WO2019021251A1

WO2019021251A1 - Wind turbine on rail coach for electricity generation

Info

Publication number: WO2019021251A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajat VASHISHT; Narendra VASHISHT
Original assignee: Vashisht Rajat; Vashisht Narendra
Priority date: 2017-07-28
Filing date: 2018-07-27
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

System and method to generate electrical energy in a train are provided. The system includes one or more open source wind turbines operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches of the train. The one or more open source wind turbine is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines. The system also includes at least one generator operatively coupled to the one or more open source wind turbines located within the train and configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines into electrical energy. The system also includes one or more power storage devices operatively coupled to the at least one generator located within the train and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the at least one generator.

Description

WIND TURBINE ON RAIL COACH FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION

This International Application claims priority from a provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201741029359, filed on August 18, 2017 and titled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD TO PRODUCE AND SUPPLY ELECTRIC POWER TO AN OPEN TYPE WAGON IN A TRAIN", and Provisional Patent Application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201741029362, filed on August 18, 2017 and titled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD TO GENERATE AND SUPPLY ELECTRIC POWER TO A REFRIGERATED WAGON IN A TRAIN".

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electricity generation, and more particularly to a system and method to generate electrical energy in a train.

BACKGROUND Electricity generation is a process of generating electrical energy from one or more primary sources of energy. Further, the one or more primary sources of energy are a form of energy found in nature. Further, the electrical energy has a wide application in our day to day life. One such wide application is consumption of electrical energy in trains. Further, trains include a plurality of railway coaches, wherein the plurality of railway coaches include a plurality of electrical systems such as fans, air conditioners and lights which have to be supplied with the electrical energy. For such purposes, different ways are employed in different types of trains to supply electrical energy to the plurality of electrical system within the plurality of railway coaches. One such way to supply electrical energy in the train include supplying the electrical energy to the train by transmitting the electrical energy from a power plant at different locations, which is further stored in storage devices placed inside the train to operate the plurality of electrical systems. Further, the electrical energy from the power plant is transmitted to the train through power cable. Usage of such cables adds an additional charge to the railway system. Moreover, in such system, the storage devices have to be recharged at every pre-defined time interval at the power plants which consumes a lot a time.

Another way to supply power to the train is through on-board generation of electrical energy. One type of on-board generation system of the electrical energy includes a centralized power generation system, which is located in engine of the train and distributes electrical energy generated by the centralized power generation system to each of the plurality of coaches.

In another approach, non-renewable sources of energy such as a diesel power generator or the like are used in the centralized system to supply power to the train which is used to supply power to the plurality of coaches in the train. However, such an approach leads to cost and pollution.

In yet another approach, a renewable centralized power generation system is used to generate electrical energy for the plurality of electrical systems on the train. In such scenarios, a wind turbine is installed on top of the engine, where the wind turbine is perpendicular to a direction of a flow of wind. Therefore, the wind turbine generates electricity during movement of the locomotive. However, such an approach enables generation of electricity only during movement of the train, which leads to instability in power generation and power distribution. Also, due to the limited number of wind turbine used, efficiency of generation of the electrical energy by the train is limited.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method to generate electrical energy in a train to address the aforementioned issues.

BREIF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system to generate electrical energy in a train is provided. The system includes one or more open source wind turbines operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches of the train. The one or more open source wind turbine is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines. The system also includes at least one generator operatively coupled to the one or more open source wind turbines located within the train. The at least one generator is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines into electrical energy. The system also includes one or more power storage devices operatively coupled to the at least one generator located within the train. The one or more power storage device is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the at least one generator.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a method for generating electrical energy in a train is provided. The method includes generating mechanical energy upon rotating a plurality of blades of corresponding one or more open source wind turbines when the train is in motion. The method also includes converting the mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electrical energy. The method also includes storing generated electrical energy in one or more storage devices.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system generate electrical energy in a train in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic representation (80) of an exemplary embodiment of the open source wind turbine (30) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of direction of flow of wind to the direction of the motion of the train of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system with open source wind turbine to generate electrical energy in the train of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for generating electrical energy in a train in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub- systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method to generate electrical energy in a train are disclosed. The system includes one or more open source wind turbines operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches of the train. The one or more open source wind turbine is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines. The system also includes at least one generator operatively coupled to the one or more open source wind turbines located within the train. The at least one generator is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines into electrical energy. The system also includes one or more power storage devices operatively coupled to the at least one generator located within the train. The one or more power storage device is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the at least one generator.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system (10) generate electrical energy in a train (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes one or more open source wind turbines (30) operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20). As used herein, the term 'wind turbine' is defined as a device for generating power which is driven by kinetic energy of wind. Also, the term Open source wind turbine' is defined as a type of wind turbine whose plurality of blades are exposed to atmospheric air in all directions. In one embodiment, the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be operatively coupled to at least one side of one or more coaches (40), one or more wagons or one or more locomotives of the train (20). In such embodiment, the one or more coaches (40) may correspond to at least one of a passenger coach or a goods coach. As used herein, the term 'coaches' is defined as a type of carriage which is used to carry passengers or goods. Furthermore, the one or more open source wind turbines (30) is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train (20) is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30). In one embodiment, the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20) in a way where the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be kept parallel to direction of flow of wind or the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20) perpendicular to a direction of the motion of the train (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of blades (50) of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be composed of at least one of glass fiber, epoxy resin, polyester, carbon fiber, and a combination thereof.

In one specific embodiment, the plurality of blades (50) may be in odd number as opposing stress gets distributed between at least two blades of the plurality of blades (50) which in turn strengthen the one or more open source wind turbines (30). In yet another embodiment, each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be fitted with a guide vane to convert the air pressure energy into kinetic energy for more easy rotation of the plurality of blades (50).

In a specific embodiment, the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be operatively coupled to at least one side of each of the one or more coaches (40). An air vent may be placed on at least one door of each of the one or more coaches (40). Furthermore, the system (10) includes at least one generator (60) operatively coupled to the one or more open source wind turbines (30) located within the train (20). The at least one generator (60) is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines (30) into electrical energy. As used herein, the term 'generator' is defined as a device which is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. More specifically, the mechanical energy may be generated by the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) when the train (20) is in motion. The generated mechanical energy of the plurality of blades (50) is converted into electrical energy by the at least one generator (60) which may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30).

In one embodiment, the at least one generator (60) may correspond to at least one of a synchronous generator and an asynchronous generator. In such embodiment, the at least one generator (60) may use an induction and permanent magnet design in which high field strength may be generated by the magnets for production of electrical energy.

The system (10) also includes one or more power storage devices (70) operatively coupled to the at least one generator (60) located within the train (20). The one or more power storage devices (70) is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the at least one generator (60). In one embodiment, the one or more power storage device (70) may correspond to one or more batteries. In such embodiment, the one or more batteries may be composed of lithium ions. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more batteries may be replicable batteries. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more batteries may be rechargeable batteries.

In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more power storage devices (70) may be located in each of the corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20). In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more power storage devices (70) may be stored in a central location which may be a part of the at least one of the one or more coaches (40) or an engine from where the electrical energy may be drawn for one or more purposes. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may include a rotor hub which may be configured to hold the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) in place as the plurality of blades (50) is subjected to rotation. In such embodiment, the rotor hub may be composed of cast iron.

Furthermore, each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may also include a rotor bearing which may be configured to withstand the varying forces and a load generated by the wind while the train (20) may be in motion. Each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may also include a main shaft which may be configured to transport rotational force of the plurality of blades (50) to a gearbox, wherein the gearbox may be configured to increase low rotational speed of the rotor shaft to high rotational speed which may be utilised to drive the at least one generator (60).

Each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may also include a main frame which may be configured to provide sufficient strength to the one or more open source wind turbines (30) which may be driven by the train (20). Each of the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may also include a pitch system which may be configured to adjust an angle of the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) for maximum power generation depending on speed of the train (20).

In one embodiment, the system (10) may include a power converter (not shown in FIG. 1) which may be operatively coupled to the at least one generator (60). The power convertor may be configured to convert direct current into alternating current. In such embodiment, converted current may be supplied to the plurality of electrical components of the one or more coaches (40). In such another embodiment, the converted energy may be stored in the one or more power storage devices (70). In one embodiment, the power convertor may be electrically coupled to a transformer which may be configured to amplify the converted alternating current.

In one specific embodiment, the system (10) may further include one or more supply systems (not shown in FIG. 1) which may be operatively coupled to the one or more power storage devices (70). The one or more supply systems may be configured to supply electrical energy stored in the one or more power storage devices (70) to a plurality of electrical components within the one or more of coaches (40) of the train (20). In such embodiment, the one or more electrical components of the corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20) may include at least one of a fan, a light, an air conditioning subsystem, a refrigeration subsystem and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more supply systems may include one or more cables through which the electrical energy may be supplied to the plurality of electrical components within the one or more coaches (40) of the train (20).

In one specific embodiment, the system (10) may be used to generate the electrical energy to one or more refrigerated wagons of the train (20). In such embodiment, the one or more open source wind turbines (30) may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more refrigerated wagons of the train (20) to generate electrical energy by means of wind energy. The generated electrical energy may be supplied to one or more refrigeration subsystem of the corresponding one or more refrigerated wagons to maintain the refrigeration within the one or more refrigerated wagons of the train (20).

In operation, as the train (20) is in motion, the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) may tend to rotate due to force generated by the wind during the motion of the train (20). Further, due to the force generated by the wind, the plurality of blades (50) produces mechanical energy upon rotation of the same. Further, the mechanical energy generated by the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) is transmitted to the at least one generator (60) and the generated mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. Furthermore, the converted electrical energy is stored in the one or more power storage devices (70). The stored electrical energy may be further used to supply the power to the one or more electrical components within the one or more coaches (40) of the train (20).

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation (80) of an exemplary embodiment of the open source wind turbine (30) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The one or more open source wind turbines (not shown in FIG. 2) correspond to a Pelton Wheel Runner wind turbine. The plurality of blades (50) of each of the one or more Pelton Wheel Runner wind turbine includes a spoon shaped fans with sleek handle or broader cup shaped blades which is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train (not shown in FIG. 2) is in motion. Further, the generated mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by the corresponding at least one generator (not shown in FIG. 2) and is stored in the one or more power storage devices (not shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation (85) of direction of flow of the wind to the direction of the motion of the train of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As the train is in motion (not shown in FIG. 3), the direction of flow of wind (100) is opposite to the direction of motion of the train (90). Further, the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30) are placed in parallel to the direction of flow of wind (100) when the train is in motion which enables the rotation (110) of the plurality of blades (50).

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation (88) of an exemplary embodiment of a system with open source wind turbine (30) to generate electrical energy within a passenger coach (40) of the train of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At least one of the plurality of coaches (not shown in FIG. 4) of the train corresponds to the passenger coach (40) which is configured to transmit passengers form one location to another. Further, each of the plurality of coaches (40) of the train is operatively coupled with nine open source wind turbines (35) on each side. The FIG. 4 represents a single passenger coach (40) which is operatively coupled with the nine open source wind turbines (35) on both sides of the passenger coach (40).

The plurality of blades (50) of each of the nine open source wind turbines (35) rotates when the train is in motion to generate mechanical energy. The mechanical energy generated by the plurality of blades (55) of the corresponding nine open source wind turbines (35) is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the one or more power storage devices (not shown in FIG. 4). The stored electrical energy is used to supply the electrical energy to the plurality of electrical components within the passenger coach (40) of the plurality of coaches of the train. FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (150) for generating electrical energy in a train in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (150) includes generating mechanical energy upon rotating a plurality of blades of corresponding one or more open source wind turbines when the train is in motion in step 160. In one embodiment, generating mechanical energy may include enabling the train to move. Consequently, enabling wind to flow in an opposite direction of the direction of motion of the train and generating force upon the flow of wind. Furthermore, enabling the plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines to rotate due to the force generated by the flow of wind. Subsequently, generating mechanical energy by the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines. The method (150) also includes converting the mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines into electrical energy in step 170. In one embodiment, converting the mechanical energy may include converting the mechanical energy generated by the corresponding plurality of the wind turbines of the one or more open source wind turbines by at least one generator which may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines.

The method (150) also includes storing generated electrical energy in one or more storage devices in step 180. In one embodiment, storing the generated electrical energy may include storing the generated electrical energy by one or more storage devices which may be operatively coupled to the at least one generator. In one exemplary embodiment, the method (150) may further include supplying the stored electrical energy to a plurality of electrical components within the one or more of coaches of the train. In such embodiment, supplying the stored electrical energy may include supplying the stored electrical energy through at least one cable which may be electrically coupled to the one or more power storage devices. In another embodiment, supplying the stored electrical energy may include supplying the stored electrical energy to at least one of a fan a light, an air conditioning subsystem, a refrigeration subsystem and the like.

Various embodiments of the system and method to generate electrical energy in a train enables the system to generate electrical energy within the train upon using wind energy. Also, as the system uses the power storage device, the electrical energy can be supplied to the plurality of electrical components within the one or more coaches even when the train is not in motion. Thereby increasing the efficiency of supplying the electrical energy within the train.

Also, as the system uses renewable source of energy, the generation of the electrical energy do not cause any pollution for the environment and is also cost effective henceforth reducing the overall cost of the railway system.as a result, overall cost of the passengers can reduce.

While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (10) to generate electrical energy in a train (20) comprising: one or more open source wind turbines (30) operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20), and configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more open source wind turbines (30); at least one generator (60) operatively coupled to the one or more open source wind turbines (30) located within the train (20), and configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more open source wind turbines (30) into electrical energy; and one or more power storage devices (70) operatively coupled to the at least one generator located within the train (20), and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the at least one generator (60).

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the train (20) comprises a passenger train or a goods train.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more open source wind turbines (30) are operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more coaches (40) of the train (20) in perpendicular to a direction of the motion of the train (20).

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power storage devices (70) comprises one or more batteries.

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more supply systems operatively coupled to the one or more power storage devices (70), and configured to supply electrical energy stored in the one or more power storage devices (70) to a plurality of electrical components within the one or more of coaches (40) of the train (20).

6. A method (150) for generating electrical energy in a train comprising: generating mechanical energy upon rotating a plurality of blades of corresponding one or more open source wind turbines when the train is in motion; (160) converting the mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electrical energy; and (170) storing generated electrical energy in one or more storage devices. (180)

7. The method (150) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising supplying the stored electrical energy to a plurality of electrical components within the one or more of coaches of the train.