Superconducting Eddy-Current Brake for High-Speed Rail Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking methods for high-speed trains, such as adhesion-based braking, are inefficient at high speeds and suffer from wear and tear, while existing eddy-current braking technologies face limitations in weight, energy consumption, and braking force, especially above 300 km/h.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting eddy-current brake system comprising superconducting magnet units with alternating N and S poles and a cryogenic system, which generates an electromagnetic braking effect without adhesion, providing adjustable and enhanced braking force while minimizing weight and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electromagnetic eddy-current braking is used to increase braking force, then braking force is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field generation method from conventional electromagnetic coils to superconducting magnets. By utilizing the superconducting state's ability to generate strong magnetic fields with minimal energy loss, the system achieves high braking force without the weight penalty of large conventional electromagnetic systems. The superconducting material's zero-resistance property allows for more efficient magnetic field generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining superconducting materials with conventional magnetic circuit components. This hybrid approach leverages the advantages of superconducting materials (high magnetic field density, low energy loss) while integrating them with proven conventional brake design elements, achieving both high braking force and weight reduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic eddy-current braking is used to adjust braking force, then braking force adjustability is improved, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy state of the magnetic field generation from resistive (conventional) to superconducting (zero-resistance). This parameter change in the material's electrical state eliminates continuous power consumption for magnetic field maintenance, while still allowing braking force adjustment through controlled current application during braking events.
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting brake operates by applying magnetic fields periodically during braking events rather than continuously. The cryogenic system maintains the superconducting state continuously, but the actual braking action occurs in periodic intervals, reducing overall energy consumption compared to conventional systems that require continuous power for magnetic field generation.
3Force
If conventional eddy-current braking is used, then braking capability is improved, but braking force decreases at high speeds (>300 km/h)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field strength parameter by using superconducting materials that can generate significantly stronger magnetic fields than conventional electromagnets. This increased magnetic field density compensates for the reduced interaction time at high speeds, maintaining effective braking force even when the train travels above 300 km/h.
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
The superconducting eddy-current brake offers robust braking force at high speeds (>300 km/h) with reduced energy consumption and weight, independent of wheel-rail adhesion, and maintains low operating costs, with adjustable braking force and non-magnetic operation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the superconducting magnet units comprises a superconducting container; wherein the superconducting container is embedded with a coil case, a thermal shield and a Dewar from inside to outside
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting coil is provided in the coil case and is immersed in the liquid helium
Implementation Method 3
the coil case is filled with liquid helium; a liquid helium inlet and a liquid helium outlet are provided on the coil case
Implementation Method 4
eddy-current braking, which gets rid of the dependence on the adhesion between the wheel and rail
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting eddy-current brake for high-speed trains includes a pair of superconducting magnet units with alternate arrangement of N and S poles; and a cryogenic system. The superconducting magnet units are fixed on a bottom of a bogie of the train and an air gap is provided between the superconducting magnet units and a top surface of a rail below the bogie. The cryogenic system is provided on the bogie of the train. Each superconducting magnet unit is embedded with a superconducting container including a coil case, a thermal shield and a Dewar successively from inside to outside. The coil case is filled with liquid helium. A superconducting coil is provided in the coil case and immersed in the liquid helium. A high-vacuum environment is provided in the thermal shield. Liquid nitrogen inlet and outlet pipes are provided on an outer wall of the thermal shield.