Digital Power Network Routing Device Packet Energy Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently and safely routing digital electric power among multiple power control elements in a network, particularly in optimizing safety, resiliency, and efficiency while minimizing conversion losses.
Innovation Solution
A digital power network architecture that includes digital electric power routing devices with DC and digital power buses, power control elements with packet energy transfer capabilities, and a network controller that executes algorithms to optimize routing decisions based on safety, resiliency, and efficiency, allowing direct routing of power in packet energy transfer format among power control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If digital power is routed through conventional analog power distribution systems, then power transfer is possible, but conversion losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power distribution network into discrete digital power packets that can be independently routed. Each power control element processes and forwards packets digitally, avoiding analog-to-digital conversions in intermediate stages, thus reducing conversion losses and improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital power routing device serves multiple functions: it routes power packets, monitors network conditions, controls power flow distribution, and manages communication between power control elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate analog routing infrastructure, reducing conversion losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power control elements are coordinated in a network, then power distribution flexibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller receives real-time status information from power control elements and dynamically adjusts routing decisions. This feedback mechanism enables flexible power distribution while automating coordination tasks, reducing the perceived complexity through intelligent control algorithms that adapt to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a hierarchical structure where individual power control elements operate autonomously at the lower level, while a network controller provides coordination at the higher level. This nested architecture allows local decisions to be made independently while maintaining overall system flexibility, managing complexity through layered control.
3Loss of energy
If digital power packets are routed directly among power control elements, then conversion losses are reduced, but routing optimization becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller continuously monitors power packet routing efficiency and network conditions, using this feedback to dynamically optimize routing paths. This ensures that direct digital power routing achieves maximum efficiency by adapting to real-time network state, overcoming the challenge of routing optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes routing tables and power control element configurations before power packets are transmitted. This preliminary setup includes optimizing routing paths based on expected power demands and network topology, reducing the real-time complexity of routing decisions while maintaining low conversion losses.
4Reliability
If power is isolated and analyzed at the source controller, then fault detection capability improves, but power transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source controller performs voltage characteristic analysis and fault detection before power packets are transmitted onto the network. This preliminary verification ensures that only healthy power packets enter the network, improving reliability while minimizing the time impact since the analysis occurs once before transmission rather than continuously during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital power routing device acts as an intermediary that can perform rapid digital fault detection on power packets as they pass through the network. This distributed monitoring capability maintains high reliability by detecting faults at multiple points without requiring the source controller to isolate and analyze all power transfers, thus reducing overall power transfer time.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A digital power network comprises at least one digital electric power routing device that includes (a) at least one DC power bus; (b) at least two power control elements, each with at least two sets of power terminals, at least one of which accommodates electrical power in packet energy transfer format, and wherein each power control element has electrical connections that allow one set of power terminals to be connected to the DC power bus; and (c) at least one network controller operable to execute control functions within the power control elements to route electrical power from at least one power control element to at least one other power control element within the digital power network. The digital power network further includes at least one power source and at least one load.