ECBU Sequencer Programming for Time-Dependent Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for programmatic control of Electronic Circuit Breaker Units (ECBUs) lack flexibility and programmability, particularly in implementing time-dependent behaviors without modifying embedded firmware, as they either cycle all breakers in unison or provide limited user-programmable control.
Innovation Solution
A stored program interpreter with a reduced instruction set implements a Sequencer that allows dynamic programming of ECBUs, enabling arbitrary on-off sequences with programmable delays, and supports proportional control, allowing for custom load control without altering firmware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Cycle Control method is used to control ECBUs, then all breakers in a coordinated set can be controlled to cycle on-off in unison, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot implement arbitrary on-off sequences or individual breaker control
Solution Approach 1:
A microprocessor-based control system is introduced as an intermediary between the power source and the breakers. This microprocessor executes stored program instructions to determine the on-off state of each breaker, enabling flexible control sequences without requiring complex hardwired logic circuits for each possible sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static, fixed control logic to dynamic, programmable control. The breakers can be controlled to cycle on-off in unison or in arbitrary sequences depending on the loaded program, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically based on operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Advanced Sequencer Control with user programmable control is implemented, then arbitrary on-off sequences with programmable delays can be achieved, but the device complexity and firmware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a fixed, simple instruction set architecture and a flexible, user-loaded program memory. The instruction set includes basic operations (load immediate, load from memory, store to output, jump, increment, decrement, conditional branches) that are simple to implement in hardware, while the complex control logic is stored as loadable programs in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
Control programs are stored as data in memory rather than being hardwired into the control logic. This allows the same hardware to execute different control sequences by loading different program copies from memory, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated control circuits for each possible sequence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex control behaviors like wig-wag or de-ice heat cycling are implemented, then the system can handle specialized applications, but modifying embedded firmware becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic loading of different control programs at runtime based on the application requirements. For wig-wag operation, a specific program is loaded that implements the alternating on-off pattern. For de-ice heat cycling, a different program is loaded that implements the heating cycle logic, without requiring firmware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed as a universal platform that can implement multiple specialized control behaviors (wig-wag, de-ice heat cycling, arbitrary sequences, coordinated set control) through a single programmable architecture. The same hardware executes different programs to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for application-specific firmware variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A stored program interpreter or virtual machine with a reduced or simple instruction set that implements a Sequencer which allows the programming of time-dependent behavior of controlled loads or circuits such as Electronic Circuit Breaker Units (ECBUs). Programs can be dynamically loaded or modified at run-time, allowing ensemble behavior of controlled loads, such as wig-wag or de-ice heat cycling, to be implemented without a change to the embedded firmware application code.