Parallel Electric Braking System for Track Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric braking systems for electric track-bound vehicles require a redundant mechanical braking system, which increases costs, energy consumption, and environmental pollution, and are ineffective when no consumer is connected to the network or the vehicle is in a dead section.
Innovation Solution
The system includes two electric braking devices that share a total braking current reference signal, allowing control units to operate in parallel and communicate to determine the proportion of current delivered to each dissipative resistor, ensuring reliable braking and automatic supervision of failed devices, with the second device capable of independent operation using resistance variation and a battery-powered control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical braking device is used as the second braking device to ensure reliable braking, then braking reliability is improved, but cost, mass, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two electric braking devices into a single braking system, where both devices operate in parallel under coordinated control. This combination provides redundant braking capability (improving reliability) while avoiding the need for a mechanical braking device, thereby reducing mass, complexity, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electric braking device, which would traditionally be a specialized mechanical brake, is replaced by an electric braking device that can serve the same safety function. This universal electric braking solution eliminates the need for separate mechanical braking components and their associated maintenance infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a mechanical braking device is used as the second braking device, then braking reliability is improved, but mass increases resulting in noticeable extra energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two electric braking devices instead of using a mechanical brake, the system avoids the high mass associated with mechanical braking components. This reduces the overall vehicle mass and the energy required for acceleration and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical braking device with an electric braking device, substituting mechanical components with electrical ones. This eliminates the mass penalty of mechanical brakes while maintaining braking reliability through the redundant electric braking capability.
3Reliability
If a mechanical braking device is used as the second braking device, then braking reliability is improved, but pollution by particles from brake pads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical braking device with an electric braking device, eliminating the friction-based mechanical brake pads that generate harmful particles. The electric braking mechanism produces no such pollution, thereby improving environmental performance while maintaining braking reliability.
4Productivity
If PWM control is used for electric braking when energy can be fed back to the network, then braking efficiency is improved, but this option is unavailable when no consumer is connected or the vehicle is in a dead section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic braking system that can adapt its operation mode based on network conditions. The control units can switch between regenerative braking (when the network can accept energy) and dissipative braking (when no consumer is connected or in dead sections), ensuring optimal braking efficiency and adaptability across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on network conditions. When regenerative braking is possible, the system operates in that mode for high efficiency. When network conditions prevent energy feedback, the system transitions to dissipative braking mode, maintaining full braking capability despite the change in operating parameters.
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 configuration ensures reliable braking without a large mechanical brake, reduces costs and energy consumption, and maintains effective braking at low speeds, allowing the vehicle to be stopped with a small mechanical brake, thus minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine (1) configured to be connected to an electric power source (21) through a converter (3) for propulsion of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
control said two arrangements (5, 8) in parallel to share and together deliver said total braking current to said dissipative resistors (66, 10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An electric braking system for an electric track-bound vehicle comprising an electric permanent magnet machine (1) configured to be connected to an electric power source through a converter configured to control said machine by Pulse Width Modulation for propulsion of the vehicle by power transmission to wheels thereof comprises a first (4) and a second (7) electric braking device having each a current influencing arrangement (5, 8) and a control unit (6, 9) configured to control said arrangement to conduct current from electric terminals of the electric machine to at least one dissipative resistor (66, 10) for electric braking of the vehicle. Said two arrangements are controlled to operate in parallel to share and together deliver a total braking current ordered to said dissipative resistors.