Shared Controller for DC Bus and Energy Storage Module Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems in vehicles, such as aircraft and infantry fighting vehicles, face challenges in managing baseline and pulse loads efficiently, often requiring separate controllers that lead to redundancies, complex control algorithms, and potential instability due to competing control loops.
Innovation Solution
A shared system controller is used to manage a DC bus and energy storage modules, including DC/DC converters, to control charging and discharging of energy storage devices, eliminating the need for separate controllers and enhancing coordination between the active rectifier and energy storage modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate controllers are used for each energy storage module, then individual control flexibility is improved, but system complexity and control loop conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate controllers into a single shared system controller that manages all energy storage modules. This consolidation eliminates control loop conflicts and reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each module through coordinated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared system controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls charging and discharging of multiple energy storage modules, manages power distribution to loads, and coordinates with the generator. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized controllers with one versatile controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate controllers are used for each energy storage module, then individual module management is improved, but control loop stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging separate control loops into a single shared controller, the patent eliminates the instability caused by competing control loops. The shared controller coordinates all energy storage modules through a unified control strategy, ensuring stable system operation while maintaining individual module management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared system controller implements coordinated feedback control that monitors the state of charge and performance of all energy storage modules simultaneously. This unified feedback mechanism prevents the control loop conflicts and instability that arise from multiple independent controllers operating without coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controllers are deployed, then comprehensive control coverage is improved, but response time to load demands worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The shared system controller consolidates control functions into a single processing unit that can coordinate all energy storage modules simultaneously. This eliminates the communication overhead and coordination delays between multiple separate controllers, enabling faster response to load demands while maintaining comprehensive control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared controller pre-coordinates the state of multiple energy storage modules, maintaining them in optimal readiness states. When load demands occur, the controller can immediately dispatch the appropriate modules without the delays associated with inter-controller communication and coordination protocols.
4Measurement precision
If separate controllers are used, then individual control precision is improved, but overall system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shared system controller consolidates control functions to reduce redundant operations and communication overhead. By managing all energy storage modules through a single controller, the system eliminates the efficiency losses associated with multiple controllers operating independently, while maintaining precise control through coordinated management algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shared system controller improves the efficiency and stability of the electrical power system by enabling faster response to load demands, reducing the need for voltage trimming, and preventing unnecessary discharges, thus effectively managing both baseline and pulse loads without the complexities of separate control loops.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter configured to control charging of the at least one energy storage device from the DC bus and discharging of the at least one energy storage device onto the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
An example electrical power system includes a bus current controller configured to adjust a direct current (DC) provided on a DC bus, and a plurality of energy storage modules (ESMs). Each ESM includes at least one energy storage device, and includes a DC/DC converter configured to control charging of the at least one energy storage device from the DC bus and discharging of the at least one energy storage device onto the DC bus. A shared system controller is configured to control the bus current controller and the plurality of DC/DC converters. A method of controlling an electrical power system is also disclosed.