Charging Control Device With Alternative Master Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face inefficiencies in managing power distribution between grid-connected and stand-alone systems, particularly in detecting and handling overloads, which can lead to system instability and reduced operational stability.
Innovation Solution
A charging control device with a master-slave configuration that selects alternative masters to detect overloads and bypass faulty slaves, using a ring structure for communication and switch pairs to manage power distribution efficiently, allowing remaining slaves to operate normally even if one slave fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a single master controls all slaves in the energy storage system, then centralized control is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates when the master or communication path fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the slave units into multiple groups, with each group having its own alternative master. This segmentation allows independent operation of slave groups, so that failures in one group do not affect others, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining automated control through distributed alternative masters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-designates alternative masters among slave units before any failure occurs. When a master or communication path fails, the pre-designated alternative master can immediately take over control of its slave group without delay, ensuring continuous automated operation and preventing system shutdown.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system stops entirely when an error occurs, then safety is ensured, but productivity deteriorates due to complete system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The slave units are divided into independent groups, each with its own alternative master. When an error occurs in one slave or communication path, only the affected slave group is isolated and stopped, while other groups continue operating. This segmentation maintains safety by isolating faults while preserving productivity through continued operation of unaffected segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Alternative masters act as intermediaries that take over control when errors occur in the original master or communication paths. This allows the system to maintain automated control and continue operation through the alternative master, preventing complete shutdown while ensuring safety through proper error handling.
3Reliability
If multiple alternative masters are deployed to improve reliability, then system stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Slave units are designed with universal functionality to serve both as regular slaves and as alternative masters. Each slave unit has the capability to perform master functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated master hardware. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of having multiple alternative masters.
Solution Approach 2:
The role of alternative masters is dynamically activated only when needed (upon master failure or communication path failure). During normal operation, the system operates with the original master, and alternative masters remain in standby mode. This dynamic activation reduces operational complexity while providing reliability benefits when failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An charging control device includes: one or more slave groups including a plurality of slaves for charging or discharging a battery; and a master configured to transmit, to the one or more slave groups, a control signal for controlling operations of the one or more slave groups, and select one of a plurality of slaves included in each of the one or more slave groups as an alternative master, wherein the alternative master is a slave capable of performing some or all of all functions of the master.