Rail Vehicle Coolant Pump Supply on a Separate DC Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically powered vehicles face interference issues in their three-phase electrical systems, which can compromise the reliable operation of coolant pumps during electrodynamic braking, particularly in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle incorporates a second electrical system, preferably a DC network, to power coolant pumps independently from the main three-phase system, ensuring continuous cooling of power semiconductors and preventing overheating during emergency braking by using DC-operated or DC-inverter-powered coolant pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a battery is used to power the vehicle, then energy supply for driving is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supplyVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent battery units distributed throughout the vehicle body, rather than using a single large battery. This allows the energy storage function to be achieved while distributing the weight across multiple locations, reducing the impact on vehicle dynamics and allowing flexible placement away from critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery units are integrated into the vehicle structure by placing them within the hollow space of the vehicle body, nesting the power supply system within the existing structural framework. This utilizes otherwise wasted space and avoids adding external weight, as the batteries are accommodated within the existing vehicle envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a battery is mounted on the vehicle, then energy storage capacity is improved, but the hollow space of the vehicle body is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidhollow space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery units are nested within the hollow space of the vehicle body, utilizing the existing structural volume. The batteries are positioned in the space between the outer skin and the load-bearing structure, effectively using otherwise wasted volume for energy storage without compromising structural integrity or payload capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the vehicle body are assigned different functions: the outer skin provides structural support and weather protection, while the intermediate space accommodates battery units. This local differentiation allows the hollow space to serve dual purposes - maintaining structural quality while providing energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the outer skin is made load-bearing to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body is segmented into distinct functional layers: an outer skin for weather protection and aesthetics, and an inner load-bearing structure for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A non-load-bearing intermediate layer is introduced between the outer skin and the load-bearing structure to accommodate the battery units. This intermediary layer simplifies the manufacturing of the outer skin (which no longer needs to be load-bearing) while the separate load-bearing structure maintains structural integrity, and the intermediate space houses the energy storage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures reliable cooling of power semiconductors and coolant pumps, preventing overheating and maintaining safe operation during emergency braking by isolating them from interference signals in the main electrical system.

Implementation Method 1

a linear motor for propelling the vehicle along the guideway

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP4025451B1Electrically propelled vehicle, especially railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP4025451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4025451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4025451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrically driveable vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (10), comprising an intermediate DC circuit (40), an in-vehicle, three-phase on-board electrical system (70) fed by the intermediate DC circuit (40), at least one drive motor fed via a converter (80), and at least one coolant pump (100) for pumping a coolant that cools the converter (80). According to the invention, in addition to the in-vehicle three-phase on-board electrical system (70), the vehicle also has a second on-board electrical system (110) and the at least one coolant pump (100) is connected to the second on-board electrical system (110).