阅读说明：本技术 空气供给设备和控制和/或监测空气供给设备的方法 (Air supply device and method for controlling and/or monitoring an air supply device ) 是由 M-O·赫登 T·基普 T·默克尔 M·施密德 于 2020-01-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于轨道车辆的空气供给设备,其包括：一组多个电消耗器,如压缩机、空气干燥器、阀门或类似件；和与轨道车辆的供电装置联接的变流器,该变流器用于将由供电装置提供的电压与至少一个电消耗器的运行电压相匹配,电消耗器能够利用该运行电压运行,其中变流器配置给所述一组多个电消耗器中的至少两个、优选全部电消耗器,使得变流器能够控制、特别是闭环控制和/或监测所述一组多个电消耗器中的所述至少两个电消耗器的运行。(The invention relates to an air supply device for a rail vehicle, comprising: a set of multiple electrical consumers, such as compressors, air dryers, valves, or the like; and a converter coupled to the power supply of the rail vehicle for adapting a voltage provided by the power supply to an operating voltage of at least one electrical load, with which the electrical load can be operated, wherein the converter is assigned to at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical loads, such that the converter can control, in particular control and/or monitor, the operation of the at least two electrical loads of the plurality of electrical loads.)

1. An air supply device (1) for a rail vehicle, comprising:

a set of multiple electrical consumers, such as compressors, air dryers, valves, or the like; and

a converter (7) which is connected to the power supply of the rail vehicle and is used to adapt the voltage and/or frequency provided by the power supply to the operating voltage and/or operating frequency of at least one electrical consumer which can be operated with the operating voltage and/or operating frequency,

The method is characterized in that: the converter (7) is associated with at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical consumers, such that the converter (7) can control, in particular control in a closed loop, and/or monitor the operation of the at least two of the plurality of electrical consumers.

2. Air supply device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the converter (7) has an electronic system (35) which is provided for converting the voltage and/or frequency provided by the power supply device into an operating voltage and/or operating frequency of the at least one electrical consumer and/or which is connected in signal-transmitting manner to the at least two consumers of the group of a plurality of consumers in such a way that the electronic system (35) can control the operation of the consumers, preferably in accordance with a control algorithm stored in the electronic system (35) and/or a control signal received from a higher-level electronic system, such as a vehicle control system, in particular in accordance with a closed-loop control algorithm stored in the electronic system (35) and/or a closed-loop control signal received from a higher-level electronic system, such as a vehicle control system And/or capable of monitoring the operation of said consumers according to an analytical evaluation algorithm stored in the electronic system (35).

3. The air supply installation (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor is connected to the converter (7) in a signal-transmitting manner for detecting air-specific measured values such as temperature, pressure, air moisture, etc. and/or for detecting consumer-specific measured values such as operating hours, temperature, wear, input power or output power and/or for detecting converter operating parameters such as voltage or temperature, wherein in particular the at least one sensor is arranged and/or assigned to at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers in such a way that it can detect air-specific measured values and/or consumer-specific measured values.

4. The air supply device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one sensor is configured for measuring a pressure value of the compressor, preferably an upstream input pressure and/or a downstream output pressure, and/or for measuring the pressure value of the inlet-side filter upstream of the compressor, preferably the pressure difference or the pressure at the inlet upstream and/or the pressure at the outlet downstream, and/or for measuring the pressure value of the air dryer, preferably the container pressure or the upstream input pressure and/or the downstream output pressure, and/or for measuring the temperature of the compressor or of the air dryer, preferably of the compressor motor, preferably the ambient temperature, the cooling air temperature or the downstream output temperature, and/or for measuring the degree of soiling of the air, such as the presence of oil particles or moisture.

5. The air supply installation (1) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the converter is configured for controlling, preferably for closed-loop controlling, the operation of the heater, in particular the operation of its subassemblies, as a function of the temperature value measured by the at least one sensor and/or as a function of a time-specified value and/or a heating time of at least one heater of the air dryer, and/or for controlling, preferably for closed-loop controlling, a ventilation device for ventilating the compressor as a function of the time value and/or the temperature value and/or for operating an idling device of the compressor in idling operation.

6. The air supply installation (1) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the converter has an input for receiving measured values and/or has a memory unit for storing the received measured values and/or characteristic values resulting from the processing of the measured values.

7. The air supply installation (1) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a converter is designed for monitoring an operating state of the air supply installation (1), in particular of at least one consumer, as a function of the received measured values and for controlling, in particular for closed-loop controlling, an operation of the air supply installation (1), in particular of at least one consumer, as a function of the received measured values.

8. The air supply arrangement (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a converter (7) is provided for controlling, in particular controlling, preferably closed-loop controlling, the operation of the air dryer of the air supply arrangement (1) in dependence on the compressor rotational speed and/or the ambient temperature and/or the residual moisture of the air after the air dryer, in particular such that the regeneration air loss of the air dryer is minimized.

9. The air supply installation (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that nominal values for a nominal operating state of the air supply installation (1), in particular for a nominal operating state of at least one consumer, are stored in the memory unit, wherein in particular each measured value is assigned to preferably one nominal value of the at least one consumer.

10. The air supply system (1) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the converter (7) has an evaluation unit for processing the received measured values, wherein in particular the evaluation unit is provided for comparing the received measured values with a setpoint value assigned to the measured values for a nominal operating state of the air supply system (1), in particular for a nominal operating state of at least one consumer.

11. The air supply installation (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the current transformer (7), in particular the evaluation unit, is designed for: based on a comparison of the received measured values with the setpoint values assigned to the measured values, a fault operating state of the air supply system (1), in particular of at least one consumer of the air supply system (1), is detected when the received measured values deviate from the setpoint values assigned to the measured values, in particular when the deviation exceeds a predetermined tolerance.

12. The air supply arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the current transformer (7) is configured for: in accordance with the received measured values, in particular in accordance with a comparison of the received measured values with the setpoint values assigned to the measured values, the operation of the air supply system (1), in particular of at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers, is preferably adjusted in the event of a faulty operating state of the air supply system (1), in particular of the at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers, for example switched to emergency operation, switched off or a warning signal is provided to a superordinate electronic system (35) and/or maintenance measures are taken.

13. The air supply device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter (7) has a communication interface which is configured to be read by a separate reading device and/or to communicate, preferably wirelessly, with a superordinate electronic system, such as a vehicle control system or a stationary data processing device.

14. The air supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a converter (7) is configured for generating an analog control signal for controlling, in particular closed-loop controlling, at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers.

15. The air supply device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter (7) is connected to an additional power source, such as a battery or an accumulator, with which the air supply device (7) can be operated, in particular in the event of a power interruption.

16. Method for closed-loop control and/or monitoring of an air supply system (1) comprising a plurality of electrical consumers, such as compressors, air dryers, valves or the like, and comprising a converter (7) which is connected to a power supply of a rail vehicle and is used to adapt the voltage and/or frequency provided by the power supply to the operating voltage and/or operating frequency of at least one electrical consumer of the rail vehicle, with which the electrical consumer can be operated, in which method the electrical consumers are operated

-providing an electric current of the air supply device (1), and

-generating an operating voltage and/or an operating frequency of at least one electrical consumer by means of a converter (7) from a power supply device for operating the electrical consumer,

the method is characterized in that: the operation of at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical consumers is controlled, preferably closed-loop controlled and/or monitored by means of a converter (7).

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, which is designed such that the air supply device (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15 carries out the method.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an air supply device for a rail vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for controlling and/or monitoring an air supply system.

The field of application of the invention mainly relates to rail vehicles. However, it is also conceivable to use the air supply system in a commercial vehicle in order to maintain a pneumatic circuit there. In general, air supply devices are used in rail vehicles to provide a defined amount and quality of compressed air, for example for operating brakes, opening and closing vehicle doors, and for supplying air springs. The air supply device comprises a number of components, such as a compressor for compacting/compressing the air, an air treatment device for cleaning the air or for removing moisture, dirt and/or oil from the air, which may affect the operation of the pneumatic consumer, and a number of valves for controlling the air flow.

Background

It is known to supply components of an air supply system, which can be referred to as consumers, with power by means of an auxiliary converter. The auxiliary converter is responsible here for adapting the voltage of the rail vehicle supply to the required input voltage of the respective load. Various, in some cases opposing, requirements are placed on the air supply system in the rail vehicle, which requirements can vary depending on the operating state or the situation of the rail vehicle or the air supply system. Taking a compressor as an example, this means that at the same time high supply power, sufficient switch-on time, low noise emission, low energy consumption, small installation space and low costs are required. In the prior art, it is not known to control consumers of an air supply system as required, i.e. as a function of the respective operating state.

EP 2956341B 1 describes an electronic converter which is assigned to an electric motor of a compressor which generates compressed air, in order to control the compressor as required. For monitoring and controlling the compressor, sensors are used which generate electrical signals. The evaluation of the electrical signals generated by the sensors and the derivation of the control commands are carried out by means of a software stored in the central control unit. The system according to EP 2956341B 1 therefore requires an additional electronic interface and electronic components for processing electronic signals. Additionally, the system is limited to compressor control. No additional components/consumers can be controlled.

An apparatus and a method for monitoring the operation of an air supply system are described, for example, in EP 3093206B 1. The device comprises a sensor device for measuring operating data of the air supply system, an interface for receiving the measuring data, an evaluation device for evaluating the received measuring data, a communication interface, and a stationary evaluation unit for stably further processing the evaluated information. Via an additional data interface connected to the vehicle control system of the rail vehicle, vehicle-specific data can be read and provided via the communication interface. The supply of power to start or stop the air supply system components is effected via a separate electronic circuit with an additional central unit and an additional supply line. With the device according to EP 3093206B 1, the complexity of the electronic system and the number of necessary electronic components and interfaces are significantly increased, so that the device is prone to malfunction.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the known prior art and in particular to provide an efficient air supply system whose operation can be controlled (in particular closed-loop controlled) and/or monitored, preferably in dependence on the operating state.

This object is achieved by the content of claim 1 or 16.

An air supply device for a rail vehicle or for a commercial vehicle is provided. The air supply device of the invention is generally used for supplying a defined quantity and quality of compressed air, for example for operating brakes, opening and closing vehicle doors and for supplying air springs. The air supply system comprises a plurality of electrical consumers, each of which performs a different function of the air supply system, in particular along the compressed air flow. For example, the air supply apparatus includes: a compressor that preferably densifies/compresses air; an air treatment device for purifying air or for removing moisture, dirt and/or oil from the air which may affect the operation of the electric or pneumatic consumers; one or more valves for controlling the flow of gas; and/or an air dryer for drying and/or dehumidifying the air. The air supply system may be designed such that the group of a plurality of electrical consumers is connected in series along the air flow. It goes without saying that at least two of the plurality of electrical consumers may also be connected in parallel with one another locally along the gas flow.

The air supply system also comprises a converter which is connected to the power supply of the rail vehicle, in particular of an auxiliary converter of the rail vehicle or of a commercial vehicle. The converter can be designed, for example, as a frequency converter and/or as an ac converter and is provided for generating an ac voltage of different frequencies and/or amplitudes from an ac voltage. The converter may for example have a topology known from the prior art and/or be implemented in a well-known manner for converting the amplitude and/or frequency of an alternating voltage. The converter is provided for adapting a voltage and/or a frequency provided by the power supply device to an operating voltage and/or an operating frequency of at least one of the plurality of electrical consumers, with which the electrical consumer can be operated. According to an exemplary embodiment, the converter matches the voltage and/or frequency provided by the power supply to the operating voltage and/or operating frequency of at least (in particular only) the compressor. The converter can, for example, transmit the voltage and/or the frequency provided by the power supply device to further electrical loads of the group of a plurality of electrical loads for switching, for example, with the interposition of a current-operated, in particular electromagnetic switch (e.g., a relay) for activating and closing the respective electrical load or a solenoid valve for flexibly controlling the operation of the respective electrical load. For example, the converter can have at least one power output via which it is connected to the at least one electrical load in order to operate this electrical load with a corresponding operating voltage and/or operating frequency. Furthermore, the converter can have a plurality of control outputs, wherein the converter is connected via a respective control output to a respective one of the plurality of electrical consumers, in particular for operating the respective electrical consumer.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a converter is associated with at least two, preferably all, of the consumers of the group of a plurality of consumers, i.e. the converter is capable of controlling (in particular closed-loop controlling) and/or monitoring the operation of the at least two consumers of the group of a plurality of consumers. Since the converter is assigned to at least two, preferably all, of the group of electrical consumers in terms of control technology and/or in terms of monitoring technology, additional electronic control systems and the electronic interfaces required in the prior art for connecting the various electronic circuits can be reduced or eliminated. This is enhanced in that the converter forms a functional combination for control (preferably closed-loop control) and/or monitoring, so that the converter is also used as a central electronic system for monitoring, maintaining, diagnosing the operation of the converter or of the air supply system, in particular of the at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical consumers. The electrical load operation is a start and stop or start and stop state or an operating mode of the electrical load in which the electrical load can be operated and which can be varied, wherein the operating mode is, for example, emergency operation, full load operation, partial load operation and all intermediate operating phases, which can be set by means of a converter for controlling an optimum operation of the air supply system at an operating point, such as noise emission, compressor temperature, consumption of regeneration air in the air dryer, compressor wear or oil emulsification. The converter therefore forms a central intelligence (central intelligence) for the air supply system, which intelligence permits influencing the operation of at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of consumers in order to optimize the operation of the air supply system and/or to monitor, preferably diagnose, the operation or operating state of at least two, in particular all, of the plurality of electrical consumers in the group. In addition, the converter can be designed and/or assigned to the at least two electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers in such a way that it influences the operation of the at least two electrical consumers of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers in a targeted manner along a controlled system, in particular determined by the air flow, in order to set a desired, in particular predetermined, operation of the at least two electrical consumers and/or of the air supply system, and/or corresponding to a set value for the regulation from the upper electronic system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the converter has an electronic system which is provided to convert the voltage and/or the frequency provided by the power supply device into an operating voltage and/or an operating frequency of the at least one electrical consumer. The electronic system may be configured to generate electrical signals based on the information, manage electrical power, and/or may be formed on a circuit board, particularly for electronic applications. Alternatively or additionally, the converter can be connected to the at least two of the plurality of electrical consumers in a signal-transmitting manner in such a way that the electronic system can control their operation. It can be provided that: the electronic system controls the operation of the at least two electrical consumers of the group of multiple electrical consumers according to a control algorithm stored in the electronic system. Alternatively or additionally, the converter electronic system may receive a control signal from a higher-level electronic system, such as a vehicle control system or a brake control system, on the basis of which the at least two electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers can be controlled. The converter may have, for example, a plurality of operating modes, according to which at least two electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers can be controlled. For example, the converter can receive a preferably digital 3-bit control signal from the upper electronic system, which determines the respective operating mode of the converter. The converter can be provided for controlling the at least two electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers as a function of the operating mode determined by the superordinate electronic system. For example, the standard operating mode is distinguished from the auxiliary operating mode, which differ by different input voltages and/or input frequencies. According to one development, the converter operates the compressor of the electric motor of the air supply system according to an operating mode (for example, in full-load operation, partial-load operation or auxiliary operation). Furthermore, the converter can be provided for controlling the operation of at least one further, preferably all, electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers of the air supply system as a function of the respective rotational speed of the compressor. According to one exemplary development, the converter can be connected to the at least two consumers of the group of a plurality of consumers in a signal-transmitting manner in such a way that the electronic system can control the operation of the at least two consumers of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers in a closed-loop manner according to a closed-loop control algorithm stored in the electronic system and/or according to a closed-loop control signal received from a higher-level electronic system, for example a vehicle control system or a brake control system. In contrast to open-loop control, in closed-loop control, a variable to be influenced (manipulated variable) is detected in the controlled system (in particular determined by the gas flow) and is preferably continuously compared and/or adapted to a desired value, preferably a target value. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic system is connected in signal-transmitting manner to the at least two consumers of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers in such a way that it can monitor the operation of the at least two electrical consumers of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers in accordance with an evaluation algorithm stored in the electronic system, preferably in order to be able to draw conclusions about their operation, if necessary to be able to take maintenance measures and/or to adjust the operation of the respective electrical consumers of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the air supply system according to the invention, at least one sensor for detecting air-specific and/or consumer-specific measured values and/or operating parameters of the converter is connected to the converter in the form of a transmission signal. The air-specific measured values may be, for example, temperature, pressure, air moisture, etc. The consumer-specific measured value may be, for example, an operating hour number, a temperature value, a wear value, an input power or an output power. It is clear that the sensors do not have to measure the listed measured values directly, but that, for example, the converter, in particular the converter electronics, indirectly determines, in particular calculates, the respective measured value, preferably on the basis of a further measured value. For example, a converter, in particular a converter electronics system, can be provided for detecting and/or monitoring a pressure gradient at a compressor of the air supply system. The converter is also provided for determining the degree of wear of the compressor as a function of the pressure gradient. For example, as the pressure gradient becomes flatter and flatter, the degree of wear of the compressor increases. Further, a sensor may be provided for detecting the oil temperature of the compressor lubrication. For example, the converter voltage or temperature can be used as an operating parameter. According to one development, the at least one sensor is arranged and/or assigned to at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers in such a way that it can detect air-specific and/or consumer-specific measured values. As exemplary sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, differential pressure sensors and/or differential temperature sensors may be used. The converter, preferably its electronic system, can be provided for controlling (in particular closed-loop control) and/or monitoring the operation of the at least two electrical consumers of the group of electrical consumers as a function of the measured value/values.

According to an exemplary development of the air supply device according to the invention, the at least one sensor is configured for measuring a pressure value of the compressor, a pressure value of an input-side filter upstream of the compressor, a pressure value of the air dryer, a temperature of the air dryer or the compressor and/or a degree of soiling of the air. As pressure values, for example, the upstream input pressure and/or the downstream output pressure and the differential pressure value of the respective electric or pneumatic consumer can be measured. In an air dryer, a sensor may be provided for measuring the container pressure. For example, the air dryer is configured as an absorption-regeneration-dryer with two dryer vessels. These dryer vessels are arranged: one air container performs a drying process of the air contained therein, and the other air container performs a regeneration cycle before it can be used again for air drying. Once the regeneration cycle is complete, the switching between the two reservoirs, for example by means of a valve, allows the reservoir that was previously in the process of being dried to be regenerated, while the previously regenerated reservoir is used to perform air drying. Furthermore, provision can be made for: the cooling air temperature or the ambient temperature is determined at the air supply system in order to detect undesired, harmful heat emissions. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to monitor, in particular measure, the generated and supplied compressed air in order to detect, in particular measure, the presence of constituents of the compressed air, in particular foreign particles such as oil particles.

The following example is intended to illustrate the operating principle of an air supply system controlled and/or monitored by means of a converter, in particular closed-loop controlled. For example, the compressor may be equipped with a pressure sensor. The converter can detect a faulty operation of the compressor if the compressor receives a start control signal from the converter, but the pressure sensor does not detect a pressure change, in particular compared to the initial position or compared to the non-operating state, preferably no significant pressure change. Furthermore, the at least one sensor can be assigned to the air dryer and in particular to its air reservoir in order to detect its pressure value. The converter is provided for comparing a measured pressure value/measured pressure values with one another and/or with previously specified, expected pressure values for the respective operating state and, if there is a deviation, in particular a deviation exceeding a tolerance value, for detecting a faulty operating state of the air dryer. The converter may be provided for monitoring the cooling state of the air supply device by monitoring the cooling air temperature and/or the ambient temperature. At the same time, the sensor can determine the temperature difference between the compressor input or the ambient air and the compressor output, as a result of which the converter can monitor the cooling state of the compressor, in particular of the air supply system. For example, a converter is provided for determining the presence of a faulty operating state of the compressor in the event of an excessive measured temperature difference. The at least one sensor can furthermore determine a pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the input-side filter of the compressor. For example, a current transformer is provided for comparing the measured differential pressure with a limit value, by means of which it can be determined whether the input-side filter has been damaged, in particular clogged. Furthermore, a converter can be provided for detecting the presence of saturation/wear of the input-side filter as a function of the pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the input-side filter and for initiating maintenance measures if necessary. In another example of the invention, the at least one sensor may detect the compressed air temperature and the at least one converter may control, in particular close-loop control, and/or optimize the working cycle of the air dryer. For example, a converter can be provided for analyzing the air output of the compressor on the basis of the pressure gradient of the compressor and/or of the air dryer, for example in order to determine the wear and/or efficiency of the compressor, among other things.

In an exemplary embodiment of the air supply system according to the invention, the current transformer, preferably its electronic system, is designed to control, preferably in a closed-loop manner, the operation of the heater, in particular of its subassemblies, as a function of the temperature value measured by the at least one sensor and/or the time specification and/or heating time of the at least one heater of the air dryer. For example, the current transformer can control the heater of the air dryer as a function of a time specification, wherein the time specification can be, for example, a defined clock time and/or can be realized by a certain cycle. The converter, preferably its electronic system, can furthermore be designed for controlling, preferably closed-loop controlling, the ventilation device for ventilating the compressor as a function of a pressure value of the compressor, preferably the pressure difference value upstream and downstream, and/or for operating the compressor in idle operation. For example, it can be advantageous to monitor and/or control the operation of the heater in order to avoid freezing of the preferably delicate components/electrical consumers, in particular the air dryer, especially if the external temperature is below 0 ℃. For example, the at least one sensor can be designed as a thermistor, such as an NTC resistor or NTC thermistor, which is generally a temperature-dependent resistor that is switched on at a certain resistance value, preferably by a current transformer that is actuated in such a way that the heater is switched on. The heater is similarly switched off at another determined resistance value. For example, a temperature hysteresis may be provided between the on and off values of the heater, particularly to avoid continuous on and off. The idling device can be assigned to the compressor in such a way that, in the event of a malfunction and/or a too short operation, the compressor is switched to idling operation or compressed air is discharged into the atmosphere, so that the operating time of the compressor is artificially extended to prevent unfavorable operating states, for example, supercooling operation due to a short operating time.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the converter, preferably its electronic system, has an input interface for receiving the measured values of the at least one sensor. For example, the interface and the at least one sensor can be designed for wireless transmission of signals. In addition, the current transformer can have a memory unit for storing the received measured values. Consider for example: the converter evaluates the sensor data and stores predetermined characteristic values, such as the number of starts, the average operating time, the operating time at a predetermined temperature, etc. In addition, relevant process data such as one or more operating modes, operating times, sensor data and converter operating data can also be stored on the memory unit. For example, the above data on the storage unit can be read in the event of, for example, a compressor shutdown or failure and used to analyze the source of the shutdown or failure.

According to one exemplary development of the air supply unit according to the invention, the converter, preferably its electronic system, is designed to monitor the operating state of the air supply system, in particular of at least one consumer of the group of a plurality of consumers, as a function of the received measured values. In particular, the converter is designed for controlling, in particular for closed-loop controlling, the operation of at least one consumer of the air supply system, in particular of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers, as a function of the received measured values. The operation of the air supply system or of the at least one, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical consumers can preferably be regulated on the basis of the received measured values. By means of the converter electronics system as a central intelligent electronics system which is assigned to the entire air supply system, in particular to all of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers, and which assumes the control function, the closed-loop control function and the monitoring function, additional electronic components, such as control systems and/or interfaces, can be omitted in part or completely. In contrast to known air supply systems, the converter according to the invention is no longer solely responsible for generating/converting the operating voltage and/or operating frequency for at least one electrical consumer of the group of electrical consumers of the air supply system, but also assumes a control function, a closed-loop control function and/or a monitoring function during operation of the air supply system. Preferably, the current transformer receives information about the operation of the air supply system required for closed-loop control and/or monitoring via the at least one integrated sensor. Based on these data, the converter can be used as a central intelligence for the air supply system to control the operation of the air supply system as required and/or as a function of operating points, in particular to control the operation of the air supply system in a closed loop, and to take maintenance measures and to carry out diagnostic measures, i.e. monitoring.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the air supply system according to the present invention, the current transformer has a diagnostic device for monitoring the at least one operating parameter of the current transformer. The diagnostic device may be provided with a suitable software. The converter can monitor the operating state of the air supply system, in particular of at least one consumer, as a function of the at least one converter operating parameter and/or can change the operation of the converter, in particular in order to set the at least one operating parameter. The inventors of the present invention have found, for example, that the operating state of the air supply system can be inferred via operating parameters of the converter. If the converter now detects a faulty operation of the air supply system on the basis of the at least one operating parameter, the converter can influence the operation of the air supply system by changing its control output value such that the operating parameter preferably matches a nominal operating parameter stored in the memory unit.

According to an exemplary development of the invention, the converter is provided for controlling, in particular for closed-loop controlling, the operation of the air dryer of the air supply device as a function of the compressor rotational speed and/or the ambient temperature and/or the residual moisture of the air after the air dryer. Preferably, the converter is provided for controlling, preferably in a closed-loop manner, the operation of the air dryer as a function of the rotational speed of the compressor in such a way that the regeneration air loss of the air dryer is minimized and/or optimized. The inventors of the present invention have found that the operating mode and/or the operation of the compressor can be monitored via the compressor rotational speed (which should in particular reach a preferably predefined setpoint value depending on the respective operating mode). This can be achieved, for example, without a sensor. Furthermore, the at least one sensor can be designed for detecting a rotational speed of a compressor of the air supply system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a setpoint value for a setpoint operating state of the air supply system, in particular for a setpoint operating state of at least one consumer, is stored in the memory unit. For example, a setpoint value for each of the electrical consumers in the group of a plurality of electrical consumers can be stored in the storage unit for each of the specified operating modes of the air supply system or of the converter. For example, it can be provided that: for each measured value, a setpoint value of preferably the at least one of the plurality of electrical consumers is assigned. The converter is thus capable of extensive and/or consumer-specific diagnosis of the operation of the respective electrical consumer. According to one development, the evaluation unit is provided for comparing the received measured value with a setpoint value assigned to the measured value for a setpoint operating state of the air supply system, in particular for a setpoint operating state of at least one of the plurality of electrical consumers. Based on this comparison, the converter can carry out a sensible and/or consumer-specific monitoring/diagnosis of the respective operating state. Furthermore, the converter can adjust the operation of the air supply system, in particular of the at least one electrical consumer, based on the comparison/diagnosis, for example by means of a suitable control intervention/closed-loop control intervention.

According to an exemplary development of the invention, the current transformer, in particular the evaluation unit, is designed to: based on a comparison of the received measured values with the setpoint values assigned to the measured values, a faulty operating state of the air supply system, in particular of at least one of the plurality of electrical consumers of the air supply system, is detected if the received measured values deviate from the setpoint values assigned to the measured values. In particular, a preferably predefined tolerance can be defined, so that a faulty operating state is only detected if the deviation exceeds the tolerance. For example, all comparison data can be stored in a memory unit and/or used by a superior electronic system. Preferably, the converter compares the setpoint value with the actual value continuously, according to a certain predetermined cycle and/or according to a time specification. Furthermore, it can be provided that: the at least one sensor, when detecting a specific measured value, causes, i.e., triggers, the converter to compare the setpoint value with the actual value.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the converter is designed to adjust the operation of the air supply system, in particular of at least one of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers, as a function of the received measured values, in particular as a function of a comparison of the received measured values with nominal values assigned to the measured values, preferably in the event of a faulty operating state of the air supply system, in particular of the at least one of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers. The current transformer obtains process-related measurement data as a result of the monitoring of the operation of the air supply system. On the basis of this, the converter can be provided, for example, to influence the operation of the air supply system, to avoid damage to the electrical consumers and their components, and, if necessary, to reestablish the nominal operating state of the air supply system, in particular of the at least one electrical consumer of the group of electrical consumers. For example, the converter can be switched to emergency operation, switched off or can provide an alarm signal to the upper electronic system and can take maintenance measures. In an exemplary development of the air supply system according to the invention, the converter has a communication interface which is designed to be read by a separate reading device and/or to communicate, preferably wirelessly, with a superordinate electronic system, such as a vehicle control system, a brake control system and/or a stationary data processing device. For example, the communication interface can also be designed as a diagnostic interface, wherein the diagnostic interface provides data in a single line, i.e. in one direction, in contrast to a communication interface which, for example, can transmit data continuously by means of a data transmission system, such as a bus. The transmission can be based, for example, on mobile radio technology and/or wireless internet protocol, wherein the communication takes place, for example, by means of a mobile telephone pole around the rail vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the communication/data transmission can also take place via a data line.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the converter is designed to generate an analog control signal for controlling, in particular closed-loop controlling, at least one electrical consumer of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers. For example, the analog control signal may be in the range of 4 to 20 mA. According to one development, a fan or a fan of the air supply device for generating cooling air is controlled, in particular closed-loop controlled, via an analog control signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the converter is directly connected for its supply to a power supply device via a power supply line, such as a third rail or an overhead line. However, it is also conceivable to connect an auxiliary converter between the trolley line and the converter, which auxiliary converter is usually used to supply auxiliary devices such as pneumatic presses, ventilators, and oil and water coolers. In the case of having an auxiliary converter, the converter receives a smooth, clean voltage and/or frequency from the auxiliary converter.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the air supply system according to the invention, the converter is connected to an additional power source (for example a battery or an accumulator) with which the air supply system can be operated, in particular in the event of a power interruption, in particular a main power interruption (the power supply being effected via the trolley line or via the auxiliary converter as described above). For example, the operation by means of the power supply can be provided for operating the compressor solely via energy power for filling the pneumatic circuit of the pantograph. The circuit of the pantograph is usually pneumatically separated from the rest of the pneumatic system of the rail vehicle, in particular by means of a check valve. For example, the maximum operating pressure may be 8bar, in particular to avoid overheating of the compressor, overheating of the inverter, exhaustion of the power supply or overloading of the air dryer.

According to a further aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the above aspects and exemplary embodiments, a method is provided for closed-loop control and/or monitoring of an air supply system comprising a plurality of electrical consumers, such as compressors, air dryers, valves or the like, and a converter coupled to a power supply of a rail vehicle for adapting a voltage and/or a frequency provided by the power supply to an operating voltage and/or an operating frequency of at least one electrical consumer of the plurality of electrical consumers of the rail vehicle, with which the electrical consumer can be operated. In the method, an electric current is supplied to the air supply device. Furthermore, an operating voltage and/or an operating frequency of at least one of the plurality of electrical consumers is generated by the power supply device by means of the converter. According to this aspect of the invention, the operation of at least two, preferably all, of the plurality of electrical consumers is controlled (preferably closed-loop controlled) and/or monitored by means of a converter.

According to a development of the method according to the invention, the method is designed such that the air supply device as described in any of the above aspects or exemplary embodiments carries out the method.

Preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

Drawings

Further characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent hereinafter from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a part of a schematic block diagram of an air supply device for a rail vehicle; and

fig. 2 shows a detailed partial view of the block diagram shown in fig. 1.

In the following description of the exemplary embodiment, the air supply device of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 1. It is clear that fig. 1 and 2 show only a part of one air supply device 1, i.e. only a part of a group of electrical consumers assigned to the air supply device.

Detailed Description

In the exemplary block diagram of fig. 1, a plurality of electrical consumers are connected in series side by side, wherein, viewed from left to right in fig. 1 (this corresponds to the direction of flow of the air, in particular of the compressed air, and/or to the direction of air circulation), a compressed air generator 3 is shown from the beginning up to a compressed air discharge 5. A converter 7, which is connected to a power supply device (not shown in detail) of the rail vehicle, is connected to a power supply line 9, in particular a main power supply device having approximately 400VAC or 680VDC, and serves to adapt the voltage and/or frequency provided by the power supply device to the operating voltage and/or operating frequency of at least one electrical consumer of the group of a plurality of electrical consumers, in particular in series, with which the respective electrical consumer can be operated. The converter 7 is connected to a power source, such as a battery or an accumulator (not shown in detail), via battery supply lines 11(24V to 110V) which supply the converter electronics and their subassemblies. The converter 7 converts the voltage and/or the frequency of the main supply line 9 as a function of a desired and/or predetermined operating mode and/or rotational speed of the compressor, wherein the converted voltage and/or frequency is supplied to the compressor motor 15 via a supply line 17, which is schematically illustrated in fig. 1. The converter 7 is further connected via a supply line 13 to a power source (not shown), such as a battery or an accumulator, in particular for the purpose of temporarily supplying air (96 to 110V) to a pantograph (not shown in detail) in an auxiliary operating mode.

Viewed from the left to the right in fig. 1, i.e. in the direction of the air flow, a fan 19, a low-pressure section 18, a high-pressure section 21 and an air dryer 23 are connected in series as further electrical consumers, from which the compressed air outlet line 5 is provided. Between the low-voltage section 18 and the high-voltage section 21, a ventilation valve 25 is optionally provided, which is supplied with power by the power supply line 17 via the power supply of the power supply. The air dryer 23 is designed, for example, as an absorption-regeneration-dryer and has two compressed air containers 27, 29 connected in parallel. The two compressed air containers 27, 29 are added to the compressed air generation process and the purification process in such a way that one compressed air container 27, 29 carries out the air drying process and the other compressed air container 29, 29 carries out the regeneration process. The switching of the compressed air containers 27, 29 or the switching back and forth between the two compressed air containers 27, 29 takes place via a switching valve 33 assigned to the two compressed air containers 27, 29. The regeneration control valve 31 may cooperate with the changeover valve 33 to effect control of the operation of the air dryer.

The converter 7 has an electronic system, which is schematically represented in fig. 1 by a block diagram with the reference number 35 and which can have a memory cell for storing data. As can be seen from fig. 1, the converter is assigned to all of the electrical consumers shown in fig. 1, namely the compressor motor 15, the fan 19, the valves 25, 31 and 33 and the air dryer 23, so that it can control, control in a closed loop and/or monitor their operation. For this purpose, schematically illustrated control and/or sensor lines 37 are provided, via which the converter 7 is connected to the electrical consumers 15, 19, 25, 31, 33, 23, wherein it is clear that the converter 7 has corresponding signal outputs and the electrical consumers 15, 19, 25, 31, 33, 23 have corresponding signal inputs. The converter 7 is connected via sensors and/or control lines 37 to the electrical consumers in a signal-transmitting manner in order to control, close-loop control and/or monitor the operation of the consumers, for example as a function of the rotational speed of the compressor and/or as a function of an operating mode which is predetermined and/or defined by a superordinate electronic system (not shown). For this purpose, the converter 7 switches the current drawn from the power supply via the supply lines 9, 11, 13 in order to activate or deactivate the respective electronic load. The sensor and/or the control circuit 37 can be designed as an NTC resistor or have an NTC resistor (not shown), the converter 7 monitoring the measured value of which, in particular for controlling, closed-loop controlling and/or monitoring the operation of the respective electronic consumer or air supply system 1. For example, the current transformer monitors the NTC resistance of an electric heater associated with the air dryer 23 and activates/deactivates the electric heater as a function of the measured temperature values (for example of the dryer housing, the surroundings, the cooling air and/or the delivered compressed air). This is again achieved by switching the current drawn from the power supply via the supply conductor 11.

The converter 7 is additionally connected to a control input line 39, via which the converter 7 can receive control commands from a higher-level electronic system (not shown), such as a vehicle control system or a brake control system, which control commands contain information about the operating state and/or the compressor speed to which the converter 7 must be adjusted in the air supply system 1.

Furthermore, one or more sensors (not shown) can be provided for detecting air-specific measured values (e.g. temperature, pressure, air moisture, etc.), consumer-specific measured values (e.g. operating pressure, temperature, wear, input power or output power) or operating parameters of the converter 7 (e.g. voltage or temperature) and can be connected to the converter 7 by means of the sensor line 41 by means of transmission signals. The converter 7 has a correspondingly designed and arranged signal input. The converter 7 can therefore also be designed to control, control and/or monitor the operation of the air supply system in a closed-loop manner using the measured sensor measurement data. The converter 7 additionally has an ethernet or CAN interface 43, which CAN be designed, for example, as a diagnostic interface for transmitting measurement data, in particular diagnostic data, of the air supply system 1 to a higher-level electronic system or as a communication interface for transmitting measurement data or diagnostic data and for receiving control signals. In addition, the converter electronics CAN have a prepared interface for an adapter card, by means of which further communication protocols (for example MVB (multifunction vehicle bus), dual CAN, ethernet TRDP, industrial ethernet, etc.) CAN be implemented. The converter can now be provided for controlling the operation of the air dryer 23 as a function of the compressor rotational speed, in particular in a closed-loop manner. For example, the converter 7 can control, in particular close-loop control, the operation of the air dryer 23 in such a way that the regeneration air loss is minimized and/or optimized when switching between the two compressed air containers 27, 29.

Fig. 2 shows a partial detailed view of a block diagram of the air supply unit 1 according to the invention, in which only the compressor 3 and the air dryer 23 are shown according to a block diagram, by means of which the operating principle of the air supply device 1 according to the invention is illustrated. The compressor 3 comprises an electric motor 15 and a low-pressure section 18 and a high-pressure section 21, which have been shown in fig. 1. Fig. 2 also shows an air inlet or intake filter 45, from which air enters the low-pressure or high-pressure sections 18, 21. After the high-pressure or low-pressure sections 18, 21, an aftercooler 47 is provided for cooling the compressed air. A temperature sensor T is provided in the air inlet region 45₁For measuring the air inlet temperature or the ambient temperature corresponding to the cooling air temperature, and a second temperature sensor T is arranged after the aftercooler 47₂For measuring the temperature of the cooled compressed gas. As already explained, the air dryer 23 comprises a switching valve 33, two parallel air pressure containers 27, 29 and two pressure sensors p, each of which is associated with one of the compressed air containers 27, 29₁、p₂For measuring the respective pressures prevailing in the containers 27, 29 (in this variant the regeneration air control valve is not shown). Temperature sensor T ₁For example, may be configured to measure, for example, the ambient temperature at the intake area 45. It can be provided that: measured temperature value T₁Rated operation is considered to be less than 50 ℃ and when the temperature value T is₁Above 50 ℃ for about 10 minutes, there is faulty operation. The current transformer 7 is designed to detect the temperature sensor T₁The measured temperature value and the control, in particular the closed-loop control, and/or the monitoring of the operation of the air supply system 1, in particular of the compressor 3, are carried out using the measured temperature value. For example, the converter 7 can issue an alarm which indicates a malfunction and/or triggers a maintenance measure. Furthermore, a current transformer 7 can be provided for monitoring the pressure sensor p₁、p₂Measured pressure value, wherein the current transformer 7 can be set such that the pressure value p is 10 seconds after the compressor 3 has been activated₁Or p₂Should be greater, so that at the pressure value p₁、p₂Below 5bar, an inference can be made of faulty operation. In addition, a current transformer 7 is provided for setting the pressure value p₁(T) or p₂And (T) when one of the values is greater than 11bar, a faulty operation is detected. According to a further exemplary embodiment, a current transformer 7 can be provided for monitoring two temperature sensors T₁、T₂A temperature difference of less than 20 deg. indicates nominal operation, and a temperature difference of more than 20 deg. indicates faulty operation. Furthermore, a current transformer 7 may be provided for monitoring the production and delivery of compressed air. In this case, when the pressure gradient p ₁(T) or p₂(T) is greater than or equal to 0.8 times a predetermined reference value, preferably sent by the superordinate electronic system, and can be rated for operation. Furthermore, when p is₁(T) or p₂When (T) is less than 0.8 times the reference value, faulty operation is likely.

According to another embodiment, not shown, the compressor 15 can be equipped with a pressure sensor. The converter 7 can detect a faulty operation of the compressor 3 when the compressor 3 receives a start control signal from the converter 7, but the pressure sensor does not detect a pressure change, preferably a significant pressure change, in particular compared to the initial position or to the non-operating state. Furthermore, the at least one sensor T₂Or p₂The air dryer 23 and in particular its air containers 27, 29 can be assigned to detect its pressure value. The converter 7 is provided for comparing a measured pressure value/measured pressure values with each other and/or with previously specified, expected pressure values for the respective operating state and, in the event of a deviation, in particular a deviation exceeding a tolerance value, for detecting a faulty operating state of the air dryer 23. The converter 7 can be provided for monitoring the cooling state of the air supply device 1 by monitoring the cooling air temperature and/or the ambient temperature. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor, e.g., T ₁The temperature difference between a compressor input or ambient air and a compressor output is determined, whereby the converter 7 can monitor the cooling state of the compressor 3, in particular of the air supply system 1. For example, the converter 7 is provided for ascertaining a faulty operating state of the compressor 3 in the event of a measured temperature difference being too high. The at least one sensor can furthermore determine a pressure difference between the input side and the output side of an input-side filter (not shown in detail) of the compressor 3. For example, the converter 7 is provided for comparing the measured differential pressure with a limit value, by means of which the converter 7 can determine whether the input-side filter has been damaged, in particular clogged. Furthermore, a converter 7 can be provided for detecting the presence of saturation/wear of the input-side filter and the compressor 3 on the basis of the pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the input-side filter and for initiating maintenance measures if necessary. In another example of the present invention, the at least one sensor (e.g., T)₂) The compressed air temperature can be detected and the converter 7 can control, in particular close-loop control, and/or optimize the working cycle of the air dryer 23. For example, the converter 7 can be provided for analyzing the air throughput of the compressor 3 as a function of the pressure gradient of the compressor 3 and/or of the air dryer 23, in order, for example, also to determine the wear and/or efficiency of the compressor 3.

The features disclosed in the above description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for realizing the invention in different constructional designs, both individually and in any combination.

List of reference numerals

1 air supply device

3 compressed air generator

5 compressed air output device

7 current transformer

9 Main supply line

11. 13 power supply lead

15 electric machine

17 supply line

18 low pressure section

19 Fan

21 high pressure section

23 air dryer

25 vent valve

27. 29 gas storage container

31 regenerative control valve

33 switching valve

35 electronic system

37 sensor lead

39 control input line

41 sensor lead

43 interface

45 air inlet area

47 secondary cooler

p₁、p₂Pressure sensor

T₁、T₂Temperature sensor