Hybrid sources for train traction: Wind generator, solar panel and supercapacitors

The classic storage element in electric vehicle consists of accumulators, which allow a relatively high autonomy, but their power capability is moderately compromised. On the other hand, the capacitors have high power capability and they can hence only be considered for applications which require little energy. There was thus a lack, in means of storage energy for high power applications, between the batteries and capacitors that supercapacitors (SCs) try to minimize. This paper deals with the conception of an embedded power source using supercapacitors which are charged by means of Unit Power Factor (UPF) electronic converter. These supercapacitors ensure the power supply of an electrical network miniature rail of 150W by using sliding mode principle control. The operating principle of this device and some simulation results obtained under Saber software and experimental results are presented.