Rail Vehicle Power Network With Decentralized High-Voltage Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical networks for rail vehicles require large cable cross-sections to supply energy to low-voltage consumers, leading to increased weight and installation complexity, while also posing challenges in providing a reliable energy supply.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a decentralized electrical network with at least two high-voltage sections, where low-voltage consumers are supplied via power converters, eliminating the need for a traditional low-voltage section and reducing cable cross-sections by utilizing high-voltage potentials to efficiently distribute energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional low-voltage section with large cable cross-sections is used to supply energy to low-voltage consumers, then sufficient energy supply is ensured, but the weight and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical network is segmented into multiple high-voltage sections instead of using a single low-voltage section. Each high-voltage section can independently supply power to local low-voltage consumers through power converters, distributing the energy supply function across different segments of the vehicle. This segmentation eliminates the need for heavy low-voltage cables spanning the entire vehicle while maintaining reliable power supply to all consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage parameter is changed from low-voltage (e.g., 24V, 48V) to high-voltage (e.g., 600V, 750V, 1500V) for the main power distribution sections. By operating at higher voltages, the current required to deliver the same power is reduced, allowing for lighter cable cross-sections while still providing sufficient energy to low-voltage consumers through local power conversion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If large cable cross-sections are used in the low-voltage section, then energy supply capacity is sufficient, but installation effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into multiple independent high-voltage sections, each serving a specific region or function. This segmentation allows for localized power conversion and distribution, eliminating the need for extensive low-voltage cabling across the entire vehicle. Installation is simplified as each high-voltage section can be independently installed and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution architecture transitions from a centralized low-voltage approach to a distributed high-voltage approach with multiple conversion points. This dimensional change in system architecture transforms the problem from one requiring heavy low-voltage cables to one using lighter high-voltage cables with local power electronic converters.
3Weight of moving object
If a decentralized power supply with multiple high-voltage sections is implemented, then weight and installation effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage sections and power converters are designed as universal, multi-functional components that can serve multiple purposes. Each high-voltage section can supply power to various types of consumers (traction, auxiliary, lighting) and can operate in different modes (power supply, regenerative braking). This universality reduces the need for specialized components, thereby managing complexity despite the decentralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By standardizing the voltage parameters across multiple high-voltage sections (e.g., all operating at 750V or 1500V), the system achieves simplicity through parameter uniformity. This standardization allows for interchangeable components and simplified control logic, managing the inherent complexity of the decentralized architecture.
4Device complexity
If traditional low-voltage distribution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cable cross-sections and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fundamental voltage parameter of the power distribution system is changed from low-voltage to high-voltage levels. This parameter change directly reduces the current required for power transmission, allowing for lighter cable cross-sections while maintaining the same power delivery capability. The simplicity of the system is preserved through standardized high-voltage components and interfaces.
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 reduces the weight and installation effort of the electrical network, ensures reliable energy supply to low-voltage consumers, and simplifies cabling by eliminating complex joint transition points between cars, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
low-voltage consumers or groups of low-voltage consumers can be supplied with power from one of these high-voltage sections via a power converter
Implementation Method 2
The high-voltage and low-voltage sections are usually electrically connected via a DC-DC converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric network (13) for a rail vehicle (22). The electric network (13) comprises a first high-voltage section (14), at least one low-voltage load (6a,…, 7c), at least one converter (5, 21), and at least one additional high-voltage section (20). The first high-voltage section (14) and the at least one additional high-voltage section (20) are electrically connected via at least one high-voltage DC converter (3), and the at least one low-voltage load (6a,…, 7c) and the at least one additional high-voltage section (20) are connected via the at least one converter (13). The invention also relates to a rail vehicle (22) and a method for operating an electric network (13).