Rail Vehicle Power Circuit for Regenerative Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railroad vehicle systems face inefficiencies in utilizing power, as they rely on limited energy sources and lack effective mechanisms for optimizing energy usage between overhead wire supply and onboard storage.
Innovation Solution
A circuit system for railroad vehicles that switches between power modes using an overhead wire and onboard power storage, employing a control unit to manage power conversion, storage, and distribution, including a converter to step down high voltage regenerative power for efficient storage and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative power is stored in the power storage device, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but the apparatus size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regenerative power storage function with the existing converter for load power supply. The converter is configured to receive both grid power and regenerative power from the power storage device, and to supply power to loads based on their power consumption. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment circuits, reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining energy utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts grid power to suitable voltage for loads, converts regenerative power to suitable voltage for loads, and dynamically switches between power sources based on load requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse power conversion tasks without requiring additional specialized circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power storage devices with different characteristics are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed as a universal power conversion device that can accept power from different types of power storage devices with varying characteristics. It dynamically adjusts its operation based on the connected power storage device and load requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different configurations without requiring complex specialized circuits for each device type.
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 system enables effective power utilization by allowing the railroad vehicle to operate using either overhead wire power or onboard storage, optimizing energy use and reducing the need for additional adjustment circuits, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and space savings.
Implementation Method 1
accumulates regenerative energy generated at the time of deceleration of the railroad vehicle in an electrical storage device
Implementation Method 2
employing a control unit to manage power conversion, storage, and distribution, including a converter to step down high voltage regenerative power for efficient storage and utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit system for a railroad vehicle according to an embodiment includes a power conversion unit, a first converter, a second converter, a power storage unit, and a control unit. The power conversion unit converts power supplied from an overhead wire into power for driving a motor for running mounted on a railroad vehicle. The first converter converts power supplied from the overhead wire into DC power. The second converter converts power output from the first converter into power for driving a load mounted on the railroad vehicle. The power storage unit is electrically connected to an input side of the second converter. The control unit inputs regenerative power output from the power conversion unit to the first converter and inputs power output from the first converter to the power storage unit in a case where it is determined that the railroad vehicle is being regenerated.