The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 27, 2012
Filed:
Aug. 26, 2008
Roy C Fonseca, East Peoria, IL (US);
Roy C Fonseca, East Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A control system and strategy for starting power systems having a plurality of power modules. For example, a multi-engine generator set switcher locomotive has three power modules each of which have an engine associated therewith. Upon receiving a command from the locomotive indicating to the engine control module to start at least one power module, i.e., engine, the control strategy determines whether to start the engine with an air or electric start. The control strategy starts only a single engine at a time, thereby avoiding overloading the airflow capacity of the compressed air source or the electric power capacity of the electric source. The control strategy also implements a command to start every engine with an air starter, if possible, to preserve the electric starter motor and the electric power capacity of the electric source.