A generator typically incorporates an electronic control system that controls its operation and monitors its operating parameters. Our diesel generators incorporate a controller designed by us and manufactured locally in Queensland to provide information about the generator’s operation, control the generator and monitor the health and performance of the engine.
Design
We designed our own controllers because we saw the need for a more robust controller that can withstand the harsh environment and not fail. Whilst it may not be as fancy as some others on the market, its solid, reliable and provides the right information and monitoring that you need for any generator.
These controllers are built in Queensland, they use LED displays and have a UV resistant overlay but also, they use solid state switching (no interface relays) on a single circuit board that’s conformal coated. Our controllers do not draw any power when in standby mode, even when set to Remote. If you ever need to replace a PM controller, it’s a plug and play solution.
Monitoring
The controller monitors several parameters of the engine and alternator. It does this to provide information and warnings to the user as well as monitoring for the need of sudden shutdown to protect the engine and alternator.
The parameters that are monitored include:
- Engine speed/frequency
- Engine oil pressure
- Engine coolant temperature
- Engine load percentage
- Output voltage
- Crank battery voltage
- Running state (running or not running)
- Hours run.
The controller is constantly monitoring the generators performance. It will shutdown the engine if it sees any fault that can cause expensive damage to your generator and will provide easy to read trouble codes if it sees a failure.
Starting and Stopping the Engine
When the controller’s mode select switch is set to the Run position, the controller receives a signal to start the engine, the controller performs a series of events called a start sequence.
The controller provides a warning in the form of a flashing light or a countdown on the LED display that the engine is about to start, and then starts the engine.
When the controller is set to remote, it stays in standby until the remove connection circuit is closed and starts the generator. When the circuit is open, it shuts the engine down immediately.
If the controller is set to Auto (if fitted), the controller will monitor the battery bank’s charge status and start the generator when required.
If the generator is switched to the off position, the generator will shutdown immediately.
Regulating the Generator’s Output- DC
The controller regulates the DC electricity that is supplied by the generator to the storage battery bank , to keep the storage battery bank’s voltage constant. It does this by adjusting the speed of the diesel engine that drives the alternator to achieve the target pre-set voltage.
As the speed of the engine is increased, the power delivered from the alternator increases. The controller regulates the engine speed by operating an electromechanical actuator that adjusts the delivery of fuel to the diesel engine.
Monitoring the Storage Battery Bank- 24V Systems
For Eniquest Outback models, and optionally for Eniquest Ranger models, a battery monitor monitors the amount of electrical energy in the storage battery bank (the state of charge). When the state of charge is reduced sufficiently the control system starts the generator to recharge the batteries and stops it when the storage battery bank is sufficiently charged.
To determine the state of charge of the storage battery bank, the battery monitor monitors its voltage . As the storage battery bank discharges, its voltage falls slightly. When the voltage falls below a predetermined level the battery monitor signals the controller to start the Eniquest generator’s diesel engine. As the storage battery bank is charged its voltage progressively rises.
When then voltage of the storage battery bank reaches a specified voltage, called the absorption voltage, the battery monitor signals the controller to stop the generator.