Monitoring method of the usage time of a power generator, corresponding autonomous device, corresponding maintenance monitoring method and system

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of monitoring the use and maintenance of generator sets, and in particular portable generator sets, intended in particular for occasional or temporary use, on any type of site and terrain.

[0002] The present invention therefore finds applications in particular in the field of portable generator sets, and more generally mobile systems comprising means of producing electricity, such as welding sets or lighting masts. These different systems are subsequently included in the term “generator set”. 2. Prior art

[0003] Portable generators have been around for many years. They allow users to have a backup power supply or to provide electricity to any type of site or terrain without a fixed power supply (construction site, campsite, port, etc.). They can be owned by individuals or professionals, or rented by equipment rental companies.

[0004] Typically, such a generator set comprises a chassis on which a motor and an alternator are mounted. The motor, typically a heat engine, drives the alternator to rotate, producing electricity.

[0005] Generator sets must be regularly maintained, according to identified operating times, determined by the manufacturer, and for example mentioned in the instructions. It is therefore useful to measure the usage, or operating, times of a generator set, to determine when maintenance is necessary.

[0006] It is therefore important that the user, or the park manager, is aware of these durations and carries out or has carried out the required maintenance operations in good time. This is necessary to guarantee the proper functioning of the generator set and its reliability.

[0007] Some generators, especially high-capacity generators, are equipped with integrated monitoring devices, measuring the presence of an electrical current or voltage produced by the generator, and means of calculating the corresponding operating times and managing maintenance. On the other hand, portable generators do not generally have such a device.

[0008] Indeed, these devices are not easily adaptable to portable generators, which are much less expensive, particularly for production cost reasons.

[0009] Users must therefore estimate operating times and therefore maintenance times themselves. This lack of monitoring other than manual is a disadvantage of such portable generators, since they may therefore require irregular or insufficient maintenance or servicing, whereas generators require, for their proper functioning, regular maintenance and servicing so that, in particular, their performance is not impaired.

[0010] Poor maintenance of these portable generators, which can also be coupled with handling defects (shocks, exposure to extreme temperatures, etc.) can lead to accelerated deterioration of the generator and therefore a shorter than expected lifespan, which is not satisfactory.

[0011] Furthermore, in addition to the possibility of deterioration of the generator, irregular maintenance, i.e. maintenance not in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, can create risks for users.

[0012] Document US5,852,351 discloses a device and method for monitoring an electric motor.

[0013] Thus, there is a need for improvement of these portable generators. 3. Statement of the invention

[0014] An objective of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] This objective, as well as others which will appear in the remainder of this description, are achieved using a method for monitoring the usage time of a generator set, said method being capable of providing at least one piece of information characteristic of an operating time of said generator set, as described in claim 1. According to the invention, the method implements an autonomous measuring device, and further comprises the following steps, implemented by said autonomous device, when it is secured to a chassis of said generator set, and carrying at least two sensors: measurement of a first physical quantity, using a first of said sensors; measurement of a second physical quantity, using a second of said sensors; analysis of said first and second physical quantities, delivering information representative of an operating state of said generator set; determination of information representative of an overall operating time of said generator set, by accumulation of times during which said information representative of an operating state is delivered, and storage of said information representative of an overall operating time of said generator set.

[0016] Thus, the invention proposes a new and inventive approach making it possible to at least partially resolve the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] In particular, such a method allows a user to monitor the usage time of his or her portable generator(s) in a simple and efficient manner, and therefore to carry out or have carried out the required maintenance operations.

[0018] It is important to note that the sensors according to the invention are implemented in an autonomous device, i.e. not electrically connected to the generator set. It would indeed be possible, as proposed in the prior art, to measure the voltage or intensity of the electric current produced by the group, but the invention aims in particular to avoid any connection of this type, so as to have a simple and inexpensive solution. It is therefore planned to implement an autonomous device, which does not measure the electrical energy produced, but phenomena that can be measured remotely, without contact, and which are representative of an operating state.

[0019] Taking into account at least two distinct physical quantities makes it possible to produce information representative of the operating state of said reliable generator set, and in particular resistant to false detection by one or other of the sensors, due to a phenomenon external to the set.

[0020] Thus, the analysis is not disturbed by the external environment in which the generator is placed, an environment in which one of the two measurements could be disturbed and distort the analysis.

[0021] Therefore, the determination of information representative of the overall operating time of the generator set is reliable.

[0022] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the step of analyzing said first and second physical quantities comprises the following sub-steps: processing of the first measured quantity; comparison of the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold; processing of the second measured quantity; comparison of the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, and delivery of said information representative of an operating state of said generator set, as a function of said sub-step of comparison of the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold and of said sub-step of comparison of the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, if said first quantity and said second quantity are respectively greater than said first and second thresholds.

[0023] Thus, the group is not considered to be in operation when at least one of the measurements is lower than the associated threshold. In other words, if only one of the measurements is higher than the threshold, this means that the detected phenomenon, although real, is not produced by the group, and that it is not in operation.

[0024] The information representative of an operating state of said generator set is reliable, and takes into account the first and second measured quantities.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, said first physical quantity is representative of the operation of an engine of said generator set, and in that said second physical quantity is representative of the operation of an alternator of said generator set.

[0026] This detects the operation of two major elements of the generator set, which makes operation detection more reliable. For example, the operation of the engine can be detected by taking into account the vibrations it generates, and the operation of the alternator can be detected, for example, from the electromagnetic field it produces.

[0027] According to the invention, the method further comprises a step of transmitting said information characteristic of an overall operating duration, from said autonomous device to data processing means, when said autonomous device is connected to said data processing means.

[0028] In this case, the step of transmitting said information characteristic of an overall operating duration also comprises a sub-step of transmitting at least one piece of system information on said generator set, so as to identify said generator set, said system information belonging to the group comprising: a generator serial number; location data of said generator, or a generator model.

[0029] This provides additional information to optimize maintenance and monitoring, for example, particularly when monitoring a number of portable generator sets.

[0030] According to a particular characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a preliminary step of pairing said autonomous device with said data processing means.

[0031] This prevents a third party from connecting and collecting data, whether intentionally or not.

[0032] The invention also relates to an autonomous device according to claim 5 implementing a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0033] The invention further relates to a method for tracking the maintenance of a generator set, in a communicating device or a server, as described in claim 6, and comprising the following steps: reception of information characteristic of an overall operating duration by an autonomous device according to claim 5, said information being obtained by implementing a method according to claims 1 to 4; processing of said information characteristic of an overall operating duration, delivering at least one piece of information relating to the maintenance of said generator set, depending on the operating duration of the latter.

[0034] Thus, it is this communicating device (telephone, tablet, computer, etc.) or this server that analyzes the operating times and determines whether maintenance must be carried out or not. The autonomous device can "simply" compile an operating time and provide it to a remote element that uses it.

[0035] Such a process thus makes it possible to efficiently and simply monitor the overall operating time of a generator set and the maintenance operations to be carried out or have carried out.

[0036] According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, said at least one item of information relating to maintenance belongs to the group comprising: a total number of hours of use of the generator set; a number of continuous hours of use of the generator set; a date of first use of the generator set; a date of last use of the generator set; an autonomy of the generator set; a need to start the generator set; a need to stop the generator set; advice on using the generator set, or the need to carry out maintenance on said generator set.

[0037] According to another aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of transmitting at least one piece of maintenance data from the processing means to said autonomous device.

[0038] This can, for example, enable updates to be made to operations carried out on the generator set or to various data provided by the user which could prove important for the autonomous device.

[0039] In this case, the at least one maintenance data transmitted from said processing means to said autonomous device may belong to the group comprising: an update of a generator set maintenance log; a date of maintenance carried out; a serial number; a maintenance plan to follow; user data; a command to reset said information representing an overall operating time.

[0040] According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, said processing means comprise an external terminal, and in that said method comprises at least one step among: a step of displaying at least one item of data from among said at least one item of maintenance data, said system information on said generator set, said at least one item of information characteristic of an overall operating time, and a step of receiving instructions from a user interacting with said external terminal.

[0041] This allows a user to have a visual view of the data concerning his or her generator set(s), and also to interact, particularly in monitoring the maintenance of the generator set.

[0042] In other words, it allows information about a generator to be communicated to a user, and also allows the user to communicate information.

[0043] The invention further relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a microprocessor-readable medium and / or executable by a microprocessor, characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for executing a method of maintaining a generator set according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, when executed on a computer.

[0044] The invention further relates to a computer-readable and non-transitory storage medium, storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer or a processor to implement the method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0045] The invention finally relates to a system comprising: a generator set; an autonomous device for monitoring the time of use of a generator set, attached to said generator set, according to the invention, and data processing means, capable of implementing a method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a server connected to said data processing means so as to store at least in part information relating to the maintenance of said generator set. 4. List of figures

[0047] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which: [ fig.1] is a perspective view of a generator set comprising a stand-alone device implementing a method for tracking the time of use of the generator set according to one embodiment of the invention; [ fig.2 ] is a perspective view of a portion of a generator set, without a side cover, comprising a stand-alone device for tracking usage time implementing a method for tracking usage time of the generator set according to the embodiment of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ fig.3 ] is a diagram illustrating a system according to one embodiment of the invention; [ fig.4 ] is a diagram illustrating a method for tracking usage time according to one embodiment of the invention; [ fig.5 ] is a diagram illustrating in detail the analysis step of the tracking method according to the embodiment of the [ Fig. 4 ] ; [ fig.6] is a diagram illustrating a method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to one embodiment of the invention; [ fig.7 ] is a diagram illustrating in detail the step of determining the tracking method according to the embodiment of the [ Fig. 4 ] , And [ fig.8 ] is a flowchart showing different methods of counting the operating time of the generator set. 5. Description of an embodiment

[0048] A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated below, treated as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, with the support of figures 1 to 8 .

[0049] As illustrated in the figure 1 , the generator set 1 comprises a chassis, otherwise called a base, forming the rigid structure of the generator set, as well as a protective cover and a side cover protecting the various components.

[0050] The chassis and under the hood are fitted with the various elements needed to produce electricity, including a motor and an alternator.

[0051] As illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 , the generator set also carries an autonomous device 2 for monitoring the time of use of the generator set, which is secured to the generator set.

[0052] The term "autonomous" here means that the device is not electrically powered by the generator, nor electrically connected to it, for example to measure current or voltage. This "intrusive" approach is certainly a possibility for gaining insight into how it works, but its implementation can be relatively complex and expensive, and not very suitable for portable generators.

[0053] This autonomous device 2 is for example placed close to the engine and the alternator so as to facilitate the capture of signals emitted by these elements. More particularly, such proximity makes it possible to have monitoring that is relatively precise and reliable, and for which the external environment will have a reduced impact on the data collected.

[0054] The autonomous device for monitoring the time of use for a generator set 9 is capable of providing at least one piece of information characteristic of an operating time of this generator set.

[0055] To do this, the autonomous device 2 carries at least two sensors making it possible to measure at least two physical quantities.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the two physical quantities measured are the presence of a magnetic field generated by the alternator of the generator set and the presence of vibrations generated by the engine of the set.

[0057] More particularly, a first sensor is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the presence of a magnetic field generated by the alternator of the generator set.

[0058] The first physical quantity measured by this first sensor can therefore be representative of the rotation of the generator set's alternator, which is a relatively significant parameter given that the difference is significant between the magnetic field generated by the alternator when it is operating or not.

[0059] In fact, the difference in the value of the magnetic field generated by the alternator is very significant whether it is switched off or in operation.

[0060] The fact that the autonomous device 2 is placed close to the alternator, as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2 , also makes it possible to obtain reliable readings of this first physical quantity.

[0061] A second sensor is a vibration sensor capable of capturing vibrations generated by the engine of the generator set 1. Such a sensor makes it possible to detect vibrations of the engine when it is in operation.

[0062] Thus, this autonomous device 2 implements a method for monitoring the usage time of the generator set 1, this method being capable of providing at least one piece of information characteristic of an operating time of the generator set 1.

[0063] According to the invention, the method, illustrated in figure 4 , includes the following steps: a step 10 of measuring the first physical quantity, here the electromagnetic field generated by the alternator, using the first sensor; a step 20 of measuring the second physical quantity, here the vibrations emitted by the engine, using the second sensor; a step 30 of analyzing the first and second physical quantities, delivering information representative of an operating state of the generator set 1; a step 40 of determining information representative of an overall operating time of the generator set 1, by accumulating times during which the information representative of an operating state is delivered, and a step 50 of storing the information representative of an overall operating time of the generator set 1.

[0064] Once the first and second quantities have been measured, the analysis step 30 makes it possible to deliver information representative of an operating state of the generator set 1, that is to say in particular to define whether the generator set 1 is running or stopped at the time of the measurements.

[0065] To do this, step 30 of analyzing the first and second physical quantities, includes for example, as illustrated in Figure 5 , the following sub-steps: obtaining 301 of the first measured quantity, and where appropriate pre-processing (filtering, smoothing, etc.); comparing 303 of the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold, recorded in the autonomous device; processing 302 of the second measured quantity, and where appropriate pre-processing (filtering, smoothing, etc.); comparing 304 of the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, recorded in the autonomous device, and delivering 305 of the information representative of an operating state of the generator set, as a function of the sub-step 303 of comparing the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold and of the sub-step 304 of comparing the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, if the first quantity and the second quantity are respectively greater than the first and second thresholds.

[0066] Thus, if the first quantity is greater than the first predetermined value threshold, and if the second quantity is greater than the second predetermined value threshold, in this case the generator set is considered to be running and the information representative of an operating state of the generator set is delivered.

[0067] In other words, the generator set is considered to be operating when both sensors measure physical quantities of parameters indicating potential operation, i.e. when the engine and alternator of the generator set are running.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first threshold corresponds to 5µT.

[0069] More generally, the first threshold can be between 25 µT and 450 µT.

[0070] Furthermore, and also in this embodiment, the first threshold corresponds to 10 Hz.

[0071] More generally, the first threshold can be between 20 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0072] Having a first sensor and a second sensor makes it possible to deliver information characteristic of an operating state which is reliable, for example without disturbing the external environment in which the generator set is placed.

[0073] Indeed, in the event that the generator set is placed in an environment with a strong magnetic field, the measurements of the first physical quantity made by the first sensor may be disturbed. However, by cross-checking with the measurements of the second physical quantity made by the second vibration sensor, the reading of a magnetic field when the generator set is not in operation is not identified as operation of the generator set because the second sensor does not detect vibration at the engine level.

[0074] The same applies if vibrations occur in the generator set, for example when it is being transported. In this case, the measurements of the second physical quantity made by the second sensor may be disturbed by vibrations, due for example to irregularities in the road during transport of the generator set. However, by cross-checking with the measurements of the first physical quantity made by the first magnetic field sensor, the detection of vibrations when the generator set is not in operation is not identified as operation of the generator set because the first sensor then does not detect a magnetic field at the alternator.

[0075] Thus, from the analysis of related physical quantities, here the magnetic field emitted by the alternator and the vibrations emitted by the engine, the method then delivers, during the analysis step 30 of the first and second physical quantities, information characteristic of an operating state of the generator set which is reliable.

[0076] It should be noted that, according to other embodiments, it could be provided that the first physical quantity and second physical quantity are of other types, and therefore that the first sensor and the second sensor are of other types. It is also possible to take into account more than two types of sensors.

[0077] For example, one could implement a temperature sensor, for example engine temperature.

[0078] A voltage sensor could also be provided at the terminals of the generator set elements.

[0079] An acoustic sensor could also be provided, for example to assess the sound volume (and / or other sound characteristics) generated by the engine and / or by the rotation of the alternator.

[0080] An oil pressure sensor, an alternator speed sensor, or an airflow sensor could also be included.

[0081] Furthermore, the processing presented here as an example, implementing a comparison of the signals measured at predetermined thresholds, can be replaced by another processing, analyzing the two signals more precisely, for example on the basis of filtering or mathematical transforms, so as to make the “group in operation” decision as precise as possible.

[0082] The thresholds can be predetermined, adapted to each type of generator set, or precisely calibrated for each set, at the time of its manufacture, or updated periodically, for example during maintenance.

[0083] As illustrated on the figures 4 And 5 , and as mentioned above, the method then comprises a step 40 of determining information representative of an overall operating duration of the generator set 1, by accumulating times during which the information representative of an operating state is delivered.

[0084] In other words, if the information characteristic of an operating state of the generator set is delivered, the information representative of an overall operating time of the generator set is incremented by a given time unit.

[0085] On the other hand, if the information characteristic of an operating state of the generator set is not delivered, the information representative of an overall operating time of the generator set is not incremented by a given time unit and therefore remains invariable.

[0086] For example, if this information representing the overall operating time of the generator set is zero, corresponding to a generator set at a standstill, it remains zero.

[0087] To further explain the determination of the information representative of an overall operating duration, we now present, in support of the figures 7 and 8 , particular examples of embodiments of determination step 40.

[0088] As illustrated in figure 7 , in this embodiment, the determining step 40 comprises the following sub-steps: sub-step 401 of determining a current operating duration; sub-step 402 of determining an overall operating duration, as a function of said current duration.

[0089] There figure 8 illustrates three different modes of counting the current operating time of the generator set. In this figure 8 , graph 90 illustrates the periods when the generator is actually in operation.

[0090] Graph 91 illustrates, by pulses, the instants when the analysis step of the first and second physical quantities is carried out.

[0091] Three different modes of counting the current operating time of the generator set are then illustrated, and consequently of counting the overall operating time of the generator set.

[0092] In the counting mode of graph 92, the counter considers operation of the generator set as soon as the analysis delivers information representative of the operating state of the generator set and ceases to consider this operation only when the analysis step no longer delivers this representative information.

[0093] In the counting mode of graph 93, the meter considers operation of the generator set as soon as the analysis provides information representative of the operating state, and considers that the set is in operation during the interval between two successive analysis stages.

[0094] The counting mode of graph 94 is opposite to the counting mode of graph 92. To obtain the current operating time, it is then necessary to obtain the inverse, as illustrated in graph 95.

[0095] During step 50 of storing the information representative of an overall operating time of the generator set 1, this information is stored in a memory of the autonomous device.

[0096] In the embodiment of the method for tracking the usage time of the generator set 1 illustrated in figure 4 , this further comprises a step 60 of transmitting information characteristic of an overall operating duration, from the autonomous device 2 to data processing means 3, when the autonomous device 2 is connected to the data processing means 3.

[0097] In order to connect the autonomous device 2 to the data processing means 3, the method comprises, in this embodiment, a preliminary step of pairing the autonomous device 2 to the data processing means 3.

[0098] This step allows for mutual authentication of the processing means and the autonomous device, which secures the data. Thus, a third party cannot access the data without first carrying out pairing.

[0099] This step of transmitting information can, for example, be based on a technology known as Bluetooth “Low Energy”.

[0100] A transmission stage could also be based on NFC, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Zwave, WiFi, LoRa, Sigfox, or even mobile cellular networks or low-speed radio networks. In particular, the autonomous device and the processing means can communicate via protocols intended for the "internet of things".

[0101] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting the information characteristic of an overall operating time, from the autonomous device to the data processing means, can be done automatically as soon as the data processing means and the autonomous device can be connected to each other automatically. In other words, the exchange of data can be done at the request of the user, who launches a dedicated application and / or a command to query this application, or automatically. In the latter case, the application can run continuously, in the background, to enter into contact with the autonomous device as soon as it is nearby. Alternatively, the autonomous device can itself enter into communication with a suitable device or a server, for example when it detects an available network, using a protocol adapted to the “internet of things”.

[0102] This step 60 of transmitting the information characteristic of an overall operating duration also comprises, in this embodiment, a sub-step of transmitting at least one piece of system information on the generator set 1, so as to identify the generator set in question.

[0103] Such a sub-step is, for example, interesting in the case of a fleet of generator sets, so as to identify to which generator set corresponds the characteristic information of an overall operating time.

[0104] Such system information can for example be: a generator serial number; generator location data, or a generator model.

[0105] Therefore, it is possible to envisage that the autonomous device has geolocation capabilities. This allows the manager to know precisely where each generator is, and for example to check that it is in a designated location. This is also a possible aid in the event of loss or theft of the generator.

[0106] It is also possible to provide an embodiment in which the step 60 of transmitting the information characteristic of an overall operating duration also comprises a sub-step of transmitting other data such as: detection of shocks on the generator set; a profile of power output by the generator set; an overload of the generator set, or an underload of the generator set.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, illustrated in particular by the figure 3, the generator set 1, the autonomous device 2 for monitoring usage time, and the data processing means form a system making it possible to monitor the usage time of the generator set 1 but also to monitor the maintenance of this generator set 1.

[0108] This monitoring of the maintenance of generator set 1 is more particularly carried out in connection with the data processing means which are capable of implementing a process for monitoring the maintenance of the generator set.

[0109] Thus, in this process of monitoring the maintenance of generator set 1, illustrated in particular in figure 6, when the processing means receive information characteristic of an overall duration of operation by the autonomous device 2, the method comprises a step 70 of processing the information characteristic of an overall duration of operation, by the data processing means 3, so as to deliver at least one item of information relating to the maintenance of the generator set 1, as a function of the duration of operation of the latter.

[0110] In other words, the processing means 3 analyze the information characteristic of an overall operating duration transmitted by the autonomous device 2 in order to deliver at least one item of information relating to the maintenance of the generator set 1.

[0111] Such maintenance information may, according to this embodiment: a total number of hours of use of the generator set; a number of continuous hours of use of the generator set; a date of first use of the generator set; a date of last use of the generator set; an autonomy of the generator set; a need to start the generator set; a need to stop the generator set; advice on using the generator set, or the need to carry out maintenance on said generator set.

[0112] This maintenance information may, for example, be communicated to a user via an external terminal included by the processing means 3.

[0113] This external terminal can, for example, be a smartphone or a tablet, allowing maintenance information to be displayed, but also allowing a user to give instructions.

[0114] More particularly, in this embodiment, the method comprises at least one step among: a step 110 of displaying at least one maintenance data item, at least one piece of information relating to maintenance, the system information on the generator set 1, the at least one piece of information characteristic of an overall operating time, and a step 100 of receiving instructions from a user interacting with the external terminal.

[0115] It should be noted that the system may further comprise a server connected to the data processing means 3 so as to store at least part of the information relating to the maintenance of the generator set.

[0116] It may also be provided that, in one embodiment, the server also stores at least one maintenance data item, at least one maintenance-related information item, system information on the generator set 1, or at least one information item characteristic of an overall operating time.

[0117] In the embodiment illustrated in particular in figure 6 , following the display step 110, and the step of receiving instructions 100 from the user interacting with the external terminal, with a view to entering maintenance data, the method further comprises a step 80 of transmitting at least one piece of maintenance data from the processing means 3 to the autonomous device 2.

[0118] Such maintenance data transmitted from the processing means 3 to the autonomous device 2 belongs to the group comprising: an update of a generator set maintenance log; a date of maintenance carried out; a serial number; a maintenance plan to be followed; user data, such as a coordinate, and a command to reset said information representative of an overall operating time.

[0119] In other words, following the display step, the user can take actions, depending on the displayed data, and then interact with the external terminal during the instruction receiving step 100.

[0120] For example, in the case of displaying a need to carry out maintenance of said generator set, the user carries out maintenance on the generator set and then, when this maintenance is effective, he enters a date of maintenance carried out, this date being transmitted during the transmission step 80 of at least one maintenance data item from the processing means 3 to the autonomous device 2.

[0121] Such a step makes it possible to update the autonomous device 2 in the same way as the processing means 3, so that the monitoring of the maintenance of the generator set is optimal.

[0122] The invention also relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a microprocessor-readable medium and / or executable by a microprocessor, comprising program code instructions for executing a method of maintaining a generator set according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, when executed on a computer.

[0123] The invention also relates to a computer-readable and non-transitory storage medium, storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer or a processor for implementing the method of maintaining a generator set according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0124] More particularly, the storage medium may be included in the server connected to the data processing means.

Claims

1. Method for monitoring the time of use of a generator set (1), said method being able to provide at least information characteristic of an operating time of said generator set, said method using an autonomous measuring device (2) carrying at least two sensors, said method comprising the following steps, implemented by said autonomous device, when it is attached to a frame of said generator set: - measuring (10) a first physical quantity, using a first of said sensors; - measuring (20) a second physical quantity, using a second of said sensors; - analysing (30) said first and second physical quantities, delivering information representing an operating state of said generator set; - determining (40) information representing an overall operating time of said generator set, by cumulative time during which said information representing an operating state is delivered, - storing (50) said information representing an overall operating time of said generator set, and - transmitting (60) said information characteristic of an overall operating time, from said autonomous device to data processing means, when said autonomous device is connected to said data processing means, characterised in that said method furthermore comprises a step of obtaining location data of said generator set and in that said transmission step (60) comprises a sub-step of transmitting at least one of said location data of said generator set, so as to identify said generator set.

2. Method for monitoring the time of use according to claim 1, characterised in that the step (30) of analysing said first and second physical quantities comprises the following sub-steps: - processing (301) the first measured quantity; - comparing (303) the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold; - processing (302) the second measured quantity; - comparing (304) the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, and - delivering (305) said information representing an operating state of said generator set, according to said sub-step (303) of comparing the first measured quantity with respect to a first predetermined value threshold and said sub-step (304) of comparing the second measured quantity with respect to a second predetermined value threshold, if said first quantity and said second quantity are respectively greater than said first and second thresholds.

3. Method for monitoring the time of use according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that said first physical quantity represents the operation of a motor of said generator set, and in that said second physical quantity represents the operation of an alternator of said generator set.

4. Method for monitoring the time of use according to either one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a preliminary step of pairing said autonomous device with said data processing means.

5. Autonomous device characterised in that it is adapted to implement a method according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set, in a communicating device or a server, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - receiving information characteristic of an overall operating time by an autonomous device according to claim 5, said information being obtained by said device with the implementation of a method according to one of claims 1 to 4; - processing (70) said information characteristic of an overall operating time, delivering at least one piece of information relating to the maintenance of said generator set, according to the operating time thereof.

7. Method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to claim 6, characterised in that said at least one piece of information relating to maintenance belongs to the group comprising: - a total number of hours of use of the generator set; - a continuous number of hours of use of the generator set; - a date of first use of the generator set; - a date of last use of the generator set; - autonomy of the generator set; - a need to start the generator set; - a need to stop the generator set; - advice on the use of the generator set, or - the need to carry out maintenance on said generator set.

8. Method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterised in that it furthermore comprises a step of transmitting (80) at least one item of maintenance data from the processing means to said autonomous device.

9. Method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to claim 8, characterised in that said at least one item of maintenance data transmitted from said processing means to said autonomous device belongs to the group comprising: - an update of a maintenance logbook for the generator set; - a date of maintenance carried out; - a serial number; - a maintenance plan to be followed; - user data; - a command to reset said information representing an overall operating time.

10. Method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that said processing means comprise an external terminal, and in that said method comprises at least one step from: - a step (90) of displaying at least one piece of data among said at least one piece of maintenance data, said system information on said generator set, said at least one piece of information characteristic of an overall operating time, and - a step of receiving instructions (100) from a user interacting with said external terminal.

11. Computer program which can be downloaded from a communications network and / or stored on a microprocessor-readable medium and / or executed by a microprocessor, characterised in that it comprises program code instructions for executing a method for maintaining a generator set according to one of claims 6 to 10, when executed on a computer.

12. Computer-readable, non-transient storage medium, storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer or a processor to implement the method according to one of claims 6 to 10.

13. System comprising: - a generator set (1); - an autonomous device (2) for monitoring the time of use of a generator set, attached to said generator set, according to claim 5, and - data processing means (3), capable of implementing a method for monitoring the maintenance of a generator set according to one of claims 6 to 10.

14. System according to claim 13, characterised in that it furthermore comprises a server connected to said data processing means so as to at least partly store information relating to the maintenance of said generator set.