Distributed Compressed Air Controller Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling compressed air installations are limited to simple networks and result in complex, expensive controllers, especially when many parameters are involved, leading to extensive and complicated control logic.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control method using mutually communicating controllers where none determines the operational condition of all components, each comparing data from others to determine the operational points of connected components, with wireless connections, allowing for efficient control of complex installations with simpler controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized control is used with a single controller to control all compressors, then control coordination is improved, but controller complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple simple controllers, each responsible for specific compressors or network segments. Each controller operates independently with basic control logic, eliminating the need for a single complex controller that would need to manage all compressors and parameters centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between the simple controllers and the compressed air network. This network enables data exchange and coordination between controllers without requiring each controller to have comprehensive knowledge of the entire system, reducing individual controller complexity while maintaining system-wide coordination.
2Measurement precision
If many parameters are taken into account in control decisions, then control precision is improved, but controller complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control decisions into local decisions made by individual simple controllers based on their own sensor data, and coordinated decisions made through communication with other controllers. Each controller only needs to process a limited set of parameters locally while obtaining additional information through network communication, avoiding the need for complex processing of all system parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllers continuously exchange operational data and status information through the communication network, enabling them to adjust their control decisions based on feedback from the overall system state. This feedback mechanism allows precise control without requiring each controller to independently process all parameters.
3Device complexity
If distributed control with multiple simple controllers is used, then controller simplicity and cost are improved, but control coordination may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network serves as an intermediary that enables coordinated control among simple distributed controllers. It facilitates the exchange of operational data, status information, and control commands, ensuring that controllers can coordinate their actions to maintain system reliability while keeping individual controller logic simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where controllers monitor their own operation and the network state, then adjust their control decisions accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures coordinated operation among simple controllers, maintaining system reliability through distributed decision-making based on real-time information exchange.
4Measurement precision
If complex control logic is implemented to manage multiple parameters, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into simple, standardized modules within each controller that can be independently configured and maintained. Each controller uses basic control logic for its specific function, and complex system-wide coordination is achieved through standardized communication protocols rather than complex centralized logic, making the system easier to operate and maintain.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling a compressed air unit (1) comprising one or several compressed air networks, as well as a number of communicating controllers ( 6, 9, 13, 23, 24, 25 or 26) for controlling components that are part of the aforesaid compressed air networks, characterised in that the control of the above-mentioned components is such that none of the communicating controllers ( 6, 9, 13, 23, 24, 25 or 26) determines the operational condition of any component that is controlled by other controllers.