June 2023 Newsletter

Product of the Month: Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) 200 Series Controllers

Providing Fuel Management for Gaseous-Fueled, Spark-Ignited Engines

Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) 200 Series Controllers provide a comprehensive fuel management system for gaseous-fueled, spark-ignited engines ranging from 1 L to 13 L+. The AFR’s fuel control algorithm maintains a stoichiometric or lean-burn air-fuel ratio for optimized engine performance. Users can govern engine speed in either isochronous or droop modes using Governors America Corp.’s (GAC’s) proprietary Electronic Digital Governor (EDG) algorithm. The AFR offers:

• Optimal closed-loop air-fuel ratio and delivery control.
• Actuator throttle body control.
• Integrated governing.
  • 3 Fixed Speed + Droop
  • 1 Variable Speed + Droop
  • Multi-PID Across Speed / Load Range
  • Load Synchronizing (AUX) Input
  • Dither and MAX Fuel Alert
• Air-fuel system tuning tables.
• Data monitoring with an LED display and a blink code for when a computer is not available.
• CAN / serial communication.

In addition, the AFR comes equipped with an O2 setpoints stepper, an engine sensor and a connector, harness and cast aluminum case that are environmentally sealed to IP-67.

Designed for rugged environments, the AFR is highly reliable and includes protection against reverse battery voltage, transient voltages, short circuits and loss of engine speed sensor signal or battery supply.

Users can easily configure and customize the AFR using GAC’s SmartVU software, which includes diagnostic and troubleshooting functionality and is available free for download on the GAC website.

The AFR can also meet the strict emission regulations of the United States of America, Europe and the rest of the world.

Depending on the AFR version selected, users can gain added control and engine protection through the following sensor inputs:

• Second (post-catalytic) oxygen sensor
• Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) sensor
• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
• Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensor; Type K thermocouple

Application of the Month

AFR Supporting Cogeneration

Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), uses an engine or power station to generate electricity and heat. Cogeneration is a highly efficient form of energy conversion and can achieve a 40 percent cost savings when compared to the price of purchasing electricity from the grid and a gas boiler for heat.

This natural gas fueled cogeneration unit (left) uses a Kubota WG752 – 3-Cylinder, 0.74L engine to power the generator. It is equipped with GAC’s:

• ATB251T1N-12 Integrated Actuator / Throttle Body
• AFR210 Integrated Air/Fuel Ratio and Speed Controller
• MXSB20-STM Venturi Mixer and Stepper Fuel Control Valve Assembly

Natural gas-fueled cogeneration units are typically used in commercial, residential and industrial applications. These cogeneration units can easily be configured with a GAC ATB (integrated actuator / throttle body assembly) and controlled by a digital or analog controller with an anti-wind-up Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) feature to minimize RPM over-shoot and under-shoot. GAC’s anti-wind-up algorithm in the AFR controller is specifically designed for gaseous-fueled engines. 

GAC offers a variety of engine control systems, including straight single-speed governors as well as combined air-fuel ratio and speed control systems that use the feedback from an exhaust oxygen sensor to maintain the specified air-fuel ratio.

ATB251T1N1-12

AFR210

MXSB20-STM

More Tradeshows!

EASTEC 2023

Gail Currier, John Lemoine, Sean Collins and Dave Sinaguglia met with lots of great people at EASTEC 2023 to talk about GAC and our sister company, Hawkeye Innovation.

We will also be at the following shows:

• The Utility Expo in Louisville, KY, September 26–28
• Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) 2023 Fall Conference in San Antonio, TX, October 1–3
• Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, October 9–11
• Equip Expo  in Louisville, KY, October 18–20

Need Trade Show Banner Artwork? Let Us Know!

Templates Are Available

If you need advertising materials that include the GAC logo, please contact us for assistance.

We have templates and hands to help.

Students in Manufacturing

Making an Actuator and More

Duggan Academy teamed up with the Spark Photonics Foundation to give 6^th and 12^th graders an introduction to careers in manufacturing. GAC’s Steve Barcomb, the plant’s manufacturing engineer manager, walked the students through the steps of making an actuator. He also discussed electromagnets and the importance of precise measurements while demonstrating a caliper.  

The tour then moved to the computer numerical control (CNC) machining area, where Kevin Smith showed how he programs his CNC machine very precisely because final product measurements cannot be off more than the width of two strands of hair—which is 0.002”. That got the 6^th graders’ attention! Kevin explained it takes a lot of math to do his work, but said, “If you like your work, you will never work a day in your life.”