Caterpillar Inc.

Stephen C Nofsinger

Michael Allen Dvorsky

Andrew William Black

Keith R Folken

Edward M Schroeder

David Lee Zwetz, Ii

Ronald C Gayles

Julie Lynn Boley

James Dean McBurney

Yanchai Zhang

Zhijun Cai

Gregory Scott Hasler

Maurice J Dust

Vijay Janardhan

Siamak Mirhakimi

Josenia Gerdes

Josenia Yuen-Sai Gerdes

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

An engine controller to control a plurality of engines is disclosed. The engine controller may identify a plurality of engines configured to provide power to a load, wherein the plurality of engines have a first set of priorities associated with providing the power to the load; receive a plurality of parameters from a plurality of monitoring devices monitoring the plurality of engines; calculate a plurality of metrics corresponding to the plurality of engines based on the plurality of parameters; determine, based on the plurality of metrics, that a switching condition is satisfied to switch from the first set of priorities to a second set of priorities for the plurality of engines; determine the second set of priorities for the plurality of engines based on the plurality of metrics; and cause the plurality of engines to provide respective amounts of power to the load based on the second set of priorities.

Control of multiple engines using one or more parameters associated with the multiple engines

A method for controlling a genset system is provided. The method includes recognizing a communication failure between one or more gensets of a plurality of gensets and a control system and determining an operating state of each of the one or more gensets prior to the communication failure. The method further includes operating the genset system, upon communication failure, according to a load control scheme. The load control scheme includes determining an available power of the genset system based on the determined operating state of each of the one or more gensets and coupling one or more loads to the genset system based on the available power.

Method for controlling a genset system

A control system for a plurality of generator sets (gensets) includes a plurality of controllers and a data link. Each of the plurality of controllers is operatively associated with at least one of the plurality of gensets. The plurality of controllers is configured to control power output of each of the plurality of gensets, based on a plurality of operating modes. Each of the plurality of operating modes is configured for a power consumption scenario associated with the load. The datalink connects each of the plurality of controllers to at least one other controller of the plurality of controllers. The plurality of controllers is further configured to select a current operating mode, from the plurality of operating modes, for the plurality of gensets and control power output of at least one of the plurality of gensets based on the current operating mode.

Systems and methods for controlling power output to a load by multiple gensets based on load operation modes

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

The invention is a method for a cylinder cutout system in a compression ignition engine utilizing a plurality of electronic unit injectors. An electronic controller, in communication with the compression ignition engine, is configured to receive a plurality of sensor signals indicative of current engine operating parameters. In response to the received signals, the electronic controller produces an injector signal. Included in each of the electronic unit injectors is a solenoid, that when activated in response to the injector signal received from the electronic controller, will facilitate injection of fuel to a corresponding cylinder. A predetermined plurality of the electronic unit injectors will be deactivated in response to the injector signal.

Compression ignition cylinder cutout system for reducing white smoke

A control system for controlling an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The control system employs closed loop engine speed control and includes a primary and secondary engine speed sensor. An electronic control module detects a failure of the primary or secondary sensor and causes the other sensor to be used as the engine speed feedback signal in the closed loop control.

Growing community of inventors

Washington, IL, United States of America

Stephen C Nofsinger