WO2022171633A1

WO2022171633A1 - System for direct energy transfer between a plurality of ports by means of a coupler

Info

Publication number: WO2022171633A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/053028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeanne-Marie DALBAVIE; Patrice GOMEZ
Original assignee: Ikos Consulting
Priority date: 2021-02-09
Filing date: 2022-02-08
Publication date: 2022-08-18
Also published as: EP4292194A1; FR3119716A1

Abstract

Energy transfer system (1) comprising an assembly of ports (10, 20, 30, 40) and an assembly of converters (11, 21, 31, 41), each converter being connected to one of the ports and being arranged so that the energy transmitted by a port (10) is received by another port (20) by means of at least some of the converters. According to the invention, the system also comprises a coupler (2) which is connected to each of the converters in such a manner that the energy transmitted by a port flows in the coupler (2) between at least some of the converters before being received by another port, and a control unit (3) which is connected to each of the converters so as to direct the energy from at least one port to at least one other port. The invention also relates to a method for energy transfer in such a system, uses of such a system and infrastructure comprising an assembly of power supplies and loads and such a system.

Description

Title of the invention: System for the direct transfer of energy between several ports via a coupler

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of power electronics and energy conversion, in particular the transfer of energy between a set of ports capable of performing different functions, as sources or loads. In the context of the present invention, the energy during the transfer can have different forms, for example electrical, electromagnetic or mechanical, or in the form of radiation.

State of the art

[0002] Nowadays, the conversion of energy (or power) is becoming more and more decisive in the electrical and electronic field. For example, in a railway system, energy must be transferred and converted between the catenary and the motors, but also towards ventilation, catering, lighting, air conditioning, compressed air and battery charging. To allow a transfer of energy between these different elements, it is necessary to use a plurality of converters, more particularly a traction converter and auxiliary converters (such as chargers and inverters).

[0003] Similar energy transfer constraints also exist in other fields, for example energy distribution, home automation, etc. Thus, in an electric vehicle, the circulation of energy takes place between at least three points, namely a generator, a battery and a motor. In this example, it is necessary to circulate the energy from the generator to the motor (traction), from the battery to the motor (traction), from the generator to the battery (load) and from the motor to the battery (brake) . Some of these modes may need to be enabled at the same time. In addition, the characteristics of the energy must be converted, for example a DC/AC conversion (to the motor) or AC/DC (to the battery).

[0004] In a house, the circulation of energy takes place at at least four points, namely the distribution network, the dwelling itself, the solar panels and the battery (even, possibly, the battery of the electric vehicle). In this case, the energy must be able to flow from the network to the house, from the solar panels to the house, from the solar panels to the battery, from the network to the battery, from the battery to the house, or even from the battery to the network. The energy must also be able to be transferred directly from the photovoltaic panels to the electricity distribution network (to resell the electricity produced). Again, some of these modes may need to be activated simultaneously.

[0005] In these different situations, it is important to allow a transfer of energy from at least one port to at least one other port, or even simultaneously from or to several ports, with satisfactory efficiency.

[0006] Various techniques are already known for carrying out a transfer of energy between a plurality of ports, but all have drawbacks.

[0007] A first known configuration consists of adding a converter to each port and placing the converters in series. A source of energy supplies the ports by transferring the energy to the first converter, so that the energy passes through the converters one by one, until the one whose switch is activated. This type of configuration is commonly used in the railway field.

[0008] As described in international application No. WO 2012/134748 A2, it may be provided to connect in series and to synchronize converters. The connection between two adjacent converters can be made by fiber optics. A “master” converter can thus control “slave” converters.

[0009] However, in this configuration, to supply a given converter, it is necessary for the signals to successively pass through all the converters. This necessarily leads to a loss of performance. Thus, in the rail sector, the infrastructures are generally unilateral and fixed, without any interconnection between the ports. The ports being connected in series, the converters being arranged successively, the efficiency of an energy transfer between the ports can be low. Also, due to the many converters used, the system can be expensive and bulky. [0010] A second known configuration consists in connecting the ports to an intermediate common bus, in order to connect them indirectly to each other. The bus then acts as an intermediate electrical node.

[0011] The intermediate bus makes it possible to take advantage of the use of a source present in the system, while generating little loss and using little material, which allows simple implementation with few parts. However, the intermediate bus has the disadvantage of being voltage limited.

[0012] A third known configuration consists of storing energy in an intermediate element, before directing it to one of the ports. Such a configuration is described in international application No. WO 2008/008143 A2. This application proposes a universal so-called “Buck-Boost” power converter, comprising a reactor for transferring energy from the ports comprising an input and an output, and bidirectional switching devices. A first switching device is arranged to connect at least one terminal of the reactance to an input, with a reversible connection polarity. A second switching device is arranged to connect at least one terminal of the reactance to an output, again with a reversible connection polarity. The reactance stores energy through an inductor and a capacitor. The first switching device drives the reactance with a non-sinusoidal voltage waveform. When the first switching device is closed and the second is open, the stored energy increases in the reactance. Subsequently, when the first switching device is opened and the second is closed, the energy stored in the inductor can be transferred to the load.

[0013] Although such a solution makes it possible to transfer energy between several ports, it nevertheless requires an inductor and a capacitor, which makes the system both slow and bulky, but also limited in terms of the amount of energy.

[0014] There is therefore a need for an energy transfer system which makes it possible to carry out a direct and simultaneous transfer of energy between a multitude of ports, at the input and at the output, accepting different forms of current and voltage, without be limited in current or voltage level, while being light and compact.

[0015] There is also a need for an alternative to transfer systems known energy sources, that is to say a system which would not require a succession of converters, an intermediate bus or an intermediate storage element such as a “Buck-Boost” converter.

[0016] There is still a need for an energy transfer system which allows metering of the energy distributed to different elements with the possibility of bidirectionality, and which allows conversion of the different forms of energy, and this all the more so as current achievements increasingly diversify the forms of energy. Such metering (or control) of energy makes it possible to limit the risks of overloading or short-circuiting.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an energy transfer system which allows direct transfer of energy between different points of a network (or ports), from any type of input (current or voltage, direct or alternating), to any type of output (current or voltage, direct or alternating), even when multiple sources and loads are operating simultaneously.

To this end, the present invention relates to an energy transfer system comprising a set of ports and a set of converters, at least one of the ports being arranged to transmit energy and at least one another of the ports being arranged to receive energy, each converter being connected to one of the ports and being arranged so that the energy transmitted by one port is received by another port via at least some of the converters. The system also comprises a coupler connected to each of the converters so that the energy transmitted by a port circulates inside the coupler between at least some of the converters before being received by another port, as well as a command connected to each of the converters so as to route the energy from at least one port to at least one other port.

[0019] Thanks to this particular structure, the energy transfer system according to the invention allows a direct transfer of energy between the ports.

[0020] Indeed, during its transfer from one port to another via the neck, the energy is therefore converted only once, at the level of the converter of the input port and from that of the output port. The path seen by the energy is therefore similar to the crossing of a single converter with galvanic isolation. The efficiency of the system is therefore better than that of a chain of converters. The system according to the invention can therefore be lighter and less bulky (with identical power) or even more powerful (with identical physical characteristics) than the systems already known from the prior art.

Moreover, unlike the solutions already known, in the system according to the invention, the energy is content to circulate in the intermediate element, without being stored there. Consequently, the system according to the invention is not limited in voltage or current level and can therefore receive any voltage or current level, without being limited by the impedance of an intermediate storage element. The system according to the invention can therefore receive and transfer higher voltages. Similarly, the invention makes it possible to dispense with an intermediate bus.

[0022] Moreover, by circulating the energy directly in a common coupler, the invention potentially makes it possible to transfer energy simultaneously to several ports, which constitutes a significant improvement. In this respect, the control of the system makes it possible both to synchronize the converters, to direct the energy to the ports (via the converters) and to control the quantity of energy transferred, which ensures improved management of the energy that flows.

[0023] Thanks to its advantages, while preserving a simple structure, the invention is suitable for many applications requiring a direct transfer of energy, particularly in the railway field, where it offers better availability of rolling stock and infrastructures, but also in any other sector using networks (“grids” in English, such as energy, home automation, etc.) or electric vehicles.

[0024] Preferably, the coupler is a ferromagnetic core. Further, each converter includes at least one solenoid. The choice of a ferromagnetic core makes it possible to produce a system according to the invention in a simple, compact and inexpensive manner, by taking advantage of the capacity of the ferromagnetic element to circulate energy in the form of magnetic flux.

[0025] Preferably, each converter comprises a switching module operable by the control to direct the energy from one port to another. Thanks to these control-operated switch modules, ports are activated (by closing the switch modules of the converters linked to these ports) so that energy is injected into the coupler by some of these ports and for this energy to then be received by some other of these ports. The other ports, which are not participating in this energy transfer at this moment, are deactivated (by opening the switching modules of the converters linked to these ports).

Preferably also, the coupler comprises a plurality of coupling modules, at least some of which are connected to one of the converters, each of the converters being connected to one of the coupling modules. Thus, if a part of the coupler is defective, this only affects at most one of the modules and it suffices to replace this module to correct the problem. The rest of the coupler, in perfect condition, can therefore be preserved. The maintenance and repair of such a coupler can therefore be carried out in a simpler and less costly manner.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the converters is arranged to receive and/or to deliver a variety of forms of voltage and current. Such a converter can be called universal. The same could be true for the set of converters. It is suitable for the present invention in the event of variable input or output, and/or in the event of modification of the energy transfer system (for example by the addition and/or removal of a converter, source and/or load, and/or by changing a source to load or vice versa). The converter can thus receive and/or deliver a direct or alternating current, single-phase or three-phase, at one or more frequencies. When a converter is able to receive and deliver voltage and current, it is called “bidirectional”. It is envisioned that a bi-directional converter receives one form of voltage and current, and outputs the same or another. It can also receive and/or deliver a voltage of up to 10 kV, for example, and a power of up to 10 MW, for example. The presence of one or more universal converter(s) makes it possible to orient the circulation of energy in the various ports in any direction, and to carry out any dosage of energy at any any time, and makes the system compatible with many power technologies.

[0028] More preferably, at least one of the converters is bidirectional. It can therefore be an input, an output, or both alternatively. Such a converter can be connected either to a power supply or to a load, even in an alternating manner. In the context of the invention, where the energy can circulating via the coupler between different ports, both in supply and in load, this makes the converter in question more versatile.

Preferably again, the command comprises a general command linked to sub-commands, each of which is linked to one of the converters. In this configuration, the converters can be synchronized.

[0030] Preferably, several couplers are connected to each other and are connected to the converters so that the energy transmitted by at least one port flows inside at least some of the couplers and between at least some of the converters before being received by at least one other port. This makes it possible to produce several stages of couplers, which makes the system more robust because it provides redundancy within the energy transfer system in the event of a failure affecting one of the couplers.

The present invention also relates to an energy transfer method, in the energy transfer system as described above, comprising a step of controlling the converters so as to inject a quantity of energy towards the coupler from at least one of the ports, as well as a step for controlling the converters so as to meter the quantity of energy leaving the coupler to at least one of the ports.

[0032] Preferably, each converter comprising a switching module operable by the command to direct the energy from one port to another, the steps for controlling the converters consist in actuating at least some of the switching modules to bring and output energy in the appropriate form in the coupler.

The present invention also relates to the use of an energy transfer system as described above for supplying a railway network and its rolling stock, as well as any type of electrical network (intercon connections of industrial or domestic networks) or electric vehicles.

More broadly, the invention also relates to an infrastructure comprising a set of power supplies and loads, and an energy transfer system as described above, arranged so that each port is connected to at least one power supply or to a load and that energy is transferred from at least one power supply to at least one load via the ports, the converters and the coupler. It also relates to a network comprising at least two energy transfer systems, arranged so that a port of a first of the two energy transfer systems is connected to a port of a second of the two power transfer systems and so that power is transferable between said ports. Such a network makes it possible to connect a source to a load via one or more energy transfer systems. The energy from the source can reach the load by passing through the first energy transfer system and through the second energy transfer system in series, or else by passing through both in parallel.

List of drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Fig. 1] is a diagram generally representing an energy transfer system according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2] is a detailed electronic diagram of a system according to an exemplary implementation of the invention.

[Fig. 3] is a perspective view of an example of a coupler according to the invention. [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5] are electronic diagrams of two examples of converters with their respective sub-commands (to be attached to the coupler with a coil according to the present invention).

[Fig. 6] is a diagram illustrating the transfer of energy in an electric railway locomotive according to the prior art.

[Fig. 7A] is a diagram illustrating the transfer of energy in an electric railway locomotive according to the present invention.

[Fig. 7B], [Fig. 7C] and [Fig. 7D] are diagrams illustrating the variability of direction and/or rate of energy transfer over time for a given port, and from one port to another at a given instant.

[Fig. 8] is a diagram illustrating the transfer of energy in an electrical network according to the present invention.

[Fig. 9] is a diagram illustrating the networking of several energy transfer systems according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

An energy transfer system 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. This transfer system 1 is intended to allow the transfer of energy between multiple ports 10, 20, 30, 40, etc. In this example, four ports are envisaged, but the invention can be applied equally to a different number of ports - one object of the invention is precisely to ensure a transfer of energy between a high number of ports, which can be of different types. Some of the ports can be power supplies, while others can be loads. Alternatively, they can be power supplies and then loads.

To operate a transfer of energy in accordance with the present invention, the system 1 comprises an intermediate element 2, a control 3 and a set of converters 11, 21, 31, 41, etc.

The ports can be connected to a power supply or to a load, so that the energy can be transferred from a power supply to a load, via the intermediate element 2. Conventionally, each port is connected to a converter. In the example of FIG. 1, the ports 10, 20, 30 and 40 are respectively connected to the converters 11, 21, 31 and 41. The ports are connected to the intermediate element 2 via the converters, which makes it possible to converting the type of energy of the power supply or of the load of each port to the type of energy that the intermediate element 2 is capable of receiving and circulating. The ports and the converters can thus make the link between the power supply or the load (connected to a port) and the intermediate element 2 (connected to a converter).

In the context of the invention, the converters are intended to be universal, with the possibility of receiving a wide range of voltage, current, frequency and power. More specialized versions can be made to perform special operations (e.g. controlling motors and other devices) to further improve cost and performance.

[0041] The converters can operate with different electrical forms, for example direct or alternating current, single-phase or polyphase current, a wide frequency range (for example up to 10 kHz), voltage (for example up to 25 kV) or current (for example up to 10000 A).

[0042] Converters can also be universal in that they can be connected either to a power source, or to a load, or to both alternately. A converter can thus be connected to a variable element/port.

[0043] Each converter has a first-level internal regulator, capable of manage energy transfer and safety at the converter level. Each converter also has a communication interface, which allows exchanges with other systems and in particular the command 3.

The coupler 2 is connected to each of the converters 11, 21, 31 and 41 so that the energy transmitted by a port (for example the supply port 10) circulates inside the coupler 2 between two converters (eg 11 and 21) before being received by another port (eg charging port 20). Thus, the energy injected into the coupler can circulate in it and reach any converter.

The coupler according to the invention can take different forms, provided that it is able to allow the circulation of a given type of energy. For example, the energy can be electromagnetic (waveguide), light, mechanical, piezoelectric or even thermal. When the energy is magnetic, the intermediate element 2 can be a ferromagnetic core. In this case, the ports can receive or transmit electrical energy which passes through the coupler in the form of magnetic flux. The converters then include solenoids wound directly around the ferromagnetic core.

In the case where the coupler is a ferromagnetic core, as is the case in Figure 2, each converter 11, 21, 31, 41 comprises a solenoid such as the solenoid 12 (also called Maglnt, Maglntl, Maglnt2 , Maglnt3) wrapped around the ferromagnetic core, as well as at least one switching module 13. The core 2 allows the multidirectional interaction between the ports, via its magnetic flux. The core is designed to operate up to high frequencies. It can be made, for example, of ferrites or of nanocrystalline sheets. The dimensions, shape (ring, square, etc.) and specifics of the core can be determined according to the application. It can thus be dimensioned to receive a given number of converters.

The coupler 2 can be divided into a plurality of coupling modules, as shown in Figure 3, with for example a total of twelve modules 2.1, 2.2, ...., 2.12. However, it is also contemplated to divide the coupler into fewer coupler modules (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven coupler modules), or more than coupling modules (thirteen, see more coupling modules). The invention becomes particularly advantageous when at least three of said coupling modules are each connected to a converter. These modules are connected in series and can fit into each other to form a loop. They thus form an assembly fulfilling the coupler function. Thus, if a part of the coupler is defective, it suffices to change only one of the modules to repair it. In Figure 3, we see that some modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7 and 2.10) are not connected to any converter (or solenoid). Certain modules (2.3, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9 and 2.11) are connected to converters (of which we see the solenoids 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62). The same goes for making improvements or modifications to an energy transfer system after its initial installation: it suffices to replace one or more inactive element(s) with active element(s) and /or vice versa to adapt the system to changing needs.

The converters 11, 21, 31 et41 are connected respectively to the ports 10, 20, 30 and 40, electrically. They are also connected to coupler 2, to ensure the connection between the coupler and the ports. The converters are reversible, that is to say that they allow the energy to circulate in one direction or the other, both in the direction of a supply to the coupler, and in the direction of the coupler to a load. To this end, with respect to the ports, the converters can be an input, an output, or both at the same time.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the ports are also synchronous, that is to say they can be synchronized by means of command 3. The converters can therefore operate jointly. They can be opened or closed (via switching modules 13, 23, 33 and 43 controlled synchronously by command 3) to make the energy flow or not. These modules may include a set of switches. To ensure energy transfer in both directions, the switching modules can be bidirectional according to their own control.

In the ferromagnetic core embodiment, the converters and the coupler form reversible electromagnetic converters. For each energy transfer, the input and the output are galvanically isolated thanks to the coupler.

For example, the converters can be of the resonant, DAB (“Dual Active Bridge”), ZVS (“Zero Voltage Switching”) or even ZCS (“Zero Current Switching”) type. They can be simplified (for example, a simple winding with a transformer) or be more complex (for example, ISO P, IPOS, FC or MMC type structures), depending on the voltage characteristics and current desired. In addition, they have an individual regulation system, which can use pulse width modulation (PWM) or phase shift regulation. However, other types of regulation are also envisaged, for example by frequency variation...

[0052] Each converter can be chosen individually as required. The type, shape and dimensions can therefore vary from one converter to another, for example according to the power level and according to the form of voltage or current desired.

[0053] Command 3 is the element which controls and supervises the energy transfer system. It also communicates with the external elements of the system to ensure proper operation in the infrastructure. Control 3 is connected to converters 11, 21, 31 and 41. It is arranged so as to synchronize the converters and to actuate at least some of them with the aim of directing the energy to at least some of the corresponding ports, i.e. to the ports through which the energy must not be used (either in supply or in load).

In the system, command 3 allows the converters to be synchronized and the ports to interact. For this, as can be seen in Figure 2, the command 3 comprises a general command 3.0 connected to a communication bus 3A, via which synchronization signals can be sent to the switches. It also features a 3B command script (although the command is not necessarily a computer program), a 3C probe and a 3D pulse generator. The 3A communication bus is linked to the switching modules of each converter. The general command 3.0 can thus send a command signal Cmd_1, Cmd_2, Cmd_3, Cmd_4 to each sub-command associated with a switching module. The sub-commands are not visible in Figure 2. They will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Thanks to the general command and the sub-commands, command 3 can control the system according to the invention synchronously.

[0055] Command 3 also allows the system to interact with the outside, via communication channels (AC N, Ethernet, etc.) and/or discrete signals.

[0056] Command 3 is used to change or adjust the port control law, which allows the ports to be activated during precise and synchronous time intervals. The ports can thus be activated during a specific transfer window. Several transfers can therefore be made successively.

The command 3 thus makes it possible to dose and direct the quantity of energy to be transferred, to protect the ports against overvoltages, overheating, etc., as well as to synchronize and stabilize their operation.

[0058] Preferably, the control 3 can perform specific operations such as the vector control of a polyphase motor (synchronous/asynchronous), the control of a DC motor, the activation and control of various devices, etc It can also manage the failure of a port or converter and select an alternative source, change the distribution of power, offload certain loads or direct resources to alternative paths. It can also communicate with a higher level system which supervises several devices according to the invention. Status and operating information can also be sent.

In addition, the command 3 can operate independently and / or send operating information, and receive instructions from the upper level.

In the example of Figure 2, each converter 11, 21, 31, 41 therefore comprises a solenoid and a switching module. Each converter thus constitutes the input of the port, which is itself connected to a power supply or to a load (represented by “V or R” in figure 2, V designating a power supply and R a load). Each power supply can deliver (or each load can receive) a direct current ("de" connected to the converter 11), a native single-phase alternating current ("ac" and "ac1" connected to the converters 31 and 41) or even an alternating current three-phase ("3ph" connected to converter 21). Each converter can therefore receive (from a power supply) or deliver (to a load) these types of current, at one or more frequencies.

To transmit these currents between the power supply or the load, on one side, and the solenoid, on the other side, the switching module has several inputs and outputs. For example, module 13 includes two inputs In1, In2 and two outputs Out1, Out2. As will be seen in more detail in Figures 4 and 5, these inputs and outputs are connected to switches controlled by the sub- controls (which receive control signals from the general control). These inputs and outputs can be reversible, in order to adapt to the type of port (power supply or load).

[0062] FIGS. 4 and 5 represent examples of converters (which must also be connected to a solenoid attached to the coupler) with their integrated sub-commands 21 and 31. In FIG. 4, the converter 21 being intended to receive or deliver three-phase current, the switching module 23 is a block comprising three inputs (or outputs) In1, In2 and In3 to a three-phase port and two outputs (or inputs) Out1 and Out2 to the coupler. Six switches S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 and S10 are provided to allow current to flow from each input to each output. In FIG. 5, the converter 31 being designed to receive or deliver alternating single-phase current, the converter 31 is a block this time comprising two inputs (or outputs) to the port and two outputs (inputs) to the coupler. Four switches are provided.

Figure 4 shows a sub-command 3.1 connected to the module 23. Six switches being provided, the communication bus 3A of the sub-command 3.1 is connected to the six switches of the module 23. Figure 5 shows a sub-command 3.2 connected to module 33. Four switches being provided, the communication bus 3A of this sub-command is connected to the four switches of module 33. For each of these elements, the sub-command makes it possible to synchronously control the switches of the converter block corresponding. In both cases, sub-commands 3.1 and 3.2 also include a 3B sub-command script, a 3C probe, a 3D pulse generator, as well as a 3E input intended to receive the command signal Cmd_3 emitted by the general command 3.0. All modules are thus controlled synchronously.

The energy transfer system according to the invention has many advantages over the prior art. First of all, it allows to make a direct transfer of energy between the different ports of the system. All you have to do is activate the switches connecting one port to another, via the coupler. This particular advantage is linked to the configuration of the intermediate element as a coupler, which allows energy to circulate without several successive conversions, and therefore without multiple losses in efficiency. For example, when energy from port 20 needs to reach port 40, the energy is converted only at the outgoing converter 21 (to enter coupler 2), then at destination converter 41 (to exit from coupler 2). In this case, the energy is not converted at the level of the converters 11 and 31. The overall efficiency of the system is therefore improved and the energy transfer system can be simpler (at identical power) or more powerful (at identical physical configurations).

[0065] Secondly, the coupler 2 circulates the energy without storing it. It follows that the level of voltage or current is not limited and the system can receive any level of voltage or current.

Thirdly, coupler 2 combined with the particular configuration of system 1 makes it possible to transfer energy simultaneously to several ports. Since command 3 synchronizes and controls the various switches, it directs the energy to the ports precisely. The transfer of energy can therefore be measured.

The present invention can be used for the transfer of energy in a plurality of applications, in particular in a railway infrastructure (at the level of the railway networks, in the substations) or locomotive. In this respect, FIG. 6 illustrates an onboard railway electrical architecture 100 according to the prior art, while FIG. 7A illustrates an onboard railway electrical architecture 200 according to the invention.

In FIG. 6, the architecture 100 comprises two energy sources 101 and 113 in the form of 25 kV and 1500 V catenaries. The energy from the catenaries can be transferred to the various elements via the pantographs 102 and 114 and several converters (designated by the reference C in FIG. 6). The elements include, for example, the rolling element motors 103 (traction), the ventilation 104, the catering 105, the lighting 106 and the air conditioning 107 (comfort auxiliaries), the fan motor 108, the compressed air 109, and battery charging 110 (traction auxiliaries). Many converters are required to convert the energy from the catenaries to these different elements. For example, for the energy from the catenary 101 to reach the motors 103, a traction converter C is required, in addition to the first converter at the branch line. For the energy to be able to reach the auxiliary elements, it must pass through a multitude of converters after the converter at the junction (at least one converter per element, at least two in the case of a battery, they are not all shown in Figure 6), to reach the relevant item. In addition, at battery level 110, it is necessary to add a charger 111 (to receive the charging current) and an inverter 112 (to return the current). Moreover, the system comprising two pantographs, it is necessary to use two conversion chains. Because of these numerous converters, the architecture turns out to be bulky and has low efficiency.

In FIG. 7A, according to the present invention, the architecture 200 comprises two energy sources 201 and 209 in the form of 25 kV and 1500 V catenaries. The energy from the catenaries can be transferred to the elements via the pantos graphs 202 and 210. The elements are grouped by blocks, according to the type of current that they can receive. Thus, the architecture 200 comprises a block 203 of comfort auxiliaries, a block 204 of compressed air, a motor fan block 205, a battery charging block 206 and an engine block 207. According to the invention, a core ferromagnetic 208 acts as a coupler. This core is arranged in such a way as to be connected to the catenary 201 and to the elements 203 to 207. Switches, converters and a control (not visible in the diagram of figure 6) complete the infrastructure. Elements 201, 203, 204, 205, 206 and 207 are ports according to the invention. The energy of the catenaries 201 and 209 can be injected into the core 208 in order to circulate there. Then the energy is directed to one of the elements 203 to 207 by operating the switches appropriately (via the control). The energy is therefore effectively transferred during the short time the switch is closed. During this transfer phase, the energy is only converted by the catenary converter and by the converter of the relevant element (or block of elements).

The invention therefore makes it possible to replace all the converters, inverters, chargers and motor control systems with a single compact system. It also makes it possible to directly control the traction motors and recover energy during braking. Moreover, when two pantographs are used in the system, a single coupler is always sufficient.

[0071] In the case of railway use, the core 208 can supply all the electrical elements, for example the traction, the batteries, the comfort auxiliaries (lighting, air conditioning, ventilation), the technical auxiliaries (compressors), and this from one or more power sources.

[0072] Preferably, the ferromagnetic core 208 can have several AC inputs to adapt to the different voltages of the networks (for example 1500 Vdc and 25000 Vac) without the need for additional elements. It can also be connected to other energy sources in the infrastructure, for example the thermal generator (diesel type), the batteries, the hydrogen fuel cell, supercapacitors, etc.

The invention can be used in other fields, in particular in the industrial sector, energy distribution, home automation and electric vehicles.

In each case, the energy transfer system according to the invention can power several devices (motors, ovens, battery, etc.) by providing each with the form of energy required. It can also ensure the transfer of energy between these different elements and ensure the optimization of energy management.

[0075] The railway application illustrated in FIG. 7 A demonstrates a functionality of any embodiment of the invention (that is to say even outside the railway application), because the direction and/or the The rate of power transfer relative to a given port may vary over time, and the direction and/or rate of power transfer may vary from port to port at any given time.

This functionality is illustrated more clearly in Figure 7B, Figure 7C and Figure 7D. The coupler is represented by a ring, and ports are represented by boxes overlapping the ring.

In FIG. 7B, we see an energy transfer system at a first instant. In FIG. 7C we see the energy transfer system of FIG. 7B at a second instant, subsequent to the first instant. In FIG. 7D, the energy transfer system of FIG. 7C is seen at a third instant, subsequent to the second instant. An arrow pointing towards the energy transfer system signifies the supply of the energy transfer system. An arrow extending from the energy transfer system signifies the delivery of energy by the energy transfer system. A port without an arrow means that it is able to transfer energy to or from the energy transfer system, but is currently unsolicited for energy transfer.

In FIG. 7B, it can be seen that the energy transfer system can be supplied by several sources at the same time: at the moment illustrated, port 1 is connected to a first object, which serves as a source, and the port 2 is connected to a second object, which serves as a source. Furthermore, we see that the energy transfer rate from the sources to the energy transfer system can vary from one port to another: at the instant shown, the energy transfer system receives more power through port 1 than through port 2 (however, the reverse - or alternatively equal repair - is also contemplated).

Independently of the number of sources supplying the energy transfer system at the same time, or of the possible distribution of the supply between them, it is also seen that the energy transfer system can supply several loads at the same time. times: port 3 is connected to a third object, which serves as a load at the moment, port 4 is connected to a fourth object, which serves as a load at the moment, and port 5 is connected to a fifth object , which serves as the load at the moment. Furthermore, it can be seen that the energy transfer rate from the energy transfer system to the loads can vary from one port to another: at the instant illustrated, the energy transfer system delivers more than power via port 3 than via port 4 and than via port 5 (however, any distribution is envisaged).

In Figure 7B, port 6 is optionally connected to a sixth object which serves neither as a source nor as a load at the moment. This means the possibility for a given port of not transferring any energy at a given moment to the object to which it can be linked. For example, port 6 neither delivers nor receives power, because the sum of the rates received by the power transfer system via port 1 and port 2 is equal to the sum of the rates delivered by the system transfer of energy via port 3, port 4 and port 5. However, this possibility does not require several sources and several loads.

In Figure 7C, we see that the distribution of power in the supply of the energy transfer system is different in the second instant than in the first instant. In this case, the distribution is reversed compared to the first moment. However, changes in distribution tending to reduce or exaggerate inequalities between the powers received from the sources are also considered.

[0082] Independently of the possible change occurring at the level of the power supply of the energy transfer system, it is also seen that the distribution of power delivered by the energy transfer system is different in the second instant than in the first moment. Again, any change in distribution is considered.

[0083] It is also seen that the energy transfer system delivers power to the sixth object via port 6. However, it is also envisaged that a port which serves neither to deliver power from the energy transfer system nor to receive power for the energy transfer system, then proceeds directly to receiving power for the energy transfer system. Furthermore, it is also envisaged that a port which is used to receive power for the energy transfer system, and/or which is used to deliver it from the energy transfer system, then goes directly to neither receive nor deliver power to/from the energy transfer system.

The sum of the powers received by the energy transfer system (in this case, received by port 1 and port 2) is equal to the sum of the powers delivered by the energy transfer system ( in this case via port 3, port 4, port 5, and port 6).

In Figure 7D, we see that the energy transfer system no longer receives power via port 1. This means that the energy transfer system can stop receiving power via a port that used to receive it before.

Furthermore, we see that port 6 is now used to receive power to supply the energy transfer system. This means that the energy transfer system can optionally receive power via a port that is also able to deliver it from the system.

On a large scale, the system according to the invention can interconnect several power distribution networks with each other. These networks can include sources of different voltages (22 kVac or 400Vac), which come for example from solar panels (2000 Vdc), from a wind farm (400 Vac three-phase) or from a production unit. It can also make it possible to carry out energy transfers between networks which are not in phase (for example, out of phase). It can still transfer energy between the energy network, solar panels, homes, electric vehicles, battery systems, optimizing the transfers between these elements. In this context, the system allows the rapid recharging of the batteries of electric vehicles, or the resale (to the distribution network) of the energy from the photovoltaic panels or the energy stored in the batteries of electric vehicles.

In the example of Figure 8, the architecture 300 of an electrical network includes various sources and loads, such as a domestic network 302, an industrial site 303, a nuclear power station 304, a thermal power station 305, a hydraulic power station 306, a photovoltaic power station 307, a wind power station 308, an electric vehicle load 309 and an urban electrical network 310. According to the invention, all these elements are interconnected by means of the coupler 301 according to the invention in order to ensure high-efficiency energy transfer. The energy generated by one of these elements (for example, the solar panels of the domestic network) can therefore be easily conveyed, in a dosed manner, to at least one other of these elements. It is possible to provide several stages of couplers for large-scale infrastructures.

In the context of an electric vehicle, the system according to the invention - in particular its coupler and its control - makes it possible to control the traction motor and to recover energy during braking. Simultaneously, it also makes it possible to manage a thermal source, a battery, a hydrogen fuel cell and supercapacitors. One of the ports connected to the coupler can supply all on-board equipment. The circulation of energy between these elements is controlled, for improved efficiency.

In Figure 9, we see the architecture 300 'of an electrical network which differs from the architecture 300 visible in Figure 8 in that the architecture 300' of Figure 9 includes several power transfer systems. energy 1 A, 1B, 1 C, 1D, 1 E, 1F, 1G, 1H. For simplicity, each grid power transfer system is shown as having a single coupler 301', but it is also contemplated that one or more of the grid power transfer systems will include multiple couplers 301 ', and that the number of couplers 301' can vary from one energy transfer system to another within the same network. Each coupler 301′ visible in figure 9 can be identical to coupler 301 visible in figure 8.

The circles symbolize the couplers of the energy transfer systems of the network, and the straight lines extending between/to/from the circles symbolize the connections of the ports of the energy transfer systems. When the line bears one or more arrowheads, these designate the direction(s) of the transfer(s) of energy from/to/between the transfer system(s). 'energy.

As in the architecture 300 visible in FIG. 8, the network of the architecture 300′ visible in FIG. 9 can be connected to numerous loads, sources, or objects that sometimes serve as a load and sometimes as a source. The common reference numerals in Figures 8 and 9 denote the same objects in both figures. We also see that the network of the architecture 300′ visible in FIG. 9 can be connected to a railway architecture (whether it is an architecture 100 according to FIG. 6, or an architecture 200 according to FIG. 7A, or another railway architecture ). The same is true, moreover, for the architecture 300 visible in Figure 8.

[0093] The architecture 300′ visible in FIG. 9, like the architecture 300 visible in FIG. 8, can also provide the connection between different conventional distribution networks 320A, 320E. However, the architecture 300' visible in FIG. 9 provides a more elaborate connection, thanks to the presence of several energy transfer systems 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, which ensure at the same time several connection paths between the distribution networks 320A, 320E, and which can serve as "hubs", in the manner of telecommunications.

It is envisaged, on an optional basis, to connect one or more energy storage devices or systems 330C, 330E to the couplers 30T. The same goes for the coupler 301 visible in Figure 8. Although the energy storage device 330C, 330E is shown in Figure 9 as being a battery or other electrical energy storage device, mechanical storage devices electronics (eg a flywheel or flywheel battery), hydraulics (eg a pumped storage plant), or any other energy storage device.

It is envisaged, as an option, to connect a fuel cell 340, possibly of the regenerative type (that is to say, it is possible to consume the fuel to generate electricity, and to supply the fuel cell with electricity to generate fuel - it can thus be qualified as a chemical-type energy storage device), to one or more 30T couplers of the network. The same goes for the coupler 301 visible in Figure 8.

It is envisaged, on an optional basis, to connect a biomass plant 350 (or any other type of plant) to one or more 30T couplers of the network. The same goes for the coupler 301 visible in Figure 8.

Although the example illustrated in FIG. 9 comprises nine energy transfer systems, a network within the meaning of FIG. 9 exists as soon as there is a first energy transfer system 1 A and a second energy transfer system 1 B which are arranged in such a way as to allow a transfer of energy between a first port of the first energy transfer system 1A and a first port of the second energy transfer system 1B. Said first ports can be connected to each other, possibly directly.

A second port of the first energy transfer system 1A is connected to an object which can at least sometimes serve as a source, and a second port of the second energy transfer system 1B is connected to an object which can at least sometimes serve as a filler, or vice versa. The term "object which can at least sometimes serve as a source" means a source, an energy storage device, or another energy transfer system which can at least sometimes deliver power to the first energy transfer system 1A (or given energy transfer system). The term “object which can at least sometimes serve as a load” means a load, an energy storage device, or another energy transfer system which can at least sometimes receive power from the second energy transfer system. energy 1B (or given energy transfer system).

Thus, the network can deliver energy from the first energy transfer system 1A, which has been received by the second other energy transfer system 1B, and/or possibly vice versa. In fact, for such operation, it is sufficient in principle for the network to have at least two energy transfer systems, but the figure shows nine, without limitation.

[0100] The energy transfer systems of the network 300' can be controlled individually, collectively, or else partially collectively and partially individually (in this case, a given energy transfer system is subject to a control layer individual - this is an individual control present even for the energy transfer system visible in figure 1 - to manage the energy flows within each system, and a collective control layer to coordinate the systems of energy transfer between them within the network). Thus, continuity of service can be ensured in the event that one or more links and/or energy transfer system(s) go out of service within the 300' network.

[0101] In the case of at least partially collective control, it is also envisaged to connect the network 300' to another network comprising one or more energy transfer systems outside the network 300'. In FIG. 9, this possibility is represented by dotted lines extending unconnected at the margin of the network 300'. In the event of a link between several networks, it is also envisaged that each network is managed independently of one another, or that the networks are managed collectively, or partially independently and partially collectively (in this case, each energy transfer system is subject to at least one layer of collective control at the network level, and/or individual, as described above, as well as a control layer to coordinate the networks).

[0102] Although the example in Figure 9 shows a network with nine energy transfer systems, it is also envisaged to have more (ten or more) or less (eight, seven, six, five, or less). ).

As seen in Figure 9, the network may include a third energy transfer system 1 C, which is arranged to allow a transfer of energy from and / or to the first transfer system energy 1A, and to allow a transfer of energy from and/or to the second energy transfer system 1B. This is a first port of the third energy transfer system 1C, which is connected to the third port of the first energy transfer system, either without going through another network energy transfer system, or via the port(s) of one or more other system(s) s) network energy transfer.

Thus, in the event of (temporary or permanent) impossibility of transferring energy between the first energy transfer system 1A and the second energy transfer system 1B, without going through the third transfer of energy, it nevertheless remains possible to carry out the transfer via the third energy transfer system 1C.

[0105] In FIG. 9, this functionality is illustrated by means of a fourth 1D energy transfer system of the network, which is connected to the first 1A energy transfer system of the network via an AD link, and to the second energy transfer system 1B of the network via a link BD, and to the third energy transfer system 1C of the network via a link CD. The AD bond is represented as a line, without an arrowhead, to indicate that at the instant illustrated it does not transfer energy. It is also accompanied by a 490 symbol signifying that it is out of service. Despite everything, a transfer of energy between the first energy transfer system 1A and the third energy transfer system 1C is ensured, inter alia, by the link AB and a link BC between the second transfer system energy 1 B and the third energy transfer system 1 D. [0106] This is the same principle in the event of an entire energy transfer system going out of service (eg the fourth 1D energy transfer system). Furthermore, the principle is generally applicable when the network has at least three energy transfer systems.

Many other applications can be envisaged, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] Energy transfer system (1) comprising:

- a set of ports (10, 20, 30, 40), at least one of the ports (10) being arranged to transmit energy and at least one other of the ports (20) being arranged to receive energy, and

- a set of converters (11, 21, 31, 41), each converter (11, 21, 31, 41) being connected to one of the ports (10, 20, 30,

40) and being arranged so that the energy transmitted by one port (10) is received by another port (20) via at least some of the converters (11, 21), characterized in that it comprises also :

- a coupler (2) connected to each of the converters (11, 21, 31,

41) so that the energy transmitted by a port (10) circulates inside the coupler (2) between at least some of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) before being received by another port (20), and

- a control (3) connected to each of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) so as to direct the energy from at least one port (10) to at least one other port (20), and to deliver a variety of voltage and current forms.

[Claim 2] Energy transfer system according to claim 1, in which the coupler (2) is a ferromagnetic core and in which each converter (11, 21, 31, 41) comprises at least one solenoid (12, 22, 32, 42).

[Claim 3] Energy transfer system according to claim 1 or 2, in which each converter (11, 21, 31, 41) comprises a switching module (13, 23, 33, 43) operable by the control (3 ) to route power from one port (10) to another (20).

[Claim 4] Energy transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupler (2) comprises a plurality coupling modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, ..., 2.12), at least some of which are connected to one of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41).

[Claim 5] Energy transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) is arranged to receive and/or to deliver a variety of voltage and current.

[Claim 6] Energy transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) is bidirectional.

[Claim 7] Energy transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control (3) comprises a general control (3.0) connected to a plurality of sub-controls (3.1, 3.2) each of which is itself even connected to one of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41).

[Claim 8] Energy transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, in which several couplers (2) are connected to each other and are connected to the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) in such a way that the energy transmitted by at least one port (10, 30) circulates inside at least some of the couplers (2) and between at least some of the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) before being received by at least least one other port (20, 40).

[Claim 9] Method of transferring energy, in the energy transfer system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising:

- a step of controlling the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) so as to inject a quantity of energy towards the coupler (2) from at least one of the ports (10, 30), and

- a step of controlling the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) so as to dose the quantity of energy leaving the coupler (2) to at least one of the ports (20, 40).

[Claim 10] Energy transfer method according to the preceding claim, in which each converter (11, 21, 31, 41) comprises a switching module (13, 23, 33, 43) operable by the control (3) for routing power from one port (10) to another (20), and wherein the steps of controlling the converters (11, 21, 31, 41) include operating at least some switching modules (13, 23, 33, 43) for bringing energy into and out of the coupler (2).

[Claim 11] Use of the energy transfer system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8 for supplying a railway network and its rolling stock.

[Claim 12] Use of the energy transfer system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8 for supplying an electric vehicle.

[Claim 13] Use of the energy transfer system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8 for the interconnection between several electrical networks.

[Claim 14] Infrastructure (200, 300, 300') comprising:

- a set of power supplies and loads (201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310), and

- an energy transfer system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, arranged in such a way that each port is connected to at least one power supply or to a load and in such a way that energy is transferred from at least one power supply to at least one load via the ports, the converters and the coupler (208, 301).

[Claim 15] Network (300') comprising two energy transfer systems (1A, 1B, 1C, 1 D, 1 E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 11) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, arranged such that a port of a first of the two energy transfer systems (1A) is connected to a port of a second of the two energy transfer systems (1B) so that energy is transferred between said ports.