Power sharing for a locomotive consist

Abstract

A method of sharing power between locomotives in a consist may include receiving a power demand signal at a control computer on one of the locomotives, with the power demand signal indicative of a total power output requirement for the consist. The control computer may determine an amount of available power on an electrical power bus running through all of the locomotives in the consist, and the power generating capacity of all power sources that are electrically coupled to the electrical power bus. One or more power sources on any one of the locomotives in the consist may be activated to provide electrical power to the electrical power bus for use by a load on a different one of the locomotives in the consist.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to power sharing and, more particularly, to power sharing for a locomotive consist.BACKGROUND[0002]A train consist often includes a lead locomotive and at least one trailing locomotive. The lead locomotive, although generally located at the leading end of the consist, can alternatively be located at any other position along its length. The lead locomotive generates operator and / or autonomous control commands directed to components of the lead and trailing locomotives. A typical locomotive of a consist will have a prime mover power source that includes a diesel engine and an alternator or generator that converts rotational output of the diesel engine into electrical power. The term “prime mover” is generally used to refer to the source of power used primarily for generating a tractive effort used in moving the vehicle. A prime mover power source may also provide power for parasitic or auxiliary loads that do not contribute...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a method and system for sharing power between locomotives in a consist. The method involves receiving a power demand signal from one of the locomotives, determining the available power on the electrical power bus, and determining the power generating capacity of all power sources on all locomotives in the consist. The allocated power output requirements from each power source are determined to meet a performance goal for the consist. The system includes multiple locomotives with mechanical power sources, electrical power generators, and electric traction motors connected through an electrical power bus. The technical effect is to provide a more efficient and flexible way to share power between intelligence and traction motors in a consist of multiple locomotives.

Problems solved by technology

Although the system of the '588 patent may have improved communication between multiple locomotives in a consist, the system may still be problematic.

In particular, the system may be limited to communicating power operating requirements and control signals to each locomotive in a consist, but without the capability of actually sharing electrical power generated by power sources on each of the locomotives.

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