Segmented Ground Power Track for Electric Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground-based conduction power supply systems for unguided electric vehicles lack an efficient method to dynamically adjust voltage supply based on the vehicle's speed, leading to suboptimal power distribution and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A ground-based power supply system featuring a pair of power supply tracks with segments that can be connected to either a low-voltage or high-voltage source, controlled by a selection device that measures and responds to the instantaneous speed of the vehicle, ensuring appropriate voltage supply for auxiliary or main electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a single high-voltage source is used to power main electrical means, then power delivery capability is improved, but safety hazards to pedestrians increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards to pedestrians
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply track is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be connected to either the high-voltage source or the low-voltage source through controllable switches, allowing selective activation of high voltage only in segments where vehicles are present, thereby reducing exposure to high voltage for pedestrians while maintaining adequate power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between high-voltage and low-voltage sources based on real-time vehicle detection signals. When a vehicle is detected on a segment, the switch connects that segment to the high-voltage source; when no vehicle is present, it connects to the low-voltage source, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational conditions that balances power delivery with safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a single low-voltage source is used, then safety is improved, but power delivery for main electrical means becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety for pedestriansVSAvoidpower delivery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply track is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be connected to either the high-voltage source or the low-voltage source through controllable switches, allowing selective activation of high voltage only in segments where vehicles are present, thereby reducing exposure to high voltage for pedestrians while maintaining adequate power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on operational needs. By switching between high-voltage and low-voltage sources according to vehicle presence, the system adapts the electrical parameters to match the actual power requirements, delivering high voltage when needed for main electrical means and low voltage when safety is the priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If high voltage is continuously supplied to meet peak power demands, then power availability is improved, but energy waste increases during low-speed operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidenergy waste during low-speed operation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between high-voltage and low-voltage sources based on real-time vehicle detection signals. When a vehicle is detected on a segment, the switch connects that segment to the high-voltage source; when no vehicle is present, it connects to the low-voltage source, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational conditions that balances power delivery with safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on operational needs. By switching between high-voltage and low-voltage sources according to vehicle presence, the system adapts the electrical parameters to match the actual power requirements, delivering high voltage when needed for main electrical means and low voltage when safety is the priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voltage sources and selection means are introduced, then power supply adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply track is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be connected to either the high-voltage source or the low-voltage source through controllable switches, allowing selective activation of high voltage only in segments where vehicles are present, thereby reducing exposure to high voltage for pedestrians while maintaining adequate power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controllable switches serve multiple functions: they act as connection points for both high-voltage and low-voltage sources, serve as isolation mechanisms for safety, and function as control elements responsive to vehicle detection signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2923883B1System for supplying power via the ground for free-wheeled electric vehicles and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2923883B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2923883B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2923883B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This system includes a phase track (11) suitable for being supplied with a supply voltage and a neutral track (12) for the return of the current, the phase track being made up of rectangular segments (11.i); a first voltage source (35) delivering a low supply voltage (VS1) and a second voltage source (36) delivering a high supply voltage (VS2), each segment being connected by a selection means (38) controlled either to the first source or to the second voltage source; a measuring means (40) suitable for measuring the speed of a vehicle travelling on a section (Dj) of a roadway equipped with the system; and a selection device (39) suitable for acquiring the speed measured by the measuring means, comparing the measured speed to a threshold speed and controlling the selection means according to the result of the comparison.