Modular Cascaded Energy Architecture for Intermittently Charged Rail EVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail-based electric vehicles face limitations in range, lifespan of energy sources, and lack of flexibility due to reliance on continuous charge sources, which are costly and aesthetically unappealing, and do not efficiently manage power for multiple motors and auxiliary loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular cascaded energy systems that can supply multiphase, single-phase, and DC power to various loads, allowing for interconnection between modules to exchange energy and utilize converters to modify voltage from intermittently connected charge sources, enabling charging while in motion and optimizing energy use across multiple energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous charge source lines are installed alongside the rail, then power supply reliability is improved, but infrastructure cost and aesthetic impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The energy system is divided into modular units, each containing energy storage devices and power conversion equipment. These modules can be independently installed and managed, replacing the need for continuous overhead or ground-level charge source lines while maintaining reliable power supply to multiple motors and auxiliary loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle equips itself with energy storage devices (batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells) and onboard power management systems, making it self-sufficient in power supply. This eliminates dependence on external continuous charge source infrastructure, allowing the vehicle to operate independently across the entire rail span.
2Length of moving object
If energy storage system is added to extend range, then operational range is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is modularized into separate devices (batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells) that can be independently managed and replaced. Each module connects to the power distribution system through standardized interfaces, simplifying integration despite the added complexity of extended range capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular cascaded energy system with multiple converters is implemented, then energy management flexibility is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is divided into multiple independent power converters, each handling specific power conversion tasks (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC). These modular converters can be selectively activated based on operational requirements, providing flexible energy management while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces and independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converters are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple conversion modes (AC-DC rectification, DC-DC conversion, DC-AC inversion) and can serve multiple loads (motors, auxiliary systems). This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each function, balancing flexibility with complexity management.
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 solution enhances the energy management and flexibility of rail-based electric vehicles by extending their range, improving lifespan of energy sources, and efficiently powering multiple loads, while reducing infrastructure costs and aesthetic concerns.
Implementation Method 1
Each module can be configured with multiple converters and one or more energy sources such that the modules can receive relatively high voltage signals from the intermittently connected charge source and modify that voltage with one or more converters to charge the one or more energy sources
Implementation Method 2
Each module can be configured with multiple converters and one or more energy sources such that the modules can receive relatively high voltage signals from the intermittently connected charge source and modify that voltage with one or more converters to charge the one or more energy sources, and also such that the modules can utilize another converter two convert the DC voltage from the one or more energy sources into an AC output voltage for powering the one or more loads of the EV
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for electric vehicles that are subject to intermittent charging, such as rail-based electric vehicles, having one or more modular cascaded energy systems. The one or more modular systems can be configured to supply multiphase, single phase, and/or DC power to numerous motor and auxiliary loads of the EV. If multiple systems or subsystems are present in the EV, they can be interconnected to exchange energy between them in numerous different ways, such as through lines designated for carrying power from the intermittently connected charge source or through the presence of modules interconnected between arrays of the subsystems. The subsystems can be configured as subsystems that supply power for motor loads alone, motor loads in combination with auxiliary loads, and auxiliary loads alone.