Land Transport Vehicle Power Transition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing land transport vehicles experience sudden changes in speed when transitioning from areas with external power supply to those without, leading to discomfort for passengers due to abrupt changes in traction power.

Innovation Solution

A method that anticipates the transition by using a communication system between the vehicle and ground equipment to manage power supply, switching from external power to on-board power sources smoothly, reducing power demand from external segments and increasing it from on-board sources, ensuring continuous traction without sudden acceleration or deceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the land transport vehicle uses external power supply in zones with external power supply, then the vehicle can operate with sufficient traction power, but sudden changes in speed occur when transitioning to zones without external power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction powerVSAvoidspeed stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The ground equipment transmits an end-of-zone signal before the vehicle actually leaves the external power supply zone. The vehicle controller receives this signal in advance and begins transitioning power demand from external to on-board power supply before the external power is lost, ensuring continuous and stable traction power without sudden speed changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle controller dynamically adjusts the power demand distribution between external and on-board power supply devices based on the vehicle's position and the received end-of-zone signal. This dynamic transition allows the system to maintain optimal power levels throughout the transition zone, preventing abrupt speed changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle switches from external power to on-board power at the boundary zones, then continuous operation is enabled, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to abrupt changes in acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidpassenger comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end-of-zone signal provides advance notice to the vehicle controller, allowing it to begin the power transition process before the vehicle exits the external power zone. This preliminary action enables a gradual, smooth transition that maintains acceleration consistency and preserves passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle controller changes the power demand parameter gradually during the transition from external to on-board power supply. By controlling the rate of change of power demand, the system maintains smooth acceleration profiles that do not adversely affect passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle uses on-board power supply device, then the vehicle can traverse zones without external power supply, but the power capacity is limited compared to external power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone traversal capabilityVSAvoidpower capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle controller receives the end-of-zone signal in advance and begins transitioning to on-board power supply while the vehicle is still in the external power zone. This allows the on-board power device to be activated and ramped up before full power is needed, ensuring sufficient power capacity is available when external power becomes unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous power supply to the traction motors by seamlessly transitioning from external to on-board power supply. The useful action of powering the vehicle continues without interruption, with the on-board power device taking over progressively to maintain required power levels throughout the non-powered zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach ensures a smooth transition of power sources, maintaining consistent vehicle speed and reducing passenger discomfort by avoiding sudden changes in acceleration, thereby enhancing travel comfort and preventing electric arc formation.

Implementation Method 1

a communication unit capable of communicating with ground equipment associated with the power supply segment in the vicinity of which the land transport vehicle is traveling at the current instant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2993075B1Method for controlling a land transport vehicle, land transport vehicle, ground equipment and transport system
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2993075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2993075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2993075B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a land transport vehicle (5) travelling on a track, the track comprising, along a direction of travel of the land transport vehicle, a zone with an external power supply adjacent to a zone without an external power supply to be traversed with an on-board power supply device, the zone with an external power supply comprising an external ground power supply device (3) provided with a plurality of power supply segments (7, 9) arranged sequentially along the direction of the track, the land transport vehicle comprising at least one collection means (50, 52) adapted to be made in contact with a power supply segment on the one hand and to be electrically connected with at least one traction motor (56) on the other hand, the land transport vehicle further comprising an on-board power supply device (58) adapted to be electrically connected to the or to each traction motor.