Generator Set Network Communication Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks for generating sets lack reliability and reactivity, particularly in outdoor environments with high electrical and electromagnetic interference, and are vulnerable to physical attacks, which can disrupt critical operations in power plants.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that transmits identical information data twice with a predetermined time interval and systematically eliminates duplicate frames received, allowing for network self-healing and prioritizing critical information transmission, while also providing redundancy and alert mechanisms for fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-healing ring communication is implemented, then network reliability is improved, but responsiveness is too slow for generator sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting the same critical information data multiple times before a fault occurs. The system sends duplicate frames with identical information data at predetermined time intervals, ensuring that at least one frame will be received successfully even if a fault occurs between transmissions. This proactive approach eliminates the need for slow self-healing mechanisms by preventing information loss in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating temporal redundancy in communication transmissions. By spacing transmissions at predetermined intervals and maintaining a time buffer greater than or equal to the maximum fault duration, the system cushions against potential faults without requiring active self-healing responses. This cushioning approach ensures continuous operational capability despite network vulnerabilities.
2Reliability
If communication buses are duplicated, then protection against physical damage is improved, but vulnerability to simultaneous damage remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial redundancy (duplicating physical communication buses) to temporal redundancy (transmitting data multiple times over time). Instead of laying multiple physical cables that could all be damaged by roadworks, the system sends the same information data through the single existing bus at different time intervals. This dimensional shift from space to time eliminates the vulnerability to simultaneous physical damage while maintaining protection against transmission failures.
3Reliability
If multiple transmissions are implemented, then fault protection is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by transmitting identical information data frames multiple times without requiring complex error correction protocols or redundant network paths. The receiver simply needs to identify and process one valid frame containing the information data, eliminating the need for sophisticated protocol management. This copying approach achieves fault protection through simplicity rather than complexity.
4Extent of automation
If self-healing network is implemented, then automatic fault recovery is improved, but IT expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling generator set operators to perform communication fault detection and basic troubleshooting without requiring IT specialists. The systematic transmission and reception of duplicate frames with identical information data creates inherent fault detection capabilities that operators can monitor and respond to using their existing electrical engineering knowledge, eliminating the need for specialized IT expertise in network management.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of communicating in a network interconnecting at least two generating sets, each generating set being connected to the network by means of at least one interfacing device which can transmit and receive communication frames, the frames comprising at least one monitoring datum and at least one information datum. According to the invention, the method comprises a transmission step, during which the same information data are transmitted at least twice, two transmissions of frames to be transmitted comprising identical information data being temporally separated by a predetermined time interval, and a receiving step in which one of the frames received is systematically eliminated when two frames containing identical information data have been received.