Abstract: A machine monitoring system automatically determines an optimal trigger angle for monitoring the rod drop of a reciprocating compressor, and sets the trigger angle configuration value accordingly. A key pulse is monitored using a key phase sensor, the amplitude of the rod drop transducer voltage versus time (or rotation angle) is analyzed, and a position of the minimal change in slope of the rod drop transducer voltage signal relative to the key mark is determined. The optimal trigger angle is determined based on this temporal position, the current speed and the configured piston angle. The optimal trigger angle is provided to the machine monitoring system for configuration. The system thereby relieves the service engineer from having to test several trigger angles with manually-operated test instruments to determine the optimal trigger angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for compensating an instantaneous fuel economy reading for stored energy. One method comprises, when a vehicle undergoes a sufficient change in one or more of square of vehicle speed and vehicle altitude, estimating a conversion factor for fuel due to stored vehicle energy and adjusting the instantaneous fuel economy reading by the estimated conversion factor. The adjusted instantaneous fuel economy reading may be displayed to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for real-time monitoring of fuel consumption of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a fuel sensor in operative communication with a data tracker for logging set increments. The fuel consumption information is sent to a remote communication device that is in communication with the data tracker, and then the fuel consumption information is sent to a remote monitoring network, where reports detailing fuel consumption are generated. The fuel consumption data provides a user with information about hourly fuel usage, average horse power, operator performance, the location where each increment of fuel is consumed, excessive idle times or breaks in production, and differences in fuel consumption rates for different operators, shifts and jobs.

Abstract: A machine includes an electric drive propulsion system including an internal combustion engine, an alternator, a motor controller, and at least one electric motor. The machine further includes an electronic controller in communication with the electric drive propulsion system. The electronic controller is configured to determine, in chassis, and store a lugging horsepower of the engine at a plurality of different engine speeds. The machine further includes a memory for storing the lugging horsepower for each of the plurality of different engine speeds corresponding to lug curve data. The electronic controller is further configured to affect a control decision based on the lug curve data.