Multi-Mode Track Drive With Onboard Energy Storage for Passive Coasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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.
Innovation Solution
An electric multi-mode drive system utilizing a vehicle with an on-board rechargeable energy storage device and a track with a combination of Linear Doubly Fed Motors (LDFM) for launching and charging, and Linear Synchronous Reluctance Motors (LSRelM) or other motors for accelerating and coasting, allowing for efficient energy use and reduced active track length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powered tracks are used over the entire travelling distance, then the vehicle can be propelled and controlled along the track, but the cost becomes much higher than traditional steel rails
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into active powered sections (at stations for launching and braking) and passive non-powered sections (for coasting between stations). This segmentation allows the expensive powered track infrastructure to be limited to only where it is absolutely necessary, while the majority of the track can use inexpensive passive rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle alternates between powered propulsion phases (at stations) and passive coasting phases (between stations). This periodic use of powered tracks reduces the overall requirement for extensive powered track infrastructure, lowering costs while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If levitation transport systems are used, then the vehicle can be levitated and guided along the track, but the cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The levitation system is implemented only in specific sections where required (such as at stations for launching and braking), rather than along the entire track. This allows the vehicle to use expensive levitation technology only when necessary and rely on passive coasting for the majority of the journey, significantly reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own onboard energy storage device to power the levitation and propulsion motors during coasting phases, rather than requiring continuous external power supply from the track. This reduces the need for extensive powered track infrastructure and associated costs.
3Productivity
If the vehicle accelerates from standstill to coasting speed in a short time, then the travel time is reduced, but the energy consumption and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle accumulates energy in its onboard storage device before acceleration phases. During launching at stations, the vehicle uses stored energy combined with powered track assistance to achieve rapid acceleration. This preliminary energy accumulation allows for high acceleration without requiring excessive continuous power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle maintains momentum through continuous coasting phases between powered sections, minimizing the need for repeated acceleration and braking cycles. This continuous motion at coasting speed reduces overall energy consumption compared to frequent start-stop operations.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains coasting speed over long distances, then the energy efficiency improves, but the ability to respond to unplanned standstill situations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle carries its own onboard energy storage device and propulsion motor, enabling it to independently restart and accelerate from unplanned standstill positions along the passive track sections. This self-sufficiency allows the vehicle to maintain energy-efficient coasting while retaining the capability to respond to emergencies without requiring external powered track infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle dynamically switches between passive coasting mode (for energy efficiency) and active propulsion mode (using onboard energy storage, for emergency response or station approaches). This dynamic operation allows the vehicle to optimize energy consumption during normal operation while maintaining adaptability for unexpected situations.
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
Enables cost-effective and energy-efficient operation by using on-board energy storage for coasting and restarting, reducing the need for extensive active track infrastructure and minimizing energy losses.
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
Linear Synchronous Reluctance Motors, LSRelMs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
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.