Electronic control for a hydraulically driven generator

A method for operating a hydraulic system, the method comprising:

• sensing temperature of hydraulic fluid in a fluid circuit;
• if the temperature of the fluid is below a safe operating temperature, then warming the fluid by circulating the fluid through portions of the fluid circuit while restricting the fluid from the fluid circuit to a hydraulic motor;
• and
• incrementally supplying fluid from the fluid circuit to the motor once the temperature of the fluid reaches the safe operating temperature in order to bring the motor up to a desired speed so that full power operation can commence;
• wherein incrementally supplying fluid from the fluid circuit to the motor includes incrementally closing a hydraulic proportional valve disposed within the fluid circuit such that fluid is gradually conducted from a motor supply conduit of the fluid circuit in fluid communication with the motor in order to gradually supply power to the motor.

A method for operating a hydraulic system, the method comprising:

• sensing temperature of hydraulic fluid in a fluid circuit;
• if the temperature of the fluid is below a safe operating temperature, then warming the fluid by circulating the fluid through portions of the fluid circuit;
• apportioning fluid from the fluid circuit to a hydraulic motor once the temperature of the fluid reaches the safe operating temperature in order to bring the motor up to a desired speed so that full power operation can commence;
• and
• sensing output characteristics of the motor;
• wherein apportioning fluid from the fluid circuit to the motor includes comparing sensed motor output characteristics with predetermined output characteristics and selectively controlling a hydraulic proportional valve disposed in the fluid circuit to move incrementally such that fluid is proportionally restricted from the fluid circuit to the motor.

A method for controlling a hydraulic system driven by an engine onboard a vehicle for supplying stable AC power despite fluctuations in engine speed, the method comprising:

• sensing pressure of fluid in a fluid circuit;
• sensing temperature of the fluid;
• commencing operation of an auxiliary power source if the pressure and temperature of the fluid are sufficient;
• ceasing operation of the auxiliary power source if at least one of the pressure and temperature of the fluid is deficient by fully opening a hydraulic proportional valve disposed in the fluid circuit to feedback all fluid flow from the fluid circuit to a hydraulic motor coupled to the auxiliary power source;
• warming the fluid by circulating the fluid through the fluid circuit while restricting the fluid to the motor, if the temperature of the fluid is below a safe operating temperature;
• supplying the fluid gradually from the fluid circuit to the motor once the temperature of the fluid reaches the safe operating temperature in order to gradually bring the motor up to a desired speed such that full operation can commence;
• sensing output characteristics of the motor;
• and
• apportioning fluid flow from the fluid circuit to the motor in order to maintain constant motor output characteristics.