Rail Vehicle Tractive Effort Control System Air Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle tractive effort systems consume compressed air at a higher rate than the air compressor capability, leading to inefficiencies in adhesion control and tractive effort optimization in multi-locomotive consists.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that optimize the use of tractive effort systems by determining the configuration and enabling/disabling them based on the presence and position of tractive effort systems within the consist, using a control unit to manage air flow and maintain reservoir pressure above a threshold, and varying the flow through adjustable orifices to maximize tractive effort while minimizing air consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing tractive effort systems operate continuously to maximize adhesion control, then tractive effort performance is improved, but air consumption exceeds compressor capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates the tractive effort system in periodic cycles, alternating between active phases (when air is supplied to the nozzle) and inactive phases (when air supply is reduced or stopped). This periodic operation allows the system to achieve effective adhesion control over time while reducing peak air consumption to within compressor capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of tractive effort systems based on real-time conditions including air reservoir pressure, current tractive effort requirements, and compressor output capacity. The control unit enables or disables individual tractive effort systems selectively, optimizing the balance between maintaining sufficient adhesion control and staying within air supply limitations.
2Force
If multiple tractive effort systems operate simultaneously in a multi-locomotive consist, then overall tractive effort is improved, but air consumption increases beyond available supply
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies tractive effort enhancement locally and selectively to specific locomotives within the consist based on their position, current operational needs, and air availability. Rather than uniformly activating all tractive effort systems, the control unit enables systems in a controlled sequence or selects specific locations where adhesion improvement is most needed, optimizing the distribution of air resources across the consist.
Solution Approach 2:
The consist's tractive effort systems are segmented and controlled independently by individual control units in each locomotive. Each control unit manages its local tractive effort system(s) and communicates with others to coordinate operation, allowing the distributed system to achieve collective tractive effort enhancement while each unit operates within local air supply constraints.
3Force
If air flow to the nozzle is increased to enhance tractive effort, then adhesion control performance is improved, but the rate of air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system varies operating parameters including air flow rate, pressure, and duration of tractive effort system activation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on measured conditions such as wheel slip detection, current speed, and air reservoir pressure, the system optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient adhesion improvement and conserving air supply within compressor capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively optimizes air use and compression, enhancing tractive effort while reducing air consumption, thereby improving rail vehicle performance and efficiency in rail vehicle consists.
Implementation Method 1
varying the flow of air to the tractive effort system to maintain a pressure in the reservoir above a predetermined lower threshold
Implementation Method 2
each locomotive in the consist is outfitted with an air compressor that produces a supply of pressurized air for use by one or more of these systems
Data Source
AI summary
A control system receives signals representing a presence and position of a secondary movement system onboard a vehicle. The secondary movement system changes movement of the vehicle without generating thrust or propulsion to move the vehicle. The control system creates a schedule of use of the secondary movement system based on the presence and position of the secondary movement system and controls the secondary movement system based on the schedule that is created.