A method for determining a steady state operating condition of a machine
includes determining whether a current machine speed of the machine is
within a defined range of operation, determining whether a step change in
output power of the machine has occurred, determining a first duration of
time elapsed since the machine speed was last outside of the defined
range of operation, and determining a second duration of time elapsed
since a most recent detected step change in output power of the machine.
The machine is deemed to be in a steady state condition whenever the
current machine speed of the machine is within said defined range of
operation, and the first and second durations of time exceed respective
minimum values defined therefor.