Hierarchical Distributed Propulsion Control for Redundancy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized control architectures in distributed electric propulsion systems lack full utilization of redundancy, leading to lower reliability and increased complexity, necessitating a more efficient control system to optimize performance and meet safety and reliability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical vehicle control system with multiple controllers, including a first controller for vehicle and environmental signals, a second controller for axle command signals, and a third controller with modules for diagnosis, fault tolerance management, and power distribution, enhancing redundancy and optimizing system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized control architecture is used to manage the distributed electric propulsion system, then the vehicle level controller can handle overall vehicle control, but the reliability and redundancy utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: vehicle level controllers for overall coordination and distributed propulsion system controllers for local optimization. This segmentation allows each controller to operate independently within its domain, improving reliability by preventing single-point failures while maintaining ease of operation through clear division of control responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture transitions from a single-dimensional centralized structure to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. The vertical hierarchy includes vehicle level controllers at the top and distributed propulsion controllers at lower levels, while horizontal distribution spreads control across multiple independent units. This dimensional transformation enables both centralized coordination and distributed reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized control architecture is used, then the controller can coordinate all propulsion units, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each distributed propulsion system controller handles local coordination independently, while vehicle level controllers manage high-level coordination. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by distributing computational burden and eliminating the need for a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed propulsion system controllers are designed as universal modules that can be applied across multiple propulsion units with identical or different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by using standardized controller designs rather than custom controllers for each specific coordination scenario.
3Reliability
If redundancy is introduced through distributed propulsion systems, then safety is improved, but the centralized controller cannot fully utilize the redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed propulsion system controllers autonomously manage their own redundancy resources and coordinate with neighboring units without requiring centralized arbitration. Each controller monitors its own health status and can independently switch to backup configurations, allowing the system to fully utilize redundancy while maintaining simplicity through decentralized self-management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture implements distributed feedback mechanisms where each propulsion system controller continuously monitors system state and adjusts its operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic redundancy activation and coordination without complex centralized control, improving safety through responsive local decision-making while keeping the system manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A hierarchical vehicle control system for a vehicle powered by a distributed propulsion system (DPS) comprising plurality of propelling axles driven by plurality of motors and powered by a battery system comprising plurality of battery packs. Said hierarchical vehicle control system comprising a first controller, a second controller that generates axle command signals for operation of the propelling axles, and a third controller that generates motor command signals for operation of the electric motors wherein said third controller further comprising a DPS diagnosis/prognosis module, a DPS fault tolerance module and a power distribution management module.