Load sharing architecture for redundant channel controllers

Abstract

A redundant, multi-source architecture provides output loads access to each of the plurality of power sources. The architecture includes at a least a first power bus and a second power bus. A plurality of loads are connected to the first power bus and the second power bus. Redundant first and second channel controllers are connected to receive power from the first power bus and the second power bus, respectively, wherein one of the first and second channel controllers is designated as the active channel controller. The active channel controller allocates power from both the first power bus and the second power bus to each of the plurality of loads.

1 . A channel controller for use in a redundant, load-sharing architecture in which each of a plurality of loads are connected to both a local power bus and a redundant power bus, the channel controller comprising:
 a power allocation module that monitors the status of the local power bus, receives input from a redundant channel controller regarding the status of the redundant power bus, evaluates power demands of the plurality of loads, and selectively determines an allocation of power to each of the plurality of loads from either the local power bus or the redundant power bus; and   a communication output for providing power allocation instructions to each of the plurality of loads based upon the allocation of power determined by the power allocation module.   
     
     
         2 . The channel controller of  claim 1 , wherein the power allocation module determines power allocation to the plurality of loads based, in part, on expected power required by each load and power thresholds associated with the local and redundant power buses. 
     
     
         3 . The channel controller of  claim 2 , wherein the power allocation module determines power allocation to the plurality of loads based, in addition, on nominal, transient, and worst case scenarios regarding expected power requirements of each of the plurality of loads. 
     
     
         4 . The channel controller of  claim 1 , wherein the power allocation module includes a microprocessor executing software stored on a computer readable medium for making determinations regarding the allocation of power from the local power bus and the redundant power bus to the plurality of loads. 
     
     
         5 . The channel controller of  claim 1 , wherein the power allocation module includes power share arbitration logic for making determinations regarding the allocation of power from the local power bus and the redundant power bus to the plurality of loads. 
     
     
         6 . The channel controller of  claim 1 , further including:
 an input interface for providing instructions regarding load operation for use by the power allocation module in determining allocation of power.   
     
     
         7 . A method of allocating power to a plurality of loads from both a first power bus and a second power bus connected to each of the plurality of loads, the method comprising:
 selecting an active channel controller from a first channel controller and a second channel controller, the first chancel controller connected to receive and monitor power from the first power bus, the second channel controller connected to receive and monitor power from the second power bus;   evaluating power demand requirements of the plurality of loads;   allocating power to each of the plurality of loads from either the local power bus or the redundant power bus; and   communicating the allocation of power from the active channel controller to the plurality of loads.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein allocating power from the first power bus and the second power bus to the plurality of loads includes:
 ensuring allocation of power from the first power bus does not exceed a trip threshold of a first protective circuit associated with the first power bus; and   ensuring allocation of power from the second power bus does not exceed a trip threshold of a second protective circuit associated with the second power bus.