Caterpillar Inc.

Michael Allen Dvorsky

Keith R Folken

Stephen C Nofsinger

Darren L Krahn

Matthew J Meinhart

David Lee Zwetz, Ii

Andrew William Black

James Dean McBurney

Julie Lynn Boley

Siva Subramaniam

Sekar Srinivasan

Jeffrey A Kocovsky

Andrew N Braun

A method of operating a generator set is disclosed. The method includes generating a current using a generator set, and stepping down the generated current to a stepped down current, using an internal current transformer. The method includes measuring the stepped down current using a current meter that may generate a current signal representative of the stepped down current. Further, the method includes generating a root-mean-square (RMS) value using a plurality of current values associated with the current signal. The method also includes generating a modified RMS value, using the current values that are greater than a predetermined current value. The method includes determining a measured value of the current generated by the generator set based on the RMS value and the modified RMS value. In addition, the method includes adjusting an operation of the generator set when the measured value exceeds an over-current threshold.

Genset control system using a modified root-mean-square current measurement

A controller for a generator set is disclosed. The controller may have a memory module having stored therein calibration factors associated with an offset error, a scale error, and a time delay error, and a processor module in communication with the memory module. The processor module may be configured to monitor at least one parameter of electric power directed from the generator set to a load, detect connection of the generator set to the load, and determine adjustments to the calibration factors after connection of the generator set to the load based on a comparison of the at least one parameter monitored by the processor module and measured at the load.

Generator set calibration controller

A calibration system for a generator set controller is disclosed. The calibration system may have a source of electric power, a controller in communication with the source and configured to monitor a parameter of the electric power and produce at least one output corresponding to the monitored parameter, and a power meter configured to measure the parameter of the electric power. The calibration system may also have a processor in communication with the source of electric power, the controller, and the power meter. The processor may be configured to direct electric power having a first test voltage from the source to the controller, and directly relate a value of the at least one output corresponding to the first test voltage and a value of the measured parameter to an offset error.

A method of operating a power system is provided. The power system may have a plurality of generator sets and a power line. The method may include commanding a plurality of the generator sets that are disconnected from the power line to start generating electricity. The method may also include supplying to a control device acting as a coordinating control unit information about the operating state of each of the plurality of generator sets commanded to start generating electricity. Additionally, the method may include determining with the coordinating control unit which of the plurality of generator sets has become ready to supply electricity to the power line first. The method may also include initiating supply of electricity to the power line by first connecting to the power line the generator set that the coordinating control unit has determined to be the first ready to supply electricity.

Power system with multiple generator sets

A method of setting up a genset system for operation includes selecting one of a plurality of different sensors to monitor an operating parameter of a genset system, and coupling the selected sensor with a data processor of the genset system. The method further includes configuring the data processor for processing inputs from the selected sensor, for example an optional replacement sensor, by entering custom sensor calibration data for the selected sensor and recording the custom sensor calibration data on at least one computer writable medium of a control system for the genset system. A genset system includes a combustion engine, a generator, a set of standard sensors, and a control system. The control system includes a data processor configured to receive and process inputs from custom sensors, and includes a computer writable medium for storing custom sensor calibration data.

Custom configuration strategy for on-package genset controllers

Method and apparatus for changing the rating of engine generator set by selecting a generator set rating using a rating selector included in the generator set control system. The generator set rating includes at least an engine rating and voltage.

Method and apparatus for changing the rating of a electronically controlled engine generator set

A generator set controller verifies the status of a synchroscope mode selector to determine whether the generator set controller is operating in a synchroscope mode. When operating in a synchroscope mode, the generator set controller uses an existing display panel to create an indication of the difference between the phase of the power on a power bus and the phase of the power output of the generator.

Generator set controller with integral synchroscope mode

A generator set controller includes a dead bus sensor producing a dead bus signal indicative of a power failure on a power bus that is an input to the controller on a digital input channel. The controller also receives a voltage signal from a phase of a power bus.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Michael Allen Dvorsky