Rail Vehicle Converter Link Through Transformer Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail vehicles face reduced functionality and potential loss of tractive force when one or more power converters fail, necessitating a solution that minimizes installation space and maintains maximum functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system for rail vehicles that includes a transformer with interconnected power converters, where the electrical intermediate circuit connection is routed through the transformer housing, allowing for improved functionality and reduced installation space requirements, and a method for establishing or disconnecting this connection to manage fault scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional power converters are installed to maintain functionality during failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, cooling, and houses the electrical intermediate circuit connections. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability during power converter failures without requiring additional dedicated components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical intermediate circuit connections are merged with the transformer housing structure, eliminating the need for separate connection structures. This integration reduces device complexity and installation space while maintaining the capability to sustain functionality during power converter failures through alternative power paths.
2Device complexity
If electrical intermediate circuit connections are routed through transformer housing, then installation space is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical intermediate circuit connections are pre-routed through the transformer housing during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action integrates the connection routing into the housing fabrication, minimizing installation space requirements while managing manufacturing complexity through planned integration rather than post-assembly modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical intermediate circuit connections are nested within the transformer housing structure, utilizing the existing spatial envelope. This nesting approach minimizes installation space by incorporating connections within the housing volume rather than requiring external routing, while manufacturing complexity is managed through integrated design.
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 ensures minimal reduction in rail vehicle functionality and tractive force during power converter failures while minimizing additional installation space, by enabling efficient power transmission between power converters and allowing for flexible and robust electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer can have at least one primary winding, the primary winding being electrically connectable, for example, to a supply voltage, in particular a mains voltage
Implementation Method 2
Transformer oil can also be arranged in the transformer housing, at least in a partial area thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to: an electrical system of a rail vehicle (2), wherein the electrical system (1) comprises a first rectifier (3a), at least one further rectifier (3b) and at least one transformer (4), wherein an intermediate circuit section of the first rectifier (3a) can be electrically connected to an intermediate circuit section of the at least one further rectifier (3b) via at least one electrical intermediate circuit connection (8a, 8b), wherein at least one part of the electrical intermediate circuit connection (8a, 8b) is guided through a transformer housing (5); a rail vehicle; and a method for operating an electrical system.