Test and Development of a Microprocessor Controlled Cycle-Charging Diesel Power System for Remote Lighthouse Applications.

摘要

The Coast Guard operates over 30 remote lighthouses with diesel generator sets. The generators are reliable, but system improvements are being sought for two reasons: (1) deployments for routine engine maintenance are expensive; and 92) the variance between peak and average load power is large, causing inefficiency in the engine. A prototype power plant was designed that addressed these issues. It operates a genset at an efficient level and uses excess power to charge a battery. The diesel engine is turned off periodically and the charged battery assumes the load. This uniformly reduces engine hours and allows maintenance visits to be scheduled less frequently. The design is unique because it uses an algorithm to determine charge acceptance of the battery. In place of a conventional battery charger, a microprocessor based controller is used to adjust the generator's voltage regulator. The charge algorithm is programmed into this controller and used to determine and control precise charge currents. This should minimize water loss and prolong battery life. The system successfully operated a 4 kilowatt load at a nominal 120 volts but the algorithm required modifications that were contrary to its purpose. (rrh)