Multi-Engine Power Control via Response Time Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution strategies in multi-engine systems, such as those in marine vessels and land drilling machines, result in slow response times due to the haphazard utilization of engines with varying power outputs, where a larger power resource takes longer to adapt to changes in required power, leading to undesirably long response times.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines and manages two engine groups based on response time characteristics, with the first group having faster response times and being utilized when output power is below a predetermined threshold, and the second group taking over when the threshold is reached, optimizing power distribution to minimize total engine response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a predefined ratio power distribution strategy is used, then power resources are utilized in a structured manner, but response time to changes in required power becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different power distribution strategies (predefined ratio mode and fastest response time mode) based on operating conditions. The controller monitors the required power level and automatically selects the appropriate control mode, making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for response time when needed while maintaining structured operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameters based on the operating state. When the required power is below a threshold, the system uses a predefined power distribution ratio. When the required power exceeds the threshold, the system switches to using only the fastest response engine group. This parameter-based switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the power distribution strategy to the specific operational requirements.
2Power
If larger power resources are prioritized, then total power output capacity increases, but adaptation time to power changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine system is segmented into different groups based on their response time characteristics. The controller can selectively engage different engine groups depending on the power requirement. This segmentation allows the system to use fast-response engines for quick adaptations and reserve larger power resources for sustained high-power operations, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and adaptation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of engines into groups with different response time characteristics. This pre-organization of engine groups allows for rapid deployment of appropriate power resources when changes in required power are detected, eliminating the need to adapt large power resources in real-time and thus reducing adaptation time while maintaining power capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haphazard utilization of power resources occurs, then flexibility in power distribution is achieved, but response time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control that adapts the power distribution strategy based on real-time requirements. The controller monitors the required power level and automatically switches between control modes (predefined ratio mode and fastest response mode), providing both flexibility and optimized response time without haphazard utilization. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable through intelligent control rather than random selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system to optimize response time of a plurality of engines of a machine is provided. The control system includes a controller configured to determine a first engine group and a second engine group based on data regarding response time characteristics of the plurality of engines, control the first engine group to increase output power of the machine when the output power of the machine is below a predetermined power output threshold, and control the second engine group to increase output power of the machine responsive to the output power of the machine reaching the predetermined power output threshold. A response time of the first engine group is faster than a response time of the second engine group when the output power of the machine is below the predetermined power output threshold.