Railway Traction Converter Using Brake Chopper Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for railway vehicles require separate rectifier circuits for single-phase and three-phase power supplies, leading to increased device size, installation space, and reliability issues due to additional components.
Innovation Solution
A drive device for railway vehicles that integrates a converter circuit, inverter circuit, brake chopper circuit, and power consumption circuit, capable of handling both single-phase and three-phase power supplies without separate rectifier circuits, using switching elements and diodes to convert power efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate rectifier circuit is added for three-phase power supply, then the drive device can handle both single-phase and three-phase power supplies, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rectifier circuit and brake chopper circuit into a single integrated unit. The brake chopper circuit's switching elements and diodes are shared with the rectifier function, allowing both single-phase and three-phase power supplies to be handled without adding separate rectifier components. This merging eliminates the need for additional rectifier circuits while maintaining power supply compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake chopper circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it operates as a brake chopper for single-phase power supply and simultaneously functions as a rectifier for three-phase power supply. The switching elements and diodes in the brake chopper circuit can handle both rectification and brake energy dissipation tasks, making the circuit universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated rectifier circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate rectifier circuit is added for three-phase power supply, then the drive device can handle both single-phase and three-phase power supplies, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rectifier circuit and brake chopper circuit into one integrated unit, sharing physical space and components. The brake chopper circuit's structure is utilized for rectification purposes, eliminating the need for separate rectifier circuit installation space. This spatial integration directly reduces the overall installation footprint while maintaining dual power supply capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional rectifier circuit components are provided, then the drive device can handle both single-phase and three-phase power supplies, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake chopper circuit is designed to perform multiple functions including rectification for both single-phase and three-phase power supplies, as well as brake energy dissipation. By making the circuit universal, the patent eliminates additional dedicated rectifier components, thereby reducing the total number of components and potential failure points while maintaining full power supply compatibility.
4Device complexity
If the brake chopper circuit is used as a rectifier circuit, then additional rectifier circuits are not needed, but the converter circuit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The converter circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: the brake chopper circuit with its switching elements and diodes, the converter circuit proper, and the inverter circuit. This segmentation allows the brake chopper to be independently configured for dual functionality while keeping the overall system architecture clear and manageable. The modular structure facilitates understanding and maintenance despite the multi-functional requirement.
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 integrated solution inhibits increases in device size, installation space, and reliability issues by eliminating the need for additional rectifier circuits, allowing for compact and reliable operation across different power supply types.
Implementation Method 1
The converter circuit converts alternating-current power supplied from the single-phase power supply or the three-phase power supply into direct-current power
Implementation Method 2
The inverter circuit converts the direct-current power supplied from the converter circuit into alternating-current power and supplies the alternating-current power obtained by conversion to a drive motor
Implementation Method 3
The power consumption circuit consumes surplus power of regenerative power generated when the drive motor operates as a generator by the resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for a railway vehicle operates by receiving power supply from an alternating-current overhead contact line or a three-phase generator. The drive device for a railway vehicle is configured such that a voltage output from a main transformer is applied to alternating-current input ends in a converter circuit via a first switch. A first phase voltage among voltages output from the three-phase generator is applied to an alternating-current input end in a first leg of a brake chopper circuit via a second switch. Second and third phase voltages among the voltages output from the three-phase generator are applied to the alternating-current input ends, respectively, via the second switch.