Induced electromotive force generation device and self-power-generation-type monitoring device for electric mobility
The induced electromotive force generator for electric mobility vehicles generates power from the fluctuating magnetic field of trolley wires or third rails without interfering with current collectors, providing continuous power for monitoring devices and real-time information detection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/029846
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-09-02
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Conventional power generation systems that utilize electromagnetic induction from a current-carrying conductor are not suitable for electric mobility vehicles like trolley buses, trams, and rail cars due to interference with moving current collectors.
An induced electromotive force generator is positioned within the fluctuating magnetic field generated by a conductive elongated member, such as a trolley wire or third rail, to generate power without interfering with the current collector, using a power generating unit disposed at a distance and incorporating a core and coil conductor to harness electromagnetic induction.
The generator can continuously generate and store power for self-powered monitoring devices, enabling real-time detection of physics-related information and stable operation regardless of environmental conditions, suitable for both AC and DC electrification systems.
Smart Images

Figure JP2025029846_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Induction electromotive force generator and self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility
[0001] The present invention relates to an induced electromotive force generator that obtains power from a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor, and a self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility.
[0002] Conventionally, power generation systems that obtain induced electromotive force by electromagnetic induction from a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor are well known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a surveillance camera system that secures power by generating a main power source from a current flowing in a distribution line through an electromagnetic induction method. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for a current monitoring device that autonomously supplies power by converting a magnetic field generated near a current-carrying wiring into a current through electromagnetic induction.
[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for a monitoring device that generates power from an induced current obtained by electromagnetic induction coupling with an electric wire. Note that, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses a technology for a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits a measurement value of a current flowing in a voltage line in a distribution board to a device located outside the distribution board.
[0004] JP 2016-517261 A, US 2014-0347036 A1, WO 2022 / 264680 A, JP 2014-167704 A
[0005] The conventional power generating devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 have a configuration in which wiring is inserted through the power generating device itself or an annular core provided in the power generating device. Therefore, the current collector that moves and comes into contact with the wiring, which is a conductive elongated member, interferes with the power generating device, and therefore the conventional power generating systems have a problem in that they cannot be used in, for example, electric mobility. In other words, the conventional power generating systems are a technology that cannot be applied to electric mobility such as trolley buses, trams (electric trains), and rail cars, which receive power via a trolley pole, a tram, a pantograph, or the like of a current collector that moves and comes into contact with a conductive elongated member such as a trolley wire.
[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an induced electromotive force generating device and a self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility that can obtain induced electromotive force generated by electromagnetic induction even from a conductive elongated member that comes into contact with a current collector while moving.
[0007] An induced electromotive force generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a power generating unit that supplies power to a current collecting device that it comes into contact with while moving and / or obtains induced electromotive force from a fluctuating magnetic field generated from a conductive elongated member to which the power is returned from the wheels, and a power accumulating unit that accumulates power that drives electrical components using the induced electromotive force obtained by the power generating unit, wherein the power generating unit is disposed in an area within the fluctuating magnetic field that does not interfere with the current collecting device that slides over the conductive elongated member.
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides a self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility, which comprises a power generation unit that supplies power to a current collector that it comes into contact with while moving and / or obtains induced electromotive force from a fluctuating magnetic field generated from a conductive elongated member to which the power returns from the wheels, and a power accumulation unit that accumulates power that drives electrical components using the induced electromotive force obtained by the power generation unit, wherein the power generation unit includes an induced electromotive force generating device disposed in a region within the fluctuating magnetic field that does not interfere with the current collector that slides over the conductive elongated member.
[0009] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generator is disposed at a position separated from the current collector across the single wire.
[0010] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generator is disposed at a position farther away from the current collector than the axial center of the conductive elongated member.
[0011] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated by a contact wire that supplies driving power to an electric mobility device, and obtains the induced electromotive force.
[0012] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the variable magnetic field generated by a third rail that supplies driving power to the electric mobility, and obtains the induced electromotive force.
[0013] The electric mobility includes rail vehicles, trolley buses or trams.
[0014] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the conductive elongated member to which an alternating current for driving an electric mobility is supplied, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
[0015] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the conductive elongated member to which a direct current for driving an electric mobility is supplied, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
[0016] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated in the conductive elongated member by the input fluctuation of the DC current when the collector device sliding on the electrically conductive elongated member passes by, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
[0017] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from a rail to which current is returned from the wheels of the electric mobility, and obtains the induced electromotive force.
[0018] The power generating unit of the induced electromotive force generating device is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from a power feeder branch line for supplying driving power to the electric mobility of the electric long member, and obtains the induced electromotive force.
[0019] In the induced electromotive force generator, a plurality of the power generating units are electrically connected in series.
[0020] In the induced electromotive force generator, a plurality of the power generating units are electrically connected in parallel.
[0021] The electrical components of the induced electromotive force generating device include a sensor unit.
[0022] The sensor unit of the induced electromotive force generator includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a wiring metal fitting for supplying power to the conductive elongated member.
[0023] The sensor unit of the induced electromotive force generating device includes an image sensor.
[0024] The sensor unit of the induced electromotive force generator includes a distance measurement sensor.
[0025] The sensor unit of the induced electromotive force generator includes a photoelectric sensor, a torque sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a strain sensor, a load sensor, an axial force sensor, a vibration sensor, a wind speed / wind direction sensor, a direction sensor, a magnetic sensor, a current sensor, a radiation sensor, a liquid leakage sensor, an electric leakage sensor, a ground fault sensor, a short circuit sensor, a liquid detection sensor, a gas sensor, an odor sensor, a powder / granular material sensor, and / or a sound sensor.
[0026] The electrical components of the induced electromotive force generator include a communication unit that wirelessly transmits physics-related information detected by the sensor unit to a higher-level system.
[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an induced electromotive force generating device and a self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility that can acquire induced electromotive force generated by electromagnetic induction even from a conductive elongated member that comes into contact with a current collector while moving.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the single wire and the power generating unit when viewed in the direction in which the single wire extends; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state when viewed in an orientation in which the power generating unit is superimposed on the single wire; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator in a catenary suspension type electric railway line facility; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a catenary suspension type electric railway line facility in which an induced electromotive force generator is provided; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a power generating unit is provided between two ear parts connected to the housing of an induced electromotive force generator; Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an induced electromotive force generator according to the seventh modified example. Schematic diagram showing the separation distance between the power generating unit and the contact wire in FIG. 13, relating to the seventh modified example. Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit of an induced electromotive force generator according to the eighth modified example. Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit of an induced electromotive force generator according to the ninth modified example. Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit of an induced electromotive force generator according to the tenth modified example. Schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator provided in a feeder branch line of a catenary-suspended overhead contact line facility according to the eleventh modified example. Schematic diagram showing a railway vehicle of a third rail system according to the eleventh modified example. Schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the power generating unit of an induced electromotive force generator in a third rail system according to the eleventh modified example.
[0029] The induced electromotive force generator of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings based on each embodiment in the following description are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part and the thickness ratio of each part may differ from the actual relationship, and that there may be differences in the dimensional relationship and ratio between the drawings.
[0030] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator according to the present embodiment. The induced electromotive force generator 1 includes a power generation unit 11, a power integration unit 12, a power storage circuit 13, an MCU (Micro Control Unit) 14, a nonvolatile memory 15, a sensor unit 30, a communication unit 40, and the like.
[0031] The power generation unit 11, the power integrator 12, and the storage circuit 13 constitute an electricity generating unit 10 as electricity generating means. The power integrator 12, the storage circuit 13, the MCU 14, the memory 15, and the communication unit 40 are mounted on, for example, a substrate and housed in a housing 20, which is a box-shaped, electrically insulating case.
[0032] The power generating unit 11 includes a core 16, a coil conductor 17, etc. (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The power generating unit 11 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of magnetic flux within a fluctuating magnetic field generated outside the induced electromotive force generator 1. An induced electromotive force is generated in the power generating unit 11 within the fluctuating magnetic field. As a result, an induced current flows in the coil conductor 17 of the power generating unit 11 due to the induced electromotive force. The coil conductor 17 may have a coil shape such as a spiral, or may have a string (line), loop, or spiral shape, or a combination of these.
[0033] The power integrator 12 is a capacitor or the like for integrating the power generated by the power generator 11. The power integrator 12 is configured to integrate the obtained power when, for example, the amount of power obtained from the power generator 11 is less than the amount of power loss due to self-discharge of the power storage circuit 13.
[0034] The storage circuit 13 has a higher withstand voltage and a higher storage capacity than the power integration unit 12, such as a secondary battery (lithium ion secondary battery), an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor, a film capacitor, a pseudo capacitor, or a capacitor that is a combination of these.
[0035] A conversion circuit may be disposed between the power integration unit 12 and the storage circuit 13. For example, when the power integration unit 12 integrates high-voltage power, this conversion circuit converts the power into power that has a voltage that can be handled by the storage circuit 13, etc. Therefore, the storage circuit 13 can store the power converted by the conversion circuit without losing the integrated power.
[0036] The MCU 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an interface (I / F), all of which are not shown. The MCU 14 may be replaced by a CPU, memory, or the like, and may also be provided with a CPU, memory, or the like.
[0037] The CPU controls the overall operation of the induced electromotive force generator 1. The ROM may store various programs, various parameters, etc. in advance. The RAM can be used as a work area when the CPU executes various programs. The CPU, ROM, and RAM are connected to each other via transmission paths such as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and a control bus.
[0038] The sensor unit 30 detects external physical changes, information relating to physical states (physics-related information), etc. Specific examples of the sensor unit 30 will be described later.
[0039] The communication unit 40 can communicate wirelessly with an external host system, etc., to exchange various data, information, etc. The communication unit 40 can transmit, for example, physics-related information detected by the sensor unit 30 to the host system.
[0040] The communication unit 40 may be, for example, an information communication device that is connected to a network such as the Internet from a router via a server (not shown). The communication unit 40 may be connected to a public line, may be made up of multiple units so as to form a multi-hop system, or may be configured as a gateway system.
[0041] The wireless communication method used by the communication unit 40 can be next-generation communication systems including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, Thread, ZigBee, matter, 5G, 6G and beyond, and LPWA (NB-IoT, LTE-M, Sigfox, LoRaWAN, ZETA), etc.
[0042] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the power generating unit 11 relative to the single wire 100 through which current flows, where Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the single wire 100 and the power generating unit 11 when viewed in the direction of extension of the single wire 100, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the single wire 100 viewed in an orientation in which the power generating unit 11 is superimposed on it.
[0043] 2 and 3, the direction parallel to the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the single wire 100 is the X direction, the direction in which the single wire 100 and the power generating section 11 are arranged is the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XZ plane is the Y direction.
[0044] 2 and 3 , the power generating unit 11 has a core 16 and a coil conductor 17. The core 16 is a metal rod such as an iron core. The coil conductor 17 is a metal wire such as a copper wire. In the power generating unit 11, the coil conductor 17 is wound around the outer periphery of the core 16.
[0045] 2, when a current flows through a single wire 100, which is a long conductive member such as an electric wire, a circular fluctuating magnetic field 101 is generated from an axial center O. The power generating unit 11, which is composed of a core 16 and a coil conductor 17, is placed in the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated by the single wire 100, and an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil conductor 17, causing an induced current to flow.
[0046] 2 and 3, the power generating unit 11 is disposed near the single wire 100 at a predetermined distance so as not to come into contact with the single wire 100. The power generating unit 11 may also have an electrically insulating coating such as a laminated tube to prevent rust, short circuits, and the like.
[0047] In the induced electromotive force generator 1, for example, the power generating unit 11 is disposed near a single wire 100 through which a current flows, so that an induced electromotive force is generated in the power generating unit 11. The induced electromotive force generator 1 supplies the power required for the operation of the MCU 14 and memory 15, which include passive elements, active elements, etc., and the sensor unit 30 and communication unit 40, which are electronic components.
[0048] That is, in the induced electromotive force generator 1, the power generation unit 11 is disposed within a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the single wire 100, which is a single electric wire, and so as to cross the magnetic flux, thereby generating an induced electromotive force in the coil conductor 17 of the power generation unit 11, and causing an induced current to flow. The predetermined gap, or separation distance, between the single wire 100 and the power generation unit 11 is set appropriately depending on the strength of the current flowing through the single wire 100, the desired magnitude of the induced electromotive force generated in the power generation unit 11, etc. The fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated by the single wire 100 can be the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated around a single wire through which an AC or DC current flows.
[0049] The power generated by the power generation unit 11 is accumulated in the power accumulation unit 12. The power accumulated in the power accumulation unit 12 is then input to and stored in the power storage circuit 13. The MCU 14 operates by receiving a portion of the power flowing in the power storage circuit 13.
[0050] The MCU 14 may be configured to recognize the remaining amount of power stored in the storage circuit 13. When the recognized remaining amount of power is equal to or greater than a threshold, the MCU 14 can be configured to supply power to each power demanding component using a power supply means (not shown). Therefore, the MCU 14 can detect physics-related information using the sensor unit 30 and transmit the physics-related information to an external host system using the communication unit 40. In other words, the induced electromotive force generator 1 is a self-power generating device that utilizes the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated by the single wire 100.
[0051] As described above, the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this embodiment can obtain and store induced electromotive force by utilizing the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated by the current flowing through the single wire 100. Therefore, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can operate each electrical component by self-power supply using the stored power.
[0052] By utilizing an energy harvesting method that obtains electromagnetically induced electromotive force from such spatial magnetic flux, it is possible to obtain a stable induced electromotive force and operate electrical components stably, regardless of the season, weather, time of day, temperature, humidity, etc. This enables the induced electromotive force generator 1 to detect physics-related information using the sensor unit 30 almost constantly and in real time.
[0053] Hereinafter, a specific installation location of the induced electromotive force generator 1 and an example of information detected by the sensor unit 30 will be described. Here, the induced electromotive force generator 1 is used as a monitoring device in a catenary-suspended overhead contact line system as an overhead contact line system for a railway vehicle 320, which is an electric mobility, as an example.
[0054] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator 1 in a catenary suspension type overhead contact line facility. Note that the overhead contact line facility is not limited to the catenary suspension type, and may be an overhead contact line system such as a direct suspension type, a feeder suspension type, or a rigid overhead contact line type. As shown in Fig. 4, the railway overhead contact line power transmission facility includes a substation 200, a feeder 201, a return conductor 202, a feeder branch conductor 203, a suspension wire 204, a contact wire 205, etc.
[0055] The substation 200 supplies electricity to a feeder 201. That is, the feeder 201 is a power supply cable. The feeder 201 is suspended and connected to a suspension insulator 208 attached to a feeder bracket 207 attached to a utility pole 206 or the like. The return cable 202 is electrically connected to a rail 232 laid on the roadbed. The return cable 202 is a cable through which electricity supplied to a railway vehicle 230 returns to the substation 200 via the rail 232.
[0056] The feeder branch line 203 is a conductive electric wire made of metal or the like that electrically connects the feeder line 201 and the contact wire 205. That is, the feeder branch line 203 is a power supply branch electric wire that supplies electricity transmitted from the feeder line 201 to the contact wire 205. The feeder branch line 203 has a feeder ear 220 that is electrically connected to the contact wire 205. As a result, electricity transmitted from the substation 200 flows through the feeder line 201, the feeder branch line 203, and the contact wire 205 in this order.
[0057] The suspension wire 204 suspends the contact wire 205 by a plurality of hangers provided at predetermined intervals, and is held at a substantially constant (horizontal) distance from the ground surface to prevent bending. The suspension wire 204 is suspended by being held by a long-rod insulator 210 attached to an overhead wire bracket 209 attached to a utility pole 206 or the like.
[0058] The trolley wire 205 is a contact wire that supplies power to the railway vehicle 230 through a pantograph 231 of a current collector that comes into contact with the trolley wire 205 while moving. The trolley wire 205 constitutes a conductive long member, similar to the single wire 100 described above. The trolley wire 205 is also provided with an induced electromotive force generator 1.
[0059] The induced electromotive force generator 1 here can be fixed to the contact wire 205 by two ear parts 21 as fixing means, as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the induced electromotive force generator 1 provided in the catenary suspension type contact line facility.
[0060] Each ear portion 21 supports the lower surface, which is the lower end of the housing 20. Each ear portion 21 is connected to the housing 20 in an electrically insulated state. The ear portion 21 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. Each ear portion 21 is disposed at a predetermined distance apart along the extension direction of the trolley wire 205. Each ear portion 21 grips the trolley wire 205 by sandwiching it between a pair of gripping grooves 205a formed opposite each other on the upper side of the trolley wire 205.
[0061] The pair of gripping grooves 205a of the trolley wire 205 are formed vertically above the axial center O (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as center O) of the trolley wire 205 in a direction away from the pantograph 231. The housing 20 is disposed by each ear portion 21 at a predetermined distance vertically above the trolley wire 205. As a result, the induced electromotive force generator 1 is fixed at a position vertically above the trolley wire 205 at a predetermined distance.
[0062] In the induced electromotive force generator 1, the power generating unit 11 is disposed in a spatial position between the housing 20 and the trolley wire 205. The power generating unit 11 can be disposed in a spatial position where it does not come into contact with the trolley wire 205. The power generating unit 11 is supported by the housing 20 with brackets 18 at both ends of the core 16.
[0063] Here, the power generating unit 11 can be arranged at a position where its lower end is vertically higher than the upper end of the trolley wire 205 and at a predetermined distance vertically above the lower end of the trolley wire 205. That is, in the railway vehicle 230, the pantograph 231 of the current collector contacts the lower end of the trolley wire 205 to receive power, so the power generating unit 11 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the pantograph 231. Therefore, the power generating unit 11 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the pantograph 231 of the current collector, which slides along the trolley wire 205, with the trolley wire 205 sandwiched between them.
[0064] Furthermore, since the power generating unit 11 is provided at a position away from the pantograph 231, which is vertically above the trolley wire 205, the power generating unit 11 will not come into contact with the pantograph 231 of the moving railway vehicle 230 even if the remaining diameter of the trolley wire 205, which is worn due to contact (sliding) with the pantograph 231, reaches the wear limit specified for the trolley wire 205. In other words, the power generating unit 11 is arranged in an area where it will not interfere with the trolley wire 205 even if the remaining diameter of the trolley wire 205 reaches the wear limit.
[0065] Each bracket 18 is connected to the bottom surface of the housing 20 and extends downward. The coil conductor 17 of the power generating unit 11 is inserted into each bracket 18. The coil conductor 17 is electrically connected to the power integrating unit 12.
[0066] 6, the power generating unit 11 is disposed in a spatial position between the two ear portions 21 so as not to come into contact with them. This maintains electrical insulation between the power generating unit 11 and the two ear portions 21. Note that FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the power generating unit 11 is provided between the two ear portions 21 connected to the housing 20 of the induced electromotive force generator 1.
[0067] The sensor unit 30 connected to the induced electromotive force generator 1 is a temperature sensor 30A including any one of a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, an IC temperature sensor, etc. The temperature sensor unit 30A is installed in a power feeder ear 220 connected to the trolley wire 205 via a cable 31 such as a lead wire. As a result, the induced electromotive force generator 1 detects a temperature change in the feeder ear 220 using the temperature sensor unit 30A. The feeder ear 220 is a wiring fixture made of a metal such as hard copper that has electrical conductivity.
[0068] The induced electromotive force generator 1 of the present embodiment described above can obtain and store induced electromotive force by utilizing the magnetic field generated from the contact wire 205 to which current is supplied, regardless of whether the electric power is supplied to the electric mobility railcar 230 using an AC electrification system or a DC electrification system. The induced electromotive force generator 1 can also obtain and store induced electromotive force in an electrification system for the railcar 230 that has a mixture of AC sections and DC sections.
[0069] In the AC electrification system, an AC current flows from a substation 200 to a contact wire 205 via a feeder 201 and a branch feeder 203. In this AC electrification system, the direction of the current flowing through the contact wire 205 periodically changes, and accordingly, the strength of the magnetic field periodically changes, constantly generating a fluctuating magnetic field 101. Therefore, the induced electromotive force generator 1 generates an induced electromotive force in the power generating unit 11 disposed in the fluctuating magnetic field 101, and can obtain an induced current.
[0070] On the other hand, in a DC electrification system, a DC current flows from a substation 200 to a contact wire 205 via a feeder 201 and a branch feeder 203. In this DC electrification system, the direction of the current flowing in the contact wire 205 is constant, so the strength of the magnetic field does not change periodically. Therefore, in a DC electrification system, a fluctuating magnetic field 101 is not usually generated.
[0071] However, when the railcar 230 passes, the DC current flowing through the trolley wire 205 undergoes input fluctuations to the railcar 230. That is, the DC current flowing through the trolley wire 205 changes at the point of the trolley wire 205 with which the pantograph 231 is in contact when the railcar 230 passes.
[0072] In this way, in the DC electrification system, when a railway vehicle 230 passes, a fluctuating magnetic field 101 is generated as a DC magnetic field fluctuation in which the magnetic field strength changes at the location of the contact wire 205 where the pantograph 231 is in contact. Note that if a pulsating current occurs in the current supplied from the substation 200, the magnetic field strength changes accordingly, and the fluctuating magnetic field 101 is constantly generated.
[0073] In this case, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can obtain an induced current by generating an induced electromotive force in the power generating unit 11 disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field 101. Therefore, even if the induced electromotive force generator 1 is of a DC electrification type, by disposing the power generating unit 11 within the fluctuating magnetic field 101, an induced electromotive force can be generated in the coil conductor 17, thereby obtaining an induced current.
[0074] As described above, in the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this embodiment, the power generating unit 11 can obtain an induced current from the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated in the trolley wire 205 (single wire 100) in either an AC electrification system or a DC electrification system. Therefore, in the induced electromotive force generator 1, the power generating unit 11 can obtain an induced current by utilizing the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the trolley wire 205 (single wire 100), and store the induced current in the storage circuit 13 via the power integrator 12. As a result, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can operate electrical components such as the MCU 14, memory 15, sensor unit 30, and communication unit 40 by self-power supply using the power stored in the storage circuit 13.
[0075] Incidentally, the feeder ear 220 may become hot due to its own resistance as it consumes the high-voltage current transmitted from the feeder 201 to the feeder branch line 203. For this reason, in the induced electromotive force generator 1, the temperature sensor unit 30A detects the temperature state of the feeder ear 220, and the communication unit 40 can transmit this information to a base station such as the substation 200, the railway vehicle depot for the railway vehicle 230, or an operation management center.
[0076] That is, the induced electromotive force generator 1 transmits information about the temperature state of the feeder ear 220 by wireless communication. A base station such as a substation 200, a railway vehicle depot for the railway vehicle 230, or an operation management center can monitor the temperature information of the feeder ear 220 received from the induced electromotive force generator 1 to check for abnormalities. In this way, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can constitute a self-power-generating monitoring device for electric mobility such as a railway vehicle 230, a trolley bus, or a tramway that receives driving power from a trolley wire 205.
[0077] (First Modification) Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to the first modification. As shown in Fig. 7, the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification has a core 16 having a substantially arc-like (substantially C-shaped) shape that covers the upper side of the trolley wire 205.
[0078] The arc length of the core 16 is defined so that the power generating unit 11 of this modified example is positioned vertically above the lower end of the gripping groove 205a of the trolley wire 205. That is, the power generating unit 11 of this modified example is also provided vertically above the axial center O of the trolley wire 205.
[0079] This prevents the power generating unit 11 from interfering with the pantograph 231 even when the remaining diameter of the trolley wire 205, which is worn due to contact with the pantograph 231 of the moving railway vehicle 230, reaches the wear limit specified for the trolley wire 205.
[0080] (Second Modification) Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to a second modification. As shown in Fig. 8, the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to this modification has an arc-shaped core 16, similar to the first modification, and the arc length of the core 16 may be specified so that the power generating unit 11 is located vertically above the upper end of the gripping groove 205a of the trolley wire 205. That is, the power generating unit 11 according to this modification is also provided vertically above the axial center O of the trolley wire 205.
[0081] (Third Modification) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to the third modification. As shown in Fig. 9, the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification has a substantially U-shaped core 16 that covers the upper side of the trolley wire 205.
[0082] In addition, in the power generating unit 11 of this modified example, the length of the core 16 extending downward is also specified so that the power generating unit 11 is positioned vertically above the lower end of the gripping groove 205 a of the trolley wire 205 .
[0083] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to the fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 10, the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification has a V-shaped core 16 that covers the upper side of the trolley wire 205.
[0084] In addition, in the power generating unit 11 of this modified example, the length of the core 16 extending downward is also specified so that the power generating unit 11 is positioned vertically above the lower end of the gripping groove 205 a of the trolley wire 205 .
[0085] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an induced electromotive force generator 1 having an image sensor 30B according to a fifth modified example. The sensor unit 30 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modified example may be an image sensor 30B such as a surveillance camera, as shown in FIG.
[0086] The induced electromotive force generator 1 here can also transmit image data information acquired by the image sensor 30B via wireless communication. In this way, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can be a railway safety device that uses the image sensor 30B, such as a surveillance camera, to detect the running status of the railway vehicle 230, people entering the tracks, stones, bicycles stuck at railroad crossings, automobiles, mobility scooters, fallen trees, falling rocks, and other obstacles.
[0087] (Sixth Modification) Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an induced electromotive force generator 1 having a distance measurement sensor 30C according to a sixth modification. The sensor unit 30 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification may be a distance measurement sensor 30C, as shown in Fig. 12. The distance measurement sensor 30C includes an optical LiDAR (lidar) using laser light, a RADAR (radar) using electromagnetic waves corresponding to millimeter waves, an ultrasonic distance sensor using ultrasonic waves, or the like.
[0088] The induced electromotive force generating device 1 here can be a railway safety device that uses a distance measuring sensor 30C to detect the wear condition of the trolley wire 205, the amount of snow accumulated on the tracks, etc. from the distance to the pantograph 231 of a passing railway vehicle 230.
[0089] The sensor unit 30 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 can be applied to a temperature sensor 30A, an image sensor 30B, a distance sensor 30C, etc., as well as, for example, a photoelectric sensor, a torque sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a strain sensor, a load sensor, an axial force sensor, a vibration sensor, a wind speed / wind direction sensor, a direction sensor, a magnetic sensor, a current sensor, a radiation sensor, a liquid leakage sensor, an electric leakage sensor, a ground fault sensor, a short circuit sensor, a liquid detection sensor, a gas sensor, an odor sensor, a powder / granular sensor, and / or a sound sensor.
[0090] (Seventh Modification) Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an induced electromotive force generator 1, and Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the separation distance h between the power generating unit 11 and the trolley wire 205 in Fig. 13. The induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification is disposed on a branch single wire 221 that is branch-connected in parallel to the trolley wire 205, as shown in Fig. 13.
[0091] The branch single wire 221 is formed in a generally U-shape so as to be spaced a predetermined distance above the trolley wire 205. The branch single wire 221 is connected and held by two conductive ears 222 that hold the ends of the branch single wire 221 by sandwiching them in the holding grooves 205a.
[0092] That is, the AC or DC current flowing through the trolley wire 205 also flows through the branch single wire 221. Although the branch single wire 221 is shown to be roughly U-shaped in Fig. 13, the branch single wire 221 is not limited to this and may have any shape as long as it is spaced upward from the trolley wire 205.
[0093] The induced electromotive force generator 1 is connected to the housing 20 so that the branched single wire 221 penetrates through the housing 20. Therefore, the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 is provided inside the housing 20. The housing 20 maintains electrical insulation between the branched single wire 221.
[0094] As shown in Fig. 14, the power generating unit 11 has an annular core 16. The branched single wire 221 is inserted into this core 16. That is, the branched single wire 221 is inserted through the core 16. Therefore, in the power generating unit 11, the core 16 surrounds the entire outer periphery of the branched single wire 221, improving the efficiency of the induced electromotive force and enabling a large induced current to be obtained.
[0095] The power generating unit 11 is disposed so as to surround the branch single wire 221 that is provided vertically above the trolley wire 205, and is therefore disposed at a position spaced vertically above the trolley wire 205. That is, the power generating unit 11 of this modified example is also disposed so that its lower end is vertically above the upper end of the trolley wire 205, and at a predetermined distance h vertically above the lower end of the trolley wire 205. Therefore, the power generating unit 11 is located vertically above the lower end of the gripping groove 205a of the trolley wire 205.
[0096] The induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modified example configured in this manner, like the above-mentioned embodiment, allows the power generation unit 11 to obtain an induced current from the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated in the branch single wire 221, regardless of whether it is an AC electrification system or a DC electrification system.
[0097] 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to the eighth modification. The power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification may be a rectangular core 16 surrounding the branched single wire 221, as shown in FIG.
[0098] 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 according to a ninth modification. The power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification may be a substantially U-shaped core 16 surrounding the branched single wire 221, as shown in FIG.
[0099] In addition, the induced electromotive force generator 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment has been exemplified as a configuration in which the power generating unit 11 obtains induced electromotive force from the fluctuating magnetic field 101 of the single wire 100 and the trolley wire 205, but this technology is not limited to this and can also be applied to rigid overhead lines used in tunnels, subways, etc.
[0100] 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator 1 provided in a power feeder branch line 203 of a catenary-suspended overhead contact line facility according to a tenth modification. As shown in FIG. 17 , the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification is disposed in the power feeder branch line 203 that electrically connects a feeder line 201 and a contact wire 205.
[0101] The induced electromotive force generator 1 has a configuration similar to that of the seventh modified example, and the power feeder branch line 203 is connected to pass through the housing 20. Therefore, the induced electromotive force generator 1 has the power generating unit 11 provided inside the housing 20, and is electrically insulated from the power feeder branch line 203.
[0102] The power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 is arranged to surround the power feeder branch line 203, which is provided vertically above the trolley wire 205. Therefore, the power generating unit 11 is disposed at a position spaced apart vertically above the trolley wire 205. Therefore, the power generating unit 11 of this modified example is also disposed at a position such that its lower end is vertically above the upper end of the trolley wire 205 and is spaced apart a predetermined distance vertically above the lower end of the trolley wire 205.
[0103] Like the above-described embodiment, the induced electromotive force generating device 1 of this modified example configured in this manner can obtain an induced current in the power generating unit 11 arranged within the fluctuating magnetic field (101) generated from the power feeder branch line 203, regardless of whether the AC electrification system or the DC electrification system is used.
[0104] (Eleventh Modification) FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a railway vehicle of the third rail system, and FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the power generating unit 11 of the induced electromotive force generator 1 in the third rail system.
[0105] 18, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can also be applied to a third rail system in which a railway vehicle 230, such as a subway, collects current from a third rail 251, which is a conductive rail for power supply that runs parallel to a rail 232 on which the vehicle runs. The third rail 251 constitutes a conductive elongated member and is made of a metal such as low-carbon copper having high electrical conductivity.
[0106] The third rail 251 is supported in a state where electrical insulation is maintained by support insulators 252 erected on the roadbed. The third rail 251 may also be installed along a wall surface via the support insulators 252. Electricity sent from the substation 200 flows through the third rail 251. Therefore, the railcar 230 receives power when collector shoes 235 of a current collector provided to protrude from the lower side come into contact with the side rails 251 to collect current.
[0107] 19 , the induced electromotive force generator 1 may have the power generating unit 11 disposed vertically below the third rail 251 at a predetermined distance so as to be out of contact with the railcar 230 and the current collecting shoe 235 and not interfere with the railcar 230 and the current collecting shoe 235. The power generating unit 11 may be disposed at any position around the center O of the third rail 251 as long as it is within the varying magnetic field 101 generated by the third rail 251 and does not interfere with the railcar 230 and the current collecting shoe 235, as shown in region MF.
[0108] The region MF here is the range around the center O of the third rail 251, looking vertically upward along the upper surface of the side rail 251 with which the current collecting shoe 235 comes into contact, and horizontally toward the rail 232, which is the side of the railway vehicle 230. In other words, the power generating unit 11 of this modified example can be installed at a predetermined distance from the trolley wire 205 within the varying magnetic field 101, anywhere outside the region where the current collecting shoe 235 comes into contact with and moves on the side rail 251.
[0109] The region MF includes an area where the power generating unit 11 does not come into contact with the current collecting shoe 235 even when the third rail 251, which is subject to wear due to contact with the current collecting shoe 235, reaches its remaining shape at its wear limit. The induced electromotive force generator 1 can also be applied to various ground current collection methods, such as a fourth rail system in which a return force rail (fourth rail) is installed. Furthermore, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can also be applied to a configuration in which the power generating unit 11 obtains an induced current from a fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated from the power feeder of a monorail for electric mobility.
[0110] 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator 1 according to a twelfth modification, which is provided near a rail 232. As shown in FIG. 20, the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification is disposed near a rail 232, which is a conductive elongated member.
[0111] A return current flows through the rail 232 from the wheels of the railway vehicle 230 to the substation 200. As a result, a fluctuating magnetic field 101 is also generated around the rail 232. The induced electromotive force generator 1 is installed near the rail 232 so that the power generation unit 11 is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated from the rail 232. The induced electromotive force generator 1 can be installed either outside the rail 232 or inside the space between the rails 232, as long as the power generation unit 11 is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field 101.
[0112] In the induced electromotive force generating device 1 of this modified example configured in this manner, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the power generating unit 11 can obtain an induced current from the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated in the rail 232, regardless of whether the AC electrification system or the DC electrification system is used.
[0113] 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator 1 according to a thirteenth modification, in which a plurality of power generating units 11 are electrically connected in series. As shown in FIG. 21 , the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification may have a configuration in which a plurality of power generating units 11, three in this case, are electrically connected in series.
[0114] The three power generating units 11 are arranged within the area of the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated from the single wire 100, which is a conductive long member, the trolley wire 205, the third rail 251, or the rail 232. The number of power generating units 11 is not limited to three, and two or more may be used.
[0115] By connecting multiple power generating units 11 in series, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can increase the amount of induced current flowing through the coil conductor 17 in accordance with the number of power generating units 11. Note that the induced electromotive force generator 1 can install multiple power generating units 11 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the conductive elongated member.
[0116] 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an induced electromotive force generator in which a plurality of power generation units are electrically connected in series according to a fourteenth modification. As shown in FIG. 22, the induced electromotive force generator 1 of this modification may have a configuration in which a plurality of power generation units 11, three in this case, are electrically connected in series.
[0117] As in the thirteenth modification, the three power generating units 11 are arranged within the area of the fluctuating magnetic field 101 generated from the single wire 100, which is a conductive long member, the trolley wire 205, the third rail 251, or the rail 232. As in the thirteenth modification, the power generating units 11 are not limited to three, but can be two or more.
[0118] By connecting multiple power generating units 11 in series, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can increase the induced electromotive force (voltage) generated in the coil conductor 17 in accordance with the number of power generating units 11. As with the thirteenth modification, the induced electromotive force generator 1 can also have multiple power generating units 11 installed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the conductive elongated member.
[0119] The invention described in the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiment and each modification, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and each modification include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple constituent elements.
[0120] For example, if some constituent elements are deleted from all constituent elements shown in the embodiments, and the stated problem can be solved and the stated effect can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0121] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Induced electromotive force generator 10...Electromotive unit 11...Power generation section 12...Power accumulator section 13...Storage circuit 14...Storage circuit 15...Memory 16...Core 17...Coil conductor 18...Bracket 20...Housing 21...Ear section 30...Sensor section 30A...Temperature sensor 30B...Image sensor 30C...Distance measurement sensor 31...Cable 40...Communication section 100...Single wire 101...Fluctating magnetic field 200...Substation 201...Feeder line 202...Return line 203...Feeder branch line 204...Suspension line 205...Trolley wire 205a...Gripping groove 206...Utility pole 207...Feeder line bracket 208...Suspension insulator 209...Overhead line bracket 210...Long-rod insulator 220...Feed ear 221...Single branch line 222...Conductive ear 230...Railway vehicle 231...Pantograph 232...Rail h...Separation distance O...Axial center (center)
Claims
1. An induced electromotive force generating device comprising: a power generating unit that supplies power to a current collecting device that comes into contact with the device while moving and / or obtains induced electromotive force from a fluctuating magnetic field generated from a conductive elongated member to which the power is returned from the wheels; and a power accumulating unit that accumulates power that drives electrical components using the induced electromotive force obtained by the power generating unit, wherein the power generating unit is disposed in a region within the fluctuating magnetic field that does not interfere with the current collecting device that slides over the conductive elongated member.
2. The induced electromotive force generator according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed at a position spaced apart from the current collector across the single wire.
3. An induced electromotive force generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the power generating unit is disposed at a position farther from the current collecting device than the axial center of the conductive elongated member.
4. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated by a contact wire that supplies driving power to an electric mobility device, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
5. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 4, wherein the electric mobility includes a railway vehicle, a trolley bus, or a tramway.
6. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from a third rail that supplies driving power to an electric mobility vehicle, and generates the induced electromotive force.
7. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 6, wherein the electric mobility includes a rail car, a trolley bus, or a tram.
8. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the conductive elongated member to which an alternating current for driving an electric mobility is supplied, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
9. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the conductive elongated member to which a direct current for driving an electric mobility is supplied, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
10. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 9, wherein the power generating unit obtains the induced electromotive force by the fluctuating magnetic field generated in the conductive elongated member due to input fluctuations in the DC current when the current collector slides over the electrically conductive elongated member.
11. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from a power feeder branch line for supplying driving power to the electric mobility to the electric long member, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
12. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is disposed within the fluctuating magnetic field generated from a rail to which current is returned from the wheels of the electric mobility vehicle, thereby obtaining the induced electromotive force.
13. The induced electromotive force generator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said power generating units are electrically connected in series.
14. The induced electromotive force generator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said power generating units are electrically connected in parallel.
15. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical components include a sensor unit.
16. An induced electromotive force generator according to claim 15, wherein the sensor section includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a wiring metal fitting for supplying power to the conductive elongated member.
17. The induced electromotive force generator according to claim 15, wherein the sensor unit includes an image sensor.
18. The induced electromotive force generator according to claim 15, wherein the sensor section includes a distance measuring sensor.
19. The induced electromotive force generating device according to claim 14, wherein the sensor unit includes a photoelectric sensor, a torque sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a strain sensor, a load sensor, an axial force sensor, a vibration sensor, a wind speed / wind direction sensor, a direction sensor, a magnetic sensor, a current sensor, a radiation sensor, a liquid leakage sensor, an electric leakage sensor, a ground fault sensor, a short circuit sensor, a liquid detection sensor, a gas sensor, an odor sensor, a powder / granular material sensor, and / or a sound sensor.
20. An induced electromotive force generator according to claim 15, wherein the electrical components include a communication unit that wirelessly transmits physics-related information detected by the sensor unit to a higher-level system.
21. A self-powered monitoring device for electric mobility, comprising the induced electromotive force generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.
Citation Information
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