DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

When only a part of the internal combustion engines (91a, 91b) is started, in a drive control device (1), a first inverter (12a, 12b) of the first inverters (12a, 12b), which is connected via a power generator (92a, 92b) and a converter (11a, 11b) to a non-started internal combustion engine (91a, 91b) of the internal combustion engines (91a, 91b), converts AC power obtained from another first inverter (12a, 12b) of the first inverters (12a, 12b), which are connected via the power generator (92a, 92b) and the converter (11a, 11b) to the started internal combustion engine (91a, 91b), into DC power and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to at least one of the converters (11a, 11b) or the Energy storage device (13a, 13b).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive control device. State of the art

[0002] Some railway vehicles use an internal combustion engine as a power source. Patent Literature 1 discloses an example of such a railway vehicle. The railway vehicle disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes an internal combustion engine, a power generator driven by the internal combustion engine to generate alternating current (AC) power, a converter to convert the AC power generated by the power generator into direct current (DC) power and output the resulting DC power, an inverter to convert the DC power output by the converter into AC power and output the resulting AC power, an electric motor to rotate in response to the supply of AC power from the inverter, and a drive control device to control the converter and the inverter. Citation listPatent literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. WO 2019 / 073822 Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0004] To start the internal combustion engine, power must be supplied to the power generator. The power generator must operate as an electric motor, and rotational force must be transferred from the power generator, which operates as an electric motor, to the internal combustion engine. To supply power to the power generator, an energy storage device is provided that is capable of storing the power required when starting the internal combustion engine. The power generator operates as the electric motor and rotates. The converter converts the DC power provided by the energy storage device into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator. The rotation of the power generator starts the internal combustion engine.

[0005] When the internal combustion engine is stopped, the energy storage device may be electrically connected to other electronic devices, e.g., due to improper handling during maintenance operations, which may lead to a discharge of the energy storage device. As a result, the internal combustion engine cannot be started the next time the rail vehicle is started. Starting the internal combustion engine using the power provided by the energy storage device requires complicated operations, such as removing the energy storage device from the rail vehicle, charging the energy storage device at an above-ground charging facility to a level where the internal combustion engine can be started, and reinstalling the energy storage device in the rail vehicle.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a drive control device with which charging of an energy storage device is easily possible. Solution to the problem

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned object, the drive control device of the present disclosure is a drive control device for controlling a drive of a rail vehicle that uses internal combustion engines as a power source. The drive control device includes converters capable of bidirectional power conversion between AC power and DC power, first inverters capable of bidirectional power conversion between DC power and AC power, and energy storage devices. The converters are provided for respective power generators. The power generators are provided for the respective internal combustion engines and are driven by the respective internal combustion engines to generate AC power. The first inverters are provided for the respective converters and each has primary terminals and secondary terminals.The primary terminals are connected to the converter, and the secondary terminals are connected to a load device. The load device is powered by AC power. Energy storage devices are provided for the respective converters and are each connected to the corresponding converter and the primary terminals of the corresponding first inverter. Each energy storage device is charged with DC power output by the converter or the first inverter and stores power to start the internal combustion engine. The secondary terminals of the first inverters are connected to each other. When the internal combustion engines start, each of the converters converts DC power into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator.When only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, a first inverter of the first inverters, which is connected via the power generator and the converter to a non-started internal combustion engine of the internal combustion engines, receives AC power from another first inverter of the first inverters, which is connected via the converter to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine, converts the received AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to at least one of the converter or the energy storage device. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0008] According to the drive control device of the present disclosure, when only a portion of the internal combustion engines is started, a first inverter of the first inverters connected to a non-started internal combustion engine of the internal combustion engines via the power generator and the converter converts AC power supplied from another first inverter of the first inverters connected to the started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to at least one of the converter and the energy storage device. When the DC power is supplied from the first inverter to the energy storage device, the energy storage device can be charged.The converter converts the DC power provided by the charged energy storage device into AC power and supplies the AC power resulting from the conversion to the power generator. This allows the internal combustion engine to be started. When the DC power is supplied to the converter by the first inverter, the converter converts the DC power provided by the first inverter into AC power and supplies the AC power resulting from the conversion to the power generator. This allows the internal combustion engine to be started. When the AC power generated by the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine is converted into DC power by the converter and the DC power resulting from the conversion is supplied to the energy storage device, the energy storage device can be charged.That is, according to the drive control device of the present disclosure, a drive control device is obtained that facilitates charging of the energy storage devices because removing the energy storage device from the rail vehicle for charging at the charging device is unnecessary. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive control device according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first inverter according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the controller according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operations for starting internal combustion engines and charging energy storage devices performed by the drive control device according to Embodiment 1 in a state where each energy storage device is charged; Fig. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operations for starting the internal combustion engines and charging the energy storage devices performed by the drive control device according to Embodiment 1 in a state where a part of the energy storage devices is discharged; Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of current flows in the drive control device according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 8 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operations for starting internal combustion engines and charging energy storage devices performed by a drive control device according to Embodiment 2 in a state where a part of the charging devices is discharged; Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of current flows in the drive control device according to Embodiment 2; Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first modified example of a drive control device according to an embodiment; Fig. 11 is a timing chart illustrating another example of operations for starting internal combustion engines and charging energy storage devices performed by a drive control device according to the embodiment in a state where a part of the energy storage devices is discharged; Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second modified example of a drive control device according to an embodiment; Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of current flows in the second modified example of the drive control device according to the embodiment; Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of current flows in the second modified example of the drive control device according to the embodiment; and Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of a hardware configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0009] A drive control device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Embodiment 1

[0010] Using the example of a rail vehicle that uses a plurality of internal combustion engines as a drive source, a drive control device for controlling a drive of a rail vehicle is described. A rail vehicle drive device 100 is shown in Fig. 1. The rail vehicle drive device 100 drives a rail vehicle comprising a plurality of vehicles 100a, 100b.

[0011] The rail vehicle propulsion device 100 includes internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, which constitute a power source, power generators 92a, 92b, which are driven by the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b to generate AC power, and a propulsion control device 1 for controlling the propulsion of a rail vehicle by supplying the power generated by the power generators 92a, 92b to the main motors 93a, 93b. The rail vehicle propulsion device 100 includes the main motors 93a, 93b, which receive the AC power from the propulsion control device 1 and rotate to generate propulsion of the rail vehicle, and load devices 94a, 94b, which are operated with the power of the propulsion control device 1.

[0012] The drive control device 1 includes a main converter 1a and a main converter 1b. The main converter 1a converts the AC power provided by the power generator 92a into AC power suitable for the main motor 93a and the load device 94a, and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a and the load device 94a. The main converter 1b converts the AC power provided by the power generator 92b into AC power suitable for the main motor 93b and the load device 94b, and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93b and the load device 94b.

[0013] The internal combustion engine 91a, the power generator 92a, the main converter 1a, the main motor 93a, and the load device 94a are installed in the vehicle 100a. The internal combustion engine 91b, the power generator 92b, the main converter 1b, the main motor 93b, and the load device 94b are installed in the vehicle 100b.

[0014] The internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are diesel engines, gasoline engines, or the like. Output shafts of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are respectively connected to shafts of the power generators 92a, 92b. Consequently, the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b can be started at the beginning of the rail vehicle's travel by the rotating power generators 92a, 92b operating as electric motors. After the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started, while the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are rotating, the power generators 92a, 92b rotate to generate AC power. The engine speed of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b is controlled by an internal combustion engine controller (not shown).

[0015] The engine controller detects a start command signal, an operation command signal, and the engine speeds of the engines 91a, 91b measured by speed sensors (not shown). The start command signal varies depending on the operation of a start switch provided in the driver's cab. The operation command signal varies depending on the operation of a control switch provided in the driver's cab. The engine controller determines target engine speeds based on the start command signal, the operation command signal, and measured values ​​of the engine speeds of the engines 91a, 91b, and controls the engine speeds of the engines 91a, 91b to be closer to the target engine speeds.

[0016] When the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are not started, the power generators 92a, 92b each operate as an electric motor and rotate upon receiving AC power from the drive control device 1. After the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started, the power generators 92a, 92b are driven by the respective internal combustion engines 91a, 91b to generate AC power and supply the generated AC power to the drive control device 1. The power generators 92a, 92b are, for example, an induction generator.

[0017] The main motors 93a, 93b are each driven by receiving the AC power from the drive control device 1 to generate the propulsion of the rail vehicle. To simplify the illustration, the main motors 93a, 93b are Fig. 1 are each shown as one, but a plurality of main motors are installed in each vehicle. More specifically, a plurality of main motors 93a, e.g., four main motors 93a, are installed in the vehicle 100a. A plurality of main motors 93b, e.g., four main motors 93b, are installed in the vehicle 100b. The main motors 93a, 93b are, for example, three-phase asynchronous motors.

[0018] The load devices 94a, 94b are each driven by the AC power from the drive control device 1. The load devices 94a, 94b are, for example, in-vehicle devices such as lighting equipment, air conditioning systems, and the like.

[0019] The drive control device 1 includes a plurality of converters 11a, 11b and a plurality of first inverters 12a, 12b. The converters 11a, 11b are respectively connected to the power generators 92a, 92b provided for the respective internal combustion engines 91a, 91b and are capable of bidirectional power conversion between AC power and DC power. The first inverters 12a, 12b are respectively connected to the converters 11a, 11b and are capable of bidirectional power conversion between DC power and AC power. The drive control device 1 includes a plurality of energy storage devices 13a, 13b connected to the respective converters 11a, 11b and the respective first inverters 12a, 12b. The drive control device 1 further comprises second inverters 14a, 14b, which are respectively connected to the converters 11a, 11b.This connection means an electrical connection of the components.

[0020] Specifically, the main conversion device 1a included in the drive control device 1 includes the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, the second inverter 14a, and the energy storage device 13a. The converter 11a converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92a into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. The first inverter 12a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and outputs the resulting AC power to the load device 94a. The second inverter 14a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a. The energy storage device 13a is connected to the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a.

[0021] The main conversion device 1a includes a transformer 16a and an AC capacitor 17a. The transformer 16a has primary terminals connected to the first inverter 12a. The transformer 16a transforms the AC power output by the first inverter 12a so that the AC power output by the first inverter 12a is suitable for the load device 94a. The AC capacitor 17a is connected to the secondary terminals of the transformer 16a.

[0022] The main conversion device 1a includes energy storage device contactors 18a and inverter contactors 19a. The energy storage device contactors 18a switch the electrical connection between (i) the energy storage device 13a and (ii) the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a. The inverter contactors 19a each have one end connected to a connection point between the AC capacitor 17a and the load device 94a.

[0023] The main conversion device 1a comprises a controller 15a for controlling the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, the second inverter 14a, the energy storage device contactors 18a and the inverter contactors 19a.

[0024] Similarly, the main conversion device 1b included in the drive control device 1 includes the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, the second inverter 14b, and the energy storage device 13b. The converter 11b converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92b into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. The first inverter 12b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and outputs the resulting AC power to the load device 94b. The second inverter 14b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93b. The energy storage device 13b is connected to the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b.

[0025] The main conversion device 1b includes a transformer 16b and an AC capacitor 17b. The transformer 16b has primary terminals connected to the first inverter 12b. The transformer 16b transforms the AC power output by the first inverter 12b so that the AC power output by the first inverter 12b is suitable for the load device 94b. The AC capacitor 17b is connected to the secondary terminals of the transformer 16b.

[0026] The main conversion device 1b includes energy storage device contactors 18b and inverter contactors 19b. The energy storage device contactors 18b switch the electrical connection between (i) the energy storage device 13b and (ii) the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b. The inverter contactors 19b each have one end connected to a connection point between the AC capacitor 17b and the load device 94b.

[0027] The main conversion device 1b comprises a controller 15b for controlling the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, the second inverter 14b, the energy storage device contactors 18b and the inverter contactors 19b.

[0028] For example, when the rail vehicle parked in a train depot is put into operation, the drive control device 1, which has the configuration described above, starts the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b. Specifically, the drive control device 1 causes the converters 11a, 11b to convert the DC power stored in the energy storage devices 13a, 13b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generators 92a, 92b to cause the power generators 92a, 92b to operate as electric motors and rotate. This causes the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, which have the output shafts to which the shafts of the power generators 92a, 92b are attached, to rotate to start the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b.

[0029] When one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b is discharged, the corresponding power generator 92a, 92b cannot be supplied with AC power, and therefore the corresponding internal combustion engine 91a, 91b cannot be started. At this time, the drive control device 1 charges the two energy storage devices 13a, 13b using the power generated by the power generator 92a or by the power generator 92b driven by the other of the started internal combustion engines 91a, 91b. In this way, the drive control device 1 is obtained that facilitates the charging of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, since removing the one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b that is discharged from the rail vehicle for charging at the charging device is unnecessary.

[0030] The configuration of the drive control device 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail below. The converter 11a is connected to the power generator 92a driven by the engine 91a. The converter 11b is connected to the power generator 92b driven by the engine 91b. The converter 11a has AC-side terminals connected to output terminals of the power generator 92a and DC-side terminals connected to the first inverter 12a, the energy storage device 13a, and the second inverter 14a. The converter 11b has AC-side terminals connected to output terminals of the power generator 92b and DC-side terminals connected to the first inverter 12b, the energy storage device 13b, and the second inverter 14b.

[0031] Each of the converters 11a, 11b comprises a capacitor and a plurality of switching elements. The capacitors are charged with DC power provided by the corresponding energy storage devices 13a, 13b when the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started. The switching elements are connected in parallel with the capacitor. The switching elements of the converters 11a, 11b are controlled by the controllers 15a, 15b, so that the converters 11a, 11b can convert AC power to DC power or DC power to AC power.

[0032] Specifically, upon receiving AC power from the connected power generators 92a, 92b, the converters 11a, 11b convert the AC power into DC power and output the resulting DC power. Specifically, the converter 11a converts the AC power provided by the power generator 92a into DC power and supplies the resulting DC power to the first inverter 12a, the energy storage device 13a, and the second inverter 14a. Similarly, the converter 11b converts the AC power provided by the power generator 92b into DC power and supplies the resulting DC power to the first inverter 12b, the energy storage device 13b, and the second inverter 14b.

[0033] Upon receiving DC power, the converters 11a, 11b convert the DC power into AC power and supply the resulting AC power to the connected power generators 92a, 92b. For example, when the internal combustion engine 91a starts, the converter 11a converts the DC power provided by the energy storage device 13a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92a. As a result, the power generator 92a, operating as an electric motor and rotating, enables the internal combustion engine 91a to start. Similarly, when the internal combustion engine 91b starts, the converter 11b converts the DC power provided by the energy storage device 13b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92b. As a result, the power generator 92b, operating as an electric motor and rotating, enables the internal combustion engine 91b to start.

[0034] The first inverters 12a, 12b are static converters that maintain a constant output voltage and a constant output frequency. The first inverter 12a has primary terminals 21a, 22a, which are DC-side terminals connected to the converter 11a, and secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a, which are AC-side terminals connected to the load device 94a via the transformer 16a and the AC capacitor 17a. The first inverter 12b has primary terminals 21b, 22b, which are DC-side terminals connected to the converter 11b, and secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b, which are AC-side terminals connected to the load device 94b via the transformer 16b and the AC capacitor 17b. The secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25b of the first inverter 12a are each connected via the inverter contactors 19a, 19b to the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b.

[0035] Upon receiving DC power from the converter 11a connected to the primary terminals 21a, 22a, the first inverter 12a converts the DC power to AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94a connected to the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a. Similarly, upon receiving DC power from the converter 11b connected to the primary terminals 21b, 22b, the first inverter 12b converts the DC power to AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94b connected to the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b.

[0036] When the internal combustion engine 91a has not been started and the first inverter 12a receives AC power from the first inverter 12b connected to the started internal combustion engine 91b via the power generator 92b and the converter 11b, the first inverter 12a converts the AC power into DC power and supplies the resulting DC power to the converter 11a and the energy storage device 13a.

[0037] Similarly, when the engine 91b has not been started and the first inverter 12b receives AC power from the first inverter 12a connected to the started engine 91a via the power generator 92a and the converter 11a, the first inverter 12b converts the AC power into DC power and supplies the resulting DC power to the converter 11b and the energy storage device 13b.

[0038] The first inverters 12a, 12b have the same structure. The details of the first inverter 12a will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the first inverter 12a includes a capacitor C1 having both terminals connected to the primary terminals 21a, 22a, switching elements SW1, SW2 provided between the primary terminals 21a, 22a and connected in series with each other, switching elements SW3, SW4 provided between the primary terminals 21a, 22a and connected in series with each other, and switching elements SW5, SW6 provided between the primary terminals 21a, 22a and connected in series with each other.

[0039] The switching elements SW1, SW2, the switching elements SW3, SW4, and the switching elements SW5, SW6 each correspond to a U-phase, a V-phase, and a W-phase. The connection point between the switching elements SW1, SW2 is connected to the secondary terminal 23a. The connection point between the switching elements SW3, SW4 is connected to the secondary terminal 24a. The connection point between the switching elements SW5, SW6 is connected to the secondary terminal 25a.

[0040] The switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 are, for example, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), gate-turn-off thyristors (GTOs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), or the like. In Embodiment 1, the switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 are IGBTs.

[0041] The first inverter 12a comprises freewheeling diodes D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, which are respectively connected in parallel to the switching elements SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6.

[0042] In Embodiment 1, the freewheeling diode D1 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW1 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW1. Similarly, the freewheeling diode D2 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW2 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW2.

[0043] Similarly, the freewheeling diode D3 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW3 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW3. Similarly, the freewheeling diode D4 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW4 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW4.

[0044] Similarly, the freewheeling diode D5 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW5 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW5. Similarly, the freewheeling diode D6 has an anode connected to an emitter terminal of the switching element SW6 and a cathode connected to a collector terminal of the switching element SW6.

[0045] The anodes of the freewheeling diodes D1, D3, and D5 are connected to the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, and 25a of the first inverter 12a, respectively. The cathodes of the freewheeling diodes D1, D3, and D5 are connected to the primary terminal 21a, which corresponds to a positive electrode among the primary terminals 21a, 21b of the first inverter 12a. The anodes of the freewheeling diodes D2, D4, and D6 are connected to the primary terminal 22a, which corresponds to a negative electrode among the primary terminals 21a, 21b of the first inverter 12a. The cathodes of the freewheeling diodes D2, D4, and D6 are connected to the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, and 25a of the first inverter 12a, respectively. The freewheeling diodes D1-D6 rectify an alternating current flowing from the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a and output the rectified current to the primary terminal 21a.In other words, the freewheeling diodes D1-D6 serve as a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC power provided by the first inverter 12b to convert the AC power into DC power and supply the resulting DC power to at least one of the converter 11a and the energy storage device 13a.

[0046] The switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverters 12a, 12b are controlled by the respective controllers 15a, 15b, and thus the first inverters 12a, 12b convert DC power into AC power or AC power into DC power.

[0047] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the energy storage device 13a is connected to the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a. The energy storage device 13a is charged with the power output from the converter 11a or the first inverter 12a. Similarly, the energy storage device 13b is connected to the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b. The energy storage device 13b is charged with the power output from the converter 11b or the first inverter 12b. The energy storage devices 13a, 13b each include any number of secondary batteries and a monitoring device for monitoring the voltage between the terminals of the secondary batteries.

[0048] The DC-side terminals of the second inverter 14a are connected to the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the energy storage device 13a. The AC-side terminals of the second inverter 14a are connected to the load device 94a. Similarly, the DC-side terminals of the second inverter 14b are connected to the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the energy storage device 13b. The AC-side terminals of the second inverter 14b are connected to the load device 94b.

[0049] Each of the second inverters 14a, 14b includes a capacitor and a plurality of switching elements. The capacitors are charged with the DC power output from the corresponding converters 11a, 11b. The switching elements of the second inverters 14a, 14b are controlled by the respective controllers 15a, 15b, so that the second inverters 14a, 14b convert DC power into AC power and supply the resulting AC power to the main motors 93a, 93b. The second inverters 14a, 14b consist, for example, of a power conversion circuit whose output voltage and output frequency are variable.

[0050] The transformers 16a, 16b, for example, are star-delta transformers. The transformers 16a, 16b transform the AC power provided by the first inverters 12a, 12b connected on the primary side into a voltage suitable for the load devices 94a, 94b and output the resulting AC power on the secondary side.

[0051] The AC capacitors 17a, 17b are connected on the secondary side to the respective transformers 16a, 16b. The AC capacitors 17a, 17b, together with the coils in the respective transformers 16a, 16b, form LC filters, which reduce the harmonic components resulting from the switching operation of the first inverters 12a, 12b.

[0052] The energy storage device contactors 18a, 18b electrically connect or disconnect the respective energy storage device 13a, 13b to or from another electronic device. In particular, the main conversion device 1a comprises the energy storage device contactors 18a, which are connected to a corresponding positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal of the energy storage device 13a. Upon closing each of the energy storage device contactors 18a, the energy storage device 13a is connected to the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a. Upon opening each of the energy storage device contactors 18a, the energy storage device 13a is electrically disconnected from the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a.

[0053] The main conversion device 1b includes the energy storage device contactor 18b, which is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the energy storage device 13b, and the energy storage device contactor 18b, which is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the energy storage device 13b. When each of the energy storage device contactors 18b is closed, the energy storage device 13b is connected to the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b. When each of the energy storage device contactors 18b is opened, the energy storage device 13b is electrically disconnected from the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b.

[0054] The inverter contactors 19a, 19b electrically connect the first inverters 12a, 12b to each other or electrically disconnect the first inverters 12a, 12b from each other. Specifically, the main conversion device 1a includes three inverter contactors 19a, each corresponding to the U-phase, the V-phase, and the W-phase. The main conversion device 1b includes three inverter contactors 19b, each corresponding to the U-phase, the V-phase, and the W-phase.

[0055] When each of the inverter contactors 19a, 19b is closed, the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a are electrically connected to the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b. Specifically, when each of the inverter contactors 19a, 19b is closed, the secondary terminals of the transformers 16a, 16b are electrically connected to each other, causing the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a to become conductive to the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b.

[0056] When each of the inverter contactors 19a, 19b is opened, the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a are electrically separated from the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b. Specifically, when each of the inverter contactors 19a, 19b is opened, the secondary terminals of the transformers 16a, 16b are electrically separated from each other, thereby placing the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a and the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b in a non-conductive state.

[0057] The controller 15a controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a, the switching elements SW1-SW6 included in the first inverter 12a, the switching elements included in the second inverter 14a, the energy storage device contactors 18a, and the inverter contactors 19a. Similarly, the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b, the switching elements SW1-SW6 included in the first inverter 12b, the switching elements included in the second inverter 14b, the energy storage device contactors 18b, and the inverter contactors 19b.

[0058] The controllers 15a, 15b have a similar structure. The details of the controller 15a will be described. As in Fig. 3, the controller 15a includes a first contactor controller 31, a second contactor controller 32, and a power conversion controller 33. The first contactor controller 31 closes or opens the inverter contactors 19a. The second contactor controller 32 closes or opens the energy storage device contactors 18a. The power conversion controller 33 controls the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, and the second inverter 14a. The controller 15a includes a starter detector 34 and a charge detector 35. The starter detector 34 determines whether a DC voltage V1 (hereinafter referred to as the intermediate circuit voltage) applied to a circuit between the converter 11a and the first inverter 12a is sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a. The charge detector 35 determines whether the energy storage device 13a is charged based on a voltage of the energy storage device 13a.

[0059] The first contactor controller 31, the second contactor controller 32, and the power conversion controller 33 detect a start command signal S1 from the driver's cab. The start command signal S1 is set to a low (L) level, for example, to stop the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, and to a high (H) level to start the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b.

[0060] The power conversion controller 33 receives an operating command signal S2 from the driver's cab. The operating command signal S2 indicates, for example, a driving level, which instructs the acceleration of a rail vehicle, a braking level, which instructs the deceleration of the rail vehicle, or the like.

[0061] The controller 15a having the above-mentioned configuration acquires information from the controller 15b. Specifically, the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a acquire a determination result that is a determination result by the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b. The first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a acquires a determination result that is a determination result by the charge determiner 35. The determination result of the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b indicates whether an intermediate circuit voltage V2, that is, a DC voltage applied to the circuit between the converter 11b and the first inverter 12b, is sufficient to start the engine 91b. The determination result of the charge determiner 35 indicates whether the energy storage device 13b is charged.

[0062] Various components of the controller 15a are described in detail below. The first contactor controller 31 closes the inverter contactors 19a when only some of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started. Specifically, the first contactor controller 31 closes the inverter contactors 19a when (i) the start command signal S1 is at the H level and (ii) the determination result of the starter detector 34 provided in the controller 15a indicates that the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is insufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a, or the determination result of the starter detector 34 provided in the controller 15b indicates that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is insufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91b.

[0063] The first contactor controller 31 opens the inverter contactors 19a when, after the inverter contactors 19a are closed, both the determination result of the charge detector 35 included in the controller 15a and the determination result of the charge detector 35 included in the controller 15b indicate that the energy storage devices 13a, 13b are sufficiently charged.

[0064] When the start command signal S1 switches from the L level to the H level, the second contactor controller 32 closes the energy storage device contactors 18a. The second contactor controller 32 opens the energy storage device contactors 18a when, after the engine 91a is started, the determination result of the charge determiner 35 indicates that the energy storage device 13a is sufficiently charged.

[0065] After the start command signal S1 switches from the L level to the H level, if the determination result of the start determiner 34 indicates that the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a, the power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, causing the converter 11a to convert DC power into AC power. Specifically, the converter 11a converts the DC power supplied by the energy storage device 13a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92a. As a result, the power generator 92a operates as an electric motor and rotates, causing the internal combustion engine 91a, whose output shaft is fixed to the shaft of the power generator 92a, to rotate to start the internal combustion engine 91a.

[0066] When the engine 91a starts, the power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, causing the converter 11a to convert AC power into DC power. Specifically, when the engine speed of the engine 91a detected by the speed sensor reaches a starting engine speed, the power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a. Accordingly, the converter 11a converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92a, which generates power by driving the engine 91a, into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. The starting engine speed is an engine speed at which the engine 91a can be considered to be started and can be determined according to the specifications of the engine 91a.

[0067] The power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a, thereby increasing a value of the DC voltage output from the converter 11a to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a. The power conversion controller 33 detects a value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 from a voltage sensor (not shown) and controls the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 to be closer to the value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a. The power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a as described above, thereby supplying the DC power from the converter 11a to the energy storage device 13a and charging the energy storage device 13a.

[0068] When the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is the appropriate value for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a, the power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12a, causing the first inverter 12a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94a.

[0069] When the operation command signal S2 indicates a turn-on command, the power conversion controller 33 controls the switching elements of the second inverter 14a. This causes the second inverter 14a to convert the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supply the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a.

[0070] The starter determiner 34 determines whether the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a. Specifically, the starter determiner 34 acquires a value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 from the voltage sensor and repeatedly determines whether a measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is equal to or greater than a starting voltage. For example, the starter determiner 34 repeats the determination at specified intervals. The starter determiner 34 outputs the determination result to the first contactor controller 31, the power conversion controller 33, and the controller 15b. If the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is equal to or greater than the starting voltage, the intermediate circuit voltage V1 can be considered sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a.The starting voltage is a voltage value sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a and can be set in accordance with the specifications of the internal combustion engine 91a and the power generator 92a.

[0071] The charge determiner 35 determines whether the energy storage device 13a is sufficiently charged. Specifically, the charge determiner 35 acquires a measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery provided in the energy storage device 13a from the monitoring device provided in the energy storage device 13a and repeatedly determines whether the measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a charging threshold. For example, the charge determiner 35 repeats the determination at specified intervals. The charge determiner 35 outputs the determination result to the first contactor controller 31, the second contactor controller 32, and the controller 15b. If the measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than the charging threshold, the energy storage device 13a can be considered sufficiently charged.The charging threshold may be determined in accordance with the specifications of the energy storage device 13a.

[0072] The controllers 15a, 15b with the above-mentioned configuration have a similar hardware configuration. The hardware configuration of the controller 15a will be described. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the controller 15a includes a processor 81, a memory 82, and an interface 83. The processor 81, the memory 82, and the interface 83 are interconnected via a bus 80. The functions of the components of the controller 15a are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are referred to as programs and are stored in the memory 82. The processor 81 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 82 to implement the functions of the aforementioned components. That is, the memory 82 stores programs for executing the processing of the components of the controller 15a.

[0073] The memory 82 may comprise, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) or an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a magnetic disc, a flexible disc, an optical disc, a compact disc, a minidisc, or a digital versatile disc (DVD).

[0074] The controller 15a is connected to the controller 15b, the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, the second inverter 14a, the energy storage device contactors 18a, and the inverter contactors 19a via the interface 83. The interface 83 includes an interface module that complies with one or more standards suitable for connections.

[0075] The starting of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b and the charging of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b by the drive control device 1 having the configuration described above is carried out by means of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. An example of the operation of the drive control device 1 when both energy storage devices 13a, 13b are sufficiently charged is shown in Fig. 5. As shown in diagram A in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the time at which the start command signal S1 switches from the low level to the high level is defined as time T1. It is assumed that at a time before time T1, the energy storage device contactors 18a, 18b and the inverter contactors 19a, 19b are open, and the converters 11a, 11b, the first inverters 12a, 12b, and the second inverters 14a, 14b are stopped. Therefore, at the time before time T1, the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, the power generators 92a, 92b, the main motors 93a, 93b, and the load devices 94a, 94b are all stopped.

[0076] At time T1, when the start command signal S1 is switched from the L level to the H level, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15a of the main conversion device 1a closes the energy storage device contactors 18a, as shown in diagram B in Fig. 5. Upon closing the energy storage device contactors 18a, DC power from the energy storage device 13a is supplied to the converter 11a, and the voltage of the energy storage device 13a begins, as shown in diagram C in Fig. 5 illustrates the voltage value Va1 decreasing from the voltage value Va1 at time T1. The voltage value Va1 is a voltage value of the energy storage device 13a in a case where the energy storage device 13a is sufficiently charged with energy to start the internal combustion engine 91a. After time T1, the capacitor included in the converter 11a is charged with the DC power discharged from the energy storage device 13a. In other words, the intermediate circuit voltage V1 increases.

[0077] A time at which the capacitor contained in the converter 11a is charged with the DC power supplied to the converter 11a from the energy storage device 13a and the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 reaches the starting voltage is defined as time T2.

[0078] At time T2, the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15a determines that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is equal to or greater than the start voltage and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b. Since the determination result of the start determiner 34 indicates that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is equal to or greater than the start voltage, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, causing the converter 11a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the converter 11a converts the DC power supplied by the energy storage device 13a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92a.

[0079] Upon receiving the AC power from the converter 11a, the power generator 92a operates as an electric motor and rotates. Since the shaft of the power generator 92a is fixed to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine 91a, the rotation of the power generator 92a causes the internal combustion engine 91a to rotate, resulting in an increase in the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a, as shown in diagram D in Fig. 5. A time at which the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a subsequently reaches a starting engine speed R1 and the internal combustion engine 91a is started is defined as time T3. After time T3, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a increases. The power generator 92a is therefore capable of generating power.

[0080] At time T3, when the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a reaches an engine speed at which power can be generated by the power generator 92a after the engine 91a is started, the power generator 92a driven by the internal combustion engine 91a begins power generation. The power generator 92a supplies the generated AC power to the converter 11a.

[0081] After the engine 91a starts at time T3, when AC power is supplied from the power generator 92a to the converter 11a, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, causing the converter 11a to convert the AC power into DC power. Specifically, the converter 11a converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92a, which generates power due to the drive of the engine 91a, into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power.

[0082] After time T3, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a, thereby increasing a value of the DC voltage output by the converter 11a to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a. The power conversion controller 33 of the controller 15a controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a as described above, causing the converter 11a to supply the DC power to the energy storage device 13a. In this way, the discharged energy storage device 13a is charged, and the voltage of the energy storage device 13a begins to decrease, as shown in diagram C in Fig. 5 illustrates that the voltage increases from the voltage value Va2. The voltage value Va2 is lower than the voltage value Va1 and is a voltage value that allows the energy storage device 13a to be recharged without overdischarge. A time point at which the voltage of the energy storage device 13a subsequently reaches the voltage value Va1 and the charging process of the energy storage device 13a is completed is defined as time point T4. In other words, at time point T4, the energy storage device 13a is charged with sufficient energy to start the engine 91a next.

[0083] At time T4, the charge determiner 35 included in the controller 15a determines that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13a is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15a.

[0084] At time T4, when the determination result of the charge detector 35 included in the controller 15a indicates that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13a is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15a opens the energy storage device contactors 18a, as shown in diagram B in Fig. 5 illustrates.

[0085] After time T3, at which the internal combustion engine 91a is started, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements included in the converter 11a as described above, thereby increasing the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a. In other words, the capacitor C1 included in the first inverter 12a and the capacitor C1 included in the second inverter 14a are sufficiently charged.

[0086] After time T3, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for the operation of the first inverter 12a, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12a, causing the first inverter 12a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94a. This enables the operation of the load device 94a.

[0087] After time T3, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14a and the operation command signal S2 indicates the turn-on command, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements of the second inverter 14a according to the turn-on command, causing the second inverter 14a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the second inverter 14a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a. The rotation of the main motor 93a, which receives the AC power, generates the propulsion of the rail vehicle.

[0088] The operation of the main conversion device 1b is similar to the operation of the main conversion device 1a described above. In particular, at time T1, when the start command signal S1 is switched from the L level to the H level, the second contactor control 32 included in the controller 15b closes the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 5. Upon closing the energy storage device contactors 18b, DC power from the energy storage device 13b is supplied to the converter 11b, and the voltage of the energy storage device 13b begins, as shown in diagram G in Fig. 5 illustrates the voltage value Vb1 decreasing from the voltage value Vb1 at time T1. The voltage value Vb1 is a voltage value of the energy storage device 13b in a case where the energy storage device 13b is sufficiently charged with energy to start the internal combustion engine 91b. After time T1, the capacitor included in the converter 11b is charged with the DC power discharged from the energy storage device 13b. In other words, the intermediate circuit voltage V2 increases.

[0089] At time T2, the capacitor contained in the converter 11b is charged with the DC power supplied to the converter 11b by the energy storage device 13b, and the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 reaches the threshold voltage.

[0090] At time T2, the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is equal to or greater than the start voltage and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b. Since the determination result of the start determiner 34 indicates that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is equal to or greater than the start voltage, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements of the converter 11b, causing the converter 11b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the converter 11b converts the DC power supplied by the energy storage device 13b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92b.

[0091] Upon receiving the AC power from the converter 11b, the power generator 92b operates as an electric motor and rotates. Since the shaft of the power generator 92b is fixed to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine 91b, the rotation of the power generator 92b causes the internal combustion engine 91b to rotate, resulting in an increase in the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b, as shown in diagram H in Fig. 5. Thereafter, at time T3, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b reaches the starting engine speed R1, and the internal combustion engine 91b is started. After time T3, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b increases. The power generator 92b is therefore able to generate power.

[0092] At time T3, when the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b reaches an engine speed at which power can be generated by the power generator 92b after the engine 91b is started, the power generator 92b driven by the internal combustion engine 91b begins generating power. The power generator 92b supplies the generated AC power to the converter 11b.

[0093] After the engine 91b starts at time T3, when AC power is supplied from the power generator 92b to the converter 11b, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements of the converter 11b, causing the converter 11b to convert the AC power into DC power. Specifically, the converter 11b converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92b, which generates power due to the drive of the engine 91b, into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power.

[0094] After time T3, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b, thereby increasing a value of the DC voltage output by the converter 11b to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12b and the second inverter 14b. The power conversion controller 33 of the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b as described above, causing the converter 11b to supply the DC power to the energy storage device 13b. In this way, the discharged energy storage device 13b is charged, and the voltage of the energy storage device 13b begins to decrease, as shown in diagram G in Fig. 5 illustrates that the voltage increases from the voltage value Vb2. The voltage value Vb2 is lower than the voltage value Vb1 and is a voltage value that allows the energy storage device 13a to be recharged without overdischarge. Thereafter, at time T4, the voltage of the energy storage device 13b reaches the voltage value Vb1, and the charging of the energy storage device 13b is completed. In other words, at time T4, the energy storage device 13b is charged with sufficient energy to start the engine 91b next.

[0095] At time T4, the charge determiner 35 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b.

[0096] At time T4, when the determination result of the charge detector 35 included in the controller 15b indicates that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b opens the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 5 illustrates.

[0097] After time T3, at which the internal combustion engine 91b is started, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b as described above, thereby increasing the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12b and the second inverter 14b. In other words, the capacitor C1 included in the first inverter 12b and the capacitor C1 included in the second inverter 14b are sufficiently charged.

[0098] After time T3, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for the operation of the first inverter 12b, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12b, causing the first inverter 12b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94b. This enables the operation of the load device 94b.

[0099] After time T3, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14b and the operation command signal S2 indicates the turn-on command, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements of the second inverter 14b according to the turn-on command, causing the second inverter 14b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the second inverter 14b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93b. The rotation of the main motor 93b, which receives the AC power, generates the propulsion of the rail vehicle.

[0100] As described above, at time T2, the start determiners 34 included in the controllers 15a, 15b determine that the values ​​of the intermediate circuit voltages V1, V2 are equal to or greater than the starting voltage. In other words, the determination results determined by the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a indicate that the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91a, and the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is sufficient to start the internal combustion engine 91b. The same applies to the determination results determined by the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15b. Therefore, the first contactor controllers 31 included in the controllers 15a, 15b keep the inverter contactors 19a, 19b open. As shown in diagrams E and I in Fig. 5, the inverter contactors 19a, 19b remain open.

[0101] An example of the operation of the drive control device 1 when the energy storage device 13a is sufficiently charged and the energy storage device 13b is discharged is shown in Fig. 6 illustrates. Fig. 6 is similar to Fig. 5. The operation of the main converter 1a included in the drive control device 1 from time T1 to time T4 is similar to the example in Fig. 5.

[0102] In the main converter 1b, the energy storage device 13b is discharged, and therefore the value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery contained in the energy storage device 13b is sufficiently small at time T1. For example, as shown in diagram G in Fig. 6, the value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is the voltage value Vb2. At time T1, when the start command signal S1 switches from the L level to the H level, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b closes the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 6. Even if the energy storage device contactors 18b are closed, since the energy storage device 13b is discharged, sufficient DC power to start the internal combustion engine 91b is not supplied from the energy storage device 13b to the converter 11b.

[0103] Therefore, at time T2, the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 does not reach the starting voltage in the main conversion device 1b. At time T2, the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b determines that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is less than the starting voltage and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b.

[0104] When the determination result is detected indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15b closes the inverter contactors 19b, as shown in diagram I in Fig. 6 is illustrated.

[0105] When the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage is detected, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b keeps the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b in the stopped state. Therefore, the internal combustion engine 91b cannot be started, as shown in diagram H in Fig. 6 is illustrated.

[0106] The operation of the drive control device 1 after time T4 is described below. When the charging of the energy storage device 13a is completed and the energy storage device contactors 18a are opened at time T4, the power conversion controller 33 included in the control device 15a controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, causing the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 to rise to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a.

[0107] After time T4, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 detected by the voltage sensor reaches a value suitable for the operation of the first inverter 12a, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12a, causing the first inverter 12a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94a. This enables the operation of the load device 94a.

[0108] At time T2, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a detects the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage. Therefore, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a maintains the second inverter 14a in the stopped state after time T4, even if the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14a and the operation command signal S2 indicates the start-up command. This prevents the railway vehicle from moving while only some of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started.

[0109] At time T2, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a detects the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage. A time at which the first contactor controller 31 controls the inverter contactors 19a in accordance with the determination result is defined as time T5. Specifically, as shown in diagram E in Fig. 6, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a closes the inverter contactors 19a at time T5 after the engine 91a is started and the energy storage device 13a is charged based on the power supplied from the power generator 92a driven by the engine 91a.

[0110] The inverter contactors 19b were already closed at time T2, and therefore, when the inverter contactors 19a are closed at time T5, the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b, which are connected to the non-started internal combustion engine 91b via the power generator 92b and the converter 11b, are electrically connected to the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a, which are connected to the started internal combustion engine 91a via the power generator 92a and the converter 11a. In other words, the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b are conductive with the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a by closing the inverter contactors 19a, 19b.The inverter contactors 19a, 19b are installed in a circuit between the first inverter 12b, which is connected to the non-started internal combustion engine 91b via the power generator 92b and the converter 11b, and the first inverter 12a, which is connected to the started internal combustion engine 91a via the power generator 92a and the converter 11a. As indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. Fig. As indicated in Figure 7, the AC power output by the first inverter 12a is supplied to the first inverter 12b and the load device 94b via the inverter contactors 19a, 19b. This enables the operation of the load device 94b.

[0111] When the AC power from the first inverter 12a is supplied to the secondary side of the first inverter 12b in a state where the switching elements SW1-SW6 are turned off, the first inverter 12b rectifies the AC power to convert it into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. Specifically, the AC power supplied to the secondary side of the first inverter 12a is Fig. 2, the freewheeling diodes D1-D6 are rectified. As indicated by the dashed arrows in Fig. 7, the first inverter 12b supplies the DC power to the converter 11b and the energy storage device 13b.

[0112] When the energy storage device 13b is charged, the voltage of the energy storage device 13b begins to increase as shown in diagram G in Fig. 6, consequently increases. A time at which charging of the energy storage device 13b is subsequently completed is defined as time T6. In other words, at time T6, the energy storage device 13b is charged with sufficient energy to start the internal combustion engine 91b.

[0113] At time T6, the charge determiner 35 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b.

[0114] As shown in diagrams E and I in Fig. 6, the first contactor controllers 31 included in the controllers 15a, 15b open the respective inverter contactors 19a, 19b at time T6 upon detecting the determination result indicating that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold in a state where the inverter contactors 19a, 19b are closed.

[0115] As shown in diagram F in Fig. 6, at time T6, when the determination result indicating that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charging threshold value, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b opens the energy storage device contactors 18b.

[0116] From time T5 to time T6, the capacitor contained in the converter 11b is charged with the DC power provided by the first inverter 12b, whereby the intermediate circuit voltage V2 reaches the starting voltage at time T6.

[0117] At time T6, the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is equal to or greater than the start voltage, and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b.

[0118] After time T6, the power conversion controller 33, which is included in the controller 15b, controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b, thereby supplying the AC power from the converter 11b to the power generator 92b. In this way, the internal combustion engine 91b can be started, as shown in diagram H in Fig. 6. The operation of the drive control device 1 when starting the internal combustion engine 91b is similar to that of the example in Fig. 5.

[0119] As described above with respect to the drive control device 1 according to Embodiment 1, both energy storage devices 13a, 13b can be charged when only a portion of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b is started due to the discharge of one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b. The drive control device 1, which facilitates the charging of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, is achieved by eliminating the need to remove a discharged energy storage device 13a or a discharged energy storage device 13b from the rail vehicle for charging at the charging device, even if one of the two energy storage devices 13a, 13b is discharged. Embodiment 2

[0120] The charging method of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b is not limited to the above examples. In Embodiment 2, a drive control device 1 is described that charges the energy storage devices 13a, 13b using a different method from that of Embodiment 1. The configuration of the drive control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 is similar to that of Embodiment 1. However, the second contactor controllers 32 included in the controllers 15a, 15b acquire the determination result from the start determiners 34 and acquire the engine speed of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b from the speed sensor.

[0121] An operation of the drive control device 1 when both energy storage devices 13a, 13b are sufficiently charged is similar to Embodiment 1. An example of the operation of the drive control device 1 when the energy storage device 13a is sufficiently charged and the energy storage device 13b is discharged is shown in Fig. 8 illustrates. Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 6. The operation of the main conversion device 1a included in the drive control device 1 from time T1 to time T4 is similar to the operation of the main conversion device 1a according to the Fig. 6 illustrated embodiment 1.

[0122] In the main converter 1b, the energy storage device 13b is discharged, and therefore the value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery contained in the energy storage device 13b is sufficiently small at time T1. For example, as shown in diagram G in Fig. 8, the value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is the voltage value Vb2. At time T1, when the start command signal S1 switches from the L level to the H level, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b closes the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 8. Even if the energy storage device contactors 18b are closed, since the energy storage device 13b is discharged, insufficient DC power to start the internal combustion engine 91b is supplied from the energy storage device 13b to the converter 11b.

[0123] Therefore, at time T2, the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 does not reach the starting voltage in the main conversion device 1b. At time T2, the starting determiner 34 included in the controller 15b determines that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is less than the starting voltage and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b, and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b.

[0124] When the determination result is detected indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15b closes the inverter contactors 19b, as shown in diagram I in Fig. 8 is illustrated.

[0125] When the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage is detected, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b opens the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 8 is illustrated.

[0126] When the determination result is detected indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b keeps the converter 11b, the first inverter 12b, and the second inverter 14b in the stopped state. As shown in diagram H in Fig. 8, therefore, at time T2, at which the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a begins to increase, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b does not increase, and the internal combustion engine 91b cannot be started.

[0127] The operation of the drive control device 1 after time T4 is described below. When the charging of the energy storage device 13a is completed and the energy storage device contactors 18a are opened at time T4, the power conversion controller 33 included in the control device 15a controls the switching elements of the converter 11a, similar to Embodiment 1, thereby increasing the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12a and the second inverter 14a.

[0128] After time T4, when the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 measured by the voltage sensor reaches a value suitable for the operation of the first inverter 12a, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12a, causing the first inverter 12a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94a. This enables the operation of the load device 94a.

[0129] At time T2, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a detects the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage. Therefore, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b maintains the second inverter 14a in the stopped state after time T4, even if the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14b and the operation command signal S2 indicates the start-up command. This prevents the railway vehicle from moving while only some of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started.

[0130] At time T2, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a detects the determination result indicating that the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is lower than the starting voltage. According to this determination result, the first contactor controller 31 included in the controller 15a closes the inverter contactors 19a at time T5, as shown in diagram E in Fig. 8 illustrates.

[0131] The inverter contactors 19b were already closed at time T2, and therefore, when the inverter contactors 19a are closed at time T5, the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b, which are connected to the non-started internal combustion engine 91b via the power generator 92b and the converter 11b, are electrically connected to the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a, which are connected to the started internal combustion engine 91a via the power generator 92a and the converter 11a. In other words, the secondary terminals 23b, 24b, 25b of the first inverter 12b are conductive with the secondary terminals 23a, 24a, 25a of the first inverter 12a by closing the inverter contactors 19a, 19b.The inverter contactors 19a, 19b are installed in a circuit between the first inverter 12b, which is connected to the non-started internal combustion engine 91b via the power generator 92b and the converter 11b, and the first inverter 12a, which is connected to the started internal combustion engine 91a via the power generator 92a and the converter 11a. As indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. Fig. As indicated in Figure 9, the AC power output by the first inverter 12a is supplied to the first inverter 12b and the load device 94b via the inverter contactors 19a, 19b. This enables the operation of the load device 94b.

[0132] Similar to Embodiment 1, when the AC power from the first inverter 12a is supplied to the secondary side of the first inverter 12b in a state where the switching elements SW1-SW6 are turned off, the first inverter 12b rectifies the AC power to convert it into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. As shown by dashed arrows in Fig. As indicated in Figure 9, the first inverter 12b supplies the DC power to the converter 11b. Since the energy storage device contactors 18a are open at time T5, the DC power is not supplied from the first inverter 12b to the energy storage device 13a.

[0133] After the Fig. At time T5 illustrated in Figure 8, when the capacitor included in converter 11b is charged with the DC power supplied by first inverter 12b, the voltage of the capacitor, i.e., intermediate circuit voltage V2, increases. A time at which the capacitor included in converter 11b is charged and the measured value of intermediate circuit voltage V2 reaches the starting voltage is defined as time T7.

[0134] At time T7, the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is equal to or greater than the start voltage, and outputs the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 and the power conversion controller 33 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b, and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b.

[0135] Since the determination result of the starter determiner 34 indicates that the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 is equal to or greater than the starter voltage, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements of the converter 11b, causing the converter 11b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the converter 11b converts the DC power supplied by the first inverter 12b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the power generator 92b.

[0136] Upon receiving the AC power from the converter 11b, the power generator 92b operates as an electric motor and rotates. Since the shaft of the power generator 92b is fixed to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine 91b, the rotation of the power generator 92b causes the internal combustion engine 91b to rotate, resulting in an increase in the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b, as shown in diagram H in Fig. 8. A time at which the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b reaches a starting engine speed R1 and the internal combustion engine 91b is started is defined as time T8. After time T8, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91a increases. The power generator 92a is thus able to generate power.

[0137] At time T8, when the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b reaches the starting engine speed R1, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b closes the energy storage device contactors 18b, as shown in diagram F in Fig. 8 illustrates.

[0138] At time T8, when the engine speed of the internal combustion engine 91b reaches an engine speed at which power can be generated by the power generator 92b after the engine 91b is started, the power generator 92b driven by the internal combustion engine 91b begins power generation. The power generator 92b supplies the generated AC power to the converter 11b.

[0139] When the engine 91b is started at time T8 and the AC power from the power generator 92b is supplied to the converter 11b, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements of the converter 11b, causing the converter 11b to convert the AC power into DC power. Specifically, the converter 11b converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92b, which generates power due to the drive of the engine 91b, into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power.

[0140] After time T8, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b, thereby increasing a value of the DC voltage output by the converter 11b to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12b and the second inverter 14b. The power conversion controller 33 of the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b as described above, causing the converter 11b to supply the DC power to the energy storage device 13b. As a result, the energy storage device 13b is charged, and the voltage of the energy storage device 13b begins to rise, as shown in diagram G in Fig. 8 illustrates, rising from the voltage value Vb2. The time at which the charging process of the energy storage device 13b is completed is defined as time T9. In other words, at time T9, the energy storage device 13b is charged to such an extent that the combustion engine 91b can be started next.

[0141] At time T9, the charge determiner 35 included in the controller 15b determines that the measured value of the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold, and sends the determination result to the first contactor controller 31 included in each of the controllers 15a, 15b and the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b.

[0142] As shown in diagrams E and I in Fig. 8, at time T9, upon detecting the determination result indicating that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charge threshold in a state where the inverter contactors 19a, 19b are closed, the first contactor controllers 31 included in the controllers 15a, 15b open the respective inverter contactors 19a, 19b.

[0143] As shown in diagram F in Fig. 8, at time T9, when the determination result indicating that the measured value of the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery included in the energy storage device 13b is equal to or greater than the charging threshold value is detected, the second contactor controller 32 included in the controller 15b opens the energy storage device contactors 18b.

[0144] After time T8, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the converter 11b as described above, thereby raising the value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 to a value suitable for supplying the first inverter 12b and the second inverter 14b. In other words, the capacitor C1 included in the first inverter 12b and the capacitor C1 included in the second inverter 14b are sufficiently charged.

[0145] After time T8, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for the operation of the first inverter 12b, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements SW1-SW6 of the first inverter 12b, causing the first inverter 12b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the first inverter 12b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the load device 94b. This enables the operation of the load device 94b.

[0146] After time T8, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V1 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14a and the operation command signal S2 indicates the turn-on command, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a controls the switching elements included in the second inverter 14a according to the turn-on command, causing the second inverter 14a to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the second inverter 14a converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11a into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a. The rotation of the main motor 93a, which receives the AC power, generates the propulsion of the rail vehicle.

[0147] Similarly, after time T8, when the measured value of the intermediate circuit voltage V2 detected by the voltage sensor rises to a value suitable for operating the second inverter 14b and the operation command signal S2 indicates the turn-on command, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15b controls the switching elements included in the second inverter 14b according to the turn-on command, causing the second inverter 14b to convert the DC power into AC power. Specifically, the second inverter 14b converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11b into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93b. The rotation of the main motor 93b, which receives the AC power, generates the propulsion of the rail vehicle.

[0148] As described above, the drive control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 enables the two internal combustion engines 91a, 91b to be started even when one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b is discharged. The drive control device 1, which facilitates charging of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, is achieved by eliminating the need to remove a discharged energy storage device 13a or a discharged energy storage device 13b from the rail vehicle for charging at the charging device, even when one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b is discharged.

[0149] The examples described above are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The circuit configurations described above are merely examples and may be modified accordingly. In one example, the first inverters 12a, 12b may have any configurations other than the example in Fig. 2, provided that a circuit enables the conversion of DC power into AC power upon supply of DC power from the inverters 11a, 11b and enables the conversion of AC power into DC power upon supply of AC power from another first inverter 12a or 12b.

[0150] In another example, the drive control device 2 shown in Fig. 10, in addition to the configuration of the drive control device 1 described above, step-down circuits 41a, 41b are provided. The step-down circuits 41a, 41b lower the voltage of the DC power supplied by the converters 11a, 11b and supply the DC power with the lowered voltage to the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, respectively. Specifically, the main converter device 2a included in the drive control device 2 includes the step-down circuit 41a, which lowers the voltage of the DC power supplied by the converter 11a and supplies the DC power with the lowered voltage to the energy storage device 13a. The main conversion device 2b included in the drive control device 2 comprises the step-down circuit 41b, which lowers the voltage of the DC power provided by the converter 11b and supplies the DC power with the lowered voltage to the energy storage device 13b.

[0151] As in Embodiment 1, even when the output voltage of the converters 11a, 11b rises to a value suitable for the first inverters 12a, 12b and the second inverters 14a, 14b immediately after the start of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, the step-down circuits 41a, 41b supply the DC power with the lowered voltage to the energy storage devices 13a, 13b. Therefore, the energy storage devices 13a, 13b do not need to be large energy storage devices that can withstand high voltages. This configuration makes it possible to avoid increasing the size of the drive control device 2.

[0152] In the drive control device 2, when either the internal combustion engine 91a or the internal combustion engine 91b is started due to the discharge of one of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, one of the first inverters 12a, 12b can convert the AC power provided by the other of the first inverters 12a, 12b into DC power and supply the resulting DC power to the energy storage device 13a or the energy storage device 13b via the step-down circuit 41a or the step-down circuit 41b.

[0153] The process of charging the energy storage devices 13a, 13b of the drive control device 1 is not limited to the above examples. In one example, the drive control device 1 may output the determination result of the start determiner 34 to a display device when the start command signal S1 switches from the low level to the high level, and then, after a charging period has elapsed, the start determiner 34 determines that the intermediate circuit voltage V1 or the intermediate circuit voltage V2 is less than the starting voltage. The charging time is a time for charging the capacitor of the converters 11a, 11b. The display device is installed in the driver's cab.

[0154] After outputting the determination result to the display device installed in the driver's cab, the drive control device 1 can charge the discharged energy storage device 13a or energy storage device 13b as in Embodiment 1 when an operator operates a charge switch to instruct charging of the discharged energy storage device 13a or energy storage device 13b.

[0155] After the charging of the energy storage device 13a or the energy storage device 13b that is discharged at the time the start command signal S1 switches from the L level to the H level is completed, the drive control device 1 can output a message indicating that the charging is complete to the display device installed in the driver's cab and prompt the operator to stop and restart the drive control device 1. Since the energy storage device 13a or the energy storage device 13b that is discharged is being charged, in other words, since both energy storage devices 13a, 13b are sufficiently charged, both internal combustion engines 91a, 91b are started when the drive control device 1 is restarted.

[0156] In another example, immediately after the start of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b, the energy storage devices 13a, 13b may be charged by maintaining the output voltage of the converters 11a, 11b at a value suitable for the energy storage devices 13a, 13b, which is lower than a value suitable for the first inverters 12a, 12b and the second inverters 14a, 14b. In this case, when the determination result of the charge determiner 35 indicates that the charging of the energy storage devices 13a, 13b is completed, the power conversion controllers 33 included in the controllers 15a, 15b may increase the output voltage of the converters 11a, 11b to a value suitable for the first inverters 12a, 12b and the second inverters 14a, 14b to operate the first inverters 12a, 12b and the second inverters 14a, 14b.

[0157] Operation after the start of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b is not limited to the above examples. If the first inverters 12a, 12b are operated synchronously with each other, the first contactor controllers 31 included in the controllers 15a, 15b can close the inverter contactors 19a, 19b immediately after the start of the internal combustion engines 91a, 91b.

[0158] The first contactor controls 31 can close the inverter contactors 19a, 19b when starting the combustion engine 91a, 91b and open the inverter contactors 19a, 19b when starting both combustion engines 91a, 91b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first contactor controllers 31 included in the controllers 15a, 15b can close the inverter contactors 19a, 19b at time T1 when the start command signal is switched from the L level to the H level. The subsequent operation of the drive control device 1 is similar to the operation of the drive control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. Fig. 6 is illustrated.

[0159] When only the internal combustion engine 91a is started, the power conversion controller 33 included in the controller 15a, upon detecting the operation command signal S2 indicating the start-up command, can control the switching elements of the second inverter 14a independently of the determination result obtained by the start determiner 34 included in the controller 15b. As a result, the second inverter 14a converts the DC power into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93a. The main motor 93a, which receives the AC power, generates propulsion for the rail vehicle. This enables the rail vehicle to operate while only the internal combustion engine 91a is started.

[0160] The number of internal combustion engines and the number of main converters installed in a rail vehicle are not limited to the above examples, but can be any number as long as they are equal to or greater than two. A rail vehicle drive device 200 comprising vehicles 100a, 100b, 100c is shown in Fig. 12. In addition to the configuration of the rail vehicle drive device 100, the rail vehicle drive device 200 includes an internal combustion engine 91c as a power source, a generator 92c driven by the internal combustion engine 91c for generating AC power, a main motor 93c rotating with the AC power to generate propulsion of the rail vehicle, and a load device 94c operated with the AC power.

[0161] A drive control device 3 included in the rail vehicle drive device 200 includes three main conversion devices 1a, 1b, 1c. The configuration of the main conversion devices 1a, 1b is similar to that in Embodiment 1. The main conversion device 1c includes an inverter contactor 20c in addition to a configuration similar to the configuration of the main conversion devices 1a, 1b. Specifically, the main conversion device 1c includes a converter 11c, a first inverter 12c, a second inverter 14c, and an energy storage device 13c. The converter 11c converts the AC power supplied by the power generator 92c into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. The first inverter 12c converts the DC power supplied by the converter 11c into AC power and outputs the resulting AC power.The second inverter 14c converts the DC power provided by the converter 11c into AC power and supplies the resulting AC power to the main motor 93c. The energy storage device 13c is connected to the converter 11c, the first inverter 12c, and the second inverter 14c. The main conversion device 1c includes energy storage device contactors 18c and inverter contactors 19c, 20c. The energy storage device contactors 18c switch the electrical connection between (i) the energy storage device 13c and (ii) the converter 11c, the first inverter 12c, and the second inverter 14c. The main conversion device 1c includes a controller 15c for controlling the converter 11c, the first inverter 12c, the second inverter 14c, the energy storage device contactors 18c, and the inverter contactors 19c.

[0162] The main conversion device 1c is installed in the vehicle 100c. In Fig. 12, the primary terminals, which are DC-side terminals of the first inverters 12a, 12b, 12c, and the secondary terminals, which are AC-side terminals of the first inverters 12a, 12b, 12c, the transformer and the AC capacitor connected to the secondary terminals of the first inverters 12a, 12b, 12c are omitted for simplicity of illustration.

[0163] For example, in a state where the energy storage device 13c is discharged, the first inverter 12a supplies AC power to the first inverter 12c via the inverter contactors 19a, 19c, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 13. The first inverter 12c converts the AC power provided by the first inverter 12a into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. As indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. As indicated in Figure 13, the first inverter 12c supplies the DC power to the converter 11c and the energy storage device 13c. This allows the energy storage device 13c to store sufficient energy to next start the internal combustion engine 91c when the energy storage device 13c is charged.

[0164] In a state where the energy storage device 13b is discharged, for example, the first inverter 12c supplies AC power to the first inverter 12b via the inverter contactors 20c, 19b, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 14. The first inverter 12b converts the AC power provided by the first inverter 12c into DC power and outputs the resulting DC power. As indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. As indicated in Figure 14, the first inverter 12b supplies the DC power to the converter 11b and the energy storage device 13b. This allows the energy storage device 13b to store sufficient energy to next start the internal combustion engine 91b when the energy storage device 13b is charged.

[0165] Similar to Embodiment 2, the drive control device 1 may start the unstarted engine 91a, engine 91b, or engine 91c and then charge the discharged energy storage device 13a, energy storage device 13b, or energy storage device 13c.

[0166] The hardware configurations of the controllers 15a, 15b, 15c are not limited to the above examples. An example of a modified configuration of the hardware of the controller 15a is shown in Fig. 15. The controller 15a can be implemented by a processing circuit 84 as shown in Fig. 15. The processing circuit 84 is connected via an interface circuit 85 to the controller 15b, the converter 11a, the first inverter 12a, the second inverter 14a, the energy storage device contactors 18a, and the inverter contactors 19a.

[0167] In a case where the processing circuit 84 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 84 comprises, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. Each component of the controllers 15a, 15b can be implemented by a single processing circuit 84 or a common processing circuit 84.

[0168] Part of each function of the controllers 15a, 15b, 15c can be implemented by dedicated hardware, and another part can be implemented by software or firmware. For example, in the controller 15a included in the drive control device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first contactor controller 31, the second contactor controller 32, and the power conversion controller 33 can be implemented by the Fig. 15 illustrated processing circuit 84. The start detector 34 and the charge detector 35 can be implemented by the Fig. 4, which reads and executes the program stored in memory 82.

[0169] At least part of the controls 15a, 15b, 15c can be implemented as a function of a train information management system.

[0170] The drive control devices 1, 2, 3 can be installed in any moving body driven by a plurality of internal combustion engines, such as a trolleybus, with the exception of rail vehicles.

[0171] The foregoing describes some exemplary embodiments for illustrative purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has shown specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. List of reference symbols 1, 2, 3 drive control device 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b Main conversion device 11a, 11b, 11c converters 12a, 12b, 12c First inverter 13a, 13b, 13c Energy storage device 14a, 14b, 14c Second inverter 15a, 15b, 15c Control 16a, 16b Transformer 17a, 17b AC capacitor 18a, 18b, 18c Energy storage device contactor 19a, 19b, 19c, 20c inverter contactor 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b primary connection 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b Secondary connection 31 First contactor control 32 Second contactor control 33 Power conversion control 34 start investigators 35 loading investigators 41a, 41b Step-down circuit 80 buses 81 processor 82 storage 83 Interface 84 processing circuit 85 Interface circuit 91a, 91b, 91c internal combustion engine 92a, 92b, 92c power generator 93a, 93b, 93c main engine 94a, 94b, 94c Load device 100, 200 Rail vehicle drive device 100a, 100b, 100c vehicle C1 capacitor D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 freewheeling diode S1 start command signal S2 operating command signal SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6 switching element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2019 / 073822

[0003]

Claims

[1] A drive control device for controlling a drive of a rail vehicle using internal combustion engines as a power source, the drive control device comprising: Converters provided for respective power generators and capable of performing bidirectional power conversion between AC power and DC power, the power generators being provided for the respective internal combustion engines and driven by the respective internal combustion engines to generate AC power; first inverters provided for the respective converters, each having primary terminals and secondary terminals and capable of performing bidirectional power conversion between DC power and AC power, the primary terminals being connected to the converter, the secondary terminals being connected to a load device, the load device being operated with AC power; and Energy storage devices provided for the respective converters and each connected to the corresponding converter and the primary terminals of the corresponding first inverter, each energy storage device being charged with DC power output from the converter or the first inverter and storing power for starting the internal combustion engine, wherein the secondary terminals of the first inverters are connected to each other, when the combustion engines are started, each of the converters converts DC power into AC power and supplies the AC power resulting from the conversion to the power generator, and when only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, a first inverter of the first inverters, which is connected via the power generator and the converter to a non-started internal combustion engine of the internal combustion engines, receives AC power from another first inverter of the first inverters, which is connected via the converter to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine, converts the received AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to at least one of the converters or the energy storage device. [2] Drive control device according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one inverter contactor for electrically connecting or disconnecting secondary terminals of a first inverter of the first inverters to or from secondary terminals of another first inverter of the first inverters; and a first contactor control for closing or opening the at least one inverter contactor. [3] The drive control device according to claim 2, wherein the first contactor controller closes each of the at least one inverter contactor upon starting of the internal combustion engines. [4] The drive control device according to claim 2, wherein when only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, the first contactor controller electrically connects, by closing the at least one inverter contactor, the secondary terminals of the one first inverter connected to the non-started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter to the secondary terminals of the other first inverter connected to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine via the converter. [5] The drive control device according to claim 4, wherein when the first contactor controller closes the at least one inverter contactor while only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, the one first inverter connected to the non-started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter receives AC power from the other first inverter connected to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine via the converter, converts the AC power into DC power, and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the energy storage device connected to the primary terminals of the one first inverter, and the energy storage device is charged with the DC power provided by the one first inverter. [6] The drive control device according to claim 4, wherein when the first contactor controller closes the at least one inverter contactor while only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, the one first inverter connected to the non-started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter receives AC power from the other first inverter connected to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine via the converter, converts the AC power into DC power, and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the converter connected to the primary terminals of the one first inverter, and the converter converts the DC power supplied from the one first inverter into AC power and supplies the AC power resulting from the conversion to the power generator connected to the converter. [7] Drive control device according to one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: Energy storage device contactors provided for the respective energy storage devices, each energy storage device contactor electrically connecting the energy storage device to the converter and the primary terminals of the first inverter or electrically disconnecting the energy storage device from the converter and the primary terminals of the first inverter; and a second contactor control for closing or opening the contactors of the energy storage device contactors, wherein the second contactor controller closes each of the energy storage device contactors upon starting the internal combustion engines, and when the internal combustion engines are started and each energy storage device is charged with the DC power provided by the converter connected to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine, the second contactor controller opens the energy storage device contactors connected to the respectively charged energy storage device. [8] The drive control device according to claim 7, wherein, at the start of the internal combustion engines, when a voltage of the DC power supplied from the energy storage device to the converter is lower than a starting voltage after the second contactor controller closes each of the contactors of the energy storage device, the second contactor controller opens the energy storage device contactor connected to the energy storage device, the starting voltage being a voltage for starting the internal combustion engine. [9] The drive control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first inverters each comprise a rectifier circuit for rectifying AC power from another first inverter to convert the AC power into DC power, and supplying the DC power resulting from the conversion to at least one of the converter or the energy storage device. [10] Drive control device according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: Step-down circuits provided for the respective converters, each connected to the converter and the primary terminals of the first inverter, each lowering a voltage of the DC power supplied from the converter or the first inverter connected to the step-down circuit, whereby the DC power is supplied with a lowered voltage to the energy storage device, wherein When the internal combustion engine is started, the converter converts the AC power output by the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine into DC power, supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the first inverter, and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the energy storage device via the step-down circuit. [11] The drive control device according to claim 10, wherein when only a part of the internal combustion engines is started, the one first inverter connected to the non-started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter receives AC power from the other first inverter connected to the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine via the converter, converts the AC power into DC power, and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the energy storage device via the step-down circuit. [12] Drive control device according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: a power conversion controller for controlling the converter and the first inverter, wherein if only part of the combustion engine is started, by the power conversion controller, which controls the converter that receives the AC power from the power generator driven by the started internal combustion engine, the converter converts the AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power resulting from the conversion to the first inverter, and by the power conversion controller that controls the first inverter, the first inverter converts the supplied DC power into AC power to be supplied to the load device, supplies the AC power resulting from the conversion to the load device and to the first inverter on a secondary side that is connected to the non-started internal combustion engine via the power generator and the converter. [13] Drive control device according to claim 12, further comprising: second inverters provided for the respective converters, wherein the second inverters, upon receiving DC power from the converter, each convert the DC power into AC power to supply a main motor and supply the AC power resulting from the conversion to the main motor, wherein the power conversion controller controls the converter, the first inverter and the second inverter, and if only part of the combustion engine is started, the power conversion controller controls the first inverter while turning off the second inverter.

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