Hybrid Rail Power Control for Grid-Battery Load Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail-bound vehicles face challenges in optimizing the operation of hybrid systems that use both external power supply networks and internal battery systems, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and increased power losses.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the supply of electrical energy to rail-bound vehicles that involves determining the total power required for a route section and optimizing the distribution between the external power supply network and the internal battery system based on evaluation criteria such as power loss, energy costs, and component service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rail-bound vehicle uses both external power supply network and internal battery system simultaneously, then the vehicle can operate on both electrified and non-electrified routes, but the system complexity increases and power losses increase without optimized control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically changes the operational parameters by adjusting the power contribution ratio between the external power supply network and internal battery system based on real-time conditions such as route electrification status, vehicle load, and energy storage levels. This allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios while managing complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate exclusively on external power when available, switch to battery power on non-electrified routes, and combine both sources simultaneously. The control system manages this universal operation by implementing a unified control strategy that handles all operational modes through a single integrated system rather than separate dedicated systems
2Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle draws power exclusively from the external power supply network in grid-supplied sections, then the battery system remains unused, but energy efficiency decreases and battery capacity is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the power distribution parameters by calculating the optimal power split between external supply and battery system based on factors such as upcoming route electrification status, current energy storage levels, and vehicle power demands. This optimization reduces energy losses by utilizing the battery system strategically rather than leaving it idle
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary analysis of the route profile and electrification status to determine in advance when the battery system should be charged or discharged. By planning the power distribution strategy ahead of time based on known route characteristics, the system optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the battery system is used as the exclusive energy source in off-grid track sections, then the vehicle can operate without external power, but the battery discharge rate increases and component service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors and adjusts the battery discharge parameters in real-time by modifying the power draw rate based on the battery's state of charge, temperature, and health status. When operating in off-grid sections, the system optimizes the discharge rate to meet power demands while minimizing stress on battery components, thereby extending service life while maintaining off-grid operational capability
4Loss of energy
If the vehicle feeds power back into the energy supply network during braking, then energy recovery is achieved, but the control complexity increases and power loss optimization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the vehicle's braking state, energy storage levels, and grid conditions to determine the optimal amount of power to feed back into the energy supply network. This feedback-based control optimizes energy recovery by adjusting the regenerative braking power contribution dynamically while managing control complexity through a unified control algorithm that handles both propulsion and energy recovery
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The method according to the invention for controlling a supply of electrical energy to an electrical system of a rail-bound vehicle, wherein the system can be operated alternatively and simultaneously with a first and a second energy source, wherein the first energy source is an energy supply network external to the vehicle and the second energy source is an internal battery system, comprises the steps of determining a total power to be provided by the energy sources for at least one section of a route to be traveled by the vehicle that is supplied by the first energy source, and dividing the determined total power between the first and the second energy source, wherein, by varying a proportion of the first energy source in the total power, the division is optimized with regard to a respective value of at least one evaluation criterion.