Transport Power Network Surplus Energy Redistribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric power supply networks for transport systems face inefficiencies due to peak power fluctuations, leading to high energy costs and challenges in managing surplus energy, which is difficult for energy distributors to absorb and redistribute effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electric power supply network with a supervision unit that allows for the redistribution of surplus energy from the transport system to other consumers and storage means, enabling independent energy management by the operator, including the use of renewable and intermittent energy sources, and adaptive control of energy distribution based on real-time needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric power supply network is sized to meet maximum transport system capacity, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the energy cost increases due to underutilization during slack periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system's own electrical network serves itself by redistributing surplus energy generated during slack periods to meet peak demands, reducing reliance on external energy sources. The supervision unit enables the system to autonomously manage its energy resources, making the network self-sufficient and reducing energy costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts energy distribution parameters based on real-time traffic conditions. The supervision unit monitors traffic flow and energy consumption patterns, changing the distribution parameters to optimize energy utilization. This allows the network to adapt its capacity utilization to actual demand, reducing waste during low-demand periods while ensuring adequate supply during peaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If surplus energy is stored in batteries or super-capacitors for later use, then energy management optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy management efficiencyVSAvoidstorage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a supervision unit as an intermediary that manages energy distribution without requiring complex storage systems. Instead of using batteries or super-capacitors, the supervision unit acts as a smart mediator that redirects surplus energy directly to consumers or redistribution points, achieving energy management optimization through intelligent control rather than physical storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical storage systems (batteries, super-capacitors) with an electronic/software-based supervision unit. This substitution eliminates the need for complex physical storage infrastructure while achieving the same energy management goals through real-time monitoring and dynamic redistribution control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If energy distributors redistribute surplus energy to external consumers, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the reliability of energy supply to transport system deteriorates due to intermittent nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurplus energy wasteVSAvoidenergy supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supervision unit performs preliminary actions by identifying and redirecting surplus energy within the transport system's own network before it can be distributed externally. By anticipating energy needs and pre-positioning surplus energy at strategic points within the system, the network ensures reliable supply during peak periods without relying on external redistribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of distributing surplus energy outward to external consumers, the system inverts the flow by redirecting surplus energy inward to serve the transport system's own needs. The supervision unit reverses the traditional distribution model, making the transport system energy-self-sufficient and ensuring that surplus energy benefits the system that generated it, thereby maintaining supply stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9787097B2Electric power supply network linked to a transport system

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 SIEMENS MOBILITY SAS

AI summary

An electric power supply network includes at least one connection point with an upstream electrical network delivering useful power to at least one input of a first electric power supply network of an electrically powered transport system, such as trolley buses, trams, metro, train, or other transport, the first electrical network presenting peak power fluctuations as a function of variable energy needs depending on traffic associated with the transport system. The first electrical network includes at least one power output capable of distributing energy, in particular recovered from the transport system and from the upstream electrical network, to at least a second electrical network, enabling energy to be supplied to electrical consumption points. At least one supervision unit monitors distribution of energy from the power output whenever at least the peak power required by the first transport system is below the useful power available upstream.