U.S. patent application number 16/838310 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-24 for remote generator controller system and devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wheeler Machinery Co.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wheeler Machinery Co.. Invention is credited to Scott Murdock.
Application Number | 20200300207 16/838310 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004873666 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200300207 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murdock; Scott |
September 24, 2020 |
REMOTE GENERATOR CONTROLLER SYSTEM AND DEVICES
Abstract
A system is disclosed which includes a remote generator
interface controller and a generator interface device. The
generator interface device receives generator operation information
and transmits the generator operation information to the remote
generator interface controller. The remote generator controller
device includes a processor, a screen, and a wireless receiver
connected wirelessly to receive generator operation information
from the generator interface device connected to a generator. The
generator interface device includes a processor connected to a
generator which receives generator operation information from at
least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a
transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator
operation information wirelessly from the generator interface
device to the remote generator controller device.
Inventors: |
Murdock; Scott; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wheeler Machinery Co. |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wheeler Machinery Co.
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
1000004873666 |
Appl. No.: |
16/838310 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16047886 |
Jul 27, 2018 |
10641226 |
|
|
16838310 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 41/042 20130101;
F02N 11/0807 20130101; G01D 7/02 20130101; F02D 41/20 20130101;
F02D 41/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02N 11/08 20060101
F02N011/08; F02D 41/04 20060101 F02D041/04; F02D 41/20 20060101
F02D041/20; F02D 41/22 20060101 F02D041/22 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a remote generator interface controller,
and a generator interface device, wherein the generator interface
device receives generator operation information and transmits the
generator operation information to the remote generator interface
controller.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote generator interface
controller includes a screen that displays the generator operation
information.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote generator interface
controller provides one or more interface buttons on the
screen.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more interface buttons
on the screen include an emergency generator stop button.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein in response to receiving an
indication of interaction with the emergency generator stop button,
the remote generator interface controller transmits a generator
shut down command to the generator interface device.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote generator controller
device includes one or more electrical components to receive
alternating current electricity and generate direct current
electricity.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator interface device
receives information from a generator sensor.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator interface device
receives information from a generator computer.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator interface device is
connected to a generator.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the generator interface device
is housed within a generator.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote generator controller
device is remote from the generator.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote generator controller
device receives the generator operation information wirelessly.
13. A remote generator controller device, comprising: a processor;
a screen; a wireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive
generator operation information from a generator interface device
connected to a generator.
14. The remote generator controller device of claim 13, further
comprising a wireless transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit
control information to a generator interface device connected to a
generator.
15. The remote generator controller device of claim 13, further
comprising a rectifier.
16. The remote generator controller device of claim 13, further
comprising a battery.
17. A generator interface device, comprising: a processor connected
to a generator which receives generator operation information from
at least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a
transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator
operation information wirelessly from the generator interface
device to a remote generator controller device.
18. The generator interface device of claim 17, further comprising
a receiver connected wirelessly to receive control information from
the remote generator controller device.
19. The generator interface device of claim 17, wherein generator
operation information includes one or more of engine hours
information, average rotations per minute information, generator
frequency information, generator load information, average voltage
output information, fuel pressure information, coolant temperature
information, oil pressure information, and battery information.
20. The generator interface device of claim 17, further comprising
one or more power connectors which are connected to a generator
battery.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/047,886, filed Jul. 27, 2018 entitled
"Remote Generator Controller Systems and Devices," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not
limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the
incorporation by reference being made with the following exception:
In the event that any portion of the above-referenced application
is inconsistent with this application, this application supersedes
said portion of said above-referenced application.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a system for
transmitting generator operation information to a monitoring
location for processing and monitoring the data. More specifically,
the system disclosed herein may both transmit and receive
information representative of generator operation information from
a generator controller and receive information at a control center
to provide generator operation information to a remote user. The
system may include one or more devices which facilitate
transmitting generator operation information from a generator and
receiving the generator operation information at a control
center.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Throughout history, the spread of access to electricity has
changed the way humans live faster and more drastically than
virtually any other discovery arguably since man mastered the use
of fire. So great was the demand for electricity, that dams were
built in previously unthinkable places to power electrical turbines
to produce electricity. Electrical wires were soon strung or buried
across virtually every continent. Even so, electrical power from an
electrical grid is still not available everywhere it is
desired.
[0004] Today, electrical power is still not available in remote
locations, where quarries, mines, logging, cement plants, ranches,
farms, and other similar activities take place. Further, even if
electrical power is available, it is not available in high enough
amperages to power electrically powered equipment associated with
quarries, mines, logging, cement plants, ranches, farms, and other
similar activities take place. Due to the desire for electricity in
remote locations, fuel based electrical generators were developed
to generate electricity from fuel.
[0005] Today, diesel fuel generators are ubiquitous in remote
locations. That is electrical generators have been developed with
internal fuel tanks that operate a fuel based engine to create the
necessary rotation to generate electricity via an alternator, or
similar device. Diesel fuel has been determined to be a cost
efficient way of generating electrical power in generators because
diesel engines tend to have a significant serviceable lifespan,
diesel fuel is readily available, and the ratio of electricity
produced to fuel consumed is relatively lower for diesel fuel than
for other types of fuels.
[0006] Thus, generators, particularly diesel generators, have
become the backbone of many remote locations providing electricity
for not only the equipment necessary to perform a particular job,
but also for the workers to have light in their shelters, cook
their food, and run pumps that provide drinking water.
Unfortunately, diesel generators, as reliable as they are,
sometimes fail, often at inopportune times. Further, due to the
remoteness of the locations where diesel generators are frequently
used, obtaining new parts, and finding a technician to install them
can be a long, time consuming, and expensive process. Also, many of
the breakdowns that do occur in generators could have been
prevented if someone knew that a potential problem was
developing.
[0007] Conventional maintenance for fuel based generators is
performed on an "engine hours" basis. That is, for every so many
hours of operation the generator (engine hours), certain
maintenance must be performed. For example, a manufacturer may
suggest replacing a generator air filter every 100 engine hours to
ensure that the generator has adequate air flow to facilitate
chemical combustion in the engine. In some circumstances, a
technician may be able to use an OBD II scanner to connect to a
generator and obtain coded information about engine operation. Some
late model generators include gauges which provide information
about the motor and electrical output of the generator. However,
obtaining coded information through an OBD II scanner or from the
generator itself is largely impractical for a variety of reasons.
First, information retrieved from an OBD II scanner is coded and
must be decoded to be interpreted, which takes significant time and
cost. Second, it is impractical for a technician to visually
monitor the gauges on the generator during use. Many generators are
run twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for months at a
time, only shutting down for routine maintenance or occasional
refueling. Moreover, many generators are placed at a location that
is relatively distant from other machines to reduce exposure to
dust and to reduce noise in a certain locality. It is equally
impractical for a technician to travel from one generator to the
next constantly on a site to determine if any of the gauges or the
OBD II scanner reveals that the generator is about to
malfunction.
[0008] Finally, when generators fail without warning, operators
experience high costs in downtime. For example, in a cement plant,
various generators may provide electrical power to conveyor belts
which move rocks of a larger size into rock crushers to create
successively smaller rocks for use in concrete. However, when one
generator fails, one of the conveyor belts may lose electrical
power and also fail. However, since other generators are still
operating, a previous conveyor belt or a rock crusher may still be
depositing rocks into a hopper of the disabled conveyor belt. This
accumulation of rocks may prevent the conveyor belt from restarting
because of the weight of the rocks in the hopper. In other words,
the conveyor belt may be jammed due to excessive weight on the
conveyor belt. Even if the generator requires only a simple fix
which can be performed in mere minutes, it may take hours to
manually unload the hopper on the generator. An entire production
line may be shut down for a day, or longer, because a generator
unexpectedly failed. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or
even millions of dollars, in some cases, can be lost because of a
generator failure.
[0009] It is therefore one object of this disclosure to provide an
interface and transmitter device which may receive generator
operation information from a generator and transmit the generator
operation information to a control device. It is another object of
this disclosure to provide a receiver device which receives
generator operation information from the interface and transmitter
device. It is another object of this disclosure to provide a
control device which processes generator operation information
received by the receiver device and communicated to the control
device. It is a further object of this disclosure to provide the
processed generator operation information on a display for user
monitoring and interaction.
SUMMARY
[0010] Disclosed herein is a system is disclosed which includes a
remote generator interface controller and a generator interface
device. The generator interface device receives generator operation
information and transmits the generator operation information to
the remote generator interface controller.
[0011] Further disclosed herein is a remote generator controller
device. The remote generator controller device includes a
processor, a screen, and a wireless receiver connected wirelessly
to receive generator operation information from the generator
interface device connected to a generator.
[0012] Also disclosed herein is a generator interface device. The
generator interface device includes a processor connected to a
generator which receives generator operation information from at
least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a
transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator
operation information wirelessly from the generator interface
device to the remote generator controller device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the remote generator dashboard system and devices.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote
generator dashboard system operating in an exemplary cement plant
environment.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system level implementation
of a remote generator dashboard system.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates various elements of a control device and
receiver transmitter/device associated with the remote generator
dashboard system.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates various elements of a generator interface
device and information transmitter device.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface for the
control device.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a second exemplary user interface for the
control device.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary user interface for the
control device.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates various hardware elements of the control
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In the following description, for purposes of explanation
and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set
forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the device disclosed herein.
While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in
context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art
will further appreciate that the techniques and embodiments may
also be practiced in other similar devices.
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is
further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular
embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which
they are described. For example, an element described in reference
to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in
another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those
elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In
other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between
various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote
generator dashboard system 100 operating in an exemplary cement
plant environment. A cement plant may include, for example, a first
conveyor belt 102 which includes a hopper 104 for receiving rocks
120 of a first size. Conveyor belt 102 may include a conveyor
control device 106 which may control various functionalities of the
conveyor belt, e.g., belt speed, on/off, etc. Conveyor belt 102 is
typically operates using electricity provided by generator 108.
[0025] Generator 108 may generate electricity by converting
chemical fuel into electricity by, for example, a diesel motor
stored in compartment 110. Generator 108 may provide an emergency
shutoff button 112 and may include one or more interface elements
114 which allow a user to control various functionalities of the
generator. Generator 108 may include an interface device 116 which
may retrieve generator operation information from generator 108 and
a transmitter device 118 which transmits the generator operation
information from generator 108 to a remote generator controller
device, which will be discussed below.
[0026] Interface device 116 may be connected to generator 108 using
any suitable connection. Interface device 116 may obtain generator
operation information from generator 108 that includes information
such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average
rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a
motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output
voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature,
oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor
temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be
relevant to operation of generator 108. Interface device 116 may
provide the generator operation information to transmitter device
118 which may transmit the generator operation information from
generator 108 to a remote generator device, as will be discussed
below.
[0027] As conveyor belt 102 receives electricity generated by
generator 108, via electrical connection 124, conveyor belt 102
carries rocks 120 of a first size up the conveyor 102 by
successively higher supports 122. It is noted that conveyor 102 may
simply carry rocks of a first size 120 from one location to another
without raising the level of conveyor 102 by successively higher
supports 122. Conveyor 102 may be flat or angled down. However,
merely for purposes of description, conveyor 102 includes supports
122 which raise conveyor 102 from a first end to a second end which
is raised higher than the first end. Rocks of a first size 120 are
carried by conveyor into hopper 126 which feeds a rock crusher 128.
Rock crusher 128 may also operate by receiving electrical power and
using a variety of mill wheels, grinding wheels, hammers, or other
devices to break rocks of a first size 120 into rocks 144 of a
second size, smaller than rocks of a first size 120.
[0028] Generator 132 may be similar to generator 108, discussed
above, and generate electricity by converting chemical fuel into
electricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment
134. Generator 132 may provide an emergency shutoff button 136 and
may include one or more interface elements 138 which allow a user
to control various functionalities of the generator. Generator 132
may include an interface device 140 which may retrieve generator
operation information from generator 132 and a transmitter device
142 which transmits the generator operation information from
generator 132 to a remote generator controller device, which will
be discussed below.
[0029] Interface device 140 may be connected to generator 132 using
any suitable connection. Interface device 140 may obtain generator
operation information from generator 132 that includes information
such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average
rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a
motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output
voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature,
oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor
temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be
relevant to operation of generator 132. Interface device 140 may
provide the generator operation information to transmitter device
142 which may transmit the generator operation information from
generator 132 to a remote generator device, as will be discussed
below.
[0030] Rock crusher 128 receives electricity generated by generator
132, via electrical connection 130, and mills, grinds, or breaks
rocks of a first size 120 into rocks of a second size 144, smaller
than rocks of a first size 120. Rocks of a second size 144 may be
disposed onto a conveyor belt 150 which includes a conveyor control
device 146 which may be used to control various functionality of
conveyor 150. Conveyor 150 may carry rocks of a second size 144 up
conveyor 150 by successively higher supports 148, although supports
148 need not be successively higher and may simply be equal in
height or may be implemented as successively lower supports 148.
However, for purposes of description in FIG. 1, conveyor belt 150
is shown as including successively higher supports 150 to carry
rocks of a second size out of rock crusher 128.
[0031] As before with conveyor 102, conveyor 150 requires
electrical power to operate. Thus, conveyor 150 is connected to
generator 154 by electrical connection 152. Generator 154 may be
similar to generator 108 and generator 132, discussed above, and
generate electricity by converting chemical fuel into electricity
by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment 156.
Generator 154 may provide an emergency shutoff button 158 and may
include one or more interface elements 160 which allow a user to
control various functionalities of the generator. Generator 154 may
include an interface device 162 which may retrieve generator
operation information from generator 154 and a transmitter device
164 which transmits the generator operation information from
generator 154 to a remote generator controller device, which will
be discussed below.
[0032] Interface device 162 may be connected to generator 154 using
any suitable connection. Interface device 162 may obtain generator
operation information from generator 154 that includes information
such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average
rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a
motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output
voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature,
oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor
temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be
relevant to operation of generator 154. Interface device 162 may
provide the generator operation information to transmitter device
164 which may transmit the generator operation information from
generator 154 to a remote generator controller device, as will be
discussed below.
[0033] Conveyor belt 150 may move rocks of a second size 144 into a
hopper 166 that may feed a second rock crusher, another conveyor
belt or another device as necessary to create cement in the cement
plant. FIG. 1 illustrates three consecutive dots which identify
that further devices may be implemented as necessary. Further,
various different sites performing various different activities may
have different mechanical and electrical needs. Mines, logging
sites, farms, ranches, and other locations may require the use of
different electrically operated equipment that is generated by one
or more generators. FIG. 1 merely illustrates a simple example of a
cement plant for explanatory purposes.
[0034] The cement plant illustrated in FIG. 1, or any other similar
sites, may provide a control center 168 which allows a user to
monitor the progress of material through, for example, conveyor
belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150. In many
situations, controls for conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and
conveyor belt 150 may be connected to a remote controller, such as
controller 176, controller 178, and controller 180, by wire 170,
wire 172, and wire 174. Remote controller 176 may, for example, be
connected to conveyor control device 106 by wire 170 and allow a
user to adjust a speed, turn conveyor 150 on/off, or include an
emergency stop. Remote controller 178 may, for example, be
connected to rock crusher 128 by wire 172 and allow a user to turn
rock crusher 128 on/off or include an emergency stop. Remote
controller 180 may, for example, be connected to conveyor control
device 146 by wire 174 and allow a user to adjust a speed, turn
conveyor 150 on/off, or include an emergency stop.
[0035] Generator 108, generator 132, and generator 154 may connect
by wireless connection 188, wireless connection 190, and wireless
connection 192 to remote generator controller device 182. Remote
generator controller device 182 may include controller/receiver 184
(which will be discussed in more detail below) and receive
generator operation information from transmitter device 118,
transmitter device 142, and transmitter device 164 of generator
108, generator 132, and generator 154, respectively. Generator
operation information received by remote generator controller
device 182 may be provided to a user via remote generator
controller device 182. Remote generator controller device 182 may
include a power input 186 to provide power for operation of remote
generator controller device 182. It should be noted that remote
generator controller device 182 may be located in any convenient
location. For example, remote generator controller device 154 may
be located in a front-end loader (or any other piece of equipment)
which is loading material into a hopper, such as hopper 104, to
allow an operator of the front end loader to monitor the
operational condition of one or more generators (such as generator
108, generator 132, and generator 154) while loading material into
hopper 104.
[0036] As will be further discussed below, remote generator
controller device 182 may detect problems in generator 108,
generator 132, and generator 154 before a generator is forced to
shut down by, for example, a current limiter circuit, and manually
stop other parts of the system such that material does not jam
conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150, for
example.
[0037] In one exemplary circumstance, for purposes of illustration
and description only, remote generator controller device 182 may
detect an excess current draw in generator 132 and immediately shut
down conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150 to
identify the cause of the excess current draw. Upon examination,
for example, a user may determine that a broken iron tool became
lodged between milling wheels, causing rock crusher 128 to draw
additional current from generator 132 in an attempt to continue
spinning milling wheels. However, since the user was able to shut
down conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150,
none of hopper 104, hopper 126, or hopper 166 became jammed with
excess material. Thus, once the broken tool is removed from rock
crusher 128, conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt
150 may be restarted without significant downtime for the cement
plant. If hopper 104, hopper 126, or hopper 166 became jammed by
material, such as rocks or dirt, a substantial amount of manual
labor and time may be required to dislodge the jam. A costly delay
in concrete production may be so avoided because early information
that a problem existed in generator 132 was identified before the
problem could cause generator 132 to automatically shut down.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system level implementation
of a remote generator dashboard system 200. Remote generator
dashboard system 200 includes a generator controller device 202
which interfaces with generator 204. Generator controller device
202 may include a screen 206 which may provide generator operation
information to a user and allow the user to interact with generator
controller device 202. Remote generator controller device 202 may
further include a receiver/transmitter 208 to receive and transmit
information from remote generator controller device 202 to
generator 204, as will be described below. Remote generator
controller device 202 may further include one or more electrical
components 210 to regulate input voltage and input current received
through wire 212 and 120V (or 240V) AC plug 214. Electrical
components 210 may be implemented as necessary to receive power
using standard input power available in different countries (e.g.
120V or 240V power). While remote generator controller device 202
is shown in FIG. 2 as receiving AC power, remote generator
controller device 202 may be battery powered, using appropriate
batteries.
[0039] Generator 204 includes a base 216 which may be implemented
in a manner that allows generator 204 to be dragged from one
position to another. For example, various connection points may be
installed in base 216 which may be chained to, for example, an
excavator, a front end loader, a bull dozer, a truck, or other
vehicle to drag generator 204 from one location to another.
Generator 204 may include an access door 218 which provides access
to an internal motor, a fuel storage, and other components of
generator 204. Access door 218 may include vents 220 to allow fresh
air to be drawn into generator 204. Access door 218 may further
include a latch 222 which may secure access door 218 in a closed
position or which may release to allow a user to open access door
218. Generator 204 may further include a controller door 224 which
provides access to various generator controls. Controller door 224
may include an opening to provide interface elements 226 for
providing a user with control over generator 204. Interface
elements 226 may include a screen, screen interface buttons and a
keyhole 228 for receiving a key in a key switch to start and stop
generator 204. Alternatively, interface elements, such as screen
226 may be provided only by opening controller door 224 via latch
230.
[0040] Regardless, disposed within controller door 224 of generator
204, are a generator interface device 234 and a
receiver/transmitter 232. Generator interface device 234 may
connect to one or more information ports (not shown in FIG. 2)
provided by generator 204 or generator sensors (not shown in FIG.
2) to receive generator operation information from generator 204.
As before, generator operation information may include information
such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average
rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a
motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output
voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature,
oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor
temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be
relevant to operation of generator 204. Generator operation
information may be transmitted via transmitter/receiver 232 to
generator controller device 202 to be provided to a user at a
remote location via screen 206. Generator 204 may further include
an emergency shut down button 236.
[0041] Generator interface device 234 and transmitter/receiver 232
may include hardware components may include a combination of
Central Processing Units ("CPUs"), buses, volatile and non-volatile
memory devices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable
media, data processors, processing devices, control devices
transmitters, receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices,
output devices, network interface devices, and other types of
components that are apparent to those skilled in the art. Generator
interface device 234 and transmitter/receiver 232 may also include
software and hardware modules, sequences of instructions, routines,
data structures, display interfaces, and other types of structures
that execute interface operations. In one embodiment,
transmitter/receiver 232 may transmit and receive information by a
wireless connection 238 established between transmitter/receiver
232 in generator 204 and transmitter/receiver 208 in remote
generator controller 202. In one embodiment, transmitter/receiver
232 in generator 204 and transmitter/receiver 208 in remote
generator controller 202 may have a wireless communication range of
approximately 4 miles (approximately 6.4 km). Transmitter/receiver
232 in generator 204 and transmitter/receiver 208 in remote
generator controller 202 may communicate using radio frequency
communication. However, any suitable communication connection may
be implemented including any wired, wireless, cellular based, or
internet based connections. Examples of these various communication
connections include internet based communication protocols Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, Z-Wave, RF4CE, Ethernet, telephone line, cellular channels,
or others that operate in accordance with protocols defined in IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11,
801.11a, 801.11b, 801.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i, 802.11n,
802.16, 802.16d, 802.16e, or 802.16m using any network type
including a wide-area network ("WAN"), a local-area network
("LAN"), a 2G network, a 3G network, a 4G network, a Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, a Long Term
Evolution (LTE) network, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
network, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) network, any type of satellite or
cellular network, or any other appropriate protocol to facilitate
communication between transmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204 and
transmitter/receiver 208 in remote generator control device 202 or
vice versa.
[0042] In one example, generator interface device 234 may detect a
fault in generator 204 which may be transmitted to remote generator
control device 202 for display on screen 206. In response, a user
may interact with screen 206 to send an emergency stop command to
generator 204 via transmitter/receiver 208 in remote generator
control device 202 to transmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204.
Transmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204 may provide the emergency
stop command to generator 204 via generator interface device 234
which causes generator 204 to shut down virtually instantaneously.
A technician may then review generator operation information
provided to remote generator control device 202 and inspect
generator 204, or associated devices, to determine the cause of the
fault.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates various elements of a control device 306
and transmitter/receiver device 314 associated with the remote
generator controller device 300 of a remote generator dashboard
system, such as remote generator dashboard system 200, shown in
FIG. 2. Remote generator controller device 300 may be implemented
as a hinged box which may have a top portion 302 and a bottom
portion 304. Top portion 302 may include a controller 306.
Controller 306 may include power connectors and information
connectors 308 in addition to other connectors for interfacing with
a screen (not shown in FIG. 3). Controller 306 may include hardware
components may include a combination of Central Processing Units
("CPUs"), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storage
units, non-transitory computer-readable media, data processors,
processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers,
antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices, network
interface devices, and other types of components that are apparent
to those skilled in the art. In addition, controller 306 may
provide a screen accessible to a user. Wire 310 may connect
controller 306 to both power and information from bottom portion
304, as will be described below.
[0044] Bottom portion 304 may include transmitter/receiver device
314 which may communicate with other devices, which will be shown
and described below with respect to FIG. 4, transmitter/receiver
device 314 may transmit received information to controller 306 via
wire 310. Further, transmitter/receiver device 314 may receive
power in appropriate voltages through power regulator 318. Power
regulator 318 may receive AC (alternating current) electricity via
a power port 324 which connects to wire 326 and receives AC
electricity via plug 328. Power regulator 318 may be implemented as
a circuit breaker device, a fuse, a power supply, or any other
device known in the art. Further, while power regulator 318 is
illustrated in FIG. 3 as being connected by wire 320 to
rectifier/DC voltage regulator 312, rectifier/DC voltage regulator
312 and power regulator 312 may be implemented together in a single
housing of electrical components. Power regulator 318 may receive
AC electricity and ensure that a current input is below an
acceptable threshold for rectifier/DC voltage regulator 312. Power
regulator 318 may then provide electricity to rectifier/DC voltage
regulator 312 which may be converted from AC electricity to DC
(direct current) electricity and regulated to an appropriate
voltage level to operate controller 306 and transmitter/receiver
314.
[0045] It should be noted that remote generator controller device
300 may be implemented with a battery back up in case AC
electricity supplied to remote generator controller device 300
fails. Further, remote generator controller device 300 may, via
transmitter/receiver 314, interface with one or a plurality of
generators simultaneously, or virtually simultaneously (as shown in
FIG. 1). In other words, remote generator controller device 300 may
receive generator operation information from each generator in
intervals of less than 10 seconds, for example, such that a change
in generator operation information can be immediately detected and
reported to a user. Transmitter/receiver 314 may further include an
antenna 316 which may extend a wireless communication range for
transmitter/receiver 314 to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km). In
another embodiment, a remote generator controller device 300 may be
provided for an individual generator individually using a
serialized connection to ensure that only the remote generator
controller device 300 may be used with remote generator controller
device 300. Wire 322 may receive power from rectifier/DC voltage
regulator 312 and provide DC electricity to transmitter/receiver
314.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates various elements of an interface 400
which includes a generator interface device 402 and information
transmitter/receiver device 404. Generator interface device 402 may
include a processor 406 and implement a combination of Central
Processing Units ("CPUs"), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory
devices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable media,
data processors, processing devices, control devices transmitters,
receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices,
network interface devices, and other types of components that are
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0047] Generator interface device 402 may further include a power
connector 408 which may receive electrical power in a variety of
ways. As shown in FIG. 4, power connector 408 implements ground
connection 410, a positive voltage connection 412, and a negative
voltage connection 414 to receive power in a DC electrical
environment. However, a variety of implementations are possible in
both a DC electrical environment and an AC electrical environment.
Electrical power supplied to connector 408 may be derived from a
battery in a generator or may be obtained through an interface
connection with the generator.
[0048] Generator interface device 402 may further include a
generator sensor information connector 416, a generator computer
information connector 418, and an information connector 420 for
sending information to transmitter/receiver device 426. Information
connector 416 may receive generator sensor information from a
generator sensor 422 which may be provided to processor 406.
Generator sensor information may be any information that is
obtained from a sensor in a generator. For example, an over current
sensor, a battery voltage sensor, or other sensor in a generator
may directly interface with generator interface device 402.
[0049] Information connector 418 may receive information from a
generator computer 424 which may be provided to processor 406.
Generator computer 424 may provide real time generator operation
information to processor 406. Generator computer 424 may be a
computer which controls the operation of a generator. Generator
interface device 402 may receive the information from generator
sensor 422 and/or generator computer 424 and provide generator
operation information (which includes generator sensor information)
to transmitter/receiver 404 via a wire disposed between information
connector 420 and connector 426 on transmitter/receiver 404.
[0050] Transmitter/receiver 404 may include a hardware for
transmitting and receiving information wirelessly using any of the
information communication and transmission protocols discussed
above. Transmitter/receiver 404 receives generator operation
information from generator interface device 402 and wirelessly
transmits the information to a remote generator controller device,
such as remote generator controller device 300, shown in FIG. 3.
Transmitter/receiver 404 may further include an antenna 428 which
may extend a wireless communication range for transmitter/receiver
404 to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km).
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface 500 for the
remote generator controller device 502 which may be similar in
implementation and description to other remote generator controller
devices disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 5, a remote generator
controller device 502 provides a screen 504. Screen 504 may be
implemented as a touch screen or another type of screen that uses a
tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a
mouse) to interface with a user.
[0052] User interface 500 includes an engine hours icon 506 and an
identifier 508 of "engine hours" to display to a user that a
generator, for example, has operated for 3641.4 hours.
Additionally, user interface 500 may include button elements 510
which provide a user with an ability to provide input into remote
generator controller device 502. Button element 510 may implement
an emergency stop 512 which, when pressed, may send a command to a
generator interface device, such as generator interface device 402,
shown in FIG. 4, to shut down immediately. User interface 500 may
further include information elements, such as information element
514 which provide information to a user about a generator or
information currently displayed on a screen. As shown in FIG. 5,
information element 514 provides information 516 that the screen
being shown is a "remote generator dashboard." Information element
514 may begin to flash, emit sounds, or otherwise notify a user
when generator operation information changes in a manner that
indicates a potential problem may arise.
[0053] User interface 500 may further allow a user to select other
user interfaces that the user wishes to access. For example, user
interface button 518, when interacted with, may cause remote
generator controller device 500 to update graphical user interface
500 with another graphical user interface, such as those that will
be discussed below, or others. Button 518 may provide engine
information about a generator in a new user interface. Similarly,
user interface button 520, when interacted with, may cause remote
generator controller device 500 to update graphical user interface
500 with a second graphical user interface. User interface button
520, may provide master information about different generators in
the system or provide master control over a particular generator,
for example.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a second exemplary user interface 600 for
the remote generator controller device 602. Remote generator
controller device 602 may be similar in implementation and
description to other remote generator controller devices disclosed
herein and provide a screen 604. Screen 604 may be implemented as a
touch screen or another type of screen that uses a tactile element
(e.g., a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to
interface with a user.
[0055] User interface 600 may provide a number of generator
electrical information elements such as generator information
element 606. Generator information element 606 provides information
related to an average number of rotations per minute for a
generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator
information element 608 provides numerical information for a
generator's current average number of rotations per minute.
Generator information element 610 provides information related to a
frequency of electrical output for a generator in a bar graph style
information graph. Generator information element 612 provides
numerical information for a generator's current frequency of
electrical output for the generator. Generator information element
614 provides information related to a percentage of generator
electrical load that may be output by a generator in a bar graph
style information graph. Generator information element 616 provides
numerical information for a generator's current electrical load.
Finally, generator information element 618 provides information
related to an average voltage output by the generator in a bar
graph style information graph. Generator information element 620
provides numerical information for a generator's average voltage
output. In one embodiment, one or more of information elements
606-620 may flash or change colors to indicate to a user that a
certain electrical characteristic or generator output condition may
have the potential to cause a problem or indicate a fault in the
generator.
[0056] User interface 600 may further provide navigation elements,
such as navigation element 622 and navigation element 624 which
allow a user to scroll through different user interfaces to obtain
the desired information.
[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary user interface 700 for
remote generator controller device 702. Remote generator controller
device 702 may be similar in implementation and description to
other remote generator controller devices disclosed herein and
provide a screen 704. Screen 704 may be implemented as a touch
screen or another type of screen that uses a tactile element (e.g.,
a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to interface with
a user.
[0058] User interface 700 may provide a number of generator motor
information elements such as generator information element 706.
Generator information element 706 provides information related to a
fuel pressure in a bar graph style information graph. Generator
information element 708 provides numerical information for a fuel
pressure. Generator information element 710 provides information
related to a coolant temperature for a motor in a generator in a
bar graph style information graph. Generator information element
712 provides numerical information for a coolant temperature for a
motor in a generator for the generator. Generator information
element 714 provides information related to an oil pressure in a
motor of a generator in a bar graph style information graph.
Generator information element 716 provides numerical information
for an oil pressure in a motor of a generator. Finally, generator
information element 718 provides information related to a battery
voltage for a generator in a bar graph style information graph.
Generator information element 720 provides numerical information
for a battery voltage for a generator. In one embodiment, one or
more of information elements 706-720 may flash or change colors to
indicate to a user that a certain electrical characteristic or
generator output condition may have the potential to cause a
problem or indicate a fault in the generator.
[0059] User interface 700 may further provide navigation elements,
such as navigation element 722 and navigation element 724 which
allow a user to scroll through different user interfaces to obtain
the desired information.
[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates various hardware elements of the remote
generator controller device 800, such as those remote generator
controller devices disclosed herein. Remote generator controller
device 800 may include or utilize a special purpose or
general-purpose computer, including computer hardware, such as, for
example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in
greater detail below. Implementations within the scope of the
present disclosure may also include physical and other
computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable
instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media
can be any available media that can be accessed by a general
purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media
that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage
media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry
computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by
way of example, and not limitation, implementations of the
disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of
computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and
transmission media.
[0061] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
CD-ROM, solid state drives ("SSDs") (e.g., based on RAM), Flash
memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), other types of memory, other
optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer.
[0062] A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable
the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or
modules and/or other electronic devices. In an implementation, a
remote generator controller device and a generator interface device
may be networked in order to communicate with each other, and other
components, connected over the network to which they are connected.
When information is transferred or provided over a network or
another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer
properly views the connection as a transmission medium.
Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links, which
can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of
computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can
be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope
of computer-readable media.
[0063] Further, upon reaching various computer system components,
program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or
data structures that can be transferred automatically from
transmission media to computer storage media (devices) (or vice
versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data
structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in
RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC"), and then
eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less
volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system. RAM
can also include solid state drives. Thus, it should be understood
that computer storage media (devices) can be included in computer
system components that also (or even primarily) utilize
transmission media.
[0064] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special
purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of
functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for
example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as
assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter
has been described in language specific to structural features
and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to
the described features or acts described above. Rather, the
described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of
implementing the claims.
[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the remote
generator controller device may be implemented in many types of
computing environments with many types of computer system
configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers,
laptop computers, message processors, control units, camera control
units, hand-held devices, hand pieces, multi-processor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network
PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs,
tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and
the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed
system environments where local and remote computer systems, which
are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or
by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a
network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0066] Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can
be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware,
digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be programmed to carry out one
or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Certain
terms are used throughout the following description and claims to
refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names.
This document does not intend to distinguish between components
that differ in name, but not function.
[0067] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a remote generator
controller device 800. Remote generator controller device 800 may
be used to perform various procedures, such as those discussed
herein. Remote generator controller device 800 may function as a
server, a client, or any other computing entity. Remote generator
controller device 800 can perform various monitoring functions as
discussed herein, and can execute one or more application programs,
such as the application programs described herein. Remote generator
controller device 800 can be any of a wide variety of computing
devices, such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a server
computer, a handheld computer, tablet computer and the like.
[0068] Remote generator controller device 800 includes one or more
processor(s) 804, one or more memory device(s) 806, one or more
interface(s) 812, one or more mass storage device(s) 820, one or
more Input/Output (I/O) device(s) 826, and a display device 828 all
of which are coupled to a bus 802. Processor(s) 804 include one or
more processors or controllers that execute instructions stored in
memory device(s) 806 and/or mass storage device(s) 820.
Processor(s) 804 may also include various types of
computer-readable media, such as cache memory.
[0069] Memory device(s) 806 include various computer-readable
media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)
808) and/or nonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 810).
Memory device(s) 806 may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash
memory.
[0070] Mass storage device(s) 820 include various computer readable
media, such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks,
solid-state memory (e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. Remote
generator controller device 800 may include a hard disk drive 822.
Various drives may also be included in mass storage device(s) 820
to enable reading from and/or writing to the various computer
readable media. Mass storage device(s) 820 include removable media
824 and/or non-removable media.
[0071] I/O device(s) 826 include various devices that allow data
and/or other information to be input to or retrieved from remote
generator controller device 800. Example I/O device(s) 826 include
digital imaging devices, electromagnetic sensors and emitters,
cursor control devices, keyboards, keypads, microphones, monitors
or other display devices, speakers, printers, network interface
cards, modems, lenses, CCDs or other image capture devices, and the
like.
[0072] Display device 828 includes any type of device capable of
displaying information to one or more users of remote generator
controller device 800. Examples of display device 828 include a
screen, a touch screen, a monitor, a display terminal, a video
projection device, and the like.
[0073] Interface(s) 812 include various interfaces that allow
remote generator controller device 800 to interact with other
systems, devices, or computing environments. Example interface(s)
812 may include user interface elements 814. Other exemplary
interface(s) may include any number of different network interfaces
816, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), wide area
networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Other
interface(s) include a peripheral device interface 818. The
interface(s) 812 may also include one or more peripheral interfaces
such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice, track pad,
etc.), keyboards, and the like.
[0074] Bus 802 allows processor(s) 804, memory device(s) 806,
interface(s) 812, mass storage device(s) 820, and I/O device(s) 826
to communicate with one another, as well as other devices or
components coupled to bus 802. Bus 802 represents one or more of
several types of bus structures, such as a system bus, PCI bus,
IEEE 1394 bus, USB bus, and so forth.
[0075] For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable
program components are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it
is understood that such programs and components may reside at
various times in different storage components of remote generator
controller device 800, and are executed by processor(s) 804.
Alternatively, the systems and procedures described herein can be
implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware. For example, one or more application specific
integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays
(FPGAs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems
and procedures described herein.
[0076] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of
illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention
to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and
adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed
embodiments. For example, components described herein may be
removed and other components added without departing from the scope
or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended
claims.
[0077] Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
* * * * *