Generator Management System Fuel Cutoff for Internal Load Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generator management systems require external loads for testing, which can cause power interruptions and additional maintenance costs, and are inefficient in managing multiple generators for load testing.

Innovation Solution

A generator management system that selectively cuts off fuel to individual generators to add loads to a bus, allowing for internal load testing without external load banks, thereby reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external load banks are used for generator testing, then testing can be performed, but maintenance costs and equipment expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenerator testing capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the generators themselves to provide the load for testing. By controlling which generators are shut down and which remain operational, the system creates internal load conditions without requiring external load banks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and reduces maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The generators serve dual functions: they both generate power for the facility and provide load for testing other generators. The same generators that supply power to the building are also used as test loads, eliminating the need for dedicated external load banks and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If resistive load bank is provided for testing, then generator testing can be performed, but space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenerator testing capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the load function from external equipment (load banks) and transfers it to the generators themselves. By taking out the requirement for external load banks and using the generators' own output as the test load, the system eliminates the need for additional space-d consuming equipment while maintaining testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple small generators are used instead of single large generator, then system reliability improves, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidgenerator management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the operational status of each generator and automatically adjusts which generators are shut down for testing based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism simplifies management by automating the complex decisions about which generators to test and which to keep running, eliminating the need for manual coordination of multiple generators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8963349B2Generator management system that selectively cuts off fuel to a generator to add a load to a bus

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 DISCOVERY ENERGY LLC

AI summary

Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator having a first set of power leads and a second generator having a second set of power leads. The generator management system further includes a bus that connects the first output and the second output. A controller selectively cuts off fuel to the second generator to add a load to the bus. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the generator management system alternatively cuts off fuel to the first generator to add a load to the bus.