Systems and methods of lubrication of engines

Abstract

A system can include a first pump coupled with a lubricant source. The system can include a second pump coupled with a fuel source. The system can include a first fluid path coupling the first pump with the second pump. The system can include a second fluid path coupling the first pump with an engine.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF LUBRICATION OF ENGINESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202341078160, filed on November 17, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the lubrication of engine systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Engines can include or be connected with pumps that provide lubricants to various components and / or interfaces in the engines. However, under various operating conditions, such as emergency startup conditions, it can be difficult to properly deliver sufficient lubricant to appropriate components and / or interfaces within target delivery times.SUMMARY(0004] One embodiment of the present enclosure relates to a system. The system can include a first pump coupled with a lubricant source. The system can include a second pump coupled with a fuel source. The system can include a first fluid path coupling the first pump with the second pump. The system can include a second fluid path coupling the first pump with an engine.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first fluid path includes a first valve between the first pump and the second pump. The first valve can have a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the first pump to the second pump. The second fluid path can include a second valve between the first pump and the engine. The second valve can have a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the first pump to the engine. The second pressure threshold can be greater than the first pressure threshold.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first valve and the second valve are mechanical check valves.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one of the first valve or the second valve is a solenoid valve.]0008[ In some embodiments, the system includes one or more processors configured to control operation of the at least one of the first valve or the second valve based on a corresponding at least one of the first pressure threshold or the second pressure threshold.10009] In some embodiments, the first fluid path includes at least one path portion extending through the engine.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first fluid path includes at least one filter between the first pump and the second pump.[OOH | In some embodiments, the engine includes an internal combustion engine having one or more interfaces of a plurality of moving components. The one or more interfaces can be coupled with the second fluid path.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first pump and the second pump are arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the engine.10013] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a generator set (genset) system. The genset system can include an engine configured to receive a lubricant. The genset system can include a fuel pump configured to receive the lubricant. The genset system can include a lubrication pump coupled with the fuel pump via a first fluid path and with the engine via a second fluid path. The genset system can include a first check valve along the first fluid path between the lubrication pump and the fuel pump. The genset system can include a second check valve along the second fluid path between the lubrication pump and the engine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first check valve has a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the fuel pump. The second check valve can have a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the engine. The second pressure threshold can be greater than the first pressure threshold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first pressure threshold is greater than or equal to 0.01 bar and less than or equal to 1 bar, and the second pressure threshold is greater than or equal to 3 bar and less than or equal to 5 bar.[00161 In some embodiments, the first fluid path includes at least one drilling extending through an engine block of the engine.[0017| In some embodiments, the first check valve has a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the fuel pump, and the second check valve has a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the engine, the second pressure threshold less than the first pressure threshold.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second fluid path includes at least one filter between the first pump and the engine.[00191 In some embodiments, the at least one filter is between the second check valve and the engine.

[0020] In some embodiments, the genset system includes a generator coupled with the engine.

[0021] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method. The method can include scanning, by one or more processors, one or more signals to determine that an engine crank condition of an engine is present and an engine run condition of the engine is not present. The method can include activating a pre-lubrication pump, by the one or more processors, responsive to determining that the engine crank condition is present and the engine run condition is not present. The pre-lubrication pump can be coupled with a first check valve coupled with a fuel pump and a second check valve coupled with the engine. The first check valve can have a lower cracking pressure than the second check valve.[0022 [ In some embodiments, the method includes providing the first check valve between a filter and the fuel pump.[0023 [ In some embodiments, the method includes providing the second check valve between the pre-lubrication pump and the engine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. l is a block diagram of a system, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of a system, according to some embodiments.[00261 FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the system of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.[0027| FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of systems and methods of engines, including lubrication of engines, engine systems, fuel pumps, lubrication pumps, and / or lubrication systems. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0029] Referring to the figures generally, the various non-limiting example embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods that can be utilized to perform operations such as lubrication of fuel pump and engine systems, including but not limited to emergency engine systems, generator set (genset) systems, or various combinations thereof. Engines can include or be coupled with a first pump (e.g., fuel pump) that provides fuel to the engine, and a second pump (e.g., lubricant pump, oil pump) that provides lubricant to at least one of the engine or the fuel pump. Some systems can provide lubricants to the fuel pump through a filter (e.g., a separate dedicated filter) or filtration system of the engine. However, such lubrication approaches can result in lubricant delivery taking greater than a target duration of time to meet one or more criteria for lubricant delivery, such as at least one of an amount of lubricant, a flow rate of lubricant, or a pressure of lubricant provided to the fuel pump (or the engine).[0030| A system, such as an engine system or genset system, in accordance with the present disclosure can include a first fluid path (e.g., lubrication circuit) for a first pump (e.g., pre-lubrication pump) to provide lubricant to a second pump (e.g., fuel pump), and a second fluid path for the pre-lubrication pump to provide the lubricant to an engine or lubrication pump or lubrication system coupled with the engine. This can allow for the fuel pump to have lubricant delivered within the target duration of time while meeting the target criteria. For example, the first and second fluid paths can be at least partially separate,which can allow for independent fuel pump lubricant priming over engine primping. This can provide the fuel pump with lubricant delivery according to the target criteria, and can improve overall engine robustness (e.g., by reducing or avoiding the likelihood of engine and / or fuel pump startup and / or operation without sufficient lubrication).

[0031] In some embodiments, the first fluid path includes a first valve (e.g., check valve). The first valve can be disposed between the pre-lubrication pump and the fuel pump. The second fluid path can include a second valve (e.g., check valve). The second valve can be disposed between the pre-lubrication pump and the engine or a lubrication system or lubrication pump of the engine. In some embodiments, the second valve has a higher pressure threshold (e.g., cracking pressure) than the first valve, which can ensure that the first fluid path receives lubricant first, and can protect the pre-lubrication pump from backflow once the lubrication system is operational. In some embodiments, responsive to target pressure being achieved in the first fluid path, the second fluid path can allow sufficient lubricant flow to the lubrication system (or lubrication pump) to meet lubricant criteria for the lubrication system and / or the engine. In some embodiments, by implementing the first and second valves using mechanical check valves, various flow control operations can be implemented mechanically, which can facilitate robust operation including under periodic and / or emergency startup operation modes. In some embodiments, the first and / or second valves can be at least partially implemented using electronic control, such as based on a controller that receives pressure signals relating to pressure of lubricant to flow through the first and / or second valves, and controls operation of the first and / or second valves according to the pressure signals (e.g., to achieve target pressures).

[0032] In some embodiments, the lubricant is delivered via the fluid paths according to a periodic operation mode, which can help facilitate emergency startup operations. For example, a controller can monitor one or more signals regarding engine operation (e.g., a condition of the engine, such as an engine crank condition or engine run condition), and can evaluate the one or more signals to determine whether to activate the lubrication pump according to a schedule or other set of rules or heuristics. In some embodiments, the lubricant is delivered according to an engine startup mode; for example, the controller can monitor the one or more signals to detect engine startup and can operate the lubricant pump responsive to detecting the engine startup. The periodic operation and / or engine startupmodes can be triggered according to independent evaluation of the one or more signals or in a coordinated control scheme.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 is depicted. The system 100 can be or be implemented as, for example, a pump system, an engine system (e.g., where the system 100 includes engine 132), a genset system (e.g., where the system 100 includes at least one of engine 132 or generator 136 along with a pump system), a filtration system (e.g., where the system 100 includes at least one of filter 124 or filter 152), a lubricant flow control system (e.g., where the system 100 includes at least one of valve 128 or valve 148), or various combinations thereof.|0034] The system 100 includes a pump 104 (e.g., first pump 104). The pump 104 can be a pre-lubrication pump or a lubrication pump, such as to provide lubrication to further (e.g., downstream relative to a pumping direction of the pump 104) components. For example, as described further herein, the pump 104 can pump one or more lubricants to various components of the system 100 with which the pump 104 is connected (e.g., via fluid paths 120, 140).

[0035] The system 100 and / or one or more components thereof can include or be coupled with at least one source 108 (e.g., first source 108, lubricant source 108) of a lubricant-(e.g., via one or more pipes or other couplings). The source 108 can be a housing that includes or contains at least one lubricant. The lubricant can include any one or more oils, viscous materials, additive, synthetic materials, or various combinations thereof. The source 108 can include or be coupled with an oil pan. The source 108 can include or be coupled with a manifold to provide lubricant to a plurality of downstream inputs. The pump 104 can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the source 108 to receive a flow of lubricant from the source 108 based on operation of the pump 104.

[0036] The system 100 includes a pump 112 (e.g., second pump 112). The pump 112 can be a fuel pump, so as to provide fuel to a combustion chamber of an engine (e.g., engine 132). For example, the pump 112 can be operated responsive to an electronic signal or mechanically powered by the engine 132 to deliver fuel to the engine, such as in association with an engine crank condition of the engine. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be implemented (e.g., using valves 128, 148) to ensure lubrication delivery to the pump 112, such as to lubricate the pump 112 prior to startup of the engine 132. In some embodiments,the system 100 can be arranged to ensure lubrication delivery to the engine 132 or any one or more components of the engine 132 or coupled with the engine 132 or with the pump 104 in addition to or alternatively to the pump 112; for example, any of various such configurations can be arranged according to at least the locations of valves 128, 148 relative to one another and / or the engine 132 or other component(s) to lubricate, as well as the pressure thresholds of the valves 128, 148 (e.g., based on which valve 128, 148 has a greater pressures thresholds).

[0037] The system 100 can include or be coupled with at least one source 116 (e.g., second source 116, fuel source 116) of a fuel. For example, the pump 112 can be coupled with the at least one source 116 (e.g., via one or more pipes or other couplings). The source 116 can be a housing that includes or contains the fuel. The fuel can be for use by the engine, such as to be a diesel fuel (e.g., compression-ignition fuel). The source 116 can include a manifold for providing fuel from the source 116 to a plurality of downstream inputs. The pump 112 can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the source 116 to receive a flow of fuel from the source 116 based on operation of the pump 112.

[0038] The system 100 includes a fluid path 120 (e.g., first fluid path) to couple (e.g., fluidly couple) the pump 104 with the pump 112. The fluid path 120 can form at least a portion of a fluid circuit. For example the fluid path 120 can include at least one path portion extending through an engine (e.g., engine 132 described further herein). The fluid path 120 can include and / or be formed by any one or more hoses, pipes, conduits, drillings (e.g., one or more drillings 216 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3), channels, or various combinations thereof to allow for fluid flow (e.g., lubricant flow) from the pump 104 to the pump 112. The fluid path 120 can include and / or be formed by flow control components, such as filters and / or valves. The pump 104 can pump lubricant from the source 108 to the pump 112 via the fluid path 120.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 1, the system 100 can include, along the fluid path 120, at least one filter 124. The filter 124 can be a bypass filter. The filter 124 can be used to filter material out of lubricant pumped by the pump 104 to the pump 112 along the fluid path 120. The fluid path 120 can include the at least one filter 124 between the pump 104 and the pump 112.[0040| The system 100 can include at least one valve 128 (e.g., first valve 128), which can be arranged along the fluid path 120. The valve 128 can be a check valve, such as a one-way valve. By implementing the valve 128 as a check valve, the valve 128 can prevent backflow of fluid as various components of the system 100 or connected with the system 100 reach target pressures for operation (which can be greater than pressure in the fluid path 120 between the pump 104 and the valve 128). The valve 128 can have an open state to allow lubricant to flow in a direction from the pump 104 to the pump 112 responsive to a pressure of fluid being present on an inlet side of the valve 128 that is greater than a pressure threshold (e.g., first pressure threshold; cracking pressure). The valve 128 can be downstream of the filter 124, such as in embodiments where the filter 124 is mounted to or otherwise in relatively close proximity to the pump 104. The valve 128 can be upstream of the filter 124.10041] The valve 128 can be a mechanical check valve. For example, the valve 128 can include any of various mechanical members, such as discs, balls, or diaphragms, structured to block or otherwise prevent flow in a direction from the pump 112 towards the pump 104 through the fluid path 120. By implementing the valve 128 as a mechanical check valve, the valve 128 can allow for effective fluid delivery under various engine conditions, including startup conditions (e.g., cold start conditions). In some embodiments, the valve 128 operates responsive to at least some electronic control.

[0042] In some embodiments, the source 116 is coupled with an input side of the valve 128. For example, the source 116 can include or be coupled with a fuel manifold between the pump 104 and the valve 128. The filter 124 can thus filter debris or other undesired materials from the lubricant prior to the lubricant being delivered to the pump 112 via the valve 128 (e.g., the lubricant can flow, subsequent to filtration by the filter 124, through the fuel manifold to the valve 128).

[0043] Referring further to FIG. 1, the system 100 can include or be coupled with at least one engine 132, such as an internal combustion engine. For example, the engine 132 can be an internal combustion engine that includes one or more interfaces between a plurality of moving components (not shown). The engine 132 can be and / or can include features of any of various engines, such as a compression-ignition (e.g., diesel) engine, a spark ignition engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, a dual fuel engine, a biodiesel engine, an E85 engine, a flex fuel engine, or a gas turbine. The engine 132 can have a Vee blockconfiguration or an in-line engine configuration, for example. The engine 132 can be a high horse power (HHP) engine, such as, for example, an engine capable of providing power in the range of 500 hp to 4,500 hp or more.

[0044] In some embodiments, the engine 132 can be used to power a generator 136, such as an electric power generator (e.g., genset, genset system etc.) used to produce electricity (e.g., power), an alternator, or the like. For example, the system 100 (e.g., a genset system) can include the generator 136, which can be coupled with the engine 132. The engine 132 can be an internal combustion engine of the generator 136. For example, a genset can include or be coupled with one or more components of the system 100 such as the engine 132 and generator 136. The engine 132 can be coupled to the generator 136 by, for example, a driveshaft (not shown), such that the engine 132 causes rotation of the driveshaft to drive operation of the generator 136. The engine 132 can be used to implement a marine application (e.g., to power a boat), a mining application (e.g., to power a haul truck and / or excavator), or a rail application (e.g., to power a locomotive), among other examples. The engine 132 can be used to power another type of vehicle (e.g., an on-road or off-road vehicle). The engine 132 can be used in an industrial application to drive a pump, hydraulic system, or another type of system, including but not limited to in rapid start (e.g., within a target amount of time that can be on the order of seconds or minutes) operations in which the engine 132 may not have been previously operating for a period of time (e.g., on the order of minutes, hours, days) prior to receiving a signal to operate.[0045| As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a fluid path 140 (e.g., second fluid path) to couple (e.g., fluidly couple) the pump 104 with the engine 132. The fluid path 140 can form at least a portion of a fluid circuit. The fluid path 140 can include and / or be formed by any one or more hoses, pipes, conduits, drillings, channels, or various combinations thereof to allow for fluid flow (e.g., lubricant flow) from the pump 104 to the engine 132. The fluid path 140 can include and / or be formed by flow control components, such as filters and / or valves. The pump 104 can pump lubricant from the source 108 to the engine 132 via the fluid path 140. In some embodiments, the pump 104 includes a plurality of output ports that are respectively connected with the fluid path 120 and the fluid path 140. In some embodiments, the pump 104 is coupled with a manifold to connect with the respective fluid paths 120, 140. As described further herein, the fluid path 140 can includeor connect through at least the valve 148 and filter 152, and engine 132, while the fluid path 120 can include or connect through the filter 124 and valve 128.

[0046] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a pump 144. The pump 144 can be a lubrication pump, such as an oil pump or engine lubrication system. The pump 144 can be similar to the pump 104, and can have similar or different operating parameters (e.g., nominal or target flow rates for outputting lubricant) as the pump 104. The pump 144 can be coupled with the engine 132, such as to be fluidly and mechanically coupled with one or more interfaces of the engine 132. As depicted in FIG. 1, the pump 144 can receive lubricant from the source 108, such as where the source 108 includes an oil pan. For example, the pump 144 can have an inlet coupled with the source 108 to receive lubricant from the source 108 based on operation of the pump 144. Along with the pump 104, the pump 144, in some embodiments, can provide lubricant to the engine 132 and the pump 112. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, the pump 144 can provide lubricant to the pump 112 via the engine 132.10047] The system 100 can include at least one valve 148 (e.g., second valve 148). The valve 148 can be similar or identical to the valve 128. For example, the valve 148 can be a mechanical check valve. The valve 148 can be arranged along the fluid path 140 between the pump 104 and the engine 132, such as to selectively allow fluid flow from the pump 104 to the engine 132 and to prevent backflow towards the pump 104. In some embodiments, at least one of the valve 128 or the valve 148 includes or is coupled with an electronic actuator (not shown), such as to be a solenoid valve or other valve that can change state (e.g., open to closed or vice versa) responsive to a control signal (e.g., from controller 156).

[0048] As noted above, the valve 128 can have the first pressure threshold (e.g., cracking pressure) for flow of the lubricant through the valve 128 (e.g., to flow from the pump 104 to the pump 112), such that the valve 128 can prevent flow of the lubricant unless the pressure of the lubricant on an input side of the valve 128 is greater than the first pressure threshold (e.g., the valve 128 can allow flow of the lubricant responsive to the pressure of the lubricant being greater than the first pressure threshold). The valve 148 can have a second pressure threshold (e.g., cracking pressure) for flow of the lubricant through the valve 148 (e.g., from the pump 104 to the engine 132), such that the valve 148 can prevent flow of the lubricant unless the pressure of the lubricant on an input side of the valve 148 is greater thanthe second pressure threshold (e.g., the valve 148 can allow flow of the lubricant responsive to the pressure of the lubricant being greater than the second pressure threshold).[0049| The second pressure threshold can be greater than the first threshold, in some embodiments. As an example, the second pressure threshold can be greater than or equal to 1-7 bar and less than or equal to 7 bar, such as to be greater than or equal to 3 bar and less than or equal to 5 bar, such as to be about 4.6 bar, and the first pressure threshold can be greater zero bar and less than 0.5 bar, such as to be greater than or equal to 0.01 bar and less than or equal to 0.02 bar, such as to be about 0.07 bar (e.g., about 1 pound per square inch (PSI)). By configuring the valve 148 to have a greater pressure threshold than the valve 128, the valves 128, 148 can operate so that the pump 112 can receive lubricant before other components of the system 100 and / or engine 132. For example, components coupled with the fluid path 120 can receive lubricant first, such as to allow the pump 112 to receive lubricant (e.g., in order to properly activate for outputting fuel) before interfaces between moving components of the engine 132 are to operate. In some embodiments, the second pressure threshold is greater than or equal to a target pressure level for operation of the pump 112. In various such embodiments, responsive to operation of the pump 104 (which outputs lubricant into the fluid path 120), the pressure of the fluid in the fluid path 120 can increase to at least the target pressure level, while the valve 148 prevents flow through the valve 148 and the fluid path 140 to the pump 144 and / or engine 132 while the pressure of lubricant at an input side of the valve 148 is less than the second pressure threshold. As noted above, the valves 128, 148 can be check valves, such as to prevent backflow of lubricant from the fluid path 140 (e.g., from the pump 144) to the pump 104. Responsive to (continued) operation of the pump 104, the pressure of lubricant at the input side of the valve 148 can increase to and / or exceed the second pressure threshold, causing the valve 148 to open to allow the flow of lubricant through the valve 148 and through the fluid path 140. As such, responsive to lubricant in the fluid path 120 meeting the target pressure level, the fluid path 140 can allow for lubricant flow and pressure to be developed in the fluid path 140 (e.g., in the pump 144 and / or a main oil rifle or other lubrication component for the engine 132), such as to allow for proper operation during emergency startup conditions and / or to decrease the time to achieve operating pressure in startup events. The second pressure can be less than the first pressure threshold, in some embodiments, such as to allow for lubrication of the engine 132 prior to lubrication of one or more components of the system 100 other than the engine 132.[0050| As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 can include at least one filter 152. The fluid path 140 can include the at least one filter 152 between the pump 104 and the engine 132. The filter 152 can be arranged along the fluid path 140 between the pump 144 and the engine 132; for example, the valve 148 can be implemented without modifying a structural arrangement of the filter 152 and engine 132. The filter 152 can be a main oil filter of the engine 132, such as to include or be coupled with a filter head gallery. The filter 152 can be used to filter debris out of the lubricant prior to delivery to the engine 132.

[0051] Referring further to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the system 100 includes or is coupled with at least one controller 156. The controller 156 can be used to control operation of various components of the system 100, including, for example, the pump 104. The system 100 can include one or more processors 160. The controller 156 is configured to receive signals, such as electrical signals or electronic signals representing measurements and / or values, from processors 160 associated with one or more components such as any of various sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, flow sensors), engine systems or state monitors, engine control units (ECUs), engine control modules (ECMs), or various combinations thereof. Accordingly, the controller 156 is coupled in communication with component(s) that provide data signals regarding operation of the system 100 and / or component(s) that control operation of the system 100 via the one or more processors 160 via the one or more processors 160.

[0052] For example, the controller 156 can include one or more processors 160 and a memory 164. The processor 160 can include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or combinations thereof. The memory 164 can include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing a processor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. with program instructions. The memory 164 can include a memory chip, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory from which the controller 156 can read instructions. The instructions can include code from any suitable programming language. The memory 164 can include various modules that include instructions which are configured to be executed or otherwise implemented by the processor 160. Although an example processor 160 and memory 164 of controller 156 have been described with respect to FIG. 1, the subject matter including the operations described inthis specification can be implemented in other types of digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The processor 160 and / or memory 164 can be implemented as hardware for performing operations other than control operations, including but not limited to any of various data storage, communication, and / or processing operations.[00531 The controller 156 can be at least partially implemented by or can be communicably coupled with any of various control hardware (not shown) associated with operation of the engine 132, including but not limited to an ECU or ECM. In some embodiments, the controller 156 can receive or detect one or more signals, such as electrical signals or electronic signals, regarding operation of the engine 132.[0054| For example, the controller 156 can activate the pump 104 responsive to detecting a pump operation condition according to one or more signals associated with operation of the engine 132. As an example, the controller 156 can be communicatively coupled with the ECU to detect one or more outputs from the ECU representative of the one or more signals. The one or more signals can include an engine crank signal. The engine crank signal can indicate instructions to cause movement of a crank of the engine 132. The engine run signal can indicate instructions to cause activation of the engine 132, such as to indicate instructions for the pump 112 to pump fuel to the engine 132.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 156 can control operation of at least one of the valve 128 or the valve 148. For example, the controller 156 can monitor (e.g., by receiving a signal from one or more pressure sensors) a pressure of at least one of the fluid path 120 or the fluid path 140, compare the monitored pressure with a target pressure (e.g., pressure thresholds) for one or more components of the system 100 coupled with the at least one of the fluid path 120 or the fluid path 140, and cause the at least one of the valve 128 or the valve 148 to open responsive to the monitored pressure meeting or exceeding the target pressure. In some embodiments, a single controller 156 controls operation of the pump 104 and the at least one of the valve 128 or the valve 148. In some embodiments, a first controller 156 controls operation of the pump 104, and one or more second controllers 156 control operation of the at least one of the valve 128 or the valve 148.[00561 The controller 156 can activate the pump 104 responsive to detecting that the one or more signals (e.g., the one or more electrical signals) regarding operation of the engine 132 satisfy a pump operation condition. For example, the one or more electrical signals can include the engine crank signal and the engine run signal, and the controller 156 can detect that the one or more signals satisfy the pump operation condition responsive to at least one of (i) detecting the engine crank signal and not detecting the engine run signal or (ii) determining that one or more timers associated with detection of the engine crank signal and the engine run signal are lapsed. For example, the controller 156 can detect the pump operation condition responsive to determining that the one or more signals indicate instructions to activate a crank of the engine 132.[0O57| In some embodiments, the controller 156 can scan the one or more signals to determine that an engine crank condition of the engine 132 is present and an engine run condition of the engine 132 is not present. For example, the controller 156 (e.g., responsive to receiving power or otherwise being activated) can scan respective states of inputs associated with the one or more signals to detect a voltage or other parameter indicative of the engine crank signal to determine that the engine crank condition is present (or not present) and to detect a voltage or other parameter indicative of the engine run signal to determine that the engine run condition is present (or not present).|0058J The controller 156 can activate the pump 104 responsive to determining that the engine crank condition is present and the engine run condition is not present. For example, if the controller 156 detects the engine crank signal, the controller 156 can latch the pump 104 on for a duration (e.g., a first duration; a predetermined duration, such as 15 seconds, for example; this can be implemented regardless of a duration of the engine crank signal being present), after which the operation of the pump 104 can be locked out for a duration (e.g., a second duration; a predetermined duration that can be longer than the predetermined duration that the pump 104 is latched on, such as 10 minutes, for example). For example, activating the pump 104 can include latching the pump 104 into an activated state for the first duration and preventing operation of the pump 104 (e.g., sending a deactivation command or not sending an activation command to the pump 104), independent of the one or more signals, for the second duration, subsequent to the first duration. As such, multiple start attempts or periodic cycles can be prevented from causing the pump 104 to run during the duration for which the pump 104 is locked out. In some embodiments, responsive todetecting the engine crank signal and detecting the engine run signal, the controller 104 can avoid activating the pump 104 and / or can shut off the pump 104, and the controller 104 can continue scanning the one or more signals.

[0059] In some embodiments, responsive to the engine crank condition not being present and the engine run condition not being present, the controller 156 can initiate a timer. The timer can be associated with at least one threshold duration longer than the first duration and shorter than the second duration. For example, the timer can be associated with a threshold duration between 1 minute and 5 minutes, such as a threshold duration of 2 minutes. The controller 156 can scan the one or more signals while the timer is incremented. The lockout associated with the second duration (e.g., 10 minute lockout period) can have a greater priority than or otherwise override the use of the timer; for example, the controller 156 can avoid initiating the timer until (a timer for) the second duration has expired. As such, if the engine 132 was started and ran at a point in time less than the second duration prior to a current point in time, the controller 156 can require the second duration to expire before initiating the timer or activating another crank-initiated cycle. The controller 156 can perform the latch on of the pump 104 responsive to detecting the engine crank signal, and can perform the avoiding of running the pump 104 and / or deactivation of the pump 104 responsive to detecting the engine run signal.|0060] The controller 156 can activate the pump 104 for a duration (e.g., third duration; predetermined duration) responsive to the timer satisfying the at least one threshold duration (e.g., responsive to the timer incrementing to a value or equal to or exceeding the at least one threshold duration) and the engine crank condition not being present and the engine run condition not being present. The controller 156 can perform the scanning of the one or more signals while the pump 104 is activated for the third duration. Subsequent to activating the pump 104 for the third duration, the controller 156 can turn the pump off for a relatively long fourth duration (e.g., a fourth duration on the order of hours).[00611 FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an example of a system 200, which can incorporate features of the system 100 or of one or more components thereof. For example, the system 200 can include one or more components of the system 100 can include structural components of at least one of the fluid path 120 or the fluid path 140, such as to include at least one of hose 208, drilling 216, hose 220, or hose 224, such as to be implemented as a lubricant flow control system. The system 200 can be and / or form at least a portion of any of varioussystems described with reference to FIG. 1, such as to implement a pump system, an engine system, a genset system, a filtration system, a lubricant flow control system, or various combinations thereof.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pump 104 can be coupled with a housing 204 of the engine 132. The housing 204 can be an engine block, such as a structure providing a combustion chamber, cylinders, crankshaft, pistons, or various other components of the engine 132. Various components of the system 200 (or the system 100) can be mounted or otherwise coupled to the housing 204 or formed by the housing 204. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pumps 104, 112 can be arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the engine 132 (e.g., opposite ends of the housing 204 of the engine 132).

[0063] The fluid path 120 can include or be at least partially formed by one or more first hoses 208. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hose 208 can extend from the pump 204 to a head 212 of the filter 152.

[0064] The system 200 can include, such as part of the fluid path 120, at least one drilling 216. The drilling 216 can be formed through at least one of the head 212 or the housing 204. In some embodiments, the housing 204 has a longitudinal axis 202, which can correspond to a relatively long span or dimension of the housing 204. The drilling 216 can extend at least partially through the housing 204 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 202, such as to be within twenty degrees of perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202, for example. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drilling 216 can provide a portion of the fluid path 120 between the pump 104 and the valve 128 (e.g., such that the valve 128 can be arranged towards an exterior of the housing 204). This can allow, for example, a relatively shorter length of the fluid path 120 (e.g., as compared to using hoses or other conduits all the way around the exterior of the housing 204). In some embodiments, the at least one drilling 216 opens into a fuel manifold 218, which can be coupled with or form a portion of the source 116 described with reference to FIG. 1, such as to allow for lubrication of the fuel manifold 218. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid path 120 can include at least one hose 220 (e.g., second hose 220) extending from the drilling 216 to the pump 112.

[0065] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid path 140 can include or be at least partially formed by one or more hoses 224 (e.g., third hoses 224), which can connect thepump 104 with the valve 148. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hose 224 can connect with a separate outlet of the pump 104 than the first hose 208.

[0066] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a method 400 (e.g., a method of engine lubrication). The method 400 can be implemented by any of various systems or components thereof described herein, such as the system 100 and / or the system 200. The method 400 can be implemented to enable at least one of periodic pre-lubrication or engine startup lubrication of one or more components and / or interfaces of an engine and / or a system that includes an engine. The method 400 can be implemented responsive to any of various conditions or triggers, such as conditions associated with at least one of an engine run signal or an engine crank signal.

[0067] The method 400 can include scanning, by a controller, one or more signals to determine that at least one condition of an engine is present (405). For example, the scanning the one or more signals can include scanning the one or more signals to determine that an engine crank condition of the engine is present and an engine run condition of the engine is not present. The engine crank condition can be determined to be present responsive to detecting, based on the scanning, an engine crank signal, which can be indicative of instructions to activate a crank of the engine. The engine run condition can be determined to be not present responsive to not detecting (e.g., during the scanning), an engine run signal, which can be indicative of instructions to run the engine.10068] The method 400 can include activating, by the controller, responsive to determining that the engine crank condition is present and the engine run condition is not present, a pre-lubrication pump (410). The pre-lubrication pump can be coupled with a first valve, such as a first check valve, and the first valve can be coupled with a fuel pump. The pre-lubrication pump can be coupled with a second valve, such as a second check valve, and the second valve can be coupled with at least one of an engine, a lubrication pump coupled with the engine, or a lubrication system coupled with the engine. The first check valve can have a lower cracking pressure than the second check valve.[00691 In some embodiments, the method 400 includes opening the first check valve responsive to a first activation condition. For example, the first check valve can be opened responsive to detecting that pressure of lubricant on an input side of the first check valve is greater than a first pressure threshold. In some embodiments, the method 400 includesopening the second check valve. For example, the second check valve can be opened responsive to detecting that pressure of lubricant on an input side of the second check valve is greater than a second pressure threshold. The second pressure threshold can be different from the first pressure threshold, such as to be greater than the first pressure threshold (e.g., to lubricate the pre-lubrication pump prior to lubrication of the engine or one or more interfaces of the engine).[00701 In some embodiments, the method 400 includes initiating a timer. For example, the timer can be initiated by the controller. The timer can be initiated responsive to the engine crank condition not being present and the engine run condition not being present (e.g., based on scanning of the one or more signals by the controller). The timer can be incremented by the controller while the one or more signals are scanned by the controller. The method 400 can include activating the pre-lubrication pump responsive to the timer satisfying at least one threshold and the engine crank condition not being present and the engine run condition not being present. In some embodiments, activating the pre-lubrication pump can include latching the pre-lubrication pump into an activated state for a first duration. Subsequent to latching the pre-lubrication pump into the activated state for the first duration, operation of the pre-lubrication pump can be prevented by the controller for a second duration subsequent to the first duration. In some embodiments, one or more additional timers and / or durations can be used to allow for periodic activation of the pre- lubrication pump, such as to periodically provide lubricant to the fuel pump and / or engine.[00711 As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0072] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such termsare not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0073] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining can be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using one or more separate intervening members, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling can be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A communicably “coupled” to circuit B can signify that the circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., no intermediary) or communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).

[0074] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements can differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0075] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0076] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unlessspecified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rulebased logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0077] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the vehicle 100 as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system, comprising: a first pump coupled with a lubricant source; a second pump coupled with a fuel source; a first fluid path coupling the first pump with the second pump; and a second fluid path coupling the first pump with an engine.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first fluid path comprises a first valve between the first pump and the second pump, the first valve having a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the first pump to the second pump; and the second fluid path comprises a second valve between the first pump and the engine, the second valve having a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the first pump to the engine, the second pressure threshold greater than the first pressure threshold.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first valve and the second valve are mechanical check valves.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first valve or the second valve is a solenoid valve.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising one or more processors configured to control operation of the at least one of the first valve or the second valve based on a corresponding at least one of the first pressure threshold or the second pressure threshold.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid path comprises at least one path portion extending through the engine.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid path comprises at least one filter between the first pump and the second pump.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the engine comprises an internal combustion engine having one or more interfaces of a plurality of moving components, the one or more interfaces coupled with the second fluid path.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first pump and the second pump are arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the engine.

10. A generator set (genset) system, comprising: an engine configured to receive a lubricant; a fuel pump configured to receive the lubricant; a lubrication pump coupled with the fuel pump via a first fluid path and with the engine via a second fluid path; a first check valve along the first fluid path between the lubrication pump and the fuel pump; and a second check valve along the second fluid path between the lubrication pump and the engine.

11. The genset system of claim 10, wherein: the first check valve has a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the fuel pump; and the second check valve has a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the engine, the second pressure threshold greater than the first pressure threshold.

12. The genset system of claim 10, wherein the first pressure threshold is greater than or equal to 0.01 bar and less than or equal to 1 bar, and the second pressure threshold is greater than or equal to 3 bar and less than or equal to 5 bar.

13. The genset system of claim 10, wherein the first fluid path comprises at least one drilling extending through an engine block of the engine.

14. The genset system of claim 10, wherein:the first check valve has a first pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the fuel pump; and the second check valve has a second pressure threshold for flow of the lubricant from the lubrication pump to the engine, the second pressure threshold less than the first pressure threshold.

15. The genset system of claim 10, wherein the second fluid path comprises at least one filter between the first pump and the engine.

16. The genset system of claim 15, wherein the at least one filter is between the second check valve and the engine.

17. The genset system of claim 10, further comprising a generator coupled with the engine.

18. A method of engine lubrication, comprising: scanning, by one or more processors, one or more signals to determine that an engine crank condition of an engine is present and an engine run condition of the engine is not present; and activating a pre-lubrication pump, by the one or more processors, responsive to determining that the engine crank condition is present and the engine run condition is not present, the pre-lubrication pump coupled with a first check valve coupled with a fuel pump and a second check valve coupled with the engine, the first check valve having a lower cracking pressure than the second check valve.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: opening the first check valve responsive to detecting that pressure of lubricant on an input side of the first check valve is greater than a first pressure threshold.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: opening the second check valve responsive to detecting that pressure of lubricant on an input side of the second check valve is greater than a second pressure threshold, the second pressure threshold greater than the first pressure threshold.

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