Generator Voltage Control for Engine Overload Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical power generating systems (EPGS) face engine overloading when electrical demands exceed available power, leading to potential engine stalling and loss of electrical power, with existing solutions causing temporary power disruptions and adding weight or complexity through auxiliary power sources.
Innovation Solution
A control system that calculates and adjusts the output voltage of a generator to match sustainable power levels, ensuring continuous power delivery without overloading the engine, using sensors and a controller to determine required voltage and manage power distribution within the EPGS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries or supercapacitors are used to provide temporary electrical power during overload conditions, then electrical power continuity is maintained, but system weight increases and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the auxiliary power sources (batteries, supercapacitors) from the system entirely. Instead of using external energy storage devices, the invention uses the existing generator and engine system with electronic control to manage overload conditions by reducing electrical load through controller disconnection of non-critical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (generator, engine, controller) to handle overload conditions without requiring external auxiliary power sources. The controller monitors engine parameters and automatically disconnects electrical loads to prevent engine stalling, making the system self-sufficient during overload events.
2Reliability
If batteries or supercapacitors are used to provide temporary electrical power during overload conditions, then electrical power continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex wiring and switching arrangements required for auxiliary power sources. The solution uses the existing electrical system architecture with a controller that manages load disconnection through standard electrical connections already present in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing generator and electrical system components serve multiple functions: normal power generation and overload protection. The controller integrates both functions by monitoring engine status and managing electrical load disconnection, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary power system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an electrical power generation system (EPGS) provides overload protection without disconnecting a generator of the EPGS from an excessive electrical load. Available engine power and current levels of the electrical load are continuously measured and computed. A command voltage is calculated in real time that corresponds to a voltage required to sustain with the maximum available power. Output voltage of a generator of the EPGS is controlled at the calculated command voltage so that a power limit of the engine is not exceeded during electrical overload conditions.