Rail Vehicle Traction Machine Generator Mode for On-Board Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically powered rail vehicle train sets, a fault in the electrical network, such as a failure in the power supply via an overhead line or busbar, can lead to a loss of electrical energy, causing discomfort for passengers due to the failure of lighting, air conditioning, and other essential systems, as the on-board electrical network relies on a sufficient DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation.
Innovation Solution
A system where at least two vehicles are mechanically coupled, with one vehicle capable of generating electrical energy through its traction machine during generator operation, feeding it back into the DC link of the faulty vehicle, ensuring continued supply to electrical consumers, even if the primary power source fails. This involves a control device that detects faults and activates generator operation in the affected vehicle while another vehicle takes over locomotion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the on-board electrical network relies on the DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation, then the electrical consumers can be supplied with electrical energy during normal operation, but if the power supply fails via overhead line or busbar, the electrical consumers cannot be supplied and comfort is significantly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of a power supply failure into a beneficial situation by activating generator operation of the traction machine. When the overhead line or busbar power supply fails, the traction machine switches from motor mode to generator mode, converting mechanical energy from the moving vehicle into electrical energy to supply the on-board electrical network, thus turning the failure scenario into a functional power supply solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle's own traction machine to serve as a power generator for the on-board electrical network when external power supply fails. The vehicle uses its own mechanical motion to generate electrical energy through the traction machine in generator mode, eliminating dependence on external power sources and maintaining operational autonomy
2Adaptability or versatility
If several vehicles form a group with each having its own electric drive network, then each vehicle can be a self-contained and independently drivable unit, but if one vehicle experiences power supply failure, the on-board network of that vehicle cannot be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the traction machine to operate in both motor mode (for propulsion) and generator mode (for power supply). This dual functionality allows the same component to serve different purposes depending on operational needs, particularly switching to generator mode when external power fails to maintain on-board electrical network operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of power supply failure into a beneficial situation by activating generator operation of the traction machine. When the overhead line or busbar power supply fails, the traction machine switches from motor mode to generator mode, converting mechanical energy from the moving vehicle into electrical energy to supply the on-board electrical network, thus turning the failure scenario into a functional power supply solution
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 ensures the reliability of electrical energy supply to consumers in the faulty vehicle by enabling continued operation of the on-board network, maintaining essential services like lighting and air conditioning even during power source failures, by utilizing generator operation to feed electrical energy back into the DC link.
Implementation Method 1
Activating an electrical generator operation of the at least one traction machine
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a trainset (10, 100) of at least two vehicles (12, 14), each comprising at least one rail vehicle trainset, wherein at least one first vehicle (12, 14) comprises: a DC intermediate circuit (48) supplied with electrical energy from a power source, to which at least one motor converter (46) is connected, which in turn is electrically connected to at least one traction motor (20); and an on-board network (24) electrically connected or connectable to the DC intermediate circuit (48) for supplying at least one electrical consumer (44) of the first vehicle (12, 14); wherein the trainset (10) further comprises at least one control device (52) configured to detect and activate the following: - detecting a fault in the supply of the DC intermediate circuit (48) of the first vehicle (12, 14); - activating generator operation of the traction motor (20).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for supplying power to an electrical on-board network (24) in such a system.