Compressor System with Switching Device for Rail Vehicle Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air supply systems for rail vehicles face a conflict between achieving short filling times with high delivery capacity, which requires high electrical power consumption, and operating efficiently with battery power, which necessitates low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system with a first and second compressor device connected via a switching device that allows switching between normal and auxiliary air operation, enabling pressure equalization to reduce power consumption and maintain high delivery capacity, where the connecting line is operatively connected to a shut-off valve or non-return valve to prevent pressure buildup, allowing the first compressor device to operate with low power during auxiliary air mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a compressor with high delivery capacity is used to achieve short filling time, then the filling time is reduced, but the electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply system is divided into two separate compressor units: a main compressor for high-capacity operations and an auxiliary compressor for low-power operations. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate compressor based on demand, achieving short filling times when needed while consuming minimal power during auxiliary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different compressor configurations based on operational requirements. The switching device enables transition between normal operation (both compressors active for high delivery capacity) and auxiliary air operation (auxiliary compressor only for low power consumption), optimizing performance according to real-time needs.
2Productivity
If a compressor with high delivery capacity is used, then the delivery capacity increases, but the electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the compression function into two independent units with different capacity levels. The auxiliary compressor provides sufficient compressed air for auxiliary equipment at low power consumption, while the main compressor can be activated when high delivery capacity is required, avoiding continuous high power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary compressor serves as a lightweight, low-cost solution for auxiliary air supply that consumes minimal electrical power. Instead of continuously operating a high-power main compressor, the system uses the smaller auxiliary compressor for routine auxiliary operations, reserving the main compressor for situations requiring high delivery capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If auxiliary air compressors are used for auxiliary equipment, then the power consumption is reduced, but the equipment cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary compressor is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides compressed air for auxiliary equipment during normal operations and can be integrated with the main compressor when higher delivery capacity is needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated compressors for different functions, thereby reducing overall equipment cost and complexity.
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 solution enables efficient operation with low electrical power consumption and reduced equipment expenditure, allowing for a short filling time with a large delivery capacity, while minimizing the need for additional components and maintaining air quality through proper filtration and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
This air is compressed in the first compressor unit by means of a back pressure that builds up in the subsequent connecting line
Implementation Method 2
In the second compressor unit, a further compression takes place (in normal operation) to a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure
Implementation Method 3
The switching device includes a suitable component, such as a shut-off valve, by means of which the connecting line can be connected to air at ambient pressure. This results in pressure equalization, preventing any (back) pressure from building up in the connecting line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for compressed air supply, in particular for a rail vehicle, which is operable in a normal mode and an auxiliary air mode. According to the invention, the device has a compressor having a first compression device and a second compression device, wherein the compressed air can be conducted through a connection line from the first compression device to the second compression device. The connection line is functionally connected to a switching mechanism by means of which the connection line can be connected to air under environmental pressure in the auxiliary air mode.