Three-Rail Train Power Supply Control for Lighter Traction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing main line electrified railway trains are burdened with heavy and large AC-DC-AC traction drive systems, leading to increased axle load and reduced power density, and rely on manual operation with safety risks due to indirect communication between on-board and ground control systems.
Innovation Solution
A three-phase power supply control system using power supply rails with an AC-DC-AC variable-frequency and variable-voltage device and rectifying device on the ground, eliminating the need for on-board traction transformers and converters, enabling direct automatic control and unmanned driving through ground power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional AC-DC-AC traction drive system is used on board, then train can achieve frequency regulation and voltage regulation for speed control, but the weight of electrical equipment increases and power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC-DC-AC traction drive system from the on-board electrical equipment and relocates it to the ground-based power supply system. The transformer and converter are removed from the train, leaving only the traction motor on board, thereby dramatically reducing the weight of moving electrical equipment while maintaining speed control capability through ground-based frequency and voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional architecture by moving the power conversion equipment from the moving train to the stationary ground infrastructure. Instead of the train carrying its own transformer and converter, the ground power supply system performs AC-DC-AC conversion and sends controlled power directly to the traction motor through the contactless power transfer system.
2Ease of operation
If on-board traction transformer and converter are included, then voltage conversion and frequency regulation are achieved, but the size of electrical equipment increases occupying valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer and converter are extracted from the on-board equipment and relocated to the ground-based power supply system. This removes the bulky voltage conversion and frequency regulation equipment from the train, freeing up valuable onboard space while maintaining full voltage and frequency control capability through the ground-based system.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used, then simple control structure is maintained, but safety risks increase due to indirect communication between on-board and ground control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground control center with the power supply control system into a unified integrated system. The ground-based power supply system directly controls the traction motor through contactless power transfer, combining the functions of power delivery and operational control. This eliminates the need for separate wireless communication channels between on-board and ground systems, providing direct, reliable control while enabling automatic train operation and unmanned driving.
4Extent of automation
If wireless communication is used for ATC commands, then automatic train control is enabled, but system breakdowns or failures cause safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control commands and power transmission into a single contactless power transfer channel. ATC commands and power delivery share the same ground-based control system and physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication systems. This integration ensures that control signals are transmitted through the same reliable power transfer medium, removing the vulnerability of dual-system communication failures while maintaining full automation capability.
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 reduces axle load, increases power density, improves load-carrying efficiency, and allows for higher-speed operation while ensuring safe and efficient automatic control and operation of trains with reduced costs and no need for voltage conversion.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC-AC variable-frequency and variable-voltage device arranged on the ground
Implementation Method 2
the first power supply rail, the second power supply rail and the running rail form a three-phase AC power supply circuit
Implementation Method 3
a rectifying device arranged on the ground
Implementation Method 4
the AC-DC-AC variable-frequency and variable-voltage device supplies power to the traction motor of the train
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of train power supply and operation control, and provides a three-rail power supply control system for an electrical railway train. Power supply rails in the system are divided into a first power supply rail, a second power supply rail, and a third power supply rail, wherein the first power supply rail, the second power supply rail, and a running rail constitute a three-phase AC power supply loop, and the third power supply rail and the running rail constitute a DC power supply loop. An AC-DC-AC variable voltage variable frequency device supplies power to a train traction motor by means of the three-phase AC power supply loop and current collectors. Frequency modulation and voltage regulation power supply is conducted by means of the AC-DC-AC variable voltage variable frequency device on the ground to achieve train driving and operation control. The DC power supply loop is powered by means of a rectifying device on the ground, and power is supplied to auxiliary electric equipment of the train by means of the current collectors. By changing the power supply mode of the system and optimizing the system structure, the weight and axle load of train-mounted equipment are effectively reduced, lightweight of the train is achieved, and the bearing efficiency of the train is improved, and moreover, automatic control and unmanned driving for train operation are achieved in the most economical way.