Railway Traction Line Control for Lower Battery Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway vehicles with battery power supply face limited range due to high energy consumption, particularly in locomotives without overhead power lines, necessitating more efficient energy conservation methods.
Innovation Solution
A railway vehicle system with multiple traction lines and motors, controlled by a vehicle control system that dynamically switches traction lines between active and inactive modes based on speed and power requirements to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all traction lines are kept in active mode to maintain adhesion and traction performance, then the vehicle's traction capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the traction line configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically switches traction lines between active and inactive modes based on real-time operating conditions (speed, power demand, adhesion requirements). This allows the system to adapt its energy consumption profile to match actual traction needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining adhesion and reducing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of traction lines from a static 'all active' state to a dynamic state where individual traction lines can be switched between active and inactive modes. By modifying this parameter based on speed and power demand thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between adhesion maintenance and energy conservation.
2Power
If multiple traction lines operate in active mode to provide sufficient traction power, then the vehicle's power output is improved, but the battery energy is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of traction lines required to meet current power demands, rather than keeping all traction lines in active mode. The control system calculates the optimal number of active traction lines based on speed and power demand, switching excess traction lines to inactive mode to conserve battery energy while maintaining sufficient traction power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active traction lines based on real-time power demand and speed conditions. At lower speeds or during coasting phases, fewer traction lines remain active, reducing battery energy consumption. When higher power is needed, additional traction lines are activated to meet the demand.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle coasts using inactive traction lines to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vehicle loses traction control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traction control system into multiple independent traction lines, each capable of being switched between active and inactive modes. This segmentation allows the vehicle to coast using inactive traction lines while retaining the capability to reactivate specific traction lines if adhesion or traction control becomes necessary, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing energy consumption during coasting phases.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption while maintaining traction performance, extending the vehicle's operating range without compromising adhesion or traction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
each traction line comprising at least one driven axle and one respective motor, the vehicle also comprising a vehicle control system, each traction line having at least one active operating mode, in which the driven axle is driven in rotation by the motor according to a power supplied by the motor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a railway vehicle (10) comprising a powered car with two traction lines (30), each traction line comprising a driven axle (32) and a motor (34), the vehicle also comprising a vehicle control system (18), each traction line having an active operating mode, in which the driven axle is rotated by the motor, and an inactive operating mode. The control system (18) is configured to determine the current total number of active traction lines, to determine the individual traction power required from the current total number of active traction lines, to control the switching of one of the traction lines from the active mode to the inactive mode, and to jointly control the power supplied by each remaining active traction line so that the system as a whole provides said individual traction power required.