Intercept Controller for Locomotive Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy locomotive controllers are inflexible and unable to manage multiple power sources, leading to inefficient operation and potential engine failure when auxiliary power units are introduced, as they lack the ability to share power generation requirements and properly control locomotive systems like traction motors and blowers, due to their fixed assumptions about power sources and engine settings.
Innovation Solution
An intercept locomotive controller is integrated into the existing control system to intercept and modify control signals from the legacy controller, allowing for power allocation between primary and auxiliary power sources, ensuring proper operation of locomotive systems without requiring reprogramming or replacement of the legacy controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an auxiliary power unit is introduced to a legacy locomotive system, then power generation capability is improved, but the legacy controller cannot properly manage multiple power sources leading to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controller that sits between the legacy locomotive controller and the auxiliary power unit. This intermediary controller translates control signals from the legacy controller into appropriate commands for the auxiliary power unit, and vice versa, enabling seamless integration without modifying the legacy controller. The intermediary acts as a bridge that reconciles the different control architectures and communication protocols of the legacy system and the new auxiliary power unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the legacy locomotive controller is replaced with a new controller capable of managing multiple power sources, then adaptability is improved, but the cost and complexity of retrofitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into three distinct functional modules: the legacy locomotive controller, the intermediary controller, and the auxiliary power unit controller. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original design and functionality while the intermediary controller handles the integration logic. The segmentation approach enables incremental implementation and reduces the complexity burden on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary controller serves as a mediator that enables the legacy controller to work with multiple power sources without requiring replacement. It handles the complex tasks of power source selection, load distribution, and coordination between different control systems, thereby achieving high adaptability while keeping the legacy controller intact and reducing retrofitting complexity.
3Device complexity
If the legacy controller operates with fixed assumptions about power sources, then device simplicity is maintained, but it cannot efficiently allocate power between multiple sources leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary controller monitors the operational status, power output, and efficiency metrics of both the primary and auxiliary power sources. Based on this real-time data, it dynamically allocates power demands to the most efficient source, optimizing energy utilization. The intermediary controller implements algorithms that consider fuel consumption rates, emission levels, and operational costs to make intelligent power allocation decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as power output levels, fuel injection rates, and generator speeds based on real-time conditions. The intermediary controller adjusts these parameters to optimize the efficiency of each power source according to the current operational demands, environmental conditions, and fuel availability, thereby minimizing energy waste while maintaining the simplicity of the legacy controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a power bus, a locomotive, and an intercept locomotive controller. The locomotive includes a primary power unit coupled to the power bus and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit a control command to the primary power unit. The intercept locomotive controller is electrically coupled between the locomotive controller and the primary power unit and is programmed to intercept an initial locomotive control signal transmitted from the legacy locomotive controller to the primary power unit indicating an amount of locomotive power, modify the initial locomotive control signal, and transmit the modified control signal to the primary power unit.