Power Module Master Takeover for Fault-Tolerant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The failure of a master control module in an adaptive modular power conversion system leads to significant adverse impacts, and redundant master control modules are costly and complex, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A control system that migrates the control function from a failed master control module to a designated power module, which operates as the new master by maintaining information tables and sending heartbeat and time synchronization messages, allowing seamless operation without the need for redundant modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant master control module is configured to take over when the master control module fails, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to provide backup functionality. Any power module can take over master control functions when needed, eliminating the need for dedicated redundant master control modules. The power modules serve dual purposes: their primary power conversion function and potential master control function, achieving self-service backup without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Power modules are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both their primary power conversion task and serving as master control modules when required. This universal design allows any power module to assume control functions, replacing the traditional single-function redundant master control module with a multi-functional approach that reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a redundant master control module is configured to take over when the master control module fails, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to provide backup functionality. Any power module can take over master control functions when needed, eliminating the need for dedicated redundant master control modules. The power modules serve dual purposes: their primary power conversion function and potential master control function, achieving self-service backup without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Power modules are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both their primary power conversion task and serving as master control modules when required. This universal design allows any power module to assume control functions, replacing the traditional single-function redundant master control module with a multi-functional approach that reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system includes a master control module and at least one power module. The master control module sends information indicating that the master control module operates normally to each of the at least one power module at a predetermined period, and performs a control operation for controlling the at least one power module, and a starting power module whose operating address is a predetermined starting address among the at least one power module operates as the master control module based on not receiving the information within the predetermined period, wherein the operating addresses of the at least one power module are ranked according to a sequential order in which the master control module receives requests for the operating addresses by the at least one power module, and starting from the predetermined starting address.