Dynamic Engine Prioritization Controller for Multi-Engine Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for multiple engines lack efficient prioritization schemes that optimize power distribution and adapt to changing conditions, leading to suboptimal use and potential uneven wear among engines.
Innovation Solution
An engine controller that identifies multiple engines, receives parameters from monitoring devices, calculates metrics, and determines switching conditions to adjust priorities, ensuring each engine provides respective amounts of power based on optimized metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed prioritization scheme is used to control multiple engines, then the control system is simple to implement, but the engine usage efficiency is suboptimal and wear is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic prioritization by continuously monitoring engine parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate, power consumption) and adjusting the prioritization scheme in real-time based on current engine conditions and performance metrics, transforming the static control system into an adaptive one that optimizes engine usage efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms
2Device complexity
If a fixed prioritization scheme is used to control multiple engines, then the control logic is simple, but engine life expectancy is reduced due to uneven wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring engine parameters and performance metrics, comparing actual engine conditions against optimal operating ranges, and adjusting the prioritization scheme accordingly. This closed-loop control system balances engine usage to prevent excessive wear on individual engines, thereby extending overall system life expectancy while managing control logic complexity through systematic decision algorithms
3Productivity
If dynamic prioritization switching is implemented based on engine parameters, then engine usage efficiency is optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes engine usage efficiency by dynamically changing operational parameters (prioritization weights, power distribution ratios) based on monitored engine conditions such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and power consumption. The system adjusts these parameters in real-time to maximize overall system productivity while managing control complexity through parameter-based decision thresholds and performance metric comparisons
4Reliability
If real-time monitoring and dynamic prioritization switching is implemented, then maintenance costs are reduced through balanced engine usage, but the initial system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and analysis of engine parameters to predict potential failures and optimize maintenance scheduling. By continuously tracking engine conditions and adjusting prioritization proactively, the system prevents excessive wear and potential failures before they occur, reducing long-term maintenance costs despite the initial investment in monitoring and control infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An engine controller to control a plurality of engines is disclosed. The engine controller may identify a plurality of engines configured to provide power to a load, wherein the plurality of engines have a first set of priorities associated with providing the power to the load; receive a plurality of parameters from a plurality of monitoring devices monitoring the plurality of engines; calculate a plurality of metrics corresponding to the plurality of engines based on the plurality of parameters; determine, based on the plurality of metrics, that a switching condition is satisfied to switch from the first set of priorities to a second set of priorities for the plurality of engines; determine the second set of priorities for the plurality of engines based on the plurality of metrics; and cause the plurality of engines to provide respective amounts of power to the load based on the second set of priorities.