Multi-device Control Unit for Electric Motor Fault Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electric motors are vulnerable to failures, where a fault in one control device can render the entire system inoperable, leading to ineffective utilization of expensive and valuable control devices.
Innovation Solution
A control unit comprising multiple control devices, each capable of performing general functions during both normal and fault states, with normal-time functions distributed among them to ensure continued operation even if one device fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control devices are used to control the electric motor, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the cost and complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control devices (first control device and second control device), each capable of independently controlling the electric motor. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one device fails, improving reliability while distributing complexity across separate units rather than concentrating it in a single complex controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control device is designed with specific functional characteristics tailored to its role. The first control device includes a first inverter and first controller, while the second control device includes a second inverter and second controller. This local differentiation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple control devices are deployed to ensure continuous operation during faults, then the availability of the electric motor is improved, but the utilization efficiency of the control devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different control devices based on operational status. During normal operation, both control devices can function, but when a fault is detected, the system dynamically transitions to using only the healthy control device, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining continuous motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
When a control device fails, the system discards the faulty device from active operation and recovers by switching to the functional control device. This allows the system to maintain motor availability while avoiding the waste of resources on non-functional components during fault conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit includes plural control devices configured to control drive of an electric motor. The plural control devices have general functions used for operating the electric motor both during a normal state and during a fault state, the normal state being where the plural control devices is working properly, the fault state being where any one of the plural control devices is having a fault. The plural control devices have normal-time functions distributed among the plural control devices, the normal-time functions being for use during the normal state but unnecessary during the fault state.