Cogeneration System Remote Activation via Battery-Powered Sub-Microprocessor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cogeneration systems cannot activate the power plant when the main switch is kept off, preventing power supply to electrical loads due to the microprocessor's inability to receive activation signals in a stopped state.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a battery to supply power to a sub-microprocessor, which activates the main microprocessor via an external terminal, allowing the system to receive activation signals even when the main switch is off, enabling remote activation of the power plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the microprocessor is stopped when the main switch is off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot receive activation signals from external terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor system is segmented into two operational modes: a stopped state for power saving and an activated state for signal processing. The controller can selectively activate the microprocessor only when needed to receive and process activation signals from external terminals, rather than keeping it continuously running.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by checking the state of the main switch before attempting to activate the power plant. When the main switch is off, the controller remains in a low-power state but can still receive signals, and only activates the microprocessor and power plant when both the signal and main switch conditions are met.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the microprocessor remains stopped when the main switch is off, then system stability is maintained, but the power plant cannot be activated remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between stable stopped state and active operational state based on external signals and main switch status. The microprocessor is activated only when an activation signal is received from an external terminal while the main switch is on, providing conditional adaptability while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the external terminal and the microprocessor. It receives activation signals from external terminals, checks the main switch status, and conditionally activates the microprocessor, thereby mediating between the stable stopped state and the active operational state.
3Ease of operation
If the main switch must be turned on to activate the power plant, then operational control is simplified, but remote activation is prevented when the operator is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically activating the power plant in response to activation signals from external terminals when the main switch is on, without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This enables the system to serve itself by detecting external signals and autonomously initiating power plant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from external terminals to trigger automatic activation. When an activation signal is received from an external terminal, the system processes this feedback information and automatically activates the power plant, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to external conditions without manual intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the cogeneration system to activate the power plant remotely, ensuring continuous power supply to electrical loads even when the main switch is off, enhancing operational flexibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a battery that stores DC power
Data Source
AI summary
In a cogeneration system having a power plant that includes a generator and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load, there are provided a battery, a controller that controls operation of the thermal load, a main switch disposed to be operable by an operator, a microprocessor that controls operation of the power plant when the main switch is turned on by the operator, and an external terminal adapted to transmit an activation signal to the controller upon manipulation by the operator when the main switch is kept off. In the system, the microprocessor is operated by power supplied from the battery in response to the activation signal so as to activate the power plant. With this, even when the operator stays at a place away from the main switch, the power plant can be activated to supply power to electrical loads.