Priority Load Sharing for Multi-Source DC Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems with multiple power sources face challenges in efficient load sharing, particularly in transitioning between power sources without commands or disconnecting them, leading to suboptimal performance in meeting varying load demands.
Innovation Solution
The electrical power system configures a first power source to supply DC power when demand is below its capacity and automatically enables a second power source to assist when demand exceeds the first source's capacity, allowing both to supply power without receiving commands or disconnecting from the output, utilizing priority settings and control modes like constant voltage, current, or power regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If priority load sharing is implemented by turning power sources on and off using enable/disable commands, then load demand can be met, but system complexity and response time are increased due to command-based control
Solution Approach 1:
The power sources are configured with priority settings that enable them to automatically determine their own operational status based on load demand. The system self-regulates by having power sources monitor the output bus voltage and current, and each power source independently decides whether to contribute power based on its priority level and the current load conditions, eliminating the need for external enable/disable commands
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of the output bus voltage and current by each power source. This feedback mechanism allows power sources to detect when the load demand exceeds the capacity of higher-priority sources and automatically adjust their operational state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically to load changes without external commands
2Productivity
If power sources are connected and disconnected from the output bus as needed, then load sharing can be achieved, but system reliability and response speed deteriorate due to connection/disconnection operations
Solution Approach 1:
Lower-priority power sources are pre-configured to remain in a standby state with their output switches closed and ready to contribute power. Instead of disconnecting and reconnecting power sources during load changes, the system pre-positions all power sources in an enabled state with appropriate priority settings, allowing them to immediately begin contributing power when load demand requires it without connection/disconnection delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the contribution level of each power source based on real-time load conditions while maintaining continuous connection to the output bus. The output switches remain closed throughout operation, and power sources smoothly modulate their output current based on priority settings and load demand, eliminating the mechanical or electrical disruptions associated with connection and disconnection operations
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring and command-based operations are used for load sharing, then power distribution can be controlled, but system responsiveness and operational simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each power source is equipped with priority settings and monitoring capabilities that enable it to independently determine when it should contribute power to the load. The power sources self-manage their contribution based on the output bus conditions and their configured priority levels, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems or command-based control operations
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and control functions are merged into the power sources themselves rather than being separate external systems. Each power source incorporates the ability to monitor output bus conditions and automatically adjust its contribution, combining what would traditionally be separate monitoring and control functions into the power source units themselves, thereby simplifying the overall system operation
Data Source
AI summary
Example electrical power systems include an output for supplying a DC output voltage to a load, a first power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load, and a second power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load. The electrical power system is configured to supply DC power to the load using only the first power source when a demand of the load is less than an output capacity of the first power source, and the second power source is configured to maintain an enabled on-state when only the first power source is supplying DC power to the load. Additional electrical power systems and methods are also disclosed.