Fleet Air Conditioning Control for Rail Peak Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately predicting and managing electrical energy consumption by rail transport vehicles, particularly due to variable energy usage by air conditioning systems, which can lead to penalties during peak consumption periods, impacting the electricity network.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that centralize command generation for air conditioning systems across a fleet of vehicles, considering their state of use and temperature, to reduce overall energy consumption by adjusting the activation profiles of air conditioning actuators, thereby optimizing energy usage without compromising passenger comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air conditioning systems operate at full capacity to maintain passenger comfort, then passenger comfort is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of air conditioning operation based on real-time monitoring of vehicle usage state and cabin temperature. The system transitions from static full-capacity operation to dynamic variable operation, modifying air conditioning output according to actual needs while maintaining comfort standards. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of air conditioning systems based on vehicle state (in-use vs. not in-use) and environmental conditions. By adjusting temperature setpoints, fan speeds, and compressor operation dynamically, the system optimizes energy consumption while preserving passenger comfort through intelligent parameter modulation rather than constant maximum operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air conditioning operation is reduced to lower energy consumption, then electrical energy consumption is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor cabin temperature and vehicle usage state, then adjust air conditioning operation accordingly. Sensors detect temperature deviations and usage changes, triggering automated responses that maintain comfort thresholds while optimizing energy use. This feedback mechanism prevents comfort deterioration even as energy consumption is reduced through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-heating cabins before peak demand periods, or adjusting temperatures in anticipation of vehicle arrival/departure patterns. This proactive approach allows reduced air conditioning operation during critical periods while maintaining comfort standards, thereby reducing overall energy consumption without compromising passenger experience.
3Use of energy by moving object
If centralized management of air conditioning systems is implemented across the fleet, then overall energy consumption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal centralized management platform that handles multiple functions: monitoring vehicle usage state, receiving temperature data, determining optimal setpoints, generating control commands, and tracking energy consumption across the entire fleet. This multi-functional system consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, achieving energy optimization without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized management system operates autonomously by automatically collecting data from vehicles, analyzing usage patterns, determining optimal air conditioning parameters, and issuing control commands without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while achieving fleet-wide energy optimization through automated intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for managing the electrical energy consumption of a set of passenger transport vehicles comprises: —means for receiving a set of consumption information representative of the electrical energy consumed at a given time by the vehicles, —means for determining an overall consumption, from the consumption information received, and —means for generating a set of commands intended respectively for a subset of vehicles selected from among the vehicles of the set according to the service status thereof, the commands being generated to modify the operation of at least one air conditioning system of the vehicles so as to reduce the value of the determined overall consumption to a predefined value. The invention is applicable in passenger transport vehicles powered by an electrical network, such as rail transport vehicles, for example trains, subways, trams, trolleybuses, etc.