Segmented Conductor Control for Tram Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring electromagnetic energy to track-bound vehicles, such as trams, face issues with unnecessary electromagnetic field production, receiver protection during failures or overloads, and difficulty in detecting vehicle presence for efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system with an electric conductor arrangement producing an alternating electromagnetic field, where each segment can be switched on and off separately, and a vehicle with a signal transmitter emitting an enable signal to the track only when the receiver is ready and not overloaded, ensuring the segment operates only when the vehicle is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If segments of the conductor arrangement are operated continuously to ensure energy availability, then energy transfer reliability is improved, but unnecessary electromagnetic field production occurs when no vehicle is present, increasing energy consumption and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle presence using enable signals before activating the electromagnetic field. The conductor segments are prepared to operate immediately when a vehicle is detected, eliminating the need for continuous operation while ensuring rapid energy transfer readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vehicle presence detection (through enable signals and receiver status) to control the operation of conductor segments. When no vehicle is present, the segments remain inactive; when a vehicle is detected, the segments are activated to provide energy transfer, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the conductor arrangement operates at constant current to simplify control, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to detect vehicle presence and receiver status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary enable signal mechanism that mediates between the control system and the conductor segments. This enable signal serves as a clear indicator of vehicle presence and receiver readiness, solving the detection problem without complicating the constant current operation of the segments themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver on the vehicle side actively signals its own presence and readiness status through the enable signal transmission. This self-service approach allows the conductor segments to operate at simple constant current while the vehicle itself provides the detection information needed for controlled activation.
3Productivity
If the receiver continues to operate during failures or overloads to maintain energy transfer, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential damage and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements beforehand protection mechanisms by continuously monitoring receiver status and enabling the conductor segments only when the receiver is confirmed ready. This prevents energy transfer during failure conditions before damage can occur, while allowing rapid resumption of energy transfer once the receiver recovers and signals readiness again.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the receiver's readiness status (through the enable signal) to control conductor segment operation. When the receiver experiences failure or overload, it stops transmitting the enable signal, which automatically deactivates the conductor segments, preventing further energy transfer that could cause damage or fire hazards.
4Loss of energy
If segments are switched on and off frequently to match vehicle presence, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to switching control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the switching control function from the conductor segments themselves and places it in the central control system that manages enable signals. This allows individual segments to be controlled independently based on vehicle presence without adding complexity to the segment hardware, achieving energy efficiency through selective activation.
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 unnecessary electromagnetic field production, protects the receiver and connected devices from overloads, and ensures reliable detection of vehicle presence, preventing continuous operation when the receiver is not ready, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electromagnetic energy to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle comprises at least one receiver for receiving the electromagnetic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle (81), in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle, wherein - the system comprises an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electromagnetic energy to the vehicle (81), - the conductor arrangement comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of consecutive segments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5), wherein each segment (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) extends along a different section of the path of travel of the vehicle (81), - each segment (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) can be switched on and off separately of any other segment, - the vehicle (81) comprises at least one receiver (1 ) for receiving the electromagnetic energy, - the vehicle (81) comprises at least one signal transmitter (2) adapted to repeatedly or continuously emit an enable signal towards the track, - a signal receptor (D1, D2, D3, D4) is assigned to each segment (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5), wherein the signal receptor (D1, D2, D3, D4) enables the segment to produce the alternating electromagnetic field while the signal receptor (D1, D2, D3, D4) receives the enable signal, wherein a segment control (3) is adapted to stop the operation of the segment when the enable signal is no longer received by the signal receptor (D1, D2, D3, D4) of the segment, - the vehicle (81) comprises a transmitter control arrangement adapted to stop transmitting the enable signal if the receiver and/or if any device combined with the receiver is not to be operated.