Dynamic Braking Energy Routing for Off-Highway Auxiliary Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Off-highway vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, face inefficiencies in dynamic braking systems where generated electricity is often wasted as heat due to the lack of high-capacity energy storage, reducing overall vehicle performance and energy use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to utilize dynamic braking electricity to power auxiliary systems such as engine emissions treatment and particulate filter systems, with the option to store excess energy in auxiliary storage devices or dissipate it through a resistive grid when necessary, ensuring efficient energy use and system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If dynamic braking electricity is routed to a resistive grid for dissipation, then the braking function is achieved, but energy is wasted as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the resistive grid into a useful resource by directing dynamic braking electricity to power auxiliary systems. The electricity that would have been dissipated as heat is now used to power emissions treatment systems, heating units, and other auxiliary equipment, transforming energy loss into energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own dynamic braking electricity is used to power its auxiliary systems, creating a self-service energy system. The vehicle generates and utilizes its own electrical power for auxiliary functions without relying entirely on the main generator or energy storage systems, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high-capacity energy storage systems are installed to store dynamic braking electricity, then energy utilization improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dynamic braking electricity directly from the braking system and routes it to auxiliary systems without requiring large-capacity energy storage systems. By taking the electricity out at the point of generation and using it immediately for auxiliary power, the system avoids the complexity and cost of high-capacity storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic braking electricity serves multiple functions: it powers auxiliary systems during braking operations and can be supplemented by the main generator or energy storage systems when needed. This multi-functional approach to electricity utilization maximizes energy efficiency without requiring dedicated high-capacity storage infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic braking electricity is used to power auxiliary systems, then energy efficiency improves, but reliability of auxiliary power supply may be affected when braking is not occurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system where the source of electricity for auxiliary systems changes based on vehicle operating conditions. During dynamic braking, braking electricity powers the auxiliaries; during normal operation, the main generator or energy storage systems provide power. This dynamic switching ensures both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control to monitor the availability of dynamic braking electricity and switch power sources accordingly. When braking electricity is available and sufficient, it powers the auxiliary systems; when insufficient or unavailable, the system automatically supplements or switches to other power sources, maintaining reliable operation.
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 approach enhances energy utilization and system performance by redirecting dynamic braking electricity to essential vehicle systems, reducing waste heat and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a traction motor is switched from a motoring motor (e.g., being supplied with electricity to rotate an output shaft of the motor) to a generator mode, e.g., rotation of the motor's output shaft (through momentum of the vehicle) results in the generation of electricity at the motor's electrical terminals
Implementation Method 2
electricity generated during dynamic braking operations is routed to a dynamic braking resistive grid, where it is turned into waste heat that is transferred to a passing airflow for dissipation into the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical power from a dynamic braking process in an off-highway vehicle is used to power an auxiliary system in the vehicle. The auxiliary system may be a urea storage container heating unit or a particulate filter regeneration heating unit. When dynamic braking electricity is unavailable, and to the extent the dynamic braking electricity is insufficient for powering the auxiliary system, electrical power from an energy device on board the vehicle is used to power the auxiliary system. The energy device may be an auxiliary energy storage device, devoted for use in powering the auxiliary system.