Hybrid Head End Power System for Passenger Trains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head end power systems in passenger trains are noisy, consume extra fuel, and divert power from traction, as they either parasitically draw from the main engine or require separate generators, leading to increased maintenance and emissions.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid head end power system that captures and stores excess energy generated during dynamic braking, using it to power railcars and locomotive auxiliary needs, reducing the need for additional fuel and noise by integrating with the traction bus and storage devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a parasitic generator is used to provide head end power, then head end power is provided to railcars, but less horsepower is available for accelerating the train and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead end powerVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures waste heat from the diesel engine exhaust and converts it into useful electrical energy through a thermoelectric generator. This transforms a harmful byproduct (exhaust heat) into a beneficial resource (electrical power for HEP), thereby providing head end power without increasing fuel consumption or reducing traction power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If a separate engine/generator set is used to provide head end power, then head end power is provided without robbing energy from the primary power generator, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead end powerVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric generator serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power for head end applications, reduces exhaust emissions by utilizing waste heat, and requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional generator sets. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate HEP engine/generator sets while providing continuous power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If traditional generators are used for head end power, then head end power is provided, but high-pitched noise is produced affecting passenger comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead end powerVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical generators with a thermoelectric generator that has no moving parts. This substitution eliminates the high-pitched noise produced by rotating generators while continuously providing electrical power for head end applications, thereby improving passenger comfort without sacrificing power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If dynamic braking energy is dissipated through resistor grid, then braking effect is achieved, but excess energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking forceVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures the electrical energy generated during dynamic braking instead of dissipating it as heat through a resistor grid. This recovered energy is stored and reused to power head end applications, thereby converting wasted energy into a useful resource while maintaining the necessary braking force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides continuous, low-noise, and fuel-efficient head end power, minimizing diversion of power for traction and acceleration, while reducing emissions and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

When dynamic braking is activated, a dynamic braking control system reconfigures the traction motors as generators which are rotated by the forward momentum of the locomotive and the attached railcars, thus producing electrical energy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A hybrid head end power system that captures and stores excess energy generated during dynamic braking, using it to power railcars and locomotive auxiliary needs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS7891302B2System and method for providing head end power for use in passenger train sets

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 BACHMAN ERIC C

AI summary

A head end power system carried on a locomotive for a passenger train set that captures and stores excess electrical energy generated during dynamic braking of the locomotive. This excess electrical energy is converted to head end power for use on attached passenger railcars. Because passenger trains activate dynamic braking frequently, sufficient dynamic braking energy can be captured to supply a substantially continuous demand for head end power. In the event that the amount of captured energy is insufficient to meet demand, the head end power system may supplement the captured energy with energy generated by the primary power source on the locomotive.