Rail Vehicle Battery Switching Between Traction and On-Board Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicles lack effective battery management systems that allow for efficient utilization and separation of batteries between traction and on-board networks, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced lifespan due to aging or other operational criteria not being met.
Innovation Solution
The rail vehicle is designed with traction network switches and monitoring devices that allow batteries to be connected or disconnected from the traction network based on predetermined condition criteria, enabling batteries to be used for on-board power when no longer suitable for traction, and equipped with mode-dependent cooling and control devices for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batteries are permanently connected to the traction network, then they can continuously power electric drives, but they cannot be reused for on-board network when aging reduces their performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability that allows batteries to transition between different operational states (traction network connected/disconnected, on-board network connected/disconnected) based on real-time condition assessment. The control device monitors battery parameters and automatically switches connections to optimize utilization throughout the battery lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by monitoring battery condition parameters (temperature, voltage, current, state of charge, state of health) and transitioning the battery between different operational modes based on these parameter changes, allowing the same battery to serve different functions at different stages of its lifecycle.
2Reliability
If batteries are continuously used in traction network, then they maintain optimal performance for electric drives, but their lifespan is reduced due to aging and operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device continuously assesses battery condition parameters before critical failure occurs, and the control device proactively transitions batteries to on-board network operation when predetermined thresholds are approached, preventing excessive aging and extending overall battery lifespan while maintaining traction network reliability.
3Productivity
If batteries are separated from traction network based on aging criteria, then they can be reused for on-board network, but additional monitoring and switching devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it monitors battery parameters, determines when to switch between networks, manages the switching process, and coordinates with both traction and on-board networks. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If batteries are assigned to either traction network or on-board network exclusively, then system design is simplified, but battery reuse and extended operational life are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static battery assignment model to a dynamic one where batteries can change their operational network based on condition assessment. The control device manages this dynamic reassignment, allowing batteries to move from traction network to on-board network as they age, optimizing utilization while maintaining manageable system design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (10), with at least one electric traction network (30) with which at least one drive (20) of the vehicle can be supplied with electrical energy, at least one electrical on-board network (200) and at least one battery (40, 41).According to the invention, the vehicle is designed in such a way that it can operate the battery (40, 41) in normal operation and in special operation, wherein in normal operation the battery (40, 41) is connected to the traction network (30) via at least one traction network switch (50, 51) belonging to the battery or associated with the battery (40, 41) and in special operation is disconnected from the traction network (30) by the traction network switch (50, 51), wherein in special operation the battery (40, 41) remains connected to the vehicle electrical system (200) if a connection to the vehicle electrical system (200) already exists during normal operation and is otherwise connected to the vehicle electrical system (200).