Segmented Track Conductors for Inductive Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring electric energy to track-bound vehicles, such as trams, face challenges in continuous energy supply and electromagnetic compatibility, particularly in historic city areas where overhead lines are undesirable and conductor rails pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system using an electric conductor arrangement along the track that generates an alternating electromagnetic field to transfer energy to vehicles without physical contact, utilizing a direct current supply line and inverters to produce alternating current only where needed, reducing electromagnetic interference and energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electromagnetic fields are used for continuous energy transfer along the track, then energy supply continuity is improved, but electromagnetic interference with other devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into multiple segments with individual conductor arrangements in each segment. Inverters are distributed along the track to supply power only to the segment currently occupied by a vehicle, enabling continuous energy transfer while limiting electromagnetic field generation to localized areas only.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic fields are generated locally only in the segment where a vehicle is present, rather than along the entire track. This localized field generation maintains energy supply continuity for moving vehicles while minimizing electromagnetic interference in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conductor arrangement is buried in the ground to improve safety, then safety risks are reduced, but electromagnetic field intensity control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor arrangement is segmented and buried in the ground along the track. Each segment can be independently controlled by distributed inverters, allowing the system to maintain safety through burial while controlling electromagnetic field intensity by activating only the segment currently needed.
3Loss of energy
If alternating current is produced only where needed using distributed inverters, then energy losses are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into multiple distributed inverters placed along the track. Each inverter converts DC to AC locally for its associated segment, reducing energy losses from AC transmission over long distances while managing complexity through modular, standardized inverter units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical current collection (overhead lines or contact rails) with inductive energy transfer. Distributed DC inverters convert power locally, substituting the need for long-distance AC transmission and reducing energy losses despite increased electronic system complexity.
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 energy transfer to vehicles while minimizing electromagnetic interference and safety risks, meeting EMC standards and reducing energy losses, with the added benefit of reduced wear on current collectors and improved safety by burying the conductor arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
An electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
each segment being connected to the supply line via at least one inverter which is adapted to invert a direct current carried by the supply line to an alternating current carried by the at least one alternating current line
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle (81; 92), in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle, wherein the system comprises an electric conductor arrangement (12) for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle (81; 92), the electric conductor arrangement (12) comprises at least one alternating current line (1, 2, 3), wherein each alternating current line (1, 2, 3) is adapted to carry one phase of an alternating electric current, the conductor arrangement comprises a plurality of consecutive segments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5), wherein the segments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) extend along the path of travel of the vehicle, each segment (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) comprising one section of each of the at least one alternating current line, the system comprises a direct current supply line for supplying electric energy to the segments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5), each segment is connected to the supply line via at least one inverter which is adapted to invert a direct current carried by the supply line to an alternating current carried by the at least one alternating current line.