Hybrid Rail Construction Machine Drive With Dual-Mode Electric Machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track construction machines face inefficiencies in power supply, particularly on non-electrified lines, with diesel-electric drives requiring large installation space and weight, and hydraulic systems causing response delays and oil leakage, while batteries provide only temporary power.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid drive system combining an internal combustion engine with an electric machine that can operate as both a motor and a generator, connected via clutches to a DC intermediate circuit, allowing for various power modes including overhead line, diesel, and hybrid operation, reducing the need for additional generators and transfer cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a diesel-electric drive system with separate generator and motor is used, then electrical power can be supplied to drives, but installation space and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric motor and electric generator into a single dual-function machine. This single machine can operate as a motor when powered from the overhead line to drive the machine, and as a generator when coupled to the diesel engine to generate electrical power. This merging eliminates the need for two separate machines, significantly reducing installation space and weight while maintaining the ability to provide electrical power to all drives and hydraulic pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a motor and a generator within the same mechanical structure. The machine can switch between motor mode (driven by overhead line power) and generator mode (driving the diesel engine's alternator or directly powering loads), providing universal power supply capability that reduces the overall system complexity and component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate electric motor and generator are installed, then power supply flexibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor and generator into a single dual-function machine, the patent reduces the number of separate components, couplings, and control systems needed. The single machine simplifies the mechanical coupling arrangement and reduces the complexity of the electrical system architecture while preserving the flexibility to operate in multiple power supply modes (overhead line only, diesel-only, or hybrid).
Solution Approach 2:
The universal dual-function machine handles both motor and generator operations, eliminating the need for separate control systems for two distinct machines. This multi-functionality approach maintains power supply flexibility through a single integrated control system that manages the machine's operation mode based on available power sources and operational requirements.
3Productivity
If traditional hydraulic drive system is used, then working units can be powered, but response time is delayed and oil leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic drive system with an electric drive system. Electric motors directly power the working units, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, hoses, and fluid pressure systems. This substitution provides immediate response when working units need to be activated or adjusted, as electrical power transmission is instantaneous compared to hydraulic system response times, and eliminates the risk of hydraulic oil leakage entirely.
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 system enhances power efficiency and reduces weight and space requirements, enabling rapid response and reducing power losses, while providing flexible power supply options for track construction machines.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine (30) which can be operated both as an electric motor and as an electric generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A track-mounted railway construction machine (1, 40) is described, comprising a machine frame (23) movable on rail bogies (8) with electric travel drives (27), a current collector system (38, 37, 42, 36, 35) for collecting power from an overhead line network (39), and optionally a direct current intermediate circuit (48). In order to create advantageous design and operating conditions, it is proposed that an electric machine (30) be provided which can be operated both as an electric motor and as an electric generator, which on the one hand is drive-connected to an internal combustion engine (10) via a first clutch (K1) and on the other hand is drive-connected to at least one hydraulic pump (20) for operating hydraulically driven work units (2, 4, 41) via a second clutch (K2).