Portable Train Charger for Electric Vehicle Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face limitations in range extension due to lengthy charging times and the impracticality of carrying combustion engines for range extension, which increases industrial pollution and weight, and existing solutions for charging on trains are inefficient and not universally applicable.

Innovation Solution

A portable, adaptable charger for electric vehicles on trains that includes a power converter to stabilize and convert power from the train's busbar, allowing for efficient charging, with features such as mobility, voltage regulation, and data exchange interfaces to optimize charging based on vehicle needs and travel schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a combustion engine is used for range extension, then the cruising radius is increased to about 500 km, but the vehicle weight increases and industrial pollution is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecruising radiusVSAvoidindustrial pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a train as an intermediary system that provides charging infrastructure along the route. Instead of carrying a combustion engine, the electric vehicle uses the train's power supply system (busbar) as a mobile charging station, allowing the vehicle to recharge during transport without emitting pollutants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion engine system with an electrical charging system. The power converter converts electrical energy from the train's busbar to charge the vehicle's battery, substituting the mechanical energy conversion process with an electrical one that produces no emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of moving object

If the vehicle is recharged along the track, then the range is extended, but the charging time exceeds several hours which is rarely done for range extension

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverangeVSAvoidcharging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous charging during the train journey. The power converter operates throughout the transport period, continuously transferring energy from the busbar to the battery, thereby utilizing the entire travel time for charging rather than requiring a separate stationary charging period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static charging process into a dynamic one by performing charging during motion. The vehicle is charged while being transported on the train, converting what would traditionally be idle time into productive charging time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If motor rail is used to cover distance, then the cruising radius is extended, but the user may end up with an empty vehicle battery between the second station and final destination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecruising radiusVSAvoidbattery charge status

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary charging during the train transport phase. By charging the battery before the vehicle reaches its final destination, the system ensures the vehicle has sufficient energy to complete the remaining journey independently, eliminating the risk of running out of power between stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power converter system monitors the charging process and battery status, adjusting the charging rate and duration to ensure the battery reaches an adequate charge level before the vehicle is unloaded, providing feedback control over the charge status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If a portable charger is provided on every train wagon, then charging availability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidcharger distribution system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter is designed as a universal device that can interface with different vehicle types and battery systems while connecting to the standard train busbar. This multi-functionality allows a single charger design to serve multiple purposes and different configurations, reducing the need for specialized equipment on each wagon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables extended cruising radius for electric vehicles by efficiently charging them during transport, reducing the need for combustion engines and minimizing emissions, while being lightweight and easily movable to where needed on the train.

Implementation Method 1

a power converter for converting power from the first interface into power for the second interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2927045B1Range extending an electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.01.13 ATOS IT SOLUTIONS & SERVICES

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AI summary

A charger for an electric vehicle on a train wagon comprises a first electric interface for connecting to a busbar of the train wagon, a second electric interface for connecting to the vehicle and a power converter for converting power from the first interface into power for the second interface. In this, the charger is adapted to be moved between train wagons.