A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.

A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.

A control system includes an interface device having a body extending between a first end and a second end and that provides power to a vehicle system from an external power source. Sensors may be coupled with the interface device and detect sensor data associated with the coupling of the external power source with the interface device. A controller receives the sensor data from the sensors and determines a coupling location at which the external power source is coupled with the interface device. The coupling location may be at a first position between the first end and the second end of the interface device. The controller controls movement of the vehicle system to change the coupling location between the external power source and the interface device from the first position to a second position between the first and second ends of the body.

A control system includes an interface device having a body extending between a first end and a second end and that provides power to a vehicle system from an external power source. Sensors may be coupled with the interface device and detect sensor data associated with the coupling of the external power source with the interface device. A controller receives the sensor data from the sensors and determines a coupling location at which the external power source is coupled with the interface device. The coupling location may be at a first position between the first end and the second end of the interface device. The controller controls movement of the vehicle system to change the coupling location between the external power source and the interface device from the first position to a second position between the first and second ends of the body.

A control system can include a controller that may obtain a location of a phase break along a route. The controller can monitor locations of a vehicle and determine when the vehicle will reach the phase break location. The system also may include a switch proximate to a collector device of the vehicle and/or an actuator that moves the collector device relative to a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway may operate to supply electrical power to the vehicle. The controller can actuate a switch, an actuator, or both the switch and the actuator, and (upon activation) can change a source of power for one or more loads for propulsion of the vehicle through the location of the phase break along the route.

A control system can include a controller that may obtain a location of a phase break along a route. The controller can monitor locations of a vehicle and determine when the vehicle will reach the phase break location. The system also may include a switch proximate to a collector device of the vehicle and/or an actuator that moves the collector device relative to a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway may operate to supply electrical power to the vehicle. The controller can actuate a switch, an actuator, or both the switch and the actuator, and (upon activation) can change a source of power for one or more loads for propulsion of the vehicle through the location of the phase break along the route.

This invention concerns a railway vehicle (10), including: a power supply device (20), an electrical traction engine (15), first electrical auxiliary equipment (16, 17), and a connector (22) for connecting to an electrical power source external to the vehicle. The power supply device comprises: an electrical converter (26) suited to supply the electrical traction engine with high-voltage current, wherein the electrical converter is connected to the connector; a first medium-voltage electricity network (34) to which the first auxiliary electrical equipment is connected, and a first electrical storage element (30) connected to the first medium-voltage electricity network so as to supply electricity to or draw electricity from the first network. The electrical converter is connected to the first medium-voltage electricity network so as to supply the first network with electricity.

This invention concerns a railway vehicle (10), including: a power supply device (20), an electrical traction engine (15), first electrical auxiliary equipment (16, 17), and a connector (22) for connecting to an electrical power source external to the vehicle. The power supply device comprises: an electrical converter (26) suited to supply the electrical traction engine with high-voltage current, wherein the electrical converter is connected to the connector; a first medium-voltage electricity network (34) to which the first auxiliary electrical equipment is connected, and a first electrical storage element (30) connected to the first medium-voltage electricity network so as to supply electricity to or draw electricity from the first network. The electrical converter is connected to the first medium-voltage electricity network so as to supply the first network with electricity.

A method and an arrangement are provided for inductive positioning of a current collector on a vehicle relative to a stationary current conductor. The method involves transmitting a signal having predetermined phase characteristics using a signal transmitter arranged along the longitudinal direction of the current conductor; detecting the transmitted signal using a signal receiver on the vehicle, which signal receiver comprises at least one vertical antenna; detecting the phase characteristics of the signal induced in the at least one vertical antenna, indicating the relative location of the vertical antenna and the signal transmitter in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and controlling a positioning arrangement in dependence of the received signals.

A non-contact power feeding device includes multiple power feeding elements that are disposed spatially separated from one another in a movement direction, an AC power supply that supplies AC power to the power feeding elements, multiple power receiving elements that are provided in a moving body and that receive AC power in a non-contact manner, and a power receiving circuit that converts the AC power received by the power receiving elements and that outputs to an electrical load. When a length of the power feeding elements in the movement direction is LT, a separation distance between the power feeding elements is DT, a length of the power receiving elements in the movement direction is LR, and a separation distance between the power receiving elements is DR, the relationship DT≤DR and the relationship (2×LR+DR)≤LT are satisfied.