Train Battery Charge Control for Tandem Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locomotive systems with secondary batteries face challenges in achieving synchronized charge-discharge status across multiple train cars, leading to inadequate performance during tandem operations due to inconsistent battery charge levels.
Innovation Solution
A charge control apparatus comprising an acquiring unit and a charge amount control unit that acquires charge information from each train and independently controls the charge amount of each secondary battery, ensuring balanced state of charge across multiple locomotives, thereby optimizing tandem operation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If secondary batteries are dispersed in multiple train cars with independent power sources, then each battery can be independently controlled, but the charge levels become inconsistent across the train set leading to inadequate tandem operation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independent battery control systems of multiple train cars by introducing a master control device that coordinates charge-discharge operations across all cars. The master device receives operation requests from the driver and distributes coordinated control signals to slave devices in each car, ensuring synchronized battery operations while maintaining individual control capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by combining independent control with centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master control device receives charge information (state of charge, charge/discharge rates) from all slave devices, processes this information, and adjusts control signals accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that charge levels remain balanced across the train set during tandem operations, preventing inconsistency while preserving independent control flexibility.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If battery charge levels are strictly controlled within threshold ranges to prevent excess charge/discharge, then battery life is extended, but the flexibility in power management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of battery charge levels by continuously adjusting charge-discharge rates based on real-time state of charge information, train operation conditions, and power demands. Rather than using fixed rigid thresholds, the master control device dynamically optimizes battery operations to extend life while adapting to varying operational requirements, thus maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed charge/discharge thresholds to dynamic rates based on state of charge. The master control device calculates optimal charge/discharge rates that prevent excess operations while adapting to current operational needs. This parameter transformation allows the system to extend battery life through controlled operations while maintaining adaptability to different driving conditions and power demands.
3Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is used to charge batteries, then energy efficiency is improved, but when charge current exceeds permissible limits, the system must switch to other braking methods losing the energy recovery benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial regenerative braking by controlling the charge current to operate at or below permissible limits rather than using full regenerative braking whenever possible. The master control device calculates the maximum allowable charge current based on battery state of charge and operational conditions, then adjusts braking force accordingly. This partial action approach maintains energy efficiency while preventing excessive charge currents that would require switching to non-regenerative braking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor battery charge current in real-time and adjust regenerative braking application accordingly. When charge current approaches permissible limits, the system reduces regenerative braking force and supplements with friction braking if necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures battery protection is maintained while maximizing energy recovery within safe operating parameters, preventing complete loss of regenerative braking benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge control apparatus of a train set having a plurality of trains, wherein the train has a generator, a battery and a motor supplied with power from the generator and the battery, power, generated by one of the generator and the motor, is able to charge to the battery, and a plurality of trains, driven by an operation of the motor, are connected and each battery is mutually independent, comprises an acquiring unit configured to acquiring charge information indicating charge condition of the battery from each train; and a charge amount control unit configured to control a charge amount of each battery using the charge information of the train.