Pantograph bounce logic

Abstract

Systems and apparatus include one or more processing circuitry including one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions on the one or more processors. Causing the one or more processors to: determine a pantograph bounce event based on an input voltage and an input voltage frequency; automatically disabling a rectifier in response to determining the pantograph bounce event; recording an instantaneous DC link voltage when the rectifier is disabled; and setting a reference DC voltage to the instantaneous DC link voltage.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202241064689, filed on November 11, 2022, titled "PANTOGRAPH BOUNCE LOGIC", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Background

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to pantograph bounce logic. More specifically, this disclosure relates to pantograph bounce logic for a hotel load converter in railway applications.

[0005] Overview

[0006] One embodiment relates to a pantograph bounce logic system including one or more processing circuits, the one or more processing circuits including one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: determine a pantograph bounce event based on an input voltage and an input voltage frequency, automatically disable a rectifier in response to determining the pantograph bounce event, record a DC link voltage when the rectifier is disabled, and set a reference DC voltage to the DC link voltage.

[0007] At least one aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for preventing pantograph bounce events. The system may include a pantograph disposed on a railway vehicle. The pantograph may be configured to be electrically coupled to an overhead line to receive power from the overhead line. The system may include a hotel load converter (HLC) disposed in the railway vehicle. The HLC may be configured to be electrically coupled to the pantograph. The HLC may include power electronics components configured to perform alternating current (AC / AC) conversion on the power received from the railway vehicle via the overhead line. The system may include a controller disposed in the railway vehicle. The controller may be configured to be electrically coupled to the HLC. The controller may include a bounce circuit. The controller may identify a voltage and a frequency of the power from the pantograph at an input of the HLC. The controller may determine that the voltage meets a voltage threshold and the frequency meets a frequency threshold. The controller may detect a bounce event in a connection between the pantograph and the overhead line providing power based on the voltage meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency meeting the frequency threshold. In response to detecting the bounce event, the controller may disable the power electronics components in the HLC.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller may determine an instantaneous direct current (DC) link voltage at an input of the HLC in response to disabling a power electronic component. In some embodiments, the controller may use the instantaneous DC link voltage to set the power electronic component to a reference voltage to continue operation of the power electronic component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller may determine that a root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than an RMS voltage threshold and a frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold in response to disabling a power electronic component. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, the controller may perform a shutdown process on the HLC.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller may determine that, in a period of time, a root mean square (RMS) voltage drops to less than an RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within a target range in response to disabling a power electronic component. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage drops to less than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range in a period of time, the controller may resume operation of the HLC.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller may determine that a voltage does not meet a voltage threshold and a frequency does not meet a frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the controller may identify that there is no bounce event in a connection between a pantograph and an overhead line based on the voltage not meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency not meeting the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the controller may continue operation of the power electronic component in the HLC in response to identifying that there is no bounce event.

[0012] In some embodiments, the HLC may be consistent with at least one of a plurality of modes based at least on (i) a distance between a pantograph and an overhead line and (ii) a voltage at an input of the HLC. In some embodiments, the HLC may supply power to a load on a rail vehicle. The load may include at least one of the following: an entertainment system for the rail vehicle, kitchen appliances, a refrigeration system, or a heating system.

[0013] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a controller. The controller may include a bounce circuit that includes one or more processors coupled to a memory. The bounce circuit may monitor a voltage and a frequency of power received by the HLC from an overhead line via a pantograph of a rail vehicle at an input of the auxiliary load converter (HLC). The bounce circuit may compare the voltage with a voltage threshold and compare the frequency of the voltage with a frequency threshold. In response to the voltage meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency meeting the frequency threshold for a time exceeding a threshold time period, the bounce circuit may determine that a bounce event has occurred in a connection between the pantograph and the overhead line. In response to determining the occurrence of the bounce event, the bounce circuit may disable a rectifier of the HLC.

[0014] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within a target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within a target range, the bounce circuit may set the rectifier to a reference voltage using the instantaneous DC link voltage at the input of the HLC to transition from the reference voltage to the nominal voltage.

[0015] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range, the bounce circuit may wait for a period of time for the frequency to become greater than a second frequency.

[0016] In some embodiments, in response to setting the rectifier to a reference voltage based on the instantaneous DC link voltage, the bounce circuit may reset multiple control loops of the rectifier. In some embodiments, in response to the reset of the multiple control loops, the bounce circuit may enable the rectifier of the HLC to continue operating.

[0017] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier of the HLC, the bounce circuit may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, the bounce circuit may turn off the HLC.

[0018] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit may determine that over a period of time the root mean square (RMS) voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that over a period of time the RMS voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range, the bounce circuit may resume operation of the HLC.

[0019] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for providing continuous power through a pantograph bounce event. The method may include monitoring, by a controller, a voltage and a frequency of power received from a contact line via a pantograph at an input of an auxiliary load converter (HLC). The method may include determining, by the controller, that the voltage meets a voltage threshold and the frequency meets a frequency threshold. The method may include detecting, by the controller, a bounce event in a connection between the pantograph and the contact line in response to determining that the voltage meets the voltage threshold and the frequency meets the frequency threshold. The method may include performing, by the controller, an operation on a power electronic component in the HLC in response to detecting the bounce event.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may include a controller determining that a time elapsed since a bounce event is detected is less than a threshold time. In some embodiments, performing an operation may include, in response to determining that the elapsed time is less than the threshold time, performing an arc traction mode to draw power from a catenary via a pantograph.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method may include a controller determining that a time elapsed since a bounce event is detected is greater than or equal to a threshold time. In some embodiments, performing an operation may include, in response to determining that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold time, performing an arc extinction mode to not draw power from a catenary via a pantograph.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method may include, after a bounce event is detected, a controller detecting a re - establishment of a connection between a pantograph and a catenary. In some embodiments, the method may include, in response to detecting the re - establishment of the connection after the bounce event, a controller performing an arc approach mode to draw power from a catenary via a pantograph.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method may include a controller resetting a plurality of control loops of a power electronic component in response to setting the power electronic component to a reference voltage based on an instantaneous DC link voltage at an input of an HLC. In some embodiments, the method may include a controller enabling the HLC to continue operating in response to the resetting of the plurality of control loops.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may include a controller determining that a voltage does not meet a voltage threshold and a frequency does not meet a frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the method may include a controller identifying that no bounce event exists in a connection between a pantograph and a catenary based on the voltage not meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency not meeting the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the method may include a controller continuing an operation of a power electronic component in an HLC in response to identifying that no bounce event exists.

[0025] This summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rail vehicle including a pantograph and an auxiliary load converter according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 is according to some embodiments Figure 1 of the auxiliary load converter.

[0029] Figure 3 is of an auxiliary load converter according to some embodiments Figure 1 exploded view.

[0030] Figure 4 is of an auxiliary load converter according to some embodiments Figure 1 schematic diagram.

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for preventing pantograph bounce events according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the bounce of a pantograph over time according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figures 7A - 7C is according to some embodiments by Figure 5 flowchart of a method for providing continuous power through a pantograph bounce event implemented by a controller.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods, devices, and systems for providing continuous service from an auxiliary load converter during a pantograph bounce event, as well as how these methods, devices, and systems are implemented. Before turning to the drawings that specifically illustrate certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the railway vehicle 10 includes a body 14 that supports a pantograph 18. The pantograph 18 includes a set of articulated arms that are fixed to the body 14 (e.g., the roof) of the railway vehicle 10 and that deploy and extend along a vertical axis. The head of the pantograph 18 is fitted with a carbon strip configured to engage a contact wire 22. The number and type of carbon strips can be adjusted based on the nature and intensity of the current (e.g., AC or DC) to be transmitted. The pantograph 18 transmits electrical power from the contact wire 22 to a traction motor and an auxiliary load converter (HLC) 26.

[0037] The HLC 26 is a 500KW high-voltage high-power AC-to-AC converter with two stages. The first stage converts AC power to DC power, and the second stage converts the DC power received from the first stage to three-phase AC power. Both the first and second stages include power electronics modules, which consist of high-power high-current insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules, high-power large-capacity capacitors, current and voltage sensors, power electronics devices, and control boards. The HLC 26 is typically configured to receive power from the pantograph 18 and regulate the power for use on the railway vehicle 10 rather than for driving the traction motors. For example, the HLC 26 can supply power to climate control (e.g., HVAC), kitchens, washing machines, entertainment systems, lighting, refrigeration systems, water heating systems, etc.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the HLC 26 includes a frame 30, which is configured to support a controller 34 that controls the operation of the HLC 26, a connector 38 that supplies power from the HLC 26 to external systems of the railway vehicle 10, and a human-machine interface (HMI) 42 that allows an operator to interact with the HLC 26.

[0039] As Figure 3 shown, the HLC 26 also includes a capacitor bank 46 and an inductor 50 supported by a base plate 54, and a cooling system for the capacitor bank 46 and the inductor 50, which includes a radiator 58, ducts 62, and a blower 66. The HLC 26 also includes a fan 70 for ventilating the HLC 26 and a hook 74 for facilitating the movement of the HLC 26. In some embodiments, different numbers of capacitors or inductors may be included. Similarly, the number and arrangement of the radiator 58, ducts 62, and blower 66 can be adjusted as needed.

[0040] As Figure 4 shown, the pantograph 18 supplies power to the main transformer 78 of the railway vehicle 10, and AC power is supplied to the HLC 26. A rectifier 82 receives AC power from the main transformer 78 and supplies DC power to an inverter 86. The inverter 86 converts the DC from the rectifier 82 to three-phase AC power that is supplied to a protection contactor 90. The protection contactor 90 is arranged to communicate with a load 98 via the connector 38. The controller 34 communicates with and controls the rectifier 82, the inverter 86, and the protection contactor 90. The HLC 26 additionally includes instruments (e.g., sensors, shunts, actuators, switches, etc.) that communicate with the controller 34. The HMI 42 provides a display and user interface for interacting with the controller 34. In some embodiments, as needed, the HMI 42 includes a network connection, such as a modem, network switch, wireless network, cloud-based service accessible by an application, or another interface.

[0041] In some embodiments, the input voltage received by rectifier 82 defines a minimum voltage of 633 VAC, a nominal voltage of 960 VAC, and a maximum voltage of 1190 VAC. In some embodiments, the DC bus voltage output by rectifier 82 is ideally 1800 VDC. In some embodiments, the line voltage of each phase of the three-phase AC output from inverter 86 is 750 Vrms. In some embodiments, the frequency output of inverter 86 is 50 Hz. In some embodiments, the voltage output of inverter 86 is 500 KVA.

[0042] Since Figure 1 the components of are shown as embodied in railway vehicle 10, controller 34 may be separated from or included in at least one railway vehicle controller located external to HLC 26. The function and structure of controller 34 are described in more detail in Figure 5 .

[0043] Now referring to Figure 5 , which is a schematic diagram of a system 35 for preventing pantograph bounce events. System 35 may include controller 34 of railway vehicle 10 and Figure 1 HLC 26 of. As shown, controller 34 includes a processing circuit 102 having a processor 106 and a memory device 110, a control system 114 having a bounce circuit 118, and a communication interface 122. Bounce circuit 118 may include at least one processor 119 and at least one memory device 120, etc. Controller 34 may be configured to be coupled to HLC 26. HLC 26 may include a set of power electronic components 26 (e.g., rectifier 82, inverter 86, and contactor 90), instruments 94, and HMI 42, etc. Communication interface 122 may communicate with or exchange data with one or more components of HLC 26 (such as rectifier 82, inverter 86, contactor 90, instruments 94, and HMI 42, etc.). Generally, controller 34 is configured to implement pantograph bounce logic that improves the uninterrupted supply time to the load in the absence of an input voltage (e.g., during a bounce event).

[0044] In one configuration, the bounce circuit 118 is implemented as a machine or computer-readable medium executable by a processor such as processor 119. As described herein and in other uses, the machine-readable medium facilitates performing certain operations to enable the receipt and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable medium can provide instructions (e.g., commands, etc.) to, for example, acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable medium can include programmable logic that defines the data acquisition (or data transmission) frequency. The computer-readable medium instructions can include code, which can be written in any programming language, including but not limited to Java, etc., and any conventional procedural programming language, such as the "C" programming language or a similar programming language. The computer-readable program code can be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter case, the remote processors can be interconnected by any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0045] In another configuration, the bounce circuit 118 is implemented as a hardware unit, such as an electronic control unit. Thus, the bounce circuit 118 can be implemented as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the bounce circuit 118 can take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-chip (SOC) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit". In this regard, the bounce circuit 118 can include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating the operations described herein. For example, the circuits described herein can include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc. The bounce circuit 118 can also include programmable hardware devices, such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc. The bounce circuit 118 can include one or more memory devices for storing instructions executable by a processor of the bounce circuit 118. The one or more memory devices and the processor can have the same definitions as provided below for the memory device 110 and the processor 106. In some hardware unit configurations, the bounce circuit 118 can be geographically dispersed at different locations in the vehicle. Alternatively and as shown, the bounce circuit 118 can be embodied in or within a single unit / case, which is shown as controller 34.

[0046] In the example shown, the controller 34 includes processing circuitry 102 having a processor 106 and a memory device 110. The processing circuitry 102 may be constructed or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein with respect to the bounce circuit 118. The depicted configuration represents the bounce circuit 118 as a machine or computer-readable medium. However, as noted above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting since the present disclosure contemplates other embodiments in which the bounce circuit 118 or at least one circuit of the bounce circuit 118 is configured as a hardware unit. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The hardware and data processing components (e.g., the processor 106) for implementing the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with one of the following: a general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., the bounce circuit 118 may include or otherwise share the same processor, which in some example embodiments may execute instructions stored or otherwise accessed via different regions of memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multithreaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Memory devices 110 and 120 (e.g., memories, memory cells, storage devices) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for performing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. Memory device 110 may be communicatively coupled to processor 106 to provide computer code or instructions to processor 106 for performing at least some of the processes described herein. Additionally, memory device 110 may be or include tangible, non-transitory volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Thus, memory device 110 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. The bounce circuit 118 (or the control system 114 or the controller 34 of which the bounce circuit 118 is a part) is configured to implement the pantograph bounce logic described below.

[0049] System 35 may include a pantograph 18 disposed on a rail vehicle 10. The pantograph 18 may be configured to be electrically coupled to a catenary 22 to receive power from the catenary 22. System 35 may include an auxiliary load converter (HLC) 26 disposed in the rail vehicle. The HLC 26 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the pantograph 18. The HLC 26 may include power electronics components 28 (e.g., rectifier 26) configured to perform alternating current (AC / AC) conversion on the power received from the rail vehicle via the catenary 22. System 35 may include a controller 34 disposed in the rail vehicle. The controller 34 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the HLC 26.

[0050] The controller 34 may include a bounce circuit 118. The controller 34 may identify the voltage and the frequency of the power from the pantograph 18 at the input of the HLC 26. The controller 34 may determine that the voltage meets a voltage threshold and the frequency meets a frequency threshold. The controller 34 may detect a bounce event in the connection between the pantograph 18 and the catenary 22 providing power based on the voltage meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency meeting the frequency threshold. In response to detecting the bounce event, the controller 34 may disable the power electronics components 28 in the HLC 26.

[0051] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may determine the instantaneous direct current (DC) link voltage at the input of the HLC 26 in response to disabling the power electronics components 28. In some embodiments, the controller 34 may use the instantaneous DC link voltage to set the power electronics components 28 to a reference voltage to continue the operation of the power electronics components 28.

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than an RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold in response to disabling the power electronic component 28. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, the controller 34 may perform a shutdown process on the HLC 26.

[0053] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within a target range over a period of time in response to disabling the power electronic component 28. In some embodiments, the controller 34 may resume operation of the HLC 26 in response to determining that the RMS voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range over a period of time.

[0054] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may determine that the voltage does not meet the voltage threshold and the frequency does not meet the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the controller 34 may identify that there is no bounce event in the connection between the pantograph 18 and the catenary 22 based on the voltage not meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency not meeting the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, the controller 34 may continue operation of the power electronic component 28 in the HLC 26 in response to identifying that there is no bounce event.

[0055] In some embodiments, the HLC 26 may be consistent with at least one of a plurality of modes based at least on (i) the distance between the pantograph 18 and the catenary 22 and (ii) the voltage at the input of the HLC 26. In some embodiments, the HLC 26 may supply power to a load on the railway vehicle. The load may include at least one of an entertainment system 35, kitchen appliances, a refrigeration system 35, or a heating system 35 for the railway vehicle.

[0056] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to the controller 34. The controller 34 may include a bounce circuit 118, and the bounce circuit 118 includes one or more processors 119 coupled to a memory 120. The bounce circuit 118 may monitor the voltage and the frequency of the power received by the HLC 26 from the catenary 22 via the pantograph 18 of the railway vehicle at the input of the auxiliary load converter (HLC 26). The bounce circuit 118 may compare the voltage with a voltage threshold and the frequency of the voltage with a frequency threshold. In response to the voltage meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency meeting the frequency threshold for a time exceeding a threshold time period, the bounce circuit 118 may determine that a bounce event has occurred in the connection between the pantograph 18 and the catenary 22. In response to determining the occurrence of the bounce event, the bounce circuit 118 may disable the rectifier of the HLC 26.

[0057] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit 118 may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than an RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within a target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within the target range, the bounce circuit 118 may set the rectifier to a reference voltage using the instantaneous DC link voltage at the input of the HLC 26 to transition from the reference voltage to the nominal voltage.

[0058] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit 118 may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range, the bounce circuit 118 may wait for a period of time for the frequency to become greater than a second frequency.

[0059] In some embodiments, in response to setting the rectifier to a reference voltage based on the instantaneous DC link voltage, the bounce circuit 118 may reset multiple control loops of the rectifier. In some embodiments, in response to the reset of the multiple control loops, the bounce circuit 118 may enable the rectifier of the HLC 26 to continue operating.

[0060] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier of the HLC 26, the bounce circuit 118 may determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, the bounce circuit 118 may turn off the HLC 26.

[0061] In some embodiments, in response to disabling the rectifier, the bounce circuit 118 may determine that over a period of time the root mean square (RMS) voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range. In some embodiments, in response to determining that over a period of time the RMS voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range, the bounce circuit 118 may resume operation of the HLC 26.

[0062] As Figure 6 shown, pantograph bounce is an event that occurs when the railway vehicle 10 moves along the railway due to rail joints, connection points, or uneven rail surfaces. These or other rail inconsistencies can cause an increase in the distance between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22. Figure 6Depicts a pantograph bounce event 126. The power transmission between the contact wire 22 and the pantograph 18 depends on the distance between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22. Three operating modes are shown in the pantograph bounce event 126, and each mode is based on the distance or disconnection length between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22. In response to detecting the pantograph bounce event 126, the controller 34 (or the bounce circuit 118) can configure the HLC 26 to operate according to one of the operating modes.

[0063] In the arc traction mode, the disconnection length is between L0 at the start time t 开始 and L1 at the first time t1. In the arc traction mode, the pantograph 18 still receives an input voltage from the contact wire 22. The controller 34 can identify or determine whether the time elapsed since the first detection of the pantograph event 126 is less than a threshold time. The threshold time can depict, identify, or define the amount of time for which the HLC 26 maintains the arc traction mode. If the elapsed time is less than the threshold, the controller 34 can determine to execute the arc traction mode. In the arc traction mode, the controller 34 (or the bounce circuit 118) can configure or cause the HLC 26 to draw power from the contact wire 22 via the pantograph 18, even when disconnected from the contact wire 22 via an arc formed between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22.

[0064] In the arc extinction mode, the disconnection length is between L1 at the first time t1 and Lmax at the maximum disconnection time t Lmax and between Lmax at the maximum disconnection time t Lmax and L2 at the second time t2. In the arc extinction mode, the pantograph 18 does not receive an input voltage because a complete electrical disconnection has occurred. The controller 34 can identify or determine whether the time elapsed since the first detection of the pantograph event 126 is greater than or equal to the threshold time. The threshold time can depict, identify, or define the amount of time for which the HLC 26 switches from the arc traction mode to the arc extinction mode. If the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold, the controller 34 can determine to execute the arc extinction mode and switch from the arc traction mode. In the arc extinction mode, the controller 34 (or the bounce circuit 118) can configure or cause the HLC 26 not to draw power from the pantograph 18 or refrain from doing so when the pantograph 18 is disconnected from the contact wire 22. The controller 34 can actively suppress the arc between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22 by disconnecting the electrical connection.

[0065] In the arc approach mode, the disconnection length is between L2 at the second time t2 and the end time t 结束between L0, and re - establish the input voltage at the pantograph 18. After the first detection of the pantograph bounce event 126, the controller 34 can identify, detect, or otherwise detect the re - establishment of the connection between the pantograph 18 and the contact wire 22. The re - establishment can occur when the pantograph 18 is not in physical contact with the contact wire 22. Upon detection, the controller 34 can determine to execute the arc - approach mode and switch from the arc - extinction mode. In the arc - approach mode, the controller 34 (or the bounce circuit 118) can configure or cause the HLC 26 to draw power from the pantograph 18. The pantograph bounce event defines the start time t 开始 and the end time t 结束 for the total bounce time between them.

[0066] The HLC 26 operates in head - on - generation (HOG) mode, and it is desired that the HLC 26 deliver uninterrupted power / energy during the pantograph bounce event. Additionally, device protection and product reliability are also important during the pantograph bounce event. The pantograph bounce event can cause high - voltage and current transients, HLC 26 failures (e.g., requiring a service call), and can lead to failures and degradation of critical components of the HLC 26 and power / energy interruption to the end - user.

[0067] Pantograph bounce logging initialization. If the zero - crossing frequency of the input voltage (FVin) is greater than the input voltage frequency threshold (e.g., 700 Hz) and the root - mean - square input voltage (Vin) is greater than the input voltage threshold (e.g., 100 Vrms), then the bounce circuit 118 determines that a pantograph bounce event 126 is occurring. A sensing time delay is implemented. In some embodiments, the sensing time is about fifteen milliseconds (~15 ms). During the sensing time, the bounce circuit 118 continues to monitor the zero - crossing frequency of the input voltage (FVin) and the root - mean - square input voltage (Vin).

[0068] If the zero - crossing frequency of the input voltage (FVin) is not greater than the input voltage frequency threshold (e.g., 700 Hz) or the root - mean - square input voltage (Vin) is not greater than the input voltage threshold (e.g., 100 Vrms), then the bounce circuit 118 does not confirm the pantograph bounce event 126 and continues normal HLC 26 operation. If the zero - crossing frequency of the input voltage (FVin) is greater than the input voltage frequency threshold (e.g., 700 Hz), the root - mean - square input voltage (Vin) is greater than the input voltage threshold (e.g., 100 Vrms), and the sensing time has elapsed, then the bounce circuit 118 confirms the pantograph bounce event 126, and the bounce circuit 118 immediately disables the rectifier 82. In some embodiments, the rectifier 82 is disabled via the rectifier IGBT pulse - width modulation driver (PWM) for one - and - a - half line cycles or about thirty milliseconds (30 ms).

[0069] The bounce circuit 118 compares the input voltage frequency (fVin) with a target value (e.g., ~50 hz (±5 Hz)), and compares the root mean square input voltage (Vin) with a threshold value (e.g., 630 Vrms). If the input voltage frequency (fVin) equals the target value (e.g., ~50 hz (±5 Hz)), and the root mean square input voltage (Vin) is greater than the threshold value (e.g., 630 Vrms), then the bounce circuit 118 measures the instantaneous DC link voltage. In some embodiments, the measured DC link voltage is then set as the corresponding reference for the rectifier voltage loop (outer loop). The reference is set because during the pantograph bounce event 126, the rectifier voltage can drop to 1000 V or lower, and if the HLC 26 is started with a standard 1800 V reference command (e.g., if 1800 V is the nominal output voltage of the HLC rectifier 82), then the HLC 26 will experience an overshoot of current because the converter will attempt to ramp the voltage from ~1000 V to 1800 V.

[0070] In some embodiments, when measuring the instantaneous DC link voltage, the bounce circuit 118 can set a reference corresponding to the available DC voltage (e.g., 1000 V), and then use a soft start to smoothly transition from the 1000 V reference to the 1800 V nominal voltage in steps to avoid overshoot and ensure the functionality of the power components. Then, the control loops of the rectifier 82 and / or other power electronics are reset. In some embodiments, resetting the control loop includes anti-saturation / reset features. The remainder is applied to the rectifier IGBT at the next zero crossing of the input voltage (e.g., 1 ms to 10 ms delay). Thus, in some embodiments, the total bounce time can be limited between approximately 41 ms and approximately 50 ms (e.g., 15 ms + 30 ms + (1 ms to 10 mS)).

[0071] If the input voltage frequency (fVin) is not equal to the target value (e.g., ~50 Hz (±5 Hz)), or the root mean square input voltage (Vin) is not greater than the threshold value (e.g., 630 Vrms), then the input voltage frequency (FVin) is compared with the threshold value, and the root mean square input voltage (Vin) is compared with the threshold value. If the input voltage frequency (FVin) is greater than the threshold value (e.g., 700 Hz) and the root mean square input voltage (Vin) is less than the threshold value (e.g., 630 Vrms), then wait (with the rectifier 82 PWM off) for the threshold time (e.g., 120 ms). If the input voltage frequency (FVin) is not greater than the threshold value (e.g., 700 Hz) and the root mean square input voltage (Vin) is not less than the threshold value (e.g., 630 Vrms), then the pantograph bounce event 126 has caused no voltage to be supplied to the pantograph 18 for too long a period, and "no voltage" is displayed on the HMI 42, and the protection and / or shutdown process is activated.

[0072] While the bounce circuit 118 waits for the threshold time to elapse, the bounce circuit 118 continues to monitor the input voltage frequency (fVin). If at any time during the waiting period (e.g., between 30 ms and 120 ms), the input voltage frequency (fVin) returns to the target (e.g., ~50 Hz (±5 Hz)). If the input voltage frequency (FVin) is greater than the threshold value (e.g., 700 Hz) for longer than the waiting period (e.g., 120 ms), then the bounce circuit 118 displays "no voltage" and executes the system shutdown sequence. The pantograph bounce logic does not provide a power interruption to the end use within the specified total bounce time (e.g., 45 ms), does not provide an overshoot / undershoot during the pantograph bounce event 126, and does not stress the power electronics of the HLC 26 during the pantograph bounce event.

[0073] The above-mentioned pantograph bounce circuit 118 is an example of a pantograph bounce logic system including one or more processing circuits, the one or more processing circuits including one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices being configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors causing the one or more processors to: determine a pantograph bounce event based on an input voltage and an input voltage frequency, automatically disable a rectifier in response to determining the pantograph bounce event, record a DC link voltage when the rectifier is disabled, and set a reference DC voltage to the DC link voltage. In some embodiments, the one or more memory devices are further configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors causing the one or more processors to determine the pantograph bounce event based on the input voltage and the input voltage frequency after a sensing time has elapsed. In some embodiments, the one or more memory devices are further configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors causing the one or more processors to determine that the input voltage frequency is not equal to a target frequency in response to disabling the rectifier, send a message indicating that no input voltage is received, and initiate a shutdown sequence. In some embodiments, the one or more memory devices are further configured to store instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more processors causing the one or more processors to operate the rectifier to provide a smooth transition of the voltage from the reference DC voltage to a nominal voltage.

[0074] A pantograph bounce logic system in the form of the pantograph bounce circuit 118 can implement the concepts described herein to protect the components of the HLC26, which may be affected if the system turn-on sequence is not executed in conjunction with a power interruption to the end customer. Exemplary components of the HLC 26 that can be protected include the input contactor, the pre-charge contactor, the pre-charge resistor, the IGBT modules of both the inverter 86 and the rectifier 82, the DC link capacitor, the input inductor, the DC filter capacitor, the inverter L and C filters, and the output contactor located between the main transformer 78 and the rectifier 82.

[0075] Now refer to Figures 7A - 7C, depicts a flowchart of a method 700 for providing continuous power throughout a pantograph bounce event. Method 700 can be implemented or executed using any of the components described herein, such as controller 34 of system 35, bounce circuit 118, and HLC 26. When performing the steps of method 700, one or more steps may be omitted. Under method 700, at step 702, a controller (e.g., controller 34) may measure, monitor, or otherwise identify the input voltage and the frequency of the input voltage at an auxiliary load converter (HLC) (e.g., HLC 26). The input voltage and the frequency of the voltage may be the power to be transmitted through the power electronic components (e.g., rectifier 32) of the HLC received via the pantograph of a rail vehicle from a catenary. The pantograph may be configured to be electrically coupled to the power from the catenary outside the rail vehicle. The HLC may be configured to be electrically coupled to the pantograph to receive the delivery of power. In some embodiments, the power may be in the form of alternating current (AC). The controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the alternating current voltage (VAC) or root mean square (RMS) voltage of the power from the pantograph. In some embodiments, the controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the zero crossing frequency of the voltage of the power. The RMS voltage may be used as the voltage, and the zero crossing frequency may be used as the frequency.

[0076] At step 704, the controller may identify or determine whether the input voltage meets a threshold voltage. The threshold voltage may depict, identify, or otherwise define the value of the input voltage corresponding to a potential pantograph bounce event (e.g., pantograph bounce event 22) in the connection between the pantograph of a rail vehicle and the catenary. The controller may compare the input voltage (e.g., RMS voltage) with the threshold voltage (e.g., the value for the RMS voltage). If the input voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the controller may determine that the input voltage does not meet the threshold voltage. Otherwise, if the input voltage is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, the controller may determine that the input voltage meets the threshold voltage.

[0077] At step 706, the controller may identify or determine whether the frequency of the input voltage meets a threshold frequency. The threshold frequency may depict, identify, or otherwise define the value of the input frequency corresponding to a potential pantograph bounce event in the connection between the pantograph of a rail vehicle and the catenary. The controller may compare the input frequency (e.g., zero crossing frequency) with the threshold frequency (e.g., the value for the zero crossing frequency). If the input frequency is less than the threshold frequency, the controller may determine that the input frequency does not meet the threshold frequency. Otherwise, if the input frequency is greater than or equal to the threshold frequency, the controller may determine that the input frequency meets the threshold frequency.

[0078] At step 708, the controller may identify or determine whether the time meets a threshold time. The time may correspond to the amount of time elapsed since the input voltage was first detected to meet the threshold voltage or the frequency was first detected to meet the threshold frequency or both. The controller may activate or start a timer to track the amount of time elapsed since the first detection. Based on the timer, the controller may measure or identify the time elapsed since the input voltage was first detected to meet the threshold voltage or the frequency was first detected to meet the threshold frequency or both. Using the identification, the controller may compare the time with a threshold time period. The threshold time period may correspond to a value of time corresponding to a potential pantograph bounce event in the connection between the pantograph of the railway vehicle and the catenary. If the time does not exceed the threshold time period, the controller may determine that the time does not meet the threshold time period. Otherwise, if the time exceeds the threshold time period, the controller may determine that the time meets the threshold time period. In some embodiments, step 708 may be omitted from method 700.

[0079] At step 710, when the voltage fails to meet the threshold voltage, the frequency fails to meet the threshold frequency, or the time fails to meet the threshold time, the controller may detect, determine, or otherwise identify the absence or lack of a bounce event. In some embodiments, the controller may identify the absence or non-occurrence of a bounce event in the connection between the pantograph of the railway vehicle and the catenary. At step 712, the controller may continue the normal operation of the HLC. In the case where it is identified that there is no bounce event in the connection between the pantograph of the railway vehicle and the catenary, the controller may continue the normal operation of the power electronic components in the HLC. Under normal operation, the HLC may deliver, transfer, or otherwise provide power to at least one load on the railway vehicle. The load may include, for example, at least one of the following: an entertainment system for the railway vehicle, kitchen appliances, personal electronic devices, a refrigeration system, a heating system. In some embodiments, the load may include propulsion components within the railway vehicle.

[0080] In some embodiments, method 700 may include the controller determining that the voltage does not meet the voltage threshold and the frequency does not meet the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, method 700 may include the controller identifying the absence of a bounce event in the connection between the pantograph and the catenary based on the voltage not meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency not meeting the frequency threshold. In some embodiments, method 700 may include the controller continuing the operation of the power electronic components in the HLC in response to identifying the absence of a bounce event.

[0081] At step 714, when the voltage meets the threshold voltage, the frequency meets the threshold frequency, and the time meets the threshold time, the controller can detect, determine, or otherwise identify the occurrence of a bounce event. The bounce event can be in the connection between the pantograph of a railway vehicle and the catenary. In some embodiments, when the voltage meets the threshold voltage and the frequency meets the threshold frequency, the controller can detect or identify the occurrence of a bounce event.

[0082] In some embodiments, method 700 can include the controller monitoring the voltage and the frequency of the voltage of the power received from the catenary via the pantograph at the input of an auxiliary load converter (HLC). Method 700 can include the controller determining that the voltage meets the voltage threshold and the frequency meets the frequency threshold. Method 700 can include the controller detecting a bounce event in the connection between the pantograph and the catenary in response to determining that the voltage meets the voltage threshold and the frequency meets the frequency threshold. Method 700 can include the controller performing an operation on the power electronic components in the HLC in response to detecting the bounce event.

[0083] In some embodiments, method 700 can include the controller determining that the time elapsed since the bounce event was detected is less than the threshold time. In some embodiments, performing the operation can include, in response to determining that the elapsed time is less than the threshold time, performing an arc traction mode to draw power from the catenary via the pantograph.

[0084] In some embodiments, the controller can command, set, or otherwise configure the HLC to operate according to a set of operating modes (e.g., as Figure 6 shown) based on whether a bounce event is detected between the pantograph of a railway vehicle and the catenary. In some embodiments, the controller can configure the HLC according to a set of operating modes based at least on (i) the distance between the pantograph and the catenary, (ii) the voltage or frequency at the input of the HLC, or (iii) the time elapsed since the bounce event was detected. The distance can correspond to the distance of the arc between the pantograph and the catenary and can be determined according to a function (e.g., Paschen curve). The operating modes can include an arc traction mode, an arc extinction mode, and an arc approach mode, among others.

[0085] The controller can identify or determine whether the time elapsed since the first detection of a pantograph event is less than a threshold time. The threshold time can depict, identify, or define the amount of time for which the HLC maintains the arc traction mode. If the elapsed time is less than the threshold, the controller can determine to execute the arc traction mode. In the arc traction mode, the controller can configure or cause the HLC to draw power from the catenary via the pantograph, even when the arc formed between the pantograph and the catenary disconnects from the catenary. If the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold, the controller can determine to execute the arc extinction mode and switch from the arc traction mode. In the arc extinction mode, the controller can configure or cause the HLC not to draw power from the pantograph or refrain from drawing power from the pantograph when the pantograph disconnects from the catenary. The controller can cause the HLC to actively suppress the arc between the pantograph and the catenary by disconnecting the electrical connection. Upon detecting the re - establishment of the connection between the pantograph and the catenary, the controller can determine to execute the arc approach mode and switch from the arc extinction mode. In the arc approach mode, the controller can configure or cause the HLC to draw power from the pantograph.

[0086] In some embodiments, method 700 can include the controller determining that the time elapsed since the detection of a bounce event is greater than or equal to the threshold time. In some embodiments, performing the operation can include, in response to determining that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold time, executing the arc extinction mode to not draw power from the catenary via the pantograph.

[0087] In some embodiments, method 700 can include, after detecting a bounce event, the controller detecting the re - establishment of the connection between the pantograph and the catenary. In some embodiments, method 700 can include, in response to detecting the re - establishment of the connection after a bounce event, the controller executing the arc approach mode to draw power from the catenary via the pantograph.

[0088] At step 716, when a bounce event is detected or recognized, the controller may deactivate, turn off, or otherwise disable the power electronic components in the HLC (e.g., the rectifier 82). In some embodiments, the controller may disable the rectifier in the HLC when a bounce event in the connection between the pantograph of the rail vehicle and the catenary is recognized. In the case of disabling, the controller may measure, identify, or otherwise monitor the input voltage of the power and the frequency of the voltage at the input of the HLC. In some embodiments, the controller may measure the voltage and the frequency of the voltage of the power to be transmitted through the power electronic components (e.g., the rectifier). In some embodiments, the power may be in alternating current (AC) form. The controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the alternating current voltage (VAC) or the root mean square (RMS) voltage of the power from the pantograph. In some embodiments, the controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the zero-crossing frequency of the voltage of the power. The RMS voltage may be used as the voltage, and the zero-crossing frequency may be used as the frequency.

[0089] At step 718, in the case of disabling the power electronic components in the HLC, the controller may identify or determine whether the frequency of the voltage is within a target range. The target range may depict, identify, or otherwise define the upper and lower limits of the expected value of the frequency of the voltage of the power corresponding to the conditions for restarting the normal operation of the HLC. The controller may compare the frequency with the target range. If the frequency of the voltage is lower than or higher than the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency is outside the target range. If the frequency of the voltage is higher than the lower limit of the target range and less than the upper limit of the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency is within the target range. In some embodiments, step 718 may be omitted from method 700.

[0090] At step 720, the controller may identify or determine whether the input RMS voltage (or VAC) is greater than a voltage threshold. When the target range is within the target range, the controller may perform the determination. The voltage threshold may depict, define, or identify the value of the input RMS voltage corresponding to the conditions for restarting the normal operation of the HLC. The controller may compare the input RMS voltage with the voltage threshold. If the RMS voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the controller may determine that the RSM voltage is greater than the threshold voltage. If the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the voltage threshold, the controller may determine that the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the voltage threshold. In some embodiments, step 720 may be omitted from method 700.

[0091] At step 722, the controller may identify or determine whether the frequency is greater than the target range. When it is determined that the frequency is outside the target range or when the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the voltage threshold, the controller may perform the determination. The controller may compare the frequency with the target range (e.g., upper and lower limits). When the frequency of the voltage is less than or equal to the lower limit of the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency of the voltage is less than the target range. When the frequency of the voltage is greater than the upper limit of the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency of the voltage is greater than the target range. In some embodiments, step 722 may be omitted from method 700.

[0092] At step 724, the controller may identify or determine whether the input RMS voltage is less than the voltage threshold. When the frequency of the voltage of the power is determined to be greater than the target range, the controller may perform the determination. The controller may compare the input RMS voltage with the voltage threshold. The voltage threshold may be the same as or different from the voltage threshold of step 720 and may depict, define, or identify the value of the input RMS voltage corresponding to when to initiate the shutdown process. When the RMS voltage is greater than the voltage threshold, the controller may determine that the RMS voltage is greater than the voltage threshold. The controller may determine to proceed to the shutdown process. When the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the voltage threshold, the controller may determine that the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the voltage threshold. In some embodiments, step 724 may be omitted from method 700.

[0093] At step 726, the controller may identify or determine whether the time elapsed since disabling the power electronic component is within the threshold time period. The controller may maintain a timer to track the time elapsed since disabling the power electronic component (e.g., rectifier) in the HLC. The threshold time period may correspond to the time value at which the desired voltage and frequency are within the respective thresholds to resume normal operation of the HLC. The controller may compare the time with the threshold time period. When the time is less than the threshold time period, the controller may determine that the time is less than or within the threshold time period. When the time is greater than the threshold time period, the controller may determine that the time is greater than the threshold time period or outside the threshold time period and may proceed to the shutdown process. In some embodiments, step 726 may be omitted from method 700.

[0094] At step 728, the controller may identify or determine whether the frequency is within the target range. When it is determined that the elapsed time is within the time period, the controller may perform the determination of whether the frequency is within the target range. The step operation of step 728 may be similar to the operation of step 718. The target range may depict, identify, or otherwise define the upper and lower limits of the expected value of the frequency of the voltage of the power corresponding to the conditions for restarting the normal operation of the HLC. The controller may compare the frequency with the target range. If the frequency of the voltage is lower than or higher than the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency is outside the target range. If the frequency of the voltage is higher than the lower limit of the target range and less than the upper limit of the target range, the controller may determine that the frequency is within the target range. When the RMS voltage is greater than the voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range during the threshold time period, the controller may wait for the threshold time period. The controller may initiate the recovery of the HLC upon determining that the RMS voltage drops below the voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range within the threshold time period. In some embodiments, step 728 may be omitted from method 700.

[0095] At step 730, when the frequency is not within the target range but within the target range, the controller may measure, identify, or otherwise monitor the input at the HLC. In some embodiments, the controller may measure the voltage of the power to be transmitted through the power electronic components (e.g., rectifier) of the HLC and the frequency of the voltage. In some embodiments, the power may be in alternating current (AC) form. The controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the alternating current voltage (VAC) or root mean square (RMS) voltage of the power from the pantograph. In some embodiments, the controller may determine, measure, or otherwise identify the zero-crossing frequency of the voltage of the power. The RMS voltage may be used as the voltage, and the zero-crossing frequency may be used as the frequency. The controller may repeat method 700 from step 718. In some embodiments, step 730 may be omitted from method 700.

[0096] At step 732, the controller may calculate, measure, or otherwise determine the instantaneous direct current (DC) link voltage at the input of the HLC or at the power electronic components in the HLC. The controller may perform the determination when the frequency is within the target range and the RMS voltage is greater than the voltage threshold. The controller may also perform the determination when the frequency becomes within the target range and the RMS voltage becomes less than the voltage threshold within the threshold time period. The instantaneous DC link voltage may correspond to the DC voltage in the DC link (e.g., the connection between the rectifier and the inverter) in the HLC.

[0097] At step 734, the controller may assign, configure, or otherwise set the power electronics components of the HLC to a reference voltage. In the setting, the controller may use the instantaneous DC link voltage to calculate or determine the reference voltage. The reference voltage may define a voltage level used as or serving as a setpoint for the output voltage of the power electronics components. The setting using the instantaneous DC link voltage may be used to transition the power electronics components from the reference voltage to the normal voltage. In some embodiments, the controller may use the instantaneous DC link voltage as the reference voltage. In some embodiments, the controller may determine the reference voltage based on the instantaneous DC link voltage. Through the setting, the controller may initiate a restart of the normal operation of the power electronics components of the HLC.

[0098] At step 736, the controller may refresh, reconfigure, or otherwise reset a set of control loops in the power electronics components in the HLC. The power electronics components (e.g., rectifier) may include a set of control loops to manage or regulate output characteristics such as voltage and current. The set of control loops may use the output voltage and the input voltage as feedback to keep the output voltage relatively constant, independent of changes in the input voltage and the output load current. A bounce event may cause no input voltage to be fed back to the control loops, resulting in a maximum error between the reference value and the feedback value in the control loops, which causes the control loop output to be maximum. This may result in a very high surge current or transient causing a very high duty cycle in the components there, resulting in system interruptions, shutdowns, and faults during the rectifier restart. With the reset of the set of control loops, the controller may activate, restart, or otherwise enable the power electronics components. The controller may perform a soft start (or smooth transition) of the power electronics components in the HLC. For example, the controller may configure a set of control loops in the power electronics components in the HLC to output a zero duty cycle to initiate the soft start of the power electronics components. The controller may repeat method 700 from step 712 to resume normal operation in the HLC.

[0099] In some embodiments, method 700 may include resetting, by the controller, a plurality of control loops of the power electronics components in response to setting the power electronics components to a reference voltage based on the instantaneous direct current (DC) link voltage at the input of the HLC. In some embodiments, method 700 may include enabling, by the controller, the HLC to continue operating in response to the reset of the plurality of control loops.

[0100] At step 738, the controller may perform, implement, or otherwise run a shutdown process on the HLC. The controller may initiate execution of the shutdown process when the frequency is outside the target range and the input voltage is greater than the voltage threshold. In some embodiments, the controller may initiate execution of the shutdown process when the frequency remains outside the target range and the input voltage remains greater than the voltage threshold for more than a threshold time period. In some embodiments, the controller may cause the HLC to shut down. To shut down, the controller may open or disconnect the connection between the HLC and the pantograph and other power sources on the rail vehicle. In some embodiments, the controller may also open or disconnect the connection between the HLC and the loads in the rail vehicle.

[0101] At step 740, the controller may monitor, measure, or otherwise identify a set of operating parameters during execution of the shutdown process. The set of operating parameters may include voltages, currents, powers, temperatures, or other characteristics of the HLC and the power electronic components therein. The controller may measure the set of operating parameters from one or more sensors on the power electronic components of the HLC. In some embodiments, step 740 may be omitted from method 700. At step 742, the controller may determine whether the set of operating parameters of the HLC has a restart condition. The restart condition may define or identify values of the operating parameters for restarting the operation of the HLC and the power electronic components therein. If the operating parameters do not meet the restart condition, the controller may repeat step 740 and continue to monitor the set of operating parameters of the HLC. In some embodiments, step 742 may be omitted from method 700. At step 744, if the operating parameters meet the restart condition, the controller may perform, implement, or otherwise run a restart process of the HLC. The controller may perform the restart process by reconnecting the HLC to the pantograph and other power sources on the rail. In some embodiments, the controller may re - establish the connection between the HLC and the loads on the rail vehicle. The controller may repeat method 700 from step 712 to resume normal operation in the HLC.

[0102] As used herein, the terms “approximate,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art reviewing this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features being described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that non - substantial or immaterial modifications or variations of the subject matter being described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0103] It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "exemplary" and its variants, which are used to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and these terms are not intended to imply that these embodiments are necessarily particular or the best examples).

[0104] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its variants refer to two components being directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such coupling can be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such coupling can be achieved by directly coupling the two components to each other, by using one or more separate intervening components to couple the two components to each other, or by using an intervening component that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two components to couple the two components to each other. If "coupled" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means a coupling of two components without any separate intermediate components), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling can be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A being communicatively "coupled" to circuit B can mean that circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., without an intermediary) or indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).

[0105] References herein to the position of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") are only for describing the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that, according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of various elements can be different, and such variations are intended to be included in the present disclosure.

[0106] Although Figure 5 - Although various circuits having specific functions are shown in FIG. 7, it should be understood that the controller 34 can include any number of circuits for performing the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functions of the debounce circuit 118 can be combined in multiple circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuits having additional functions can also be included. In addition, the controller 34 can further control other activities outside the scope of the present disclosure.

[0107] As described above, and in one configuration, "circuit" can be implemented in a machine-readable medium for use by, such as Figure 5executed by various types of processors 106 of the processor. The recognition circuit of the executable code may include, for example, one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized, for example, as objects, procedures, or functions. However, the executable files of the recognized circuit are not necessarily physically located together, but may include different instructions stored in different locations, which, when logically linked together, include the circuit and achieve the purpose of the circuit. In fact, the circuit of the computer-readable program code may be a single instruction or multiple instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, the operation data can be recognized and shown in the circuit herein, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized in any suitable type of data structure. The operation data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed in different locations, including on different storage devices, and may exist at least partially only as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0108] Although the term "processor" was briefly defined above, the terms "processor" and "processing circuit" should be interpreted broadly. In this regard, as described above, a "processor" can be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components configured to execute instructions provided by a memory. One or more processors can take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, one or more processors can be external to the device, e.g., one or more processors can be remote processors (e.g., cloud-based processors). Alternatively or additionally, one or more processors can be internal and / or local to the device. In this regard, a given circuit or its components can be arranged locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud-based server). For this purpose, a "circuit" as described herein can include components distributed over one or more locations.

[0109] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include a program product that includes a machine-readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such a machine-readable medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such a machine-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing machine to perform a certain function or a set of functions.

[0110] Although the drawings and the specification may show a particular order of method steps, the order of these steps may be different from that depicted and described unless stated otherwise above. Additionally, two or more steps may be executed simultaneously or partially simultaneously unless otherwise specified above. For example, such variations may depend on the software and hardware systems selected and the choice of the designer. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the software implementation of the described method can be accomplished using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to perform various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0111] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the HLC 26, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are merely illustrative. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined with or used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be combined or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments can be combined with or used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for preventing pantograph bounce events, comprising: A pantograph disposed on a railway vehicle, the pantograph being configured to be electrically coupled to a catenary to receive power from the catenary; An auxiliary load converter (HLC), the auxiliary load converter (HLC) being disposed in the railway vehicle, the HLC being configured to be electrically coupled to the pantograph, the HLC including power electronic components configured to perform alternating current (AC / AC) conversion on power received from the railway vehicle via the catenary; And A controller, the controller being disposed in the railway vehicle, the controller being configured to be electrically coupled to the HLC, the controller including a bounce circuit configured to: Identify a voltage of power from the pantograph and a frequency of the voltage at an input of the HLC; Determine that the voltage satisfies a voltage threshold and the frequency satisfies a frequency threshold; Detect a bounce event in a connection between the pantograph and the catenary providing power based on the voltage satisfying the voltage threshold and the frequency satisfying the frequency threshold; And In response to detecting the bounce event, disable the power electronic components in the HLC.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to: In response to disabling the power electronic components, determine an instantaneous DC link voltage at the input of the HLC; and Set the power electronic components to a reference voltage using the instantaneous DC link voltage to continue operation of the power electronic components.

3. The system according to any one or more of claims 1 or 2, wherein The controller is further configured to: In response to disabling the power electronic components, determine that a root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than an RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold; And In response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, perform a shutdown process on the HLC.

4. The system according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is further configured to: In response to disabling the power electronic components, determine that the root mean square (RMS) voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within a target range over a period of time; And In response to determining that the RMS voltage drops below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range over the period of time, resume operation of the HLC.

5. The system according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is further configured to: Determine that the voltage does not satisfy the voltage threshold and the frequency does not satisfy the frequency threshold; Identify that there is no bounce event in the connection between the pantograph and the catenary based on the voltage not satisfying the voltage threshold and the frequency not satisfying the frequency threshold; And In response to identifying that there is no bounce event, continue operation of the power electronic components in the HLC.

6. The system according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The HLC is further configured to operate according to at least one of a plurality of modes based at least on (i) a distance between the pantograph and the catenary and (ii) a voltage at an input of the HLC.

7. The system according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The HLC is also configured to supply power to loads on the railway vehicle, where the loads include at least one of the following: an entertainment system for the railway vehicle, kitchen appliances, a refrigeration system, a heating system.

8. A controller, the controller comprising: a bounce circuit, which includes one or more processors coupled to a memory and is configured to: monitor, at an input of an auxiliary load converter (HLC), a voltage of power received by the HLC from a catenary via a pantograph of a railway vehicle and a frequency of the voltage; compare the voltage with a voltage threshold and compare the frequency of the voltage with a frequency threshold; in response to the voltage satisfying the voltage threshold and the frequency satisfying the frequency threshold for a time duration exceeding a threshold time period, determine that a bounce event has occurred in a connection between the pantograph and the catenary; and in response to determining that the bounce event has occurred, disable a rectifier of the HLC.

9. The controller according to claim 8, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: in response to disabling the rectifier, determine that a root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than an RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within a target range; and in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is within the target range, set the rectifier to a reference voltage using an instantaneous DC link voltage at the input of the HLC to transition from the reference voltage to a nominal voltage.

10. The controller according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: in response to disabling the rectifier, determine that a root mean square (RMS) voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range; and in response to determining that the RMS voltage is less than or equal to the RMS voltage threshold or the frequency is outside the target range, wait for a period of time for the frequency to become greater than a second frequency.

11. The controller according to any one or more of claims 8-10, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: in response to setting the rectifier to the reference voltage based on the instantaneous DC link voltage, reset a plurality of control loops of the rectifier; and in response to the reset of the plurality of control loops, enable the rectifier of the HLC to continue operating.

12. The controller according to any one or more of claims 8-11, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: in response to disabling the rectifier of the HLC, determine that a root mean square (RMS) voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than or equal to a second frequency threshold; in response to determining that the RMS voltage is greater than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency is less than the second frequency threshold, turn off the HLC.

13. The controller according to any one or more of claims 8 - 12, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: after turning off the HLC, determine that a plurality of operating parameters of the HLC satisfy a restart condition; and in response to determining that the plurality of operating parameters satisfy the restart condition, restart the HLC to receive power from the catenary via the pantograph.

14. The controller according to any one or more of claims 8-13, wherein, The bounce circuit is further configured to: in response to disabling the rectifier, determine that within a period of time the root mean square (RMS) voltage drops to less than the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency becomes within the target range; and In response to determining that the RMS voltage has dropped below the RMS voltage threshold and the frequency has become within the target range within the period of time, resume operation of the HLC.

15. The controller according to any one or more of claims 8 - 14, wherein, The one or more processors and the memory of the bounce circuit are disposed in the HLC on the rail vehicle.

16. A method for providing continuous power through a pantograph bounce event, comprising: Monitoring, by a controller, a voltage of power received from a catenary via a pantograph and a frequency of the voltage at an input of an auxiliary load converter (HLC); Determining, by the controller, that the voltage meets a voltage threshold and the frequency meets a frequency threshold; Detecting, by the controller, a bounce event in a connection between the pantograph and the catenary in response to determining that the voltage meets the voltage threshold and the frequency meets the frequency threshold; And Performing, by the controller, an operation on a power electronic component in the HLC in response to detecting the bounce event.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising determining, by the controller, that a time elapsed since detecting the bounce event is less than a threshold time; and Among them, Performing the operation further comprises: in response to determining that the elapsed time is less than the threshold time, performing an arc traction mode to draw power from the catenary via the pantograph.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, further comprising determining, by the controller, that a time elapsed since detecting the bounce event is greater than or equal to a threshold time; and Among them, Performing the operation further comprises: in response to determining that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold time, performing an arc extinction mode to not draw power from the catenary via the pantograph.

19. The method according to any one or more of claims 16 - 18, further comprising: After detecting the bounce event, detecting, by the controller, a re - establishment of a connection between the pantograph and the catenary; And Performing, by the controller, an arc approach mode to draw power from the catenary via the pantograph in response to detecting the re - establishment of the connection after the bounce event.

20. The method according to any one or more of claims 16 - 19, further comprising: Resetting, by the controller, a plurality of control loops of the power electronic component in response to setting the power electronic component to a reference voltage based on an instantaneous DC link voltage at the input of the HLC; and Enabling, by the controller, the HLC to continue operation in response to the resetting of the plurality of control loops.

21. The method according to any one or more of claims 16 - 20, further comprising: Determining, by the controller, that the voltage does not meet the voltage threshold and the frequency does not meet the frequency threshold; Identifying, by the controller, that there is no bounce event in a connection between the pantograph and the catenary based on the voltage not meeting the voltage threshold and the frequency not meeting the frequency threshold; And Continuing, by the controller, operation of the power electronic component in the HLC in response to identifying that there is no bounce event.

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