Train Brake Rotor Energy Recovery Through Axle-Driven Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway companies face high maintenance costs and low profit margins due to the inefficiency of energy generation and storage from train operations, despite being a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation, necessitating a seamless and effective system for generating and storing power from train movement.
Innovation Solution
An energy generation system attached to train axles using a motion transmission mechanism to convert rotational energy into electrical energy, stored in batteries within or beneath train cars, allowing for subsequent use or charging of external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If energy generation system is attached to train axles using motion transmission mechanism, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transmission mechanism serves dual functions: it transmits rotational energy from the axle to the generator for energy generation, and simultaneously acts as a structural support framework for mounting the generator and battery systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining energy generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested configuration where the generator is mounted within the space defined by the motion transmission mechanism, and the battery system is positioned within or adjacent to the generator housing. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall footprint of the energy generation system, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If energy is stored in batteries within or beneath train cars, then energy storage capacity is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is positioned beneath the train car floor in an underutilized spatial zone, rather than occupying premium cargo or passenger space. This dimensional relocation to the lower space allows for substantial energy storage capacity while minimizing the impact on the train's operational weight distribution and maintaining acceptable weight characteristics.
3Productivity
If rotational energy is converted to electrical energy continuously during train operation, then energy generation is improved, but loss of energy increases due to conversion inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transmission mechanism is designed to continuously transmit rotational energy from the axle to the generator throughout the train's operation, ensuring that energy conversion occurs during both acceleration and deceleration phases. This continuous operation maximizes energy generation productivity while the system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, thereby reducing net energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the kinetic energy that would normally be lost during train deceleration and braking into useful electrical energy through the generator. By capturing this otherwise wasted energy during the deceleration phase and storing it in the battery system, the invention transforms energy loss into energy gain, improving overall energy efficiency.
4Productivity
If motion transmission mechanism engages disc brake rotors, then energy generation from train movement is improved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transmission mechanism leverages the existing disc brake rotor structure as both a braking surface and a mounting interface for the generator system. By utilizing the rotor's inherent structural features for dual purposes (braking and energy generation), the design avoids requiring separate mounting structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and maintenance requirements while improving energy generation capability.
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
This system enables efficient energy generation and storage from train operations, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the environmental sustainability of rail transport by utilizing native train movement to produce and store power, potentially increasing revenue through energy sales.
Implementation Method 1
generators for converting rotational energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
energy storage unit such as a plurality of batteries
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the supplemental generation of energy from operation of a train, and specifically to the generation of energy in connection to the rotation of disc brake rotors in combination with generators. Rotation of the disc brake rotors creates rotational energy that is transmitted to the generators, which then transmits the energy to a series of batteries for storage. The batteries may be stored in the platform for the train and/or within the train car itself. Energy from the batteries may be utilized by removal of the batteries from the train or through a number of outlets, sockets or connectors associated with the train car or platform.