Integrated Power Quality Module for Generator Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and number of electrical sources and loads in modern electronics, such as aerospace and ground vehicles, lead to power quality issues that can cause catastrophic failures, and existing systems struggle to maintain compatibility and prevent disturbances without adding significant hardware.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power quality module is incorporated into generator control units, allowing each unit to monitor and control not only its associated generator but also serve as a redundant backup for another unit, reducing the need for additional hardware and minimizing weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional monitoring features are implemented to detect and isolate equipment experiencing power quality issues, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power quality monitoring functions into a centralized control system that integrates multiple monitoring features into a unified architecture. This merging approach allows comprehensive power quality detection and isolation capabilities while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various power quality monitoring tasks including detecting different types of power quality issues, isolating affected equipment, and coordinating responses across multiple generators and loads. This universal approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant power quality control is implemented to prevent catastrophic failures, then system reliability is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundancy by having control units serve dual purposes - controlling their associated generators while also monitoring other control units for power quality issues. This merging of control and monitoring functions into existing units provides redundant protection without adding separate heavy hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Control units are designed with universal functionality to perform both local generator control and remote monitoring of other control units. This multi-functionality enables redundant power quality control across the system while minimizing additional weight and volume requirements.
3Device complexity
If integrated power quality module is incorporated into generator control units, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power quality monitoring module is integrated directly into the existing generator control units, combining multiple functions into a single embedded system. This integration reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies system architecture, though it requires precise integration during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control units are designed with universal capabilities to handle both generator control and power quality monitoring functions. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate dedicated monitoring hardware, reducing device complexity despite the precision required for integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A power quality control system configured to control and monitor electrical systems is provided. The system includes a first generator control unit configured to control a power of a first generator, a second generator control unit configured to control a power of a second generator, and a first integrated power quality module integrated with the first generator control unit and configured to operate as a power quality check for the second generator control unit.