Method and apparatus for controlling an engine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsKevin L. Bruch, Geoffrey D. Ginzel, Michael J. Reinhart, Rodney M. Shurman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling an engine having a first maximum power rating based on at least a first predetermined operating condition of the engine. A first sensor transmits a first signal as a function of the engine operating at a predetermined operating condition other than the first predetermined operating condition. A control device receives the first signal and transmits a power signal to the engine as a function of the first signal. The power signal may, by itself, or in conjunction with other signals, cause the engine to produce a quantity of power in excess of the first maximum power rating.
Claims30
An apparatus for controlling an engine having a first maximum power rating based on at least a first predetermined operating condition of the engine, comprising:
- a first sensor operable to transmit a first signal as a function of the engine operating at a predetermined operating condition other than the first predetermined operating condition;
- and
- a control device coupled with the first sensor to receive the first signal and to transmit a power signal to the engine as a function of the first signal, the power signal operable to cause the engine to produce a quantity of power in excess of the first maximum power rating.
A method for controlling an engine having a first maximum power rating based on at least a first predetermined operating condition of the engine, comprising:
- determining when the engine is operating at a predetermined operating condition other than the first predetermined operating condition;
- and
- commanding the engine to deliver a predetermined power as a function of the engine operating at the predetermined operating condition other than the first predetermined operating condition, the predetermined power being greater than the first maximum power rating of the engine.
A method for determining a power rating for an engine having a first maximum power rating based on a worst case environmental condition of the engine, comprising:
- determining when the engine is operating in an environmental condition that is better than the worst case environmental condition;
- and
- determining a second maximum power rating as a function of the environmental condition that is better than the worst case environmental condition, the second maximum power rating being greater than the first maximum power rating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.