Ground-Based Inductive Power Supply for Trams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy supply systems for tramway vehicles face issues such as material wear, reliability problems due to adverse weather conditions, and difficulties in installation and maintenance, particularly with contact-based systems, while contactless induction systems suffer from energy losses and environmental disturbances and require extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based electrical energy supply system using buried emitting elements that emit an electromagnetic field only when a vehicle is present, with a receiving device under the vehicle capturing energy, and selectively powered transmitting elements to minimize environmental impact and infrastructure needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact track segments are used to supply electrical energy to the vehicle, then the vehicle can capture electrical energy from the ground, but material wear and reliability problems occur due to adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power supply system with an electromagnetic induction system. The ground-based emitting elements generate electromagnetic fields that induce currents in the vehicle's receiving coils, eliminating physical contact between wear-prone components. This substitution of mechanical contact with electromagnetic field interaction directly resolves the material wear issue while maintaining reliable power transfer.
2Reliability
If contactless ground feeding systems with continuous electromagnetic field emission are used, then the vehicle can be supplied with energy without contact, but significant energy losses and electromagnetic disturbances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating ground-based emitting elements only when a vehicle is detected in proximity. The control system monitors vehicle presence and switches the electromagnetic field emission on and off accordingly. This periodic activation eliminates continuous energy waste while maintaining reliable power supply during actual vehicle operation, directly addressing the energy loss problem.
3Reliability
If emitting loops are installed all along the track for contactless power transfer, then the vehicle can be supplied continuously, but heavy infrastructure and installation difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the track into discrete zones with individual emitting elements rather than installing continuous loops along the entire track. Each emitting element is an independent, modular unit that can be activated selectively based on vehicle presence. This segmentation reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining continuous supply capability, as only the necessary segments are deployed and activated at any given time.
4Productivity
If emitting elements are supplied as soon as the transport vehicle is approaching, then the vehicle can be prepared for energy transfer, but the system becomes dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using detection means to monitor vehicle presence and position, then using this information to control the activation of emitting elements. The system receives feedback about the vehicle's approach and adjusts the electromagnetic field emission accordingly, activating elements only when the vehicle is in the optimal position for safe and efficient energy transfer. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates safety hazards while maintaining productivity.
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 system achieves efficient and reliable energy transfer with reduced material wear, environmental impact, and simplified maintenance, ensuring continuous operation with minimal disruption and aesthetic integration in urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
system for supplying electrical energy by the ground, in particular by induction, intended for a transport vehicle
Implementation Method 2
at least one presence detector arranged to detect the presence of the transport vehicle above the emitting elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The system (1) has transmitters (4) emitting an electromagnetic field for powering a transportation vehicle (T) by induction, where the transmitters are positioned between rails (9) of a track of the vehicle. A receiving device (5) receives energy emitted by the transmitters. A power supply unit (6) is laid to electrically power the transmitters when the vehicle is located above the transmitters, where the length (L) of the receiving device measured in a direction of movement of the vehicle is greater than the distance (D) between two consecutive transmitters along the track. An independent claim is also included for a method for implementing a ground-based power supply system.