Distributed Master Control in Multi-Unit Fluid Conditioning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Critical air conditioning systems, such as those used in data centers, face challenges with redundancy and complexity due to the need for a separate master controller and its backup systems, which can lead to integration issues and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conditioning system with multiple units, each equipped with a unit controller that can function as both a master and slave controller, allowing any unit controller to take over as the master if the primary fails, eliminating the need for a separate master controller and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate master controller and backup systems are used for critical air conditioning systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each unit controller is designed to perform both slave and master functions. The controller can operate as a slave receiving setpoints from a master, or as a master providing setpoints to slaves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated master controllers and backup systems, as any unit can assume the master role when needed, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the master controller functionality into the existing unit controllers rather than using a separate dedicated master controller. By combining these functions into a single integrated controller design, the system eliminates redundant components and reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of having backup control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate master controller is used to control multiple fluid conditioning units, then operational control is improved, but integration issues and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to operate in both master and slave modes. This eliminates integration issues associated with interfacing between separate master and slave controllers, as the same hardware and software platform handles both roles. The controller can seamlessly transition between modes based on system needs, simplifying the overall integration architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In a controller for a fluid conditioning unit, a fluid conditioning system including a plurality of fluid conditioning units, and a method of conditioning a fluid, each fluid conditioning unit includes a unit controller configured to operate the fluid conditioning unit. One unit controller of the plurality of the unit controllers may function as a master control module and provide at least one operational set point to each of the unit controllers. The controller may include instructions stored therein that cause the controller (i) to operate as a unit controller controlling the fluid conditioning unit and (ii) to operate as a master controller. The method may include selecting a new unit controller to function as the master control module from the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid conditioning units when the previous unit controller operating as a master control module for the fluid conditioning system goes offline.