Railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method and system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of switch snow melting heating control, and particularly to a railway switch snow melting intelligent control method and system, the method comprising the following steps: obtaining early warning information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a switch, the electric heating element of the switch being divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone; based on the early warning information, a first heating mode is executed, the first heating mode concentrating heating power on the core heating zone; the track circuit occupation state of the switch itself is monitored, and the actual occupation duration of the vehicle occupying the track circuit is recorded; after the track circuit occupation state of the switch itself is released, the first heating mode or the second heating mode is terminated; by starting core zone heating in advance based on train early warning information, and switching to core zone and regular zone common heating when the train occupies for a long time, the problem of instantaneous and local secondary freezing caused by train passing is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of turnout snow melting and heating control technology, and in particular to an intelligent control method and system for railway turnout snow melting. Background Technology

[0002] In the railway transportation sector, especially in the low temperatures and snowfall of winter, the normal operation of turnouts is crucial to ensuring train safety. As the only moving component in the railway track system, the turnout's switching mechanism and slide plates, among other critical parts, are highly susceptible to the effects of ice and snow, which can lead to impaired operation or even complete freezing, seriously threatening train operation safety.

[0003] To address this issue, existing technologies typically employ electrically heated snow-melting systems to heat the turnouts. These systems generally use ambient temperature and humidity sensors to determine whether heating should be activated, and once activated, continuously heat the turnout area at a constant power. This environmentally-based control strategy is effective in handling general continuous snowfall or low-temperature icing. However, in actual operation, especially on heavy-haul railway lines, trains passing through turnouts generate strong air turbulence. The positive and negative pressure effects created by high-speed trains carry cold air and snow powder, directly impacting the turnout surface, causing a rapid drop in surface temperature of turnout components, particularly critical moving areas such as the switch rails and slide plates. If there is accumulated water or wet snow on the turnout surface at this time, this strong forced convection heat transfer will cause the water to freeze rapidly, forming a hard ice layer. These ice layers, especially those frozen in the tiny depressions of the slide plates, although small in volume, are highly hard and tightly bonded to the metal, making them extremely difficult to melt. Meanwhile, the snow dust kicked up by the train may form a loosely structured but tightly bound snow-ice mixture after coming into contact with the rapidly cooling switch surface, further hindering the normal operation of the switch.

[0004] Existing snow melting control systems based on ambient temperature and humidity are ill-suited to effectively address the rapid and localized secondary freezing induced by the instantaneous event of a train passing through. This is because these systems typically rely on temperature sensors installed in the switch area, which are often located in positions with high thermal inertia, making them slow to react to the sudden drop in surface temperature caused by train passage. While the temperature detected by the sensors remains above the snow melting threshold, the system may maintain its original heating mode or power, even though the surface temperature of critical switch areas has already fallen below freezing and begun to ic. Existing constant-power heating modes are often insufficient or poorly distributed in their power distribution for melting these physically different, hard ice layers formed by a train passing through.

[0005] This disconnect between control measures and actual needs means that even when the snow melting system appears to be working normally, critical movement gaps in the switches can still be locked by ice. If a train then needs to switch tracks through that switch, it will be unable to switch smoothly, potentially leading to a serious traffic safety accident.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an intelligent control method and system for snow melting of railway turnouts.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent control method for snow melting of railway turnouts, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] Acquire advance warning information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout, wherein the electric heating element of the turnout is divided into a core heating zone and a conventional heating zone;

[0010] Based on the aforementioned forecast information, a first heating mode is executed, in which heating power is concentrated and applied to the core heating area.

[0011] Monitor the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself and record the actual occupancy time of the track circuit occupied by the vehicle;

[0012] If the actual occupancy time exceeds a preset time threshold, the heating mode will be switched from the first heating mode to the second heating mode, and the second heating mode will provide heating power to both the core heating area and the regular heating area.

[0013] After the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself is released, the first heating mode or the second heating mode is terminated.

[0014] The core innovation of this application lies in combining the acquisition of advance warning information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout with a first heating mode that concentrates heating power on the core heating area, and then determining whether to switch to a second heating mode that provides heating power to both the core heating area and the regular heating area based on the actual occupancy time after the train passes. This allows for targeted preventative heating of areas prone to icing before the train arrives and adjustment of the heating range based on the actual situation after the train passes, effectively solving the problem of secondary freezing of snow melt water caused by train passage and ensuring reliable turnout switching.

[0015] Secondly, a smart snow melting control system for railway turnouts is provided, the system comprising:

[0016] The acquisition module is used to acquire advance information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout. The electric heating element of the turnout is divided into a core heating zone and a conventional heating zone.

[0017] The first heating execution module is used to execute a first heating mode based on the forecast information, wherein the first heating mode concentrates the heating power on the core heating area;

[0018] The monitoring and recording module is used to monitor the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself and record the actual occupancy time of the track circuit occupied by the vehicle;

[0019] The mode switching module is used to switch the heating mode from the first heating mode to the second heating mode if the actual occupancy time exceeds a preset time threshold. The second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating area and the conventional heating area.

[0020] The termination control module is used to terminate the first heating mode or the second heating mode after the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself is released.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] By initiating core area heating in advance based on train forecast information, and switching to joint heating of core area and regular area when trains occupy the track for extended periods, the problem of instantaneous and localized secondary freezing caused by train passage is effectively addressed. This approach has the advantages of effectively addressing instantaneous and localized secondary freezing caused by train passage, improving turnout snow melting effect and driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram: 201, Acquisition module; 202, First heating execution module; 203, Monitoring and recording module; 204, Mode switching module; 205, Termination control module. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] Traditional turnout electric heating snow melting systems, triggered by ambient temperature and humidity, suffer from several drawbacks in winter. When trains pass through the turnouts, the strong winds generated cause the melted snow to refreeze rapidly in critical areas like the track slides, forming solid ice and affecting the turnout's normal switching function. Existing systems rely on temperature sensors installed on the web of the stock rail. These sensors have high thermal inertia and are slow to react to sudden, localized temperature drops caused by train passage, failing to adjust heating strategies in a timely manner and resulting in a disconnect between control behavior and actual needs.

[0029] For example, suppose a turnout on a heavy-haul railway line in a frigid northern region is equipped with an electrically heated snow-melting system. During a winter blizzard, when the ambient temperature is extremely low, the snow-melting system activates. When a heavy-haul train passes through the turnout at high speed, the powerful airflow generated by the train impacts the turnout surface, causing the temperature of critical areas such as the switch rails and slide plates to drop rapidly in a very short time. At this moment, the previously melted snow water freezes quickly in these areas, forming a layer of ice that is difficult to melt. Because the temperature sensors on which the system relies cannot detect this rapid, localized temperature change in time, the system continues to maintain its original heating mode, and its power is insufficient to quickly melt the newly formed ice, causing the moving parts of the turnout to become stuck due to the ice layer.

[0030] If the above problems are not resolved, the moving parts of the turnout, especially between the switch rail and the slide plate, may become stuck due to ice formed by secondary freezing, preventing the turnout from switching smoothly. This will directly affect the normal operation of trains, especially when trains need to meet or enter / exit stations. Failure to switch will force trains to stop or change course, and in severe cases, may cause train delays or even derailments, threatening the efficiency and safety of railway transportation.

[0031] Therefore, this application is as follows Figure 1 The method shown is an intelligent control method for snow melting of railway turnouts, which includes the following steps:

[0032] S101. Obtain advance warning information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout. The electric heating element of the turnout is divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone.

[0033] S102. Based on the forecast information, execute the first heating mode, which concentrates the heating power on the core heating area;

[0034] S103. Monitor the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself and record the actual occupancy time of the track circuit by the vehicle.

[0035] S104. If the actual occupancy time exceeds the preset time threshold, the heating mode will be switched from the first heating mode to the second heating mode. The second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating area and the regular heating area.

[0036] S105. After the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself is released, terminate the first heating mode or the second heating mode.

[0037] The advance warning information indicating an imminent arrival at a turnout refers to signals or data used to indicate that a specific turnout will soon be used by a train. This can be achieved through train route information sent by the train operation planning system, route advance warning signals provided by the signal interlocking system, or pre-occupancy information for track circuit sections. Its main purpose is to enable advance initiation of turnout snow melting and heating control. The turnout's electric heating elements are divided into a core heating zone and a conventional heating zone. These zones are defined by the position of the turnout's electric heating elements within the turnout structure and their susceptibility to icing. The core heating zone typically includes heating elements below key moving parts such as the switch rail, stock rail, and slide plate. The conventional heating zone includes heating elements in other areas of the turnout, primarily to achieve differentiated and targeted heating for different areas.

[0038] Based on the forecast information, a first heating mode is executed. This first heating mode refers to a specific heating power distribution method that applies primarily or entirely to the core heating area, mainly for preventative heating of critical areas of the turnout before train arrival. The method also includes monitoring the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself and recording the actual duration of track circuit occupancy by the train. If the actual occupancy duration exceeds a preset time threshold, the heating mode is switched from the first heating mode to a second heating mode. The preset time threshold is a pre-defined time length used to determine whether the duration of train occupancy of the turnout track circuit is abnormal or may cause specific impacts; it serves as the basis for triggering the heating mode switch. The second heating mode refers to another heating power distribution method that provides heating power to both the core heating area and the regular heating area, mainly for snow melting or insulation of the turnout after prolonged train occupancy. Once the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout is cleared, either the first or second heating mode is terminated.

[0039] The proposed solution acquires advance warning information indicating an impending train arrival at a turnout, enabling the system to anticipate the train's need for turnout usage. Given that the turnout's electric heating elements are divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone, this division allows for differentiated control of different areas. Based on the acquired warning information, the system executes a first heating mode, concentrating heating power on the core heating zone. This is because the core heating zone (such as the slide plate area) is most affected by strong winds when the train passes, making it most susceptible to secondary freezing of melted snow. By pre-setting and concentrating heating of these areas before the train's arrival, their temperature can be increased, reducing or eliminating the material basis for secondary freezing. Simultaneously, the system monitors the turnout's own track circuit occupancy status and records the actual duration of track circuit occupancy by the train. The track circuit occupancy status directly reflects whether the train is passing through the turnout area, while the actual occupancy duration provides information on the train's dwell time in the turnout area. Considering that prolonged train dwell in the turnout area may lead to a more significant temperature drop or snow accumulation, if the actual occupancy duration exceeds a preset time threshold, the system switches the heating mode from the first heating mode to a second heating mode. The second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating zone and the regular heating zone, aiming to achieve more comprehensive snow melting or insulation of the entire turnout, in order to cope with the more complex situations that may arise from prolonged occupancy. Finally, once the turnout's track circuit occupancy is lifted, regardless of whether it is currently in the first or second heating mode, the system will terminate heating to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. The entire process forms a proactive, regional, and adaptive turnout snow melting and heating control closed loop based on train operation plans.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, this application is implemented as follows: The control system communicates with the railway signaling system or dispatching system to obtain advance notice information that a train is about to pass through a specific turnout. For example, when the train route is arranged and issued to the interlocking system, the interlocking system can send advance notice information about the turnout to the snow melting control system. The electric heating elements of the turnout are physically or logically divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone. The core heating zone may include heating strips between the switch rail and the stock rail, as well as heating strips under the slide plate; the regular heating zone may include heating strips in other areas. Upon receiving the advance notice information, the control system activates the first heating mode, directing most or all of the total heating power to the heating elements in the core heating zone by controlling the power distribution unit. Simultaneously, the control system continuously monitors the occupancy status of the track circuit associated with the turnout. When the track circuit is occupied, a timer is started to record the occupancy duration. For example, a timer can be used to record the time from the start of occupancy to the release of occupancy. If the recorded actual occupancy time exceeds a preset time threshold (e.g., set to 30 seconds) during the occupancy process, the control system determines that more comprehensive heating is needed and switches the heating mode to a second heating mode. In the second heating mode, the control system adjusts the power distribution so that both the core heating area and the regular heating area receive heating power. For example, the distribution can be based on a preset power ratio or a target power calculated based on environmental conditions. When the train has completely passed through the turnout area and the track circuit occupancy is released, the control system receives the occupancy release signal, immediately stops supplying power to all heating elements, and terminates the current heating mode.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, this application enables the turnout snow melting heating to be initiated in advance based on the train operation plan, avoiding the problem of delayed triggering by environmental sensors in traditional solutions. By concentrating the heating power on the core heating area, especially critical areas such as the slide plates that are easily affected by strong winds when trains pass, secondary freezing of snow melting water in these areas is effectively prevented. Dynamically adjusting the heating mode according to the actual duration of train occupancy allows for more flexible responses to different train passage conditions, ensuring the flexibility of the turnout's moving parts after the train has passed. Heating is promptly terminated after the track circuit occupancy is lifted, reducing energy consumption. Overall, this application improves the effectiveness and reliability of the turnout snow melting system, ensuring safe train operation in winter.

[0042] As one embodiment of the present invention, the step of switching the heating mode from a first heating mode to a second heating mode, wherein the second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone, includes:

[0043] Get the current ambient temperature;

[0044] Based on the acquired ambient temperature, a preset data correspondence is queried to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone. The data correspondence characterizes the thermodynamic properties of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively.

[0045] Based on the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone, heating power is provided to the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively.

[0046] The preset data correspondence refers to a pre-established mapping relationship that represents the target heating power required for the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone under different environmental conditions. This data correspondence can be stored in a lookup table or represented by a mathematical model. Its purpose is to dynamically adjust the heating power requirements of different areas according to real-time environmental conditions. The target heating power of the core heating zone refers to the heating power value that should be applied to achieve or maintain the required temperature in the core heating zone, calculated or obtained from environmental conditions and the thermodynamic characteristics of the core heating zone. The target heating power of the conventional heating zone refers to the heating power value that should be applied to achieve or maintain the required temperature in the conventional heating zone, calculated or obtained from environmental conditions and the thermodynamic characteristics of the conventional heating zone. Thermodynamic characteristics refer to the response attributes of the heating area to heat input and environmental heat exchange (such as conduction, convection, and radiation). It determines how much heat input is required to maintain a specific temperature in a specific environmental condition.

[0047] The proposed solution obtains the current ambient temperature and determines the target heating power for both the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone based on a pre-defined data mapping relationship. Then, heating power is provided to each zone according to the determined target heating power. This approach is adopted because ambient temperature is a key factor affecting the heat dissipation and icing rate of the turnout; different areas of the turnout have different heat requirements under different ambient temperatures. Due to differences in structure, location, and function, the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone also have different thermodynamic characteristics and varying sensitivities to environmental changes. Because the pre-defined data mapping relationship characterizes the thermodynamic characteristics of these two zones and considers the influence of ambient temperature, the system can accurately calculate the target heating power required by each zone based on real-time external conditions. This dynamic and differentiated power allocation method overcomes the limitations of the basic solution's second heating mode, which simply provides heating power to both zones. It can more accurately meet the snow melting needs of different zones under different environments, avoiding power waste or insufficiency.

[0048] As one embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone by querying a preset data correspondence relationship based on the acquired ambient temperature includes:

[0049] Obtain wind speed information in the turnout area;

[0050] The acquired ambient temperature and wind speed information are used together as the basis for querying the preset data correspondence to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone.

[0051] Among these steps, obtaining wind speed information in the turnout area refers to acquiring airflow velocity data in the area where the turnout is located through sensors or other means. Specifically, this can be achieved by installing wind speed sensors near the turnout. The purpose is to obtain key environmental parameters that affect the heat dissipation of the turnout. Using the acquired ambient temperature and wind speed information as the basis for querying the preset data correspondence means using ambient temperature and wind speed data as input to look up the corresponding heating power value in a pre-established data model or lookup table that characterizes the thermodynamic requirements of the turnout under different environmental conditions. Specifically, this can be done by using ambient temperature and wind speed as independent variables, querying a two-dimensional lookup table or calculating a function model to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone. The purpose is to more accurately determine the actual heating requirements of the turnout under the current environmental conditions.

[0052] This application's solution incorporates wind speed information from the turnout area, in addition to considering ambient temperature, and uses both ambient temperature and wind speed information as the basis for determining the target heating power for the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone. Wind speed directly affects the convective heat transfer efficiency of the turnout surface, especially in low-temperature environments where high wind speeds significantly accelerate heat loss. Relying solely on ambient temperature cannot accurately assess the actual heat demand. By including wind speed in the determination of heating power, the pre-defined data correspondence can more comprehensively reflect the thermodynamic characteristics of the turnout under different environmental combinations. For example, at the same low temperature, the higher the wind speed, the higher the determined target heating power, compensating for additional heat loss. This more refined power determination method allows subsequent heating based on the determined target heating power to more accurately meet the actual snow melting or antifreeze needs of the turnout, avoiding insufficient or excessive heating caused by wind speed. This, combined with the overall control logic of the basic scheme that pre-heats based on forecast information and switches heating modes based on the duration of occupation, enables the heating power to be determined based on more accurate environmental parameters when a train is about to pass or when the turnout is occupied for a long time. This more effectively prevents secondary freezing caused by strong winds when a train passes through, ensuring reliable switching of the turnout in severe weather.

[0053] As one embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing heating power to the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively based on the determined target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone includes:

[0054] Calculate the sum of the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone to obtain a total target heating power required;

[0055] Determine whether the required total target heating power exceeds the upper limit of the total power of a system;

[0056] When it is determined that the total target heating power required does not exceed the upper limit of the total system power, heating power is provided to the core heating area and the conventional heating area respectively according to the target heating power of the core heating area and the target heating power of the conventional heating area;

[0057] When it is determined that the total target heating power required exceeds the upper limit of the system's total power, within the upper limit of the system's total power, the power is preferentially allocated to the core heating zone to meet the target heating power of the core heating zone, and the remaining power after allocation is provided to the regular heating zone.

[0058] The required total target heating power refers to the arithmetic sum of the target heating power of the core heating area and the target heating power of the conventional heating area, which aims to assess the total current heating demand. The upper limit of the total system power refers to the maximum total heating power that the turnout snow melting system can provide, which can be determined by factors such as power supply capacity or equipment rated power, and aims to limit the total energy available to the system. Prioritizing the allocation of power to the core heating area means that when the total power is limited, the core heating area is first ensured to obtain the target heating power it needs, which aims to ensure the snow melting effect in the key areas of the turnout. Providing the remaining power after allocation to the conventional heating area means that after meeting the power demand of the core heating area, the upper limit of the total system power is subtracted from the power already allocated to the core heating area, and the difference is used as the actual heating power of the conventional heating area, which aims to take into account the heating needs of the conventional area as much as possible while ensuring the heating needs of the core area.

[0059] This application's solution calculates the total target heating power required by summing the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone, thereby assessing the overall heating demand. Subsequently, the total target heating power is compared with the system's total power limit. When the total target heating power required does not exceed the system's total power limit, the system provides heating power to the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively, based on their respective target heating powers, ensuring that each area achieves the expected heating effect when power is sufficient. When the total target heating power required exceeds the system's total power limit, the system adopts a priority allocation strategy. Within the system's total power limit, power is first allocated to the core heating zone to meet its target heating power. Then, the system's total power limit is reduced by the power already allocated to the core heating zone, and the remaining power is provided to the conventional heating zone. This strategy ensures that, in extreme cases of limited system power, the core critical areas of the turnout can receive sufficient heating power first, thereby minimizing the risk of icing in the core area and ensuring the normal operation of the turnout. This approach, combined with the step of determining the target heating power based on ambient temperature, enables the system to calculate the ideal heating power according to actual environmental requirements. When the sum of the ideal powers exceeds the system's capacity, the system can intelligently adjust and distribute the power, avoiding the problem of insufficient heating in the core area that may result from simply reducing the power proportionally. This improves the system's adaptability and reliability under complex environments and power constraints.

[0060] As one embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the required total target heating power exceeds the upper limit of the system's total power, the steps of prioritizing the allocation of power to the core heating zone within the upper limit of the system's total power to meet the target heating power of the core heating zone, and providing the remaining power after allocation to the conventional heating zone, include:

[0061] Within the system's total power limit, power is allocated to meet the target heating power of the core heating zone, and the remaining power after allocation is provided to the conventional heating zone.

[0062] The cumulative duration is obtained by timing the state where the remaining power supplied to the conventional heating zone is lower than an effective heating threshold.

[0063] Determine whether the cumulative duration exceeds a preset duration threshold;

[0064] If the cumulative duration exceeds a preset duration threshold, the power distribution method will be switched to periodically distribute the total system power between the core heating zone and the regular heating zone.

[0065] Among them, an effective heating threshold refers to the minimum heating power required to maintain the conventional heating zone from freezing or achieve basic snow melting effect. It can be determined experimentally or by calculation based on the thermodynamic characteristics of the conventional heating zone, ambient temperature, wind speed, and other factors. Its purpose is to determine whether the conventional heating zone is in an effective heating state. The cumulative duration refers to the accumulated time during which the remaining power provided to the conventional heating zone is below an effective heating threshold. This can be achieved by recording and accumulating the time periods in the low-power state using a timer or system clock. Its purpose is to monitor situations where the conventional heating zone is in a low-power heating state for an extended period. The preset duration threshold is used to determine whether the conventional heating zone is in an effective heating state. Whether a hot zone remains in a low-power heating state for an extended period reaches a point where a power allocation strategy adjustment is necessary can be determined empirically or through optimization based on factors such as turnout structure, materials, environmental conditions, snow melting requirements, and system response time. The purpose is to set the conditions that trigger the adjustment of the power allocation strategy. Periodically allocating the total system power between the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone means that the total system power is alternately applied between the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone over a period of time. This can be achieved by switching based on time intervals or switching based on temperature thresholds. The purpose is to prevent a single area from being deprived of heating for an extended period and to ensure the overall snow melting effect.

[0066] This application's solution prioritizes allocating power within the system's total power limit to meet the target heating power of the core heating zone, then provides the remaining power to the conventional heating zone, continuing the strategy of prioritizing snow melting needs in the core area. Furthermore, the solution times out periods when the remaining power provided to the conventional heating zone falls below an effective heating threshold, obtaining a cumulative duration to monitor the heating effectiveness of the conventional heating zone in real time. By determining whether this cumulative duration exceeds a preset duration threshold, the system can identify the risk of prolonged inefficient heating in the conventional heating zone. If the cumulative duration exceeds the preset duration threshold, the power allocation method is switched to periodically distributing the system's total power between the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone. This switching mechanism prevents the conventional heating zone from completely failing due to prolonged power shortages, ensuring the overall snow melting capacity of the turnout is maintained under continuous severe weather conditions where the system's total power is limited. This strategy, which prioritizes the core area while monitoring the status of the conventional area and adjusting to periodic allocation when necessary, effectively balances the contradiction between the snow melting needs of different areas and the system's total power limit, improving the adaptability and reliability of the turnout snow melting system.

[0067] As one embodiment of the present invention, the step of switching the power distribution mode to periodically distribute the total system power between the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone includes:

[0068] The temperatures of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone were monitored separately.

[0069] When the total system power is applied to the core heating zone and the monitored temperature of the core heating zone reaches the first preset temperature, or the monitored temperature of the conventional heating zone drops to the second preset temperature, the total system power is switched to the conventional heating zone.

[0070] When the total system power is applied to the conventional heating zone and the monitored temperature of the conventional heating zone reaches the third preset temperature, or the monitored temperature of the core heating zone drops to the fourth preset temperature, the total system power is switched to the core heating zone.

[0071] This scheme continuously monitors the actual temperatures of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone, and dynamically determines which area the total system power should be applied to based on preset temperature thresholds. Specifically, when the total system power is applied to the core heating zone, if the temperature of the core heating zone has reached the first preset temperature, it indicates that the zone has received sufficient heating, and it is more reasonable to switch the power to the conventional heating zone. Alternatively, if the temperature of the conventional heating zone drops to the second preset temperature, it indicates that the temperature of the conventional heating zone is too low and urgently needs heating, and the power should also be switched to the conventional heating zone. Conversely, when the total system power is applied to the conventional heating zone, if the temperature of the conventional heating zone reaches the third preset temperature, it indicates that the conventional heating zone has received sufficient heating, and the power should be switched back to the core heating zone. Alternatively, if the temperature of the core heating zone drops to the fourth preset temperature, it indicates that the temperature of the core heating zone is too low and needs priority heating, and the power should also be switched back to the core heating zone. This dynamic switching mechanism based on real-time temperature feedback enables the system to intelligently adjust the heating focus according to the actual thermal state when the total system power is insufficient to meet the heating needs of two areas simultaneously. This avoids local overheating or underheating that may be caused by fixed cycles or simple distribution methods, thereby maximizing the snow melting effect in key areas of the turnout and the whole system with limited total power.

[0072] As one embodiment of the present invention, the step of characterizing the thermodynamic properties of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone by data correspondence includes:

[0073] After characterizing the thermodynamic properties of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone by the preset data correspondence, the actual temperature response of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone is continuously monitored.

[0074] Based on the deviation between the actual temperature response monitored and the theoretical temperature response characterized by the correspondence between preset data, it is determined whether there is a drift in thermodynamic properties in the core heating zone or the conventional heating zone.

[0075] If a thermodynamic property drift is detected, the preset data correspondence is corrected based on the deviation to ensure that it continues to accurately characterize the thermodynamic properties of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone.

[0076] Thermodynamic properties refer to the heating zone's ability to absorb, store, and dissipate heat, which is influenced by factors such as the heating zone's materials, structure, installation status, and surrounding environmental conditions. The theoretical temperature response, characterized by the preset data correspondence, refers to the temperature change curve or stable temperature value of the heating zone calculated or predicted based on the current preset data correspondence under specific heating power input and environmental conditions. Determining whether there is thermodynamic property drift in the core heating zone or conventional heating zone involves comparing the actual monitored temperature response with the theoretical temperature response characterized by the preset data correspondence to determine whether the actual thermodynamic properties of the heating zone conform to the description of the preset data correspondence. If the state deviates, it can be done by setting an allowable deviation range or threshold. When the deviation between the actual temperature response and the theoretical temperature response exceeds this range, it is determined that there is a drift in thermodynamic characteristics. Among them, correcting the preset data correspondence means adjusting or updating the preset data correspondence based on the deviation between the monitored actual temperature response and the theoretical temperature response represented by the preset data correspondence, so that it can more accurately reflect the current actual thermodynamic characteristics of the heating zone. Specifically, it can be achieved by using adaptive control algorithms, parameter identification methods, or machine learning model training, etc., with the aim of enabling the data correspondence to dynamically adapt to changes in the thermodynamic characteristics of the heating zone.

[0077] This application's solution addresses the problem of inaccurate control caused by the inability of preset data correspondence to accurately represent actual thermodynamic characteristics by introducing an adaptive correction mechanism for data correspondence. Specifically, based on determining the target heating power by querying preset data correspondence according to ambient temperature, this solution continuously monitors the actual temperature response of the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone. It is precisely because of the continuous acquisition of real temperature feedback that it can be compared with the theoretical temperature response predicted based on the current data correspondence, thus obtaining the deviation reflecting the accuracy of the data correspondence. It is because this deviation can be used to determine whether there is thermodynamic drift, and the data correspondence can be corrected accordingly, that the data correspondence can dynamically adapt to changes in the thermodynamic characteristics of the heating zone. This closed-loop process of continuous monitoring, feedback, judgment, and correction enables the system to overcome the influence of the time-varying thermodynamic characteristics of the turnout, always performing heating control based on accurate data correspondence, thereby ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of heating control.

[0078] As one embodiment of the present invention, the determination of the first preset temperature includes:

[0079] Obtain information on ambient temperature and snowfall intensity in the turnout area;

[0080] Based on the obtained ambient temperature and snowfall intensity information, a preset temperature determination relationship is queried to determine the first preset temperature. The temperature determination relationship characterizes the antifreeze temperature requirements of the core heating zone under different environmental conditions.

[0081] As one embodiment of the present invention, the steps of querying a preset data correspondence relationship to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the conventional heating zone, and correcting the preset data correspondence relationship based on the deviation, specifically include:

[0082] a) Define the data correspondence as a set of thermal balance models for the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively, where each thermal balance model contains a set of updatable model parameters, and the model parameters characterize the thermodynamic properties of the corresponding region.

[0083] b) For the core heating zone, perform the following iterative update and calculation process:

[0084] b1) Based on the heat balance model of the core heating zone, and using the currently acquired ambient temperature, wind speed information and the current core zone model parameter set θ_core(t), the target heating power P_core_target(t) of the core heating zone is calculated.

[0085] b2) Based on the thermal balance model of the core heating zone and the current core zone model parameter set θ_core(t), and according to an actual heating power P_applied_core(t) applied to the core heating zone, predict a theoretical temperature response T_predicted_core(t) of the core heating zone;

[0086] b3) Compare the actual temperature response T_actual_core(t) of the monitored core heating zone with the theoretical temperature response T_predicted_core(t) to obtain a temperature response deviation e_core(t);

[0087] b4) Based on the temperature response deviation e_core(t), the core region model parameter set is updated using a pre-defined recursive update rule to obtain the core region model parameter set θ_core(t+1) for the next time step. The recursive update rule is expressed as follows:

[0088] θ_core(t+1)=θ_core(t)+K_core(t)*e_core(t);

[0089] Where t is the time variable, and K_core(t) is the adaptive gain determined based on historical system data;

[0090] c) For the conventional heating zone, the process corresponding to step b) is adopted to determine the target heating power P_conv_target(t) of the conventional heating zone and update its conventional zone model parameter set θ_conv(t).

[0091] Among them, the thermal balance model refers to a mathematical model that describes the dynamic balance relationship of a physical system (such as a heating region) in terms of energy input, output, and storage. It can be implemented using lumped parameter models, distributed parameter models, or machine learning-based models. Model parameters refer to the set of variables in the thermal balance model used to describe the physical properties or behavioral characteristics of the system. The values ​​of these parameters affect the model's prediction results and can be characterized using physical quantities such as thermal resistance, heat capacity, and heat transfer coefficient, or abstract mathematical coefficients. Thermodynamic properties refer to the inherent properties of a system in terms of energy conversion and transfer, such as its ability to absorb, store, and dissipate heat. These properties can be expressed using parameters such as thermal resistance, heat capacity, heat transfer coefficient, etc. The model parameters are described by physical parameters such as heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and convective heat transfer coefficient. The recursive update rule is an iterative calculation method in which the model parameters at the current moment are obtained by correcting the model parameters at the previous moment and the measurement error at the current moment. It can be implemented using algorithms such as least squares, gradient descent, or Kalman filtering. The adaptive gain is a coefficient used in the recursive update rule to adjust the magnitude of the error in updating the model parameters. Its value can be adjusted with time or changes in system state to optimize the convergence and stability of the update process. It can be determined based on the historical operating data of the system, the trend of environmental conditions, or the statistical characteristics of the model prediction error.

[0092] This application's solution concretizes data correspondence into a thermal balance model and establishes separate models for the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone, making the characterization of regional thermodynamic characteristics more accurate and dynamic. During operation, the system calculates the required target heating power using current environmental information and model parameters, solving the problem of how to query data correspondence to determine the target power. Simultaneously, by actually applying power and monitoring the actual temperature response, it compares the actual temperature response with the theoretical temperature response predicted by the model based on the same applied power, obtaining the temperature deviation. This deviation directly reflects the difference between the current model parameters and the actual system's thermodynamic characteristics. Based on this deviation, a preset recursive update rule is used to dynamically adjust the model parameters, enabling the model to continuously approximate the actual system's thermodynamic characteristics, thus solving the problem of how to correct data correspondence based on deviation. The core heating zone and the conventional heating zone employ corresponding processes, ensuring the control accuracy of the entire turnout heating system. This model-based dynamic prediction and correction mechanism allows the system to adapt in real time to thermodynamic characteristic drift caused by environmental changes, equipment aging, and other factors, ensuring the accuracy of the target heating power calculation and thus improving the reliability and efficiency of snow melting control.

[0093] like Figure 2 The diagram shows an intelligent snow melting control system for railway turnouts. The system includes:

[0094] The acquisition module 201 is used to acquire advance information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout. The electric heating element of the turnout is divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone.

[0095] The first heating execution module 202 is used to execute a first heating mode based on the forecast information. The first heating mode concentrates the heating power on the core heating area.

[0096] The monitoring and recording module 203 is used to monitor the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself and record the actual occupancy time of the track circuit by the vehicle.

[0097] The mode switching module 204 is used to switch the heating mode from the first heating mode to the second heating mode if the actual occupancy time exceeds a preset time threshold. The second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating area and the regular heating area.

[0098] The termination control module 205 is used to terminate the first heating mode or the second heating mode after the track circuit occupancy status of the turnout itself is released.

[0099] The proposed solution receives train warning information via module 201, triggering the first heating execution module 202 to activate the first heating mode, concentrating power on the core heating area for preheating. Simultaneously, the monitoring and recording module 203 continuously monitors the track circuit occupancy status and records the actual occupancy duration. The mode switching module 204 compares the actual occupancy duration with a preset time threshold; if the threshold is exceeded, it switches to the second heating mode to expand the heating range. When the monitoring and recording module 203 detects that the track circuit occupancy status has been cleared, the termination control module 205 promptly terminates the heating. This modular system design enables the effective execution of the turnout snow melting pre-heating control method based on train operation plans. By preheating the core heating area before the train arrives and adjusting or terminating heating after the train passes according to the actual situation, the system can specifically address the secondary freezing problem caused by strong winds during train passage. The coordinated operation of all system modules ensures the automation, intelligence, and energy efficiency of the heating process, overcoming the limitations of having only a method but lacking system support.

[0100] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: obtaining early warning information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout, the electric heating element of the turnout being divided into a core heating zone and a regular heating zone; based on the early warning information, executing a first heating mode, the first heating mode concentrating heating power on the core heating zone; monitoring the track circuit occupation state of the turnout itself and recording the actual occupation duration of the track circuit by the vehicle; if the actual occupation duration exceeds a preset time threshold, switching the heating mode from the first heating mode to a second heating mode, the second heating mode providing heating power to both the core heating zone and the regular heating zone; after the track circuit occupation state of the turnout itself is released, terminating the first heating mode or the second heating mode.

2. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of switching the heating mode from the first heating mode to a second heating mode, the second heating mode providing heating power to both the core heating zone and the regular heating zone, comprises: obtaining the current environmental temperature; according to the obtained environmental temperature, querying a preset data correspondence relationship to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone, the data correspondence relationship representing the thermodynamic characteristics of the core heating zone and the regular heating zone respectively; according to the determined target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone, providing heating power to the core heating zone and the regular heating zone respectively.

3. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of according to the obtained environmental temperature, querying a preset data correspondence relationship to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone, comprises: obtaining the wind speed information of the turnout area; using the obtained environmental temperature and the wind speed information as the query basis together, querying the preset data correspondence relationship to determine the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone.

4. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of according to the determined target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone, providing heating power to the core heating zone and the regular heating zone respectively, comprises: calculating the sum of the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone to obtain a required total target heating power; determining whether the required total target heating power exceeds a system total power upper limit; when it is determined that the required total target heating power does not exceed the system total power upper limit, providing heating power to the core heating zone and the regular heating zone according to the target heating power of the core heating zone and the target heating power of the regular heating zone respectively; when it is determined that the required total target heating power exceeds the system total power upper limit, within the system total power upper limit, preferentially allocating power to the core heating zone to meet the target heating power of the core heating zone, and providing the remaining power after allocation to the regular heating zone.

5. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of, when judging that the required total target heating power exceeds the system total power upper limit, allocating power to the core heating area within the system total power upper limit to meet the target heating power of the core heating area, and providing the remaining power after allocation to the regular heating area, includes: allocating power to meet the target heating power of the core heating area within the system total power upper limit, and providing the remaining power after allocation to the regular heating area; counting a cumulative duration when the remaining power provided to the regular heating area is below an effective heating threshold value; judging whether the cumulative duration exceeds a preset duration threshold value; if it is judged that the cumulative duration exceeds the preset duration threshold value, switching the power allocation mode to periodically allocate system total power between the core heating area and the regular heating area.

6. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of switching the power allocation mode to periodically allocate system total power between the core heating area and the regular heating area includes: respectively monitoring the temperatures of the core heating area and the regular heating area; when the system total power is applied to the core heating area, and the monitored temperature of the core heating area reaches a first preset temperature, or the monitored temperature of the regular heating area decreases to a second preset temperature, switching the system total power to the regular heating area; when the system total power is applied to the regular heating area, and the monitored temperature of the regular heating area reaches a third preset temperature, or the monitored temperature of the core heating area decreases to a fourth preset temperature, switching the system total power to the core heating area.

7. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of representing the thermodynamic characteristics of the core heating area and the regular heating area in the preset data correspondence relationship includes: after the preset data correspondence relationship represents the thermodynamic characteristics of the core heating area and the regular heating area, continuously monitoring the actual temperature responses of the core heating area and the regular heating area; judging whether there is a thermodynamic characteristic drift in the core heating area or the regular heating area according to the deviation between the monitored actual temperature response and the theoretical temperature response represented by the preset data correspondence relationship; if it is judged that there is a thermodynamic characteristic drift, correcting the preset data correspondence relationship according to the deviation, so that it continues to accurately represent the thermodynamic characteristics of the core heating area and the regular heating area.

8. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determination of the first preset temperature includes: obtaining environmental temperature and snowfall intensity information of the turnout area; according to the obtained environmental temperature and snowfall intensity information, querying a preset temperature determination relationship to determine the first preset temperature, the temperature determination relationship representing the anti-freezing temperature requirements of the core heating area under different environmental conditions.

9. The railway turnout snow melting intelligent control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steps of querying the preset data correspondence relationship to determine the target heating power of the core heating area and the target heating power of the regular heating area, and correcting the preset data correspondence relationship according to the deviation, specifically include: a) defining the data correspondence relationship as a set of thermal balance models for the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone respectively, wherein each thermal balance model comprises a set of updatable model parameters representing the thermodynamic characteristics of the corresponding zone; b) for the core heating zone, performing the following cyclic updating and calculation process: calculating the target heating power P_core_target(t) of the core heating zone based on the thermal balance model of the core heating zone and using the currently acquired ambient temperature, wind speed information and the current core zone model parameter set θ_core(t); predicting a theoretical temperature response T_predicted_core(t) of the core heating zone based on the thermal balance model of the core heating zone and the current core zone model parameter set θ_core(t) and according to an actual heating power P_applied_core(t) applied to the core heating zone; comparing the monitored actual temperature response T_actual_core(t) of the core heating zone with the theoretical temperature response T_predicted_core(t) to obtain a temperature response deviation e_core(t); updating the core zone model parameter set according to the temperature response deviation e_core(t) by a preset recursive updating rule to obtain the core zone model parameter set θ_core(t+1) at the next time, and the recursive updating rule is expressed as: θ_core(t+1) = θ_core(t) + K_core(t) * e_core(t); wherein t is a time variable, and K_core(t) is an adaptive gain determined according to historical system data; c) for the conventional heating zone, using the process corresponding to step b) to determine the target heating power P_conv_target(t) of the conventional heating zone and update the conventional zone model parameter set θ_conv(t).

10. A railway turnout snow melting intelligent control system, characterized in that, The system comprises: an acquisition module configured to acquire advance information indicating that a vehicle is about to arrive at a turnout, and the electric heating elements of the turnout are divided into a core heating zone and a conventional heating zone; a first heating execution module configured to execute a first heating mode based on the advance information, and the first heating mode concentrates heating power on the core heating zone; a monitoring and recording module configured to monitor the track circuit occupation state of the turnout itself and record the actual occupation duration of the track circuit by the vehicle; a mode switching module configured to switch the heating mode from the first heating mode to a second heating mode if the actual occupation duration exceeds a preset time threshold, and the second heating mode provides heating power to both the core heating zone and the conventional heating zone; a termination control module configured to terminate the first heating mode or the second heating mode after the track circuit occupation state of the turnout itself is released.

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