Multi-Generator Power Supply Control Using Activation Priority Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Energy supply systems with multiple generators face challenges in optimizing the service life and operation efficiency due to frequent switching on and off, and in coordinating the diverse requirements and restrictions of various energy sources, particularly in multivalent systems that provide heat, cold, and electrical energy.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling energy supply systems that involves a control device detecting energy requests and distributing switch-on and switch-off requests based on 'on before off' and 'off before on' rules, ensuring even utilization of energy generators, and coordinating the operation of multiple energy sources to optimize their combined advantages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple energy generators are operated to meet energy supply requirements, then energy availability is improved, but the number of switching operations increases leading to reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidservice life of energy generators
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines switch-on and switch-off requests for all energy generators in advance based on the energy supply requirement, before actual switching operations occur. This allows optimization of the switching sequence to minimize the total number of operations while ensuring energy availability is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple energy generators by continuously evaluating energy supply requirements and generating appropriate switch-on/switch-off requests. This dynamic coordination ensures that energy availability is maintained while reducing unnecessary switching operations that would reduce generator service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If energy supply requirements are met by activating multiple generators, then energy availability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidcontrol coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: it detects energy supply requirements, determines which generators should be activated, generates switch-on and switch-off requests, and coordinates the operation of multiple generators. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating control logic into a single device rather than requiring complex inter-generator communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If frequent switching operations are performed to optimize energy distribution, then energy efficiency is improved, but generator wear increases reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution efficiencyVSAvoidservice life of energy generators
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines the optimal switching sequence in advance by evaluating energy supply requirements and generator states before executing switching operations. This preliminary determination allows the system to achieve efficient energy distribution while minimizing the frequency of switching operations, thereby reducing generator wear and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3433826B1Method for controlling a power supply system
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 VIESSMANN GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3433826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3433826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3433826B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a power supply system comprising at least two power generators, each of which is designed to provide at least one form of power, heat and/or cold and/or electrical power. The power supply system further comprises a closed-loop controller for each power generator for controlling the power generator and a control device for the coordinated control of the closed-loop controllers. The control device detects a power provision requirement for the provision of power in the form of heat and/or cold and/or electrical power and, for each power form, determines which power generators are needed to fulfil the power provision requirement. For each power form the control device creates activation demands for the power generators needed to fulfil the power provision requirement and deactivation demands for the power generators that are not needed. The control device determines, for each power generator, whether one activation demand, several activation demands or no activation demand exist(s) and whether one deactivation demand, several deactivation demands or no deactivation demand exist(s). For each generator having at least one activation demand, an activation demand is issued to the corresponding closed-loop controller, and for each generator having no activation demand and at least one deactivation demand, a deactivation demand is issued to the corresponding closed-loop controller.