Power generation system that optimizes the power provided to start a generator

Embodiments pertain to a power generation system, and more particularly to a power generation system that optimizes the power provided to start a generator.

Power generation systems are used to selectively provide power to various types of power consuming loads. Some power generation systems include batteries that are used to start engines and/or generators within the power generation system. One common cause of generator malfunction is that the starting batteries do not provide sufficient starting current.

The starting batteries in such conventional power generation systems are typically either charged by a primary power source or a secondary power source (e.g., the generator) when the primary power source becomes unavailable. These types of systems often include a battery charger that charges the starting battery.

One of drawbacks with existing power generation systems is that the power generation system often tries to start the generator using a starting battery that is unable to provide sufficient starting current to the generator's starter. Therefore, the secondary power source may be unavailable when the primary power source becomes unavailable.

Another drawback with existing power generation systems is that the generator's starter in such power generation systems is typically unable to draw power from additional sources when the starting battery is unable to provide sufficient starting current to the generator's starter. Therefore, the secondary power source may be unavailable when the primary power source becomes unavailable.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example power generation system that optimizes the power provided to start a generator.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram similar to FIG. 1 where the controller, a first generator and a first battery charger of the example power generation system are all within the same enclosure.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram similar to FIG. 1 where the power generation system includes a plurality of battery chargers.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram similar to FIG. 1 where the power generation system includes multiple batteries.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram similar to FIG. 1 where the power generation system includes a plurality of generators.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram similar to FIG. 1 where the power generation system includes a plurality of generators and multiple batteries.

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example power generation system 10 . The power generation system 10 includes a first generator 11 A and a first starter 12 A that activates the first generator 11 A.

The power generation system 10 further includes a first battery 13 A that is adapted to provide power to the first starter 12 A and a second battery 13 B adapted to provide power to the first starter 12 A. A controller 14 A determines a state of charge for each of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B such that the controller 14 A determines which of the first battery 13 A and second battery 13 B provides power to the first starter 12 A.

It should be noted that the controller 14 A may command the first battery 13 A and/or the second battery 13 B to provide power to the first starter 12 A. The first controller 14 A will determine whether (i) the first battery 13 A; (ii) the second battery 13 B; or (iii) the first and second batteries 13 A, 13 B together supply current to first starter 12 A based on a variety of factors (e.g., the charge level of each of the first and second batteries 13 A, 13 B).

In the example embodiment that is shown in FIG. 2 , the power generation system 10 further includes a first battery charger 15 A that supplies current to the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B. The controller 30 determines which of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B receives charging current from the first battery charger 15 A (e.g., based on the state of charge for each of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B).

It be noted that the first battery charger 15 A may be a stand-alone device (as shown in the FIGS.) or a battery charging alternator. The type of first battery charger 15 A that is included in the power generation system 10 will depend in part on the application where the power generation system 10 is to be used (among other factors).

In some embodiments, the first generator 11 A includes an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. It should be noted that other types of generators (i.e., power generation devices) are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Embodiments are contemplated where the first battery charger 15 A is adapted to receive power from a primary power source (not shown). As examples, the primary power source may be utility power or another electrochemical power source (i.e., battery).

In some embodiments, the controller 14 A is a generator controller that operates the first generator 11 A. Embodiments are also contemplated where the controller 14 A operates the first battery charger 15 A, or is a stand-alone device (as shown in FIG. 1 ).

It should be noted that the controller 14 A may display information relating to operation of the power generation system 10 . As an example, the first controller 14 A may display a charge level of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B. In addition, the controller 14 A may display information relating to an optimum starting scenario that indicates which of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B provide power to the first starter 12 A (among other operating parameters that are associated with the power generation system 10 ).

As another example, the first controller 14 A may display the voltage, current and/or temperature at the battery terminals of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B (or some other part of the batteries). As yet another example, the first controller 14 A may display faults, warnings and/or other conditions relating to the health of the first battery 13 A, the second battery 13 B, the first battery charger 15 A and/or the first generator 11 A.

In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the controller 14 A and the first generator 11 A are not located within the same enclosure (although they could be in the same enclosure in other embodiments). In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first battery charger 15 A, the controller 14 A and the first generator 11 A are all located within the same enclosure 20 (although they could be in different enclosure(s) in other embodiments).

In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 3 , the power generation system 10 further includes a second battery charger 15 B that charges the first battery 13 A and/or the second battery 13 B. It should be noted that although only two battery chargers 15 A, 15 B are shown in FIG. 3 , any number of battery chargers may be included in the power generation system 10 .

In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 4 , the power generation system 10 includes a plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E such that the controller 14 A determines which of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E provides power to the first starter 12 A. It should be noted that the controller 14 A determines that a particular one, some or all of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E provide power to the first starter 12 A.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram where the power generation system 10 includes a first generator 11 A and a second generator 11 B. The power generation system 10 further includes a first starter 12 A that activates the first generator and a second starter 12 B that activates the second generator 11 B. In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first controller 14 A determines whether (i) one or both of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B provide power to the first starter 12 A; and (ii) one or both of the first battery 13 A and the second battery 13 B provide power to the second starter 12 B.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram where the power generation system 10 includes a plurality of generators 11 A, 11 B and multiple batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E. One, some or all of the batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E may provide power to the first starter 12 A. In addition, one, some or all of the multiple batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E may provide power to the second starter 12 B.

In the example embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 6 , a first group of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C in the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E is adapted to provide power to the first starter 12 A. In addition, a second group of batteries 13 D, 13 E in the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E is adapted to provide power to the second starter 12 B. The controller(s) 14 A, 14 B may determine (i) which of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E in the first group of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C provides power to the first starter 12 A; and (ii) which of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E in the second group of batteries 13 D, 13 E provides power to the second starter 12 B.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the power generation system 10 includes a first controller 14 A that operates the first generator 11 A and determines which of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E in the first group of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C provides power to the first starter 12 A. In addition, the power generation system 10 includes a second controller 14 B that operates the second generator 11 B and determines which of the plurality of batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E in the second group of batteries 13 D, 13 E provides power to the second starter 12 B.

It should be noted that any battery charger and controllers that are included in the power generation system 10 may exchange data via a communication bus that connects the controller(s) and/or the battery charger(s). In addition, the battery charger(s) and/or controller(s) may exchange data wirelessly.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the power generation system 10 further includes a server 30 that is connected to the controller 14 A over a network (e.g., the Internet I, a local network and/or wireless forms of communication). In some embodiments, the server 30 provides commands to the controller 14 A as to which of the first battery 13 A and second battery 13 B supplies current to the first starter 12 A.

It should be noted that the server 30 may be included in the other embodiments that are shown in FIGS. 2-6 such that the server 30 provides commands to one or more of the controllers 14 A, 14 B as to which of the multiple batteries 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E supplies current to which of the first and second starters 12 A, 12 B (or any other starters that may be included in the power generation system 10 ). In addition, the server 30 may communicate directly with at least one of the first and second battery chargers 15 A, 15 B (or any other battery chargers that may be included in the power generation system 10 ).

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.