Communication-Induced Bifurcation and Collective Dynamics in Power Packet Networks: A Thermodynamic Approach to Information-Constrained Energy Grids

TL;DR

This paper models power packet networks as thermodynamic systems, revealing phase transitions and bifurcations influenced by information costs and network topology, with implications for autonomous energy management.

Contribution

It introduces a thermodynamic framework for analyzing nonlinear dynamics and phase transitions in power packet networks, highlighting the role of information costs and network structure.

Findings

Discontinuous phase transition occurs at a critical noise level D_c.

Network topology and coupling extend bifurcation thresholds.

Resilient collective behaviors emerge against local fluctuations.

Abstract

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamics and phase transitions in power packet network connected with routers, conceptualized as macroscopic information-ratchets. In the emerging paradigm of cyber-physical energy systems, the interplay between stochastic energy fluctuations and the thermodynamic cost of control information defines fundamental operational limits. We first formulate the dynamics of a single router using a Langevin framework, incorporating an exponential cost function for information acquisition. Our analysis reveals a discontinuous (first-order) phase transition, where the system adopts a strategic abandon of regulation as noise intensity exceeds a critical threshold $D_c$. This transition represents a fundamental information-barrier inherent to autonomous energy management. Here, we extend this model to network configurations, where multiple routers are linked through diffusive coupling, sharing energy between them. We demonstrate that the network topology and coupling strength significantly extend the bifurcation points, with collective resilient behaviors against local fluctuations. These results provide a rigorous mathematical basis for the design of future complex communication-energy network, suggesting that the stability of proposed systems is governed by the synergistic balance between physical energy flow and the thermodynamics of information exchange. It will serve to design future complex communication-energy networks, including internal energy management for autonomous robots.