Dynamic load management system and method

Abstract

A method for providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network is provided. Each power control system includes a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller. The method includes defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle based on a member list of the power network using a dynamic load scheduling model. The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from a plurality of power control systems to provide power to a load during each power unit. For the power cycle, the method includes providing power to the load during the corresponding power unit based on the power distribution schedule by the one or more designated power control systems.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 135,980, filed on January 11, 2021. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for managing power to a load using multiple power controllers. Background Art

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Multiple power controllers, such as zero-crossing alternating current (AC) power controllers, can work in conjunction with each other to provide power to a load under the supervision and control of a master controller. In an exemplary application, the master controller is configured to drive each power controller ON-OFF to draw power from an AC power source. Each ON-OFF operation may cause a disturbance in the power being provided. In addition, if a power controller is added or removed, the master controller may need to be reconfigured, and if the master controller is serviced, the power controller will also be offline. The present disclosure solves these and other problems associated with power control systems. Summary of the invention

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] In one form, the present disclosure relates to a method for providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network. Each power control system includes a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller. The method includes defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a member list of the power network. The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the plurality of power control systems to provide power to a load during each power unit in the power units. For the power cycle, based on the power distribution schedule, the one or more designated power control systems provide power to the load during the corresponding power unit.

[0008] In one variation, the method further comprises receiving, by each power controller of the power network, a membership command identifying an unassociated power controller as part of the power network, providing, by at least one power controller of the power network, a current power unit number to the unassociated power controller. The current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network in the power cycle, and setting, by the unassociated power controller, a power unit counter of the unassociated power controller to the current power unit number to synchronize the unassociated power controller with each power controller of the power network. The unassociated power controller becomes a member of the member list.

[0009] In another variation, the method further comprises adding, by each power controller of the power network, the unassociated power controller to a member list of the power network. The power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power controller as a member of the member list.

[0010] In yet another variation, the method further comprises receiving, by each power controller of the power network, a removal command from a requesting power controller of the power network, and removing, by each power controller of the power network, the requesting power controller from the member list. The power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power controller.

[0011] In yet another variation, the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

[0012] In another variation, the method further comprises sending, by each power controller, an operating set point to other power controllers of the power grid.The power distribution schedule is further defined based on the operating set point of each power controller.

[0013] In yet another variation, the operating set point includes a duty cycle of the power switch.

[0014] In yet another variation, the power distribution schedule identifies, for each power unit, a designated power switch to be operated during the power unit.

[0015] In another variation, the plurality of power control systems provide power to a plurality of loads.

[0016] In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a system comprising a plurality of power control systems communicatively coupled to each other and forming a power network. Each power control system comprises a power switch electrically coupled to a load and operable to provide power to the load, and a power controller configured to define a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a member list of the power network. The power cycle is divided into one or more power units. The power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems to provide power to the load during each of the one or more power units, and is used to operate the power switch to provide power to the load at the corresponding power unit identified by the power distribution schedule.

[0017] In one variation, each power controller of the power network is configured to receive a membership command identifying an unassociated power controller of an unassociated power control system as part of the power network, at least one power controller of the power network is configured to provide a current power unit number to the unassociated power controller. The current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network in the power cycle, and the unassociated power controller is configured to set a power unit counter of the unassociated power controller to the current power unit number to synchronize the unassociated power controller with each power controller of the power network. The unassociated power controller becomes a member of the member list.

[0018] In another variation, each power controller of the power network is configured to add the unassociated power controller to the member list. The power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power controller as a member of the member list. Each power controller of the power network is also configured to receive a removal command from a requesting power controller of the power network. In addition, each power controller of the power network is configured to remove the requesting power controller from the member list. The power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power controller.

[0019] In yet another variation, the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

[0020] In yet another variant, each power controller of the power network is further configured to send the operating set point of the power switch to other power controllers of the power network.The power distribution schedule is further defined based on the operating set point of each power switch of the power network.

[0021] In another variation, the operating set point comprises a duty cycle of the power switch.

[0022] In yet another variation, the power distribution schedule identifies, for each power unit, a designated power switch in the power network to be operated during the power unit.

[0023] In yet another variation, the power network is configured to provide power to a plurality of loads.

[0024] In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network, the power network providing power to one or more loads, each power control system comprising a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller. The method comprises defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle based on a member list of the power network using a dynamic load scheduling model. The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power distribution schedule identifies, for each of the power units, one or more designated power switches from the power switches of the power network to provide power to the load. The dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method. For the power cycle, based on the power distribution schedule, the one or more designated power switches provide power to the load during the corresponding power unit.

[0025] In one variant, the method further comprises sending, by each power controller of the power network, the duty cycle of the power switch to other power controllers of the power network.The power distribution schedule is also defined based on the duty cycle of the power switches of the power network.

[0026] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms thereof given by way of example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a distributed dynamic power system ("DDPS") in a facility according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a power cycle diagram of a DDPS using a dynamic powerscheduling model according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3is a block diagram of another form of a DDPS according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a form of a DDPS according to the teachings of the present disclosure, wherein each process load is a fluid flow system;

[0032] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a network membership routine for adding an unassociated power controller to a power network in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a member update routine for causing a power controller to add a requesting power controller in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a network exit routine for leaving an electric power network according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a power control routine in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0036] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0038] The present disclosure relates to a distributed dynamic power system having a plurality of power control systems that can form one or more power networks. Each power control system includes a power controller and one or more power switches that can be operated by the power controller to provide power to a load. Each power controller is configured to include a dynamic load scheduling model that coordinates power delivery between power control systems of the same power network. The power control system dynamically adjusts to add and / or remove members of its power network. The dynamic load scheduling model is configured to provide a customizable power allocation schedule based on the operating set points of the members of the power network. Therefore, the distributed dynamic power system of the present disclosure coordinates power switching to reduce load fluctuations on the power system.

[0039] refer to Figure 1, the distributed dynamic power system 100 (hereinafter "power system 100") of the present disclosure may be used in a facility 101 to provide power from an AC power source 104 to a process load 102 (ie, load). For simplicity, the AC power source 104 is generally shown as being connected to the power system 100. Figure 1 In FIG, the dot-dash line represents the power supply link.

[0040] The power system 100 includes a plurality of power control systems (PCS) 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D (collectively referred to as "power control systems 106"), which may form one or more power groups or power networks. In this example, each PCS 106 is electrically coupled to a process load 102 to provide power to the process load 102. In one form, the process load 102 includes a plurality of load circuits (LCs) 103 (i.e., LCs 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D) to receive power from the system 100.

[0041] In one form, each power control system 106 includes a power controller 108 (ie, Figure 1 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D) and one or more power switches 110 (i.e., power switches 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D). For simplicity, in the figures, "power controller" is abbreviated as "PCtrl" and "power switch" is abbreviated as "PS". In one form, the power controllers 108 are communicatively coupled to each other via a communication network, which is generally represented by the reference numeral 112. The communication network 112 can be a wired and / or wireless communication network. In one form, each power controller 108 includes a dynamic power scheduling model (DPSM) 114 for defining a power distribution schedule for a power cycle of the process load 102. In addition to performing the operations described herein, it should be readily appreciated that the power controller 108 may be configured to perform other operations, such as, but not limited to: storing data related to the operation / performance of the PCS 106 and / or the load 102 ; identifying faults of the PCS 106 ; and / or tracking the occurrence of scheduled maintenance of the PCS 106 .

[0042] Each power switch 110 is electrically coupled to a load circuit 103 of the process load 102, and each power controller 108 is configured to operate a corresponding power switch 110 to provide power to a corresponding load circuit 103 of the process load 102. More specifically, in an exemplary application, each power switch 110 is operable in an OFF position to prohibit power from the power source 104 from being applied to the process load 102, and is operable in an ON position to apply power from the power source 104 to the process load 102. Thus, in Figure 1 1 , power controller 108A operates power switch 110A, power controller 108B operates power switch 110B, power controller 108C operates power switch 110C, and power controller 108D operates power switch 110D. In one form, each power switch 110 is associated with a switch identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the power switch, which is stored by the power controller 108 electrically coupled to the power switch 110.

[0043] In one form, the facility 101 includes a distributed control system (DCS) 120 that is communicatively coupled to the power control system 106, and more specifically, to the power controllers 108, via a communication network 112. The DCS 120 is provided as an interface accessible to users within or remote from the facility. In addition to or in lieu of the DCS 120, a user may interface with each power controller 108 via an interface provided at the PCS 106. For example, the interface (not shown) may be a computer that communicates with the power controllers 108, a touch screen display provided at the PCS 106 and in communication with the power controllers 108, and / or other suitable interfaces accessible at the PCS 106.

[0044] As further described herein, each power controller 108 is configured to form a power network with itself or one or more other power controllers 108. The power controllers 108 forming the power network are configured to operate in conjunction with each other to provide power to the process load 102, and each power controller is configured to track the members of the power network of which it is a part in the member list. More particularly, each power controller 108 is provided with a member ID that uniquely identifies the power controller 108. For example, the member ID and / or switch ID can be an alphanumeric string. In one form, the member list of the master power controller 108 includes the member ID of each power controller 108 of the power network, the switch ID of each power switch 110 associated with each member ID, and the operating set point associated with each switch ID. It should be readily understood that the power controller 108 can be configured in various appropriate ways to store member IDs, switch IDs, and operating set points and other data. In a non-limiting example, the member ID can be stored in one cache memory, and the switch ID can be stored in another cache memory. Thus, the term "member list" is not intended to limit how data is actually stored, but merely to convey that such data is stored in an organized manner.

[0045] In one form, each power controller 108 is configured to join the power network, synchronize with the power network, add another power controller 108 to the power network, and / or leave the power network. Accordingly, each power controller 108 is configured to create, update, and maintain a list of power controllers and a list of power switches 110 that are part of its power network.

[0046] In one form, the power controller 108 may receive a membership command that instructs the power controller 108 to perform a specific membership task. For example, the membership command may include: a join command to cause the master power controller 108 to join another power controller 108; a leave command to cause the master power controller 108 to leave the power network of which it is a part; a group command to cause the master power controller 108 to send its member list and member ID to another power controller 108 identified in the group command; a membership command to cause the master power controller 108 to add another power controller 108 (i.e., an unassociated power controller) identified in the membership command to the member list of the master power controller 108; and / or a remove command to cause the master power controller 108 to remove the power controller 108 identified in the command from the member list of the master power controller 108. It should be readily understood that the power controller 108 is configured to perform one or more of the membership commands described herein without necessarily performing all of the commands.

[0047] The membership command may originate from the DCS 120, an interface at a corresponding PCS 106, a power controller 108, and / or other appropriate means for managing power to a process load. In non-limiting applications, the DCS 120 may be configured to send one or more membership commands based on fault detection, scheduled maintenance of the PCS 106 requiring the PCS 106 to be offline, increasing / decreasing the performance of the process load, and / or input from a human user. For example, the DCS 120 may detect a fault at the process load 102 and issue a leave command to the power controller(s) 108 that provide power to the process load. In another example, the DCS 120 may transmit a join command to the master power controller 108 to cause the master power controller 108 to join the identified power controller 108.

[0048] In another non-limiting application, a user may issue a membership command via a user interface at the PCS 106. For example, if the PCS 106A is to undergo maintenance, the user may take the PCS 106A offline by issuing a leave command to the PCS 106A to leave its power network. In another example, if the process load requires additional power, the user may issue a join command to have a PCS 106 that is not associated with the power network with other PCSs 106 (i.e., an unassociated PCS 106) join the power network supporting the process load 102.

[0049] In some instances, the membership command originates from the power controller 108 itself. For example, if the power controller 108A receives a join command instructing it to join the power network of which the power controller 108B is a part, the power controller 108A sends a group command including the member list and member ID of the power controller 108A to the power controller 108B. In response to the group command, the power controller 108B sends the member list and member ID of the power controller 108B to the power controller 108A to inform the power controller 108A that the power controller 108B is a member of the power network of which the power controller 108B is a part. For example, if the power controller 108B is the only member of the power network, the member list will only include the member ID of the power controller 108B. If the power network also includes the power controller 108C, the sent member list will include the member IDs of the power controllers 108B and 108C. In response to the message from the power controller 108B, the power controller 108A sends a membership command to each member of the power network of which the power controller 108B is a part, so that the member inserts / adds the power controller 108A to the member list. In one form, the insertion command may include the member ID of the power controller 108A, the switch ID of the power switch 110A, and in some instances, the operating set point of the power switch 110A. Similarly, the power controller 108A updates its member list with the information of the member list of the power controller 108B. In another example, in response to receiving the join command, the power controller 108A may first determine whether it is already part of the power network by checking its member list. If the member ID of the other power controller 108 is provided, the power controller 108A may send a command to the sender of the join command indicating that it is already part of another power network.

[0050] In another example, if the power controller 108A is part of the power network and detects abnormal operation at the PCS 106A, or is going offline due to scheduled / unscheduled maintenance, the power controller 108A issues a leave command to itself, and further sends a remove command to members that are part of the power network, causing other power controllers 108A to remove the power controller 108A from their member lists. The power controller 108A further clears information related to other power controllers 108 in its member list.

[0051] Although the membership commands are described in conjunction with power controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C, it should be readily understood that these examples apply to all power controllers 108 and are provided for purposes of explanation only.

[0052] Once added, the master power controller 108 becomes a peer of the power network and the associated power controller 108. The associated power controller 108 is configured to synchronize its time cycle and power cycle with other power controllers 108 of the power network. In one form, the associated power controller 108 is configured to synchronize time with members of the power network via a network internal clock or an external clock. For example, each power controller 108 of the power network is configured to perform internal network clock synchronization, wherein each power controller 108 is configured to share its time cycle with other power controllers 108 of the power network. In response to synchronization, each power controller 108 sets and adjusts their time to the same time. Alternatively, at least one designated power controller 108 and / or DCS120 can be time synchronized based on, for example, Coordinated Universal Time or Network Time Protocol, so that other power controllers 108 can be synchronized with the designated power controller 108 and / or DCS120 time. In yet another form, all power controllers 108, whether or not they are part of the power network, are configured to be time synchronized based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Network Time Protocol, such that each power controller is independent and synchronized with an external time source. Although a specific time synchronization method is described, other time synchronization methods may be employed.

[0053] For power synchronization, a power controller 108 may request one or more members of the power network to provide current power units for the current power cycle and set its power unit counter equal to the same value as the power unit counter of another power controller 108 of the power network.

[0054] Each power controller 108 of the power network is configured to define a power distribution schedule for a power cycle to determine when each power switch 110 will be turned on and off. More specifically, the power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units (e.g., 10 units in total), and the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power switches from the power switches of the power network to provide power during each power unit. Each power controller 108 is configured to define a power distribution schedule based on the number of power units and the operating set point of each power switch 110 (such as the duty cycle of the power switch 110) using the DPSM 114. Therefore, during the power cycle, each power controller 108 is configured to identify the designated (multiple) power switches 110 in the power distribution schedule to provide power to the process load during the corresponding power unit. The power unit may also be referred to as a power time unit.

[0055] In one form, the DPSM 114 is based on a prefix sum method. For explanation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the power network includes PCS 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D, and thus includes power switches 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D. Figure 2 , switch 1 represents power switch 110A, switch 2 represents power switch 110B, switch 3 represents power switch 110C, and switch 4 represents power switch 110D, and switches 1, 2, 3, and 4 have duty cycles of 70%, 50%, 40%, and 80%, respectively. It should be readily understood that the operating set point can be any suitable value and should not be limited to the examples provided herein. For example, one or more power switches of the power network can have the same duty cycle.

[0056] In this example, a single power cycle is divided into 10 power units, and therefore, switch 1 will be on for 7 power units, switch 2 will be on for 5 power units, switch 3 will be on for 4 power units, and switch 4 will be on for 8 power units, which is a total of 24 power units (generally represented by the continuous power diagram 202) if the power switches 110 are to be operated one after another. Using the prefix sum, the 24 power units are managed into 10 units by stacking them within 10 units. For example, if Figure 2 As shown in the stack power section 203 of FIG. 2 , the 24 power units are grouped by 10 such that: 7 units of switch 1 and 3 units of switch 2 form a first group of 10 power units (indicated by reference numeral 204); the remaining 2 units of switch 2, 4 units of switch 3, and 4 units of switch 4 form a second group of 10 units (indicated by reference numeral 206), and the remaining 4 units of switch 4 carry over to a third group of 10 units (indicated by reference numeral 208). From here, three groups of 10 units are stacked such that the second group is located above the first group, and the third group is located above the second group to provide a power distribution schedule 210. Thus, for ten power units: switches 1, 2, and 4 will be turned on at power units 1 and 2; switches 1, 3, and 4 will be turned on at power units 3 and 4; switches 1 and 3 will be turned on at power units 5 and 6; switches 1 and 4 will be turned on at power unit 7; and switches 2 and 4 will be turned on at power units 8, 9, and 10. Thus, using the DPSM 114, each power controller 108 of the power network determines a power distribution schedule for the power network and then operates a corresponding power switch 110 based on the schedule.

[0057] The power system 100 is configured to include four PCSs 106, each of which includes a power switch 110. In addition, the PCSs 106 are illustrated as providing power to the same process load. As described herein, the PCS of the present disclosure may be configured to include more than one power switch, and the power system may be configured to provide power to different process loads.

[0058] In one form, reference Figure 3 , power system 300 provides power to multiple process loads 302A, 302B, and 302C (collectively referred to as "process loads 302"). Process load 302A includes three load circuits 303A-1, 303A-2, and 303A-3 (collectively referred to as "load circuit 303A"). Process load 302B includes two load circuits 303B-1 and 303B-2 (collectively referred to as "load circuit 303B"). Process load 302C includes two load circuits 303C-1 and 303C-2 (collectively referred to as "load circuit 303C"). Load circuits 303A, 303B, and 303C can be collectively referred to as load circuit 303.

[0059] The power system 300 includes a plurality of PCSs 306A, 306B, and 306C (collectively referred to as "power control systems 306"). Like the PCS 106, each PCS 306 includes a power controller 308 (i.e., power controllers 308A, 308B, and 308C). In this example, each PCS 306 includes a plurality of power switches. More specifically, the PCS 306A includes three power switches 310A-1, 310A-2, 310A-3 (collectively referred to as "power switches 310A") electrically coupled to the load circuit 303A. The PCS 306B includes two power switches 310B-1 and 310B-2 (i.e., collectively referred to as "power switches 310B") electrically coupled to the load circuit 303B. The PCS 306C includes two power switches 310C-1 and 310C-2 (collectively referred to as "power switches 310C") electrically coupled to the load circuit 303C. The power switches 310A, 310B, and 310C may be collectively referred to as “power switches 310 ,” and the power switches 310 may operate in a similar manner as the power switch 110 to provide power to the corresponding load circuits 303 .

[0060] The power controller 308 is configured similarly to the power controller 108 to at least: manage a member list based on a membership command; generate a power distribution schedule using the DPSM; and operate the corresponding power switches based on the power distribution schedule. Therefore, the details provided above regarding the management of the member list and the operation of the power switch also apply to the system 300. In addition, the details provided above regarding the DPSM 114 are also applicable here, except for the number of power switches 310 considered in the power distribution schedule. For example, if the power controllers 308A and 308B form a power network, the power controller 308A provides information about its member ID, the switch ID (s) of the power switch 310A, and the operating set point of the power switch 310A to the power controller 308B, and the power controller 308B performs the same operation. Then, a power distribution schedule is generated for the five power switches 310A and 310B.

[0061] The power system (100, 300) having the PCS (106, 306) of the present disclosure may be configured in various suitable ways to provide power to the process load (102, 302). Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, a PCS having a power controller and four power switches can be provided to control power to process loads 302B and 302C, and a power network can be formed with PCS 306A. In another example, PCS 306A can include two power switches 306A, and a newly added PCS including one power switch can provide power to process load 302A together. Therefore, the number of power switches provided in the PCS, the configuration of the process loads, and / or the grouping of the PCSs forming the power network should not be limited to the drawings or specific examples provided herein. By using the power controller (108, 308) together with the DPSM 114 of the present disclosure, each power controller is configured to process various membership commands to manage its member list, and use the DPSM 114 to determine a power distribution schedule that is synchronized and identical with other members of the power network.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 , an example application of an electrical system having a PCS of the present disclosure is used in a fluid flow system. In this example, a plurality of fluid heating vessels 402 (i.e., process loads) include a plurality of heating element circuits 403 (i.e., load circuits). In operation, the fluid enters through an inlet port 420, is heated by the heating element circuit 403, and leaves through an outlet port 430. In one form, the fluid heating vessels 402 can be distributed at large physical intervals. This is to illustrate that the PCS of the present disclosure is not limited by distance and can form a power network to coordinate power delivery.

[0063] In this example, the power system 400 includes four PCSs 406, wherein each PCS 406 includes a power controller 408 and three power switches 410. Although not shown, each power controller 408 includes a DPSM of the present disclosure. Each PCS 406 is electrically coupled to a single fluid heating vessel 402, wherein the power switch 410 is electrically coupled to the heating element circuit 403 and can be operated by the power controller 408 to provide power to the heating element circuit 403 from an AC power source. The PCS 406 is configured in a manner similar to the PCSs 106, 306, and therefore, the power controller 408 and the power switch 410 are configured in a manner similar to the power controllers 108, 308 and the power switches 110, 310, respectively. Therefore, one or more power networks can be formed by the PCSs 406 to manage power to the heating vessel 402. It should be readily understood that the number of PCSs for providing power to the heating vessel should not be limited to four, but may include two or more PCSs. Additionally, the number of power switches provided at each PCS should not be limited to three, and may include one or more power switches.While specific applications are described herein, it should be readily appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to other suitable applications, and should not be limited to fluid flow systems.

[0064] refer to Figure 5 , a network membership routine 500 for joining an electric power network is provided. At 510, the master power controller determines whether a join command is received. At 512, the master power controller determines whether it is already in the electric power network. For example, the master power controller checks its member list to see if the member ID of other power controllers is provided. If so, at 514, the master power controller determines that it is in the electric power network, and the process ends. In another variation, the master power controller may send a message to the sender of the join command, notifying them that the master power controller is already a member of the electric power network. At 514, if there is no member ID, the master power controller is an unassociated power controller to be added to the electric power network identified in the join command. At 516, the master power controller sends a group command to the members of the electric power network. For example, the join command may provide the member ID of the power controller that the master power controller is to join, and the master power controller sends the group command to the identified power controller. In one form, the group command includes a request for a member of the electric power network to send its member list, and includes information related to the master power controller, such as but not limited to the member ID.

[0065] At 518, the master power controller determines whether a member list is received from a member of the power network. If not, the master power controller waits until it is received. If received, at 520, the master power controller sends a membership command to each power controller provided in the member list of the power network. The membership command requests the power controller of the power network to add the master power controller to its member list. In one form, the membership command includes a member ID of the master power controller, the switch ID of the (multiple) power switch connected to the master power controller, and the operating set point of the power switch. In a variation, the membership command includes only the member ID, and the other information is provided in a different message. At 522, the master power controller updates its member list using data received from the member list provided by the members of the power network, and thus may include (multiple) member IDs, (multiple) switch IDs, and (multiple) operating set points. The master power controller may also synchronize its power unit counter with other members of the power network.

[0066] refer to Figure 6 , an example membership update routine 600 is provided. As used herein, an "associated power controller" is a power controller that receives a request from an unassociated power controller to be added to a power network. At 602, the associated power controller determines whether a group command is received and waits until one is received. If received, at 604, the associated power controller sends its member list and, in some cases, the current power unit number to the unassociated power controller. Alternatively, the power unit number is provided in another message. At 606, the associated power controller determines whether a membership command is received from the unassociated power controller and waits until one is received. If received, the associated power controller adds the information about the unassociated power controller from the membership command to its member list, making the unassociated power controller a member of the power network and the associated power network. The information may include a member ID, a power switch ID, and an operating set point.

[0067] refer to Figure 7 , an example network exit routine 700 is provided. At 702, an associated power controller of the power network determines whether a leave command is received. In one form, the leave command may be provided by an external source, or may be provided by another program of the associated power controller. If a leave command is received, the associated power controller sends a remove command to a member of the power network and clears its member list. In response to receiving the remove command, the member of the power network removes the associated power controller that sent the leave command from the member list.

[0068] It should be readily appreciated that routines 500, 600, and 700 are merely example routines for various membership commands and that other suitable routines may be utilized.

[0069] refer to Figure 8 , an example of a power control routine 800 performed by a power controller of a power network is provided, which begins at the beginning of a power cycle. At 802, the power controller resets a power unit counter, which tracks power units executed during the power cycle. At 804, the power controller increments the power unit counter. At 806, the power controller checks a power distribution schedule to determine and identify whether at least one of its corresponding power switches is on during the current power unit. If so, at 808, the power controller turns on one or more identified power switches (i.e., "turns on identified power switches"), and if not, at 810, the power controller puts the power switches in an off position (i.e., "turns off switches").

[0070] At 810, the power controller determines whether it is the last power unit. If not, at 814, the power controller waits for one power unit and returns to 804. If it is the last power unit, the power controller determines the power distribution schedule for the next power cycle. For example, at 816, the power controller determines whether its member list is empty. That is, the power controller determines whether it is part of the power network. If the member list is empty, at 818, the power controller defines the power distribution schedule for the next power cycle based on the operating set point (e.g., duty cycle) of the power switch to which it is coupled. If the member list is not empty, at 820, the power controller defines the power distribution schedule for the next power cycle based on the dynamic power scheduling model. Therefore, if the member list changes during the power cycle, the updated member list is considered for defining the power distribution schedule for the next power cycle. Then, at 822, the power controller waits for one power unit, i.e., the last power unit, and then returns to the beginning of routine 800 to start a new power cycle.

[0071] Figure 8 The power control routine 800 is only one way to implement the power control routine, and other suitable routines may be used. For example, in one form, the power controller may be configured to provide a ramp up or ramp down of power by utilizing an entry queue and / or an exit queue that gradually adds or removes power controllers from the group at different power cycles.

[0072] The distributed dynamic power system of the present disclosure coordinates power switching of multiple PCSs to reduce load fluctuations on the power system without using a master controller for driving each power controller of the PCS. Specifically, each power controller stores and utilizes a dynamic load scheduling model that coordinates power delivery between PCSs of the same power network. Therefore, the PCS dynamically adjusts to add and / or remove members to its power network. In addition, the dynamic load scheduling model provides a customizable schedule based on the operating set points of the PCS, which can be different.

[0073] Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, when describing the scope of the present disclosure, all numerical values ​​expressing mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately." Such modifications are required for various reasons, including industrial practice, materials, manufacturing and assembly tolerances, and testing capabilities.

[0074] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.” As used herein, “plurality” should be construed to mean two or more.

[0075] In this application, the terms "controller" and / or "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality (e.g., an operational amplifier circuit integrator as part of a heat flux data module); or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0076] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium as used herein does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); thus, the term computer-readable medium may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0077] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions contained in a computer program. The above-mentioned function blocks, flow chart components and other elements are used as software specifications, which can be converted into computer programs by routine work of skilled technicians or programmers.

[0078] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network, each power control system comprising a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller, the method comprising: defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a member list of the power network, wherein the power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the plurality of power control systems to provide power to a load during each of the power units; and For the power cycle, based on the power distribution schedule, the one or more designated power control systems provide power to the load during corresponding power units.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by each power controller of the power network, a membership command identifying an unassociated power controller as part of the power network; providing, by at least one power controller of the power network, a current power unit number to the unassociated power controller, wherein the current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network in the power cycle; as well as The unassociated power controller sets a power unit counter of the unassociated power controller to the current power unit number to synchronize the unassociated power controller with each power controller of the power network, wherein the unassociated power controller becomes a member of the member list.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The unassociated power controller is added, by each power controller of the power network, to a member list of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power controller as a member of the member list.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by each power controller of the power network, a remove command from a requesting power controller of the power network; as well as The requesting power controller is removed from the member list by each power controller of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power controller. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An operating set point is sent by each power controller to other power controllers of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule is further defined based on the operating set point of each power controller. The method of claim 6 , wherein the operating set point comprises a duty cycle of the power switch. 8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the power distribution schedule identifies, for each power unit, a designated power switch to be operated during the power unit.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of power control systems provide power to a plurality of loads.

10. A system for providing power to a plurality of loads, the system comprising: A plurality of power control systems are communicatively coupled to each other and form a power network, wherein Each power control system includes: a power switch electrically coupled to a load of the plurality of loads and operable to provide power to the load, and a power controller configured to define a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a list of members of the power network, wherein the power cycle is divided into one or more power units, the power distribution schedule identifying one or more designated power control systems to provide power to the load during each of the one or more power units; and The power switches are operated to provide power to the loads at corresponding power units identified by the power distribution schedule.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: each power controller of the power network is configured to receive a membership command identifying an unrelated power controller of an unrelated power control system as part of the power network, At least one power controller of the power network is configured to provide a current power unit number to the unassociated power controller, wherein the current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network in the power cycle, and The unassociated power controller is configured to set a power unit counter of the unassociated power controller to the current power unit number to synchronize the unassociated power controller with each power controller of the power network, wherein the unassociated power controller becomes a member of the member list.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein each power controller of the power network is configured to add the unassociated power controller to the member list, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power controller as a member of the member list.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein: Each power controller of the power network is further configured to receive a removal command from a requesting power controller of the power network, and Each power controller of the power network is configured to remove the requesting power controller from the member list, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power controller.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

15. A system according to claim 10, wherein each power controller of the power network is further configured to send an operating set point of the power switch to other power controllers of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule is also defined based on the operating set point of each power switch of the power network.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the operating set point comprises a duty cycle of the power switch.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies, for each power unit, a designated power switch in the power network to be operated during the power unit.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the power network is configured to provide power to a plurality of loads.

19. A method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network, the power network providing power to one or more loads, each power control system comprising a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller, the method comprising: defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle based on a member list of the power network using a dynamic load scheduling model, wherein the power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power switches from power switches of the power network to provide power to a load for each of the power units, wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method; and For the power cycle, based on the power distribution schedule, the one or more designated power switches provide power to the load during corresponding power units.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising sending, by each power controller of the power network, the duty cycle of the power switch to other power controllers of the power network, wherein The power distribution schedule is also defined based on a duty cycle of power switches of the power network.

21. A method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems, the method comprising: forming a power network by at least two power control systems among the plurality of power control systems; defining, by each power control system of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load dispatch model, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the at least two power control systems to provide power to a load during the power cycle; as well as For at least a portion of the power cycle, power is provided to the load by the one or more designated power control systems of the power network based on the power distribution schedule.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein each power control system comprises a power controller and at least one power switch operable by the power controller.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein: The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and identifying, by the power distribution schedule, one or more power control systems from among the power network to provide power to the load during each of the power units; as well as Based on the power distribution schedule, power is provided to the loads during corresponding power units by the one or more designated power control systems.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: receiving, by each power control system, a membership command identifying an unrelated power control system as part of the power network; providing, by at least one power control system, a current power unit number to the unrelated power control system, wherein the current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network during the power cycle; as well as The power unit counter of the unrelated power control system is set by the unrelated power control system to the current power unit number to synchronize the unrelated power control system, wherein the unrelated power control system becomes a member of the member list.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: The unassociated power control system is added, by each power control system, to the member list of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power control system as a member of the member list.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: receiving, by each power control system, a removal command from a requesting power control system of the power network; as well as The requesting power control system is removed from the member list by each power control system, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power control system.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

28. The method of claim 23, further comprising: An operating set point is sent by each power control system to other power control systems of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule is further defined based on the operating set point of at least one power control system.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the operating set point comprises a duty cycle of a corresponding power control system.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies, for each unit of power, a designated power control system to operate during the unit of power.

31. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of power control systems provide power to a plurality of loads.

32. A system for providing power to a plurality of loads, the system comprising: A plurality of power control systems communicatively coupled to each other, wherein at least two of the plurality of power control systems form a power network, wherein Each of the at least two power control systems is configured to: defining a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems to provide power to loads of the plurality of loads during the power cycle; as well as Power is provided to the load based on the power distribution schedule.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein each of the at least two power control systems comprises: a power switch electrically coupled to a corresponding load; as well as A power controller is configured to define a power distribution schedule and provide power to the respective loads.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein: The power distribution schedule for the power cycle is defined based on a member list of the power network using the dynamic load dispatch model, The power cycle is divided into one or more power units, The power distribution schedule identifies the one or more designated power control systems for providing power to the load during each of the one or more power units, and The one or more designated power control systems are configured to provide power to the loads at corresponding power units identified by the power distribution schedule.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein: Each power control system of the power network is configured to receive a membership command identifying an unassociated power control system as part of the power network, at least one power control system of the power network is configured to provide a current power unit number to the unassociated power control system, wherein the current power unit number indicates a power unit currently being executed by the power network in the power cycle, and The unassociated power control system is configured to set the power unit counter of the unassociated power control system to the current power unit number to synchronize the unassociated power control system with each power control system of the power network, wherein the unassociated power control system becomes a member of the member list.

36. A system according to claim 35, wherein each power control system of the power network is configured to add the unassociated power control system to the member list, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle includes the unassociated power control system as a member of the member list.

37. The system of claim 34, wherein: Each power control system of the power network is further configured to receive a removal command from a requesting power control system of the power network, and Each power control system of the power network is configured to remove the requesting power control system from the member list, wherein the power distribution schedule for a subsequent power cycle does not include the requesting power control system.

38. The system of claim 32, wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

39. A system according to claim 34, wherein each power control system of the power network is also configured to send an operating set point for the power control system to other power control systems of the power network, wherein the power distribution schedule is also defined based on the operating set point of each power control system of the power network.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the operating set point comprises a duty cycle of the power control system.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies, for each power unit, a designated power control system in the power network to operate during the power unit.

42. The system of claim 32, wherein the power network is configured to provide power to a plurality of loads.

43. A method of providing power to a plurality of loads via a plurality of power control systems, the method comprising: forming a power network by at least two power control systems among the plurality of power control systems; defining, by each power control system of the power network, a power distribution schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load dispatch model, wherein the power distribution schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the power network to provide power to the plurality of loads for each of a plurality of power units; as well as For the power cycle, the one or more designated power control systems provide power to the plurality of loads based on the power distribution schedule.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein each of the at least two power control systems comprises a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller.

45. The method according to claim 43, further comprising sending, by each power control system of the power network, the duty cycle of the power control system to other power control systems of the power network, wherein The power distribution schedule is also defined based on the duty cycle of the power control system of the power network.

46. ​​The method of claim 43, wherein the dynamic load scheduling model is based on a prefix sum method.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein: The power cycle is divided into the plurality of power units, and Power is provided by the one or more designated power control systems to the plurality of loads during corresponding power units for the power cycle based on the power distribution schedule.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the power distribution schedule defined for a power cycle using a dynamic load dispatch model is based on a membership list of the power network.

Images