Engine Automatic Shut-Off Control for Remote Rail Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of rail vehicles need to repeatedly manually restart engines due to automatic engine start/stop systems turning off engines during remote control operations, leading to unnecessary idling and fuel wastage.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines the operating mode of a vehicle, deactivating the automatic engine start-stop (AESS) device when in remote control mode to prevent engine shutdown, allowing the engine to remain active during onboard control mode and disabling it during remote control mode to conserve fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the automatic engine start-stop device is activated to conserve fuel during idle periods, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the engine is unnecessarily shut off during remote control operations requiring manual reactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the operating mode of the vehicle and provides feedback to the automatic engine start-stop device. When remote control mode is detected, the system automatically disables the engine shutdown function, preventing unnecessary engine closures and eliminating manual reactivation during remote operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine shutdown capability is made dynamic by allowing the automatic engine start-stop device to be selectively enabled or disabled based on the operating mode. The system transitions between automatic shutdown and continuous operation states according to whether the vehicle is in automated or remote control mode, optimizing both fuel efficiency and operational convenience.
2Loss of energy
If the automatic engine start-stop device shuts off the engine during remote control mode, then fuel is conserved, but operational efficiency decreases due to repeated manual restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The control system detects when the vehicle is in remote control mode and automatically adjusts the engine management strategy by disabling the automatic shutdown function, maintaining operational efficiency while still allowing fuel conservation during automated idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively disables the automatic engine shutdown function before remote control operations begin, preventing the need for manual restarts and maintaining continuous operational readiness during remote control tasks.
3Loss of energy
If the automatic engine start-stop device remains active during mode transitions, then fuel conservation is maintained, but engine shutdowns occur during remote control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The engine shutdown capability dynamically adapts to changing operating conditions. When transitioning to remote control mode, the system automatically disables automatic shutdown, ensuring engine availability and reliability during remote operations while maintaining fuel conservation benefits during automated idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors operating mode transitions and provides real-time feedback to the engine management system, automatically adjusting shutdown behavior to match the current operational context and maintaining reliable engine availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling automatic shut off of an engine includes determining if a control system of a propulsion-generating vehicle is operating in a remote control mode or an onboard control mode. The operations of the vehicle are remotely controlled from an off-board source when the control system is in the remote control mode. The operations of the vehicle are controlled from onboard the vehicle when the control system is in the onboard control mode. The method also includes deactivating an automatic engine start-stop (AESS) device responsive to the control system being in or switched to the remote control mode. The AESS device automatically turns off an engine of the vehicle when operations of the engine are below one or more designated thresholds for at least a designated period of time. The AESS device is prevented from automatically turning the engine off when the AESS device is deactivated.