Generator management system that selectively activates generators based on an operating parameter

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 a 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).

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for dynamically controlling one or more generators adapted to supply power to a load, the method comprising:
 receiving first data indicative of an operating parameter of a first generator;   performing a comparison of the first data to second data for a second generator; and   determining a sequence for operating the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 dynamically updating the sequence for the first generator and the second generator.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sequence is an order for starting the first generator and the second generator. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first generator is adapted to provide power to a load and the second generator is adapted to provide power to the load. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data is a number of run hours for the first generator. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data is an amount of emissions produced by the first generator. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data is based on maintenance or fuel consumption of the first generator. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first data indicative is based on a pre-fault condition of the first generator. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the pre-fault condition is a low fuel condition, a circuit breaker condition, a coolant temperature condition, an oil pressure condition, or a sensor malfunction. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sequence is an order for stopping the first generator and the second generator. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus comprising:
 a first generator configured to supply power to a load;   a controller configured to operate the first generator; and   a communication bus that connects the first generator to a second generator configured to supply power to the load, the communication bus configured to communicate second generator data indicative of an operating parameter of a second generator to the controller,   wherein the controller compares the second generator data with first generator data indicative of the operating parameter of the first generator, and dynamically updates a sequence for operating the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the sequence is an order for starting or stopping the first generator and the second generator. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the operating parameter is a number of run hours of the respective generator. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the operating parameter is an amount of emissions produced by the respective generator. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the operating parameter is an amount of fuel consumption or a cost of operating the respective generator. 
     
     
         16 . A server in communication with a first generator electrically coupled to a load and a second generator electrically coupled to the load, the server configured to:
 receive first data indicative of an operating parameter of the first generator;   receive second data indicative of an operating parameter of the second generator;   perform a comparison of the first data and the second data; and   determine a sequence for the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the server is further configured to communicate the sequence to the first generator. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the server is further configured to dynamically update the sequence for the first generator and the second generator. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sequence is an order for starting or stopping the first generator and the second generator. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first data indicative of the operating parameter of the first generator is a number of run hours, an amount of emissions, an amount of fuel consumption, an operating cost, or a pre-fault condition of the first generator.