Dual-Voltage Traction Vehicle Power Supply Converter Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-voltage locomotives with electrical energy storage devices face inefficiencies in power management and infrastructure costs due to the need for dedicated DC-DC converters and complex power supply chains, especially when transitioning between single-phase and DC power sources.
Innovation Solution
The electric traction vehicle incorporates a dual-power supply system with single-phase and DC converters, inverters, and a switch-controlled electrical energy storage device, allowing for seamless operation between single-phase and DC voltage modes without a dedicated DC-DC converter, enabling efficient power management and recharging via a single-phase device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated DC-DC converter is used for the electrical energy storage device, then the power management is simplified, but the device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a single-phase to DC converter during normal operation and as a DC-DC converter during regenerative braking to recharge the electrical energy storage device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated DC-DC converter while maintaining simplified power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the single-phase to DC converter and DC-DC converter functions into a single converter unit. The converter can operate in different modes depending on the operational requirements, merging multiple conversion functions into one integrated device that switches between configurations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated DC-DC converter is installed for the electrical energy storage device, then the power conversion is optimized, but the infrastructure costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second converter serves dual purposes: converting single-phase power to DC during normal operation and performing DC-DC conversion during regenerative braking. This universal design maintains power conversion efficiency while avoiding the need for separate dedicated converters, thus reducing infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the system's needs. During regenerative braking, it reconfigures to perform DC-DC conversion for charging the energy storage device, while during normal operation it functions as a single-phase to DC converter. This dynamic adaptability optimizes power conversion without requiring multiple static converter configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical energy storage device is connected to both single-phase and DC power supply chains, then the adaptability is improved, but the switch control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch connected to the second converter dynamically changes its configuration based on operational mode. During normal operation, it connects the single-phase device to the second converter. During regenerative braking, it reconfigures to connect the electrical energy storage device to the second converter. This dynamic switching enables adaptability to different power supply chains while managing control complexity through automated mode-based switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the switch configuration based on the operational state of the locomotive. The system self-adjusts the connections without requiring manual intervention, enabling the electrical energy storage device to interface with both single-phase and DC power supply chains while keeping switch control manageable through automated decision-making logic.
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 solution enhances the flexibility and efficiency of dual-voltage locomotives by eliminating the need for dedicated DC-DC converters, reducing infrastructure costs, and allowing operation on non-electrified tracks, while optimizing power usage and recharging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first converter adapted to operate as a single-phase-DC converter for converting a single-phase voltage applied at the input into a DC voltage delivered at the output
Implementation Method 2
a first inverter capable of converting a DC voltage applied at the input into a voltage delivered at the output to supply the first motor operating in traction
Implementation Method 3
a second converter adapted to operate as a single-phase to DC converter to convert a single-phase voltage applied at the input into a DC voltage delivered at the output
Implementation Method 4
a second inverter suitable for converting a DC voltage applied at the input into a voltage delivered at the output to supply the second motor operating in traction
Implementation Method 5
an electrical energy storage device connected to the input of the second converter, via a switch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
This vehicle (2) comprises: first and second power supply chains (10, 20), comprising respectively a converter (13, 23) for converting a single-phase voltage into a direct voltage, an inverter (15, 25) for converting a direct voltage into a voltage to power a motor (16, 26), and a direct bus (14, 24) between the output of the converter (13, 23) and the input of the inverter (15, 25); a single-phase device (30) for applying a single-phase voltage to the input of the converters (13, 23); and an electrical link between the direct buses (14, 24) of the first and second power supply chains (10, 20).This vehicle (2) includes an electrical energy storage device (60) connected to the input of the second converter (23), via a switch (66) which in a "low" state connects the electrical energy storage device (60) to the input of the second converter (23), the single-phase voltage applied by the single-phase device (30) to the input of the first converter (13) is converted into a direct voltage on the first direct bus; the direct voltage on the first direct bus is applied to the second direct bus through the electrical link; and the direct voltage on the second direct bus is converted by the second converter (23) into a direct voltage for recharging the electrical energy storage device (60).