Battery-Only Train Control Using Predicted State of Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bi-mode trains emit greenhouse gases and noise pollution due to the continuous operation of diesel engine-powered generator units, even when assisted by on-board energy storage systems, and lack efficient energy management between drive modes.
Innovation Solution
A control system that monitors and predicts the state of charge of on-board electrical storage systems, adjusting operating parameters to optimize energy use by switching to battery-only mode, reducing auxiliary system power, and utilizing regenerative braking, while also considering driver settings and network power modes to minimize emissions and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If generator units operate continuously to provide motive power, then the train can maintain reliable operation, but greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the generator unit operation status variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts whether the generator operates continuously or is shut down, based on real-time battery state of charge predictions and train operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between reliable continuous operation and environmentally friendly shutdown modes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the control system that continuously monitors battery state of charge, predicts future state of charge based on planned usage, and uses this information to determine generator operation status. The feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about when to shut down the generator to reduce emissions while ensuring the battery will have sufficient charge for upcoming operational needs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the train operates in battery-only mode to reduce emissions, then environmental friendliness improves, but the risk of energy depletion and operational delays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the future state of charge of the battery based on actual state of charge and planned train usage before making operational decisions. The control system performs this prediction in advance to determine whether the train can safely operate in battery-only mode without risking energy depletion. This preliminary assessment ensures that emissions are reduced only when it is safe to do so, maintaining operational reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the control system predicts future state of charge and modifies operating parameters, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to autonomously predict future state of charge and automatically modify operating parameters without requiring complex external intervention. The system uses its own monitored data (actual state of charge and planned usage) to make decisions about generator shutdown and battery management, simplifying the overall control architecture while improving energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables bi-mode trains to operate more environmentally friendly by maximizing battery-only mode usage, reducing emissions and noise, while maintaining flexibility to prevent delays and congestion.
Implementation Method 1
the train includes one or more on-board electrical storage systems; power is drawn only from the one or more on-board electrical storage systems
Implementation Method 2
bi-mode trains comprise on-board generator units (GUs), such as diesel engine-powered electricity generators, which generate the electrical power
Implementation Method 3
The OBESSs contribute to overall improvements in energy consumption by enabling regenerative braking in which kinetic energy of the train is converted into regenerated electrical power for subsequent re-use
Data Source
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AI summary
A train for travelling on a railway network including routes with external power supply infrastructure and on routes without external power supply infrastructure. The train includes a control system configured to operate a drive system of the train in a battery-only mode where power is drawn only from the one or more on-board electrical storage systems. The control system is configured to: monitor an actual state of charge of the one or more on-board electrical storage systems; calculate a predicted future state of charge of the one or more on-board electrical storage systems, at a time in the future, based on the actual state of charge of the one or more on-board electrical storage systems and a planned usage of the train; and modify one or more operating parameters of the train based on a difference between the predicted future state of charge at the time in the future and a target future state of charge.