Multi-engine rack redundant computing architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of engine computers in multi-engine bays for space launchers due to redundant hardware and software architecture for ensuring reliability is a significant challenge, especially when these computers are spatially adapted for extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parallel execution of engine calculations across multiple engine computers associated with different engines, ensuring redundancy while using industrial-grade computers instead of spatially designed ones, and utilizing a determination device to identify valid computers and produce a single result for equipment control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant hardware and software architecture is implemented in engine computers for reliability, then reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the computing resources of multiple engine computers into a shared pool. Instead of each engine computer having complete redundant hardware and software, the system combines computing power across engines 1-6 to provide redundancy for each engine's calculations, reducing individual computer complexity and cost while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each engine computer is designed with multi-functionality to perform not only its own engine's calculations but also calculations for other engines. This universal capability allows any functioning computer to back up failed computers, providing redundancy without requiring dedicated backup hardware for each engine
2Reliability
If spatially adapted computers are used for extreme conditions, then reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of each engine computer's computational capability across multiple physical computers. Instead of using expensive spatially adapted computers with complete hardware redundancy, the system copies the calculation functions across standard industrial computers distributed throughout the engine bay, achieving redundancy through software-based function duplication rather than physical hardware duplication
3Device complexity
If each engine computer performs only its own calculations, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation where engine computers can switch between performing their own engine's calculations and performing calculations for other engines based on operational needs and failure states. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to maintain reduced device complexity during normal operation while automatically increasing reliability when failures occur
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A multi-motor bay (10) comprising a plurality of motors (M1..M7), each of said motors comprising a motor control unit (22,24) associated with the motor and configured to acquire measurement signals from sensors (32,34) of the motor and to perform a motor calculation, which is a calculation relating to the motor or at least one component thereof. In this bay, for at least one first motor, at least one motor control unit associated with a motor other than the first motor is configured to perform said motor calculation for the first motor in parallel with the control unit associated with the first motor. The redundancy of calculations of the motor control units is thus ensured mutually by the motor control units of the different motors.