Multi-Processor Control System for Power Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrical power distribution networks face challenges in ensuring continuous operation and redundancy, particularly when some electronic processors are incapacitated or in different readiness states, which can impact the ability to monitor and control electrical apparatuses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control system with multiple electronic processors that can interact with electrical apparatuses, featuring conditioning modules to sense network properties, command modules to generate command signals, and readiness states that allow for different power consumption levels, ensuring robust interaction and monitoring even when some processors are unavailable or in conservation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electronic processors are used in the control system, then reliability and redundancy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent electronic processors, each capable of independently interacting with electrical apparatuses. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when some processors are incapacitated, as other processors can continue operation. The system divides the control function across multiple processing units rather than relying on a single centralized processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by preparing backup processors that can take over when primary processors fail. The control system anticipates processor incapacitation and has pre-configured redundant processing capabilities ready to activate, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to the electrical apparatus monitoring and control functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If processors are placed in different readiness states to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to interact with electrical apparatuses may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor readiness states based on operational requirements and power availability. Processors can transition between different readiness states (fully operational, partially operational, or standby) allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining the necessary interaction capability with electrical apparatuses. This dynamic state management enables adaptability between energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of processors by implementing different readiness states with varying power consumption levels. Processors can be placed in low-power states when full functionality is not required, yet the system maintains the capability to transition to full operational states when interaction with electrical apparatuses is needed, thus balancing energy efficiency with reliability.
3Reliability
If some processors are incapacitated due to failure or reprogramming, then device complexity increases, but the system must maintain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments processing functions across multiple independent processors, so that incapacitation of one or more processors does not compromise the entire system. Each processor operates independently, and the system architecture allows other functional processors to continue monitoring and controlling electrical apparatuses even when some processors are failed or being reprogrammed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements copying by having multiple processors that can replicate the same control and monitoring functions. When one processor is incapacitated, another processor can take over its functions, effectively copying its operational role. This redundancy ensures continuous operation without requiring complex failure management protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an electrical apparatus configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of an electrical power distribution network; and a control system including more than one electronic processor, where the electronic processors are configured to cause the control system to interact with the electrical apparatus, an interaction between the control system and the electrical apparatus including one or more of the control system providing information to the electrical apparatus and the control system receiving information from the electrical apparatus, and if some of the electronic processors are unable to cause the control system to interact with the electrical apparatus, at least one of the other electronic processors is able to cause the control system to interact with the apparatus.