Towed railway solar photovoltaic system for powering trains

Abstract

The present invention relates to a towed railway solar photovoltaic system capable of producing sufficient renewable energy to ensure partial or total energy self-sufficiency for trains. The system comprises a string of lightweight, aerodynamic solar panels connected by cables and towed along rails behind the train. The panels are designed to be close to the ground and can serve as a traction surface. A converter located at the head of the string transforms the solar energy into electricity compatible with the train's power supply system.

Description

Title of the invention: Towed railway solar photovoltaic system for powering trains technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of renewable energy production and the power supply of railway transport systems. Description of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a towed railway photovoltaic solar power plant, designed to produce electricity from solar energy and to directly and optimally power a railway transport system, thus giving it partial or total energy autonomy.

[0003] The rail transport system for which the power plant is intended may be a passenger train, a freight train, a tourist or leisure train, or any other type of existing rail transport system.

[0004] The system consists of a series of lightweight photovoltaic solar panels, arranged behind the last carriage of the train. These panels are mounted on an aerodynamically profiled structure, minimizing air resistance and optimizing the capture of solar energy.

[0005] They are also interconnected by electrical cables, which carry the electricity produced to a converter located at the front of the towed structure. This converter transforms the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current compatible with the train's electrical system. State of the art

[0006] Train power supply relies primarily on non-renewable energy sources, generating a significant carbon footprint and high operating costs. Existing solutions for integrating photovoltaic panels on train roofs are limited in terms of available surface area and therefore energy production capacity. Technical problem

[0007] The invention aims to overcome the limitations of current railway power supply systems by proposing an innovative solution enabling the production of renewable energy in sufficient quantity to ensure partial or total energy autonomy of trains, while minimizing the environmental impact and associated costs. Technical solution

[0008] The towed railway solar photovoltaic system consists of a string of lightweight, aerodynamic solar panels, connected by cables and towed along rails behind the train. These panels are designed to be close to the ground, thus optimizing unused track space and minimizing the visual impact on the landscape.

[0009] The system is equipped with a converter located at the head of the line, just after the last car of the train, which transforms the captured solar energy into electricity compatible with the train's power supply system. Control and monitoring components ensure optimal operation and system safety.

[0010] Solar panels can be designed to serve as a traction surface, thereby reducing the weight and complexity of the system. Technical specifications

[0011] 1. Solar panels: Lightweight, aerodynamic, designed for traction railway and optimal electricity production. 2. Traction system: The panels can be equipped with wheels or skids to minimize friction and optimize traction. 3. Converter and control system: Located at the head of the chain, they manage the production, conversion and distribution of electricity. 4. Monitoring system: Ensures the monitoring and optimization of system performance. Advantages of the invention

[0012] • Increased energy autonomy of trains: The invention allows trains to benefit from greater energy autonomy by utilizing the unused space of the tracks located behind them. • Reduced environmental impact: By using solar energy, a renewable energy source, the invention contributes to reducing the consumption of polluting and costly fossil fuels. It can also avoid the construction of expensive and complex overhead electrical infrastructure or a third power line for trains, which has a positive impact on the landscape. • Low impact on train weight: The weight added by the towed solar power plant is negligible compared to the amount of renewable energy it can produce. • Space optimization: The solar power plant utilizes the unused space behind the train, maximizing energy production without encroaching on other infrastructure.

Claims

Demands

1. Towed railway solar photovoltaic system, characterized in that it comprises a string of lightweight and aerodynamic solar panels, connected to each other by cables and towed on rails behind a train.

2. Towed railway solar photovoltaic system, characterized by an aerodynamic support structure and a series of lightweight photovoltaic solar panels mounted behind the last wagon of the train.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized by a power converter located at the front of the towed structure, transforming the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current compatible with the electrical system of the train.

4. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a control and monitoring system enabling the optimization of energy production and ensuring the safety of the system.

5. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a converter located at the head of the chain, just after the last wagon of the train, enabling the transformation of the captured solar energy into electricity compatible with the train's power supply system.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes control and monitoring components ensuring optimal operation and safety of the system.