Electric Rolling Stock Main Circuit System Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric motor vehicle main circuit systems require separate designs for various power supply combinations, leading to inefficient maintainability due to the need for numerous combinations of components.

Innovation Solution

An electric motor vehicle main circuit system that includes an AC-DC switching circuit, transformer, contactors, converters, and choppers, allowing automatic switching between alternating-current and direct-current power supplies, enabling common use of components across different power supply voltages and frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate designs are created for various power supply combinations, then adaptability to different power supplies is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power suppliesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single main circuit system that can handle multiple power supply types (AC15kV-16.7Hz, AC25kV-50Hz, DC1.5kV, DC3.0kV) through a unified configuration. The system uses a single transformer with multiple taps, a single converter unit, and a single chopper unit that can operate with any power supply combination, eliminating the need for separate designs for each power supply type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the transformer to operate at different tap positions corresponding to different input voltages and frequencies. The converter and chopper units adjust their operating parameters based on the detected power supply type, enabling the same hardware to adapt to various power supply conditions without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate designs are created for various power supply combinations, then adaptability to different power supplies is improved, but ease of repair worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power suppliesVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The unified main circuit system design means that spare parts and repair procedures are standardized across all power supply combinations. A single converter unit and chopper unit design allows maintenance personnel to repair the same component type regardless of which power supply combination is being used, significantly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combinations of components are used for different power supplies, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power suppliesVSAvoidloss of substance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple sets of components for different power supply combinations. A single set of universal components (transformer, converter, chopper) serves all power supply types, reducing material consumption and eliminating redundant component production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves common use of components, improving maintainability and adaptability to various power supplies, reducing the need for frequent design combinations and enhancing product flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

an AC-DC switching circuit (12) that switches an output destination according to a type of supplied power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching:

Implementation Method 2

a transformer (14) that steps down alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a converter (17) that converts the alternating current into direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 4

a chopper (21) that steps up or steps down direct current voltage to a desired level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 5

an inverter (24) that converts direct current into alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2810812B1Main circuit system for electric rolling stock
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2810812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2810812B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2810812B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric motor vehicle main circuit system includes an AC-DC switching circuit 12 that switches a supply destination of electric power according to a type of supplied power from an overhead wire 2, a transformer 14 that steps down an input alternating-current voltage, a tap changer 15 that switches tap positions of the transformer 14, a CNV 17 that converts an output of the tap changer 15 into a direct-current voltage, an AC contactor 16 that opens and closes a power supply path between the tap changer 15 and the CNV 17, an FC 18 that accumulates an output of the CNV 17 or an output of the overhead wire 2, a CH 21 that steps up an output of the FC 18, an FC 22 that accumulates an output of the CH 21, an INV 24 that converts an output of the FC 22 into a desired alternating-current voltage, a DC contactor 19 connected between the AC-DC switching circuit 12 and direct-current buses 20a and 20b that connect the FC 18 and the CH 21, the DC contactor 19 opening and closing a power supply path between the AC-DC switching circuit 12 and the CH 21, and a control section 30 that controls the tap changer 15, the AC contactor 16, the DC contactor 19, the CNV 17, and the CH 21 on the basis of information concerning an overhead wire voltage and external command information.