Segmented Inductive Power Transfer System for Rail Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inductively transferring electric energy to vehicles, such as track-bound vehicles, face challenges in electromagnetic compatibility and efficiency, particularly due to the need for multiple inverters and the production of electromagnetic fields when no vehicle is present, which increases energy losses and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system using a direct current power supply with inverters placed at each segment to generate alternating current locally, reducing electromagnetic interference and energy losses by only activating segments when a vehicle is present, and using a modulation device to provide power for inverter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple inverters are used for each segment to enable selective operation, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved by limiting field production to occupied segments only, but device complexity and construction costs increase due to the large number of required inverters and power supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor arrangement is divided into multiple consecutive segments along the vehicle's path of travel, with each segment independently controllable through its own inverter. This allows selective activation of only those segments currently occupied by a vehicle, minimizing electromagnetic field production and improving EMC compliance while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sensing and control mechanisms where sensors detect vehicle presence and trigger inverter activation in a timed sequence. The inverter is activated before the vehicle reaches a segment and deactivated after the vehicle leaves, creating periodic on/off cycles that reduce overall electromagnetic field production while maintaining continuous energy transfer capability
2Power
If power supply lines are connected to alternating voltage source to activate coils, then energy transfer to vehicle is enabled, but electromagnetic fields are permanently produced interfering with surrounding electric and electronic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous AC power supply, the system uses periodic DC-powered inverter activation. The inverter converts DC to AC only during brief intervals when a vehicle is detected in or approaching a segment, creating periodic electromagnetic fields rather than continuous fields, thereby reducing interference with surrounding equipment while maintaining effective energy transfer during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional AC power distribution infrastructure with a DC power supply system. This substitution eliminates the need for permanent AC connections and associated electromagnetic fields, using DC-powered inverters that generate AC fields only when and where needed for energy transfer to vehicles
3Loss of energy
If DC power supply with local inverters is used for each segment, then electromagnetic interference is reduced and energy losses minimized, but device complexity increases due to distribution of inverters along the track
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by placing inverters at specific locations along the track corresponding to segment boundaries rather than uniformly distributing them. Each inverter serves a specific geographic zone and is activated only when a vehicle is detected in its associated segment, optimizing energy efficiency by eliminating unnecessary field production in unoccupied areas while maintaining manageable complexity through localized control
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
This approach minimizes electromagnetic interference, reduces energy losses, and lowers the operational effort for switches and inverters, while meeting EMC standards and reducing construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
each segment is connected to the power supply via an inverter which converts the direct current into an alternating current for the segment
Implementation Method 2
an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line.