Self-Excited HEP Alternator for Rail Vehicle Power Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle power distribution systems rely on external power electronics to excite head-end-power (HEP) alternators, increasing the overall cost, weight, and fuel consumption due to the need for cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a self-excited HEP alternator with an exciter winding integrated within the alternator, eliminating the need for external power electronics and allowing for a more compact and lightweight power generation system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If external power electronics are used to excite the HEP alternator, then the alternator can generate electrical power, but the overall cost and weight of the rail vehicle increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidweight of power electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the excitation function and power generation function into a single integrated alternator unit. The exciter winding is incorporated within the alternator structure, eliminating the need for separate external power electronics. This merging of functions reduces the overall weight and component count while maintaining the ability to generate electrical power for the rail vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alternator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical power for the rail vehicle and simultaneously provides excitation current through its integrated exciter winding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated external power electronics, reducing weight and cost while maintaining full power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If external power electronics are used to excite the HEP alternator, then the alternator can generate electrical power, but the overall cost of the rail vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the excitation function and power generation function into a single integrated alternator unit. The exciter winding is incorporated within the alternator structure, eliminating the need for separate external power electronics. This merging of functions reduces the overall weight and component count while maintaining the ability to generate electrical power for the rail vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alternator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical power for the rail vehicle and simultaneously provides excitation current through its integrated exciter winding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated external power electronics, reducing weight and cost while maintaining full power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If external power electronics are used to excite the HEP alternator, then the alternator can generate electrical power, but the fuel consumption increases due to cooling system requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the excitation function and power generation function into a single integrated alternator unit. The exciter winding is incorporated within the alternator structure, eliminating the need for separate external power electronics. This merging of functions reduces the overall weight and component count while maintaining the ability to generate electrical power for the rail vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the external power electronics from the system by integrating the excitation function directly into the alternator. This removal of unnecessary components reduces the thermal load that would require cooling, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining full power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a substantially constant electrical power output, reducing the need for external power electronics, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective power distribution system with lower fuel consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The HEP alternator is self-excited by an exciter winding positioned in the HEP alternator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The electrical power generation unit includes a traction alternator and a head-end-power (HEP) alternator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2708404B1Systems and methods for generating power in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.08.19 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Figure 1
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Figure 3~4

AI summary

Various systems 100 and method for generating electrical power in a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle system 100 includes an electrical power generation unit 114 operatively coupled with a drive shaft of an engine 106. The electrical power generation unit includes a traction alternator 116 and a head-end-power (HEP) alternator 118. The traction alternator is excited by power electronics positioned external to the traction alternator. The HEP alternator is self-excited by an exciter winding positioned in the HEP alternator.