Segmented Power Line Control for Variable-Speed Vehicle Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing the movement of vehicles on segmented power feeding lines, such as third rails, face challenges in ensuring timely power delivery due to varying vehicle speeds, which can lead to insufficient switching time and potential power issues, requiring speed limitations or costly modifications to the vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power feeding control unit, an on-board control system, and a trackside control system that generates movement and powering instructions with time frames to synchronize vehicle movement with power segment activation, using blockchain-based smart contracts to manage power delivery efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power contactors operate only when the current collector is in a neutral zone with a preset constant switching time, then the power delivery is safe and reliable, but the available switching time becomes insufficient at high vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching time adaptive rather than constant. The control system dynamically adjusts the switching time based on the vehicle's actual speed, allowing longer switching times at lower speeds and shorter switching times at higher speeds. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable power delivery across all speed conditions without limiting vehicle speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of switching time from a fixed constant to a variable parameter that depends on vehicle speed. The control system modifies the switching time parameter in real-time based on detected speed conditions, ensuring that the power contactors have sufficient time to operate reliably regardless of whether the vehicle is moving slowly or quickly.
2Reliability
If the position of current collectors onboard is modified to increase mutual distance, then the power delivery timing is improved, but expensive constructive modifications to the vehicles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically modifying current collector positions with an electronic/control-based solution. Instead of changing the physical structure of the vehicle, the system uses sensors to detect vehicle speed and a control system to dynamically adjust switching timing, achieving the same power delivery improvement without any vehicle construction modifications.
3Reliability
If the speed of travelling vehicles is limited to ensure sufficient switching time, then power delivery reliability is maintained, but the productivity and efficiency of the transport network is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for speed limitations by implementing dynamic switching time adjustment. The control system adapts the switching time to match the vehicle's actual speed, allowing vehicles to travel at optimal speeds while ensuring that power contactors always have sufficient time to operate reliably. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a related method are for managing the movement of a vehicle travelling along a transport network and powered by a power line which is segmented into a plurality of power feeding segments. At least one power feeding controller is configured at least to control switching ON/OFF a predetermined number of power feeding segments. An on-board control system is installed on board of said vehicle. At least one trackside control system is operatively connected to the on-board control system and the at least one power feeding controller.