Rail Vehicle Selector Switch Assembly for Seamless AC/DC Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail vehicles experience power disruptions and difficulty in switching between DC and AC operations at system change points, leading to inconsistent power supply and reduced travel comfort for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle equipped with a system selection switch arrangement, including a current collector, transformer, AC and DC lines, mains converter, and switching mechanisms, allows for simultaneous and safe switching between AC and DC operations, ensuring continuous power supply through a DC intermediate circuit and energy harvesting during power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rail vehicle uses conventional switching arrangements at system changeover points, then the vehicle can switch between AC and DC operations, but the power supply to consumers is interrupted and switching is slow and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple power supply paths (AC path through transformer and mains converter, DC path through DC line) and having all switching contacts ready to changeover simultaneously. The system prepares alternative power routes in advance so that when switching is needed, the transition can occur rapidly by simply changing which path is active, without interruption to power consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a DC intermediate circuit as an intermediary that can receive power from both AC and DC sources. The mains converter acts as an intermediary device that converts AC to DC for the DC intermediate circuit. This intermediary structure allows seamless switching between AC and DC power sources while maintaining continuous power supply to consumers through the common DC intermediate circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rail vehicle uses conventional switching arrangements, then switching between AC and DC modes is possible, but the switching process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC and DC power supply systems into a unified architecture where both AC and DC lines connect to a common DC intermediate circuit. The AC path includes a transformer and mains converter that output DC, which merges with the DC line at the DC intermediate circuit. This merged structure enables rapid switching by simply changing which input path (AC or DC) is active, while maintaining dual operation capability and reducing switching time through simultaneous readiness of both paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability through a switching arrangement with multiple contacts that can rapidly reconfigure the power supply topology. The switching contacts are designed to changeover simultaneously between AC and DC paths, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to different power sources without prolonged transition periods. The dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to respond quickly to system changeover points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rail vehicle temporarily disconnects from electrical power at system separation points, then switching between AC and DC systems can occur, but power consumers cannot operate continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active power supply paths from both AC and DC sources to a common DC intermediate circuit throughout the switching process. Instead of disconnecting power consumers during system changes, the system keeps both power paths ready and active, using switching contacts to seamlessly transfer which source feeds the DC intermediate circuit. This ensures continuous power delivery to consumers while enabling system changeover capability.
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
Enables quick, safe, and continuous power supply to rail vehicle consumers during system changes, improving travel comfort by maintaining electrical power and allowing for flexible operation in both AC and DC modes.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer (7) comprising a primary side (8) and a secondary side (9)
Implementation Method 2
a mains converter (12) which is arranged between the transformer (7) and the DC intermediate circuit (13)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rail vehicle with a system selector switch arrangement (11). The system selector switch arrangement (11) enables switching the power supply from AC to DC. The system selector switch arrangement (11) comprises a DC system switch (30) which is arranged in the DC supply line (26). The system selector switch arrangement (11) also comprises an AC system switch (32) which is arranged in the AC supply line (27). Furthermore, the system selector switch arrangement (11) comprises a changeover switch (31) which is arranged on the changeover line. The invention also relates to a method for switching a rail vehicle from AC operation to DC operation or from DC operation to AC operation.