Recuperative Wheelset Drive Modules for Rail Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive and braking systems for rail vehicles are inefficient and costly due to over-dimensioning for theoretical maximum combinations, leading to high maintenance and energy inefficiency, especially in varying rail vehicle compositions and low-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A wheelset with recuperative electric drive modules that convert electrical energy into rotational energy for propulsion and vice versa during braking, allowing for efficient drive and braking power distribution, reducing the need for conventional locomotives and pneumatic brake systems, and incorporating multiple electric drive modules and a retarder for enhanced efficiency and maintenance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic brake systems are dimensioned for theoretical maximum combination sizes, then braking power is sufficient for all scenarios, but installation space and maintenance costs increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into multiple independent electric drive modules, each capable of providing braking power. Instead of one large centralized pneumatic system, the function is distributed across multiple smaller units that can operate independently or in combination, reducing the space required for each unit while maintaining total braking capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric drive modules serve dual functions: propulsion during acceleration and braking during deceleration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated braking systems, reducing overall installation space while providing sufficient braking power through the same components used for driving.
2Reliability
If electric motors are dimensioned for regenerative braking capability, then braking power is adequate, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive modules are designed to perform both propulsion and braking functions. The same motor hardware and control electronics are used for both accelerating and decelerating the rail vehicle, eliminating the need for separate braking systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the added regenerative braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the electric motors based on whether acceleration or braking is required. By reversing the current flow and controlling the motor operation mode, the system achieves braking function from the same propulsion motors, avoiding additional hardware complexity.
3Ease of operation
If centralized pneumatic systems are used for multiple rail vehicles, then braking control is coordinated, but scalability to different composition sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system is segmented into distributed control units associated with each electric drive module. Each unit can independently control its associated motors for braking, allowing the system to adapt to any composition size by simply activating or deactivating individual modules without requiring reconfiguration of a centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system adjusts the operational parameters of individual electric drive modules based on the actual composition size and braking requirements. By dynamically changing the number of active modules and their power output, the system provides coordinated braking control adaptable to any rail vehicle composition without fixed infrastructure constraints.
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 high-efficiency operation in various rail vehicle compositions with reduced maintenance and energy consumption, eliminating the need for conventional brake systems and allowing for flexible composition assembly, while maintaining energy efficiency across different speed ranges.
Implementation Method 1
at least one recuperative electric drive module which is arranged on the wheelset shaft and is set up for this purpose converting electrical energy into rotational energy of the wheelset when operating in a propulsion mode
Implementation Method 2
converting rotational energy of the wheelset into electrical energy when operating in a braking mode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheelset (1) for a standard-gauge railway vehicle, comprising a first wheel (1) and a second wheel (12) connected thereto by means of a wheelset shaft (13). According to the invention, at least one recuperative electric drive module (100a-c) is arranged on the wheelset shaft (13), said recuperative electric drive module (100a-c) being designed to convert electric energy into rotational energy of the wheelset (10a, b) when operated in a drive mode and to convert rotational energy of the wheelset (10a, 10b) into electric energy when operated in a braking mode.