Abstract: Torque is balanced among generators in a system of parallel generators. Control of the generators may be performed by one or more individual generator controllers or by a centralized controller. The torque on two or more generators is detected. The controller calculates a torque target based on the torque on the two generators or other operating characteristics of the system. The operation of at least one of the generators is controlled based on the torque target.

Abstract: Torque is balanced among generators in a system of parallel generators. Control of the generators may be performed by one or more individual generator controllers or by a centralized controller. The torque on two or more generators is detected. The controller calculates a torque target based on the torque on the two generators or other operating characteristics of the system. The operation of at least one of the generators is controlled based on the torque target.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A plurality of generators can be connected in parallel to a common electrical bus. Each generator has a controller that regulates the voltage and frequency of the electricity being produced. Before a given generator connects to the electrical bus, its controller senses whether electricity is present on the bus and if not, the connection is made. Otherwise, the controller synchronizes the electricity being produced to the electricity is present on the bus before the connection occurs. The controller in each generator may also implement a load sharing function which ensures that the plurality of generators equitably share in providing the total amount of power demanded by the loads. The load sharing can be accomplished by controlling the generators to operate a substantially identical percentages of their individual maximum power generation capacity.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of sensing generator speed. The method includes detecting an AC waveform produced by a generator and determining a threshold voltage from the AC waveform produced by the generator. The method further includes determining generator speed by comparing the threshold voltage with the AC waveform. The generator speed may be determined by a time period between cycles of an output of the generator. Other example embodiments relate to a method that includes detecting an AC waveform produced by an alternative stator winding within the generator and measuring the period of the AC waveform to inversely determine generator speed.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power generation system which includes a bus and a first single-phase synchronous generator that may provide a voltage output to the bus. A first generator controller operates the first single-phase synchronous generator. The power generation system further includes a second single-phase synchronous generator that may provide a voltage output to the bus. A second single-phase synchronous generator controller operates the second single-phase synchronous generator. The power generation system further includes a communication module that exchanges data with at least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator single-phase synchronous generator and the second single-phase synchronous generator are able to simultaneously supply a voltage and current output to the bus.

Abstract: A plurality of generators can be connected in parallel to a common electrical bus. Each generator has a controller that regulates the voltage and frequency of the electricity being produced. Before a given generator connects to the electrical bus, its controller senses whether electricity is present on the bus and if not, the connection is made. Otherwise, the controller synchronizes the electricity being produced to the electricity is present on the bus before the connection occurs. The controller in each generator may also implement a load sharing function which ensures that the plurality of generators equitably share in providing the total amount of power demanded by the loads. The load sharing can be accomplished by controlling the generators to operate a substantially identical percentages of their individual maximum power generation capacity.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a control signal to control an excitation level of an alternator. The system includes a first calculation element that receives first, second and third indications of first, second and third output voltages of first, second and third phases of the alternator, respectively, and calculates a first feedback signal in dependence upon the received first, second and third indications. The system additionally includes a second calculation element that receives the first indication and calculates a second feedback signal in dependence upon the received first indication. The system further includes an intermediate signal generation element that receives a target input and the first feedback signal, and in response provides an intermediate signal. The system additionally includes a control signal generation element that receives the intermediate signal and the second feedback signal, and in response provides the control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing damage to an alternator of a genset resulting from high currents within the alternator. The method includes calculating, at a processor, a first quantity related to a current flowing through the alternator during a first time period, and comparing, at the processor, the first quantity with a first threshold. The method further includes calculating, at the processor, a second quantity related to the current flowing through the alternator during at least one of the first time period and a second time period, and comparing, at the processor, the second quantity with a second threshold. The method additionally includes indicating a current overload condition if at least one of the first quantity exceeds the first threshold or the second quantity exceeds the second threshold.