Multi-Phase Inductive Receiver for Track-Bound Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Track-bound vehicles, such as trams, face challenges in efficiently receiving electric energy without the use of overhead lines, which can be unsafe and inconvenient, especially in historic areas, and existing inductive systems suffer from low power density and electromagnetic compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A system using a multi-phase receiving device with windings or coils positioned to receive an alternating electromagnetic field, distributed over a larger area to compensate for varying field intensities and reduce fluctuations, allowing for higher power density energy transfer while minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single coil is used for inductive energy transfer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power density is low and field intensity is high causing EMC issues
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is divided into multiple coils (first coil and second coil) that are electrically connected in series. Each coil contributes to the total induced voltage, thereby increasing the overall power density without requiring a single large, complex coil system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coils are combined in series connection to achieve additive effect on voltage and power output. The magnetic fields from multiple coils merge constructively to provide higher power density while distributing the electromagnetic burden across multiple smaller components
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic fields are used for energy transfer, then contactless power supply is achieved, but electromagnetic compatibility problems arise due to high field intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device segments the electromagnetic reception into multiple coils distributed across different locations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain contactless operation while reducing the field intensity at any single point by distributing the reception across multiple smaller coil elements
Solution Approach 2:
Different coils are positioned at specific locations (front and rear of the vehicle) to optimize local field reception. The series connection of coils at different positions allows the system to exploit spatial variations in field intensity while maintaining overall low local field exposure
3Quantity of substance
If coils are placed at selected locations along the roadway, then energy storage capacity requirements are reduced, but the vehicle may run out of energy if it does not reach the next coil in time
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device continuously receives electromagnetic energy along the vehicle's path through multiple coils positioned at different locations. This continuous reception eliminates gaps in energy transfer, ensuring uninterrupted power supply without requiring large energy storage buffers
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coils are positioned in advance along the vehicle's path to ensure energy is available before the vehicle needs it. The distributed coil arrangement provides preliminary energy reception at various points, preventing energy depletion scenarios
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 and efficient energy transfer to vehicles with high power density and reduced electromagnetic field intensity within the vehicle and environment, addressing safety and compatibility concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving device adapted to receive an alternating electromagnetic field and to produce an alternating electric current by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The conductor arrangement carries an alternating current which generates a respective electromagnetic field and the electromagnetic field is used to transfer the electric energy to the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for providing a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, with electric energy, wherein the arrangement comprises a receiving device (200) adapted to receive an alternating electromagnetic field and to produce an alternating electric current by electromagnetic induction. The receiving device (200) comprises a plurality of windings and/or coils (9, 10, 11) of electrically conducting material, wherein each winding or coil (9, 10, 11) is adapted to produce a separate phase of the alternating electric current.