Data center composite emergency power supply system
By designing a composite energy storage system in the data center, combining energy storage modules and emergency power modules, the problems of insufficient energy waste and load management in traditional systems are solved, and more efficient power utilization and reliability of equipment operation are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421665777.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-07-15
AI Technical Summary
The emergency power system in traditional data centers has problems of wasting energy and inability to effectively divert loads in terms of power utilization and load power management.
A data center composite energy storage system is designed, including control modules, energy storage modules, emergency power modules and execution modules. Energy storage is achieved through bidirectional converters and lithium iron phosphate batteries, combined with diesel generator sets as emergency power sources, and dynamic load management is realized through circuit breakers and control modules.
The system can effectively reduce energy waste, realize effective load diversion, reduce the load rate of the mains transformer, extend the service life of the equipment, and ensure the continuous operation of key equipment in the data center in the event of a power grid failure.
Smart Images

Figure CN222981281U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power protection, and particularly relates to a data center composite emergency power supply system. Background Art
[0002] As the core of modern information technology, the data center undertakes the tasks of a large amount of data storage, processing and transmission. With the rapid development of cloud computing and big data, the scale and importance of the data center are increasing day by day. In the operation of the data center, the stability and reliability of power supply are crucial, because any power interruption may lead to data loss, service interruption and even more serious economic losses.
[0003] Traditional data centers usually rely on the main power grid for power supply, but the volatility and unpredictability of the power grid bring potential power interruption risks to the data center. To address this situation, data centers are usually equipped with emergency power supplies to ensure that key equipment can continue to operate when the main power grid power supply is interrupted. For example, configuring a diesel generator set is a common emergency power supply solution for data centers.
[0004] Although the diesel generator set provides the necessary power guarantee for the data center and ensures business continuity when the power grid is unstable, in practical applications, some defects and limitations have also emerged. First, when the diesel generator set conducts a no-load test, it cannot make full use of electric energy, resulting in energy waste. Second, when a power failure occurs in the commercial power, the existing system has limitations in load power management and cannot achieve effective load shunting.
[0005] In view of the above defects, the creator of the utility model finally obtained the present utility model through long-term research and practice. Summary of the Utility Model
[0006] To solve the above technical defects, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is to provide a data center composite energy storage system, including a control module, an energy storage module, an emergency power supply module, and an execution module. The control module is connected to the energy storage module, the emergency power supply module, and the execution module. The execution module is respectively connected to the energy storage module and the emergency power supply module. The execution module includes a plurality of circuit breakers. The control module mainly includes an input unit, a GE operation unit, a logic operation unit, and an output unit. The energy storage module is connected to the input unit and the output unit. The emergency power supply module is connected to the input unit and the output unit. The input unit is connected to the GE operation unit and the logic operation unit. The logic operation unit is connected to the output unit. Each circuit breaker is connected to the input unit and the output unit.
[0007] Preferably, the energy storage module includes a bidirectional converter and a lithium iron phosphate battery, and the bidirectional converter is connected to the lithium iron phosphate battery.
[0008] Preferably, the emergency power supply module includes a number of diesel generator sets.
[0009] Preferably, the data center composite energy storage system further includes a power supply line, an energy storage line, and an emergency line. The power supply line is provided with a first mains input terminal and a second mains input terminal. The energy storage module is arranged on the energy storage line, and the emergency power supply module is arranged on the emergency line. The power supply line, the emergency line, and the energy storage line are all connected to a load. Circuit breakers connected to the control module are arranged on the power supply line, the energy storage line, and the emergency line.
[0010] Preferably, the power supply line includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit. The first mains input terminal is connected to a first load through the first power supply circuit, and the second mains input terminal is connected to a second load through the second power supply circuit. The first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit are connected through a connection circuit. The execution module includes a first circuit breaker, a second circuit breaker, a third circuit breaker, a fourth circuit breaker, and a fifth circuit breaker. The first circuit breaker is arranged on the connection circuit. On the first power supply circuit, the second circuit breaker, a first transformer, and the fourth circuit breaker are sequentially arranged from the first mains input terminal to the first load. On the second power supply circuit, the third circuit breaker, a second transformer, and the fifth circuit breaker are sequentially arranged from the second mains input terminal to the second load. The first circuit breaker, the fourth circuit breaker, the fifth circuit breaker, the first mains input terminal, and the second mains input terminal are all connected to the control module.
[0011] Preferably, the emergency line includes a first emergency circuit and a second emergency circuit. Both the first emergency circuit and the second emergency circuit are connected to the emergency power supply module. The first emergency circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the first emergency circuit and the first power supply circuit is arranged between the first mains input terminal and the second circuit breaker. The second emergency circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the second emergency circuit and the second power supply circuit is arranged between the second mains input terminal and the third circuit breaker. The execution module is provided with an eleventh circuit breaker on the first emergency circuit and a twelfth circuit breaker on the second emergency circuit. The emergency power supply module, the eleventh circuit breaker, and the twelfth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
[0012] Preferably, the energy storage circuit includes a first energy storage circuit, a second energy storage circuit and a third energy storage circuit, the energy storage module is connected to the emergency power supply module through the first energy storage circuit, and a third transformer and an eighth circuit breaker of the execution module are sequentially arranged on the first energy storage circuit from the emergency power supply module to the energy storage module, the energy storage module is connected to the first load through the second energy storage circuit, the second energy storage circuit is provided with a ninth circuit breaker of the execution module, the energy storage module is connected to the second load through the third energy storage circuit, the third energy storage circuit is provided with a tenth circuit breaker of the execution module, and the energy storage module, the eighth circuit breaker, the ninth circuit breaker and the tenth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
[0013] Preferably, the energy storage circuit also includes a fourth energy storage circuit and a fifth energy storage circuit, one end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first power supply circuit is set between the first transformer and the fourth circuit breaker, the other end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module, and the fourth energy storage circuit is provided with a sixth circuit breaker of the execution module; one end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the second power supply circuit is set between the second transformer and the fifth circuit breaker, the other end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module, and the fifth energy storage circuit is provided with a seventh circuit breaker of the execution module; the sixth circuit breaker and the seventh circuit breaker are both connected to the control module.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention has the function of shifting peak loads and filling valley loads, balancing the load of the power grid by adjusting the power consumption time, reducing power consumption during peak hours, and increasing power consumption during valley hours, thereby reducing power costs. It also has the function of a dummy load, which can effectively store the electric energy generated during the test in the battery system, thereby greatly reducing energy waste; at the same time, the present invention has a load power adjustment function, and when any mains power fails, part of the load can be transferred to the emergency power supply to reduce the load rate of the mains transformer, which can not only ensure the continuous operation of key equipment in the data center, but also significantly extend the service life of the transformer, and reduce the risk of equipment failure caused by overload. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the composite energy storage system of the data center;
[0016] Figure 2 It is a circuit structure view of the data center composite energy storage system.
[0017] Reference numerals
[0018] 1 - First mains input terminal; 2 - Second mains input terminal; 3 - Diesel generator set; 4 - First circuit breaker; 5 - Second circuit breaker; 6 - Third circuit breaker; 7 - Fourth circuit breaker; 8 - Fifth circuit breaker; 9 - Sixth circuit breaker; 10 - Seventh circuit breaker; 11 - Eighth circuit breaker; 12 - Ninth circuit breaker; 13 - Tenth circuit breaker; 14 - Eleventh circuit breaker; 15 - Twelfth circuit breaker; 16 - First transformer; 17 - Second transformer; 18 - Third transformer. Detailed implementation manners
[0019] The following further describes in detail the above - mentioned and additional technical features and advantages of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Embodiment 1
[0021] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 It is a schematic structural view of the data center composite energy storage system.
[0022] The data center composite energy storage system of the present utility model includes a control module, an energy storage module, an emergency power supply module, and an execution module. The control module is connected to the energy storage module, the emergency power supply module, and the execution module. The execution module is respectively connected to the energy storage module and the emergency power supply module. The execution module includes a number of circuit breakers. The control module mainly includes an input unit, a GE operation unit (relational operation unit), a logical operation unit, and an output unit. The energy storage module is connected to the input unit and the output unit; the emergency power supply module is connected to the input unit and the output unit; the input unit is connected to the GE operation unit and the logical operation unit; the logical operation unit is connected to the output unit, and each circuit breaker is connected to the input unit and the output unit.
[0023] The input unit can receive discrete signals and a bus BUS, and after logical processing through the GE operation unit and the logical operation unit, transfer control commands to the output unit. The output unit supports discrete signals and transistor outputs.
[0024] Embodiment 2
[0025] As Figure 2 shown, Figure 2It is a circuit structure view of the data center composite energy storage system. Among them, the controller in the figure is the control module, the 1# mains power is the first mains power input terminal 1, the 2# mains power is the second mains power input terminal 2, the 1# diesel generator and the 3# diesel generator are each diesel generator set 3, the circuit breaker 1 is the first circuit breaker 4, the circuit breaker 2 is the second circuit breaker 5, the circuit breaker 3 is the third circuit breaker 6, the circuit breaker 4 is the fourth circuit breaker 7, the circuit breaker 5 is the fifth circuit breaker 8, the circuit breaker 6 is the sixth circuit breaker 9, the circuit breaker 7 is the seventh circuit breaker 10, the circuit breaker 8 is the eighth circuit breaker 11, the circuit breaker 9 is the ninth circuit breaker 12, the circuit breaker 10 is the tenth circuit breaker 13, the circuit breaker 11 is the eleventh circuit breaker 14, the circuit breaker 12 is the twelfth circuit breaker 15, the transformer 1 is the first transformer 16, the transformer 2 is the second transformer 17, and the transformer 3 is the third transformer 18.
[0026] Specifically, the energy storage module includes a bi-directional converter (PCS) and a lithium iron phosphate battery, and the bi-directional converter is connected to the lithium iron phosphate battery. The emergency power supply module includes a number of diesel generator sets.
[0027] The data center composite energy storage system further includes a power supply line, an energy storage line, and an emergency line. The power supply line is provided with a first mains power input terminal and a second mains power input terminal. The energy storage module is arranged on the energy storage line, and the emergency power supply module is arranged on the emergency line. The power supply line, the emergency line, and the energy storage line are all connected to the load, and circuit breakers connected to the control module are arranged on the power supply line, the energy storage line, and the emergency line.
[0028] Specifically, the power supply line includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit. The first mains power input terminal is connected to a first load through the first power supply circuit, and the second mains power input terminal is connected to a second load through the second power supply circuit. The first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit are connected through a connection circuit. The execution module includes a first circuit breaker, a second circuit breaker, a third circuit breaker, a fourth circuit breaker, and a fifth circuit breaker. The first circuit breaker is arranged on the connection circuit to control the opening and closing of the connection circuit. On the first power supply circuit, the second circuit breaker, the first transformer, and the fourth circuit breaker are sequentially arranged from the first mains power input terminal to the first load. On the second power supply circuit, the third circuit breaker, the second transformer, and the fifth circuit breaker are sequentially arranged from the second mains power input terminal to the second load. The first circuit breaker, the fourth circuit breaker, the fifth circuit breaker, the first mains power input terminal, and the second mains power input terminal are all connected to the control module.
[0029] The emergency circuit includes a first emergency circuit and a second emergency circuit. Both the first emergency circuit and the second emergency circuit are connected to the emergency power supply module. The first emergency circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the first emergency circuit and the first power supply circuit is set between the first mains input terminal and the second circuit breaker. The second emergency circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the second emergency circuit and the second power supply circuit is set between the second mains input terminal and the third circuit breaker. Thus, the emergency power supply module is connected to the first load or the second load through the first power supply circuit or the second power supply circuit. The execution module is provided with an eleventh circuit breaker on the first emergency circuit and a twelfth circuit breaker on the second emergency circuit. The emergency power supply module, the eleventh circuit breaker, and the twelfth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
[0030] The energy storage circuit includes a first energy storage circuit, a second energy storage circuit, and a third energy storage circuit. The energy storage module is connected to the emergency power supply module through the first energy storage circuit. On the first energy storage circuit, a third transformer and the eighth circuit breaker of the execution module are sequentially arranged from the emergency power supply module to the energy storage module. The energy storage module is connected to the first load through the second energy storage circuit, and the ninth circuit breaker of the execution module is provided on the second energy storage circuit. The energy storage module is connected to the second load through the third energy storage circuit, and the tenth circuit breaker of the execution module is provided on the third energy storage circuit. The energy storage module, the eighth circuit breaker, the ninth circuit breaker, and the tenth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
[0031] Generally, the energy storage circuit further includes a fourth energy storage circuit and a fifth energy storage circuit. One end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first power supply circuit is set between the first transformer and the fourth circuit breaker. The other end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module. The sixth circuit breaker of the execution module is provided on the fourth energy storage circuit. One end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the second power supply circuit is set between the second transformer and the fifth circuit breaker. The other end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module. The seventh circuit breaker of the execution module is provided on the fifth energy storage circuit. The sixth circuit breaker and the seventh circuit breaker are both connected to the control module.
[0032] The power supply states of the first mains power input terminal, the power supply states of the second mains power input terminal, the switch state signals of circuit breakers 1 to 12, the operating state signals of the PCS, and the operating state signals of each diesel generator set are connected to the input unit, which converts the state signals into data types recognizable by the control module. The converted data is transmitted to the GE operation unit and the logic operation unit for logical processing, and the control commands are transmitted to the output unit. The switch control signals of circuit breakers 1 to 12, the start / stop control signals of the PCS, and the start / stop control signals of each diesel generator set are output through the output unit.
[0033] The working principle of the present utility model is as follows:
[0034] Two-way mains power supplies normally
[0035] The sixth circuit breaker = on, the seventh circuit breaker = on, the eighth circuit breaker = off, the eleventh circuit breaker = off, the twelfth circuit breaker = off. At this time, the energy storage system operates in the floating charge mode.
[0036] Two-way mains power supply fails
[0037] At the moment when the two-way mains power fails and loses power, the diesel generator set starts. The sixth circuit breaker = off, the seventh circuit breaker = off, the ninth circuit breaker = on, the tenth circuit breaker = on. The energy storage system is converted from the floating charge mode to the constant voltage and constant frequency discharge mode.
[0038] After the diesel generator sets are paralleled, by controlling the output power of the PCS, the load is gradually transferred to the diesel generator sets, so that the output power of the diesel generator sets increases smoothly. The eleventh circuit breaker = on, the twelfth circuit breaker = on, the eighth circuit breaker = on. The energy storage system operates in the constant current charging mode.
[0039] Dummy load test
[0040] When performing the dummy load test, the eleventh circuit breaker = off, the twelfth circuit breaker = off, the ninth circuit breaker = off, the tenth circuit breaker = off, the eighth circuit breaker = on. At this time, the energy storage system can replace the dummy load and store the electric energy provided by the diesel generator sets in the battery. After the dummy load test is completed, the eighth circuit breaker = off.
[0041] Peak shaving and valley filling mode
[0042] If the power supply status of the 1# mains power = true or the power supply status of the 1# mains power = false and the power supply status of the 2# mains power = true and the first circuit breaker = on, and it is at the peak power period of the mains power, then the fourth circuit breaker = off, the fifth circuit breaker = off, the sixth circuit breaker = off, the seventh circuit breaker = off; the ninth circuit breaker = on, the tenth circuit breaker = on. At this time, the system operates in the peak shaving and valley filling discharge mode.
[0043] If the power supply status of the 1# mains power = true or the power supply status of the 1# mains power = false and the power supply status of the 2# mains power = true and the first circuit breaker = on, and it is at the valley power period of the mains power, then the fourth circuit breaker = on, the fifth circuit breaker = on, the sixth circuit breaker = on, the seventh circuit breaker = on; the ninth circuit breaker = off, the tenth circuit breaker = off. At this time, the energy storage system operates in the peak shaving and valley filling charge mode.
[0044] If the power supply status of the 1# mains power = true or the power supply status of the 1# mains power = false and the power supply status of the 2# mains power = true and the first circuit breaker = on, and it is at a non-peak or valley power period of the mains power, then the sixth circuit breaker = off, the seventh circuit breaker = off, the ninth circuit breaker = off, the tenth circuit breaker = off. At this time, the system operates in the offline mode.
[0045] Hybrid power supply
[0046] When any one of the mains power fails and the load power is greater than the set value Sp_1, the energy storage system enters the hybrid power supply mode at this time. Start the diesel generator set, the sixth circuit breaker = off, the seventh circuit breaker = off, the corresponding discharge circuit breaker closes, and the energy storage system discharges the load connected to the faulty mains power link; after the diesel generator starts up, the circuit breaker corresponding to the faulty link closes at this time, transfers the load to the diesel generator set, and at the same time opens the circuit breaker of the discharge link, the eighth circuit breaker = on, and the energy storage system enters the charge mode. When the mains power failure is restored, the circuit breaker corresponding to the previous faulty link opens, shuts down the diesel generator set, the eighth circuit breaker = off, the sixth circuit breaker = on, the seventh circuit breaker = on, and the energy storage system enters the floating charge mode.
[0047] The utility model has the function of peak shaving and valley filling, balances the grid load by adjusting the power consumption time, reduces the power consumption during peak periods, increases the power usage during valley periods, and thus reduces the power cost. At the same time, it also has the function of a dummy load, and can effectively store the electric energy generated during testing in the battery system, thus greatly reducing the waste of energy.
[0048] At the same time, the utility model has a load power adjustment function. When any mains power fails, part of the load can be transferred to the emergency power supply to reduce the load rate of the mains transformer. This can not only ensure the continuous operation of key equipment in the data center, but also significantly extend the service life of the transformer and reduce the risk of equipment failure caused by overload.
[0049] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the utility model, which is only illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art understand that many changes, modifications, and even equivalences can be made within the spirit and scope defined by the claims of the utility model, but they will all fall within the scope of protection of the utility model.
Claims
1. A composite emergency power supply system for a data center, characterized in that: It includes a control module, an energy storage module, an emergency power supply module, and an execution module. The control module is connected to the energy storage module, the emergency power supply module, and the execution module. The execution module is respectively connected to the energy storage module and the emergency power supply module. The execution module includes a plurality of circuit breakers. The control module includes an input unit, a GE operation unit, a logic operation unit, and an output unit. The energy storage module is connected to the input unit and the output unit; the emergency power supply module is connected to the input unit and the output unit; the input unit is connected to the GE operation unit and the logic operation unit; the logic operation unit is connected to the output unit, and each circuit breaker is connected to the input unit and the output unit.
2. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage module includes a bidirectional converter and a lithium iron phosphate battery, and the bidirectional converter is connected to the lithium iron phosphate battery.
3. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency power supply module is configured as a plurality of diesel generator sets.
4. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data center composite energy storage system also includes a power supply line, an energy storage line and an emergency line. The power supply line is provided with a first mains power input terminal and a second mains power input terminal. The energy storage module is provided on the energy storage line. The emergency power supply module is provided on the emergency line. The power supply line, the emergency line and the energy storage line are all connected to the load. The power supply line, the energy storage line and the emergency line are all provided with the circuit breaker connected to the control module.
5. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power supply circuit includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit, the first AC power input terminal is connected to the first load through the first power supply circuit, the second AC power input terminal is connected to the second load through the second power supply circuit, the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit are connected through a connecting circuit, the execution module includes a first circuit breaker, a second circuit breaker, a third circuit breaker, a fourth circuit breaker, and a fifth circuit breaker, the first circuit breaker is arranged on the connecting circuit, the first power supply circuit is provided with the second circuit breaker, the first transformer and the fourth circuit breaker in sequence from the first AC power input terminal to the first load, the second power supply circuit is provided with the third circuit breaker, the second transformer and the fifth circuit breaker in sequence from the second AC power input terminal to the second load, the first circuit breaker, the fourth circuit breaker, the fifth circuit breaker, the first AC power input terminal and the second AC power input terminal are all connected to the control module.
6. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The emergency circuit includes a first emergency circuit and a second emergency circuit, the first emergency circuit and the second emergency circuit are both connected to the emergency power supply module, the first emergency circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the first emergency circuit and the first power supply circuit is set between the first mains input terminal and the second circuit breaker, the second emergency circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the second emergency circuit and the second power supply circuit is set between the second mains input terminal and the third circuit breaker, the execution module is provided with an eleventh circuit breaker on the first emergency circuit, and a twelfth circuit breaker on the second emergency circuit, and the emergency power supply module, the eleventh circuit breaker and the twelfth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
7. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The energy storage circuit includes a first energy storage circuit, a second energy storage circuit and a third energy storage circuit. The energy storage module is connected to the emergency power supply module through the first energy storage circuit. The first energy storage circuit is sequentially provided with a third transformer and an eighth circuit breaker of the execution module from the emergency power supply module to the energy storage module. The energy storage module is connected to the first load through the second energy storage circuit. The second energy storage circuit is provided with a ninth circuit breaker of the execution module. The energy storage module is connected to the second load through the third energy storage circuit. The third energy storage circuit is provided with a tenth circuit breaker of the execution module. The energy storage module, the eighth circuit breaker, the ninth circuit breaker and the tenth circuit breaker are all connected to the control module.
8. The data center composite emergency power supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The energy storage circuit also includes a fourth energy storage circuit and a fifth energy storage circuit, one end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first power supply circuit is set between the first transformer and the fourth circuit breaker, the other end of the fourth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fourth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module, and the sixth circuit breaker of the execution module is set on the fourth energy storage circuit; one end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the second power supply circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the second power supply circuit is set between the second transformer and the fifth circuit breaker, the other end of the fifth energy storage circuit is connected to the first energy storage circuit, and the connection point between the fifth energy storage circuit and the first energy storage circuit is set between the third transformer and the energy storage module, and the seventh circuit breaker of the execution module is set on the fifth energy storage circuit; the sixth circuit breaker and the seventh circuit breaker are both connected to the control module.