ott.ua.edu

1. 14-0027
“Shutoff Algorithm for Portable Gasoline
Powered Generators”
Inventors: Dr. Tim Haskew and Dr. Paul Puzinauskas

2. • Nearly 600 gasoline powered generator related
carbon monoxide (CO) deaths have been reported
between 1999 and 2010
• CO poisoning causes an annual average of 81
deaths
• One generator produces as much CO as hundreds
of cars.
• CO from a generator is deadly and can incapacitate
and kill someone within minutes
Dangers of CO Poisoning

3. Oxygen Depletion Shutoff Algorithm
• Incomplete oxidation during combustion can
result in unsafe levels of CO in a confined space
• Algorithm utilizes information from engine
control system to determine oxygen levels
• If oxygen levels fall below a preset lower limit, the
generator is shutoff without any user involvement

4. • Eliminates need for CO sensor, which can
malfunction or provide false readings
• Uses information from oxygen sensor in engine
control system, thereby implementation into
generators is straightforward
• Shutoff algorithm is more reliable than
traditional CO sensors
Advantages

5. Inventor
• Dr. Tim Haskew
• Department Head
• Professor
• 4 patent applications
• 1 issued patent
• Departments
• Electrical and Computer
Engineering
• Center for Advanced Vehicle
Technologies
thaskew@eng.ua.edu

6. Inventor
• Dr. Paul Puzinauskas
• Associate Professor
• 3 patent applications
• Departments
• Mechanical Engineering
• Center for Advanced Vehicle
Technologies
ppuzinauskas@eng.ua.edu

7. Office for Technology Transfer
720 2nd Ct E
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
UAIPD14-0027
OTT@UA.edu
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