Dual Active Controller Signal Comparison for Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual controller systems face challenges in rapidly processing signals when a fault occurs in one controller, especially in high-speed systems like HVDC or STATCOM, as they require both controllers to operate in active states, and existing methods are not suitable for systems where both controllers are active.
Innovation Solution
A dual controller system with a plurality of lower-layer modules that receive and compare control signals from both active controllers, using a clock-generating unit and a relay unit to identify errors and block faulty signals, allowing the normal controller to continue operating without switchover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sub-controller monitors the main controller using elapsed time counting, then fault detection capability is provided, but signal processing speed is too slow for high-speed systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by having the sub-controller transmit a copy of its control signal to the main controller for real-time comparison. This allows the main controller to detect faults by comparing signals without waiting for elapsed time to expire, thereby maintaining high signal processing speed while ensuring reliable fault detection in high-speed systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the control signals with identification information and establishing the comparison mechanism before any fault occurs. The sub-controller continuously transmits control signals with ID markers, and the main controller is pre-programmed to compare these signals, enabling immediate fault detection without time delays
2Device complexity
If one controller operates in active state and the other in standby state, then system complexity is reduced, but both controllers cannot operate in active states simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing both controllers to perform identical active control functions simultaneously. Each controller independently transmits control signals with its identification information, and both can actively control the system, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through symmetric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having each controller transmit control signals that include identification information about the transmitting controller. The receiving controller compares these signals and provides feedback by detecting discrepancies, enabling both controllers to operate actively while maintaining system coherence through continuous signal comparison
3Reliability
If separate monitoring equipment is installed between controllers, then fault monitoring capability is provided, but system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the controllers to perform their own fault monitoring functions. Each controller transmits control signals with embedded identification information, and the controllers mutually monitor each other's signals through comparison, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring equipment while maintaining reliable fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements merging by combining the control function and monitoring function into a single integrated system. The control signals serve dual purposes: they control the system and simultaneously enable fault detection through their embedded identification information, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dual controller system for analyzing a control signal received from two dual controllers, both of which operate in an active state, to check whether an error occurs in the controllers and to perform operation with a controller in a normal state. A dual controller system according to the present invention includes a plurality of lower-layer modules performing respective functions, and first and second controllers for controlling each of the plurality of lower-layer modules, wherein the first and second controllers transmit control signals to the plurality of lower-layer modules, and the lower-layer modules determine whether an error occurs in the two received control signals, remove an erroneous control signal and perform a function according to a normal control signal.