Woodward - Model E3 -Rich-Burn Gas Engine Control System

E³ Rich Burn integrates fuel control and catalyst control in a single system using StableSense™ Technology. Unlike first-generation A/F controls, E³ Rich Burn effectively analyzes, controls and optimizes engine and catalyst functions without continuous readjustment.

The system can be used as a stand-alone air-fuel ratio controller or as a complete gas engine emissions and engine control. It is designed for stoichiometric, spark-ignited natural-gas engines used in gas compression, power generation, pumping, and other stationary applications ranging from under 300 kW (400 hp) to over 2 MW (2700 hp). It has full authority over spark, fuel, and air. Additionally, diagnostics such as misfire detection and other health monitoring and engine protection functions are integrated into the system.

The E³ Rich Burn system-based solution analyzes and controls all of the functions of your engine and catalyst to optimize the amount of time your engine is in compliance. The system controls the air-fuel ratio through a fuel metering trim valve. By means of the exclusive StableSense™ oxygen feedback sensor in the exhaust and the unique StableSense™ control algorithm the air-fuel ratio (lambda) is controlled slightly below 1 to optimize the three-way catalyst emission reduction.

System Overview

• Provides complete misfire detection, speed control, engine protection, and sequencing ignition in addition to AFR control
• Is simple to calibrate
• Is easy to use on a day-to-day basis and will notify the operator if an out-of-compliance condition may exist
• Optimizes the amount of time the engine is in compliance as compared to other products on the market
• Utilizes proven automotive technology to solve the problems of the industrial marketplace

StableSense(TM) sensors

• New, more rugged, industrialized natural gas specific oxygen sensors
• Sensors can be replaced without recalibration of the control

New StableSense (TM) Control Software

• Emission control adopted from mobile industrial natural gas engine applications
• dithers the exhaust flow to the catalyst, which makes the compliance window appear to be “wider” while accounting for intake temperature swings
• on-board diagnostics provide out-of-compliance alarming
• Misfire detection using Instantaneous Crank Angle Velocity (ICAV) detection and advanced model-based algorithm that monitors variations with a high signal-to-noise-ratio to ensure no false alarms  
• Balances the load on dual bank engines

Systems Approach

• Can combine engine speed/load control
• Keeps emissions in compliance (catalyst control)
• Ignition trim
• Reduces the number of “boxes” and inter-box communications issues
• Uses Woodward valves designed for the application