Autonomous Diesel Control Optimizing Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling diesel-powered systems, such as trains and marine vessels, face challenges in optimizing fuel efficiency and emission output, as operators struggle to minimize fuel consumption and emissions due to variations in locomotive power, train size, and environmental conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes computer software code for autonomously controlling diesel-powered systems, allowing for dynamic display of operational information and input from operators to optimize mission plans, determining optimal speed and power settings, and adjusting for real-time conditions to minimize fuel use and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually control diesel-powered systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but fuel efficiency and emission optimization deteriorate due to operator experience limitations and inability to dynamically adjust to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system autonomously optimizes fuel efficiency and emissions by automatically adjusting power settings and speed profiles based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable adaptation to varying mission requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters and environmental conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust control decisions for optimal fuel efficiency and emission reduction while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing mission requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually adjust power settings, then adaptability to varying conditions is limited by human capacity, but system complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator decision-making with an automated control system that processes sensor data and environmental information to dynamically adjust power settings, achieving superior adaptability to varying conditions while managing complexity through structured control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts power settings and operational parameters in real-time based on changing mission requirements and environmental conditions, enabling continuous adaptation without requiring complex manual intervention procedures
3Loss of energy
If autonomous control is implemented, then fuel efficiency and emission optimization improve through dynamic adjustment, but operator involvement and manual oversight may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system autonomously manages fuel efficiency and emission optimization through self-adjustment of power settings based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for continuous operator monitoring and manual intervention while maintaining mission compliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system, the method including collecting information specific to a mission plan, verifying information specific to the mission, and/or accepting information specific to the mission. The powered system is allowed to be autonomously controlled. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system.