Kohler Company

Kenneth R Bornemann

Harrison Chiu

Zane Eaton

Isaac S Frampton

Eric D Albsmeier

Richard Allen Mauk

Jeffrey John Neis

Anthony James Hackbarth

Edward Douglas Brey

David A Hintz

Harrison C Chiu

Some embodiments relate to a method of adding and shedding loads that are connected to a generator. The method includes determining whether a plurality of loads is being supplied with power by the generator and then determining the total load that the generator is supplying to the plurality of loads. The method further includes determining whether to change a number of the loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load L that is being supplied by the generator. The method further includes determining an amount of time T in which to change the number of loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load that is being supplied by the generator.

Adding and shedding loads using load levels to determine timing

A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.

Diagnostic method for an engine-generator set

A generator set includes an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator provides electricity to a plurality of loads, each of which is selectively connected to the generator by a switch. The generator set is controlled by a method that includes receiving a command to connect a given load to the generator. In response to that command, a throttle of the engine is changed to a transition throttle position and an transition excitation voltage is applied to the generator. Then the switch is operated to connect the given load to the generator. Thereafter, in response to a defined event occurring, the throttle is changed to a normal position and a normal excitation voltage is applied to the generator.

Adaptive control of an electrical generator set based on load magnitude

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system to switch between first and second powers received from respective first and second power supplies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a first phase associated with the first power and a second phase associated with the second power, and determining whether the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within a first time period. The method further includes providing a control signal at a second output port when it is determined that the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within the time period, determining that the first and second phases have become synchronized in response to the control signal, and switching between the first and second powers once it is determined that the first and second phases have become synchronized.

Automatic transfer switch system with synchronization control

A system and method for sensing alternator current levels are disclosed. The system includes the combination including an operational amplifier having an input and an output, an input resistor connecting the input to a signal indicative of an alternator current level, and a feedback resistor connected between the input and the output. The system further includes an adjustment resistor and a switching element coupled in series between the input and the output, in parallel with the feedback resistor, and a processor coupled to the output. The processor is operable, based upon a current indication related to a level of alternator current indicated at the output, to control the operation of the switching element such that the switching element is closed when the current indication increases to exceed a first threshold, and such that the switching element is opened when the current indication decreases to fall below a second threshold.

Growing community of inventors

Cato, WI, United States of America

Kenneth R Bornemann