Rail Heating Energy Management via Cyclic Outlet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric point heating systems for railways are inefficient in managing energy consumption, often leading to unnecessary energy use or delayed heating of lower-priority points, resulting in suboptimal operational performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for energy management that dynamically adjust the power distribution based on operating parameters, forming cyclic power ratios and actively managing the number of heating outlets switched on or off to maintain target rail temperatures, ensuring flexible and efficient energy use across all points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all heating outlets are switched on and off synchronously to maintain target rail temperature, then the rail temperature control is simple and reliable, but the peak power consumption equals the connection value which is high and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching heating outlets in cyclic sequences rather than all at once. The control device divides heating outlets into multiple groups that are activated in alternating cycles, allowing the system to maintain temperature control through repeated on-off patterns distributed over time, thereby reducing instantaneous peak power while preserving thermal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heating system by dividing all heating outlets into multiple independent groups (first group, second group, etc.). Each group can be controlled separately with different switching schedules. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the thermal load across time, so that not all heating elements operate simultaneously, reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall heating effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If points are heated in staggered manner according to priority to reduce simultaneously effective power, then energy management is improved, but points with lower priority reach target rail temperature with time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the group assignment and switching sequences adaptable rather than fixed. The control device can dynamically adjust which groups are activated and in what sequences based on real-time requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize power distribution while ensuring that all points eventually reach target temperature without excessive delays, as the switching patterns can be modified based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing cyclic switching sequences that continuously activate different groups of heating outlets. Rather than completely deactivating lower-priority points for extended periods, the system maintains continuous heating activity across all points through alternating cycles, ensuring that all points progress toward target temperature while managing peak power demands.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating outlets are switched on and off in cyclic sequences with different sequences for different groups, then peak power consumption is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device that performs multiple functions: it manages group assignments, generates cyclic switching sequences, monitors rail temperature, and adjusts heating operations all through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate control mechanisms for each heating outlet, as the universal control device coordinates all operations through standardized cyclic patterns.
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 approach optimizes energy use by reducing peak power consumption and allowing for flexible adjustments, ensuring reliable operation while minimizing energy supply costs, even when heating all connected switches simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
electrical heating elements on the rails of the points that be heated and prevent the moving parts of the points from freezing
Implementation Method 2
at least one switching distribution board (1) with at least one heating outlet (6), in particular a heating outlet (6) for each switch (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for managing energy in an electrical points heating system, in which successive cycle times (Zt) are cyclically formed during heating operation, at least one power ratio (L) corresponding to the number of heating outgoing circuits (6) which are switched on and switched off is formed for each cycle time (Zt), the heating outgoing circuits (6) are activated in a revolving successive method of operation, as a result of which at least one active power ratio (La) is executed, in which an adaptation to at least one set of points (12) is carried out on the basis of the temporal profile of the rail temperature (X) and/or the monitoring of the control error xwn, the theoretical heating time for reaching the predefinable desired rail temperature (Xs) of the points (12) is calculated in the case of a weather-related heating requirement (Hz) for at least one set of points (12), wherein the active power ratio (La) is increased if the parameterizable heating time (tauf) is exceeded, wherein the particular rail temperature (X) of at least one set of points (12) is compared with the predefinable desired rail temperature (Xs) after and/or before each cycle time (Zt), wherein the assignment of the heating outgoing circuits (6) which are switched on and switched off is changed during evaluation of this comparison by switching off heating outgoing circuits (6) with excess heating in favour of heating outgoing circuits (6) with a heating deficit during the particular cycle time (Zt). The present invention also relates to a device for managing energy in an electrical points heating system.