Segmented Roadway Power Rails for Electric Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently managing power supply along roadways with varying lengths and terrains, requiring adaptive voltage distribution and intelligent charging mechanisms to support vehicles with high instantaneous loads, while ensuring safety and flexibility in conductor lengths and terrain adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple road sections with electrically conductive conductors, connected to a stationary energy source via switches, and a vehicle with a power-regulating control circuit, allowing for selective energy source utilization from onboard diesel generators, battery sets, and external power sources, with coordinated contact mechanisms and supervising circuits for safe and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power sources (diesel generator, battery set, external conductor) are integrated into the vehicle system, then the vehicle can handle high instantaneous loads and varying terrain requirements, but the device complexity increases due to multiple energy sources and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into three separate power sources (diesel generator, battery set, external conductor) that can operate independently or in combination. Each power source serves specific operational requirements, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular segmentation while providing comprehensive power coverage for different load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with multiple power sources that can serve different functions: the diesel generator handles high instantaneous loads, the battery set provides sustained power for electric propulsion, and the external conductor supplies power during vehicle movement. This multi-functionality allows a single vehicle system to handle diverse operational requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Length of stationary object
If the external conductor track is continuously extended along the roadway, then power supply coverage is improved, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external conductor track is divided into discrete sections that can be independently installed and connected. Each section contains conductors insulated from adjacent sections, allowing for modular installation that reduces overall complexity while achieving continuous power supply coverage along the roadway.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating structures are introduced between adjacent conductor sections to prevent electrical interference and simplify connections. These intermediary insulating elements facilitate easier installation and maintenance of the conductor track system while ensuring proper electrical isolation between segments.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is applied to all conductors continuously, then power availability is maximized, but energy loss increases due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Voltage is applied to external conductors periodically based on vehicle presence detection rather than continuously. The system activates power supply only when a vehicle is detected on or approaching a road section, thereby maintaining power availability when needed while minimizing energy loss during periods of no vehicle activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates vehicle detection and control circuits that provide feedback about vehicle presence and power requirements. This feedback mechanism allows the power supply system to dynamically adjust voltage application to conductors, ensuring power is available when vehicles need it while avoiding continuous power consumption that would result in unnecessary energy loss.
4Reliability
If the conductor sections are electrically insulated from each other, then safety and control are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional insulation components
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating function is merged with the structural support elements of the conductor track system. Insulating structures are integrated into the existing framework rather than being added as separate components, thereby achieving proper electrical isolation between conductor sections while minimizing additional complexity in the overall system design.
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
Enables continuous and efficient power supply to electric vehicles, adapting to varying road conditions and vehicle loads, with enhanced safety through intelligent energy management and flexible conductor configurations, allowing for longer battery charge retention and optimized power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vehicles, which may be powered and driven each by means of its electric motor or a plurality of motors
Implementation Method 2
coordinated sliding contacts or rolling contacts, such as contact springs, for electric cooperation with the respective ones of the conductors or rails which may be subjected to voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~1C
Figure 1D~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention has its applicataion to a system ("S") for driving an electric and by one or more batteries powered vehicle (1) along a roadway, comprising "a" one or more vehicles (1), which may be driven by an individual electric motor (5) or motors and wherein the respective vehicles (1) exhibit a power-controlling control circuit (100, "R1 ") for creating the necessary power and/or speed control and wherein required power i.a. can be provided primarily by a chargeable battery set ("B", "II") associated with the vehicle and "b" a plurality of road sections road portions (2a, 2b) divisible for the roadway, each being allotted one or more vehicle external electric stations ("s1 ", "III") for charging the battery set ("B", "II") thereby and/or for supplying necessary power and energy for driving the vehicle (1). The underneath side of the mentioned vehicle (1) is provided with a contact means (4) displaceably positioned up and down and sideways, counted in the direction of transportation. Said roadway (2) and its road sections or portions (2b) exhibits an elongated track or groove (51, 52, 54), each road section (2a1) is supporting two rails (4a, 4b) in the groove and disposed under the driving path of the road section or portion (2a1). The rails (4a, 4b) being supplied with current and voltage. Said contact means (4) is coordinated with a control equipment (10) for creating simple adaptation of the contact means (4) for registering the contact means (4) for mechanical and electrical contact against said two rails (4a, 4b).