Caterpillar Inc.

John Jay Bernardi

David Charles Orr

David Marchand

Timothy Goldammer

Brian Todd Morrical

Jonathan William Anders

Kevin Dee Ehrenhardt

Corey L Gorman

John F Szentes

Ryan Patrick McEnaney

Min Wu

Dennis R Walling

Richard P Staab

Jon B Borgeson

A system for controlling power in a machine includes an interface and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested hydraulic operation of a hydraulic actuator corresponding to a requested hydraulic power level. The controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested electric operation of the electric actuator corresponding to a requested electric power level. The controller is also configured to provide a signal for supplying electric power to the electric actuator less than the requested electric power level based on an electric power output ratio, and provide a signal for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic actuator less than the requested hydraulic power level based on a hydraulic power output ratio. At least one of the electric power output ratio and the hydraulic power output ratio is adjustable via the interface.

System and method for adjusting balance of operation of hydraulic and electric actuators

Disclosed is a system for controlling power in a machine. The system includes a controller configured to determine a level of power to be provided or consumed by at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device based on request signals, operation signals, and a control strategy for controlling at least one of electric power and hydraulic power for the machine, and provide control signals for controlling operation of the at least one device. The control strategy includes a subsystem control and a supervisory control. The subsystem control includes at least one of electric and hydraulic subsystem controls for controlling operation of at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device. The subsystem control is configured to provide range signals indicative of at least one of a range of acceptable electric power levels and a range of acceptable hydraulic power levels, and the supervisory control is configured to determine the control signals.

System and method for controlling power in machine having electric and/or hydraulic devices

A system for controlling a heating and cooling system for use on a machine includes a condenser, an evaporator assembly, an electric motor driven compressor, and a master controller operable to determine and regulate an operational speed of the compressor. The master controller includes a plurality of control algorithms each receiving respective dynamic input information and outputting a respective controller speed request based upon the respective dynamic input information.

Method and system for controlling a compressor for an HVAC module

The keyless power system has an ignition system including an ignition switch having an 'OFF' position and one or more electrical components associated with a work machine. The keyless power system also has one or more alternate power sources configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical components. The keyless power system also has a controller configured to determine a power-level requirement of the one or more electrical components and activate at least one of the one or more alternate power sources to at least partially satisfy the power-level requirement based on whether the ignition switch is in the 'OFF' position.

Method and system for keyless machine operation

A system for approximating a temperature of a battery includes a sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of the ambient air, a sensor configured to provide a voltage measurement of the battery, a sensor configured to provide a current measurement of the battery, and signal processing circuitry configured to determine an approximate battery temperature as a function of the measured ambient air temperature, the measured voltage of the battery, and the measured current of the battery.

System and method for determining battery temperature

A method for operating an electrical system for a machine is provided. The electrical system may include at least one power source connected to a power-distribution network. The power-distribution network may include a first portion with one or more power loads connected thereto and a second portion with one or more power loads connected thereto. The method may include repeatedly executing a load-priority cycle including operating in a first load-priority mode and subsequently operating in a second load-priority mode, during a power deficit. Operating in the first load-priority mode may include supplying power to the first and second portions of the power-distribution network, with a priority on supplying power to the first portion. Operating in the second load-priority mode may include supplying power to the first and second portions of the power-distribution network, with a priority on supplying power to the second portion.

Method for operating an electrical system

An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

Automatic start-up of an auxiliary power unit

A machine includes an electrical power source, which may include a mechanical power source and an electric generator drivingly connected to the mechanical power source. The machine may also include one or more power loads connected to the electric generator. Additionally, the machine may include power-supply controls, which may be configured to execute a control method. The control method may include receiving inputs relating to conditions of operation of the machine. Additionally, the control method may include controlling the speed at which the mechanical power source drives the electric generator, and the power consumption of one or more of the power loads connected to the electric generator, interdependently.

Machine with an electrical system

A method is provided for assisting a start-up of a work machine having a battery assembly and a main engine. The method may include starting an auxiliary power unit, and using electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to condition the battery assembly. The method may also include adding electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to electrical power generated by the battery assembly for a main engine cranking event.

System for assisting a main engine start-up

A method of controlling a internal combustion engine assembly is disclosed. The internal combustion engine assembly includes (i) a internal combustion engine having an engine inlet and an engine outlet, (ii) a mixing chamber having an air inlet, a gaseous fuel inlet, and a fuel-air mixture outlet, (iii) a fuel valve which controls a ratio of air-to-gaseous fuel in a fuel-air mixture advanced through the fuel-air mixture outlet of the mixing chamber, and (iv) a throttle operable to control flow rate of the fuel-air mixture which is advanced from the fuel-air mixture outlet to the engine inlet. The method includes the step of determining oxygen content of exhaust gases advanced through the engine outlet and generating a oxygen content signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of determining a load on the internal combustion engine and generating a load signal in response thereto. The method still further includes the step of adjusting the fuel valve to alter the ratio of air-to-gaseous fuel in the fuel-air mixture advanced through the fuel-air mixture outlet of the mixing chamber based on the oxygen content signal and the load signal. The internal combustion engine assembly further includes an exhaust conduit positioned in fluid communication with the engine outlet, and an oxygen sensor positioned in the exhaust conduit for generating the oxygen content signal. The internal combustion engine assembly further includes a pressure sensor positioned in a fuel-air mixture conduit for generating the load signal. An internal combustion engine assembly is also disclosed.

Method of operating an internal combustion engine which uses a low energy gaseous fuel

A power balancing control to balance power output from a first and second engine that mutually drive a load is disclosed. The control includes an electronic control module electrically connected to a control panel. A first and second inlet manifold pressure sensor are associated with the first and second engine, respectively. An offset potentiometer is connected to the control panel. The control automatically adjusts power output of the second engine in response to the inlet manifold pressure of said first engine, the inlet manifold pressure of said second engine, and a signal produced by said offset potentiometer.

Growing community of inventors

Chillicothe, IL, United States of America

John Jay Bernardi