Patents by Inventor Michael A. Snopko
Michael A. Snopko has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11916382Abstract: A system may determine configuration information associated with a power system for a work site that includes one or more power sources. The system may determine respective operation parameters of the one or more power sources and one or more performance criteria associated with the power system. The system may determine a baseline operation plan for the power system. The system may identify an optimization analysis technique and may process, using the optimization analysis technique, the configuration information associated with the power system, the respective operation parameters of the one or more power sources, and the one or more performance criteria associated with the power system to generate the optimized operation plan for the power system. The system may cause, based on the baseline operation plan for the power system and the optimized operation plan for the power system, one or more actions to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Syed Ameenuddin Hussain, Baoyang Deng, Zhijun Cai, Shiferaw D. Beyene, Casey Alan Otten, Perry Converse, Theodore E. Wiersema, Michael A. Snopko
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Patent number: 11541763Abstract: A control system implementing a hybrid energy storage system (ESS) optimization strategy is disclosed. The hybrid ESS optimization strategy may be implemented in a machine that comprises a power system that includes a plurality of power sources and a power controller that includes one or more processors. The power controller may receive information related to a set of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) maps associated with the plurality of power sources, determine a performance indicator using a cost function associated with the plurality of power sources, and generate a command to operate the power system based on a power distribution that minimizes an energy cost to operate the power system based on the information related to the set of BSFC maps, the performance indicator, and a load associated with the power system.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Baoyang Deng, Michael A. Snopko, Theodore E. Wiersema
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Patent number: 11394323Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of power sources is provided. The method includes operating a first power source at a first power output and operating a second power source at a second power output. The second power source has a second operational capacity greater than the first operational capacity. First transient zone parameters are determined to operate in a first transient output power range. The first transient zone parameters include a first planned power output and a second planned power output constrained to be less than the first operational capacity.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, David M. Miller
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Publication number: 20210245607Abstract: A control system implementing a hybrid energy storage system (ESS) optimization strategy is disclosed. The hybrid ESS optimization strategy may be implemented in a machine that comprises a power system that includes a plurality of power sources and a power controller that includes one or more processors. The power controller may receive information related to a set of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) maps associated with the plurality of power sources, determine a performance indicator using a cost function associated with the plurality of power sources, and generate a command to operate the power system based on a power distribution that minimizes an energy cost to operate the power system based on the information related to the set of BSFC maps, the performance indicator, and a load associated with the power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai ZHANG, Baoyang DENG, Michael A. SNOPKO, Theodore E. WIERSEMA
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Publication number: 20210075351Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of power sources is provided. The method includes operating a first power source at a first power output and operating a second power source at a second power output. The second power source has a second operational capacity greater than the first operational capacity. First transient zone parameters are determined to operate in a first transient output power range. The first transient zone parameters include a first planned power output and a second planned power output constrained to be less than the first operational capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, David M. Miller
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Patent number: 10644511Abstract: A power system having a plurality of gensets compares the instantaneous power consumption with a plurality of power consumption zone boundaries and classifies the power consumption into a selected zone. Each zone includes a corresponding base power value and a corresponding dynamic range value, which are apportioned among the plurality of gensets.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Chase, Perry D. Converse, Michael A. Snopko, Chris W. Menge
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Publication number: 20190140454Abstract: A power system having a plurality of gensets compares the instantaneous power consumption with a plurality of power consumption zone boundaries and classifies the power consumption into a selected zone. Each zone includes a corresponding base power value and a corresponding dynamic range value, which are apportioned among the plurality of gensets.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Chase, Perry D. Converse, Michael A. Snopko, Chris W. Menge
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Publication number: 20180051636Abstract: A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Perry D. Converse, Vijay Janardhan, Insu Chang
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Patent number: 9896982Abstract: A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Perry D. Converse, Vijay Janardhan, Insu Chang
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Patent number: 9889915Abstract: A control system to optimize response time of a plurality of engines of a machine is provided. The control system includes a controller configured to determine a first engine group and a second engine group based on data regarding response time characteristics of the plurality of engines, control the first engine group to increase output power of the machine when the output power of the machine is below a predetermined power output threshold, and control the second engine group to increase output power of the machine responsive to the output power of the machine reaching the predetermined power output threshold. A response time of the first engine group is faster than a response time of the second engine group when the output power of the machine is below the predetermined power output threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Insu Chang, Vijay Janardhan, Perry D. Converse
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Publication number: 20180001985Abstract: A control system to optimize response time of a plurality of engines of a machine is provided. The control system includes a controller configured to determine a first engine group and a second engine group based on data regarding response time characteristics of the plurality of engines, control the first engine group to increase output power of the machine when the output power of the machine is below a predetermined power output threshold, and control the second engine group to increase output power of the machine responsive to the output power of the machine reaching the predetermined power output threshold. A response time of the first engine group is faster than a response time of the second engine group when the output power of the machine is below the predetermined power output threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: January 4, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai ZHANG, Michael A. SNOPKO, lnsu CHANG, Vijay JANARDHAN, Perry D. CONVERSE
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Publication number: 20150252741Abstract: A method of evaluating operability of a gaseous fuel admission valve of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders and at least one gaseous fuel admission valve for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. The method includes operating the dual fuel internal combustion engine on liquid fuel. The method further includes supplying gaseous fuel to the gaseous fuel admission valves at a pressure above an intake manifold air pressure thereby setting a differential gas pressure across the gaseous fuel admission valves. The method also includes operating the gaseous fuel admission valves to add gaseous fuel to intake air while operating the dual fuel internal combustion engine primarily on liquid fuel. Further, the method includes measuring combustion process parameters for the cylinders. The method also includes evaluating operability of the gaseous fuel admission valves based on the measured combustion process parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Eike Joachim SIXEL, Daniel WESTER, Adam STUBBS, Michael SNOPKO
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Patent number: 9062576Abstract: Operating an exhaust particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine includes transmitting electromagnetic energy, for example having a frequency above about 2 GHz, through an exhaust particulate filter containing trapped soot. The transmitted electromagnetic energy may be attenuated in response to the trapped soot, and a filter soot loading value calculated based at least in part upon a correlation among an attenuation of the electromagnetic energy, a temperature of the filter, and a mass of the trapped soot. An algorithm based upon a partial derivative of an equation representing the correlation may be used in calculating the filter soot loading value, and a resulting soot mass. The calculated soot mass is used to determine a relative soot loading state of the filter in conjunction with information as to ash loading. Responsive to determining the relative soot loading state satisfies regeneration suitability conditions, a regeneration initiation command may be outputted.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, Rajesh N. Nair, Frederic Fugere, Andrew A. Knitt, Anthony C. Rodman
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Patent number: 8942887Abstract: A machine includes an internal combustion engine, and an exhaust particulate filter system coupled therewith having an exhaust particulate filter for trapping particulates in exhaust from the internal combustion engine. A control system for the exhaust particulate filter includes a sensing mechanism such as an RF soot sensor and a data processor coupled with the sensing mechanism and configured to output a moisture compensation signal responsive to a pattern of inputs from the sensing mechanism indicative of moisture within the exhaust particulate filter, for controlling regeneration thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, Anthony C. Rodman, Rajesh Nair, Frederic Fugere, Andrew A. Knitt, Malshantha M. Kankanamge
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Patent number: 8875496Abstract: A regeneration control system for an exhaust filter in an internal combustion engine system includes a first sensing mechanism for monitoring an exhaust flow resistance of the exhaust filter, and a second sensing mechanism for monitoring an attenuation of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the exhaust filter. The regeneration control system further includes an electronic controller coupled with the sensing mechanisms and configured to output a filter regeneration command responsive to an amount of particulate matter trapped within the exhaust filter. The electronic controller is further configured to weight data from the first and second sensing mechanisms in determining the amount of particulate matter. Weighting of the data may be responsive to an operating state of the internal combustion engine system. Related methodology is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rajesh N. Nair, Michael A. Snopko
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Publication number: 20140298775Abstract: A regeneration control system for an exhaust filter in an internal combustion engine system includes a first sensing mechanism for monitoring an exhaust flow resistance of the exhaust filter, and a second sensing mechanism for monitoring an attenuation of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the exhaust filter. The regeneration control system further includes an electronic controller coupled with the sensing mechanisms and configured to output a filter regeneration command responsive to an amount of particulate matter trapped within the exhaust filter. The electronic controller is further configured to weight data from the first and second sensing mechanisms in determining the amount of particulate matter. Weighting of the data may be responsive to an operating state of the internal combustion engine system. Related methodology is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, Rajesh N. Nair
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Patent number: 8833063Abstract: A method of detecting ash in an exhaust particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine includes transmitting electromagnetic energy through an exhaust particulate filter containing soot and ash, and sensing a strength of the transmitted electromagnetic energy after having been attenuated in response to the soot. The method further includes electronically storing a filter monitoring history responsive to a difference between the transmitted strength and the sensed strength of the electromagnetic energy, and detecting an amount of the ash based at least in part upon a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by the stored filter monitoring history. An exhaust particulate filter system for implementing related methodology includes a microprocessor configured to determine a value indicative of an amount of ash contained within an exhaust particulate filter responsive to a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by a stored filter monitoring history.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, Rajesh N. Nair, Anthony C. Rodman
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Patent number: 8470070Abstract: Detecting ash in a diesel particulate filter includes receiving data indicative of signal attenuation for ash-responsive and ash-insensitive RF signals transmitted through a diesel particulate filter containing trapped soot and ash. A difference between the RF signals, such as a difference in signal attenuation, may be leveraged to detect a relative ash loading state or a change in relative ash loading state of the diesel particulate filter, and responsively indicate that filter cleaning is needed.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Vadiraj P. Kulkarni, Matthew E. Leustek, Sara K. Michels, Rajesh N. Nair, Michael A. Snopko, Andrew A. Knitt
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Publication number: 20130000274Abstract: A regeneration control system for an exhaust filter in an internal combustion engine system includes a first sensing mechanism for monitoring an exhaust flow resistance of the exhaust filter, and a second sensing mechanism for monitoring an attenuation of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the exhaust filter. The regeneration control system further includes an electronic controller coupled with the sensing mechanisms and configured to output a filter regeneration command responsive to an amount of particulate matter trapped within the exhaust filter. The electronic controller is further configured to weight data from the first and second sensing mechanisms in determining the amount of particulate matter. Weighting of the data may be responsive to an operating state of the internal combustion engine system. Related methodology is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Rajesh N. Nair, Michael A. Snopko
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Publication number: 20120291419Abstract: A method of detecting ash in an exhaust particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine includes transmitting electromagnetic energy through an exhaust particulate filter containing soot and ash, and sensing a strength of the transmitted electromagnetic energy after having been attenuated in response to the soot. The method further includes electronically storing a filter monitoring history responsive to a difference between the transmitted strength and the sensed strength of the electromagnetic energy, and detecting an amount of the ash based at least in part upon a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by the stored filter monitoring history. An exhaust particulate filter system for implementing related methodology includes a microprocessor configured to determine a value indicative of an amount of ash contained within an exhaust particulate filter responsive to a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by a stored filter monitoring history.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Michael A. Snopko, Rajesh N. Nair, Anthony C. Rodman