Automotive Load Managers For Emergency Vehicles

Automotive load managers for emergency vehicles are designed to monitor and control the transfer of electrical energy in an automotive system.

The most advanced load managers will incorporate load sequencing and load shedding functions.The load sequencing function is used to turn all selected loads ON or OFF from on central switch. It does this so as to minimize electrical disturbances and the effect this action may have upon the rest of the electrical system. Loads can be anything from, emergency lights, sirens, A/C, radios, etc.

The load shedding function is used to monitor the voltage level of the vehicles battery. If a decrease in the battery voltage is sensed, the load manager will start shedding loads. A good load manager will allow you to program what loads and in what sequence they will be shed. Once the loads battery voltage returns to its normal value, the loads that were previously shed are switched on.

The examples in the previous paragraphs were for when a vehicle is in motion. If the vehicles alternator is not supplying enough power when the vehicle is idling, the load manager should have a high idle function which will send a signal the vehicles engine speed control to set the idle speed to a higher level. An action equivalent to pressing the accelerator while in park. The higher engine speed is maintained until the battery voltage returns to normal or until the engine is no long idling.