Method for operating a device for providing electrical energy and device for providing electrical energy

Abstract

A method for operating a device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (M) and a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M), comprises the following steps: Reading a configuration signal via a configuration interface (X), comprising a first parameter set (P1) for a first operating mode with higher-quality fuel or a second parameter set (P2) for a second operating mode with lower-quality fuel; setting exhaust fault treatment rules to perform fault treatment of detected exhaust faults depending on the configuration signal, wherein the exhaust fault treatment rules are implemented by an engine control unit (110) of the device (100); transmitting operating mode information from the engine control unit (110) to a control unit (120) of the device (100), wherein the operating mode information represents the presence of the first or the second operating mode depending on the configuration signal;Adapting fault monitoring rules to the operating mode represented by the operating mode information, wherein the fault monitoring rules are implemented by the control unit (120); and controlling an operating unit (130) of the device (100) using the operating mode information to signal the operating mode to an operator (B).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a device for providing electrical energy and to a device for providing electrical energy.

[0002] Typically, in many applications of power generator sets, instead of engines that have an exhaust aftertreatment system and can meet a strict emissions standard, only engines that can meet a less strict emissions standard can be used, and thus may have disadvantages such as lower efficiency and higher exhaust emissions.

[0003] Document DE 11 2014 004 800 T5 discloses a method and a system for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle.

[0004] The publication EP 2 128 412 B1 discloses a method for determining the fuel properties and their influence on exhaust emissions during the operation of an internal combustion engine. revelation

[0005] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces an improved method for operating a device for providing electrical energy and an improved device for providing electrical energy according to the main claims. The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim.

[0006] The approach presented here makes it possible, in particular, to configure a device for providing electrical energy, such as a generator, for operation in accordance with both stricter and less stringent emission standards, for example, with low-grade fuels, depending on the specific application and location. This system modification can be implemented quickly. Furthermore, it is readily apparent to the operator which operating mode the device is in.

[0007] A method for operating a device for providing electrical energy is presented, wherein the device comprises an internal combustion engine which can be operated with either higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel, and a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Reading a configuration signal via a configuration interface from an application on an external device, wherein the configuration signal comprises a first parameter set for a first operating mode of the internal combustion engine with higher quality fuel or a second parameter set for a second operating mode of the internal combustion engine with lower quality fuel; Setting exhaust gas fault handling rules to perform fault handling of detected exhaust gas faults depending on the configuration signal, wherein the exhaust gas fault handling rules are implemented by an engine control unit of the device for controlling the internal combustion engine; Transmission of operating mode information from the engine control unit to a control unit of the device, wherein the operating mode information represents the presence of the first operating mode or the second operating mode depending on the configuration signal; Adapting fault monitoring rules for monitoring the device for faults to the operating mode represented by the operating mode information, wherein the fault monitoring rules are implemented by the control unit; and Controlling an operating unit of the device using the operating mode information in order to signal to an operator of the device the operating mode represented by the operating mode information.

[0008] The device can be configured to generate electrical energy by means of a generator driven by an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine can be configured to provide kinetic energy. The generator can be configured to convert this kinetic energy into electrical energy and make it available. The device can also be referred to as a power generator set. The device can be configured as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set. The internal combustion engine can be a diesel engine or a diesel engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger. Depending on the fuel used, the device's exhaust system can have either a first configuration or a second configuration. In the first configuration, an exhaust aftertreatment system can be integrated into the exhaust system and thus utilized by the device.In the first configuration, the combustion engine can be operated with higher-quality fuel. In the second configuration, the exhaust aftertreatment system can be bypassed. In the second configuration, the combustion engine can be operated with lower-quality fuel.

[0009] A device for providing energy can, according to its embodiment, utilize, for example, an internal combustion engine with an exhaust aftertreatment system that meets stricter emissions standards in order to reduce emissions. This also allows compliance with any applicable legal requirements regarding exhaust emissions. Furthermore, the device can be backward compatible with different fuels, meaning that the use of lower-quality fuels is also possible. Such a modification to the system can be implemented quickly and easily.

[0010] It is possible to meet the requirements of both customers and legislators in order to have a device, for example a power generator, for a wide variety of applications, which can use an internal combustion engine with stricter emission standards including exhaust aftertreatment and can be converted within a short time to be operated with, for example, poor-quality fuel at special locations where only poor-quality fuel is available.

[0011] Thus, according to the exemplary embodiments, it is possible, in particular, to switch between operation according to a stricter emissions standard and operation according to a less stringent emissions standard using low-grade fuels. This allows for compliance with customer-specific and legal requirements. Furthermore, the option of operating according to a stricter emissions standard can reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and lower fuel consumption, thereby contributing to the achievement of climate protection goals. This enables flexible deployment with regard to compliance with legal emission requirements depending on the operating location, and adaptation to low-grade fuels can also be achieved through retrofitting. An operator can quickly see which operating mode the device is currently in, particularly via an HMI (Human Machine Interface) or other user interface.

[0012] According to one embodiment, during the setting step, a first control set can be configured for the first parameter set, according to which exhaust gas errors related to the first operating mode are taken into account. Alternatively, in the case of the second parameter set, a second control set can be configured, according to which exhaust gas errors related to the first operating mode are ignored. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that trouble-free and reliable operation can be achieved with fault handling appropriate to each operating mode.

[0013] Furthermore, during the adaptation step, a first set of rules can be used in the first operating mode, according to which exhaust gas-related fault monitoring is reduced or deactivated. Conversely, in the second operating mode, a second set of rules can be used, according to which exhaust gas-related fault monitoring is intensified or activated. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that safe and reliable operation of the device can be ensured in every operating mode.

[0014] Furthermore, during the transmission step, the operating mode information can be transmitted in at least one message that is sent by default from the engine control unit to the control unit. The source address of this message, which can be changed depending on the current operating mode, can represent the operating mode information. For example, a standard source address can be used for the first operating mode, and an alternative source address can be used for the second. This implementation offers the advantage that no additional, separate message is required; instead, the entire standard communication protocol can be used.

[0015] During the activation phase, a status message can also be sent cyclically from the control unit to the operator unit. This status message can specify the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. Such an implementation offers the advantage that the operator unit can be kept informed of the current operating mode during regular communication with the control unit.

[0016] The status message can include a status flag that indicates the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. This design offers the advantage of easily communicating the current operating mode.

[0017] Furthermore, the operating mode represented by the operating mode information can be displayed by the control unit via a status symbol and additionally or alternatively in a status line, responding to the status message. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing the operator with a clear and easily identifiable indication of the currently active operating mode.

[0018] A device for providing electrical energy is also presented, the device having the following features: an internal combustion engine that can optionally be operated with higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel; a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine; an engine control unit for controlling the internal combustion engine; a control unit; and a control unit, wherein the engine control unit, the control unit and the operating unit are configured to perform and / or control the steps of an embodiment of a method presented herein in appropriate devices.

[0019] Thus, the engine control unit, the control unit, and the operating unit can be configured to operate the electrical energy supply device or to control the operation of the electrical energy supply device. The control unit can be connected to the engine control unit and the operating unit via data transmission.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the engine control unit and the control unit can be connected to each other via a CAN bus. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit and the operating unit can be connected to each other via an Ethernet cable.

[0021] In particular, the engine control unit, the control unit and the operating unit function as a control unit designed to carry out, control or implement the steps of a variant of a procedure presented here in appropriate facilities.

[0022] For this purpose, the engine control unit, the control unit, and the operating unit can each have at least one processing unit for processing signals or data, at least one storage unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals to the actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The processing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, while the storage unit can be flash memory, magnetic storage, or RAM.The communication interface can be configured to read or output data wirelessly and / or via wired connections, whereby a communication interface that can read or output wired data can, for example, read this data electrically or optically from or output it into a corresponding data transmission line.

[0023] The terms engine control unit (ECU), control unit, and operating unit can each be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals accordingly. The ECU, control unit, and operating unit can each have an interface, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based interface, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which incorporates various functions of the ECU, control unit, or operating unit. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are separate integrated circuits or at least partially comprised of discrete components. In the case of a software-based interface, the interfaces can be software modules that are, for example, present on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0024] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular if the program product or program is executed on a computer, a control device, a control unit, an operating unit and / or a device.

[0025] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; and Fig. 2 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a device for providing electrical energy.

[0026] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly, without repeating these elements.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy E. According to one embodiment, the device 100 is configured as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set. Thus, the device 100 can be referred to, for example, as an energy supply device or a power generator set. The device 100 comprises an internal combustion engine M, a generator G, an engine control unit 110 for controlling the internal combustion engine M, a control unit 120, and an operating unit 130.

[0028] The internal combustion engine M can be operated with either higher-quality or lower-quality fuel. According to one embodiment, the internal combustion engine M is configured as a diesel engine or as a diesel engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger. During operation, the internal combustion engine M produces exhaust gas X.

[0029] The generator G is coupled to the internal combustion engine M. The generator G can be driven by the internal combustion engine M to generate energy E, in particular electrical energy.

[0030] The engine control unit 110 and the control unit 120 are connected to each other for data transmission. According to one embodiment, the engine control unit 110 and the control unit 120 are connected to each other via a CAN bus 115. The control unit 120 and the operating unit 130 are connected to each other for data transmission. The control unit 120 and the operating unit 130 are connected to each other via an Ethernet cable 125.

[0031] The engine control unit 110, the control unit 120 and the operating unit 130 are designed to operate the device 100 or to control the operation of the device 100, in particular with regard to a modification to adapt to fuels of different qualities.

[0032] The engine control unit 110 is configured to read a configuration signal from an application A on an external device via a configuration interface X. This signal comprises a first parameter set P1 for a first operating mode of the internal combustion engine M with higher-quality fuel or a second parameter set P2 for a second operating mode of the internal combustion engine M with lower-quality fuel. Furthermore, the engine control unit 110 is configured to set exhaust gas fault handling rules for performing fault handling of detected exhaust gas faults, depending on the configuration signal.In one embodiment, the engine control unit 110 is configured to set a first control set in the case of the first parameter set, according to which exhaust gas faults related to the first operating mode are taken into account, or, in the case of the second parameter set, to set a second control set according to which the exhaust gas faults related to the first operating mode are ignored. The engine control unit 110 is also configured to implement the exhaust gas fault handling rules. Furthermore, the engine control unit 110 is configured to transmit operating mode information to the control unit 120. Depending on the configuration signal, the operating mode information represents the presence of either the first or the second operating mode.According to one embodiment, the engine control unit 110 is configured to transmit the operating mode information in at least one message that is sent by default from the engine control unit 110 to the control unit 120. The source address of the message, which can be changed depending on the current operating mode, represents the operating mode information.

[0033] The control unit 120 is configured to adapt fault monitoring rules for monitoring the device 100 for faults to the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. According to one embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to use a first set of rules in the case of the first operating mode, according to which exhaust-related fault monitoring is reduced or deactivated, or, in the case of the second operating mode, to use a second set of rules according to which exhaust-related fault monitoring is intensified or activated. The control unit 120 is also configured to implement the fault monitoring rules. Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to control the operating unit 130 using the operating mode information in order to signal the operating mode represented by the operating mode information to an operator B of the device 100.According to one embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to cyclically send a status message to the operator unit 130. The status message indicates the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. For example, the status message includes a status flag that indicates the operating mode represented by the operating mode information.

[0034] The operating unit 130 is designed, for example, as a so-called HMI (Human Machine Interface) or a similar user interface. The operating unit 130 is configured to display the operating mode represented by the operating mode information, or to signal it to the operator B, in response to the status message from the control unit 120, for example, by means of a status symbol and / or in a status line.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for operating a device for providing electrical energy. The method 200 for operating the device can be carried out to Fig. 1 or a similar device to operate or control its operation. This device comprises an internal combustion engine, which can optionally be operated with higher-quality or lower-quality fuel, and a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine. The operating method 200 can be carried out, in particular, by means of an engine control unit, a control unit, and an operating unit of the device. The operating method 200 comprises a reading step 201, a setting step 203, a transfer step 205, an adaptation step 207, and a control step 209.

[0036] In step 201 of the input process, a configuration signal is read from an application on an external device via a configuration interface. This configuration signal comprises either a first parameter set for a primary operating mode of the internal combustion engine using higher-quality fuel or a second parameter set for a secondary operating mode using lower-quality fuel. Subsequently, in step 203 of the setting process, exhaust gas fault handling rules are configured based on the configuration signal to perform fault correction for detected exhaust gas faults. These rules are then implemented by the device's engine control unit to control the internal combustion engine. Finally, in step 205 of the transfer process, operating mode information is transmitted from the engine control unit to the device's control unit.Depending on the configuration signal, the operating mode information represents either the presence of the first or the second operating mode. Subsequently, in step 207 of the adaptation process, fault monitoring rules for monitoring the device for faults are adapted to the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. The fault monitoring rules are implemented by the control unit. Finally, in step 209 of the control process, the device's operating unit is controlled using the operating mode information to signal the operating mode represented by the operating mode information to the device operator.

[0037] The modification of the exhaust system from the first configuration to the second configuration is explained below with reference to the figures described above.

[0038] The modification comprises several steps and affects several components, including the engine control unit 110 (also referred to as engine control), the control unit 120 (also referred to as device control or generator set control, or SEA control), the CAN connection 115 between the engine control unit 110 and the control unit 120, the operator panel 130 (or HMI) with operating system and SEA application software, and the Ethernet connection 125 between the control unit 120 and the operator panel 130. Furthermore, a laptop or similar device with the corresponding application A (e.g., a configuration and / or diagnostic tool) is used as the end device, and an adapter plug or similar device serves as the configuration interface. The modification will be explained using an example, progressing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode (EDG = Emission Downgrade).

[0039] Configuring the engine control unit 110: To enter the second operating mode, or EDG (Emission Downgrade) mode, the second parameter set P2 is loaded into the engine control unit 110. This is done via application A, which is connected to the engine control unit 110 via the configuration interface X. This specific parameter set instructs the engine control unit 110 to ignore any emissions errors that may have resulted from a physical modification of the exhaust aftertreatment system, causing the vehicle to no longer comply with stricter emissions standards. This allows operation with lower-quality fuels.

[0040] Communication between control unit 110 and control unit 120: In order for control unit 120 to recognize this change or modification, the engine control unit 110 informs it. Both control units communicate with each other via CAN (Controller Area Network) 115. The engine control unit 110, with the special parameter set P2, provides control unit 120 with an identification signal that the internal combustion engine M is no longer in its first operating mode, through modified CAN messages or a modified CAN source address (in SAE J1939, part of the CAN identifier).

[0041] Error monitoring by control unit 120: Since the engine control unit 110 performs significantly reduced fault evaluation due to the special parameter set P2, critical values ​​are monitored by the control unit 120. The engine control unit 110 informs the control unit 120 that it should perform this monitoring. This information indicates that the second operating mode is active. Such external monitoring is necessary to protect the combustion engine M and the device 100 from the consequences of a fault.

[0042] Information for operator B originating from control unit 120: To enable operator B to easily recognize that the combustion engine M is in its second operating mode at device 100, this information is provided to the HMI or operating unit 130 in a processed form. This is done, for example, by setting a specially designated status flag in a cyclically sent status message via Ethernet 125.

[0043] HMI or operating unit 130: The operating unit 130, with the SEA application software, reads and processes the messages cyclically sent by the control unit 120. This includes the status flag, which signals EDG operation or the second operating mode. One of the application software pages contains a field that displays the status information, indicating whether EDG operation or the second operating mode is active. For example, if the combustion engine M is in the first operating mode, "EDG operation: Inactive" is displayed. In the case of EDG operation, "EDG operation: Active" is displayed. Additionally, an informational message can be displayed in the application software's status bar to inform operator B that the device 100 is currently in EDG operation or the second operating mode.

[0044] The only action required by operator B is to upload the respective parameter set P1 or P2 to the engine control unit 110 using application A via configuration interface X. All other steps are integrated directly into the respective software applications. Switching back to the first operating mode is achieved by uploading the first parameter set P1, or the standard parameter set, to the engine control unit 110 in the appropriate manner.

[0045] If an embodiment includes an “and / or” connection between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature, and according to another embodiment either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

[1] Method (200) for operating a device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (M) which can be operated with either higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel, and a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M), wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: Reading (201) a configuration signal via a configuration interface (X) from an application (A) on a device external to the device, wherein the configuration signal comprises a first parameter set (P1) for a first operating mode of the internal combustion engine (M) using higher quality fuel or a second parameter set (P2) for a second operating mode of the internal combustion engine (M) using lower quality fuel; Setting (203) exhaust gas fault handling rules to perform fault handling of detected exhaust gas faults depending on the configuration signal, wherein the exhaust gas fault handling rules are implemented by an engine control unit (110) of the device (100) for controlling the internal combustion engine (M); Transmitting (205) an operating mode information from the engine control unit (110) to a control unit (120) of the device (100), wherein the operating mode information represents the presence of the first operating mode or the second operating mode depending on the configuration signal; Adapting (207) fault monitoring rules for monitoring the device (100) for faults to the operating mode represented by the operating mode information, wherein the fault monitoring rules are implemented by the control unit (120); and Controlling (209) an operating unit (130) of the device (100) using the operating mode information to signal to an operator (B) of the device (100) the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. [2] Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein in step (203) of setting, in the case of the first parameter set (P1), a first control set is set according to which exhaust gas errors relating to the first operating mode are taken into account, or in the case of the second parameter set (P2), a second control set is set according to which the exhaust gas errors relating to the first operating mode are ignored. [3] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (207) of the adjustment in the case of the first operating mode a first control set is used according to which exhaust gas-related fault monitoring is reduced or deactivated, or in the case of the second operating mode a second control set is used according to which exhaust gas-related fault monitoring is intensified or activated. [4] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (205) of transmission the operating mode information is transmitted in at least one message sent by default from the engine control unit (110) to the control unit (120), wherein a source address of the message which can be changed depending on the operating mode present represents the operating mode information. [5] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (209) of the actuation a status message is cyclically sent from the control unit (120) to the operating unit (130), wherein the status message indicates the operating mode represented by the operating mode information, and / or wherein the status message has a status flag that indicates the operating mode represented by the operating mode information. [6] Method (200) according to claim 5, wherein, in response to the status message, the operating mode represented by the operating mode information is displayed by the control unit (130) by means of a status symbol and / or in a status line. [7] Device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) has the following features: an internal combustion engine (M) that can optionally run on higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel can be used; a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M); an engine control unit (110) for controlling the internal combustion engine (M); a control unit (120); and a control unit (130), wherein the engine control unit (110), the control unit (120) and the operating unit (130) are configured to perform and / or control the steps (201, 203, 205, 207, 209) of the method (200) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding devices. [8] Device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the engine control unit (110) and the control unit (120) are connected to each other by means of a CAN bus (115) and / or wherein the control unit (120) and the operating unit (130) are connected to each other by means of an Ethernet cable (125). [9] Computer program configured to execute and / or control the steps (201, 203, 205, 207, 209) of the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [10] Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 9 is stored.

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