HYBRID ELECTRIC TRAIN WITH HYDROXYGEN FUEL CELLS

Abstract

This utility model relates to rail transport, specifically to the design of hybrid electric trains with a combined power supply system. Unlike known solutions, where hydrogen units are placed in special sections or throughout the entire train, this utility model features hydrogen fuel cells located exclusively in the lead cars of the electric train. This is because lead cars are a permanent part of the train, unlike intermediate cars, the number and composition of which can vary. This design solution ensures the hybrid power system is always ready to power the traction electric motors while the train is moving, regardless of its current composition, on a non-electrified railway section.

Description

[0001] Field of technology to which the utility model relates:

[0002] The utility model relates to the field of railway transport, namely to the design of hybrid electric trains with a combined power supply system that uses both electrical energy from the contact network and energy generated by on-board hydrogen fuel cells to power the train's energy system on non-electrified railway sections.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] Various solutions for equipping railway rolling stock with hydrogen fuel cells are known from the prior art.

[0005] An autonomous generator of heat and electricity for railway transport is known according to patent RU 2761332 C1, which discloses a traction car, on the roof of which hydrogen tanks and a fuel cell for converting hydrogen into heat, electricity and water are installed.

[0006] A power supply system for a train is known according to patent WO 2014126480 A1, which includes at least one gas electric generator powered by a fuel cell, and at least one container or hydrogen storage system.

[0007] Also known is a hybrid locomotive according to patent US 8117969 B1, containing storage batteries for powering traction electric motors and a fuel cell power plant for charging these batteries.

[0008] The closest analogue to the claimed utility model is the "Hybrid Vehicle" patent RU 218897 U1, which includes a fuel cell connected to a battery and an electric motor. However, this solution, which uses an internal combustion engine to power the vehicle's energy system, is not adapted to the specifics of electric train formation.

[0009] A common drawback of existing solutions is that they fail to take into account the unique nature of electric trains, which consists of variable intermediate car compositions between the head cars. Placing hydrogen units in intermediate cars or special sections means that if the train's composition changes (for example, when a car is uncoupled and scheduled for unscheduled repairs), the hybrid system may become inoperable on non-electrified sections of the railway.

[0010] Disclosure of the essence of the utility model:

[0011] The technical problem solved by the creation of the utility model is to ensure the constant readiness of the hybrid power plant of the electric train, regardless of changes in its composition.

[0012] The technical result provided by the utility model consists of ensuring the constant readiness of the hybrid power plant and expanding the arsenal of technical means for increasing the energy efficiency of electric trains and the possible power supply of its traction electric motors on non-electrified sections of railways to achieve the required traction force.

[0013] The essence of the utility model is that a hybrid electric train with hydrogen fuel cells, containing head cars and at least one intermediate car, according to the utility model, is characterized in that at least one hydrogen fuel cell and converter are located on each head car, which communicate with the on-board systems on the driver's control panel and the energy control and conversion system connected to the traction electric motors of the motor car (on which the pantograph is installed), and the system of hydrogen fuel cells on the head cars is controlled by the general traction control system of the train from the locomotive crew cabin during travel.

[0014] This technical result is achieved by the fact that the lead cars, as a permanent part of any electric train, always carry a hydrogen power plant, ensuring constant readiness for hybrid operation. Intermediate cars, the number and type of which can vary, do not contain such equipment, simplifying their design and allowing for the creation of trains with specified characteristics.

[0015] The utility model can be implemented in a particular case when hydrogen fuel cells on the head cars are placed on the roof or under the floor of the car and are equipped with an autonomous cooling system.

[0016] Drawing Description:

[0017] The drawing schematically shows the general appearance of a hybrid electric train with hydrogen fuel cells on the lead cars.

[0018] The following symbols are shown in the drawing:

[0019] 1 - head car of the electric train; 2 - converter of electric energy obtained from the hydrogen fuel cell; 3 - pantograph; 4 - motor car; 5 - trailer car; 6 - non-motor bogie with two axles of wheel pairs; 7 - hydrogen fuel cell; 8 - motor bogie with two axles of wheel pairs and with traction electric motors on each axle; 9 - controller.

[0020] Implementation of a utility model

[0021] The hybrid electric train comprises a first head car and a second head car, and at least one intermediate car located between them. Each head car is equipped with at least one hydrogen fuel cell, for example, on the roof or under the floor. The fuel cells generate electrical energy, which is fed to a special converter. The converter adapts the current and voltage parameters to the standard characteristics of the motor car's traction motors, which then deliver the traction force and speed specified by the driver's controller. This system allows the driver to remotely select the power source: from the overhead contact system or from the hydrogen cells, seamlessly switching between them depending on the track section.

[0022] The proposed design ensures the constant readiness of the hybrid power plant, since the lead cars always remain in the train, regardless of how many intermediate cars are attached to them.

Claims

1. A hybrid electric train with hydrogen fuel cells, comprising head cars and at least one intermediate car, characterized in that at least one hydrogen fuel cell and converter are located on each head car, which communicate with the on-board systems on the driver's control panel and the energy control and conversion system connected to the traction electric motors of the motor car, and the hydrogen fuel cell system on the head cars is controlled by the general traction control system of the train from the locomotive crew cabin during travel.

2. An electric train according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the hydrogen fuel cells and electrical energy converters on the head cars are located under the floor or on the roof of the car.

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