Distributed Engine Control System Reducing Data Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized control systems for multiple engines in power generation become complex and require high data rates due to the need for multiple transducers and communication links, making it challenging to monitor and control engine output effectively.
Innovation Solution
A distributed engine control system where each engine receives a control signal from a central controller, meters fuel, senses parameters, adjusts fuel flow, and transmits monitoring signals, reducing the complexity and data rate by decentralizing control and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central controller monitors and controls all engines using multiple transducers, then engine output can be monitored and controlled, but the control system becomes complex and requires high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed control units at each engine. Each engine has its own controller that locally monitors parameters and adjusts fuel flow, eliminating the need for a single complex central controller to handle all engines simultaneously. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each engine controller autonomously monitors its own operating parameters and adjusts fuel flow without requiring constant intervention from a central controller. The distributed controllers self-regulate engine output based on local conditions, reducing the data transmission burden and complexity of the central control system while maintaining effective engine management.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transducers are used per engine for monitoring and control, then accurate engine output monitoring is achieved, but the communication link requires high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection function by placing transducers and controllers locally at each engine rather than requiring all data to be transmitted to a central controller. Each engine controller processes and transmits only essential control signals and minimal monitoring data, significantly reducing the data rate requirement for communication links while maintaining accurate engine output monitoring through local measurement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a central controller manages all engine control signals, then coordinated power output is achieved, but the communication infrastructure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms at each distributed engine controller, where local controllers continuously monitor engine parameters and adjust fuel flow based on real-time conditions. This localized feedback maintains stable cumulative power output by ensuring each engine responds appropriately to changing conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized communication infrastructure while achieving coordinated power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for distributing control of multiple engines amongst the engines in a power generation system that has a central controller, comprises the steps of: receiving aboard each engine from the central controller a control signal representative of a desired fuel flow; metering fuel at a fuel metering point aboard each engine; sensing at least one parameter aboard each engine proximate the fuel metering point that is representative of fuel flow; adjusting the fuel metering aboard each engine to cause the sensed parameter to correlate to the desired fuel flow; and transmitting a monitoring signal from each engine to the central controller that is representative of the adjusted fuel metering.