Automatic start-up of an auxiliary power unit

• US 20070022995A1
• Filed: 07/28/2005
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Bernardi, John, Orr, David, Marchand, David, Borgeson, Jon
• Granted Patent: US 7,290,517 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 123/179.300
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2060/08 Cabin heater
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2060/18 Heater
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 37/02 Gas passages between engine outlet and pump drive, e.g. reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 63/04 for electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 25/04 by cutting-out engines
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0803 characterised by means for initiating engine start or stop F02N11/0814 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0862 characterised by the electrical power supply means, e.g. battery
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 19/10 by heating of engine coolants
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2200/061 Battery state of charge [SOC]

Abstract

An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system configured to assist a main engine start of a machine, comprising:

an auxiliary power unit; and

a controller configured to;

monitor a parameter of the machine;

automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range; and

bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter affects the starting of the main engine.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power unit is configured to supply charge to a battery, and the parameter is indicative of a voltage of the battery.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power unit is configured to warm a coolant of a cooling system of the machine, and the parameter is indicative of a temperature of the coolant.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the coolant is used to assist in cooling one or more of the auxiliary power unit and the main engine.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined range and the second predetermined range are different.

7. A method for automatically starting an auxiliary power unit to assist a main engine start of a machine, the method comprising:

monitoring a parameter of the machine;

automatically starting the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range; and

bringing the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first predetermined range and the second predetermined range are different.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the parameter affects the starting of the main engine.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the parameter is indicative of one of a voltage of the battery and a temperature of a coolant.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein monitoring the parameter further includes:

monitoring a first parameter to determine whether the first parameter is within the first predetermined range; and

monitoring a second parameter to determine whether the second parameter is within the first predetermined range.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein if the first parameter falls outside the first predetermined range before the second parameter falls outside the first predetermined range, the system functions in a first mode.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first mode is a battery charging mode.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein if the second parameter falls outside the first predetermined range before the first parameter falls outside the first predetermined range, the system functions in a second mode.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second mode is a coolant warming mode.

16. A work machine comprising:

a main engine; and

an auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system, comprising;

an auxiliary power unit configured to assist a main engine start of the machine; and

a controller configured to;

monitor a parameter of the machine;

automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range; and

bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

17. The work machine of claim 16, further including a battery configured to assist in starting the main engine.

18. The work machine of claim 16, further including a cooling system configured to circulate a coolant through the main engine and the auxiliary power unit.

19. The work machine of claim 16, wherein the first predetermined range and the second predetermined range are different.

20. The work machine of claim 16, further including:

a battery voltage sensor configured to provide information to the controller; and

a coolant temperature sensor configured to provide information to the controller.