Power system having zone-based load sharing

A power system, comprising:

• a plurality of generator sets of different capacities and each having an operating range divided into a plurality of power zones;
• at least one power consumer driven by the plurality of generator sets;
• a load manager associated with the at least one power consumer and configured to create a load demand for the plurality of generator sets;
• and
• a controller in communication with the load manager and the plurality of generator sets, the controller being configured to:
• determine a current operational mode of the power system as one of a dynamic positioning mode, a transit mode, and a pulling mode;
• link a set of performance goals associated with fuel consumption, emissions, transient response, and engine wear to the current operational mode;
• selectively cause the plurality of generator sets to operate in particular zones of the plurality of power zones based on the current operational mode, the set of performance goals, and the load demand;
• determine a change in the load demand;
• selectively increase a power output of the plurality of generator sets in closed-loop manner based on the change in load demand;
• determine when the power output of at least one of the plurality of generator sets reaches a boundary of an associated zone of the plurality of power zones;
• and
• responsively cause the at least one of the plurality of generator sets to transition operation into a new zone of the plurality of power zones.

A method of controlling a power system, comprising:

• creating a demand for power to be directed from a plurality of power sources to at least one power consumer;
• determining a current operational mode of the power system;
• and
• selectively causing each of the plurality of power sources to operate in particular zones within corresponding operating ranges based on the current operational mode and the demand for power.