Railway Air Conditioning Load Confirmation via Modulated Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway fleets face challenges in confirming the execution of consumption reduction commands during peak electricity demand periods, as existing systems struggle to accurately measure and justify the reduction of air conditioning energy consumption, leading to penalties from electricity network management companies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control signal modulated with a reference signal is sent to the air conditioning systems of railway vehicles, allowing for confirmation of power consumption reduction by identifying a component with a similar signature in the power signal, thereby confirming the execution of the consumption reduction command and justifying it to the management company.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If air conditioning consumption is reduced to meet electricity management directives, then energy consumption decreases and compliance is achieved, but the ability to confirm and justify execution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the control signal with a reference signal at a specific frequency (e.g., 0.1 Hz). This periodic modulation creates a characteristic signature in the power consumption signal that can be detected and used to confirm execution of the consumption reduction command. The modulated signal allows differentiation between normal consumption variations and actual command execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the power consumption signal and comparing it against the expected modulated pattern. The system measures the actual power consumption, processes the signal to extract the modulated component, and uses this information to confirm whether the consumption reduction command was executed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides reliable verification of command execution.
2Loss of energy
If control signals are sent to reduce air conditioning power, then energy consumption decreases, but accurate measurement and confirmation of the reduction becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a reference signal as a mediator between the control signal and the power consumption measurement. The reference signal modulates the control signal, creating an intermediate modulated signal that carries identifiable characteristics. This intermediary modulation layer enables reliable detection and measurement of the consumption reduction effect amidst other power consumption variations.
3Reliability
If consumption reduction commands are implemented during peak periods, then energy balance is maintained, but justification and verification of execution becomes necessary to avoid penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a metaphorical 'color change' principle by encoding the control signal with a distinctive reference signal signature, analogous to changing the color or characteristics of a signal to make it identifiable. The modulated signal has a unique spectral signature (e.g., at 0.1 Hz) that stands out from normal consumption patterns, enabling clear identification and verification of command execution for justification purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for confirming that a command to reduce consumption of electrical power in at least one passenger transportation vehicle has been executed, the method comprising the following steps: - sending (E1) a consumption reduction command signal to the regulation system of each vehicle, the command signal being modulated by a reference signal; - obtaining (E2) a signal of the power consumed by the air conditioning means of all the vehicles in response to the reference signal; and - confirming (E3) the execution of the consumption reduction command according to features of the signal of the power consumed by the air-conditioning means of all the vehicles.