Dynamic Master-Slave Arbitration in Charger Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charger networks in prior art are rigid, with fixed roles of master and slave, and cannot dynamically adjust the number of chargers to optimize efficiency or speed of charge, limiting flexibility and adaptability to operational objectives.
Innovation Solution
A flexible charger network where any charger can assume the role of master, with dynamic power allocation by enabling or disabling chargers, using a CAN bus for communication, and allowing for arbitration and virtualization to appear as a single charger, enabling compatibility and adaptability in the number of chargers used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed master and slave role assignment is used in charger networks, then the network structure is simple and stable, but the network cannot dynamically adjust the number of chargers to optimize efficiency or speed of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where any charger can become master through arbitration based on serial number, and chargers can be dynamically enabled or disabled during operation. This transforms the static master-slave structure into a dynamic one that adapts to changing operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of chargers by enabling or disabling them based on efficiency targets or speed of charge objectives. The master charger can dynamically adjust which slave chargers are active, changing the effective configuration of the network without physical reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability.
2Productivity
If multiple chargers operate simultaneously to increase speed of charge, then charging speed improves, but power consumption increases due to overhead of each charger
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables or disables specific chargers based on the required power level and efficiency targets. Instead of keeping all chargers constantly active, the master dynamically activates only the necessary number of chargers to meet the current charging demand, avoiding the overhead consumption of unnecessarily active chargers while still achieving the required charging speed.
3Loss of energy
If chargers are dynamically enabled or disabled to optimize efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but control and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master charger performs multiple functions: it arbitrates for master role, manages slave charger assignments, enables or disables slaves based on efficiency targets, and coordinates power distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single master unit rather than requiring distributed control logic in each charger, thus managing complexity while achieving energy efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the network virtualizes to appear as a single charger, then compatibility with external systems improves, but internal coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master charger acts as an intermediary between the multi-charger internal network and external single-charger expecting systems. It presents a unified interface to external systems while internally coordinating multiple chargers, thus providing compatibility without requiring external systems to understand the internal complexity of having multiple chargers.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible charger network includes one or more chargers, each coupled to a processor, and is configured to perform the following operations: at power-up, a charger announces its presence to the network, and requests and awaits an acknowledgement by the network; and, if no acknowledgement is received from the network, that charger assumes a role of master of the network; or, if a response is received from the network, that charger acknowledges an existing master and assumes the role of slave within the network.