Engine Generator Standby Control via Switch Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable generators with internal combustion engines face challenges in reducing fuel consumption and noise, especially when no external load is connected, as they often require maintaining engine speed to prevent stalling, leading to unnecessary fuel usage and noise generation.
Innovation Solution
An engine generator system with a control unit that manages engine speed, air-fuel ratio, and ignition timing through a switch to disconnect power supply when no external load is connected, allowing for reduced engine speed in standby states, thereby minimizing fuel consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine speed is maintained at a higher level to prevent stalling when external load is connected, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the fuel consumption and noise increase during standby operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine speed variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts engine speed based on the connection state of the switch: maintaining higher speed when the switch is connected (power supply mode) and reducing speed when the switch is disconnected (standby mode). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting engine performance to actual load conditions, ensuring reliability when needed while reducing fuel consumption during standby.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine based on system state. Specifically, it changes engine speed as a parameter: maintaining it at a level that prevents stalling when the switch is connected, and reducing it to minimize fuel consumption and noise when the switch is disconnected. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize between reliability and fuel efficiency depending on operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine speed is reduced in standby state to reduce fuel consumption and noise, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the engine may stall when external load is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary element that mediates between the generator and the external load. This switch provides clear separation between power supply mode and standby mode, allowing the control unit to reliably determine when to maintain higher engine speed (when switch is connected) and when to reduce speed (when switch is disconnected). The intermediary switch resolves the uncertainty that would otherwise cause the engine to stall during load connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the control unit monitoring the switch connection state. When the switch is disconnected indicating standby state, the control unit receives feedback and reduces engine speed to improve fuel efficiency. When the switch is connected indicating power supply mode, the control unit receives feedback and maintains higher engine speed to prevent stalling. This feedback mechanism ensures engine stability is maintained while optimizing fuel efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a switch is added to disconnect the generator and supply unit, then the device complexity increases, but the ability to reduce engine speed in standby state improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the switch, which serves multiple purposes: it disconnects the generator from the supply unit during standby, provides a clear signal to the control unit for engine speed adjustment, and enables the system to differentiate between power supply mode and standby mode. This universal element resolves the contradiction by providing a simple yet multifaceted solution that improves standby control without requiring multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch can connect or disconnect a generator and a supply unit. A control unit controls an engine in one of a plurality of control states including a power generation state, a first standby state and a second standby state. When an acceptance unit accepts a switching instruction from the first standby state to the second standby state, the control unit controls the switch to disconnect the generator and the supply unit, and reduces the engine speed of the engine from an engine speed in the first standby state to an engine speed in the second standby state.