Multiplexer Demultiplexer Control for Power Converter Communication Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for large power converters with numerous power cells face challenges in achieving high control performance and operational readiness due to communication delays and conflicts with redundant power cell designs in line topologies.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method utilizing a cascaded multiplexer/demultiplexer (MDM) device with an uplink port connected to a central control unit and multiple downlink ports for direct communication with remote I/O devices, along with a communications control and management module to manage data flow, enabling quick transmission times and high control performance without a logical or physical line topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a line topology is used to connect remote I/O devices in series, then the system structure is simple and economical, but communication delays increase and control performance deteriorates when the number of power cells is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into hierarchical segments: a central control unit, intermediate control units, and remote I/O devices. Each segment manages a subset of power cells, allowing parallel communication paths and reducing the communication distance and delay for any given device compared to a single long line topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control units as mediators between the central control unit and remote I/O devices. These intermediaries handle local communication and data processing, reducing the burden on the central unit and shortening the communication path for remote devices, thereby reducing overall communication delay.
2Power
If more power cells are added to increase converter capacity, then the power conversion capability is improved, but communication conflicts and control performance degradation occur in line topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels that can independently manage groups of power cells. This allows the system to scale to high power capacities by adding more segments without causing communication conflicts, as each segment operates semi-independently with its own control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional line topology to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. This dimensional change allows multiple communication paths and parallel data flows, enabling the system to handle large numbers of power cells without the communication conflicts that plague linear topologies.
3Reliability
If redundant power cells are implemented for operational readiness, then system reliability is improved, but conflicts arise with line topology communication architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical segmentation allows redundant power cells to be distributed across different segments controlled by different intermediate units. This distributes the communication load and avoids the conflicts that would arise in a line topology where all devices compete for the same communication bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical communication architecture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports primary and redundant power cell communication, enables scalable system expansion, and provides multiple communication paths. This multi-functionality resolves the conflict between redundancy requirements and communication architecture simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device and method for large power converters having a high number of power cells may contain power semiconductor switching elements, receive commands from a central control unit, and send information to the central control unit. The control device comprises multiplexer/demultiplexer device(s), which comprises an uplink port for connection to the central control unit, a plurality of downlink ports for direct connection to a communications interface of an associated power cell, and a communications control and management module. The communications control and management module may extract information from a transmit frame received from the central control unit via the uplink port, may feed this information to the corresponding downlink port for the relevant power cell , may insert response information received from particular power cells into a receive frame, and may send this via the uplink port to the central control unit.