228 includes an external fault indicator 230 that may comprise a bright light emitting diode ("LED"). When a fault occurs, the fault detection circuit 400 illuminates the external fault indicator 230, which is visible on an external portion of the solar tower 102.

The fault output relay 228 may also be connected with a control panel fault indicator 232. The control panel fault indicator 232 is located externally on the panel control 109 of the control unit 108. The control panel fault indicator 232 may comprise a low voltage LED. The fault output relay circuit 228 is also connected with a radio transmitter 234. The radio transmitter 234 is activated when a fault occurs and the control unit 108 uses the radio transmitter to transmit a fault indication radio signal to the main control unit 120. The main control unit 120 includes a radio receiver 124 that is capable of receiving and processing the fault indication radio signal and alerting appropriate personnel that maintenance is required.

Referring back to Fig. 2, the control unit 108 includes a system status indicator 236. The control unit 108 is configured to illuminate the system status indicator 236 if the electrical power storage devices 202 are in a charged state. The control unit 108 is further configured to periodically turn on and off (i.e., — a blinking or flashing state) the system status indicator 236 if the electrical power storage devices 202 are currently being charged. The control unit 108 is also configured to turn the system status indicator 236 off if the solar tower 102 is not receiving power from either the solar panels 200 or the electrical power supply 204. The control unit 108 also includes a data output plug 238 so that a diagnostic device 404, such as a handheld computing device, may be connected with the control unit 108 to diagnose faults.

Referring to Fig. 5, the solar power input circuit 218 includes at least one solar panel fault detection circuit 500a, 500b connected with each respective solar panel 200a, 200b. The solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b monitor the solar panels 200a, 200b to determine if a fault exists with the solar panels 200a, 200b. In one form, a fault may exist if the solar panels 200a, 200b cease supplying an output voltage during predetermined time periods (e.g. - as during daylight hours) or if the output voltage falls below a predetermined level. Alternatively or additionally, either circuit 500a or 500b may indicate a fault if an electrical current associated with one or more panels is out of range. If a fault is detected with a respective solar panel 200a, 200b, a fault signal is sent by the solar panel fault detection circuit 500a, 500b to the fault output relay circuit 228. The solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b are connected with the fault output relay circuit 228, which is configured to generate one or more of the respective fault indications set forth in detail above. The solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b are also connected with solar panel fault indicators 502a, 502b. The solar panel fault indicators 502a, 502b comprise LEDs located on the control panel 109 in one form of the present invention. As such, when a fault is detected with a respective solar panel 200a, 200b, the solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b associated with that particular solar panel 200a, 200b generate an electric signal that energizes the solar panel fault indicator 502a, 502b associated with that particular solar panel 200a, 200b.

A fault bypass switch 504a, 504b is connected with the solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b to allow a technician to deactivate a fault indication generated by a respective solar panel fault detection circuit 500a, 500b. If a respective fault bypass switch 504a, 504b is activated, the solar panel fault indicator 502a, 502b associated with that particular fault is deactivated and any fault indications being generated by the fault output relay circuit 228 as a result thereof are deactivated or disengaged. As such, if the solar panel 200a, 200b cannot be fixed by the technician at that particular time, the technician can disengage or deactivate all of the fault indications associated therewith. In another form, once deactivated, the solar panel fault detection circuits 500a, 500b may cause the solar panel fault indicators 502a, 502b to blink or flash.

The electrical power input circuit 220 includes an electrical power fault detection circuit 510 that is connected with an electrical power fault indicator 512 and an electrical power fault bypass circuit 514. If electrical power from the electrical power source 204 is not present or fails, for whatever reason, the electrical power fault detection circuit 510 activates the electrical power fault indicator 512, which comprises an LED on the control panel 109. The electrical power fault bypass switch 514 is connected with the electrical power fault detection circuit 510 to provide the ability for a technician to bypass any fault indications associated with the loss of electrical power. Once the electrical power fault detection circuit 510 is deactivated or bypassed, the electrical power fault detection circuit 510 may cause the electrical power fault indicator 512 to blink or flash. The electrical power fault detection circuit 510 is also connected with the fault output relay 228 for triggering one or more of the notifications previously discussed.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 6, the load output circuit 208 includes a load fault detection circuit 600. The load fault detection circuit 600 is connected with the radio transmitter 214, the infrared beam generator 210, the closed circuit television camera 212, and the light/heater 216. The load fault detection circuit 600 is capable of generating fault indication signals corresponding to a fault associated with any one of the aforementioned loads or any other load utilized by the solar tower 102. The load fault detection circuit 600 is connected with a radio transmitter fault indicator 602, a infrared beam fault indicator 604, a closed circuit television camera fault indicator 606, and a light/heater fault indicator 608. If other types of intrusion detection devices 106 are connected with the solar tower 102, they will also include a fault detection circuit.

As should be readily apparent, if a fault is detected with any one or more of loads 210, 212, 214, 216 by the load fault detection circuit 600, the load fault detection circuit 600 generates a respective fault indication signal that illuminates or energizes one of the indicators 602-608 associated with that respective component. For example, if the load fault detection circuit 600 detects a fault with the radio transmitter 214, a radio transmitter fault signal is generated by the load fault detection circuit 600 that illuminates or energizes the radio transmitter fault indicator 602. The fault indicators 602, 604, 606, 608 comprise LEDs visibly located on the control panel 109 in one form of the present invention.

The load fault detection circuit 600 also includes a radio transmitter fault bypass switch 610, an infrared beam generator bypass switch 612, a closed circuit television bypass switch 614, and a light/heater bypass switch 616. The bypass switches 610, 612, 614, 616, if activated or switched, are configured to bypass or override a respective fault signal generated by the load fault detection circuit 600. For example, if a fault is detected by the load fault detection circuit 600 in the closed circuit television camera 212 and has been diagnosed by a technician, the technician may switch the closed circuit television camera bypass switch 614 to bypass the fault. As previously set forth, this causes the load fault detection circuit 600 to deactivate the closed circuit television camera fault indicator 606 and to deactivate any fault indication being generated by the fault output relay 228. Once bypassed or deactivated the load fault detection circuit 600 causes the respective load fault indicator 602, 604, 606, 608 associated with that particular load to flash or blink. In one form, the security system 100 includes a load dropout circuit 618 that is connected with each of the loads 210-216 of the security system 100. The load dropout circuit 618 is also connected with the output of the electrical power storage device 202. If the output voltage of the electrical power storage device 202 falls below certain levels, the load dropout circuit 618 is configured to start turning off or placing certain loads 210-216 in a standby mode. For example, the load dropout circuit 618 may be configured to place the infrared beam generator 210 in a standby mode if the output voltage of the electrical power storage device 202 falls below approximately 10-10.5 V. The load dropout circuit 618 continuously monitors the output voltage of the electrical power storage device 202 to determine if an adequate amount of voltage is present. The load dropout circuit 618 may also be configured to turn off, or place in a standby mode, the radio transmitter 214, the closed circuit television or video camera 212, and the indicator 216 if the voltage supplied by the electrical power storage device 202 falls below a predetermined level. For example, if the voltage supply provided by the electrical power storage device 202 falls below: 1) 11-11.5 V the load dropout circuit 618 is configured to turn off indicator 216, 2) 10.5-11 V the load dropout circuit 618 is configured to turn off video camera 212, and 3) 9-9.5 V the load dropout circuit 618 is configured to turn off radio transmitter 214. If any of the aforementioned devices or loads 210-216 is turned off or placed in standby mode, a fault notification signal is generated by a respective fault detection circuit that sets certain events into motion so that appropriate action may be taken with respect to the detected fault. Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, the battery output circuit 222 includes a power storage fault detection circuit 700. The power storage fault detection circuit 700 is connected with the electrical power storage device 202. As previously set forth, the electrical power storage device 202 comprises a plurality of batteries 202a connected in a parallel relationship in one form of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7, the batteries 202a are connected in an arrangement that forms two columns of batteries 202a connected in a series/parallel arrangement. The power storage fault detection circuit 700 is connected to each respective row 702a-d of batteries 202a such that it is capable of detecting a fault in each respective row 702a-d. This helps technicians quickly identify a respective battery 202a that may be causing the fault.

The power storage fault detection circuit 700 is connected with a first fault indicator 706a, a second fault indicator 706b, a third fault indicator 706c, and a fourth fault indicator 706d. If a fault is detected with a respective battery 202a or row of batteries 702a-d, the power storage fault detection circuit 700 generates a battery fault signal that is sent to the fault indicator 706a-d associated with that battery 202a or battery row 702a-d. As such, for example, if a fault is detected in row 702b of the batteries 202a, the power storage fault detection circuit 700 will energize or activate fault indicator 706b. All of the fault indicators 706a-d function and are controlled by the power storage fault detection circuit 700 in a similar manner. This allows a technician to quickly locate the respective battery 202a that is faulty without having to test or diagnose each respective battery 202a. The power storage fault detection circuit 700 is also connected with the fault output relay 228 to generate one or more of the fault indications previously set forth.

The power storage fault detection circuit 700 is also connected with a plurality of power storage fault bypass switches 708a-d. The power storage fault bypass switches 708a-d allow a technician to bypass a respective fault indication generated by the power storage fault detection circuit 700. For example, if a fault is detected with one of the batteries in row 702c, a technician may switch power storage fault bypass switch 708c to eliminate the fault indications being generated by the associated power storage fault indicator 706c and the fault output relay 228. As with the previous embodiments, once one of the respective bypass switches 708 a-d have been switched, the power storage fault detection circuit 700 may cause the respective fault indicator 706 a-d to flash or blink.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 8, the battery fuse circuit 224 and the load fuse circuit 226 provide protection to the load output circuit 208 and the battery output circuit 222. The battery fuse circuit 224 includes a battery fuse 800 that is designed to blow at a predetermined current rating or value, which is five (5) amps in one illustrative form. The load fuse circuit 226 includes a load fuse 802 that is designed to blow at a second predetermined current rating or value, which is two (2) amps in one representative form.

The battery fuse circuit 224 includes a battery fuse status detection circuit 804 and the load fuse circuit 226 includes a load fuse status detection circuit 806. The battery fuse detection circuit 804 monitors the battery fuse 800 to determine if the battery fuse 800 has blown. The load fuse status detection circuit 806 monitors the load fuse 802 to determine if the load fuse 802 has blown. If the battery fuse 800 blows, the battery fuse status detection circuit 804 generates a fault signal that energizes or activates the battery fuse status indicator 808. Likewise, if the load fuse 802 blows, the load fuse status detection circuit 806 generates a fault signal that energizes or activates the load fuse status indicator 810. The battery fuse status indicator 808 and the load fuse status indicator 810 comprise LEDs visibly located in the central panel 109 in one embodiment. The battery fuse status detection circuit 804 is connected with or includes a battery fuse fault bypass switch 812. The battery fuse fault bypass switch 812 allows a technician to selectively deactivate a fault indication being generated by the battery fuse status detection circuit 804. When switched, the battery fuse fault bypass switch 812 deactivates the battery fuse status indicator 808 as well as any fault signals being transmitted or provided to the fault output relay 228. If the battery fuse fault bypass switch 812 is switched or activated, the battery fuse status detection circuit 804 causes the battery fuse status indicator 808 to flash or blink.

The load fuse status detection circuit 806 is connected with or includes a load fuse fault bypass switch 814. The load fuse fault bypass switch 814 that allows a technician to selectively deactivate a respective fault indication being generated by the load fuse status detection circuit 806. When switched, the load fuse fault bypass switch 814 deactivates the load fuse status indicator 810 as well as any fault signals being transmitted or provided to the fault output relay 228. If the load fuse fault bypass switch 814 is switched or activated, the load fuse status detection circuit 806 causes the lead fuse status indicator 810 to flash or blink.

As set forth in detail above, one example discloses a security system having at least one solar tower including a solar panel. The solar tower includes an electric power source and an intrusion detection device. The voltage output of the solar panel is connected with the electric power source and a load output of the electric power source is connected with the intrusion detection device for supplying electrical power to the intrusion detection device. A fault detection circuit is connected with the solar panel, the electric power source, and the intrusion detection device for generating a fault output signal indicative of a fault in at least one of the solar panel, the electric power source, and the intrusion detection device. A fault notification subsystem is included that is connected with the fault detection circuit for generating a fault notification in response to the fault output signal.

Yet a further example comprises a plurality of spaced apart towers configured to detect intrusion, the towers each including respective detection equipment and a respective tower electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel. A fault detection circuit is connected with the solar panel and the electrical energy storage device configured to generate a fault signal indicative of a respective fault with one or more of the detection equipment, the solar panel, or the electrical energy storage device. The fault notification device is connected with the fault detection circuit and is configured to generate a fault notification in response to the fault signal generated by the fault detection circuit.

A further example is a method comprising operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including intrusion detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the intrusion detection equipment of each of the intrusion detection towers; monitoring the intrusion detection equipment for a fault condition; and generating a fault notification in response to detection of a respective fault condition.

Yet another example is a method comprising: monitoring a plurality of detection zones using a plurality of security towers positioned at predetermined locations around a defined security perimeter, each security tower including one or more intrusion detection devices; powering the one or more intrusion detection devices with an electrical power source charged by a solar panel; monitoring the security tower using a controller for a fault indication; and generating a fault notification in response to the fault indication.

A further example discloses an apparatus comprising: a security tower configured to detect intrusion, the tower including at least one intrusion detection device and an electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; and a fault detection circuit connected with the solar panel and the electrical energy storage device configured to generate a fault signal indicative of a respective fault with a respective one of the intrusion detection equipment, the solar panel, or the electrical energy storage device. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security system, comprising: at least one solar tower including a solar panel, an electric power source, and an intrusion detection device, wherein a voltage output of the solar panel is connected with the electric power source and a load output of the electric power source is connected with the intrusion detection device for supplying electrical power to the intrusion detection device; a fault detection circuit connected with the solar panel, the electric power source, and the intrusion detection device for generating a fault output signal indicative of a fault in at least one of the solar panel, the electric power source, and the intrusion detection device; and a fault notification subsystem connected with the fault detection circuit for generating a fault notification in response to the fault output signal.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the fault detection circuit includes a solar panel fault detection circuit connected with the voltage output of the solar panel for detecting a solar panel fault.

3. The security system of claim 2, wherein the solar panel fault detection circuit includes a solar panel fault indicator that is selectively energized by the solar panel fault detection circuit in response to the solar panel fault.

4. The security system of claim 2, wherein the solar panel fault detection circuit includes a bypass switch operable to selectively deactivate the solar panel fault detection circuit.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein the fault detection circuit includes a power fault detection circuit connected with the electric power source for detecting a power fault.

6. The security system of claim 5, wherein the power fault detection circuit includes a power fault indicator that is selectively energized by the power fault detection circuit in response to the power fault.

7. The security system of claim 5, wherein the power fault detection circuit includes a bypass switch operable to selectively deactivate the power fault detection circuit.

8. The security system of claim 5, wherein the electric power source comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries.

9. The security system of claim 8, wherein the power fault detection circuit is connected with a plurality of power fault indicators each associated with at least one of the plurality of batteries.

10. The security system of claim 9, wherein the power fault detection circuit is configured to selectively energize a respective one of the plurality of power fault indicators in response to a power fault detected with a respective one of the plurality of batteries.

11. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a utility power source connected with the electric power source.

12. The security system of claim 11, wherein the fault detection circuit includes a utility power source fault detection circuit connected with the utility power source for detecting a utility power fault.

13. The security system of claim 12, wherein the utility power source fault detection circuit includes a utility power source fault indicator that is selectively energized by the utility power source fault detection circuit in response to the utility power fault.

14. The security system of claim 12, wherein the utility power source fault detection circuit includes a bypass switch operable to selectively deactivate the utility power source fault detection circuit.

15. The security system of claim 1, wherein the fault notification subsystem comprises a fault relay output circuit connected with the fault detection circuit.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein the fault relay output circuit is connected with a radio transmitter operable to transmit a fault notification signal in response to the fault output signal.

17. The security system of claim 15, wherein the fault relay output circuit is connected with an indicator that is selectively energized in response to the fault output signal.

18. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a load dropout circuit configured to turn off the intrusion detection device if an output voltage of the electrical power source falls below a predetermined threshold value.

19. A security system, comprising: a plurality of spaced apart towers configured to detect intrusion, the towers each including respective detection equipment and a respective tower electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; a fault detection circuit connected with the solar panel and the electrical energy storage device configured to generate a fault signal indicative of a respective fault with one or more of the detection equipment, the solar panel, or the electrical energy storage device; and a fault notification device connected with the fault detection circuit configured to generate a fault notification in response to the fault signal generated by the fault detection circuit.

20. The security system of claim 19, wherein the fault detection circuit includes an intruder detection fault detection circuit connected with the intruder detection equipment, a solar panel fault detection circuit connected to the solar panel, and a power storage fault detection circuit connected with the electrical energy storage device.

21. The security system of claim 20, wherein the solar panel fault detection circuit includes a control panel fault indicator selectively energized by the solar panel fault detection circuit if the fault signal relates to the solar panel.

22. The security system of claim 20, wherein the power storage fault detection circuit includes a control panel fault indicator selectively energized by the power storage fault detection circuit if the fault signal relates to the electrical energy storage device.

23. The security system of claim 20, wherein the intruder detection fault detection circuit includes a control panel fault indicator selectively energized by the intruder detection fault detection circuit if the fault signal relates to the intruder detection equipment.

24. The security system of claim 19, further comprising at least one bypass circuit for bypassing the fault detection circuit.

25. The security system of claim 24, wherein the bypass circuit comprises a switch.

26. The security system of claim 19, wherein the fault notification device comprises a light on a control panel of the solar tower.

27. The security system of claim 19, wherein the fault notification device comprises a wireless transmitter and the fault notification comprises a wireless radio signal.

28. The security system of claim 27, further comprising a central control unit including a wireless receiver for receiving the wireless radio signal from the wireless transmittal.

29. The security system of claim 19, further comprising a load dropout circuit electrically connected with the electrical power storage device and the detection equipment configured to selectively shut down one or more detection equipment components if an output voltage of the electrical power storage device falls below a predetermined threshold value.

30. A method, comprising: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including one or more intrusion detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the intrusion detection equipment of each of the intrusion detection towers; monitoring the intrusion detection equipment for a fault condition; and generating a fault notification in response to detection of a respective fault condition.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein electric power is provided to the intrusion detection equipment using an electrical power source connected with the intrusion detection equipment.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the electrical power source comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of charging the plurality of rechargeable batteries with a charge signal generated by at least one solar panel.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising monitoring the plurality of batteries for a battery fault condition.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising generating a battery fault notification in response to the battery fault condition.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the intrusion detection equipment is monitored by a fault detection circuit for a respective fault condition.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising generating a visible fault notification indicative of the respective fault condition on a control panel associated with the respective intrusion detection tower.

38. The method of claim 30, further comprising overriding the fault notification.

39. The method of claim 30, further comprising generating a fuse fault notification if a fuse connected with the intrusion detection equipment of the tower blows.

40. The method of claim 30, transmitting the fault notification to a central control unit.

41. The method of claim 30, further comprising turning off one or more pieces of intrusion detection equipment if the electric power supplied to the intrusion detection equipment falls below a predetermined threshold value.

42. A method, comprising: monitoring a plurality of detection zones using a plurality of security towers positioned at predetermined locations around a defined security perimeter, each security tower including one or more intrusion detection devices; powering the one or more intrusion detection devices with an electrical power source charged by a solar panel; monitoring the security tower using a controller for a fault indication; and generating a fault notification in response to the fault indication.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the fault notification comprises a component specific indicator that is energized on a control panel.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the fault notification comprises a radio signal.

45. An apparatus, comprising: a security tower configured to detect intrusion, the tower including at least one intrusion detection device and an electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; and a fault detection circuit connected with the solar panel and the electrical energy storage device configured to generate a fault signal indicative of a respective fault with a respective one of the intrusion detection equipment, the solar panel, or the electrical energy storage device.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the security tower includes a control panel having a plurality of fault indicators.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein each one of the plurality of fault indicators is associated with a respective one of the intrusion detection equipment, the solar panel, or the electrical energy storage device.

48. An apparatus, comprising: a security tower configured to detect intrusion, the tower including at least one intrusion detection device and an electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; and a load dropout circuit connected with each respective intrusion detection device and the electrical energy storage device, wherein the load dropout circuit is configured to selectively disengage one or more respective intrusion detection devices as an output voltage level of the electrical energy storage device falls below predetermined threshold voltage levels.