Decentralized Power Controller Modules for Aircraft Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power distribution systems in aircraft and other applications face challenges in efficiently managing power allocation among multiple power sources, often requiring centralized controllers for coordination, which can be costly and complex, and lack efficient self-allocation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a set of power controllers connected in parallel to a common power bus and communications bus, where each controller module determines its share of desired power based on received messages and power characteristics, allowing each power source to operate independently and self-regulate its contribution to the total system output without a central controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized controller is used to coordinate power allocation among multiple power sources, then power distribution management can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power distribution control function into multiple independent power controller modules, each associated with a specific power source. Each module independently determines power allocation based on local power characteristics and communications with other modules, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized controller while maintaining coordinated power distribution across the system.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized controller is used for power coordination, then power allocation can be managed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into multiple identical, standardized power controller modules that can be manufactured independently and assembled into the overall system. This modular approach reduces development costs, enables parallel manufacturing, and eliminates the need for a single expensive centralized controller, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining power allocation management capability.
3Device complexity
If power sources are managed independently without coordination, then system complexity is reduced, but power allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power controller module receives feedback information from other modules through the communications bus, including power source status, power characteristics, and allocation decisions. This feedback mechanism enables each module to independently determine optimal power allocation by considering system-wide conditions without requiring complex centralized coordination, thereby maintaining both simplicity and efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a central controller is eliminated, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but power distribution coordination becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of multiple power sources into a distributed network of interconnected power controller modules. Each module maintains independence but communicates with others through the communications bus, merging their decision-making capabilities to achieve coordinated power distribution without requiring a centralized controller, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power controller adapted for operating a set of power sources includes a power characteristic input and a communications connection and a controller module. The controller module is adapted for obtaining a power characteristic at the power characteristic input, the power characteristic related to a quantity of power supplied from an associated power source to a common power bus, for obtaining at least one power system message received at the communications connection, and for determining a present share of desired power to be supplied from the associated power source.