Traction Transformer Control Cabinet Adaptive Fan Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traction transformers in rail trains use forced ventilation cooling fans that operate at high speeds, resulting in significant noise, which negatively impacts passenger comfort.

Innovation Solution

A control cabinet for the traction transformer that includes a detachable housing and a control module, which determines the fan frequency based on train speed and oil temperature data, performing frequency conversion control to regulate the fan speed and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the cooling fan operates at high speed to cool the traction transformer, then the cooling effect is improved, but the noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil temperatureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fan speed is made dynamically adjustable through frequency conversion control. The control module receives oil temperature data and train speed data, then dynamically adjusts the fan frequency to match actual cooling needs, replacing the fixed high-speed operation with adaptive speed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fan operating parameters (frequency and speed) are changed based on real-time conditions. By converting the fixed-frequency power supply to variable-frequency control, the system can adjust fan speed within a range (e.g., 25Hz-50Hz), optimizing the balance between cooling performance and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cooling fan operates at low speed to reduce noise, then the noise level is reduced, but the cooling effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidoil temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control module continuously receives oil temperature data from the traction transformer and uses this feedback to adjust fan speed. When oil temperature rises, the fan speed increases automatically; when temperature is low, fan speed decreases, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal cooling with minimal noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fan speed operation to dynamic speed adjustment. The fan operates at variable speeds according to real-time thermal conditions and train speed, ensuring adequate cooling only when necessary while minimizing noise during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If the fan operates at high speed during high train speed, then the cooling requirement is met, but the overall noise of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil temperatureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fan operating parameters are changed based on train speed conditions. The control module receives train speed data and adjusts fan frequency accordingly, matching cooling capacity to actual thermal loads generated at different speeds, rather than maintaining constant high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fan speed is dynamically linked to train speed and thermal conditions. During high-speed operation when cooling demand is high, the fan operates at higher speeds; during low-speed or stationary conditions, the fan operates at lower speeds or stops, reducing overall noise exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4521426A1Control cabinet of traction transformer, and rail train
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 CSR ZHUZHOU ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4521426A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4521426A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4521426A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A control cabinet of a traction transformer, and a rail train, relating to the technical field of rail transit vehicles. The control cabinet of a traction transformer comprises a detachable housing and a control module provided inside the detachable housing; the control module is used for determining the fan frequency of a fan in a cooling system of a traction transformer according to first acquired data sent by a vehicle control unit of a rail train and second acquired data sent by the traction transformer, so as to perform frequency conversion control on the fan by using the fan frequency; the first acquired signal comprises train speed data; and the second acquired signal comprises oil temperature data. According to the present invention, by providing a control cabinet of a traction transformer, a control module in the control cabinet of a traction transformer is used for performing frequency conversion control on a cooling fan according to data such as train speed and oil temperature of the traction transformer, thus reducing noise and making the traction transformer intelligent. Rail train noise is effectively reduced, and passenger comfort improved.