A continuous dialogue: charging stations that “speak” to buses and trams
Electric-hybrid buses and trams which also run on batteries solve the range problem in local traffic and perform convincingly in urban transport networks thanks to their environmental friendliness. But they all still need to refuel or recharge. Particularly efficient systems automatically detect when a charging station is nearby. But how do public transport vehicles actually interact with their charging stations and platforms?
An electric bus approaches a charging station. The transponder at an electrical power supply station announces: "I offer external power". The electric bus gladly accepts the offer, so it can charge up and be ready to make more trips. This communication works with UHF RFID readers on the antenna of the electric bus and transponders at the fixed power stations. The RFID system interacts directly with the power controller of the electric bus. The charging device is activated even before the electric bus comes to a complete stop at the charging station. Thus, it can immediately start charging the electric bus when it has come to a final stop. This makes the electro-mobility of mass transit systems very efficient.
It's not only electric buses which can benefit from the possibilities of UHF RFID. In addition to the use with charging stations, it is also possible to detect underground rail platforms. Direct support is provided for positioning the train at a stop. The train stops precisely with centimetre accuracy – even in front of screen doors (the glass doors on the platform side). Pinpointing train locations along the tracks can be carried out efficiently and precisely – even at full speed, in tunnels or in the canyon-like streets of big cities.