RU2559178C2 - Method for protection against freezing of fresh water system in transport vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to railway transport, namely to passenger transport. A protection method of water lines (9) and water tanks (1, 13) of a transport vehicle, namely of a rail vehicle against damages at freezing consists in tracking of voltage (U) in an onboard power network of the transport vehicle and/or pressure (P) in a pneumatic network (37) of the transport vehicle and emptying of the water lines (9) and water tanks (5, 7, 13) or (1, 13) when the voltage (U) decreases below the first limit value or when the pressure (P) decreases below the third limit value. When the voltage (U) decreases below the second limit value or remains below the first limit value longer than ΔT time interval, the fresh water tank (1) drain is opened. A water system of the transport vehicle includes the fresh water tank (1), at least one consumer (3, 5, 7), at least one water line (9), an electrical voltage test instrument to track the voltage (U) in the onboard electrical network and/or a test instrument to track the pressure (P) in the pneumatic network and a control device that operates according to this method.

EFFECT: invention improves readiness for operation of a water supply system of rail vehicles.

16 cl, 2 dwg

Description

State of the art

Passenger rail vehicles have a plumbing system, also called a fresh water system. This system supplies, for example, a wash basin and a toilet. It goes without saying that other consumers can be connected to this plumbing system.

In order to prevent freezing damage, a solution is known in the art according to which a thermostat is provided inside the rail vehicle and the fresh water supply system is emptied as soon as the temperature inside the vehicle drops, for example, below 5 ° C. This so-called frost controller in many cases functions very well.

An alternative possibility of emptying the rail vehicle’s fresh water supply system is that the train personnel, if necessary, activate the corresponding switch and thereby empty the water supply system and protect it from damage during freezing.

Common to both alternatives is that they can only be done when sufficient electrical and / or pneumatic auxiliary energy is available. In addition, a fresh water tank is also emptied with each drain, so that the process no longer has water available.

Disclosure of invention

The objective of the invention is to provide a method and device for protecting the plumbing system of fresh water from damage during freezing, providing increased protection against damage during freezing, even under adverse circumstances. At the same time, if possible, the functional ability of the consumer connected to the water supply system should be maintained even after such emptying.

In accordance with the invention, the solution of the problem is achieved in a method for protecting water lines and water tanks of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, from frost damage, in which the voltage in the vehicle electrical system is monitored and the water lines and water tanks are emptied when the voltage falls below the first limit value.

By monitoring the voltage in the on-board electrical network, timely emptying of water lines and water tanks can be provided when there is still enough electric energy to empty the water system or water lines and water tanks. To implement the method, electrical energy is needed, for example, to drive one or more directional valves and / or pumps in the vehicle’s water system.

Since without sufficient electrical energy it is impossible to empty the water lines and water tanks of the vehicle, by monitoring the voltage in the electric network in accordance with the invention, increased protection of the water lines and water-filled containers from damage during freezing is achieved.

In this case, the general initial condition is the presence of a pneumatic pressure supply system, so that parts of the water supply system that are particularly vulnerable to freezing can be blown out and thereby emptied. However, it is also possible execution of the water supply system, allowing the execution of the method without the availability of air under pressure.

In general, the temperature _limit T _limit depends on where the actual temperature is determined for monitoring the plumbing system. As the actual temperature, for example, the outside temperature or the temperature inside the rail vehicle can be used.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least the fresh water tank is empty when the voltage drops below a predetermined limit value. However, this is not always necessary. In many cases, it is sufficient that only the water lines and downstream water tanks, such as drainage tanks and toilets, be empty and the fresh water tank remains full. This is possible because when the fresh water tank is filled with water, it has a very high heat capacity and starts to freeze after a long time. Compared to a fresh water tank, pipelines have a much lower heat capacity and freeze much faster.

As a result, it is effective and appropriate to freeze small volumes, such as fresh water pipelines, as well as tanks connected to them downstream, such as a hot water heater, to protect against freezing in the first step. Another advantage of such a stepwise process is that as soon as the voltage in the on-board network rises above the first limit value, the possibility of water supply is restored, since the fresh water tank has remained full.

When a significant part of the fresh water tank is empty, the heat capacity of the remaining water in it is naturally much lower and there is a greater risk of freezing. However, this also means that there is sufficient air in the fresh water tank, so if the tank is properly executed, freezing of fresh water does not break the tank, and the increase in fresh water during freezing is compensated inside the fresh water tank.

An alternative criterion for emptying the fresh water tank may be the time interval ΔT, during which the voltage remains below the first predetermined limit value. Due to this, the specific heat of the water in the fresh water tank can be taken into account.

In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be performed when electrical energy is still available, but pressure air is no longer available.

In an alternative embodiment of the method for protecting water lines and water tanks of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, from frost damage, it is provided that the pressure in the vehicle’s pneumatic network is monitored and the water lines and water tanks are emptied when the pressure drops below a third limit, moreover the fresh water tank or tanks remain locked. This takes into account the fact that, as a rule, pressure air is required to empty water lines and water tanks. Typically, at an outlet pressure of 8 to 10 bar, about 150 liters of pressurized air is required to empty all water lines and water tanks of the rail vehicle. Thus, the method according to the invention allows the emptying of all containers and lines, while there is still enough air under pressure.

And in this case, the fresh water tank should not be emptied yet. This takes into account the fact that the fresh water tank is emptied at the very end by gravity, that is, under the influence of the gravity of the water, so that this does not require auxiliary energy in the form of air under pressure. To empty the fresh water tank, it is only necessary to open the directional valve at the outlet of the tank, which is preferably driven by electricity.

Thus, due to the separation provided by the invention of the process flow according to the method, depending on whether the voltage in the on-board electrical network or the pressure in the pneumatic on-board network is too low, on the one hand, maximum protection against damage during freezing is provided, and on the other hand, the functional capacity of water consumers is maintained for as long as possible, since the fresh water tank is empty only when absolutely necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, emptying the water lines and water tanks involves opening the draining of the tank or tanks for draining water from the sink (the so-called gray drains), opening the draining of the toilet waste tank (the so-called black drains), at least once actuating flushing devices of toilets, as well as air purging under pressure of water lines and water tanks, which are not emptied by gravity under the influence of gravity of water.

Additionally, it may be provided that the water lines and / or water tanks are emptied when the temperature inside the vehicle is less than 5 ° C, or when an appropriate switch or switch is operated by the rail vehicle’s personnel. Thus, the method according to the invention gives the known prior art systems increased protection against damage during freezing and supplements them to monitor the electrical voltage and pressure level in the pneumatic accumulator or in the pneumatic system of a rail vehicle, which can provide additional protection against damage during freezing.

The problem posed by the invention is also solved by a control device for monitoring a fresh water supply system and / or a vehicle technical water system, in particular a rail vehicle, the control device operating in accordance with one of the described methods.

In the case where the switchable directional valves are made in the form of directional valves, which can be ventilated, after locking the directional valve or directional valves, the blocked water supply line is purged with air. These air-blown sections of water lines can no longer freeze and are thus effectively protected from damage during freezing. Typically, these directional valves are designed so that they close when there is no current.

Brief List of Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a plumbing system and a process water system of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram of a method according to the invention.

The implementation of the invention

In FIG. 1 in a very simplified form in the form of a block diagram shows a water supply system, parts of an onboard electrical system and a pneumatic system. From the tank 1 for fresh water, various consumers are supplied with water, if necessary, such as, for example, a water tap 3, a toilet flushing device 5 and a water heater 7. Under the water tap 3, a sink 11 and a container 13 for used water (gray drains). The sink 11 and the container 13 are connected to each other by a drain line 15.

Under the toilet flushing device 5, shown in a square, there is a waste tank 17 for black drains (water from the toilet), which, like the tank 13 for gray drains, is equipped with a drain 19. Both drain 15 and 19 communicate with a tank not shown Wastewater.

The fresh water tank 1 also has a drain 19, which can be opened or closed by the first valve 21. During normal operation, this first valve 21 is closed.

In the water supply line 9, immediately beyond the outlet of the fresh water tank 1, a second travel valve 23 is provided. With this second travel valve 23, the fresh water tank 1 can be closed when the downstream water supply lines 9 and consumers, in particular the water heater 7 , the water tap 3 and the flushing device 5 of the toilet should be emptied in accordance with the method according to the invention. In this case, it is preferable when the second travel valve 23 is made in the form of a vented travel valve, which is closed in the absence of current.

The second valve 23 closes simultaneously with the emptying of the containers 7, 13, 5, so that the drain of the tank 1 for fresh water is closed, and air is let into the water lines 9. Thus, in the locking position, the second directional valve 23 provides the ability to purge the supply lines and water lines 9.

In the shown embodiment, the directional valves 21 and 23 are made in the form of two-way on-off valves with electric control. In the water line 9 between the water heater 7 and the water tap 3, a drain valve is provided.

In the discharge 19 of the water heater 7, a third pneumatic control valve 25 is provided. It is also possible electrical control of the third directional valve 25.

Three directional valves 21, 23 and 25 are connected by electrical or pneumatic signal wires 27, 35 to the AFD control device. The electrical signal wires are indicated in FIG. 1 at 27. Pneumatic lines, which, for example, are connected to the pneumatic accumulator 35 with a PS switch, are indicated at 37.

The AFD control device is connected to the thermostat 29 and the switch 31 by signal wires (not indicated). In addition, the AFD control device is connected to the MVR relay of the minimum voltage, which monitors the electrical voltage of the battery 33, for example, 110 V.

When the MVR undervoltage relay detects a voltage below the first limit value U _{limit, 1} , for example, 99 V, it transmits the corresponding signal to the AFD control device and as a result water pipes 9, as well as consumers 7, 3 and 5, are emptied.

The MVR undervoltage relay supplies a second, different signal to the AFD control device when the voltage drops below the second limit value U _{limit, 2} or when the voltage remains below the first limit value U _{limit, 1} during the DT time interval is greater than the predefined AT time interval. When this second signal enters the AFD control device, the first travel valve 21 is also opened and the fresh water tank 1 is empty. The emptying of the fresh water tank 1 represents a noticeable disruption to the operation of the rail vehicle for passengers, since after that all water consumers do not work until the fresh water tank 1 is refilled. Therefore, the tank 1 for fresh water is emptied only when it is inevitable.

In many situations, it is sufficient to empty only consumers 3, 5 and 7 and water lines 9, and leave the tank 1 for fresh water filled. There are the following reasons for this.

When the fresh water tank 1 is filled with water, it has a very high heat capacity and, accordingly, it takes a long time before the water in the fresh water tank 1 freezes. Water lines 9 begin to freeze much earlier.

When the fresh water tank 1 is only partially filled, the heat capacity of the water in the tank 1 is noticeably lower. However, in this case, it has an air cushion that can perceive or compensate for the expansion of water during freezing. This is possible without damaging the fresh water tank 1 in the case when it, for example, expands upward in the form of a truncated cone, so that the resulting ice can slide upward and does not damage the fresh water tank.

Just as the MVR undervoltage relay monitors the voltage of the electric circuit, the PS gauge switch monitors the pressure in the pneumatic accumulator 35. As soon as the pressure in the pneumatic accumulator 35 drops below the third limit value P _{limit, 3, the} PS gauge switch sends a corresponding signal to the AFD control device As a result, water lines 9 and consumers 7, 3 and 5 are emptied.

The AFD control device has an input of the pneumatic wire 37 and an output that is connected to the toilet flushing device 5 and with a drain tank 13. Due to this, it is possible, if necessary, to use the toilet flushing device 5, which is usually driven by air under pressure, using the AFD control device. Thus, the toilet flushing device 5 is emptied when the second travel valve 23 is closed at the same time as the flushing device 5 is actuated. In addition, the pneumatic wire 37 provides, if necessary, an overpressure in the drain tank 13 of the gray drains, so that the drain water contained therein can drain through drain 19 into a wastewater tank (not shown) to empty the drain tank 13 gray drains.

The water heater 7 is emptied by opening the third travel valve 25. In the aspect of minimizing the flow of air under pressure, it is recommended that you first close the second travel valve 23 and then open the third travel valve 25 to drain the water from the heater 7.

In conclusion, the toilet flushing device 5 is actuated by the AFD control device at least once, and the drain tank 13 is emptied as described.

This makes it possible, with a small flow rate of air under pressure, for example, from 120 to 150 liters, to empty the entire water supply system, so that its damage from freezing is prevented.

When the fresh water tank 1 is to be emptied, it is sufficient to open the first directional valve 21, since the fresh water tank 1 is emptied by gravity under the influence of the gravity of the water.

In FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a method according to the invention.

The method according to the invention begins with a launch block. In the first functional unit 51, the actual voltage U of the on-board network or battery is determined, as well as the pressure P in the pneumatic accumulator 35.

In the first request block 53, a request is made whether the actual pressure P is less than the threshold value P _{limit, 3.} If so, then in the second functional unit 55, the travel valve 23 is closed and the travel valve 25 is opened and the toilet flushing device 5 is controlled. This is indicated by the corresponding arrows extending from the second functional unit 55.

As already explained with reference to FIG. 1, the directional control valves 21, 23 and 25 and the toilet flushing device 5 can be controlled with a time offset, so that the water heater 7 can be emptied first and only then the toilet flushing device 5 can be operated and the drain tank 13 of the gray drains can be blown with air. The directional valve 21 remains closed. After that, the program returns to the beginning.

In the second comparison unit 57, a request is made whether the on-board voltage U is lower than the first threshold value U _{limit, 1} . If not, the method returns to the beginning.

In the case when the second comparison unit 57 determines that the mains voltage U is lower than the first limit value U _{limit, 1} , the program proceeds to the third functional unit 59. In it, as in the second functional unit 55, the directional valves 23 and 25 are controlled and flushing device 5 of the toilet.

In the third comparison unit 61, it is checked whether the voltage U is lower than the second limit value U _{limit, 2} , or whether the voltage is lower than the first limit value U _{limit, 1.} longer than a predetermined time interval ΔT. If not, the program returns to the beginning. Otherwise, in addition to the fourth functional block 63, the first travel valve 21 is opened.

Claims (16)

1. A method for protecting water lines (9) and water tanks (1, 13) of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, from frost damage, in which the voltage (U) in the vehicle electrical system is monitored and the water lines are emptied (9 ) and water tanks (5, 7, 13) when the voltage (U) drops below the first limit value (U _{limit 1} ). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the drain (19) of the tank (1) for fresh water is opened when the voltage (U) drops below the second limit value (U _{limit 2} ) or remains below the first limit value (U _{limit .1} ) longer than the time interval ΔT. 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is carried out when the actual temperature T _acts becomes lower limit temperature T _limit. . 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the water lines (9) and / or water tanks (5, 7, 13) are emptied when the temperature inside the vehicle is less than 5 ° C. 5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the water lines (9) and / or water tanks (5, 7, 13) are emptied when the frost protection switch or the switch (31) is operated. 6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the emptying of the toilet (5) and / or the drain tank (13) of the gray drains is carried out with air under pressure. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the emptying of the toilets (5) is performed by at least a single drive of the flushing device (5). 8. A method of protecting water lines (9) and water tanks (5, 7, 13) of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, from frost damage, in which the pressure (P) in the vehicle’s pneumatic network (37) is monitored and drained water lines (9) and water tanks (1, 13) when the pressure (P) falls below the third limit value (P _{limit 3} ). 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the water lines (9) and / or water tanks (5, 7, 13) are emptied when the temperature inside the vehicle is less than 5 ° C. 10. The method according to one of claims 8, 9, characterized in that the water lines (9) and / or water tanks (5, 7, 13) are emptied when the frost protection switch or the switch (31) is operated. 11. A control device for monitoring the water supply system and / or the technical water system of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, characterized in that it operates in accordance with the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. The vehicle water system, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a fresh water tank (1), at least one consumer (3, 5, 7) and at least one water line (9), characterized in that contains a control device (MVR) of electrical voltage for monitoring voltage (U) in the on-board electrical network and / or a control device (PS) for monitoring pressure (P) in a pneumatic accumulator or in a pneumatic network and a control device (AFD) according to p. eleven. 13. The plumbing system according to claim 12, characterized in that a switchable directional valve (21, 23) is provided at the inlet and outlet (9, 19) of the fresh water tank (1). 14. The water supply system according to one of claims 12, 13, characterized in that a switchable third directional valve (25) is provided at the outlet of the water heater (7). 15. The plumbing system according to claim 12, characterized in that a switchable directional valve (21, 23) is provided at the outlets (19, 9) of the fresh water tank (1). 16. The water supply system according to one of paragraphs.12, 13, characterized in that at least one of the switchable directional valves (21, 23, 25) is made in the form of a ventilated directional valve.

Images