System for energy recovery and sensor power supply in freight trains

By installing energy recovery devices and on-board battery systems on the train, the complexity and fault problems of traditional sensor power supply methods are solved, stable power supply and emergency power guarantee are achieved, and the energy efficiency and safety of the train are improved.

CN119966050BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-19SHIJIAZHUANG TIEDAO UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510450859.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-11
Publication Date
2025-08-19
Estimated Expiration
2045-04-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The traditional train sensor power supply method relies on the on-board power system, resulting in complex wiring and increased weight, and the inability to supply power in time in the event of a failure, affecting train safety; how to effectively recycle train energy and power sensors has become a research hotspot.

Method used

The energy recovery device is adopted, including a base, an inertial pendulum, a generator and an electromagnetic power generation mechanism. It is converted into electrical energy through vibration energy, stored in the on-board battery, and powered the sensors through the power supply line. The on-board auxiliary power supply provides backup in an emergency situation.

Benefits of technology

It realizes stable power supply of sensors, reduces failure rate, improves energy utilization efficiency, extends the life of the power system, and provides emergency power in emergencies.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains, relating to the technical field of energy recovery and operational safety for freight trains. The system comprises an energy recovery device, an onboard battery, a power supply circuit, and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the onboard battery via the power supply circuit, the onboard battery is connected to the energy recovery device via the power supply circuit, and the onboard battery is connected to the locomotive auxiliary power supply via the main power supply circuit. The present invention adopts the above-mentioned system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains. The energy recovery device includes two energy recovery structures to improve the efficiency of vibration energy conversion and utilize the energy generated during train operation to generate electricity, thereby reducing power consumption. The system is a separate power supply system on the vehicle. The power supply circuit is simpler than that using the locomotive onboard power supply, greatly reducing the failure rate.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy recovery and operation safety of freight trains, and in particular to a system for energy recovery of freight trains and power supply of sensors thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the field of railway transportation, the safe and stable operation of locomotives and vehicles is of vital importance. In order to ensure the stability and safety of train operation, it is necessary to install various sensors to detect the train operation status at key locations such as the train running gear. Train sensors play a vital role and are widely used to monitor various operating parameters of the train, such as speed, temperature, pressure, vibration, etc., to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the train.

[0003] However, powering the sensors has always been a key technical challenge. Traditional power supply methods rely primarily on the train's onboard power system, providing power to each sensor through wiring. However, this power supply method has many limitations. First, the large amount of sensor wiring increases the complexity and weight of the train, not only increasing construction costs, but also, over long-term operation, problems such as wiring aging and wear can cause electrical failures, affecting the normal operation of sensors and threatening the safety of train operations. Second, on non-catenary lines, the traction locomotive is a diesel locomotive. In the event of an accident or power system failure, the sensors may lose power and fail to operate normally, unable to provide critical information to the train control system in a timely manner.

[0004] At the same time, trains generate a large amount of usable energy during operation, such as kinetic energy during braking and mechanical energy generated by vibration. How to effectively recover this energy and use it to power sensors has become a research hotspot. The development of energy recovery technology offers a new approach to solving the sensor power supply problem. Suitable energy conversion devices can provide sensors with a reliable power supply independent of traditional power sources. This not only reduces the train's dependence on the power supply system but also improves the energy efficiency and operational reliability of the entire train system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system for energy recovery and sensor power supply of freight trains, which can effectively recover energy and use it to power sensors, thereby improving the efficiency of vibration energy conversion.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a system for energy recovery in freight trains and powering their sensors, including an energy recovery device, an on-board battery, a power supply line, and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the on-board battery via the power supply line, the on-board battery is connected to the energy recovery device via the power supply line, and the on-board battery is connected to the locomotive auxiliary power supply via the main power supply line.

[0007] Preferably, the energy recovery device includes a base, an inertial pendulum, a generator and an electromagnetic power generation mechanism. The electromagnetic power generation mechanism is inside the base, the base is rotatably connected to the center column, the upper end of the center column is fixedly connected to the right end of the inertial pendulum, the lower surface of the left end of the inertial pendulum is connected to the first gear, the first gear is meshed with the second gear, the second gear is connected to the drive shaft of the generator, and the generator is fixed on the base.

[0008] Preferably, the electromagnetic generating mechanism includes a ring-mounted magnet and a winding coil, the winding coil is located inside the ring-mounted magnet, the ring-mounted magnet and the winding coil are installed in the lower hollow part of the base, the base is connected to the train bogie axle box, and the winding coil is connected to the axle end through bolts or slots.

[0009] Preferably, the base includes a cylinder, a second support plate and a first support plate, the first support plate is connected to the upper part of the cylinder, the upper part of the cylinder is connected to the second support plate by bolts, the lower surface of the support plate is connected to the generator, and the transmission shaft of the generator passes through the second support plate and is connected to the first gear.

[0010] Preferably, the cylinder is a hollow structure, at least one bearing is fixed in the cylinder, the center column extends into the cylinder and is connected to the bearing, a bearing locker is installed in the bearing, the center column passes through the first support plate perpendicular to the cylinder, and is rotatably connected to the cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the inertia pendulum is a fan-shaped structure, and inertia pendulum pressure plates are provided above and below the edge of the inertia pendulum, and the inertia pendulum pressure plates are connected to the inertia pendulum by bolts.

[0012] Preferably, the inertial pendulum is provided with different arcs, namely 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 180°, and 360°.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor includes a pressure sensor, a micro-electromechanical three-axis acceleration sensor, a displacement sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an axle temperature monitoring sensor, a temperature monitoring sensor and a speed sensor, and the speed sensor is connected to the bearing locker.

[0014] Preferably, the power supply system workflow includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Based on the different operating environments, select a matching energy recovery device in the freight train energy recovery and sensor power supply system;

[0016] Step 2: When the freight train is running, the energy recovery device in the system drives the power generation device in the device to generate electricity;

[0017] Step 3: The vehicle-mounted independent power supply receives power and starts storing electricity and supplying power to the vehicle sensors;

[0018] Step 4: All sensors on the vehicle are powered and work normally, and display various train operation data in real time;

[0019] When a train encounters an emergency or the power supply system fails and cannot provide power supply guarantee, the on-board auxiliary power supply is connected to the on-board independent power supply, which can not only power various sensors but also emergency power equipment.

[0020] Preferably, step 2 includes the following steps:

[0021] S1: The train is running, the energy recovery device starts to absorb energy, the inertial pendulum drives the generator to generate electricity, and the electromagnetic induction device generates electricity;

[0022] S2, charging the battery and supplying power to the sensor;

[0023] S3, the sensor works, and the running speed is fed back through the speed sensor in the sensor;

[0024] S4, controlling the rotation of the inertial pendulum by controlling the bearing lock in the device according to the running speed;

[0025] S5. Control the power generation mode of the power generation device to ensure that the system maintains sufficient power generation to provide stable power supply for the sensor.

[0026] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] (1) The system device of the present invention can be installed on the axle end of the freight train bogie to achieve efficient recovery and utilization of the energy released by the train operation, providing a new power supply method for heavy-duty railways, optimizing the power supply system, improving the energy efficiency of the train, extending the working life of the power system, and providing power for sensors, thereby realizing real-time monitoring and damage detection of the power supply system.

[0028] (2) The vibration energy recovery device provided by the present invention includes two energy recovery structures. Different energy recovery devices can be selected according to different operating environments, different traction conditions and traction locomotive performance to improve the vibration energy conversion efficiency.

[0029] (3) The present invention utilizes the energy generated by the train during operation to generate electricity through an energy recovery device, thereby reducing power consumption, realizing vibration energy recovery and utilization, and promoting intelligent management.

[0030] (4) The present invention is a separate power supply system on the vehicle. The power supply circuit is simpler than that using the locomotive onboard power supply, which greatly reduces the failure rate.

[0031] (5) The present invention has an independent battery that can be connected to the locomotive auxiliary power system to provide emergency protection for other electrical equipment in the event of an emergency during train operation.

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the process of the system of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the working of the system of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the energy recovery device of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional oblique view from below of the energy recovery device of the present invention

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the energy recovery device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 is a top view of the energy recovery device of the present invention;

[0039] Reference numerals

[0040] 1. Base; 2. Inertia pendulum; 3. Center column; 4. Generator; 5. First gear; 6. Second gear; 7. First support plate; 8. Winding coil; 9. Ring magnet; 10. Inertia pendulum pressure plate; 11. Bolt; 12. Cylinder; 13. Second support plate; 14. Bearing; 15. Bearing lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects preceding the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] Example

[0044] See also Figure 1-6 The present invention provides a system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains, including an energy recovery device, an onboard battery, a power supply line, and various sensors. In the entire system, the energy recovery device is connected to the onboard battery via a power supply line, and the battery is connected to various onboard sensors via a power supply line. The speed sensor is connected to a built-in bearing locker via a sensor line to lock the bearing, and the onboard battery also has a main power supply line connected to the locomotive auxiliary power supply. The vibration energy recovery device is the core device of the present invention, which is responsible for recovering the large amount of energy consumed during train operation and generating electricity.

[0045] The energy recovery device is a device suitable for energy recovery of heavy-load railways, including a base 1, an inertia pendulum 2, a center column 3, a generator 4, an electromagnetic power generation mechanism, a first gear 5 and a second gear 6, and a bearing lock 15. The lower end of the center column 3 is perpendicular to the upper end surface of the base 1 and is rotatably connected to the base 1. The right end of the inertia pendulum 2 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the center column 3. The lower surface of the left end of the inertia pendulum 2 is connected to the first gear 5, and the upper surface is connected to the electromagnetic power generation mechanism. The inertia pendulum 2 causes the first gear 5 and the electromagnetic power generation mechanism to rotate, and the center column is located at the center position of the first gear 5.

[0046] The lower portion of base 1 is a hollow cylinder. Generator 4 is fixed to base 1. Second gear 6 is connected to the drive shaft of generator 4, and second gear 6 meshes with first gear 5 for transmission. An electromagnetic generator mechanism is built into base 1 and includes a winding coil 8 and an annular magnet 9. The annular magnet 9 and winding coil 8 are mounted in the hollow portion of the lower portion of base 1. Base 1 is connected to the train bogie axlebox. Winding coil 8 is provided with bolt holes and connected to the axle end via bolts or slots. Winding coil 8 is located inside the magnet ring. Winding coil 8 is located inside the annular magnet.

[0047] The inertial pendulum 2 is a fan-shaped structure, with the central corner of the inertial pendulum 2 fixedly connected to the center column 3, and the arc edge of the inertial pendulum 2 respectively connected to the first gear 5. Two inertial pendulum pressure plates 10 are fixed above and below the edge of the inertial pendulum 2 by bolts 11 respectively.

[0048] The base includes a cylinder 12, a first support plate 7 and a second support plate 13. The first support plate 7 is connected to the upper end of the cylinder 12, and the second support plate 13 is connected to the lower end of the cylinder 12; the generator 4 is connected to the lower surface of the second support plate 13 by bolts 11, and the transmission shaft of the generator 4 passes through the first support plate 7 and is connected to the second gear 6. The cylinder 12 is a hollow structure, and at least one bearing 14 is fixed in the cylinder 12. The center column 3 is perpendicular to the cylinder 12 and is rotatably connected to the cylinder 12. The center column 3 extends into the cylinder 12 and is connected to the bearing 14. The built-in bearing locker 15 is installed on the bearing 14 inside the center column to control the rotation of the bearing 14.

[0049] The energy recovery device of the present invention has a relatively simple structure and is easy to operate. Different energy recovery devices can be selected according to different operating environments, different traction conditions, and the performance of the traction locomotive. The energy recovery device provides two power generation structures: one absorbs vibration energy to enable the inertial pendulum 2 to drive the generator 4 to generate electricity, and the other uses an electromagnetic induction device to generate electricity, of which the electromagnetic induction device is the primary power generation structure. In actual operation, due to the different speeds and cargo loads in railway transportation, the magnitude of the vibration energy varies with the operating speed. A smaller angle of the inertial pendulum 2 for the energy recovery device can save materials and fully utilize resources. A larger angle of the inertial pendulum 2 can collect more energy on high-speed, heavy-load railways. However, during extremely slow transportation, the larger angle of the inertial pendulum 2 will slow down its rotation speed due to its large size and weight, which will also reduce energy recovery to a certain extent. Therefore, the angle of the inertial pendulum 2 can be selected according to actual conditions, and 30°, 60°, 90°, 180°, and 360° are all suitable. For the primary power generation structure, the electromagnetic generator device can be stacked according to the power consumption to increase the power generation capacity during actual operation.

[0050] The system of the present invention can provide a variety of different power generation modes. One is a power generation mode that combines an electromagnetic power generation device with a generator; another is a mode in which the inertial pendulum 2 is fixed by locking the bearing 14 with a built-in bearing lock 15, and the electromagnetic power generation device generates electricity alone; it can also be freely combined during the entire operation of the train. Because the energy recovery device has a built-in bearing lock 15 and is connected to a speed sensor, the rotation of the bearing 14 can be controlled according to the speed. When the speed is low, it is locked and the electromagnetic power generation device generates electricity; when the speed is high, it is opened and the two power generation structures generate electricity at the same time. Those skilled in the art can set it according to their needs.

[0051] The generator in the vibration energy recovery device operates as follows: When the train is running, the vibrations generated cause the inertial pendulum 2 to rotate about the center column 3. This rotation drives the first gear 5 and the tray, which in turn drives the second gear 6, thereby generating electricity through the generator 4. The rotation of the tray drives the winding coil 8. Since the magnets are placed on the tray, they rotate relative to the winding coil 8, cutting the magnetic flux lines to generate electricity. The present invention provides two energy recovery structures to improve energy conversion efficiency.

[0052] The first gear 5 is an internal gear, and the second gear 6 is an external gear. The first gear 5 and the second gear 6 can be either internally meshed or externally meshed. Since the meshing rotation of the gears only causes the transmission shaft to drive the generator 4 to generate electricity, there are no specific requirements for the meshing method of the gears. Specifically, those skilled in the art can configure it according to their needs, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0053] The freight train energy recovery and sensor power supply system has the following steps:

[0054] Step 1: Based on different operating environments, different energy recovery devices are selected in the freight train energy recovery and sensor power supply system.

[0055] Step 2: When the freight train is running, the energy recovery device in the system drives the power generation device in the device to generate electricity.

[0056] Step 3: The energy recovery device generates electricity and supplies power to the vehicle's independent power supply. The vehicle's independent power supply receives power and starts to store electricity and supply power to the vehicle's sensors.

[0057] Step 4: All sensors on the vehicle are powered and work normally and display all train operation data in real time.

[0058] Step 5: When the train encounters an emergency or the power supply system fails and cannot provide power supply guarantee, the onboard auxiliary power supply is connected to the onboard independent power supply, which can not only power various sensors but also emergency power equipment.

[0059] The onboard independent power source is a battery installed in the train's bogie. This battery is connected to the vibration energy recovery device, storing the energy generated by it. It also connects to various sensors, providing a stable power source for their proper operation. This power ensures the sensors function properly and displays real-time train operating data. The battery can be selected by staff based on the operating route and environment.

[0060] The sensors include: speed sensors, which are used together with high-definition color linear array scanning units to conduct real-time monitoring of moving railway freight trains.

[0061] Microelectromechanical (MEMS) three-axis acceleration sensor is used to monitor the running stability and serpentine instability of trucks.

[0062] Displacement sensors are used to monitor overloading and uneven loading of freight vehicles.

[0063] Laser ranging sensor is used to monitor spring deflection and uses high dynamic response characteristics to achieve spring expansion and contraction measurement.

[0064] Axle temperature monitoring sensor is used to monitor the bearing status.

[0065] The temperature monitoring sensor is used to monitor the brake shoe status and determine the temperature rise of the wheel and brake shoe when the relief is poor.

[0066] Pressure sensors used to monitor event recorders on railway trains provide important information in the event of an accident, especially monitoring the pressure of the pneumatic brake system.

[0067] At this point, the entire invention system has been put into operation, and various sensors have begun to work normally to detect various data of the train operation.

[0068] At the same time, the on-board independent power supply in the system of the present invention has a main line interface with the locomotive auxiliary power supply. When the train encounters an emergency or the power supply system fails and cannot provide power supply guarantee, especially when the traction locomotive is a diesel locomotive, when an emergency occurs and the train engine stops and cannot power the train, the on-board auxiliary power supply is connected to the on-board independent power supply, which can not only power various sensors, but also power emergency power equipment.

[0069] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned system for energy recovery of freight trains and power supply of their sensors. The system device of the present invention can be installed on the axle end of the freight train bogie to realize efficient recovery and utilization of the energy released by the train operation, provide a new power supply method for heavy-duty railways, optimize the power supply system, improve the energy efficiency of the train, extend the working life of the power system, and power the sensors at the same time, realize real-time monitoring and damage detection of the power supply system. The vibration energy recovery device provided by the present invention includes two energy recovery structures. Different energy recovery devices can be selected according to different operating environments, different traction conditions and traction locomotive performance to improve the vibration energy conversion efficiency.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify or replace the technical solutions of the present invention with equivalents, and these modifications or equivalent replacements cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for energy recovery and sensor power supply in freight trains, characterized by: It includes an energy recovery device, an onboard battery, a power supply line and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the onboard battery through the power supply line. The onboard battery is connected to the energy recovery device through the power supply line. The onboard battery is connected to the auxiliary power supply of the locomotive through the main power supply line. The energy recovery device includes a base, an inertial pendulum, a generator, and an electromagnetic power generation mechanism. The electromagnetic power generation mechanism is housed in the base. The base is rotatably connected to a central column. The upper end of the central column is fixedly connected to the right end of the inertial pendulum. The lower surface of the left end of the inertial pendulum is connected to a first gear. The first gear is meshed with a second gear. The second gear is connected to a transmission shaft of the generator. The generator is fixed to the base. The base includes a cylinder, a second support plate and a first support plate, the first support plate is connected to the upper part of the cylinder, the upper part of the cylinder is connected to the second support plate by bolts, the lower surface of the support plate is connected to the generator, and the transmission shaft of the generator passes through the second support plate and is connected to the first gear; The cylinder is a hollow structure with at least one bearing fixed inside. The center column extends into the cylinder and is connected to the bearing. A bearing locker is installed in the bearing. The center column passes through the first support plate and is perpendicular to the cylinder and is rotatably connected to the cylinder.

2. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnetic generating mechanism includes a ring-mounted magnet and a winding coil. The winding coil is located inside the ring-mounted magnet. The ring-mounted magnet and the winding coil are installed in the lower hollow part of the base. The base is connected to the train bogie axle box, and the winding coil is connected to the axle end through bolts or slots.

3. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inertia pendulum is a fan-shaped structure, and inertia pendulum pressure plates are provided on the upper and lower edges of the inertia pendulum. The inertia pendulum pressure plates are connected to the inertia pendulum by bolts.

4. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inertial pendulum is set with different arcs, namely 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 180°, and 360°.

5. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply for freight trains according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensors include a pressure sensor, a micro-electromechanical three-axis acceleration sensor, a displacement sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an axle temperature monitoring sensor, a temperature monitoring sensor and a speed sensor, and the speed sensor is connected to the bearing locker.

6. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply of freight trains according to claim 5, characterized in that: The power supply system workflow includes the following steps: Step 1: Based on the different operating environments, select a matching energy recovery device in the freight train energy recovery and sensor power supply system; Step 2: When the freight train is running, the energy recovery device in the system drives the power generation device in the device to generate electricity; Step 3: The vehicle-mounted independent power supply receives power and starts storing electricity and supplying power to the vehicle sensors; Step 4: All sensors on the vehicle are powered and work normally and display all train operation data in real time.

7. The system for energy recovery and sensor power supply of freight trains according to claim 6, characterized in that: Step 2 includes the following steps: S1: The train is running, the energy recovery device starts to absorb energy, the inertial pendulum drives the generator to generate electricity, and the electromagnetic induction device generates electricity; S2, charging the battery and supplying power to the sensor; S3, the sensor works, and the running speed is fed back through the speed sensor in the sensor; S4, controlling the rotation of the inertial pendulum by controlling the bearing lock in the device according to the running speed; S5. Control the power generation mode of the power generation device to ensure that the system maintains sufficient power generation to provide stable power supply for the sensor.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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