Power Switch Cabinet Control for Dynamic Module Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power switch cabinets with power modules require manual power-down and adaptation for operational changes, such as fault recovery or load demand adjustments, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A controller and communication mechanism based on publish-subscribe mode automatically determines target enabled power modules and their output powers without powering down, using an information table to manage states and prioritize modules for seamless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual power-down and adaptation is performed for operational changes, then system reliability is improved through controlled shutdown, but productivity deteriorates due to downtime and manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines target enabled power modules and their output powers based on load demand and module states without requiring manual intervention. The controller dynamically adjusts power module configurations, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate downtime associated with manual power-down and adaptation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual configuration to dynamic automatic adjustment. The controller continuously monitors load demand and power module states, dynamically determining which modules to enable and their respective output powers, allowing the system to adapt in real-time without shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual adaptation is performed for power module changes, then operational control is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines target enabled power modules and their output powers based on load demand and module states without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures when power modules are added or removed, eliminating the time loss associated with manual adaptation while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from load demand signals and power module state information to automatically adjust the configuration of enabled modules. The controller receives feedback about which modules are available and their current states, then automatically determines the optimal configuration without manual input or downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If power switch cabinet is powered down for adaptations, then system stability is improved through controlled shutdown, but loss of time increases due to required power-down operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of power modules during operation without requiring shutdown. The controller can add or remove power modules from active service while the system remains powered on, maintaining stability through controlled dynamic adjustment rather than static shutdown-and-restart cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous power supply and operational stability by enabling and disabling individual modules dynamically. When a module needs to be removed or added, the controller redistributes the load among remaining modules, ensuring continuous useful action without interruption to the overall system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If additional adaptations are required for power module changes, then configuration precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to manual adaptation procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines the precise configuration of target enabled power modules based on load demand and module states. The system self-configures by calculating which modules to enable and their respective output powers, eliminating the need for manual adaptation procedures and reducing system complexity while maintaining configuration precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration procedures with automated electronic control. The controller uses electronic signals and algorithms to determine module configurations, substituting the complex manual adaptation process with a simpler automated system that achieves the same configuration precision without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4633003A1Controller, control method, power switch system, program product and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (CHINA) CO LTD
  • EP4633003A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4633003A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4633003A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling an operation of a power switch cabinet with a plurality of power modules, the controller communicating with the plurality of power modules in a publish-subscribe mode through a bus, the controller being configured to determine a power change triggering event; in response to the power change triggering event, determine one or more target enabled power modules to be enabled and respective target output powers of the one or more target enabled power modules based on a target total output power of the power switch cabinet and an information table associated with the plurality of power modules; and control the one or more target enabled power modules to be enabled at their respective target output powers. The present disclosure relates to a control method, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium and a power switch system.