Control modernization of caterpillar emergency generator

[AugustoFerreira]

My client has a 3412 caterpillar generator from 1996. This generator has a PEEC III ECU and EMCP2+ to control it. My application consists replace the EMCP2+ by a Deep Sea DSE8610. The problem is the PEEC III has only SAE J1922 communication while the DSE8610 has SAE J1939. So, I would like to know if it is possible to establish communication between these two CAN protocols. If yes, how can I do that. Case not, can I control the engine and the generator without the datalink communication between ECU and the controller?

Thanks.

 

[catserveng]

A 3412 of that vintage did not use commands over comms to do any control. So upgrading the control panel will just be a matter of developing the hardwire interface between the new generator control and the engine ECM, there usually isn't much involved.

It is also likely there is not much active on the ATA (J1922) datalink, as most EPG engines with that ECM used the CAT (CDL) datalink.

MikeL.

 

[AugustoFerreira]

Hi,

thanks for your quick reply. I have another doubt about the hardwire. There are some sensors that use PWM to send their signals to EMCP2+. Do you think it will be necessary also to replace its sensors (pressure oil, coolant temperature, etc) or is there a standard to read these signals from different generator controllers ?

According caterpillar manual, all engine protections are done at circuits inside the generator panel, but if possible I would like to have these signals inside the new controller to ensure protection redundancy.


Augusto Ferreira

 

[catserveng]

Your best solution for using an aftermarket control panel is to replace the water temperature and oil pressure sensors compatible with whatever panel you are planning to use. If you want more detailed instructions you need to contact someone familiar with that vintage product and go over the two wiring diagrams with you so you can best determine your interface with a new panel.

MikeL.

 

[waross]

Or, if possible, leave the existing sensors in place and add new sensors for the new controller. That gives redundancy but also increases the possibility of downtime due to a failed sensor. Or one set for alarm, the other set for shutdown.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[FreddyNurk]

waross' recommendation is what I've seen done in any generator control panel upgrade, a new set of instrumentation sensors is fitted to interface with the new control equipment. However, all of my applications have been prime power, the additional works for new instrumentation (coolant water temp, air intake temp, oil pressure, oil temp) may not be as cost effective for an emergency (standby?) generator. In more recent works we'd used OEM instrumentation via interface, but that option isn't relevant for you.

waross' assertion around increasing downtime is also relevant, its possible that an alarm with either OEM instrumentation or the new instrumentation is likely to stop the generator. I had a hell of a lot of fun on one installation when the engine previously threw a fan belt and knocked its crank sensor connection loose, but the controller flywheel pickup remained. Took us a while to work out that the ECU wasn't seeing the crank rotating, but our control panel was.