Common Distribution Network Flow Equalization Without Master Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for flow equalization in distribution networks require communication networks and master controllers, leading to increased weight, complexity, and vulnerability to communication interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method that manages flow volume among identical consumer members in a common distribution network without external communication or a master controller, using input flow detectors, central processing units, data storage units, and flow regulators to regulate consumption based on calculated management boundary limits and flow factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If communication networks and master controllers are used for flow equalization, then flow management capability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each consumer device autonomously determines its flow factor by comparing its consumption value to the total consumption value of all consumers, eliminating the need for external controllers or communication networks. The system self-regulates through decentralized autonomous decision-making at each consumer node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the master controller and communication network components from the system, replacing centralized control with distributed autonomous control at each consumer device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flow management capability.
2Measurement precision
If communication networks are used for flow management, then flow control precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to communication interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Each consumer device independently calculates its own flow factor using local measurements of consumption values, making the system immune to communication interruptions. The autonomous calculation at each node ensures continuous operation without external communication dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control function is segmented and distributed to individual consumer devices, with each device performing autonomous flow factor determination. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure associated with central controllers and communication networks.
3Productivity
If master controllers are used to regulate flow, then flow distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each consumer device autonomously determines its flow factor by comparing its consumption value to the total consumption value, eliminating the need for external controllers. This decentralized approach maintains flow distribution efficiency while removing controller complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller is completely removed from the system architecture, with its regulatory function distributed to individual consumer devices through autonomous calculation of flow factors based on consumption value comparisons.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems to manage and limit, by the development of a flow equalization equation, the amount of total input flow capacity within a network among three or more identical consuming members connected on a common distribution network. An objective of this method, and systems implementing the method, is to minimize the maximum input flow volume, such that, any number of consumers devices may operate at full consumption while other consumers are operating at less than full consumption.