Power management comprising demand limits, operating mode, and fault assessment.

摘要

A method of managing the power demanded from one or more power sources 6, 7 of a machine 1 to optimise a demand-dependent operating characteristic based on operating conditions. The method comprises: setting power-demand constraints (limits) for each power source depending upon operational objective (target) over an operating period (time); setting desired operating modes (characteristic); assessing fault conditions for each power source through sensors 8; inputting said demand limits, operating characteristic, and fault condition to a power control processor (computer) 4 for autonomous regulation of the power demanded from each power source. Said regulation further comprises comparison between input data and pre-stored data in a memory 5 and generation of a control signal to optimize the power demanded by the power sources in relation to the desired operating mode. The method finds particular application in vehicles, turbomachinery and plant equipment, notably multi-engine aircraft and marine vehicles.