Kohler Company

Other

Richard Allen Mauk

Eric D Albsmeier

Harrison Chiu

Isaac S Frampton

Douglas W Dorn

Edward Douglas Brey

Zane Eaton

Jeffrey John Neis

Kenneth R Bornemann

Anthony James Hackbarth

William Herman Gross

Gary Allen Kroll

Jayson Pierringer

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

Some embodiments relate to a power management system. The power management system includes a generator that provides a voltage output to a bus. The bus is adapted to be connected to a load. The power management system further includes a battery charger that is adapted to charge a battery. A generator controller operates the generator and also adjusts operating conditions of the battery charger. In some embodiments, the generator includes an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. Embodiments are contemplated where the battery charger is adapted to receive power from a primary power source. As an example, the primary power source may be utility power or some other form of generator power.

Power management system that changes the operating conditions of a battery charger

Some embodiments relate to a method of using a network to control a power management system. The method includes using the network to access a generator controller that is part of the power management system. The method further includes using the network to exchange communications with the generator controller in order to permit the generator controller to control other electronic components that are part of the power management system.

System and method for using a network to control a power management system

Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).

Generator management system that selectively activates generators based on an operating parameter

Some embodiments relate to a power management system. The power management system includes a variable speed generator that provides a voltage output to a bus that is adapted to be connected to a load and an energy storage device. The power management system further includes a generator controller that controls the speed of the variable speed generator and monitors a charge level of the energy storage device. The generator controller also remotely displays information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over a network. The generator controller may remotely display information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over the Internet. The generator controller may also start/stop the variable speed generator based on the charge level of the energy storage device.

Charging an energy storage device with a variable speed generator

Some embodiments relate to a power generation system. The power generation system includes a first generator and a first battery charger. The first battery charger is adapted to charge a first battery and a second battery. The first battery and the second battery are each adapted to provide power to start the first generator. The power generation system further includes a controller that determines a state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery. Based on the state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery, the controller determines which of the first battery and the second battery receives charging current from the first battery charger.

Power generation system that provides efficient battery charger selection

Some embodiments relate to a power management system that includes an engine-driven generator and a plurality of load switching and sensor modules that are located remotely from the generator. The load switching and sensor modules include power switching devices and/or sensor circuits. In some embodiments, the power switching devices are operated to selectively provide protected power from a breaker to loads. The power management system further includes a generator controller that is mounted to the engine-driven generator. The generator controller is configured to operate the engine-driven generator and the sensor and load switching modules. The generator controller is further configured to receive input signals from the load switching and sensor modules via a databus, and provide commands to the load switching and sensor modules via the databus to operate the power switching devices and selectively provide power to loads.

Power management system that includes a generator controller

Some embodiments relate to a standby power system. The standby power system includes a sensor that is adapted to monitor a primary power source which provides power to a load. In some embodiments, the sensor may monitor characteristics of the power supplied by the primary power sourcethat may be used to sense abnormalities. The standby power system further includes a generator that is also adapted to supply power to the load. As an example, the generator may include an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. The standby power system further includes a generator controller that operates the generator and exchanges data with the sensor. The generator controller predicts a need to supply power to the load based on data received from the sensor. The generator controller then acts to minimize a time to availability of the generator based on the prediction.

Standby power system that predicts a need to supply power to a load to minimize start time of a generator

Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator having a first set of power leads and a second generator having a second set of power leads. The generator management system further includes a bus that connects the first output and the second output. A controller selectively cuts off fuel to the second generator to add a load to the bus. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the generator management system alternatively cuts off fuel to the first generator to add a load to the bus.

Generator management system that selectively cuts off fuel to a generator to add a load to a bus

Some embodiments relate to a method of identifying electrical devices in a power management system. The method includes accessing a controller using a server that includes identifiers of the electrical devices. The controller is electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the electrical devices. The method further includes exchanging data between the server and the controller to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices. The potential identifiers that may be used to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices may be stored in an identifier database on the server. In some embodiments, the identifiers of the electrical devices may also be stored in an identifier database on the controller.

Growing community of inventors

Sheboygan, WI, United States of America

Richard Allen Mauk