Power harvesting by induction coil

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device (1) for supplying power to a consumer (2) arranged on a rail vehicle (24), the consumer being preferably an acquisition unit (23) for monitoring the rail vehicle (24), in particular for monitoring an operating unit (3), the rail vehicle (24) having at least one conductor (4), the power supply device (1) being configured to generate a supply voltage for the consumer (2) from a voltage applied to the conductor (4), a transmitting electronics (5) and at least one loop-shaped conductor (6) electrically conductively connectable to the consumer (2) via the transmitting electronics (5) and having n windings, the transmitting electronics (5) being arranged between the loop-shaped conductor (6) and the consumer (2), the loop-shaped conductor (6) being arranged around the conductor (4) such that the loop-shaped conductor (6) generates an outlet voltage, the transmitting electronics (5) being configured to generate a supply voltage for the consumer (2) from the outlet voltage of the loop-shaped conductor (6). The invention further relates to a monitoring system (15) having a power supply device (1) and a method for supplying power to a consumer (2) for monitoring a rail vehicle (24).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device for supplying power to an acquisition unit for monitoring a consumer (energy consumer, consumer), preferably a rail vehicle, in particular an acquisition unit for monitoring an operating unit. The rail vehicle comprises at least one conductor, a power supply device configured to generate a supply voltage of the consumer from a voltage applied to the conductor, a transmitting electronic and at least one loop-shaped conductor with n windings connectable for electrical conduction to the consumer via the transmitting electronic, the transmitting electronic being switched between the loop-shaped conductor and the loop-shaped conductor being arranged around the conductor such that the loop-shaped conductor generates an output voltage, the transmitting electronic being configured to generate the supply voltage of the consumer from the output voltage of the loop-shaped conductor. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a monitoring system comprising a power supply device and a method for supplying power to a consumer for monitoring a rail vehicle, in particular for monitoring an operating unit of the rail vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Basically, devices and methods are known for supplying electrical power to consumers of rail vehicles and for monitoring the rail vehicle and / or its operating units. In the known devices and methods, the state of the operating units is monitored and / or measurements and / or data are measured, for example by means of sensors that are directly attached to the rail vehicle and / or the operating units. For example, a line pressurized with compressed air can be arranged in the contact strip of the roof current collector, from which the compressed air escapes in case of a break or complete wear of the contact strip and the contact strip is lowered by the contact wire. Alternatively, the pressing force of the contact strip against the contact wire, the wind speed or other environmental and operating parameters can be measured by suitably installed sensors and used to operate and control other roof current collectors or operating units of the rail vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A large number of sensors can be used to monitor the operating unit, which can be powered wired or wirelessly. A wired power supply, which draws power directly from the power network, generally entails high material and wiring costs or is excluded due to the power supply requirements. For example, in mobile applications, such as using acquisition units with sensors in or on mobile means such as trains, cars, aircraft, etc., self-contained, wireless or off-grid power supplies are often preferred over wired power supplies due to their requirements. Known acquisition units with wireless power sources, i.e. with sensor systems that are not directly connected to a power source, are generally powered only by batteries or accumulators. However, this has the disadvantage that the acquisition units require more maintenance, since the batteries must be replaced or the accumulators recharged periodically. Furthermore, external influences have a significant impact on the life of the batteries or accumulators. For example, temperature fluctuations can lead to faster discharge or seasonal and climatic conditions require shorter maintenance intervals, especially in cold regions. This is undesirable, especially if the consumer, acquisition unit or power supply unit is difficult to access, as it leads to increased effort.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a power supply device and a method for locally generating a voltage and supplying power to consumers located on a railway vehicle, which power supply device does not require batteries, accumulators or complex cable connections to supply the power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is achieved by a power supply device having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Current collectors operating in AC (alternating current) railway networks use the induction principle to generate a voltage through a loop conductor having n windings and arranged on a current carrying element, e.g. a conductor arranged on the current collector, allowing the use of a monitoring system of the power supply.

[0007] Likewise, in DC (direct current) current networks, the device according to the invention can be used to measure the ripple voltage or the voltage drop under load. Direct current generally has an AC voltage part, and if necessary the direct voltage per induction can also be used at higher voltage levels.

[0008] The device according to the invention for supplying power to consumers arranged on a rail vehicle comprises an acquisition unit for monitoring the rail vehicle, preferably an acquisition unit for monitoring an operating unit, the rail vehicle having at least one conductor and configured to generate a supply voltage for the consumers from a voltage applied to the conductor. In particular, it has been found that a sufficient current flow through the conductor is essential, since a magnetic field is generated by the current flow. In other words, a current resulting from a voltage applied to the conductor generates an electromagnetic field, which is used to generate a supply voltage for the consumers via the loop conductor.

[0009] To supply power to the consumer, the power supply comprises a transmitting electronic component and at least one loop-shaped conductor electrically connectable to the consumer via the transmitting electronic component, the transmitting electronic component being switched between the loop-shaped conductor and the consumer. The loop-shaped conductor, having n windings and preferably configured as an induction coil, is arranged around the conductor and connected to the rail vehicle, in particular to a current collector of the rail vehicle, by at least one fastening mechanism. The loop-shaped conductor may comprise a ring body and a winding wound around the ring body, the ring body being able to slide over the conductor. A plurality of loop-shaped conductors, in particular a plurality of different loop-shaped conductors engaged against the conductor, can be switched in series or parallel. Furthermore, it is also possible to slide a plurality of loop-shaped conductors over only one conductor to switch them in parallel or series. The loop-shaped conductor is preferably configured in such a way that overloading of the system is prevented by saturation (magnetic saturation) of the ring body. The number of turns, size and material of the loop-shaped conductor can be selected to obtain a maximum power output.

[0010] Preferably, the loop conductor is configured as an induction coil, with a toroidal body and a winding arranged around the toroidal body. The loop conductor may have between 300 and 750 windings. A loop conductor with 650 windings has proven to be particularly advantageous. The toroidal body may be configured geometrically as a toroidal core, a circular blank, a tubular cross section or a circular body with a central hole. To make the loop conductor, in particular the windings of the loop conductor, the toroidal body may be wound with a wire-like conductor. The toroidal body preferably has a height between 6 mm and 18 mm, an inner diameter between 15 mm and 30 mm and an outer diameter between 25 mm and 40 mm. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the toroidal body has a height between 16 mm and 17 mm, an inner diameter between 24 mm and 25 mm and an outer diameter between 29 mm and 30 mm. More preferably, the toroidal body has a relative permeability between 30,000 and 60,000. Particularly preferably, the toroid is made of a material with a relative magnetic permeability between 45,000 and 48,000. It is envisaged that the toroid may be made of multiple parts, preferably two parts, so that it can be easily fixed to a conductor already fixed to the rail car. The multiple part construction allows for easy positioning of the toroid and / or the loop conductor relative to the conductor without removing the conductor. The loop conductor may have an ohmic resistance between 1.5 and 6 ohms. Particularly preferably, the ohmic resistance of the loop conductor is between 4.2 and 4.7 ohms, most preferably 4.5 ohms.

[0011] The supply voltage for the consumers is generated by the transmitting electronics from the voltage generated via the loop conductor, which makes it possible to generate and supply the voltage to the consumers locally, i.e. in the immediate vicinity of the consumers.

[0012] The current collector may be configured in the form of a pantograph.

[0013] In the present invention, the consumer device (power consumer device) can be configured as an acquisition unit, which can have a sensor device fixedly arranged on the corresponding operating unit or on the rail vehicle, and the sensor device can have a sensor that can detect, for example, the function and the operating time of the corresponding operating unit. If the acquisition unit also has a transmission device, it can transmit a data set, such as the name of the operating unit or the value detected by the sensor, to the upper unit.

[0014] In the present invention, the operating units can be current collectors, ground contacts, lubricating devices, contact strips, polishing devices, contact brushes, ground brushes, etc.

[0015] In the present invention, the current collector can be configured as a roof current collector, a roof charging current collector, an inverted roof charging current collector, an underfloor current collector, or a third rail current collector.

[0016] In the present invention, the conductor is a conductor which supplies the rail vehicle with current. Preferably, the conductor is a main conductor which supplies the rail vehicle from a higher-level power network. Preferably, the main conductor connects the motor of the rail vehicle to a current transfer point, which is formed, for example, between a current collector and a catenary to which high voltage is supplied. The current collector can therefore comprise a part of the main current conductor and / or at least one conductor of the rail vehicle. The main current conductor also preferably supplies high voltage to components of the rail vehicle, such as the drive motor of the rail vehicle. Catenaries commonly used in Germany are at a high voltage potential of 15 kV with respect to earth potential. However, it is also conceivable to operate the device according to the invention with other known running current networks. Depending on the type of power supply, i.e. direct or alternating current, and the applied voltage, a rail vehicle with an electrical output of the order of several MW draws currents up to several thousand A from this type of catenary. The supply of power to this rail vehicle is carried out from a relay point by means of a main conductor and a power distribution system connected to it, which may include a number of conductors. In order to prevent damage from high potential differences, in particular when located on the roof of a railway vehicle, the power supply and / or consumers can be operated insulated on conductors, in particular main conductors, without being electrically connected to the body of the railway vehicle.

[0017] The power supply device according to the invention can also be used to supply power to several consumers, and therefore can be operated without batteries or accumulators, as it can also be used to power several acquisition units acquiring data at different points of the railway vehicle.

[0018] The sending electronics are arranged to generate the supply voltage of the consumer from the outlet voltage of the loop conductor. The sending electronics according to the invention therefore make it possible to adjust the outlet voltage of the loop conductor in order to supply the consumer without damaging the consumer itself or impairing its operation, since the outlet voltage of the loop conductor may for example fluctuate and / or have voltage peaks which should not be transmitted to the consumer in the course of supplying it.

[0019] The power supply device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to power consumers, in particular acquisition units, simply and reliably, without the use of batteries or accumulators that are sensitive to maintenance. In the present invention, a battery is a storage device in which the power is stored entirely in the battery in electrochemical form. In the present invention, an accumulator is a rechargeable battery.

[0020] By providing a simple loop conductor that is placed around the conductor, complex construction and complicated cabling are also avoided.

[0021] It is conceivable that the outlet voltage of the loop conductor is used unmodified by the transmitting electronics as the supply voltage for supplying the consumer. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the transmitting electronics may comprise a component for current or voltage transformation, by means of which the outlet voltage of the loop conductor is transformed in such a way that the outlet voltage of the loop conductor differs from the supply voltage of the consumer. In the present invention, the current or voltage transformation component can be configured as a current or voltage limiting component or as a current or voltage reducing component or as a current or voltage increasing component. The voltage transformation component can be, for example, an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) voltage converter. A DC / DC converter is an electric circuit which converts a direct current voltage supplied to its input into a higher, lower or inverted direct current voltage. In the present invention, an AC voltage converter is an electric component which converts an AC input voltage present at the input of the AC voltage converter into an AC output voltage which can be taken at the output of the AC voltage converter. The output voltage of the AC voltage converter may be smaller, larger or equal to the input voltage of the AC voltage converter. Preferably, the voltage is stepped up using a step-up converter, whose output voltage is always larger than the input voltage. The output voltage of the loop conductor is preferably stepped down using a step-down converter, whose output voltage value is always smaller than its input voltage value. For example, an input voltage of the voltage conversion component between 0.35V and 16V can be converted by the voltage conversion component to an output voltage of 3.8V. In this way, the supply voltage of the consumer can be reliably and efficiently provided. Preferably, the voltage conversion component provides a DC voltage. More preferably, the voltage conversion component provides a low voltage of 3.8V. Most preferably, the voltage conversion component provides a DC voltage of 3.8V. The voltage conversion can be performed before or after rectification, or separately from rectification.

[0022] The transmitting electronic component may comprise a rectifying component, which rectifies the AC voltage tapped off from the loop conductor and can then provide a DC voltage as the supply voltage to the consumer. As the rectifying component, known rectifiers can be used. Semiconductor rectifiers are preferred.

[0023] Instead of or in addition to the rectifying component, the transmitting electronic component may have a current-limiting or voltage-limiting component. Such a current-limiting or voltage-limiting component allows protection against overvoltages or excessive currents in a simple manner. This ensures that overvoltages or overcurrents do not damage or impair downstream components of the transmitting electronic component or the consumer. Electronic components such as suppression diodes or varistors that provide separate overvoltage protection can be used as voltage-limiting components. However, preferably, active limiters are used as current-limiting or voltage-limiting components. Such active limiters continuously measure the voltage or current on the supply line of the active limiter and isolate the downstream components in the event of overvoltages and / or overcurrents. Active voltage limiters are particularly preferred. If the loop conductor supplies an alternating voltage, the alternating voltage must be rectified before it is supplied to the consumer, which is preferably achieved by using an active limiter in combination with a rectifier.

[0024] The sending electronics of the power supply device can be configured to have at least one storage component, preferably a charging electronics with at least one capacitor. The storage can be used to compensate for cases where the loop conductor does not provide a sufficient outlet voltage for generating the supply voltage for the consumers due to a too low or non-existent voltage drop in the loop conductor. This ensures reliable operation of the consumers even when the power supply from the loop conductor is insufficient, for example during downtimes at a train depot or during short braking situations during operation. A capacitor is preferred as the storage component, which is powered via the charging electronics. Furthermore, so-called supercapacitors, which are powered by the charging electronics, are preferably used as storage components. It is conceivable that the voltage conversion components and / or rectification components and / or current or voltage limiting components are also powered by the storage device. It is also conceivable that the system is powered by an additional emergency battery, which can be replaced if necessary, when the storage system is fully discharged. However, this emergency battery is only used in exceptional cases, so that the maintenance and replacement intervals are relatively long.

[0025] The power supply device may comprise a monitoring electronic component for monitoring the voltage transformation component, in particular the voltage converter. The voltage transformation component can be initially started (ignited) by a pulse preferably generated by the energy storage component. The monitoring electronic component for monitoring the voltage transformation component monitors in particular the initial operation of the voltage transformation component, preferably the voltage converter, and prevents unwanted start-up processes, for example in case of unstable outlet voltages of the loop conductor. In this way, the monitoring electronic component contributes to a safe operation of the consumer device and prevents unwanted discharge of the energy storage component by preventing unwanted start-up processes.

[0026] The supply voltage of the consumer device, in particular the acquisition unit which can be powered by the transmitting electronics connected downstream of the loop conductor, is preferably 3.3 V. If charging electronics are provided, their input voltage is preferably 3.8 V and the input voltage of the voltage transformation component is preferably 0.35 V to 16 V. Due to the need to adapt the supply voltage to the requirements of the consumer device, it may be necessary to increase the voltage available on the loop conductor if the voltage available on the loop conductor is relatively low and lower than the supply voltage required to supply the consumer device.

[0027] The power supply device may have at least one loop-shaped conductor arranged around the conductor arranged on the current collector. Preferably, the loop-shaped conductor concentrically surrounds the conductor arranged on the current collector. More preferably, the conductor is configured as a cable element and the loop-shaped conductor is arranged around the cable element. Since the power supply device, in particular the loop-shaped conductor, can be arranged directly on the current collector via a fastening mechanism, advantageously, no interference with the on-board network of the rail vehicle is necessary and a universal use on different rail vehicles is possible regardless of the operator of the rail vehicle.

[0028] The current collector can be electrically isolated from the bogie body of the rail vehicle, in which case a power supply is required on the current collector outside the bogie body to operate electrical systems such as the acquisition unit of the current collector for monitoring the rail vehicle, which power supply can be obtained by arranging a power supply device according to the invention on the current collector.

[0029] If the power supply device is located on the current collector, it can be easily accessed without needing access to the inside of the railcar and / or bogie body or to the inside of the on-board network of the railcar. Advantageously, this allows the power supply system to be implemented particularly safely and easily, as no access is required to the train system, the hardware or software of the railcar or to the current paths, and the requirements for entry into the railcar can be met. It is even conceivable that the configuration and location of the power supply device on the current collector may make internal entry unnecessary.

[0030] In particular, when the power supply is adapted to supply power to an acquisition unit for monitoring the current collector, it has been found to be advantageous to arrange the power supply in the vicinity of the current collector and thus the operating unit and the acquisition unit in order to minimize the power transmission path.

[0031] To allow a particularly simple and reliable provision of the at least one loop conductor on the current collector, the loop conductor of the power supply system can advantageously be arranged on the base frame, the upper arm and / or the lower arm of the current collector. Preferably, the loop conductor is arranged around a part of the conductor configured as a flexible cable element, which compensates for the support of the joint between the base frame and the lower arm or between the lower arm and the upper arm.

[0032] It is also conceivable that the loop conductor is disposed around a portion of the conductor provided on the base frame of the current collector, the portion of the conductor being attached to the base frame by a fixing mechanism.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the loop conductor can be arranged around an adapter element which is fixed to the current collector via a fastening element of the fastening mechanism. Preferably, the adapter element is energized. More preferably, the part of the conductor provided on the current collector is configured as a cable element, in particular a flexible cable element.

[0034] It is further conceivable to arrange a plurality of loop-shaped conductors on the current collector, in particular on the base frame of the current collector. Preferably, four loop-shaped conductors are arranged on the current collector. More preferably, the current collector has four conductors, one loop-shaped conductor arranged on each conductor. Most preferably, one loop-shaped conductor is arranged on a part of the conductor that spans the joint between the base frame and the lower arm.

[0035] To compensate for an insufficient supply of power to the conductors and thus to the consumers, the power supply may comprise a power generation unit. The power generation unit may be configured as a fuel cell, a photovoltaic generator, a piezoelectric generator, a kinetic generator and / or a thermoelectric generator. For example, energy from different sources such as wind power, photovoltaic power, dynamic pressure, kinetic energy, for example due to the operation of a working unit or parts of a working unit, temperature gradients or pressure changes, may be used to supply the consumers with power by the power generation unit. The power supply may comprise a power generation unit in addition to the looped conductor. However, it is also conceivable that the power supply does not include a looped conductor, but is configured only with a power generation unit and transmission electronics, allowing a completely self-contained operation without dependence on an external power network.

[0036] The monitoring system according to the invention comprises at least one power supply device according to the invention and a consumer device configured as an acquisition unit and for monitoring the rail vehicle, in particular for monitoring the operating units, by means of which data can be recorded on various properties of the corresponding operating units. The operating units of the rail vehicle monitored by the acquisition unit can be, for example, current collectors, ground contacts, lubricating devices, contact strips, sliding devices, contact brushes, ground brushes, shaft grounding systems, etc. In the present invention, properties are to be understood as object-specific properties of the operating units. Properties are object-specific properties of the operating units. Properties can be selected from the following property types: identifier, year of manufacture, vehicle, use, running time, material, wear, faults, damage, location, image, sound, recording time, etc. Data is to be understood in the present invention as meaning values ​​of properties, such as actual measurements for recording wear of the operating units. Data can be, for example, designation, serial number, year, date, vehicle type, measured values, fault description, damage description, location details, image file, sound file, time, duration, etc.

[0037] If the operating unit is a roof collector and / or a pantograph, preferably the following characteristics can be used: type of collector strip, material of the collector strip, initial height and wear height, running time of the vehicle in kilometers, running time of the collector in kilometers, wear details of the first collector strip in millimeters, wear details of the second collector strip in millimeters.

[0038] If the operating unit is a third rail current collector, preferably the following characteristics can be used: fuse type, current collector strip type, current collector strip material, initial and worn height, vehicle running time in kilometers, current collector running time in kilometers, current collector strip wear details in millimeters.

[0039] If the operating unit is a ground brush, preferably the following characteristics can be used: material of the collector ring, material of the brush, cross-sectional area of ​​the brush, initial and worn height, running time of the vehicle in kilometers, running time of the ground contact in kilometers, wear details in millimeters of the carbon brushes.

[0040] If the operating unit is a shaft grounding system, preferably the following characteristics can be used: parallel feed material, fiber material, fiber cross-sectional area, initial cross-sectional area and wear height, vehicle travel time in kilometers, grounding system travel time in kilometers, wear details of the first fiber and second fiber in millimeters.

[0041] If the operating unit is a wheel flange lubrication system, preferably the following characteristics can be used: material of the lubrication pin, initial and worn length, vehicle running time in kilometers, lubrication pin running time in kilometers, wear details in millimeters.

[0042] The monitoring system according to the invention can also be used for monitoring rail vehicles having several operating units of the same and / or different types. It is also conceivable that the monitoring system comprises several acquisition units for recording data from the operating units. Each of the several acquisition units may be connected to a separate power supply or one independent power supply may power the several acquisition units.

[0043] Advantageously, data recorded by the acquisition units for different characteristics of the operating unit can be assigned to these characteristics. The data can be represented by values, characters or files. The characteristics together with the assigned data form a data set that can be transmitted by the respective acquisition unit to the monitoring unit. The monitoring units can be part of the monitoring system or belong to another system as a superior and / or subordinate unit. It is also conceivable that the monitoring system has several acquisition units, the data sets of which are transmitted to at least one separate monitoring unit and integrated there, several monitoring units can also be present, for example for different applications. The data sets are stored in a database of the monitoring units and are processed continuously or as required by an evaluation device of the monitoring units. The monitoring units and / or the evaluation device can be formed by a computer on which a software application is installed. In order to correlate the data sets, a pattern analysis of the data sets can be performed by the evaluation device and output by means of an output device, for example a screen. This pattern analysis makes it possible to determine interrelationships between the data sets, if any exist. From the correlations, causal relations can then be derived at regular intervals and used to optimize the operation of the monitored rail vehicle. For example, the occurrence of a fault in a particular type of operational unit can be correlated with a particular type of rail vehicle, allowing the cause of the fault and / or the causal relationship between the fault and the rail vehicle to be identified and the fault to be targeted for elimination.

[0044] The monitoring system may comprise an acquisition unit with a sensor device fixedly arranged on the corresponding operating unit or on the rail vehicle, and the sensor device may comprise, for example, a sensor capable of measuring the function and the operating time of the corresponding operating unit. For example, the sensor device can be used to record data on the wear of parts of the operating unit. The sensor device is preferably used to detect wear of the current collector, more preferably to detect wear of the contact strips of the current collector.

[0045] The acquisition unit of the monitoring system may have a transmitting device that is fixedly arranged on the corresponding operating unit or rail vehicle. This transmitting device can then transmit data sets, in particular data recorded by the sensor device, preferably to the monitoring unit. For example, the transmitting device can transmit a data set consisting of the type designation of the operating unit, the values ​​measured by the sensor and also the operating time. The transmitting device then assigns the data recorded for the sensor to the corresponding characteristic. It may also be the case that the transmitting device already stores the data set to be transmitted, such as the serial number or year of manufacture of the operating unit or rail vehicle. The data can be transmitted via a data connection. In principle, the data connection can be formed by a cable connection. Furthermore, the data connection can also be a wireless connection or another suitable type of data connection. The data connection can be established continuously, at regular intervals or on an event basis. Overall, it becomes possible to use the transmitting device for transmitting data sets of the operating unit, for example for evaluation, regardless of the type of data connection. It is conceivable that the data connection is established via an external network. The data connection can be established via a mobile network, a WLAN, a satellite connection, the Internet or other wireless standards, alone or in combination. The destination of the data transmitted by the transmitting device, e.g. a monitoring unit or an evaluation device, may be spatially separated from the operating unit, the rail vehicle and / or the transmitting device, which in particular allows a centralized evaluation of the data sets of the rail vehicle.

[0046] The acquisition units of the monitoring system according to the invention may be equipped with a time sensor and a position sensor, so as to detect the acquisition time and its position (local position) of the corresponding operating unit. The acquisition time and the local position may each be stored as a data set in a database. The local position allows, for example, to determine the location of the rail vehicle and / or the operating unit concerned by satellite navigation. This makes it possible, among other things, to determine at which point on the route a particular data set was recorded. This allows to assign the local position concerned to an event and / or to a data set recorded at this time. A pattern analysis can be carried out, for example, to establish a correlation between the local positions recorded at the acquisition time and errors detected in the operating units. Then, for example, a relatively increased wear of the operating unit or a particular fault can be assigned to a season or a route.

[0047] The monitoring system according to the invention, in particular the acquisition unit, may comprise a power meter, which is preferably configured as a current measuring device and / or a voltage measuring device. The loop conductor is preferably used to measure the voltage drop in the conductor, which is proportional to the current due to the resistance of the conductor, by which the power can be determined via the voltage of the mains supply, in particular the voltage of the mains supply of a catenary. The power meter can be used for example to detect the running current applied to the main conductor and / or the voltage taken off by the loop conductor and / or the amount of power fed back to the network by the rail vehicle and / or the power transmitted by the loop conductor to the sending electronics and / or the power transmitted by the loop conductor to the acquisition unit. Preferably, the running current applied to the main conductor and / or the voltage taken off by the loop conductor and / or the amount of power fed back to the network by the rail vehicle and / or the power transmitted by the loop conductor to the sending electronics and / or the power transmitted by the loop conductor to the acquisition unit are detected taking into account the power distribution or a measurement of the total current consumption of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, such a wattmeter can be used to detect arcing due to voltage changes, especially due to large voltage drops, i.e. electric arcs between, for example, the catenary and the contact strips of the current collector. Furthermore, the running profile of the rail vehicle can be recorded and modeled by evaluating the energy capture. The measurement of the running current, i.e. the current through the main conductor, is preferably carried out by recording negative or positive half-waves in the alternating current network and / or by means of a high-impedance voltage measuring circuit.

[0048] The monitoring system may have at least one operating unit. The monitoring system may also have several operating units, the data of which are stored as a data set in a database. The operating units can be connected to a higher-level evaluation device via an acquisition unit and / or a transmission device with a data connection. For example, the monitoring system may have a current collector, a ground contact, a lubricating device, a contact strip, a sliding device, a contact brush or a ground brush as operating units. Preferably, the monitoring system comprises a current-carrying operating unit such as a current collector, a sliding device or a contact brush. Particularly preferably, the monitoring system comprises a current collector as an operating unit, on which a loop-shaped conductor of the power supply device is arranged. The monitoring system may have several acquisition units for monitoring several current collectors.

[0049] A method according to the invention for supplying power to consumers arranged on a rail vehicle, in particular to a consumer arranged on an acquisition unit for monitoring the rail vehicle, in particular to an acquisition unit for monitoring an operating unit, comprises applying a first voltage to a conductor of the rail vehicle, in particular to a current collector, and taking off a second voltage by means of at least one loop conductor between two fixed junctions of the conductor as an outlet voltage of the loop conductor, which outlet voltage of the loop conductor is used for supplying power to the consumers. Preferably, the conductor is a main conductor for supplying power to the rail vehicle. Preferably, the acquisition unit is configured for monitoring an operating unit of the rail vehicle.

[0050] In order to avoid unnecessary repetition regarding the features, properties and advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is in principle made to the above disclosure regarding the power supply device according to the invention and the monitoring system according to the invention, which means that in principle the features disclosed and described with respect to the method should also be considered as being described and claimable with respect to the device and vice versa.

[0051] Preferably, the consumer device is configured as an acquisition unit, and the acquisition unit, which can be powered by the power supply method according to the present invention, is used for monitoring current collectors, ground contacts, lubricating devices, contact brushes, sliding devices, contact brushes, ground brushes, etc.

[0052] To supply power to a consumer device using the loop conductor outlet voltage, the loop conductor outlet voltage can be used directly as the consumer device's supply voltage or can be supplied to transmitting electronics that convert, stabilize and / or store the power transmitted by the loop conductor.

[0053] Advantageously, the supply voltage required by the consumer is generated by voltage transformation of the loop conductor's outlet voltage. This takes place in the transmitting electronics. For the voltage transformation, components for voltage transformation, such as voltage converters or voltage transformers, are preferably used. The voltage transformation step makes it possible to ensure that the consumer is provided with the required supply voltage. In the present invention, the term "transformation of the loop conductor's outlet voltage" means limiting or lowering or increasing the outlet voltage of the loop conductor. By limiting or lowering the voltage, it is possible to ensure that the consumer is not damaged by voltage peaks or the like. However, it is also conceivable to increase the outlet voltage. The loop conductor's outlet voltage is preferably increased by means of a step-up converter, whose outlet voltage is always greater than the inlet voltage. The loop conductor's outlet voltage is preferably reduced by means of a step-down converter, whose outlet voltage is always less than the inlet voltage. The voltage transformation can take place before or after rectification, or separately from rectification.

[0054] The outlet voltage of at least one loop conductor can be rectified. Rectification makes it possible to supply a direct current voltage to the consumer, regardless of whether the loop conductor produces an alternating current or a direct current voltage. The outlet voltage of the loop conductor is preferably rectified and then voltage converted. Furthermore, the outlet voltage of the loop conductor is preferably limited, rectified and then voltage converted.

[0055] The supply voltage of the consumers is at least temporarily provided by at least one component for storage, which has the effect that the consumers, in particular the acquisition unit, can be powered from the storage unit despite faults or disturbances in the power supply to the conductors. Preferably, the voltage tapped off on the loop conductor is rectified and / or limited before being fed to the storage component, such that the storage component provides the supply voltage required to power the consumers.

[0056] As part of the method according to the invention, the running current can be determined and / or arcs can be detected and / or the running profile can be recorded. The running current and the current and / or voltage curve on the conductor can be determined via the characteristics of the bypass conductor. Furthermore, this characteristic can be correlated with the running current consumption, and in particular the fluctuations in the running current allow conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the power supply, so that the quality of the power supply of the rail vehicle can be determined. To determine the running current consumption and thus the quality of the power supply, the power distribution can be taken into account or the total current can be measured, for example by applying several looped conductors.

[0057] The characteristics of the arc allow its detection in a simple manner by determining the voltage in the loop conductor. When an arc occurs, a characteristic voltage change and / or a drop in the current through the loop conductor can be detected, for example between the contact strip of the current collector and the catenary. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of undesired arcing and to take appropriate measures to maintain the supply network and / or the rail vehicle, in particular the current collector.

[0058] Since the consumption of power from the supply network through the main conductor is correlated with the power uptake of the loop conductor, a travel profile of the rail vehicle can be derived from the power uptake of the loop conductor. In particular, the acceleration and braking operations of the rail vehicle can be linked with time and / or position data in the travel profile, allowing, for example, to improve the extension of the route, the maintenance of the route or the simulation of the route. The data required for the travel profile, in particular the data related to the braking and / or acceleration processes, can be derived in a simple manner from the power uptake of the loop conductor, whereby during an acceleration process the power uptake of the loop conductor increases, so that the main conductor transfers an increased amount of power, and during a braking process the power uptake is smaller, so that the main conductor transfers only a small amount of power.

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system according to the present invention having a power supply arranged on a current collector. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positioning of the fixing mechanism to the pantograph. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of part A in FIG. 2, showing the positioning of the fixing mechanism to the pantograph. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the positioning of the loop-shaped conductor to the pantograph by the fixing mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the adapter element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the adapter element according to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the adapter according to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a loop-shaped conductor. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a loop-shaped conductor disposed within a casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a monitoring system 15 with a power supply 1 together with a current collector 7 configured as a pantograph and forming part of the main conductor of a rail vehicle 24 (not shown in FIG. 1). The transmission electronics 5 are used to transmit the power from the loop conductor 6 to a consumer 2 in the form of an acquisition unit 23. The catenary to which the current collector 7 is connected via the contact strips of the current collector 7 in order to supply the rail vehicle with power from the supply network is not shown. Also not shown in FIG. 1 is the rail vehicle 24 on whose roof the current collector 7 is arranged and which can move on rails 18 constituting the ground (earth, ground) of the system. FIG. 1 also shows that the current collector 7 has a potential difference of up to 100 V. In contrast, there is a potential difference of 15 kV between the point of transmission of the current, i.e. the point where the contact strips of the current collector 7 and the catenary (not shown) come into contact and the ground potential. According to the embodiment shown, the loop conductor 6 generates an alternating voltage. This alternating voltage is rectified in the rectifying component 10 and the voltage is limited with the aid of an active limiter 11. From the output voltage of the rectifying component 10 a voltage of 3.8 V is generated by the voltage transformation component 9 (in this case a voltage converter), which may be between 0.35 V and 16 V. The capacitor 13 used as the energy storage component 13 is powered via the charging electronics 12 and is therefore able to provide the required 3.3 V supply voltage to the acquisition unit 23 even when the rail vehicle 24 is stopped or when braking during operation, when the voltage drop in the bypass conductor 6 becomes too low. Thus, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the current flows from the loop conductor 6 through the rectifying component 10 and the voltage limiting component 11, through the voltage transformation component 9 and the charging electronics 12 to the acquisition unit 23.

[0062] The illustrated configuration of the power supply device 1 allows the acquisition unit 23 to be safely and reliably supplied with the DC voltage required to operate it by the AC voltage taken off by the current collector 7. In addition to the acquisition unit 23, the active limiter 11, the rectifier 10 and the voltage converter 9 can also be powered via the storage component 13 of the charging electronics 12.

[0063] The initial start-up of the voltage converter 9 is performed by a pulse, the required energy of which can be provided by the storage component. To avoid unnecessary discharge of the storage component, monitoring electronics 14 are provided, which monitor the start-up of the voltage converter 9 and prevent unnecessary start-up processes, for example in case of unstable outlet voltages of the loop conductor 6. An acquisition unit 23 is arranged fixedly on the rail vehicle and comprises a sensor device 16 for monitoring the operating unit 3, which in this example is a current collector 7, and is used to record data of various characteristics of the current collector 7. The data can be transmitted by means of a transmission device 17 to an evaluation device (not shown). For example, the state of the contact strips of the current collector 7 can be determined and maintenance and / or replacement of the contact strips can be carried out in time.

[0064] The functionality of the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds essentially to that of the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the power supply device 1 with a current collector 7 configured as a pantograph and forming part of the main conductor of the rail vehicle 24. The transmitting electronics 5 serve to transmit power from the loop conductor 6 to the plurality of consumers 2. Not shown is a catenary to which the current collector 7 is connected via its contact strips in order to supply power to the rail vehicle 24. According to the illustrated embodiment, the loop conductor 6 generates an alternating voltage. This alternating voltage can be rectified by means of a rectifying component 10 (not shown) and the voltage can be limited by an active limiter 11 (not shown). A voltage transformation component 9, which in this example is at least one step-down converter and at least one step-up converter, allows the consumers 2 to be supplied with the supply voltage required for their operation. The capacitor 13 and / or the battery 31 make it possible to supply the necessary supply voltage to the consumer device 2 even when the rail vehicle 24 is stopped or when the voltage drop in the loop conductor 24 becomes too low during braking during operation.

[0065] The schematic diagram of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 showing a detail of part A of FIG. 3 show the option of arranging the fixing mechanism 8 on a current collector 7 configured as a pantograph. The current collector 7 is arranged on the roof of a rail car 24 and has a base frame 20, a lower arm 21 and an upper arm 22, which are articulated by joints 25, 26. The articulation of the upper arm 22 with the lower arm 21 by the joint 26 and the articulation of the lower arm 21 with the base frame 20 by the joint 25 allows a contact strip 28 to be lifted towards a catenary (not shown) so as to come into contact with it, or to be lowered towards the roof of the rail car 24. The fixing mechanism 8 is arranged on the base frame 20 near the joint 25 and has a fixing element 27 for holding the loop conductor 6, in particular by an adapter element 29 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows the option of arranging the loop conductor 6 on the current collector 7 configured as a pantograph. The pantograph 6 is arranged on a portion of the loop conductor 4 configured as a current-carrying cable element 19. The preferably flexible cable element 19 serves the function of supplementing the support of the joint 25. In particular, the fixing mechanism 8 in the illustrated embodiment is extended with the loop conductor 6 configured as an induction coil element. The loop conductor 6 is fixed to an adapter element 29 configured in this example as a spacer bolt. The adapter element 28 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 has a hollow cylindrical portion 30 through which the fixing element 27 of the fixing mechanism 8 passes, and the adapter element 29 can be fixed, in particular screwed, to the base frame 20. The adapter element 29 is energized. The outer dimensions and the height of the adapter element 29 are complementary to each other and correspond to the inner dimensions of the loop conductor 6. Alternatively, the loop conductor can be engaged in other current-carrying parts of the current collector 7.

[0067] Figure 9 shows a loop conductor 6 according to the invention, consisting of a ring and a winding 34 made of enamel-coated copper wire and arranged around the ring. Figure 9 shows that the height H of the ring and / or loop conductor 6 is determined such that the height H of the axis of symmetry of the ring and / or loop conductor 6 is measured.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows a loop conductor 6 molded within a casing 33 and connectable via connecting wires 32 to transmitting electronics 5 (not shown).

Claims

1. A power supply device (1) for supplying power to a consumer (2) arranged on a railway vehicle (24), said consumer preferably being an acquisition unit (23) for monitoring the railway vehicle (24), in particular for monitoring an operating unit (3), said railway vehicle (24) having at least one conductor (4), said power supply device (1) being configured to generate a supply voltage for said consumer (2) from a voltage applied to said conductor (4), Features The power supply comprises a transmitting electronic component (5) and at least one loop-shaped conductor (6) electrically connectable to a consumer (2) via the transmitting electronic component (5) and having n windings, the transmitting electronic component (5) being arranged between the loop-shaped conductor (6) and the consumer (2), the loop-shaped conductor (6) being arranged around the conductor (4) such that the loop-shaped conductor (6) generates an outlet voltage, and the transmitting electronic component (5) being configured to generate a supply voltage for the consumer (2) from the outlet voltage of the loop-shaped conductor (6). This is the power supply device.

2. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, The transmitting electronic component (5) has a voltage conversion component (9). A power supply device characterized by:

3. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, The transmitting electronic component (5) has a rectifying component (10). A power supply device characterized by:

4. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, The transmitting electronics (5) have at least one storage component, preferably a charging electronics (12) including at least one capacitor (13). A power supply device characterized by:

5. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, Having a monitoring electronic component (14) for monitoring the voltage conversion component (9). A power supply device characterized by:

6. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, At least one loop conductor (6) is arranged around a conductor (4), in particular a cable element (19), arranged on a current collector (7). A power supply device characterized by:

7. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, At least one loop conductor is disposed on the base frame (20), the upper arm (22) and / or the lower arm (21) of the current collector (7). A power supply device characterized by:

8. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, having a power generating unit, in particular a fuel cell, a photovoltaic generator, a piezoelectric generator, a mechanical generator and / or a thermoelectric generator; A power supply device characterized by:

9. A monitoring system (15) comprising a power supply device (1) according to claim 1 and a consumer configured as an acquisition unit (23) for monitoring a railway vehicle, in particular for monitoring operating units (3) such as current collectors (7), ground contacts, lubricating devices, contact strips, contact devices, contact brushes, ground brushes, etc., wherein The acquisition device (23) acquires data on different characteristics of the corresponding operating unit (3). A monitoring system characterized by:

10. 10. The monitoring system according to claim 9, The acquisition unit (2) has a sensor device (16) fixedly arranged on the corresponding operating unit (3) or on the railway vehicle (24). A monitoring system characterized by:

11. 10. The monitoring system according to claim 9, The acquisition unit (23) has a transmitter (17) fixedly arranged on the corresponding operating unit (3) or on the railway vehicle (24). A monitoring system characterized by:

12. 10. The monitoring system according to claim 9, The acquisition unit (2) has a time sensor and a position sensor, and is able to measure the acquisition time and position of the corresponding operation unit (3). A monitoring system characterized by:

13. 10. The monitoring system according to claim 9, Having a power meter, in particular the acquisition unit (23) having a power meter A monitoring system characterized by:

14. 10. The monitoring system according to claim 9, Having at least one operating unit (3) A monitoring system characterized by:

15. A method for supplying power to a consumer (2) arranged on a railway vehicle (24), in particular an acquisition unit (23) for monitoring the railway vehicle (24), comprising applying a first voltage to a conductor (4) of the railway vehicle (24), in particular to a current collector (7), and tapping off a second voltage at the conductor (4) by means of at least one loop conductor (6) as an output voltage of the loop conductor (6), the output voltage of the loop conductor (6) being used to supply power to the consumer (2). Power supply method.

16. 16. The power supply method according to claim 15, The supply voltage required by the consumer (2) is generated by voltage transformation of the outlet voltage of the loop conductor (6). Power supply method.

17. The power supply method according to claim 15, The output voltage of at least one loop conductor (6) is rectified. Power supply method.

18. 16. The power supply method according to claim 15, The supply voltage of the consumer (2) is provided by at least one storage component (12), preferably a capacitor (13). Power supply method.

19. 16. The power supply method according to claim 15, The running current is detected and / or the electric arc is detected and / or the running profile is recorded. Power supply method.

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