Ground-Mediated Train Power Exchange System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional train-energy control systems face challenges in exchanging power and information between trains when they are out of the communication range of their train-information transmitting devices, and in efficiently managing regenerative braking and accelerating states to absorb or supply power effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ground device and on-board device system that receives and analyzes running-state and storage-battery-state information from multiple trains to determine which trains can absorb or discharge power, transmitting commands to facilitate regenerative power absorption or discharge even when trains are out of communication range, using evaluation tables to prioritize power transfer based on current and future states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trains directly exchange train information using train-information transmitting devices, then power reception and supply between trains can be coordinated, but trains cannot exchange information when out of communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The ground device acts as an intermediary between trains, receiving running-state information from multiple trains and relaying power absorption/discharge commands. This mediator approach allows trains out of direct communication range to still participate in power exchange by communicating with the ground device, which coordinates the power transfer between trains indirectly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct train-to-train communication (one-dimensional peer-to-peer) to a ground-mediated communication architecture (adding a vertical dimension through ground-based infrastructure). This dimensional change enables power exchange coordination beyond the limited radio communication range of train-mounted devices.
2Productivity
If the storage battery is in a state of being incapable of absorbing power, then the train cannot receive regenerative power, but this limits power exchange opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The ground device continuously monitors the running-state information and storage-battery-state information from multiple trains, maintaining real-time feedback on which trains can absorb or discharge power. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically identify and coordinate power exchange opportunities as battery states change, maximizing productivity while ensuring reliability through state verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground device pre-identifies trains that are capable of power absorption or discharge based on their current state, and maintains a ready list of potential power exchange partners. When a train enters a regenerative braking state, the ground device can quickly initiate power transfer to a pre-identified train with available battery capacity, reducing latency and maximizing power exchange opportunities.
3Loss of energy
If the storage battery is in a state of being incapable of discharging power, then the train cannot supply power to other trains, but this reduces system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ground device serves as a mediator that aggregates regenerative power from trains in braking state and directs it to trains requiring power, even when individual train batteries are full or empty. This centralized coordination maximizes regenerative power utilization by matching supply and demand across the entire fleet rather than limiting exchanges to immediate train pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground device performs multiple functions: monitoring battery states, identifying power suppliers and consumers, coordinating power transfer timing, and managing overall energy flow. This multi-functional approach enables the system to optimize regenerative power utilization across diverse operating conditions and train configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a ground device coordinates power exchange between trains, then power transfer can occur beyond communication range, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground device is designed as a multi-functional platform that handles information reception from multiple trains, state evaluation, command generation, and power coordination all in one system. By consolidating these functions into a single versatile device rather than adding complex communication infrastructure between trains, the system achieves extended adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground device autonomously monitors train states, automatically identifies suitable power exchange partners, and initiates coordination without requiring complex manual control or additional train-on-train communication protocols. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability in power exchange coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ground device 6 includes a control unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a ground transmitting and receiving unit 17. A ground antenna 18 is connected to the ground transmitting and receiving unit 17. Train information from an on-board device 11 is received by the ground transmitting and receiving unit 16 via the ground antenna 18, and is then transmitted to the control unit 15. Meanwhile, information from the control unit 15 is transmitted to the on-board device 11 via the ground transmitting and receiving unit 17 and the on-board antenna 18. The control unit 15 accumulates the train information on a train 4 in the storage unit 16, and also transmits, to the on-board device 11, command information for a device installed in the train 4.