Programmable Multi-Sensor Control System for Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement and control systems in electrical power distribution are often discrete and require separate installations, leading to issues with multiple vendors, proprietary communication protocols, and space constraints for power supplies and interconnection elements.
Innovation Solution
A programmable multi-sensor measurement and control system with a main controller and expandable module racks, using a master/slave communication model to address and manage modules with metering, logic, control, and sensing elements, allowing for integrated monitoring and control of current, voltage, and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete measurement and control systems are installed separately, then each system can be independently configured and maintained, but the system complexity increases and requires multiple vendors and proprietary communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete measurement and control systems into a single integrated system with a common communication bus. Different functional modules (measurement, control, monitoring) from potentially different vendors can be installed in the same rack and communicate through a standardized protocol, reducing the need for multiple proprietary communication systems while maintaining independent module functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication interface that allows modules from different manufacturers to interoperate. The system uses a standardized communication bus and protocol that can handle various types of modules (CTs, voltage sensors, control modules) uniformly, eliminating the need for vendor-specific communication protocols
2Ease of manufacture
If separate measurement and control systems are installed, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but space requirements increase due to separate power supplies and interconnection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate systems into a single integrated rack-mounted system. Power supplies, communication interfaces, and interconnection elements are shared across all modules in the rack, significantly reducing the total space required compared to installing separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a modular rack architecture where individual measurement and control modules are nested within a common rack structure. Modules can be stacked vertically or horizontally, sharing common mounting rails, power distribution, and communication infrastructure, thereby optimizing space utilization
3Reliability
If multiple discrete systems are installed, then comprehensive monitoring coverage is achieved, but the number of entities and vendors to manage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and standardized module interfaces that allow all measurement and control functions to be managed through a single system architecture. This reduces the number of vendor-specific management interfaces from multiple to one, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage across all functions
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement and control system comprises a housing and an electrical power distribution sub-system. The housing includes a plurality of addressable and programmable modules, a module rack that is expandable and having a length, and a main controller configured to communicate with the plurality of addressable and programmable modules. Each of the addressable and programmable module is installed on the module rack in a sequential configuration and is addressable based on a specific physical location of it across the length of the module rack. The main controller communicates with the plurality of addressable and programmable modules by addressing through a communication network. The electrical power distribution sub-system is configured to monitor inputs and signals from the each addressable and programmable module.