Rail Vehicle Power Distribution Switching Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power distribution systems in railbound vehicles face challenges in adaptability to both AC and DC catenary power supplies, requiring bulky transformers and additional filtering components, which are not efficiently addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact switching module is introduced, integrated with a power electronic traction converter unit and a DC distribution bus, featuring reconfiguration switches and an adaptation element for AC and DC filtering, allowing seamless adaptation to different power supplies without additional components between the catenary power supply, DC distribution bus, and the power electronic traction converter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching module with reconfiguration switches and adaptation element is integrated into the power distribution system, then adaptability to both AC and DC catenary power supplies is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching functionality and filtering functionality into a single integrated switching module. The reconfiguration switches and adaptation element (containing chokes for AC and DC filtering) are merged into one compact unit that can handle both AC and DC power inputs, reducing the number of separate components needed in the power distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching module is designed as a universal component that can process both AC and DC power inputs. The reconfiguration switches can direct AC power to the power electronic traction converter unit or DC power directly to the DC distribution bus, while the adaptation element provides appropriate filtering for either power type, making the module multi-functional and adaptable to different power supply conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If bulky transformers are replaced by power electronic traction converter units, then device volume is reduced, but additional filtering components are required at the input side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the necessary filtering components (chokes for AC and DC filtering) directly into the switching module, combining them with the switching elements into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate filtering components distributed elsewhere in the system, maintaining volume reduction while providing necessary filtering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptation element acts as an intermediary between the power input and the power electronic traction converter unit, providing the necessary AC and DC filtering through integrated chokes. This intermediary component ensures proper power quality and protection without requiring additional separate filtering stages in the power distribution path.
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
The solution provides a flexible and compact power distribution system that can handle both AC and DC inputs, eliminating the need for extra components and enabling efficient power conversion and distribution within railbound vehicles, enhancing adaptability and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a power electronic traction converter unit for receiving AC power via the one or more AC power paths which is configured to convert the received AC power to DC power
Implementation Method 2
an adaptation element for providing AC and DC filtering of the power received via the input terminal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power distribution system for a railbound vehicle, comprising a switching module (12), a DC distribution bus (3) included in a DC power path and a power electronic traction converter unit (13) for receiving AC power via the one or more AC power paths which is configured to convert the received AC power to DC power which is applied to the DC distribution bus (3), wherein the switching unit comprising an input terminal for receiving power from an external power supply, reconfiguration switches (24, 25) configured either to direct DC power of the external power supply received via the input terminal to the DC power path or to direct AC power of the external power supply received via the input terminal to a respective one of one or more AC power paths and an adaptation element (20) for providing AC and DC filtering of the power received via the input terminal.