Design and Implementation of a V-Twin Engine Throttle Control System for Hybrid Power Generation

A throttle control system has been developed for a small V-twin engine used in a hybrid AC power generation system. The control system utilizes a throttle actuator, a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller and software that determines desired power outputs (engine speeds) based on real-time measurements. The control system forms part of a hybrid power generation system that incorporates two time variable three-phase AC power sources: a wind turbine and an internal combustion engine-generator combination. Initial testing of the control system shows a stable response and a reasonable settling time for speed step changes when a minimum load is applied to the engine. A design methodology for throttle control system optimization is also described.