Transformer-Based Energy Storage for Rail Vehicle Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rail vehicle systems face challenges with heavy and complex power lines when embedded energy sources, such as batteries or fuel cells, are located far from traction converters or power consumers, particularly at carriage transitions, due to low DC-link voltage, which complicates weight management and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle design incorporating a high-voltage conductor, energy storage system with a transformer, and traction equipment, allowing for efficient energy transfer and charging without heavy power lines, with the option to locate energy storage systems on separate carriages and using a current collector for external power supply, enabling flexible configuration and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the embedded energy source is located far away from the traction inverters, then the energy storage device can be positioned on a separate carriage, but heavy and complex power lines are required to connect them
Solution Approach 1:
A transformer is introduced as an intermediary device between the energy storage device and the traction inverter. The transformer enables galvanic isolation and voltage transformation, allowing the energy storage device to be positioned remotely on a separate carriage while using lighter power lines. The transformer converts the DC voltage from the energy storage device to a level suitable for the traction inverter, eliminating the need for heavy direct DC connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission system is segmented into multiple independent components: the energy storage device on one carriage, the transformer at the carriage transition, and the traction inverter on another carriage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and positioned according to spatial requirements, reducing the weight and complexity of inter-carriage power lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the embedded energy source is located on a different carriage, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the complexity of connecting power lines at carriage transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer serves as a mediating device at the carriage transition point, simplifying the connection between different carriages. By placing the transformer at the transition, the system eliminates the need for complex heavy-duty power lines spanning across movable carriage connections, as the transformer handles the voltage conversion and isolation locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/electrical direct connection system is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based transformer connection. This substitution allows for galvanic isolation and voltage transformation without requiring direct physical contact or heavy conductors across the movable carriage transition, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If DC voltage is used to connect the battery directly to the intermediate circuit, then the connection is simple, but the power lines become heavy when the battery is located far away
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer acts as an intermediary that replaces the need for heavy direct DC power lines. Instead of using thick DC conductors to transmit high current over long distances, the transformer enables voltage transformation and galvanic isolation, allowing the use of lighter power lines while maintaining electrical connection between the battery and intermediate circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage and current parameters are transformed through the transformer. By converting the DC voltage from the battery to a different voltage level suitable for the intermediate circuit, the system reduces the current required for power transmission, thereby reducing the weight and size of the power lines needed.
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 configuration allows for safe, reliable operation using both external and embedded energy sources, reduces the need for heavy power lines, and facilitates efficient energy storage and distribution, improving weight distribution and driving dynamics while maintaining passenger accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage system with an energy storage device and a transformer associated with the energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rail vehicle (22) comprising an energy storage device and a transformer (18) associated with the energy storage device; a rail vehicle carriage (24) comprising an energy storage device and a transformer (18) associated with the energy storage device; a method of operating a rail vehicle having an energy storage system (15); and a method of assembling a train composition. The rail vehicle (22) includes a rail vehicle carriage (24), traction equipment (6), a high-voltage conductor (5), a current collector (1), and an energy storage system (15) having an energy storage device. The traction equipment (6) comprises at least one traction power converter (9) and at least one traction motor (11). The high-voltage conductor (5) electrically connects the traction equipment (6) to the current collector (1). The energy storage device may be a battery (20).