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Diesel Engine Generator Governors

Diesel engine generator governors control the speed of the diesel engine to maintain the generator's output specifications. There are two main types of governors: mechanical/electrical controls which were older and use a mechanical governor to control the fuel system, and electronic controls which are newer and use an electronic control system to interface and control the engine and generator functions. The article explores the components and functioning of mechanical/electrical control systems like the Woodward governor system, as well as electronic control systems which use digital technology.

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40 views2 pages

Diesel Engine Generator Governors

Diesel engine generator governors control the speed of the diesel engine to maintain the generator's output specifications. There are two main types of governors: mechanical/electrical controls which were older and use a mechanical governor to control the fuel system, and electronic controls which are newer and use an electronic control system to interface and control the engine and generator functions. The article explores the components and functioning of mechanical/electrical control systems like the Woodward governor system, as well as electronic control systems which use digital technology.

Uploaded by

Fajar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Diesel engine generator governors

Diesel engine generator governors are sometimes referred to as the speed controller for the diesel engine.
The diesel engine must maintain a pre-determined speed to maintain generator output specifications. If
the engine speed is not correct the generator will not maintain the required output specifications.

This article will explore the different types of governors equipped on diesel generator sets.

Governors can be divided into two basic groups:

• Mechanical/Electrical Control – Older generator sets utilize these control systems. Fuel system is
controlled by mechanical governor.

• Electronic Control – Newer generator sets use an electronic control system. This system interfaces and
controls engine and generator control functions to provide a constant, reliable power source.

Mechanical/Electrical Control

Mechanical/Electrical Control systems were the first control systems introduced by generator
manufacturers. This interfaced mechanical engine control functions with generator electrical load needs.
Many generator control systems are available, all operate under the same design principles. A Woodward
Control System is featured below:

• Woodward Governor – Engine speed is mechanically controlled by centrifugal governor. Governor


receives analog input signals from controller.

• Speed Sensor – Magnetic sensor that supplies information to the Woodward controller.

• Woodward 2301A Controller – Receives signals from speed sensor and transmits signals to governor
and external customer supplied switch boards.
This control system is considered to be an analog control system. System settings are accomplished by
with the use of adjusting screws turned in a specific direction to accomplish a required setting. Multiple
generator control is offered with this system. Generator(s) supply power to a facility supplied switchboard
control system.

Additional hardware installation can allow for remote communication and operation of the emergency
power control system.

Electronic Control

Generator design and creation progressed with the advent of digital technology. To illustrate the interface
between the engine, generator(s) interface control, this section is divided into the following areas:

• Analog and Digital Signal – Basic concept used when introducing a generator set that has an engine
equipped with an engine ECM (Electronic Control Module), but does not have an internal control system.

• ECM – Define interface between ECM and engine functions for generator sets that are not equipped
with advanced generator controls.

• Engine and Generator Interface Controls – Introduces integrated software package for engine and
generator controls.

Analog and Digital Signal

It is important to understand the difference between analog and digital signals (Figure 2) when updating
an older analog configuration to the newer digital control configuration:

• Analog Signal – Signal is defined as a sine wave. This signal is measurable and controllable through the
complete cycle of high and low peaks. Specific adjusting screws allow individual system adjustments.

• Digital Signal – Signal is defined as a square wave. Inputs and Outputs from controller are in two states:

OFF – 0 to 2.5 VDC

ON – 2.6 to 5.0 VDC

If facility requirements dictate the need to interface analog signal(s) with digital signal(s). An inverter can
be installed to change a digital signal to an analog signal. A converter can be installed to change an analog
signal to a digital signal

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