Parallel Power Supply Module for Electric Vehicle Engine Block

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dual-mode power supply systems for electric transport vehicles face challenges in maintaining constant electrical power during transitions between power supply modes, particularly when switching from electrical power via catenary to autonomous sources, due to latency in the rise of autonomous power sources, leading to power outages or significant reductions.

Innovation Solution

An electric power supply module with parallel-connected converters for both power sources, controlled by a module that gradually varies output voltage to maintain constant power supply during mode transitions, using previously stored information to adjust the power supplied by each converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power supply system uses autonomous power sources (e.g., diesel engine) to provide electrical power, then the system can operate independently from external power supply, but there is latency in the rise of power which causes power outages during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous power supply capabilityVSAvoidpower supply continuity during transition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power sources (external catenary power and autonomous diesel generator) into a unified power supply system with parallel converters. Both power sources can simultaneously supply power to the engine block during transition periods, ensuring continuous power delivery while switching between modes. This merging eliminates the power outage problem by maintaining overlapping power supply during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module activates the autonomous power source in advance before the external power is disconnected during mode transition. By preliminarily starting the diesel generator and gradually increasing its power output while simultaneously reducing the external power contribution, the system ensures continuous power supply without outages. This preliminary action prevents the latency-induced power gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches between different power supply modes, then it can adapt to different operating conditions, but the electrical power supplied drops to zero or near-zero during the transition period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply mode switchingVSAvoidelectrical power level during transition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous power supply during mode transitions by having both converters operate simultaneously in parallel. The control module coordinates the power contribution of each converter to maintain constant total power output to the engine block. This continuity principle ensures that the useful action of powering the engine block never中断, even during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control module dynamically adjusts the output parameters (power level and voltage) of each converter during transition. It gradually changes the power contribution ratio between the external and autonomous power sources while maintaining their parallel operation. This parameter adjustment ensures smooth transition without power dropout, keeping the electrical power level constant throughout the switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the autonomous power source is activated to take over from external power, then the system achieves independent operation, but the transition causes complete stoppages in power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source switching capabilityVSAvoidpower supply stability during mode change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the power transition process through the control module. Instead of abrupt switching, the system dynamically adjusts the power contribution of each source in real-time based on their operational status and load requirements. This dynamic approach allows smooth handover between power sources while maintaining stable power supply to the engine block throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures a substantially constant electrical power supply to the engine block during transitions, preventing power outages and maintaining operational stability by coordinating the power output between different energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

a first converter connected to a first electric power source, adapted to supply said engine block according to a first electric power supply mode, said first converter supplying a first electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3453558B1Power supply module of an engine block and associated supply method, traction system and vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3453558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453558B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical power supply module (16) for a motor unit (14) of an electric transport vehicle, comprising a first power supply unit (20) for said motor unit (14), comprising a first converter (24) connected to a first power supply source (12), adapted to supply said motor unit (14) according to a first power supply mode, and providing a first electrical power, and a second power supply unit (30) comprising a second converter (40) connected to a second power supply source (32), adapted to supply said motor unit (14) according to a second power supply mode. The first and second converters are connected in parallel.It includes a control module (50) adapted to receive a switching command between power supply modes, to control said first converter to gradually vary the output voltage, to effect a transition between power supply modes, and to control the first power supplied by said first converter to maintain a non-zero electrical supply power during the transition.