Distributed Generator Set Controllers for Parallel Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing generator sets with a single controller face increased load and operational challenges when controlling multiple units in parallel, leading to decreased processing speed and inefficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with multiple controllers, where one controller determines and stores local attributes and another controller receives and synchronizes remote attributes via a network switch, using industrial protocols like CIP, to facilitate load sharing and distribute electrical power effectively among connected generator sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single controller controls multiple generator sets in parallel, then all necessary functions can be controlled from one central unit, but the load on the controller increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple controllers, each responsible for controlling a specific generator set. Each controller independently manages its local generator set's functions including voltage, current, and speed control, thereby distributing the computational load and maintaining processing speed while achieving coordinated parallel operation through inter-controller communication.
2Ease of operation
If a single controller controls multiple generator sets, then centralized control is achieved, but the load on the controller negatively impacts operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented across multiple independent controllers, each managing its local generator set. This segmentation reduces the operational load on each individual controller, preventing overload conditions and maintaining reliable operations while still achieving coordinated control through communication between controllers for load sharing and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllers communicate with each other as intermediaries to exchange operational data and coordination signals. This intermediary communication mechanism enables centralized coordination of multiple generator sets without requiring a single overloaded controller, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and system reliability.
3Power
If multiple generator sets are connected in parallel to provide sufficient electrical power, then power capacity increases, but the single controller's ability to manage all functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple distributed controllers, each managing a specific generator set's functions including voltage, current, and speed control. This segmentation allows the system to scale power capacity by adding more generator sets without deteriorating controller processing capability, as each controller independently handles its local unit while coordinating with others through communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture transitions from a single-dimensional centralized controller to a multi-dimensional distributed controller network. Each controller operates in its own dimensional space managing local generator set functions, while communication channels provide the connecting dimension that enables coordinated parallel operation, thereby scaling power capacity without compromising processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first generator set may store, in a memory of the first generator set, data representing local attributes associated with an engine. The first generator set may receive, via a network switch of the first generator set, remote data representing remote attributes associated with a second generator set. The first generator set may cause the first controller to update, based on the remote data, the local data in the memory to synchronize the local attributes with the remote attributes. The first generator set may transmit, via the network switch, an indication that the local data was successfully updated in the memory.