LEU Signal Current Sampling for Energy-Efficient ETCS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern train protection systems require significant infrastructure changes and high energy consumption when upgrading to ETCS, particularly in energy management for self-sufficient mini-LEUs controlling signal balises, due to the need for frequent sampling of AC signal currents which is energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining signal aspects using an electronic control unit on the track side that samples signal currents with a burst of samplings, where the time interval between samples is a quarter of the signal current period, allowing for energy-efficient detection and transmission of signal aspects with minimal additional installation effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent sampling of AC signal current is performed to reliably detect signal aspects, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sampling the AC signal current at specific intervals synchronized with the signal period. Instead of continuous sampling, the system performs discrete sampling bursts at predetermined times within each signal period, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy. The sampling occurs at multiple phases within the AC cycle to capture sufficient information about the signal aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing a limited number of samplings (e.g., 2-5 samples) within each signal period rather than exhaustive continuous sampling. This partial sampling approach provides sufficient information to determine signal aspects while significantly reducing the energy burden on the battery-powered mini-LEU device.
2Device complexity
If self-sufficient mini-LEUs are deployed without electrical power supply infrastructure, then device complexity and installation effort are reduced, but energy management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mini-LEU employs periodic sampling bursts synchronized with the AC signal period, allowing the device to remain in low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation pattern enables battery-powered operation without continuous power supply infrastructure, as the device only activates briefly to sample signals and then returns to sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by using the existing AC signal current from the railway infrastructure to power and operate the mini-LEU during sampling periods. The device harvests energy from the signal environment itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply infrastructure while maintaining operational capability.
3Measurement precision
If AC signal current is sampled at twice the frequency to account for rectification and phase cutting, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling within each AC signal period, taking multiple samples at different phases to account for rectification and phase-cutting effects. By concentrating sampling efforts into specific time windows rather than continuous sampling, the system achieves the necessary measurement precision while minimizing energy consumption during the sampling bursts.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method for determining a signal aspect issued by a signal box using a LEU, which also performs the sampling process of the signal current in the lamp circuit in a particularly energy-saving manner.This problem is solved according to the invention by a method for determining a signal aspect issued by a signal box, which can be transmitted to a rail vehicle by means of a point-type data transmission device arranged on the trackside, wherein: a) the signal aspect is issued for a number of signal lamps and is provided in the form of a signal current of known frequency per lamp circuit in each of the lamp circuits required for displaying the signal aspect; b) the point-type data transmission device is operated by an electronic control unit arranged on the trackside; and c) the signal current in each of the lamp circuits is sampled by the electronic control unit by means of a sampling burst with a number of samples, wherein the time interval of two successive samples within a sampling burst corresponds to a predefinable fraction of the wavelength of the signal current.In this way, it is possible to determine the signal aspect present in the signal circuits with minimal additional installation effort using the electronic control unit (LEU) and to prepare a telegram corresponding to this signal aspect for transmission via the point-type data transmission unit. This method is also characterized by its robustness and low energy consumption.