Patent Publication Number: US-9837942-B2

Title: Power system that operates in an exercise mode based on measured parameters

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/804,056, filed on Jul. 20, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,374, entitled “A POWER SYSTEM THAT OPERATES IN AN EXERCISE MODE BASED ON MEASURED PARAMETERS,” filed on Jan. 11, 2013, the benefit of priority of which is claimed hereby, and which is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to a power system, and more specifically relates to a power system that operates based on measured parameters. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices are increasingly used and relied for performing countless tasks in all areas of life. Many important electronic devices need continuous power to ensure constant and uninterrupted operation. 
     Often, the power necessary for the operation of electrical equipment is supplied by a primary power source, such as a utility company. However, power from the primary power source may occasionally be interrupted, such as during inclement weather. Additionally, in some instances, an electronic device may require more power than a primary power supplier may typically provide. In still other instances, electronic devices may be operated where no primary power source is available. 
     Secondary power sources, such as generators, may be used to satisfy the power needs of electronic devices where primary power is unavailable or insufficient. The secondary power sources may be designed to supply power to the electronic equipment during certain time periods, such as when the primary power source cannot supply the primary power, or when additional power is needed to supplement the power from a primary power source. As such, it may be desirable to operate the secondary power source at various times, to ensure that the secondary power source is operating properly and can provide secondary power when needed or desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The innovation may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is an example of a power delivery environment. 
         FIG. 2  is an example of a secondary power source for providing power to a receiving station. 
         FIG. 3  is an example method for controlling an operation of a secondary power source. 
         FIG. 4  is an example method for controlling an operation of a secondary power source. 
         FIG. 5  is an example method for controlling an operation of a secondary power source. 
         FIG. 6  is an example chart of an operation of a secondary power source. 
         FIG. 7  is an example of a look-up table for determining a duration of an exercise mode. 
         FIG. 8  is an example method for controlling an operation of a secondary power source. 
         FIG. 9  is an example method for controlling an operation of secondary power source. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an example of a power delivery environment  100  that includes a receiving station  105 . The receiving station  105  may be any device, unit, building, grid, or combination that may receive power. The receiving station  105  may use some or all of the received power, may distribute some or all of the received power to other power-consuming devices, or both. For example, the receiving station  105  may be a building, or a circuit breaker within the building, which may be configured to receive and distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices within or around the building. Examples of power-consuming devices which the receiving station  105  may distribute received power to may include a computer  114 , a server  118 , a household appliance  122 , a medical instrument  126 , personal entertainment devices, appliances, industrial or manufacturing machinery, lighting units, or virtually any other electronic devices configured to receive and use power. 
     The receiving station  105  may communicate with and receive power from one or more sources. For example, the receiving station  105  may receive primary power  135  from a primary power source  130 . The primary power source  130  may be a utility or power company, a generator or set of generators, another source of primary power, or any combination. The primary power  135  may be voltage, alternating current, direct current, voltage, or various other forms of power. The primary power source  130  may provide primary power  135  to the receiving station  105  through a primary power connection  132 , such as a power line, wiring, or other power delivery component. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the receiving station  105  may receive secondary power  145  from a secondary power source  140  (also referred to as a “power system”). The secondary power source  140  may be a generator, a set of generators, battery, another back-up or supplemental power source, or any combination. The secondary power  145  may be alternating current, direct current, voltage, or various other forms of power. The secondary power source  140  may provide secondary power to the receiving station  105  through a secondary power connection  142 , such as a power line, wiring, or other power delivery component. In some systems, the receiving station  105  may include a transfer switch that may control what source provides power to the receiving station  105 . In some systems, the receiving station  105  may be, or may be connected with, a load that the primary power source  130  or the secondary power source  140  may provide power to. 
     The secondary power source  140  may operate in a normal mode to provide power to the receiving station  105  at various times or when various conditions exist. For example, the secondary power source  140  may operate in a normal mode and provide secondary power  145  to the receiving station  105  when the primary power source  130  is not available to provide the primary power  135  to the receiving station  105 , or when the primary power  135  is insufficient to meet the power needs of the receiving station  105 . In other situations, the secondary power source  140  may operate in the normal mode to provide secondary power  145  to the receiving station  105  at various other times. 
     The secondary power source  140  may also operate in an exercise mode at various times. The exercise mode may represent a mode the secondary power source  140  operates in when the receiving station  105  does not need any secondary power  145 . The exercise mode may represent a mode the secondary power source  140  operates in when the secondary power source  140  is not supplying secondary power  145  to the receiving station. The exercise mode may represent a mode the secondary power source  140  operates in when the secondary power source  140  or components of the secondary power source  140  are being tested for proper operation. For example, the secondary power source  140  may run in the exercise mode to ensure that power generation components of the secondary power source  140  work properly and are not defective. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary power source  140  may run in the exercise mode to provide a normal and regular use of the components of the secondary power source  140 , which may be helpful in ensuring reliability of the components. The secondary power source  140  may or may not generate any power, or any substantial power, when operating in the exercise mode. 
     The operation of the secondary power source  140  in the exercise mode may be different from, similar to, or the same as operation of the secondary power source  140  in the normal mode. In some systems, most or all components of the secondary power source  140  may be run as in the normal mode. In some systems, one or more components of the secondary power source  140  may not be operated in the exercise mode. For example, an engine of the secondary power source  140  may be operated in the exercise mode, while an alternator of the secondary power source  140  may not be excited. In other examples, the engine may not be operated, or the alternator may be excited during the exercise mode. Other variations and examples of components operated during the exercise mode are possible. 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of a secondary power source  200 , which may be similar to or the same as the secondary power source  140 . The secondary power source  200  may include a power generation component  215 , a sensor  240  and a controller  250 . The secondary power source  200  may be configured to smartly operate in the exercise mode. For example, the controller  250  may run the power generation component  215  in the exercise mode for a duration (also referred to as a “time duration,” “length of time,” or “period of time”) according to parameters measured by the sensor  240  (also referred to as “parameter information” or “measured parameters”). 
     The power generation component  215  of the secondary power source  200  may include an engine  220 . The engine  220  may be an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, a steam turbine, or various other engines or motors which may produce mechanical energy. The engine  220  may be powered by a fuel or resource, such as natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline, or various other fuels. 
     The power generation component  215  may additionally or alternatively include an alternator  230 . The alternator  230  may be an electromechanical device in communication with the engine  220 . The alternator  230  may include or use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature, a rotating armature with a stationary magnetic field, or a linear alternator. 
     The power generation component  215  may generate the secondary power  145  for the receiving station  105  using the engine  220 , the alternator  230 , or both. For example, the engine  220  may produce mechanical energy when operated. The alternator  230  may convert the mechanical energy created by the engine  220  to electrical energy, such as alternating current. The secondary power source  140  may supply the electrical energy from the alternator  230  to the receiving station  105  as the secondary power  145 . In other systems, the power generation component  215  may include various other components and may generate electrical energy or secondary power  145  in various other ways. 
     The controller  250  of the secondary power source  200  may communicate with the power generation component  215 . The controller  250  may additionally communicate with the primary power source  130  or a transfer switch of the receiving station  105 . The controller  250  may include hardware, software, firmware, or a combination. The controller  250  may include or access logic or instructions stored in a computer readable medium. The controller  250  may include a processor or processing component that may execute the logic or instructions stored in the computer readable medium. 
     The controller  250  may control an operation of the secondary power source  200 , such as when the power generation component  215  is operated or stopped, for how long the power generation component  215  is operated, what components of the power generation component  215  are operated, in what mode the secondary power source  200  is operated, the speed or specifications that components of the secondary power source  200  are operated at, and various other operational specifications. As an example, the controller  250  may determine that the primary power  135  is interrupted or insufficient, and may instruct the power generation component  215  to run in the normal mode in response to the determination. Other examples are possible. 
     The controller  250  may additionally or alternatively determine specifications for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The controller  250  may additionally or alternatively instruct the secondary power source  200  to operate in the exercise mode according to the determined specifications. For example, the controller  250  may determine and control when the secondary power source  200  should start or stop operating in the exercise mode. The controller  250  may also or alternatively determine and control how long the secondary power source  200  should operate in the exercise mode. As another example, the controller  250  may determine and control a speed or operating level that the secondary power source  200  should operate in during the exercise mode. Other examples are possible. 
     The controller  250  may communicate with, and use information from, the sensor  240  in determining the specifications for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. For example, the controller  250  may receive information from the sensor  240  about one or more parameters of the secondary power source  200 , which the controller  250  may use to determine the duration for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. 
     The duration that the controller  250  operates the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode may correspond to a length of time necessary to achieve the goals of the exercise mode while minimizing resources needed to run the secondary power source  200  and noise produced by secondary power source  200 . The controller  250  may, for example, operate the secondary power source  200  for a duration long enough to run or exercise the components of the secondary power source  200  to ensure proper operation when needed. As another example, the controller  250  may operate the secondary power source  200  for a duration long enough to provide a designated amount of use of the power generation component  215  and sufficiently heat the oil used by the power generation component  215  or burn off moisture from the power generation component  215 , after which the controller  250  may terminate the exercise mode to limit excess fuel consumption and noise during operation. Other examples are possible. 
     The sensor  240  may communicate the parameter information to the controller  250  in various ways, such as through a bus, wired communication line, wirelessly, or in various other ways. In some systems, the sensor  240  may be directly coupled to an input of the controller  250 . In other systems, the sensor  240  may communicate the measured parameter to the controller  250  indirectly, such as by or through a separate control module, such as an engine control unit. In some of these systems, the separate control module may then communicate the measured parameter information to the controller  250 . The controller  250  may then use the parameter information to determine the duration for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. 
     The controller  250  may receive the parameter information from the sensor  240  continuously, periodically, at intervals, upon request, when triggered by an event, randomly, or at various other times. The controller  250  may control the sensor  240  to control power to the sensor  240  or request a measurement or data about a measurement of the parameter. For example, the controller  250  may request and receive parameter information from the sensor  240  prior to or upon initialization of the exercise mode. The controller  250  may additionally or alternatively receive parameter information from the sensor  240  as the secondary power source  200  operates in the exercise mode. Other examples are possible. 
     Various types of sensors  240  are possible and may be used to measure one or more parameters. As an example, the sensor  240  may be a temperature sensor and may measure a temperature of a component, input, or output of the secondary power source  200 . For example, the sensor  240  may be an oil temperature sensor or an oil pan sensor configured to measure a temperature of an oil of the engine  220 . The oil temperature sensor may be a surface mount thermocouple sensor. The surface mount thermocouple may be positioned adjacent to or on a surface of an oil pan or oil containment compartment of the secondary power source  200 . Other examples of temperature sensors may include a coolant temperature sensor, an exhaust temperature sensor, an engine temperature sensor, an enclosure temperature sensor, an external temperature sensor, or various other temperature sensors. 
     The sensor  240  may alternatively be a different type of sensor and may measure a parameter other than temperature. For example, the sensor  240  may be an oil pressure sensor and may be configured to measure the oil pressure of the power generation component  215 . As another example, the sensor  240  may be a chemical or compositions sensor. The sensor  240  may be a sensor configured to measure a moisture content of the oil of the power generation component  215 . The sensor  240  may be a viscosity sensor configured to measure a viscosity of engine oil. In some variations, the sensor  240  may be an ignition switch or an engine kill switch. The sensor  240  may be a mechanical or electrical sensor. In some secondary power sources  200 , multiple sensors  240  of different types or measuring different parameters may be used. Various other sensors are possible. 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of one method to control an operation of the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The method may be performed by the controller  250  or various other components of the secondary power source  200 . The method may be implemented as logic, which the controller  250  may execute. 
     The controller  250  may identify that the exercise mode is or should be initiated ( 300 ). The controller  250  may determine, based on calculations, calendar information, user inputs, or some combination, that the secondary power source  200  should be run in the exercise mode. For example, the controller  250  may perform one or more calculations based on a length of time since the secondary power source  200  was last run, a length of time since an exercise mode was last run, a temperature or measured parameter of the secondary power source  200  or various other parameters to determine when to initialize an exercise mode. In some systems, the controller  250  may instruct the secondary power source  200  to begin operation in the exercise mode when it identifies that the exercise mode should be initiated. The determination of whether to initialize an exercise mode ( 300 ) may be performed continuously, at intervals, periodically, randomly, when triggered, or at various other times. 
     The controller  250  or another component of the secondary power source  200  may monitor a parameter ( 305 ). For example, the controller  250  may monitor temperature information received from a sensor  240 , such as an oil temperature sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  250  may monitor any other parameter information gathered or received from various other sensors  240 . 
     The controller  250  may compare the monitored parameter information with a parameter threshold to determine when the monitored parameter exceeds the parameter threshold ( 310 ). The parameter threshold may correspond to a value of the measured parameter that, when reached, would indicate that the exercise mode may be terminated or that the goals of the exercise mode have been achieved. For example, a parameter threshold of an oil temperature may be set at a certain temperature, above which all moisture in the oil should have been burned off. Various other examples are possible. The parameter threshold may be set automatically or by a user. 
     The controller  250  may perform the comparison continuously, periodically, at intervals, randomly, when triggered, or at various other times. For example, the controller  250  may continuously compare monitored oil temperature to a threshold oil temperature, to determine when the oil has heated up to or past a certain value. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  250  may compare any other parameter information gathered or received with various other parameter threshold. 
     If the monitored parameter does not exceed the parameter threshold, the secondary power source  200  may continue to operate in the exercise mode and the controller  250  may continue to monitor the parameter ( 305 ). If instead the monitored parameter does exceed the parameter threshold, the controller  250  may instruct or control the secondary power source  200  to stop operation in the exercise mode ( 315 ). In this way, the controller  250  may operate the secondary power source  200  in an exercise mode until an identified parameter, such as oil temperature, reaches a designated parameter threshold (sometimes referred to as a “closed-loop” operation). 
     The method of  FIG. 3  may include fewer or more blocks. For example, in some variations, the controller  250  may perform blocks  305  and  310  for multiple parameters, and may not stop the exercise mode until more than one or all parameter thresholds are satisfied. Additionally or alternatively, one or more blocks of  FIG. 3  may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. For example, in some variations, blocks  305  and  310  may be performed simultaneously, either continuously or at intervals. Other variations are possible. 
       FIG. 4  shows another example of a method to control an operation of the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The method may be performed by the controller  250  or various other components of the secondary power source  200 . The method may be implemented as logic, which the controller  250  may execute. 
     The controller  250  may identify that the exercise mode is or should be initiated ( 400 ). The initiation of the exercise mode in block  400  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the initiation of the exercise mode in block  300  of the method in  FIG. 3 . 
     The controller  250  may then monitor a duration and a parameter ( 405 ). For example, the controller  250  may start a clock, timer, or counter when the exercise mode is started, and may monitor the clock, timer, or counter as the secondary power source  200  operates in the exercise mode. The controller  250  may additionally monitor a parameter at block  405 . The monitoring of the parameter in block  405  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the monitoring in block  305  of the method in  FIG. 3 . 
     The controller  250  may compare the monitored parameter information with a parameter threshold to determine when the monitored parameter exceeds the parameter threshold ( 410 ). The comparison and determination in block  410  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the comparison and determination in block  310  of the method in  FIG. 3 . 
     If the monitored parameter exceeds the parameter threshold, the controller  250  may instruct or control the secondary power source  200  to stop operation in the exercise mode ( 415 ). The termination of the exercise mode in block  415  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the termination of the exercise mode in block  315  of the method in  FIG. 3 . 
     If the monitored parameter does not exceed the parameter threshold, the controller  250  may compare the monitored duration to a maximum duration threshold to determine when the monitored parameter exceeds the maximum duration ( 420 ). The maximum duration threshold may correspond to a maximum exercise mode duration, after which the controller  250  may terminate the exercise mode even if the parameter threshold has not been met. The maximum duration threshold may be set automatically or by a user. As one example, the maximum duration threshold may be set to 20 minutes, after which the controller  250  may terminate the exercise mode even if the measured parameter does not exceed the parameter threshold. 
     If the monitored duration does not exceed the maximum duration threshold, the secondary power source  200  may continue to operate in the exercise mode and the controller  250  may continue to monitor the duration and the parameter ( 405 ). If instead the duration exceeds the maximum duration threshold, the controller  250  may instruct or control the secondary power source  200  to stop operation in the exercise mode ( 415 ). In this way, the controller  250  may operate the secondary power source  200  in an exercise mode until an identified parameter, such as oil temperature, reaches a designated parameter threshold, but not longer than a designated duration signified by the maximum duration threshold. The use of the maximum duration determination in block  420  may protect the system from situations where a faulty sensor provides inaccurate information to the controller  250 . The use of the maximum duration determination may also be useful in environments where it may not be possible for the measured parameter to always exceed the parameter threshold value in a reasonable period of time. 
     The method of  FIG. 4  may include fewer or more blocks. Additionally or alternatively, one or more blocks of  FIG. 4  may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. For example, in some variations, blocks  410  and  420  may be performed simultaneously or in the opposite order. Other variations are possible. 
       FIG. 5  shows another example of a method of controlling an operation of the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The method may be performed by the controller  250  or various other components of the secondary power source  200 . The method may be implemented as logic, which the controller  250  may execute. 
     The controller  250  may identify that the exercise mode is or should be initiated ( 400 ). The initiation of the exercise mode in block  400  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the initiation of the exercise mode in blocks  300  or  400  of the methods in  FIG. 3 or 4 . 
     The controller  250  may then monitor a duration ( 505 ). For example, the controller  250  may start a clock, timer, or counter when the exercise mode is started, and may monitor the clock, timer, or counter as the secondary power source  200  operates in the exercise mode. 
     The controller  250  may compare the duration with a minimum duration threshold to determine when the initial duration exceeds the minimum duration threshold ( 510 ). The minimum duration threshold may correspond to a minimum exercise mode duration, before which the controller  250  may not terminate the exercise mode even if the parameter threshold has been met. As one example, the minimum duration threshold may be set to 3 minutes, before which the controller  250  may not terminate the exercise mode even if the measured parameter exceeds the parameter threshold. The minimum duration threshold may be set automatically or by a user. 
     If the monitored duration does not exceed the minimum duration threshold, the secondary power source  200  may continue to operate in the exercise mode and the controller  250  may continue to monitor the duration ( 505 ). While the controller  250  is monitoring the duration and comparing it to the minimum duration threshold ( 505 ,  510 ), the controller  250  may, in some instances, ignore any parameter information from the sensor  240 . 
     If instead the duration exceeds the minimum duration threshold, the controller may monitor the duration and a parameter ( 515 ). The controller  250  may continue to use the clock, timer, or counter, which may continue to run and be used to keep track of the total duration of the exercise mode. In other variations, the controller  250  may start a separate second clock, timer, or counter to measure only the duration since the minimum duration threshold was exceeded. Additionally, the monitoring of the parameter in block  515  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the monitoring in blocks  305  and  405  of the methods in  FIG. 3 or 4 . 
     The controller  250  may compare the monitored parameter information with a parameter threshold to determine when the monitored parameter exceeds the parameter threshold ( 520 ). If the monitored parameter exceeds the parameter threshold, the controller  250  may instruct or control the secondary power source  200  to stop operation in the exercise mode ( 525 ). The monitoring and comparisons of blocks  520  and  525  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the monitoring and comparisons in blocks  305  and  310  in  FIG. 3  or blocks  405  and  410  in  FIG. 4 . 
     If the monitored parameter does not exceed the parameter threshold, the controller  250  may compare the monitored duration to a maximum duration threshold to determine when the monitored duration exceeds the maximum duration threshold ( 530 ). If the monitored duration does not exceed the maximum duration threshold, the secondary power source  200  may continue to operate in the exercise mode and the controller  250  may continue to monitor the duration and the parameter ( 515 ). If instead the duration exceeds the second time threshold, the controller  250  may instruct or control the secondary power source  200  to stop operation in the exercise mode ( 525 ). 
     By implementing the method in  FIG. 5 , the controller  250  may operate the secondary power source  200  in an exercise mode for at least a minimum period of time, and until an identified parameter, such as oil temperature, reaches a designated parameter threshold, but not longer than a designated duration signified by the time threshold. The use of the first time threshold determination in block  510  may protect the system from situations where a faulty sensor provides inaccurate information to the controller  250 , and may also be useful to ensure that the secondary power source  200  is exercised for at least a minimum length of time, regardless of the system parameters. 
     The method of  FIG. 5  may include fewer or more blocks. For example, the controller  250  may alternatively compare a duration to a minimum duration threshold ( 510 ), but may not include any subsequent comparison with a maximum duration threshold ( 530 ). Additionally or alternatively, one or more blocks of  FIG. 5  may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. For example, in some variations, blocks  520  and  530  may be performed simultaneously or in the opposite order. Other variations are possible. 
     The controller  250  may additionally or alternatively implement other methods to control an operation of the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. For example, the controller  250  may control a part of an exercise mode duration, such as a speed at which an engine  220  or the secondary power source  200  operates, based on a measured parameter. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  250  may determine when to enter into a new phase of an exercise mode duration based on a measured parameter. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example diagram  600  of an operation of the secondary power source where the controller  250  controls the speed of an engine  220  operating during the exercise mode and according to measured parameters. The controller  250  may initially turn on the engine  220  at time t0 when the exercise mode is initiated, and may monitor a parameter such as oil temperature. The controller  250  may run the engine for a first period of time (t1−t0) until the engine  220  reaches a first speed f1. 
     The first speed f1 may, for example, be a warm up speed or may be less than full speed, such as 2000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The controller  250  may be configured to run the engine  220  at the first speed f1 for a warm up duration, such as for a period of time (t2−t1). The warm up duration may be a set period of time that may not depend on a measured parameter. In other examples, the warm up duration may be determined based on the measured parameter information from the sensor  240 . 
     After the warm-up duration, the controller  250  may instruct the engine  220  to run at a second speed f2. The controller  250  may allow the engine  220  to change the operating speed to the second speed f2 during time period (t3−t2). The second speed f2 may, for example, be a full speed of the engine  220 , or another speed. The controller  250  may be configured to run the engine  220  at the second speed f2 for a full speed duration, such as for a period of time (t4−t3). The full speed duration may be a set period of time that may not depend on a measured parameter. In other examples, the full speed duration may be determined based on the measured parameter information from the sensor  240 . 
     After the full speed duration, the controller  250  may instruct the engine  220  to run at a third speed f3. The controller  250  may allow the engine  220  to change the operating speed to the third speed f3 during time period (t5−t4). The third speed f3 may be a cool down speed of the engine  220 , or another speed. The controller  250  may monitor the oil temperature and run the engine at the third speed f3 until the oil temperature reaches a temperature threshold. When the oil temperature reaches the temperature threshold at time t6, the controller  250  may determine that the exercise mode may be terminated. As such, the controller  250  may allow the engine  220  to stop during the time period (t7−t6). In other examples, the cool down speed duration may be predetermined and not dependent on any measured parameter information. 
     In some variations, the controller  250  may use a measured parameter to determine the period of the warm up duration or the full speed duration. For example, the controller  250  may monitor the oil temperature and may stop the full speed at a time t4 when the oil temperature exceeds a threshold. In some variations, the controller  250  may determine whether or not to skip one or more portions of an exercise mode based on a measured parameter. For example, if the oil temperature is above a certain threshold when the exercise mode is initiated, the controller  250  may instruct the engine  220  to immediately ramp up to full speed f2 and not run for any warm up duration. In some variations, the controller  250  may operate the engine  220  at a speed based on the measured parameter. For example, the controller  250  may set the engine warm up speed f1 based on the oil temperature, such that a warmer oil temperature may allow for the engine  220  to be warmed up at a higher or lower speed than a cooler oil temperature. In still other examples, the controller  250  may control other operational specifications in the engine  220  or other secondary power source  200  components based on measured parameter information from the sensor  240 . 
     In addition or alternative to determining during the exercise mode when to transition to a new phase or when to end, the controller  250  may determine and set a duration of an exercise mode when the exercise mode is initiated or started (sometimes referred to as an “open-loop” operation). In some of these systems, the controller  250  may not need to compare a measured parameter to a threshold. For example, the controller  250  may receive parameter information from the sensor  240  upon an initiation or starting of an exercise mode and may calculate and set the duration at the onset of the exercise mode based on the initial parameter information. 
     The controller  250  may determine the duration using a look-up table.  FIG. 7  shows an example of a look-up table  700  that the controller  250  may use to determine the duration for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The controller  250  may compare parameter information received from the sensor  240  with the entries in the look-up table  700 . The controller  250  may search for the entry of the look-up table  700  that corresponds to the measured parameter, and may identify the duration to operate the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode as the duration that corresponds to the measured parameter. 
     As a specific example, when the controller  250  receives parameter information indicating that the temperature measured by the sensor  240  is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the controller  250  may use the look-up table  700  to determine that the duration for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode should be 10 minutes. The controller  250  may then instruct the secondary power source  200  to operate in the exercise mode for 10 minutes, after which the controller  250  may turn off or power down the secondary power source  200 . Other examples are possible. 
     The controller  250  may additionally or alternatively perform one or more algorithms using the initial parameter information as an input to determine the duration to operate the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The controller  250  may insert the parameter information received from the sensor  240  into an algorithm, which may output the duration of the exercise mode. Based on the results or outputs of the algorithm, the controller  250  may instruct the power generation component  215  to operate in an exercise mode for the determined duration. 
     As one example, the algorithm may be the equation (1) below, where Tmp is the temperature measured by the sensor in degrees Fahrenheit, and Dur(min) is the duration of the exercise mode in minutes: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       20 
                     
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             if 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             Tmp 
                           
                           &lt; 
                           or 
                         
                         = 
                         10 
                       
                     
                   
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           Dur 
                           ⁡ 
                           
                             ( 
                             min 
                             ) 
                           
                         
                         = 
                         
                           5 
                           + 
                           
                             ( 
                             
                               15 
                               * 
                               
                                 ( 
                                 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       90 
                                       - 
                                       Tmp 
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                   ⁢ 
                                   
                                     / 
                                   
                                   ⁢ 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       70 
                                       + 
                                       Tmp 
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                                 ) 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             if 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             0 
                           
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                           Tmp 
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                           90 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         
                             
                         
                       
                     
                   
                   
                     
                       5 
                     
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             if 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             Tmp 
                           
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                           or 
                         
                         = 
                         90 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   1 
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     As a specific example using the equation (1), when the controller  250  receives parameter information indicating that the temperature measured by the sensor  240  is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the controller  250  may input 50 as the Tmp in the equation (1). The output of the equation (1) may be 10, which may indicate that the duration for operating the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode should be 10 minutes. The controller  250  may then instruct the secondary power source  200  to operate in the exercise mode for 10 minutes, after which the controller  250  may turn off or power down the secondary power source  200 . In other systems, the controller  250  may use parameter information other than temperature information with the look-up table  700  or algorithms to determine the duration. In other systems, the controller  250  may use a combination of a look-up table and an algorithm, or various other methods or systems to determine the duration to operate the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode, or to determine a duration of a phase of the exercise mode to operate the secondary power source  200  in. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example method of controlling an operation of a secondary power source  200  in an exercise mode. The method may be performed by the controller  250  or various other components of the secondary power source  200 . The method may be implemented as logic, which the controller  250  may perform. 
     A determination may be made whether to initialize an exercise mode ( 805 ). The initiation of the exercise mode in block  805  may be the same as, similar to, or otherwise resemble the initiation of the exercise mode in block  300  of the method in  FIG. 3 . 
     When the controller  250  determines that that the exercise mode should be initialized, parameter information may be gathered from the sensor  240  ( 810 ). For example, the controller  250  may receive temperature information about the oil of the engine  220  from an oil temperature sensor  240 . Other variations are possible. 
     The controller  250  may determine an exercise mode duration ( 815 ). The exercise mode duration may be based on the parameter information received at block  810 . The controller  250  may determine the exercise mode duration by using a look-up table, algorithm, or in various other ways. 
     The secondary power source  200  may run in the exercise mode ( 820 ). For example, the controller  250  may instruct the power generation component  215  to begin operation in the exercise mode. Upon receiving instructions from the controller  250 , the power generation component  215  may start and run the engine  220 . The controller  250  may start a clock, timer, or counter when the secondary power source begins running in the exercise mode. 
     The controller  250  may identify when the determined duration expires ( 825 ). The controller  250 , power generation component  215 , or another component of the secondary power source  200  may track of the time since the clock, timer, or counter was started. If the duration has not expired, the method may return to ( 820 ), and the secondary power source  200  may continue to operate in the exercise mode. 
     If the duration has expired, the power generation component  215  may stop running in exercise mode ( 830 ). In some systems, the power generation mode  215  may determine when to stop running in exercise mode, and may stop itself. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  250  may monitor a time the power generation component  215  has operated in exercise mode, and may determine when the determined duration has expired. Upon expiration, the controller  250  may instruct the power generation component  215  to stop running in exercise mode. 
     The method of  FIG. 8  may include fewer or more blocks. Additionally or alternatively, one or more blocks of  FIG. 8  may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. For example, the controller  250  may gather the parameter information before, during, or after instructing the power generation component  215  to being operating in exercise mode. Other variations are possible. 
     The controller  250  may receive updated parameter information from the sensor  240  as the power generation component  215  operates in the exercise mode, and may set or update the duration of the exercise mode based on the updated parameter information received from the sensor  240 . For example, the controller  250  may receive updated parameter information as the secondary power source  200  is operating in the exercise mode, and may refer back to the look-up table  700 , the algorithm, or another look-up table or algorithm, to update the exercise mode duration based on the updated parameter information. The controller  250  may instruct the power generation component  215  to operate in the exercise mode for the updated exercise mode duration based on the additional determinations and calculations. Updating the exercise mode duration based on updated parameters may be useful in situations where the measured parameter changes in a way that may not be expected based on normal conditions. 
       FIG. 9  shows an example method of updating an operation of a secondary power source  200  in an exercise mode. The method may be performed by the controller  250  or various other components of the secondary power source  200 . The method may be implemented as logic, which the controller  250  may perform. 
     The secondary power source  200  may be operating in an exercise mode with a set duration ( 900 ). The secondary power source  200  may determine whether or not the set duration has expired ( 905 ). If the duration has expired, the exercise mode may be stopped ( 910 ). Blocks  900 ,  905 , and  910  may be similar to, or the same as, operation in block  820 ,  825 , and  830  of the method in  FIG. 8 . 
     If the duration has not expired, the secondary power source  200  may determine whether a change in the duration is necessary ( 915 ). For example, the controller  250  may receive updated parameter information from the sensor  240 , and may use one or more look-up table or algorithm to determine an updated duration. If the updated duration is different from the remaining set duration, the controller  250  may determine that the set duration may need to be modified. In some instances, the controller  250  may consider any difference between the updated duration and the remaining set duration to be sufficient to initiate a change in the set duration. In other instances, the controller  250  may only consider differences greater than a threshold, or satisfying another criteria, as being sufficient to initiate a change in the set duration. 
     If no change in the set duration is needed, the secondary power source  200  may continue operating in the exercise mode ( 900 ). If instead a change in the set duration is needed, the controller  250  may determine the updated duration and may modify the set duration to correspond to the updated duration ( 920 ). The method may return to ( 900 ). 
     The method of  FIG. 9  may be utilized to update the duration of the exercise mode during an operation of the secondary power source  200  in the exercise mode. The method of  FIG. 9  may be performed continuously, at intervals, when triggered by an event, randomly, or at various other times. One or more blocks of the method of  FIG. 9  may be performed in a different order. For example, the controller  250  may determine whether or not the set duration has expired ( 905 ) after or concurrently with the determination of whether or not a change in duration is needed ( 915 ). Additionally or alternatively, one or more blocks of the method of  FIG. 9  may be omitted, new blocks may be added, and one or more blocks may be modified or altered. Other variations are possible. 
     The thresholds, parameters, tables, and algorithms used in determining the duration of the exercise mode may be set and controlled automatically. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  250  may include an interface through which a user may interact with the secondary power source  200 . The controller  250  may be configured to receive inputs from a user through the interface to allow a user to set or modify one or more thresholds, tables, or algorithms. The controller  250  may be configured to receive inputs from a user through the interface to allow the user to determine which parameters may be used to determine a duration of the exercise mode. Other variations are possible. 
     When the controller  250  determines the specifications for operating the secondary power source  200 , such as when or in what manner to run one or more components of the secondary power source  200 , the controller  250  may send a signal or instructions to the components to operate according to the determined specification. For example, the controller  250  may send instructions to the power generation component  215  to start when the controller  250  determines that the exercise mode should be initiated. In other examples, the controller  250  may not directly instruct a component to operate according to the determined specifications, but may instead instruct an intermediary component, such as an engine control unit, to operate the desired component (such as the engine  220 ). In still other examples, the controller  250  may actually operate the desired components themselves according to the determined specifications. Other variations and examples are possible. 
     The secondary power source  200  may include, or be connected with, a user interface or display. The display may provide a visual or audible indicator to a user based on the sensed parameters. This may be useful where a user wishes to monitor parameters or the status of the exercise mode, or where the user may wish to manually start and stop the secondary power source  200  from operating in the exercise mode. As an example, a user may turn on the secondary power source  200  when a first light on the display is on (or in another state, such as a different color, flashing pattern, or sequence). The user may monitor a light, such as a second light, on the display. The second light may be turned on when the controller determines, based on a sensed parameter, that the exercise mode may be terminated. The second light may remain on until the user turns off the secondary power source  200 . In other examples, the display may provide information about the sensed parameter, information about the operation of the secondary power source  200  such as its operating history and its present operating conditions, information about a load, or various other information. Other examples are possible. 
     The methods, devices, and logic described above may be implemented in many different ways in many different combinations of hardware, software or both hardware and software. For example, all or parts of the secondary power source  200 , such as the controller  250 , may include circuitry in a controller, a microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be implemented with discrete logic or components, or a combination of other types of analog or digital circuitry, combined on a single integrated circuit or distributed among multiple integrated circuits. All or part of the logic described above may be implemented as instructions for execution by a processor, controller, or other processing device and may be stored in a tangible or non-transitory machine-readable or computer-readable medium such as flash memory, random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or other machine-readable medium such as a compact disc read only memory (CDROM), or magnetic or optical disk. A product, such as a computer program product, may include a storage medium and computer readable instructions stored on the medium, which when executed in an endpoint, computer system, or other device, cause the device to perform operations according to any of the description above. 
     The processing capability of the system may be distributed among multiple system components, such as among multiple processors and memories, optionally including multiple distributed processing systems. Parameters, databases, and other data structures may be separately stored and managed, may be incorporated into a single memory or database, may be logically and physically organized in many different ways, and may implemented in many ways, including data structures such as linked lists, hash tables, or implicit storage mechanisms. Programs may be parts (e.g., subroutines) of a single program, separate programs, distributed across several memories and processors, or implemented in many different ways, such as in a library, such as a shared library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)). The DLL, for example, may store code that performs any of the system processing described above. 
     The methods described may include determinations in relation to one or more thresholds. While these methods may refer to a determination about whether a parameter exceeds a threshold, the determination may in other variations be whether the parameter is greater than or equal to, less than, equal to, or less than or equal to a threshold. Other variations are possible. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.