Dual Propulsion Subsystem for Vehicle Communication Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in maintaining communication and tractive efforts during mode changes in powered rail vehicle systems, leading to voltage fluctuations and incompatibility with on-board control and communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A system with a first and second propulsion subsystem, where one subsystem remains active to power communication devices even when the other is turned off, using an electrical isolation module to prevent voltage drops and ensure continuous communication between remote vehicles and the lead vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If operational modes of the consist are changed to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but voltage fluctuations occur that disrupt communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the second propulsion subsystem remain in ON mode as a standby before the first subsystem is turned OFF. This preparatory configuration ensures that communication power is already secured before the mode change occurs, preventing voltage fluctuations that would disrupt communication systems while still allowing fuel savings from shutting down the first subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The second propulsion subsystem acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between reducing fuel consumption and maintaining communication stability. By keeping this subsystem in ON mode during transitions, it mediates between the need to shut down propulsion for fuel savings and the need to maintain electrical power for communication systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If one propulsion subsystem is turned OFF to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage drops occur during electro-mechanical events
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining the second propulsion subsystem in ON mode as a buffer against voltage drops. This standby subsystem provides electrical cushioning that compensates for voltage fluctuations occurring during electro-mechanical events in the first subsystem, protecting communication devices from harmful voltage drops while still allowing the first subsystem to be shut down for energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If remote powered vehicles are shut down to conserve fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but communication continuity with the lead vehicle is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by ensuring the second propulsion subsystem is already in ON mode and ready to provide communication power before the first subsystem is shut down. This preliminary configuration prevents communication continuity loss while still achieving fuel savings from the first subsystem being OFF.
Solution Approach 2:
The second propulsion subsystem serves as an intermediary that maintains communication continuity during fuel conservation operations. By remaining active while the first subsystem is shut down, it mediates between the conflicting needs of reducing fuel consumption and maintaining uninterrupted communication with the lead vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first propulsion subsystem and a second propulsion subsystem. The first propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a first communication device when operating in an ON mode. The second propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a second communication device when operating in the ON mode. The first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem are controllable in a mode of operation where if one of the first propulsion subsystem or the second propulsion subsystem is controlled to be in an OFF mode, the other of the first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem provides electrical energy to the respective first communication device or the second communication device.