Multi-Mode Electric Drive for Launch and Passive-Track Coasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric transport systems, particularly levitation transport systems, face challenges in accelerating vehicles from standstill to coasting speed efficiently, maintaining speed during coasting, and bringing vehicles to a stop at a predefined position while being cost and energy ineffective due to the need for an active track along the entire length.
Innovation Solution
An electric multi-mode drive system utilizing a vehicle with an on-board rechargeable energy storage device and a track with a Linear Doubly Fed Motor (LDFM) for launching and charging, and a further motor, such as a Linear Synchronous Reluctance Motor (LSReIM), for accelerating, coasting, and restarting, reducing the need for an active track along the entire length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active track is used along the entire length for levitation and propulsion, then the vehicle can be propelled and maintained, but the cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into active sections (at stations for launching and braking) and passive sections (for coasting). The active track infrastructure is segmented to exist only where needed for acceleration and deceleration, while the majority of the track length uses passive infrastructure that does not consume energy during vehicle coasting.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion function is extracted from the track and transferred to the vehicle's on-board energy storage device and motor system. This allows the track to be passive during coasting phases, eliminating the need for continuous active track power supply along the entire route.
2Speed
If an LDFM is used for launching the vehicle, then the vehicle can be accelerated from standstill, but the active track length required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different propulsion modes: LDFM is used for initial launching from standstill, then the vehicle transitions to using its on-board energy storage device for further acceleration and coasting. This dynamic mode switching allows the active track to be limited to only the launching section rather than the entire route.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with on-board energy storage devices that are charged at stations during launching phases. This preliminary energy storage allows the vehicle to independently handle acceleration and coasting phases without requiring continuous active track support, thereby reducing the active track length needed.
3Loss of energy
If the on-board energy storage device is used for coasting, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vehicle requires a further motor for restarting movement
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board energy storage device and motor system serve multiple functions: they provide power for coasting, for restarting the vehicle from standstill at intermediate positions, and for supplementary acceleration. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to handle various operational phases without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The LDFM track system and the on-board energy storage device with further motor are merged into a hybrid propulsion system. The LDFM handles launching and regenerative braking, while the on-board system handles coasting and restarting, creating a complementary system where each component's strengths are utilized without overlap or redundancy.
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 operates in a cost and energy effective manner by using on-board energy storage for coasting and restarting, minimizing the length of active track required, thus reducing costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle and a first part of the track at the first and second station are arranged operating an electric Linear Doubly Fed Motor, LDFM, for launching the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle comprising an on-board rechargeable electrical energy storage device
Implementation Method 3
the vehicle and a second part of the track between the first and second station are arranged operating a further electric motor different from an LDFM for at least one of accelerating, coasting and restarting movement of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An electric multi-mode drive system (400), a method for operating the same, a vehicle (110) and a track (401). The system is arranged for operating at one part (402) of the track (401), at a station (410; 411), an electric Linear Doubly Fed Motor, LDFM, (310) for launching the vehicle (110), and for operating at another part (403) of the track (401), between stations (410; 411), a further electric motor (320; 330; 340; 350), not an LDFM, arranged for at least one of accelerating, coasting and restarting movement of the vehicle (110) after launching. Electric power for operating the further electric motor (320; 330; 340; 350), is provided by an on-board rechargeable electrical energy storage device. With the LDFM (310), sufficient power is generated for accelerating the vehicle (110), and recharging the on-board electrical energy storage device during standstill, braking and/or launching.