Usage:
An automatic start-stop system is used when an engine must start when a specific condition occurs and with no one in attendance. The engine will start, increase speed, pick-up the load, operate the load until a second condition occurs, remove the load, cool and stop. The following conditions must exist for the engine to start unattended:
- 1. Either the ambient (engine room) temperature must be at least 70°F (20°C); or, the engine jacket water temperature must be at least 90°F (32°C). A jacket water heater can maintain this temperature.
- 2. If a prelube oil pump is used (large bore engines), the pump must operate before the starting motor(s) are energized, and stop when the engine starts and oil pressure increases.
Protection Devices
The engine's control panel may be equipped with protection devices to protect the engine while cranking,
Batteries:
Lights can indicate if a fault has occurred in the battery charging system causing the battery to be either undercharged or overcharged.
Overcranking:
A timer allows the engine to crank either once for 30 seconds, or to crank through 5 ten-second cranking cycles (depending upon the device used) while unattended. If the engine does not start before the time elapsed, the fuel system will be shutoff and a light will indicate a starting failure.
Engine Operation:
Prealarm systems provide an audible and/or a visual indication for low oil pressure, high water temperature, low fuel supply or low jacket water temperature before the condition becomes critical. These alarms are self resetting when the condition is corrected.
The engine may also be equipped with shutdown devices. If low oil pressure, high jacket water temperature or an engine overspeed condition occurs, the engine will be shutdown and a corresponding light will indicate the cause of the shutdown. These devices must be reset after repairs have been made and before starting. See the topic, EMERGENCY SHUTOFF DEVICES AND ALARMS.
If the engine is equipped with an electric set, the control panel should be equipped with an ammeter, a frequency meter and a voltmeter. Depending upon the type of operation, the panel may also be equipped with other meters and lights. Know these instruments and their normal readings. They will indicate how the engine is performing.
Shutting Down:
A timer allows the engine to remove or transfer the load, and to continue running for up to 2 minutes for cooling purposes before stopping.
Engine Exerciser:
At present times, the exerciser will start, run and stop the engine in order to ensure both proper lubrication of all engine parts and proper equipment operation if and when the standby unit is needed.
Become familiar with all instructions included with the equipment.