Distributed Power Transfer Control Without a Master Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power generation and distribution systems rely on centralized master controllers for power transfer operations, which introduce a single point of failure and increase costs, and lack fault-tolerant control mechanisms to ensure constant availability of power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a masterless distributed power transfer control system where each power source is controlled autonomously by a local controller, communicating through a network to determine priority assignments and dynamically switch between power sources based on availability, eliminating the need for a centralized master controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized master controller is used for power transfer operations, then power transfer control can be centralized and coordinated, but a single point of failure is introduced and system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized master controller is segmented into multiple distributed controllers, each operating autonomously at individual power sources. Each controller executes the masterless power transfer control algorithm independently, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining coordinated power transfer through distributed decision-making based on priority assignments and availability information.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power source controller autonomously determines its own preferred and standby power sources, and independently executes power transfer operations without requiring a centralized master controller. The system serves itself through distributed autonomous control, where each controller makes local decisions based on system-wide priority information.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized master controller is used for power transfer operations, then power transfer control can be centralized and coordinated, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive and complex centralized master controller is extracted from the system and replaced with simpler, less costly distributed controllers at each power source. The control functionality is distributed rather than concentrated, reducing the need for high-end centralized hardware while achieving the same coordination goals through networked autonomous controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of one expensive master controller, multiple copies of simpler controller functionality are deployed at each power source. Each controller is a simplified version that executes the same masterless power transfer control algorithm, reducing overall system cost while maintaining control capabilities through distribution.
3Reliability
If distributed autonomous control is implemented without a master controller, then setup time and costs are reduced and fault tolerance is improved, but coordination and control complexity at the distributed level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control architecture changes from centralized to distributed, fundamentally altering the system's organizational parameter. Each controller operates autonomously with simplified local logic, while system-wide coordination is achieved through standardized priority assignments and availability information exchange over the network, reducing individual controller complexity despite distributed architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
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AI summary
A method of power transfer control among a plurality of power sources coupled through a distribution system. The method comprises determining, at each power source of the plurality of power sources, an assignment of priorities for each of the plurality of power sources. The method also comprises obtaining, at each power source, information indicating an availability of each of the plurality of power sources and determining a set of available power sources, and identifying, at each power source, a preferred power source and a standby power source from the plurality of power sources. The method further comprises determining to change the preferred power source from a first power source to a second power source in response to detecting a condition, and conducting the power transfer.