RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS:

This International Application claims priority from a Provisional Patent Application filed in India having Patent Application No 201741026905 filed on July 28, 2017 and titled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD TO GENERATE AND STORE ELECTRIC POWER IN A TRAIN", and Provisional Patent Application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201741026904 filed on July 28, 2017 and titled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD TO PRODUCE AND STORE ELECTRICITY IN A TRAIN".

BACKGROUND Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electric power generation, storage and supply, and more particularly to a system and method to supply and distribute electric power.

Electric power is a form of energy generated to power a plurality of machines, a plurality of devices, a plurality of buildings, a plurality of institutions or a plurality of establishments. Electric power is generated in power plants using different sources of energy such as wind, solar, thermal, nuclear or the like. Further generated electric power is transmitted to different places for consumption of electric power.

In one approach, the generated electric power from a central power station is supplied to a plurality of power substation. Further, the electric power from the power substations is supplied to consumers such as industries, residents, schools, institutes or the like through one or more transformer poles operatively coupled to the power substation through a plurality of distribution lines. Moreover, supply of electric power from the power station to the consumers is a long channel transmission. Due to the long channel between generation and supply of electric power, there exists huge power loss. Such loss of power leads to extra expense to government and other power generation companies or power generation bodies. Also, due to such losses, generation rate of electric power becomes more than the consumption rate. Furthermore, constructing power substations to supply of sufficient electricity to the consumers is a major issue when the generation of electric power becomes less when the electric power generation is dependent on non-renewable sources of energy.

Hence, there is a need for an improved a system and method to supply and distribute electric power to address the aforementioned issues. BREIF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system to supply and distribute electric power is provided. The system includes one or more wind turbines operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches of a train. The one or more wind turbines is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more wind turbines. The system also includes at least one generator operatively coupled to the one or more wind turbines located in the train. The at least one generator is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electric power. The system also includes one or more storage devices operatively coupled to the at least one generator located in the train. The one or more power storage devices is configured to store the electric power generated by the at least one generator. The system also includes one or more supply systems operatively coupled to the one or more storage devices. The one or more supply systems is configured to supply and distribute the electric power stored in the one or more storage devices to one or more railway stations.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a method for supplying and distributing electric power is provided. The method includes generating mechanical energy upon rotating a plurality of blades of corresponding one or more wind turbines when the train is in motion. The method also includes converting the mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electric power. The method also includes storing generated electric power in one or more storage devices. The method also includes supplying and distributing stored electric power stored in the one or more storage devices to one or more railway stations.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system to supply and distribute electric power in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system of an integrated network of hybrid railway power grid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for supplying and distributing electric current in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method to supply and distribute electric power. The system includes one or more wind turbines operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches of a train. The one or more wind turbines is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more wind turbines. The system also includes at least one generator operatively coupled to the one or more wind turbines located in the train. The at least one generator is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electric power. The system also includes one or more storage devices operatively coupled to the at least one generator located in the train. The one or more power storage devices is configured to store the electric power generated by the at least one generator. The system also includes one or more supply systems operatively coupled to the one or more storage devices. The one or more supply systems is configured to supply and distribute the electric power stored in the one or more storage devices to one or more railway stations.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system (10) to supply and distribute electric power in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes one or more wind turbines (20) operatively coupled to corresponding one or more coaches (30) of a train (40). As used herein, the term 'wind turbine' is defined as a device for generating power which is driven by kinetic energy of wind. In one embodiment, the one or more wind turbines (20) may include at least one of an open source wind turbine and an enclosed type wind turbine. As used herein, the term Open source wind turbine' is defined as a type of wind turbine whose plurality of blades are exposed to atmospheric air in all directions. Also, the term 'enclosed wind turbine' is defined as a type of wind turbine whose plurality of blades are enclosed within a casing and a specific area of the casing is made open for the enclosed wind turbine to be exposed to atmospheric air in specific direction. In one specific embodiment, the one or more enclosed wind turbines may be operatively coupled with an air funnel. The air funnel may be configured to control flow of wind into the funnel to operate the plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more enclosed wind turbines to generate the mechanical energy when the train is in motion. The one or more wind turbines (20) is configured to generate mechanical energy when the train (40) is in motion, upon rotating a plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more wind turbines (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more wind turbines (20) may be operatively coupled to at least one side of the one or more coaches (30), one or more wagons or one or more locomotives of the train (40). As used herein, the term 'coaches' is defined as a type of carriage which is used to carry passengers or goods. In such embodiment, the train may correspond to at least one of a passenger train or a goods train.

In one specific embodiment, the one or more wind turbines (20) may be operatively coupled to the one or more coaches (30) of the train (40) in a way where the plurality of blades (50) of the one or more wind turbines (20) may be kept parallel to a direction of flow of wind or the one or more wind turbines may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more coaches (30) of the train (40) perpendicular to a direction of motion of the train (40).

Furthermore, the system (10) includes at least one generator (60) operatively coupled to the one or more wind turbines (20) located in the train (40). As used herein, the term 'generator' is defined as a device which is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The at least one generator (60) is configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines (20) into electric power. More specifically, the mechanical energy which may be generated by the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more wind turbines (20) may be converted into electrical energy by the at least one generator (60). In one specific embodiment, the at least one generator (60) may correspond to at least one of a synchronous generator and an asynchronous generator. In such embodiment, the at least one generator (60) may use an induction and permanent magnet design in which high field strength may be generated by the magnets for production of electrical energy. The system (10) also includes one or more power storage devices (70) operatively coupled to the at least one generator (60) located in the train (40). The one or more power storage devices (70) is configured to store the electric power generated by the at least one generator (60). In one embodiment, the one or more power storage devices (70) may correspond to one or more batteries. In such embodiment, the one or more batteries may be composed of lithium ions. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more batteries may be replicable batteries. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more batteries may be rechargeable batteries.

In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more power storage devices (70) may be located in each of the corresponding one or more coaches (30) of the train (40). In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more power storage devices (70) may be stored in a central location which may be a part of the at least one of the one or more coaches (30) or an engine from where the electrical energy may be drawn for one or more purposes.

Furthermore, the system (10) includes one or more supply subsystems (80) operatively coupled to the one or more power storage devices (70). The one or more supply systems (80) is configured to supply the electric power stored in the one or more storage devices (70) to one or more railway stations (90). In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more supply subsystems (80) may correspond to one or more connecting cables which may be configured to connect the one or more power storage devices (70) to the corresponding one or more railway stations (90) to transfer the stored electric power from the one or more power storage devices (70) to the one or more railway stations (90). In such embodiment, the one or more railway stations (90) may further supply the electrical energy received from the one or more power storage devices (70) to at least one of one or more villages or one or more localities. In such another embodiment, a plurality of consumers may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more power station in order to utilise the electrical energy.

In one specific embodiment, the electrical energy from the one or more power storage devices (70) may be supplied to the one or more railway stations (90) through at least one step-up transformer. In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical energy from the one or more power storage devices (70) may be transferred to a railway hybrid grid as the train stops in at least one railway station of the one or more railway stations (90). In yet another embodiment, the electrical energy from the one or more power storage devices (70) may be transferred to the railway hybrid grid as the train (40) passes the corresponding one or more railway stations (90). In such embodiment, the electrical energy from the one or more railway stations (90) may be transferred to a plurality of transmission substation and further to the plurality of consumers through a plurality of transmission grid or one or more transmission poles. In yet another embodiment, the one or more railway stations (90) may use the plurality of transformers to step-up voltage of the electrical energy. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more supply subsystem (80) operatively coupled with the train (40) may supply the generated and stored electric power to every railway station of the one or more railway stations (90) where the train (40) stops.

In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical energy stored in one or more power storage devices may be supplied and may be consumed for supply of the plurality of electrical components within the one or more coaches. Also, as the electrical power may be generated on a continuous basis, the one or more power storage devices may always be charged and topped to a full capacity. Further, the electrical power stored and which may not be consumed when the train reaches one or more railway stations, the stored electrical power may be transferred through a system of devices to the corresponding one or more railway stations, which in turn may store all the excess electric power supplied through the plurality of trains which may be passing or stopping at the corresponding one or more railway stations and in turn store, distribute the electrical power to a main power grid and/or directly to one or more consumers such as institution, building, Industrie and the like.

In one specific embodiment, the one or more supply subsystems (80) may be configured to supply the electric power stored in the one or more power storage devices (70) to a plurality of electrical components within the one or more of coaches (30) of the train (40). In such embodiment, the one or more electrical components may include at least one of a fan a light, an air conditioning subsystem, a refrigeration subsystem and the like.

In operation, upon enabling the train (40) to generate motion, the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more wind turbines (20) is subjected to motion by the force generated by the air upon the motion of the train (40). Upon motion of the plurality of blades (50) of the corresponding one or more wind turbines (20), the mechanical energy is generated by the corresponding one or more wind turbines (20). Furthermore, the mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines (20) is converted into electric power by the at least one generator (60). Furthermore, the electric power is stored within the one or more power storage devices (70). Consequently, the stored electric power is transmitted to the one or more electrical components of the one or more coaches (30) within the train (40). Also, the remaining energy stored in the one or more power storage devices (70) is supplied to the one or more railway stations (90) by the one or more supply subsystem (80) through the transmitting medium. Further, the one or more railway stations (90) includes power storage medium or the one or more transmission poles through which the electrical power from the one or more railway stations (90) is transmitted to the one or more villages or one or more localities. In addition, the one or more supply subsystem (80) operatively coupled with the train supplies the generated and stored electric power to every railway station of the one or more railway stations (90) where the train (40) stops. In such a way, the electrical energy generated by the train (40) is supplied to various places across the pre-defined area. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system of an integrated network of hybrid railway power grid (100) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The integrated network of the hybrid railway power grid (100) includes a plurality of trains (110) which are operatively coupled with one or more wind turbines (not shown in FIG. 2). Further, as the plurality of trains (110) is in motion, the plurality of blades (not shown in FIG. 2) associated with the one or more wind turbines rotates producing the mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is further converted into electric power by the at least one generator (not shown in FIG. 2) and further the electric power is stored in the one or more power storage devices (not shown in FIG. 2). Consequently, the electric power from the one or more power storage devices is utilised by the one or more electrical components within the corresponding plurality of trains (110).

Furthermore, as the plurality of trains (110) stops at every railway station of corresponding plurality railway stations (120), the electric power stored in the one or more power storage devices is transmitted or supplied to the corresponding plurality of railway stations (120). Consequently, the power received at the plurality of railway stations (120) is transmitted to at least one of a terminal substation (130), a distribution substation (140), a feeder meter (150), an operation centre (160) and an underground distribution substation (170) of a pre-defined area through at least one of a plurality of medium voltage distribution lines (180), a plurality of metered transformers (190), a high voltage transmission cable (200) and a plurality of remotely controlled reclosers (210) which is controlled via a radio tower (220).

Furthermore, the electric power from the at least one of the terminal substation (130), the distribution substation (140), the feeder meter (150), the operation centre (160) and the underground distribution substation (170) of the pre-defined area is further distributed to at least one of a plurality of commercial consumers (230), a plurality of residential consumers (240) and a plurality of large industrial consumers (250) for their specific applications.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (260) for supplying and distributing electric current in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (260) includes generating mechanical energy upon rotating a plurality of blades of corresponding one or more wind turbines when the train is in motion in step 270. In one embodiment, generating the mechanical energy may include enabling the train to generate motion. Consequently, enabling wind to flow in an opposite direction of the direction of motion of the train and generating force upon the flow of wind. Furthermore, enabling the plurality of blades of the corresponding one or more wind turbines to rotate due to the force generated by the flow of wind by directing the wind towards the plurality of blades through an air funnel. Subsequently, generating mechanical energy by the corresponding one or more wind turbines.

The method (260) also includes converting the mechanical energy generated by the one or more wind turbines into electric power in step 280. In one embodiment, converting the mechanical energy may include converting the mechanical energy generated by the corresponding plurality of blades of the one or more wind turbines by at least one generator which may be operatively coupled to the corresponding one or more wind turbines.

Furthermore, the method (260) includes storing generated electric power in one or more storage devices in step 290. In one embodiment, storing the generated electrical energy may include storing the generated electrical energy by one or more storage devices which may be operatively coupled to the at least one generator.

The method (260) also includes supplying stored electric power stored in the one or more storage devices to one or more railway stations in step 300. In one embodiment, supplying the stored electric power may include transmitting the electric power to the one or more railway stations through a transmitting medium such as cables. Consequently, supplying the electric power from the one or more railway stations to corresponding one or more places. In such embodiment, supplying the electric power from the one or more railway stations to the corresponding one or more places may include supplying the electric power from the one or more railway stations to at least one of one or more villages or one or more localities.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method (260) may further include transmitting the electric power generated by the one or more wind turbines to one or more electrical components within the one or more coaches of the train. In such embodiment, transmitting the electric power generated by the one or more wind turbines to one or more electrical components may include transmitting the electric power generated by the one or more wind turbines to at least one of a fan a light, an air conditioning subsystem, a refrigeration subsystem and the like. In such another embodiment, supplying the stored electric power stored in the one or more storage devices to the one or more railway stations may include supplying excess stored electric power stored in the one or more storage devices upon supplying the electric power to the one or more electrical components within the train.

Various embodiments of the system to supply electric power enable the system to supply the electric power by generated the train upon using the renewable energy such as wind to the pre-defined area without much loss of the generated electric power. Hence enabling a system where the generation rate the electric power can meet the consumption rate. Thereby increasing the efficiency of supplying the electrical energy within the pre-defined area.

Also, as the system uses renewable source of energy, the generation of the electrical energy do not cause any pollution for the environment hence not polluting the atmosphere by release of harmful gases and is also cost effective henceforth reducing the overall cost of the electric power.

In addition, through modification and improvements of railway station enable the system to act as source of energy storage from rails of all types and distribute the same through the system. While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

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