Information
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Patent Grant
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6339741
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Patent Number
6,339,741
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Date Filed
Friday, August 18, 200024 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, January 15, 200223 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
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CPC
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US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 701 101
- 701 102
- 701 103
- 701 110
- 701 115
- 123 350
- 123 352
- 123 357
- 123 361
- 123 399
- 123 400
- 123 403
- 175 24
- 175 25
- 175 38
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International Classifications
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Abstract
A system and method for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine provide automatically returning to a set speed selected with a hand throttle after operating at idle or near idle. The system and method are particularly suited for operation in driving a mud pump used in petroleum drilling applications where the operator dials-in a desired operating speed corresponding to a desired pumping rate. The engine is returned to idle or near idle to allow additional sections of pipe to be added. The engine then automatically returns to the previously selected set speed without additional manipulation of the hand throttle. In one embodiment, dual hand throttles are provided to support remote station operation and control of the engine speed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND ART
Electronically controlled internal combustion engines have a wide variety of applications which may include driving various machinery including pumps, for example. Diesel engines are often used to provide motive power to vehicles or vessels, in addition to powering auxiliary equipment using a power take-off (PTO) mode of operation and appropriate couplings which may include a geared transmission. Engines may also be used in stationary applications for powering generators, driving irrigation pumps, driving compressors, or in petroleum drilling applications, for example.
In one particular application, diesel engines have been used to power petroleum mud pumps which are used to supply fluid to a drilling bit when a well is being drilled. The drilling rig operator will carefully adjust the engine speed to achieve a desired pumping rate, typically using a hand throttle potentiometer. The optimum speed typically varies from job to job and may vary depending upon the characteristics of the area being drilled. Once the operator has dialed-in the appropriate speed, the engine continues driving the pump at that speed until a new section of drilling pipe must be added. At that point, the operator brings the engine back to idle and disengages the transmission or clutch to allow a new section of pipe to be threaded in place. After adding the new section of pipe, the operator must then gradually increase the engine speed and pumping rate to again dial-in the optimum speed for the current conditions. While stationary engines may be equipped with a constant speed/cruise control function, they do not allow resuming to a preselected engine speed from idle operation.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for controlling an engine which provides the ability to automatically return to a selected engine speed from idle or near idle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for controlling a diesel engine utilized in a pumping application to return to an operator selected set speed after running at an alternate or high idle speed.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for controlling an engine used in a petroleum drilling application to allow operators to return to a previously dialed-in engine speed after adding or changing pipe.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an engine with a cruise control function capable of resuming to a previously selected set speed from idle or near idle.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for controlling an engine in a pumping application with throttle controls positioned at multiple locations such that the engine returns to a previously selected set speed from idle or near idle operation.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, a method for controlling an engine used for a pumping application includes adjusting a throttle to select a desired engine speed, storing the desired engine speed in memory, reducing the engine speed to a speed at or near idle, and automatically returning the engine speed to the stored desired engine speed from idle or near idle.
A system for controlling an engine used in a pumping application includes at least one throttle to select a desired engine speed, at least one switch to indicate that the selected engine speed should be stored, at least one switch to indicate that the engine speed should be controlled to a previously stored engine speed, and an engine controller in communication with the switches and the at least one throttle, the engine controller operative to control the engine speed based on inputs received from the at least one throttle and the switches to control the engine speed to a previously stored engine speed from idle or near idle.
In one embodiment, at least two throttle controls are provided to remotely control the engine speed from corresponding control stations. The throttle controls may be any of a number of types including hand-operated, foot pedals, etc.
The present invention provides a number of advantages. For example, the present invention allows an operator to carefully select an operating speed for the engine for a particular application or operating condition, return the engine to idle, and subsequently automatically return to the previously selected engine speed from idle or near idle without further readjustment. In petroleum drilling applications, the present invention allows the operator to dial-in an appropriate speed for current conditions, return the engine to idle or near idle while adding or changing pipe, and return to the previously dialed-in engine speed without further adjustments using the throttle.
The above advantages, and other advantages, objects, and features of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a schematic/block diagram illustrating operation of a system or method for engine speed control for a petroleum mud pump application according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a schematic illustrating typical control switch connections for a system or method of controlling engine speed in pumping applications according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a schematic illustrating connections for a multiple throttle control according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a flow chart illustrating operation of a system or method for controlling engine speed according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5
is a flow chart illustrating operation of a system or method for controlling engine speed with dual throttle control according to one embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1
is a schematic/block diagram illustrating operation of a system or method for engine speed control for a petroleum mud pump application according to one embodiment of the present invention. System
10
includes an internal combustion engine
12
, preferably a diesel engine, connected via a coupling
14
to a pump
18
. Coupling
14
may include a clutch
16
and/or transmission (not shown). Drilling apparatus
20
is used to drive sections of drilling pipe
22
into the ground.
In operation, engine
12
is started and warmed up prior to connection to pump
18
via coupling
14
. After engine
12
has warmed up, the operator carefully adjusts the engine speed until a desired pumping rate is obtained for the particular drilling conditions. Pump
18
is used to supply fluid to a drilling bit on the end of pipe sections
22
as the well is being drilled. The desired pumping rate, and therefore the desired engine speed, will vary from job to job. Once the operator dials-in the desired speed, preferably using a hand-operated throttle, he will maintain the speed until a new section of drilling pipe
22
must be added. At that point, engine
12
is brought back to idle and coupling
14
is disengaged while new pipe is added to sections
22
. Because automatic speed control/cruise control will not resume from idle, prior to the present invention the operator was required to manually readjust the engine speed to obtain the desired pumping rate using the hand-operated throttle. As described in greater detail below, the present invention provides for automatically returning the engine speed of engine
12
to a previously stored desired engine speed from idle or near idle operation.
FIG. 2
is a schematic illustrating typical control switch connections for a system or method of controlling engine speed in pumping applications according to one embodiment of the present invention. Engine
12
is preferably controlled by an electronic engine control module (ECM)
30
which receives signals generated by various engine sensors and processes the signals to control various actuators such as fuel injectors (not shown) on engine
12
. ECM
30
preferably includes one or more types of computer readable storage media, indicated generally by reference numeral
36
, for storing data representing instructions executable by a computer to control engine
12
. Computer readable storage media
36
may also include calibration information in addition to working variables, parameters, and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, computer readable storage media
36
include a random access memory (RAM)
38
in addition to various non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM)
40
, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)
42
. Computer readable storage media
36
communicate with microprocessor
34
and input/output (I/O) circuitry
44
via a standard control/address bus. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, computer readable storage media
36
may include various types of physical devices for temporary and/or persistent storage of data which may include solid state, magnetic, optical, and combination devices. For example, computer readable storage media
36
may be implemented using one or more physical devices such as DRAM, PROMS, EPROMS, EEPROMS, Flash Memory, and the like. Depending upon the particular application, computer readable storage media
36
may also include floppy disks, CD ROMs, and the like.
In a typical application, ECM
30
processes inputs, which may include various digital inputs represented generally by reference numeral
46
in addition to inputs from various types of sensors, by executing instructions stored in computer readable media
36
to generate appropriate output signals for control of engine
12
. Various types of sensors and switches may be used to monitor and control engine
12
based on current operating conditions. For example, variable reluctance sensors may be used to monitor crankshaft position and/or engine speed. Variable capacitance sensors may be used to monitor various pressures such as barometric air, manifold, oil, and pump pressures. Variable resistance sensors may be used to monitor positions such as a throttle position which is preferably a hand-operated throttle for pumping applications. In one embodiment, a hand-operated throttle comprises a potentiometer which provides a variable resistance signal to ECM
30
indicative of a commanded engine speed.
In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2
, digital inputs/outputs
46
may include various switches and/or lights mounted on dash panel
48
used to control engine
12
and provide information to the operator. In this embodiment, dash panel
48
includes a light
50
connected via a digital output to ECM
30
which indicates the automatic speed control mode is engaged. A cruise enable switch
52
, resume/accelerate switch
54
, set/coast switch
56
, brake or clutch switch
58
, and ALT_MIN_VSG or alternate idle switch
60
are provided to control the automatic speed control mode of engine
12
. Preferably, enable switch
52
is a SPST switch while resume switch
54
and set switch
56
are momentary contact switches. Brake switch
58
is preferably a momentary contact, normally closed switch connected to ground. Switch
60
provides a digital input which causes engine
12
to operate at an alternate idle speed. The alternate idle speed is preferably above the normally programmed idle speed. In one embodiment, the alternate idle speed is about 50 rpm higher than the normal idle speed. Preferably, the alternate idle speed ranges between about 0 and 200 rpm higher than the regular idle speed. However, this value may vary depending upon the particular application.
In operation, after the engine has warmed up, the operator utilizes a throttle, such as a hand-operated throttle (FIG.
3
), to dial-in the desired engine speed. The cruise enable switch
52
is engaged along with the ALT_MIN_VSG switch
60
. Once the desired engine speed is dialed-in, set switch
56
is engaged and ECM
30
captures or stores the current engine speed as a desired set speed. The throttle is then returned to the idle position while the automatic speed control mode is active in controlling the engine speed to the desired set speed. When additional pipe needs to be added, brake switch
58
is momentarily engaged to disengage the automatic speed control mode and return the engine to the alternate idle speed. When the pipe has been added and the operator is ready to continue drilling, resume switch
54
is engaged to automatically return the engine speed to the previously determined set speed without additional manipulation of the throttle.
FIG. 3
is a schematic illustrating connections for an optional multiple throttle control according to one embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of
FIG. 3
allows the engine speed to be controlled by more than one throttle so that the throttles can be positioned at multiple control stations for various applications which may include petroleum drilling applications, fire truck applications, cranes, and the like. Throttle controls may include a hand throttle, a foot pedal assembly, a voltage divider circuit, or frequency input, among others. The multiple throttle implementation illustrated in
FIG. 3
allows hand throttles
74
A,
74
B to be installed at multiple locations indicated by reference numerals
70
and
72
, for example. Hand throttles
74
A,
74
B are preferably implemented using a variable resistance device such as a potentiometer. The implementation illustrated in
FIG. 3
allows only one hand-operated throttle
74
A,
74
B to be active at any one time to provide a commanded engine speed to ECM
76
to control engine
68
. Interlocked switches
76
,
78
, and
80
are controlled via a control relay
82
which is energized by power supply
84
based on the position of switches
86
and
88
. ECM
76
monitors the switch inputs to determine the currently active hand-operated throttle control based on the position of switch
78
. When the operator switches control from one hand-operated throttle to another, ECM
76
maintains the current engine speed until the newly selected throttle control is qualified by reducing the commanded engine speed for that throttle to idle and then increasing it to the current engine speed position. Once qualified, the engine speed is controlled by the newly selected hand-operated throttle. If qualification does not succeed within a predetermined time period, such as 30 seconds, engine speed will be ramped down from its current value to idle or the alternate idle speed if activated. If the newly selected throttle becomes qualified, the ramp down process will be stopped and the newly selected throttle will have control of the engine speed.
FIGS. 4 and 5
are flowcharts illustrating operation of a system or method for controlling engine speed according to one embodiment of the present invention. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the block diagrams of
FIGS. 4 and 5
represent control logic which may be implemented or effected in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The various functions are preferably effected by a programmed microprocessor such as included in the DDEC controller manufactured by Detroit Diesel Corporation, Detroit, Mich. Of course, control of the engine may include one or more functions implemented by dedicated electric, electronic, or integrated circuits. As will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the control logic may be implemented using any of a number of known programming and processing techniques or strategies and is not limited to the order or sequence illustrated in the figures. For example, interrupt or event-driven processing is typically employed in real-time control applications, such as control of an engine rather than a purely sequential strategy as illustrated. Likewise, parallel processing, multi-tasking, or multi-threaded systems and methods may be used to accomplish the objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention. The invention is independent of the particular programming language, operating system, processor, or circuitry used to develop and/or implement the control logic illustrated. Likewise, depending upon the particular programming language and processing strategy, various functions may be performed in the sequence illustrated, at substantially the same time, or in a different sequence for accomplishing the features and advantages of the present invention. The illustrated functions may be modified, or in some cases omitted, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
In the various embodiments of the present invention, the control logic illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 5
is implemented primarily in software and is stored in computer readable storage media within the ECM. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, various control parameters, instructions, and calibration information stored in the ECM may be selectively modified by the engine owner/operator while other information is restricted to authorized service or factory personnel. The computer readable storage media may also be used to store engine operating information and diagnostic information for maintenance/service personnel.
Block
100
of
FIG. 4
represents starting of the engine. The engine operates at the programmed idle speed until warmed-up as represented by block
102
. The alternate idle or ALT_MIN_VSG switch is engaged as represented by block
104
. In one embodiment, this modifies the engine idle speed by increasing it to about 650 rpm from about 600 rpm. The cruise enable switch is then engaged as represented by block
106
. A hand-operated throttle is preferably used to dial-in the desired engine operating speed as represented by block
108
. A set speed switch is then engaged as represented by block
110
to capture or store the desired set speed based on the current operating speed of the engine. The hand-operated throttle is then adjusted back to the idle position as shown at block
112
. The engine speed will then be controlled by the automatic speed control mode to maintain the desired set speed. A brake switch or disengage switch is operated as represented by block
114
to return the engine to the alternate idle speed corresponding to the ALT_MIN_VSG speed which is preferably user selectable or calibratible. After completing the necessary operations, the resume switch is engaged to automatically return the engine to the previously selected set speed from idle or near idle. As used throughout the description of the invention and as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, idle speeds will vary from application to application. At or near idle is intended to encompass settings within about 30% of idle speed. In one preferred embodiment, idle speed is set to 600 rpm while the alternate idle or ALT_MIN_VSG speed is set to 650 rpm.
FIG. 5
illustrates selection of a hand-operated throttle for multiple throttle controlled applications. As described above, the present invention contemplates the use of more than one throttle with only one throttle active at any particular time to control the engine speed. A throttle select or station select switch is used to indicate which throttle is desired to control the engine as represented by block
130
. Before transferring control to the selected throttle, block
132
determines whether the newly selected throttle is qualified. In a preferred embodiment, the newly selected throttle is qualified by reducing its position to idle and returning the position to a position corresponding to the current engine speed. Once the throttle is qualified as determined by block
132
, the engine speed is controlled based on the newly selected throttle position
134
.
If the newly selected throttle control has not been qualified as indicated by block
132
, block
136
determines whether a calibratible time period has expired. In one embodiment, the period is set to 30 seconds. If the time period has expired without throttle qualification, the engine speed is ramped down to idle or near idle as represented by block
138
. Otherwise, block
140
maintains the current engine speed until a qualified throttle provides a new command.
As such, the present invention provides a system and method for automatically and/or remotely controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine to return to a previously stored speed from at or near idle speed. The present invention allows operators to dial-in an engine speed using a hand-operated throttle control, return engine speed to idle or near idle, and then resume engine speed to the stored value without further manipulation of the hand-operated throttle. The present invention preferably uses a variable speed governor mode rather than a traditional cruise control mode which would require a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) for proper operation.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A method for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine having at least one throttle for selecting a desire engine speed, the method comprising:storing an engine speed corresponding to current engine speed selected with the at least one throttle in response to a corresponding engine speed set command; controlling the engine to automatically return to a previously stored engine speed in response to a resume engine speed command from idle or near idle without additional manipulation of the at least one throttle.
- 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:operating the engine at about 50 rpm above a programmed idle speed prior to automatically returning to the previously stored engine speed.
- 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of operating the engine includes receiving a command corresponding to an alternate idle speed, the alternate idle speed being about 50 rpm above the programmed idle speed.
- 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:controlling the engine to return to idle or near idle speed in response to receiving a brake signal.
- 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the engine is controlled to an alternate idle speed above the programmed idle speed.
- 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the internal combustion engine is in communication with a plurality of hand-operated throttle controls, the method further comprising:selecting one of the plurality of hand-operated throttle controls; and controlling engine speed based on the selected hand-operated throttle control.
- 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:selecting another one of the plurality of hand-operated throttle controls; and maintaining current engine speed until the other hand-operated throttle control has been qualified.
- 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:decreasing engine speed to idle if the other hand-operated throttle control has not been qualified within a calibratible period of time.
- 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising:controlling engine speed based on the other hand-operated throttle after the other hand operated throttle has been qualified.
- 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the other hand-operated throttle is qualified by manipulating the hand-operated throttle to command an idle speed followed by a desired set speed.
- 11. A method for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine driving a mud pump, the method comprising:starting and idling the engine at a first idle speed; engaging an alternate idle speed switch to increase engine speed to a second idle speed; adjusting a hand-operated throttle to control engine speed to a desired speed; engaging a set speed switch to store current engine speed as a desired engine speed; engaging a brake switch to decrease engine speed to the second idle speed; and engaging a resume switch to automatically return engine speed to the desired engine speed with requiring manipulation of the hand-operated throttle.
- 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:selecting an active hand-operated throttle from a plurality of hand-operated throttle controls; and maintaining current engine speed until: the selected hand-operated throttle control has been qualified by reducing commanded engine speed to idle followed by increasing commanded engine speed; or a predetermined time period has expired.
- 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the second idle speed is less than about 200 rpm above the first idle speed.
- 14. A system for controlling speed of an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:at least one hand-operated throttle control for generating an engine speed command; a set speed switch for generating a signal to store a current engine speed as a desired set speed; a resume switch for generating a signal to automatically control engine speed to a previously stored desired set speed; a brake switch for generating a signal to return engine speed to idle or near idle speed; and an engine controller configured to receive signals from the at least one hand-operated throttle control, the set speed switch, the resume switch, and the brake switch, the engine controller operative to control engine speed based on position of the hand-operated throttle, store current engine speed based on the signal from the set speed switch, return engine speed to idle based on the signal from the brake switch, and automatically resume engine speed from idle or near idle to the stored engine speed based on the signal from the resume switch.
- 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising:an alternate idle speed switch for generating a signal to increase engine idle speed from a first idle speed to a second idle speed.
- 16. The system of claim 14 further comprising:a second hand-operated throttle control for providing an engine speed command from a different location to the engine controller; and a throttle selection switch to select a currently active throttle to control the engine speed, wherein the engine controller maintains current engine speed after receiving a signal from the throttle selection switch until the selected hand-operated throttle switch has been qualified.
- 17. A computer readable storage medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a computer to control engine speed of an internal combustion engine having at least one throttle for selecting a desire engine speed, the computer readable storage medium comprising:instructions for storing an engine speed corresponding to current engine speed selected with the at least one hand-operated throttle in response to a corresponding engine speed set command; and instructions for controlling the engine to automatically return to a previously stored engine speed in response to a corresponding resume engine speed command after operating at or near idle speed without additional manipulation of the at least one hand-operated throttle.
- 18. The computer readable storage medium of claim 17 further comprising:instructions for operating the engine at about 50 rpm above a programmed idle speed prior to automatically returning to the previously stored engine speed.
- 19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 17 wherein the instructions for operating the engine include instructions for receiving a command corresponding to an alternate idle speed, the alternate idle speed being about 50 rpm above the programmed idle speed.
- 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 17 further comprising:instructions for controlling the engine to return to idle or near idle speed in response to receiving a brake signal.
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