Remote Grounding Device for Railway Overhead Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current short-circuit lances for deactivating overhead railway lines pose safety risks and inefficiencies due to the need for on-site installation before the line is de-energized, lack of status information, and susceptibility to failure, which can lead to unsafe working conditions and reduced working time for maintenance workers.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first and second electrical conductor for connecting to the overhead line and ground/return line, respectively, a switch for remote activation/deactivation, and communication means for wireless control over a public telecommunication network, ensuring safe and flexible deactivation of the overhead line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a short-circuit lance is installed on-site before the overhead line is de-energized, then the overhead line can be grounded to ensure worker safety, but the installation process exposes workers to electrical hazards and reduces working time
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding device is pre-installed on the overhead line before the line is de-energized, so that when the line is switched off, the grounding connection is already in place. This eliminates the need for workers to install the grounding device in a live electrical environment, thereby maintaining safety while ensuring the line is properly grounded before maintenance work begins
2Reliability
If a short-circuit lance is manually installed on the overhead line, then the line can be grounded, but the process is time-consuming and reduces net working time for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding device is pre-installed on the overhead line during a previous maintenance window or when the line is already de-energized, so that when the line needs to be taken out of service for new maintenance work, the grounding connection is already ready. This eliminates the time required to install the grounding device during the maintenance window, thereby increasing net working time
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding device is designed to be permanently or semi-permanently mounted on the overhead line structure, allowing it to remain in place for multiple maintenance cycles. The device automatically maintains its grounding connection without requiring re-installation, thereby eliminating repetitive installation time across multiple maintenance operations
3Device complexity
If traditional short-circuit lances are used without remote control capability, then the device is simple in structure, but it requires on-site presence and manual operation which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of installing and connecting the grounding device is replaced with an automated electromagnetic switching system. The switch can be operated remotely via control signals, eliminating the need for physical manual connection operations while maintaining the core grounding function. This substitution of mechanical operations with automated control systems improves efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity
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 device allows for remote and secure deactivation of the overhead line, reducing safety risks and increasing working time by enabling pre-activation from a safe distance, providing robust communication, and ensuring the line remains de-activated until authorized, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
communication means, which are configured for wireless communication with a remote communication device, for receiving a control signal from the remote communication device
Implementation Method 2
a first electrical conductor, which is configured for connecting electrically to the overhead line of the segment of rail track; a second electrical conductor, which is configured for connecting electrically to ground and/or a return line
Data Source
AI summary
A device for grounding an overhead line of a segment of rail track including a first electrical conductor configured for connecting electrically to the overhead line of the segment of rail track, a second electrical conductor configured for connecting electrically to ground and/or a return line of the segment of rail track, a switch configured to enable and disable a connection between the first and second electrical conductors, control means configured to activate and deactivate the switch and communication means configured for wireless communication with a remote communication device, for receiving a control signal from the remote communication device and for accordingly actuating the control means for activating and deactivating the switch, or for blocking the switch, wherein the communication means are configured for communication over a public telecommunication network.