Control system, master control module, power module and method thereof

Abstract

A control system includes a master control module and at least one power module. The main control module sends information for indicating normal operation of the main control module to each power module in the at least one power module according to a preset period and executes control operation for controlling the at least one power module; the initial power module, of which the operation address is a predetermined initial address, in the at least one power module operates as a main control module based on the fact that the information is not received in a predetermined period, the running address of the at least one power module is ranked according to the sequence of the request of the at least one power module for the running address received by the main control module and starts from the preset starting address.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system for adaptive modular power control, a master control module and a power module in the control system, and methods performed by the master control module and the power module. Background Art

[0002] Adaptive modular power conversion systems generally employ a one-master, multiple-slave architecture. The master control module, acting as the master device, is responsible for communicating with the upstream microgrid control system and coordinating and controlling the multiple downstream power modules, acting as slaves. In this architecture, failure of the master control module can significantly impact the system. To mitigate this impact, redundant master control modules have been proposed—providing a backup master control module to serve as the new master control module in the event of failure. However, this solution is costly and complex, and is generally not used outside of critical infrastructure applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control system is provided. The control system includes a main control module and at least one power module. The main control module sends information indicating that the main control module is operating normally to each of the at least one power module at a predetermined period and performs control operations for controlling the at least one power module. A starting power module in the at least one power module whose operating address is a predetermined starting address operates as the main control module based on not receiving the information within the predetermined period. The operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted according to the order in which the main control module receives requests for the operating address from the at least one power module and start from the predetermined starting address.

[0004] Optionally, the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module each maintain an information table for recording information of each power module in the at least one power module, and the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module maintain their respective information tables based on the control operation.

[0005] Optionally, the information of each power module includes an identifier, an operating address, and an operating status of the power module.

[0006] Optionally, the control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module that enters an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

[0007] Optionally, the operation for adding a power module entering the initialization state in the at least one power module includes: receiving an address request message, the address request message including the identifier of the power module entering the initialization state; determining the running address of the power module entering the initialization state; and sending an address allocation message, the address allocation message including the identifier of the power module entering the initialization state and the determined running address of the power module entering the initialization state, wherein the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module add the information of the power module entering the initialization state in their respective information tables based on receiving the address allocation message.

[0008] Optionally, the operation for removing the power module to be removed from the at least one power module includes: determining the power module to be removed; redetermining the operating address of each power module in the at least one power module, wherein the operating address of the power module to be removed is determined to be an operating address dedicated to the power module to be removed; sending a module removal message, the module removal message including the identifier of each power module in the at least one power module and its redetermined operating address; wherein the power module to be removed deletes its information table based on receiving the module removal message, wherein the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module except the power module to be removed update the operating address of each power module in their respective information tables to the corresponding redetermined operating address based on receiving the module removal message, and delete the information corresponding to the power module to be removed from their respective information tables.

[0009] Optionally, the operation for changing the operating status of the power modules in the at least one power module includes: determining the target operating status of each power module in the at least one power module; sending a synchronization trigger message, the synchronization trigger message including the identifier and target operating status of each power module in the at least one power module; wherein, the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module update the operating status of each power module in their respective information tables to the corresponding target operating status based on receiving the synchronization trigger message.

[0010] Optionally, after the main control module resumes normal operation, it sends the information indicating that the main control module is operating normally at a predetermined period; the starting power module stops operating as the main control module based on receiving the information within the predetermined period, and sends the information table maintained by the starting power module to the main control module so that the main control module uses the information table to resume executing the control operation.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for execution by a power module in a control system including a main control module and at least one power module. The main control module sends information indicating that the main control module is operating normally to each of the at least one power module in a predetermined period and performs a control operation for controlling the at least one power module. The method includes: determining whether the power module is a starting power module whose operating address is a predetermined starting address; if it is determined that the power module is the starting power module, operating as a main control module based on not receiving the information within the predetermined period, wherein the operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted according to the order in which the main control module receives requests for the operating address from the at least one power module and start from the predetermined starting address.

[0012] Optionally, the method further comprises: maintaining an information table for recording information of each power module in the at least one power module, wherein, when it is determined that the power module is a starting power module, the information table operates as a master control module.

[0013] Optionally, the information of each power module includes an identifier, an operating address, and an operating status of the power module.

[0014] Optionally, the information table of the power module is maintained based on the control operation, wherein the control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module entering an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

[0015] Optionally, when it is determined that the power module is the starting power module, based on information indicating that the main control module is operating normally received within a predetermined period, the information table is sent to the main control module, so that the main control module resumes executing the control operation based on the information table.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, performed by a master control module in a control system including a master control module and at least one power module. The method comprises: transmitting information indicating normal operation of the master control module at a predetermined period and performing a control operation for controlling the at least one power module, wherein a starting power module of the at least one power module whose operating address is a predetermined starting address operates as the master control module upon not receiving the information within the predetermined period, and wherein the operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted in the order in which the master control module receives requests for the operating addresses from the at least one power module, and starting from the predetermined starting address.

[0017] Optionally, the method further includes: maintaining an information table for recording information of each power module in the at least one power module.

[0018] Optionally, the information of each power module includes an identifier, an address and an operating status of the power module.

[0019] Optionally, the information table is maintained based on the control operation, wherein the control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module entering an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

[0020] Optionally, the method further includes sending the information at a predetermined period after normal operation is resumed; receiving an information table maintained by the starting power module; and using the information table to resume executing the control operation.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a power module in a power conversion cabinet is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute the method performed by the power module according to the above description.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a main control device in a power conversion cabinet is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory on which instructions are stored. When executed by the processor, the instructions enable the processor to execute the method performed by the main control module according to the above description.

[0023] In this way, the control system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can migrate the control function of the main control module to the power module as a slave device to maintain normal power conversion function when the main control module fails, and there is no need to configure redundant main control modules, so the cost is also low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The various aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer and easier to understand through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic architecture of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating interaction between a main control module and a power module for controlling function migration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an information table according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating interaction between a main control module and a power module for adding a new power module to a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 Shows the passing Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first information table and the fourth information table after the interaction between the main control module and the power module is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between the main control module and the power module for changing the operating state of the power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 Shows the passing Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first information table and the fourth information table after the interaction between the main control module and the power module is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the main control module and the power module for removing the power module from the control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 9 Shows the passing Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first information table and the fourth information table after the interaction between the main control module and the power module is shown;

[0034] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating interaction between a main control module and a power module for controlling function migration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 11 A method performed by a power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 12 A method performed by a power module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 13 The method executed by the main control module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0039] Figure 15 A schematic block diagram of a main control module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be implemented in many different forms. The described embodiments are intended only to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The features of the various described embodiments may be combined or replaced with each other unless expressly excluded or should be excluded based on the context.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the same general meaning as those generally understood by persons skilled in the art in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components.

[0042] In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote components having the same or similar structures or functions, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted in the following description.

[0043] Figure 1 The schematic architecture of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 The control system 1 includes a main control module 10 and at least one power module 20, for example, first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n (n ≥ 1) shown in the figure. The main control module 10 and the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n form a master-slave structure, wherein the main control module 10 is the master device and the at least one power module 20 is the slave device. The main control module 10 and the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n are coupled to each other via a communication bus 30. The control system 1 can be deployed in power conversion cabinets such as energy storage battery cabinets, energy storage power cabinets, photovoltaic power cabinets, AC / DC power cabinets, DC distribution cabinets, and EMS central control cabinets. The main control module 10 uses some or all of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n to provide appropriate power to the load of the power conversion cabinet.

[0045] As mentioned above, once the main control module 10 fails, it will have an adverse effect on the entire power conversion cabinet and its load. The present disclosure proposes that when the main control module 10 fails, one of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n is used to replace the main control module 10 to perform control operations on other power modules, thereby eliminating the need to incur high costs to configure redundant main control modules 10. The power module that replaces the main control module 10 to perform control operations can have a more streamlined structure than the main control module 10, but it is easy to temporarily replace the main control module 10 to control other power modules to continue daily operations such as adding power modules, removing power modules, and changing the operating status of power modules. After the main control module 10 resumes normal operation, the control function of the main control module 10 can be migrated back to the main control module 10, that is, the main control module 10 still performs control operations on the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n.

[0046] In this way, the control system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can solve the problem of failure of the main control module 10 without increasing costs or at very low costs, and can still maintain the stable power conversion function of the entire power conversion cabinet during the failure of the main control module.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between a main control module and a power module for controlling function migration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] See also Figure 2 Under normal operation, the main control module 10 can send information indicating that the main control module 10 is operating normally to each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n at a predetermined period (e.g., 1 second), and can perform control operations on the power modules 20_1 to 20_n. The information indicating that the main control module 10 is operating normally may include one or both of a heartbeat message and a time synchronization message. The heartbeat message is a message used to ensure that the connection between the main control module 10 and at least one power module 20_1 to 20_n is still valid, and the time synchronization message is a message used to synchronize the clock of at least one power module to the unified time standard of the main control module 10. One or both of the heartbeat message and the time synchronization message can be sent. Performing control operations on the power modules 20_1 to 20_n may include, for example, operations for adding power modules to the control system 1, operations for removing these power modules from the control system 1, operations for changing the operating status of these power modules, and the like.

[0049] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating states of a power module may include, for example, an initialization state, a waiting state, an in-use state, and an idle state. Taking the first power module 20_1 as an example, it automatically enters the initialization state upon power-up. In this state, the first power module 20_1 obtains a temporary address but does not obtain an operating address. Subsequently, the master control device 10 can add the first power module 20_1 by assigning it an operating address, at which point the master control module 10 enters the waiting state. In the waiting state, the first power module 20_1 can be put into use by the master control module 10 but has not yet been put into use. Next, if the master control module 10 decides to use the first power module 20_1 to provide power, it can put the first power module 20_1 into the in-use state. Thereafter, if the master control module 10 decides to suspend the use of the first power module 20_1 to provide power, it can put it back into the waiting state. If the first power module 20_1 experiences an abnormality (fault, failure, alarm, etc.), the master control module 10 can remove the first power module 20_1 and put it into the idle state.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main control module 10 allocates operating addresses to the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n according to the following rules: the allocation makes the operating addresses of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n sorted according to the order in which the main control module 10 receives requests for operating addresses from the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n and starts from a predetermined starting address Address_#1.

[0051] In other words, the main control module 10 assigns operating addresses to the power modules according to the "first come, first served" standard, so that the power modules whose requests for operating addresses are received earlier by the main control module 10 are assigned operating addresses that are closer to the front in the address space. If a power module enters the initialization state multiple times, the original operating address of the power module is cancelled and its latest operating address is assigned based on the order of the latest request for the operating address. According to this rule, the operating address of the power module whose request for the operating address is received first is the predetermined starting address Address_#1. In the following, the power module with the address of the predetermined starting address Address_#1 is referred to as the "starting power module". In this way, the operating addresses of the various power modules 20_1 to 20_n can be conveniently managed, and the limited address space can be used as efficiently as possible.

[0052] When the main control module 10 fails, it can no longer send information indicating normal operation of the main control module 10 (eg, heartbeat message and / or time synchronization message), and can no longer perform control operations on the power modules 20_1 to 20_n.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a starting power module whose operating address is the predetermined starting address Address_#1 among at least one power module 20_1 to 20_n operates as the master control module 10 based on not receiving information indicating that the master control module 10 is operating normally within a predetermined period. For example, the starting power module, like the master control module 10, sends its heartbeat message and / or time synchronization message to other power modules, and performs control operations such as adding a power module, removing a power module, and changing the state of a power module on behalf of the master control module 10.

[0054] For example, in Figure 1 In the example, the first power module 20_1 is the starting power module. When it does not receive a heartbeat message or time synchronization message from the master control module 10 within a predetermined period, it can determine that the master control module 10 has failed. Therefore, the first power module 20_1 operates as the master control module, including sending its heartbeat message or time synchronization message to the second to nth power modules 20_2 to 20_n to inform them of normal operation, and performing control operations such as adding power modules, removing power modules, and changing power module status.

[0055] In this way, the control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure migrates the control functions of the main control module 10 to the starting power module when the main control module 10 fails, ensuring that the control functions of the main control module 10 are not interrupted and that the power conversion function is stable. This saves costs and reduces complexity compared to deploying redundant main control modules 10 in the control system 1. A failed main control module 10 can be removed from the power conversion cabinet for repair or replacement.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the master control module 10 and each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n may each maintain an information table for recording information of each power module, and the starting power module operates as the master control module based on the information table it maintains.

[0057] For example, the main control module 10 can create a zeroth information table Table_0 for maintaining information of each power module before adding the power module (that is, before assigning it a running address to put it into a waiting state), and then update the zeroth information table Table_0 based on the execution of control operations on the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n (in other words, the interaction between the main control module 10 and the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n).

[0058] For example, each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n may create information tables Table_1 to Table_n for maintaining information about each power module when entering the initialization state. Furthermore, each of the first to nth information tables Table_1 to Table_n may be updated based on the control operation of the master control module 10 on at least one power module 20_1 to 20_n after creation.

[0059] In this way, when the starting power module determines that the main control module 10 has failed, it can continue to control other power modules to operate stably based on the information table maintained by it.

[0060] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an information table according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] See also Figure 3 , the first power module 20_1 obtains the operation address Address_#1 from the main control module 10 and enters the waiting state, so the first information table Table_1 of the first power module 20_1 is created as follows Figure 3 "20_1" in the table indicates the identifier of the first power module 20_1. "Address_#1" in the table indicates the operation address obtained by the first power module 20_1. "Status_wait" in the table indicates the operation status of the first power module 20_1.

[0062] After the main control module 10 has performed a series of control operations on at least one power module 20_1 to 20_n, the main control module 10 has added the second power module 20_2 and the third power module 20_3, and the first and second power modules 20_1 and 20_2 have been put into use, while the third power module 20_3 is still in a waiting state. At this time, the first information table Table_1 is updated as follows Figure 3 As shown in "Updated Table_1" in the table, "20_2" and "20_3" in the table represent the identifiers of the second through third power modules 20_1 and 20_3, respectively. "Address_#2" and "Address_#3" in the table represent the operating addresses of the second and third power modules 20_2 and 20_3, respectively. "Status_use" in the table indicates that the operating status of the first through second power modules 20_1 and 20_2 is in use. "Status_wait" in the table indicates that the operating status of the third power module 20_3 is in wait.

[0063] It should be understood that multiple updates may be performed from the “initial Table_1” to the “updated Table_1”.

[0064] The following combination Figures 4 to 9 An example of control operations performed by the master control module 10 on the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n or interactions between the master control module 10 and the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n is described.

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the interaction between the main control module and the power module for adding a power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] See also Figure 4 , assuming that the main control module 10 has added the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3, and the information of the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3 is as follows Figure 3 At this time, the fourth power module 20_4 is powered on and obtains the temporary address Address_temp. Figure 4 Here, the fourth power module 20_4 is referred to as a power module to be added, and the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3 are collectively referred to as added power modules.

[0067] The power module 20_4 to be added first sends an address request message Address_request20_4, which includes the identifier ID20_1 of the first power module 20_1.

[0068] In response to receiving the address request message Addressrequest20_4, the main control module 10 assigns an operating address to the power module 20_4 to be added. This allocation of operating addresses follows the aforementioned rule: the operating addresses of the added power modules are sorted in the order in which the corresponding address request messages were received by the main control module 10, starting with the predetermined starting address Address_#1. In this example, assuming that the main control module 10 receives the address request message for the power module 20_4 to be added later than the third power module 20_3, the main control module 10 assigns the operating address Address_#4 to the power module 20_4 to be added.

[0069] The main control module 10 then sends an address allocation message Addressassgin20_4, which includes the identifier 20_4 of the power module 20_4 to be added and the operating address Address_#4 allocated thereto.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main control module 10 can communicate with the first to nth power modules using a producer / consumer type communication protocol, such as the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication protocol, so that messages sent by the main control module 10 can be received by each of the first to nth power modules. For example, under the CAN protocol, the address assignment message Addressassign20_4 can be received by both the to-be-added power module 20_4 and the already-added power modules 20_1 to 20_3.

[0071] After receiving the address assignment message Addressassgin20_4, the power module to be added 20_4 can determine that the identifier 20-4 in the address assignment message Addressassgin20_4 is the same as its own identifier 20-4. Therefore, it sets its operating address to the operating address Address_#4 in the address assignment message Addressassgin20_4 and creates a fourth information table Table_4 to be maintained. The fourth information table Table_4 is created to contain only the information of the power module to be added 20_4.

[0072] After the added power modules 20_1 to 20_3 receive the address allocation message Addressassgin20_4, they can each determine that the identifier 20_4 of Addressassgin20_4 in the address allocation message is different from its identifier 20_1, 20_2 or 20_3, thereby respectively updating the first to third information tables Table_1 to Table_3 they maintain: add information about the fourth power module 20_4 in the first to third information tables Table_1 to Table_3 respectively.

[0073] The main control module 1 also adds information about the fourth power module 20_4 to the zeroth information table Table_0 maintained by it.

[0074] It should be understood that in the event of failure of the main control module 10, Figure 4 The operations performed by the master module 10 in the illustrated interaction should be performed by the initiating power module operating as the master module 10 .

[0075] Figure 5 Shows the passing Figure 4 The diagram shows a first information table Table_1 and a fourth information table Table_4 after interaction between the main control module and the power module.

[0076] Compare Figure 3 "Updated Table_1" and Figure 5 "After Figure 4As shown in Table_1 after interaction, the information of the fourth power module 20_4 has been synchronized to the information table Table_1 maintained by the first power module 20_1.

[0077] For simplicity, after Figure 4 After the interaction shown, the zeroth information table Table_0, the second information table Table_2 and the third information table Table_3 are no longer in the Figure 5 Shown in detail.

[0078] Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows the interaction between the main control module and the power module for changing the operating state of the power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] See also Figure 6 , the current main control module 10 has added the first to fourth power modules 20_1 to 20_4, and the information of the first to fourth power modules 20_1 to 20_4 is as follows Figure 5 "After Figure 4 The main control module 10 determines that the load requires greater power after calculation, and therefore decides to put the third power module 20_3 currently in the waiting state into use.

[0080] Then, the main control module 10 sends a synchronization trigger message Synctrigger. The synchronization trigger message Synctrigger may include an identifier 20_1 to 20_4 of each of the first to fourth power modules 20_1 to 20_4 and a target operating state of each of the first to fourth power modules 20_1 to 20_4, for example, using, using, using, and waiting, respectively.

[0081] After receiving the synchronization trigger message Synctrigger, the third power module 20_3 can determine that its current operating state (waiting) is different from the target operating state (using), and thus change its operating state to the target operating state (using). At the same time, the third power module 20_3 also updates its information table Table_3 based on the synchronization trigger message: the operating state of each power module in the information table Table_3 is updated to the target operating state corresponding to each power module in the synchronization trigger message.

[0082] The first, second, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_2, and 20_4 maintain their operating states unchanged based on determining that their current operating states are the same as the target operating states. The first, second, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_2, and 20_4 refer to the synchronization trigger message to update their respective information tables Table_1, Table_2, and Table_4: the operating states of the respective power modules in the information tables Table_1, Table_2, and Table_4 are updated to the target operating states corresponding to the respective power modules in the synchronization trigger message. For example, the first power module 20_1 updates the entry corresponding to the operating state of the third power module 20_3 in the first information table Table_1 to "Status_use". It should be noted that the information table Table_4 of the fourth power module 20_4 does not previously contain information about the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3. At this time, the fourth power module 20_4 can refer to the synchronization trigger message to write all the information of the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3 into the information table Table_4.

[0083] The main control module 1 may also update the item regarding the operating status of the third power module 20_3 to Status_use in the zeroth information table Table_0 maintained by it.

[0084] It should be understood that in the event of failure of the main control module 10, Figure 6 The operations performed by the master module 10 in the illustrated interaction may be performed by an initiating power module operating as the master module 10 .

[0085] Figure 7 Shows the passing Figure 6 The diagram shows a first information table Table_1 and a fourth information table Table_4 after interaction between the main control module and the power module.

[0086] Compare Figure 5 "After Figure 4 Table_1" and Figure 7 "After Figure 6 As shown in Table_1 after interaction, it can be seen that the change in the operating status of the third power module 20_3 has been synchronized to the information table Table_1 maintained by the first power module 20_1.

[0087] Compare Figure 5 "After Figure 4 Table_4" and Figure 7 "After Figure 6As shown in Table_4 after interaction, it can be seen that the information on the first to third power modules 20_1 to 20_3 has been synchronized to the information table Table_4 maintained by the fourth power module 20_4.

[0088] For simplicity, after Figure 6 The zeroth information table Table_0, the second information table Table_2 and the third information table Table_3 after the interaction are no longer in the Figure 7 Shown in detail.

[0089] In another example, due to the limitation of the communication protocol on the message length, a synchronization trigger message may not contain the identifiers and operating status of all power modules. Figure 7 In "through Figure 6 The shown "Table_4 after interaction" represents the changes of the fourth power module 20_4 after receiving such a synchronization trigger message. The information table may also include identifiers and operating states of some power modules.

[0090] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a main control module and a power module for removing a power module from a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0091] See also Figure 8 , the current information of the first to fourth power modules 20_1 to 20_4 is as follows Figure 7 "After Figure 6 The main control module 10 determines that the second power module 20_2 is faulty and decides to remove it. The main control module 10 may determine that the second power module 20_2 is faulty by receiving a warning message indicating the fault of the second power module 20_2 from the second power module 20_2 or by monitoring the load operating status of the second power module 20_2.

[0092] To ensure that after the second power module 20_2 is removed, the addresses of the remaining power modules still meet the aforementioned rules (that is, the operating addresses of the added power modules are sorted in the order in which the main control module 10 receives the corresponding address request messages and start from the predetermined starting address Address_#1), the main control needs to redefine the operating address of each power module in the first to fourth power modules. Among them, the operating address of the second power module 20_2 to be removed is redetermined to be the operating address Address_remove dedicated to the removed power module. The operating addresses of the first, third, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_3, and 20_4 are updated to the newly determined new operating addresses Address_#1, Address_#2, and Address_#3. Then, the main control module 10 sends a module removal message Modremove, which may include an identifier representing each power module and the redetermined operating address for each power module.

[0093] After receiving the module removal message Modremove, the power module 20_2 to be removed knows that it is the power module to be removed based on its newly determined running address being the running address Address_remove dedicated to the power module to be removed, and thus deletes the second information table Table_2 maintained by it.

[0094] Each of the first, third, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_3, and 20_4 updates the operating address of each power module in its respective information table to the corresponding operating address newly determined by the master control module 10, and deletes the information of the to-be-removed power module 20_2 from its respective information table. Simultaneously, each of the first, third, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_3, and 20_4 also sets its respective operating address to the operating address newly determined by the master control module 10.

[0095] For example, the first power module 20_1 deletes the information of the to-be-removed power module 20_2 from the first information table Table_1 and writes the operating addresses of the first, third, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_3, and 20_4 in the first information table Table_1 to Address_#1, Address_#2, and Address_#3. It should be noted that although the newly determined operating address of the first power module 20_1 is the same as its current operating address, making the first power module 20_1's action of writing the operating address Address_#1 to the first information table Table_1 appear redundant, this can simplify instruction design.

[0096] For example, the fourth power module 20_4 similarly deletes the information of the second power module 20_2 to be removed from the fourth information table Table_4 and rewrites the operating addresses of the first, third, and fourth power modules 20_1, 20_3, and 20_4 in the fourth information table Table_4 to Address_#1, Address_#2, and Address_#3. Simultaneously, the first power module 20_1 also resets its operating address to Address_#3.

[0097] After sending the module removal message Modremove, the main control module 10 may also delete the information of the second power module 20_2 in the zeroth information table Table_0 maintained by it, and update the operating addresses of the remaining power modules in the information table Table_0 to the newly determined corresponding operating addresses.

[0098] It should be understood that in the event of failure of the main control module 10, Figure 8 The operations performed by the master module 10 in the illustrated interaction may be performed by an initiating power module operating as the master module 10 .

[0099] Figure 9 Shows the passing Figure 8 The diagram shows a first information table Table_1 and a fourth information table Table_4 after interaction between the main control module and the power module.

[0100] Compare Figure 7 "After Figure 6 Table_1" and Figure 9 "After Figure 8 As shown in the table "Table_1 after interaction", the removal of the second power module 20_2 has been synchronized to the first information table Table_1 maintained by the first power module 20_1, and the changes in the operating addresses of the third and fourth power modules 20_3 and 20_4 caused by the removal of the second power module 20_2 have also been synchronized to the first information table Table_1.

[0101] Compare Figure 7 "After Figure 6 The interaction shown in Table_4" and 9" Figure 8 As shown in the table "Table_4 after interaction", the removal of the second power module 20_2 has been synchronized to the fourth information table Table_4 maintained by the fourth power module 20_4, and the changes in the operating addresses of the third and fourth power modules 20_3 and 20_4 caused by the removal of the second power module 20_2 have also been synchronized to the fourth information table Table_4.

[0102] For simplicity, after Figure 8 The zeroth information table Table_0 and the third information table Table_3 after the interaction are not shown. Figure 9 Shown in detail.

[0103] In another example, due to the limitation of the communication protocol on the message length, a module removal message may not include the identifiers of all power modules and the re-determined operating addresses for all power modules.

[0104] Combination of the above Figures 4 to 9 This describes the interactions between the master control module and the power modules. These interactions enable routine operations required for power conversion, such as adding and removing power modules, and changing the operating status of power modules. More importantly, during the implementation of these routine operations, the master control module 10 and each power module "incidentally" maintain their own information tables, allowing for smooth control of the master control module 10's control operations in the event of a sudden failure of the master control module 10. The master control module 10 does not need to bear the additional burden of synchronizing information between each power module. Consequently, this implementation is also easy to implement, with far less complexity than an implementation using redundant master control modules.

[0105] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between a main control module and a power module for controlling function migration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0106] See also Figure 10 , and Figure 2 Compared with the above, the step of migrating the control function back to the main control module 10 after the control function of the main control module 10 returns to normal is added. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, when the main control module 10 resumes normal operation (for example, after being powered on again after maintenance), it sends a heartbeat message and / or a time synchronization message of the main control module to each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n according to a predetermined period.

[0107] Upon receiving a heartbeat message and / or time synchronization message from the master control module 10 within a predetermined period, the first power module 20_1 ceases operating as the master control module 10 and sends the first information table Table_1 maintained by it to the master control module 10. The master control module 10 then resumes controlling the first through nth power modules 20_1 through 20_n based on the received first information table Table_1. For example, the master control module continues to perform subsequent operations such as adding or removing power modules, and changing the operating status of power modules based on the information about each power module in the first information table Table_1.

[0108] In this way, the control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically migrate its control functions back to the main control module when the main control module resumes normal operation, so that the control system 1 is more stable and reliable.

[0109] Figure 11 A method 100 performed by a power module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The power module may be Figure 1 Any one of the first to nth power modules in .

[0110] See also Figure 11 , method 100 may include steps S105 and S110.

[0111] In step S105, the power module determines whether it is the starting power module based on whether its operation address is a predetermined starting address. In step S110, if it is determined to be the starting power module, it operates as the master control module based on not receiving information indicating that the master control module is operating normally within a predetermined period.

[0112] For example, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the first power module 20_1 determines that it is the starting power module based on its operating address being the predetermined starting address Address_#1. Consequently, based on the fact that it has not received a heartbeat message or time synchronization message from the master control module 10 within a predetermined period, it operates as the master control module 10. For example, it transmits the heartbeat message and / or time synchronization message of the first power module 20_1 to the other power modules 20_2 to 20_n and performs control operations for controlling the other power modules 20_2 to 20_n.

[0113] Figure 12 A method 200 performed by a power module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The power module may be Figure 1 Any one of the first to nth power modules in .

[0114] See also Figure 12 , method 200 may include steps S205 and S215.

[0115] In step S205, the power module determines whether it is the starting power module based on whether its operating address is a predetermined starting address. In step S210, the power module may maintain an information table for recording information about each of the at least one power module. In step S215, if the power module is determined to be the starting power module, it operates as the master control module based on the information table, based on the fact that no information indicating normal operation of the master control module has been received within a predetermined period.

[0116] For example, in Figure 3In the example shown, the first power module 20_1 can create an "initial Table_1," which is then updated to an "updated Table_1" after a series of control operations by the master control module. If the first power module 20_1 detects that it has not received a heartbeat message or time synchronization message instructing the master control module within a predetermined period, it operates as the master control module based on the "updated Table_1."

[0117] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the power module can also maintain its information table based on the control operation of the main control module on the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n. These control operations include at least one of the following operations: an operation for adding a power module that enters the initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module. As previously described in conjunction with Figures 4 to 9 To avoid repetition, the description will not be repeated here.

[0118] In this way, the power module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure actively assumes the functions of the main control module 10 by executing method 100 or 200 when the main control module 10 fails, so that daily operations such as adding, removing, and changing the operating status of other power modules are not interrupted due to the failure of the main control module 10, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the power conversion function.

[0119] The above is only combined with Figure 11-12 The method part executed by the power module is described. It should be understood that the method executed by the power module can be combined with the above Figures 4 to 9 Reference is made and cited to various aspects of the described power module and the associated drawings.

[0120] Figure 13 The method 300 executed by the main control module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0121] See also Figure 15 , method 300 may include step S305, and optionally include step S310 and step S315.

[0122] In step S305, the main control module 10 transmits information indicating its normal operation (e.g., a heartbeat message and / or a time synchronization message) at a predetermined period and performs control operations for controlling the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n. In step S310, the main control module 10 maintains an information table for recording information about each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the main control module 10 may also maintain its information table based on its control operations on the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n. These control operations include at least one of the following operations: an operation for adding a power module that enters the initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module. As previously described in conjunction with Figures 4 to 9 To avoid repetition, the description will not be repeated here.

[0124] If the master control module 10 fails, it cannot send heartbeat messages or time synchronization messages, nor can it perform control operations. Subsequently, a starting power module (e.g., the first power module 20_1) with a predetermined start address will take over control operations. During this time, an information table is maintained to record information about each of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n.

[0125] In step S315, after the main control module 10 resumes normal operation, it sends information indicating its normal operation at a predetermined period, so that the information table maintained by the starting power module is received from the starting power module, and then the control operation of the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n is resumed based on the information table.

[0126] Thus, the main control module 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can control the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n during normal operation by executing the method 300, and can also re-control the first to nth power modules 20_1 to 20_n when normal operation is restored from a fault.

[0127] The above is only combined with Figure 13 The method part executed by the main control module 10 is described. It should be understood that the method executed by the main control module 10 can be combined with the above Figures 4 to 9 Aspects of the described master control module and related drawings are referenced and cited.

[0128] Figure 14 FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a main control module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 The main control module described in can be used to execute the above method 300.

[0129] like Figure 14 As shown, the main control module may include a processor 141 and a memory 142. The processor 141 is coupled to the memory 142 via a communication bus. The memory 142 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor 141, enable the above method 300 to be executed.

[0130] Figure 15FIG2 shows a schematic block diagram of a power module 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 The power module described in can be used to perform the above-mentioned method 100 and method 200.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the power module 20 may include a processor 151 and a memory 152. The processor 151 is coupled to the memory 152 via a communication bus. The memory 152 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor 151, enable the execution of methods 100 and 200.

[0132] Examples of processors 141 and 151 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure.

[0133] Processors 141 and 151 can execute software. Software should be broadly understood to include instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable programs, execution threads, procedures, functions, and the like. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise, the software may reside in memories 142 and 152.

[0134] Memories 142 and 152 may be non-transitory computer-readable media. As examples, non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), and electrically erasable PROMs (EPROMs). Memories 142 and 152 may be located within processor 141, external to processor 151, or distributed across multiple entities including processors 141 and 151, respectively. Memories 142 and 152 may be included in a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to implement the functionality described in this disclosure based on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the entire system.

[0135] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above-mentioned specific embodiments are merely examples and not limitations, and that various modifications, combinations, partial combinations and replacements may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure according to design requirements and other factors. As long as they are within the scope of the attached claims or their equivalents, they fall within the scope of rights to be protected by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A control system comprising: A main control module and at least one power module, The main control module sends information indicating that the main control module is operating normally to each of the at least one power module at a predetermined period and performs a control operation for controlling the at least one power module. The starting power module of the at least one power module whose operating address is the predetermined starting address operates as the main control module based on not receiving the information within a predetermined period, The operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted according to the order in which the main control module receives the requests for the operating addresses from the at least one power module and start from the predetermined starting address.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The main control module and each power module in the at least one power module respectively maintain an information table for recording information of each power module in the at least one power module, and The main control module and each of the at least one power module maintain the respective information tables based on the control operation.

3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein: The information of each power module includes an identifier, an operating address, and an operating status of the power module.

4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein: The control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module that enters an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing an operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein: The operation of adding a power module that enters an initialization state among the at least one power module includes: receiving an address request message, wherein the address request message includes an identifier of the power module entering an initialization state; determining an operating address of the power module entering an initialization state; and sending an address allocation message, wherein the address allocation message includes an identifier of the power module entering the initialization state and the determined operating address of the power module entering the initialization state; The main control module and each of the at least one power module add information of the power module entering the initialization state to their respective information tables based on receiving the address allocation message.

6. The control system according to claim 4, wherein: The operation for removing the power module to be removed from the at least one power module includes: Determining the power module to be removed; re-determining an operating address of each power module of the at least one power module, wherein the operating address of the power module to be removed is determined to be an operating address dedicated to the power module to be removed; sending a module removal message, wherein the module removal message includes an identifier of each power module in the at least one power module and its re-determined operating address; The power module to be removed deletes its information table based on receiving the module removal message. Among them, the main control module and each power module in the at least one power module except the power module to be removed updates the operating address of each power module in their respective information tables to the corresponding re-determined operating address based on receiving the module removal message, and deletes the information corresponding to the power module to be removed from their respective information tables.

7. The control system according to claim 4, wherein: The operation for changing the operating state of the at least one power module includes: determining a target operating state for each power module of the at least one power module; Sending a synchronization trigger message, wherein the synchronization trigger message includes an identifier and a target operating state of each power module in the at least one power module; The main control module and each of the at least one power module update the operating status of each power module in their respective information tables to the corresponding target operating status based on receiving the synchronization trigger message.

8. The control system according to claim 2, wherein After the main control module resumes normal operation, the main control module sends the information indicating that the main control module is operating normally according to a predetermined period; The starting power module stops operating as the master control module based on receiving the information within a predetermined period, and sends the information table maintained by the starting power module to the master control module so that the master control module resumes executing the control operation using the information table.

9. A method performed by a power module in a control system comprising a main control module and at least one power module, wherein the main control module transmits information indicating normal operation of the main control module to each of the at least one power module at a predetermined period and performs a control operation for controlling the at least one power module, the method comprising: determining whether the power module is a starting power module whose operating address is a predetermined starting address; In the case where it is determined that the power module is the starting power module, operating as a master control module based on not receiving the information within a predetermined period, The operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted according to the order in which the main control module receives the requests for the operating addresses from the at least one power module and start from the predetermined starting address.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: maintaining an information table for recording information of each power module in the at least one power module, Wherein, when it is determined that the power module is the starting power module, it operates as a main control module based on the information table.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The information of each power module includes an identifier, an operating address, and an operating status of the power module.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein maintaining an information table of the power module based on the control operation, The control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module that enters an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: When it is determined that the power module is the starting power module, based on receiving information indicating that the main control module is operating normally within a predetermined period, the information table is sent to the main control module, so that the main control module resumes executing the control operation based on the information table.

14. A method performed by a master control module in a control system comprising a master control module and at least one power module, comprising: Sending information indicating that the main control module is operating normally and performing a control operation for controlling the at least one power module at a predetermined period, The starting power module of the at least one power module whose operating address is the predetermined starting address operates as the main control module based on not receiving the information within a predetermined period, and The operating addresses of the at least one power module are sorted according to the order in which the main control module receives the requests for the operating addresses from the at least one power module and start from the predetermined starting address.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: An information table for recording information of each power module of the at least one power module is maintained.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The information of each power module includes an identifier, an address, and an operating status of the power module.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein maintaining the information table based on the control operation, The control operation includes at least one of the following: an operation for adding a power module that enters an initialization state in the at least one power module, an operation for removing a power module to be removed in the at least one power module, and an operation for changing the operating state of a power module in the at least one power module.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: After resuming normal operation, sending the information at a predetermined period; receiving an information table maintained by the starting power module; The control operation is resumed using the information table.

19. A power module for a power conversion cabinet, comprising: processor; as well as A memory having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

20. A main control module for a power conversion cabinet, comprising: processor; as well as A memory having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

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