Generator Controller Predicts Power Failure to Minimize Start Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standby power systems experience delays in starting the generator due to pre-start preparation and momentary power interruptions, leading to extended downtime for loads without power.
Innovation Solution
A standby power system that includes a sensor and generator controller to predict power needs, minimizing start time by performing pre-start functions such as lubricating mechanical components, activating heating elements, and optimizing air flow, thereby reducing the time the load is without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the standby power source performs pre-start preparation, then the start time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-start preparation actions before a power failure occurs. The controller monitors the primary power source and, upon detecting an impending failure, automatically initiates pre-start functions including lubricating mechanical components, activating heating elements, and optimizing air flow. This preliminary action reduces the generator start time from several minutes to under 30 seconds, directly addressing the time loss issue while managing system complexity through automated control.
2Reliability
If the ATS determines primary power source is unavailable before starting standby, then unnecessary starting is avoided, but delay in power restoration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a two-stage approach: first, the controller performs preliminary monitoring and prediction of primary power source failure using sensor data; second, upon confirming impending failure, it initiates pre-start preparation before the ATS would traditionally trigger a start command. This allows the system to maintain reliability by avoiding unnecessary starts during momentary interruptions while simultaneously reducing delay by having the generator ready to start immediately when genuine power loss occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the primary power source through sensors and uses this feedback to predict failures before they occur. The controller analyzes real-time data from the primary power source and adjusts the pre-start preparation timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the system only performs pre-start actions when genuine power failure is predicted, maintaining reliability while optimizing response time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces downtime by allowing quicker generator startup, enabling the use of smaller uninterruptible power supplies and minimizing facility downtime due to power outages.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that monitors characteristics of power supplied by a primary power source to a load and predicts impending failure of the primary power source
Implementation Method 2
performing pre-start functions to minimize the start time of the generator
Implementation Method 3
activating heating elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a standby power system. The standby power system includes a sensor that is adapted to monitor a primary power source which provides power to a load. In some embodiments, the sensor may monitor characteristics of the power supplied by the primary power source 12 that may be used to sense abnormalities. The standby power system further includes a generator that is also adapted to supply power to the load. As an example, the generator may include an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. The standby power system further includes a generator controller that operates the generator and exchanges data with the sensor. The generator controller predicts a need to supply power to the load based on data received from the sensor. The generator controller then acts to minimize a time to availability of the generator based on the prediction.