Modular energy supply and distribution system with context-dependent functional assignment of conductor elements

Abstract

Modular power supply and distribution system comprising at least one PowerCore element, which is designed as a functional unit consisting of at least one electrical conductor, at least one detachable connection interface and a systemic allocation logic, wherein the PowerCore element is part of a modular, reconfigurable energy system and provides at least one electrical energy path for supplying a plurality of system elements, wherein the number, allocation and function of the supplied system elements are not predetermined, but only result from establishing a detachable modular connection of the PowerCore element with at least one other system element, wherein this connection creates a connection context by which a functional role of the PowerCore element within the energy system is determined, so that the energy distribution is system-dependent and context-related configurable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular power supply and distribution system for the electrical supply of system elements in overall technical systems, in particular in vehicles, buildings, industrial plants, and other technical applications. The invention further relates to a method for the modular distribution of electrical energy within such a system. State of the art

[0002] In many technical systems, electrical power is supplied via fixed wiring harnesses or cable systems, where the assignment of wires to consumers, fuses, or distribution points is determined during manufacturing. Such wiring harnesses are typically designed for specific vehicles, devices, or applications, contain hard-wired branches, and allow only limited adaptation to changing requirements. Modifications or expansions often necessitate rewiring or the replacement of entire cable runs.

[0003] In addition, modular power distribution units (PDUs) or pluggable power supply modules are known, in which energy is distributed via interchangeable modules. However, these systems are typically designed as central distribution units where energy distribution is determined by fixed internal structures, busbars, or predefined connection points. The function of the individual modules results from their design or from a software configuration, but not from the connection process itself.

[0004] Furthermore, so-called intelligent cables or pluggable connection systems are known that allow for the identification of connected devices or the monitoring of electrical parameters. However, these systems remain functionally limited to the transmission or distribution of electrical energy and are not part of a higher-level, self-describing energy architecture in which conductor elements only acquire their functional role within the system context.

[0005] All known solutions share the common feature that either the function of the conductor elements is predetermined or the system logic is centralized in devices or software instances. A modular, reconfigurable power distribution system, in which conductor elements themselves act as systemic functional units and only acquire their role through their connection within an architecture, is not known from the prior art. Object of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an energy supply and distribution system that enables flexible, modular, and reconfigurable energy distribution without relying on fixed cable harnesses or central distribution devices. In particular, a system is to be created in which conductor elements not only transmit electrical energy but also act as systemic functional units whose functional role only emerges from their interaction within a modular system architecture.

[0007] Furthermore, the system should enable easy expandability, interchangeability, and fault tolerance without requiring rewiring of existing cable structures. At the same time, the system should be usable across industries and applications and be able to accommodate future connection technologies. Solution to the task

[0008] The problem is solved by a modular power supply and distribution system comprising at least one PowerCore element. Hereinafter, the conductor element according to the invention will be referred to as the PowerCore element.

[0009] The PowerCore element is designed as a functional unit consisting of at least one electrical conductor, at least one detachable connection interface and a systemic assignment logic.

[0010] The PowerCore element is part of a modular, reconfigurable energy system and provides at least one electrical energy path. The number, assignment, and function of the system elements supplied via this energy path are not predetermined, but rather emerge through the establishment of a detachable modular connection between the PowerCore element and other system elements. This connection creates a connection context from which the functional role of the PowerCore element within the energy system is derived.

[0011] The systemic assignment logic is not tied to a specific location. It can be implemented, at least partially, within the PowerCore element itself, in the connection interface, or in a system element connected to the PowerCore element. Crucially, the functional role of the PowerCore element cannot be derived from the isolated properties of its individual components, but rather emerges from their interaction within the respective connection context.

[0012] Energy distribution is therefore not based on hard-wired structures or a central control unit, but context-dependent through the interaction of lines, connection interfaces and systemic allocation logic within the modular system architecture. Advantageous designs

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the PowerCore element is not designed as a fixed, pre-configured cable harness. It has no fixed branches, no fixed load assignment, and no topology-specific design. This allows the same PowerCore element to assume different functional roles in different system configurations.

[0014] The connection interface of the PowerCore element is designed to be detachable and can be implemented as a plug connection, a locking connection, a contact connection, or another suitable detachable connection technology. The invention is not limited to specific connection technologies and also includes future connection concepts.

[0015] The PowerCore element can include a detection device that, when the connection is established, detects the connection context and the type of connected system element. Unique device identification is not required for this. The detection device can be based, in particular, on electrical, mechanical, or structural properties of the connection. Based on the detected connection context, a logical role for the PowerCore element within the system architecture is determined, which in turn controls the allocation and activation of an energy path.

[0016] In a further configuration, PowerCore elements can provide operating, status, or error information via the connection interface. If an error occurs in a PowerCore element, a connected system element, or the connection itself, the associated power path can be selectively deactivated without interrupting the operation of other power paths in the power system.

[0017] Optionally, a PowerCore element can include distribution logic that allows an incoming power path to be split into multiple outgoing power paths. This distribution logic is not designed as a standalone central distribution device, but rather operates context-dependently within the modular system architecture. The distribution is not fixed, but depends on the connection context and the connected system elements.

[0018] A particular advantage is that the physical energy path of a PowerCore element can remain unchanged, while its logical use and functional role change solely by altering the connection context. This allows identical conductor elements to perform different tasks in different system configurations.

[0019] The energy system can operate in various topologies, such as linear, branched, star-shaped, or mixed structures. The system architecture can be zone-based, hierarchical, or decentralized. System scaling is achieved by adding, removing, or repositioning PowerCore elements without requiring rewiring of existing lines. Embedding in a system architecture

[0020] The PowerCore elements are part of a higher-level, unified system architecture in which several different functional system elements interact. Designations for further system elements or system nodes serve solely for functional description within the system architecture and do not constitute independent subject matter of the invention; their specific technical design is not the subject of this application.

[0021] Energy distribution occurs primarily through the interaction of the PowerCore elements, not through a central distribution device. The system architecture is self-explanatory, as the functional roles of the individual elements emerge from their respective connection context.

[0022] The invention is not limited to a specific industry or application and is equally suitable for use in vehicles, buildings, industrial plants or other technical systems. Proceedings

[0023] The invention further relates to a method for the modular distribution of electrical energy using a system described above. The method comprises establishing a detachable modular connection between a PowerCore element and at least one system node, acquiring the connection context, determining a functional role of the PowerCore element within the system architecture, and activating or deactivating an associated energy path depending on this role.