Railway Solar Panel Cable Mounting Without Track Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for deploying solar and wind energy on railway lines require large, stable structures, making them unsuitable for retrofitting existing infrastructure without disrupting rail traffic.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing transverse support cables and deflection elements to mount solar panels on existing support masts, allowing for the installation of energy modules without long-term traffic interruptions, featuring adjustable solar panels and communication units for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large stable structures are used for solar and wind power plants on railway lines, then energy generation capability is improved, but installation requires new construction or track renovation which interrupts rail traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy generation structure into separate modular components: existing support masts remain in place, while solar panels and wind turbines are installed as independent modules on transverse cables between masts. This segmentation allows energy modules to be installed without modifying or interrupting the rail track infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing support masts serve dual functions: their original railway support function is maintained while simultaneously serving as anchor points for energy generation structures. The transverse cables and attachment elements create a multi-functional system that combines railway infrastructure with renewable energy production.
2Stability of the object's composition
If new support structures are constructed for energy modules, then structural stability is improved, but installation complexity and traffic disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes support masts that have already been constructed and are in place for railway support. By performing the stabilization function in advance through proper mast placement and using them as anchor points, the need for additional new construction is eliminated, reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Transverse cables serve as intermediary elements that connect existing support masts to energy modules. These cables transfer and distribute forces between masts, providing the necessary structural stability without requiring direct attachment to each mast or new foundation construction.
3Loss of time
If existing support masts are used for energy module installation, then installation time is reduced, but mast rigidity must be increased to handle additional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of existing support masts with new energy module support requirements. By combining the original railway support function with energy module anchoring, and using transverse cables to distribute loads across multiple masts, the system achieves the necessary rigidity without requiring individual mast reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse cable system creates a counterbalancing structure where forces from solar panels and wind turbines are distributed and balanced across multiple support masts. The cables tension and geometric arrangement provide counteracting forces that stabilize the overall structure.
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 the retrofitting of energy modules on railway lines without interrupting rail traffic, providing a stable and efficient energy generation and distribution system that can be integrated into existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar panels (20) which can be mounted on the transverse cables (11) above the traffic route
Implementation Method 2
at least one wind turbine, which is formed in such a way that it can be fastened to a second upper area of the support mast
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for retrofitting energy supply modules in the region of a traffic route (2). Supporting cables (11, 14) extend transversely over the traffic route and support a plurality of solar panels (20, 21), which can be mounted on the transverse supporting cables (11, 14) over the traffic route (2). An elongate attachment element (10) is fastened to each support mast (1) and acts to reinforce the support masts and to accommodate e.g. electronic system components. The solar panels (21) are adjusted about a horizontal and/or a vertical axis by means of cable sheaves (12, 13). The supporting cables are fastened at a lower region (4, 5, 6) of the support masts for instance with micropiles so that they can be tensioned, wherein the forces which the solar panels (20, 21) exert on the transverse support cables (11, 14) are conducted through the transverse supporting cables (11, 14) via the at least one first deflection element (12, 13) and into the lower region (4, 5, 6) of the support mast (1).