Rail Tractive Effort Control Optimizing Air Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractive effort systems in rail vehicles consume compressed air at a higher rate than the air compressor capability, leading to inefficiencies in adhesion control and tractive effort optimization within a consist of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that optimize the use of tractive effort systems by determining the configuration and enabling them based on the presence and position of tractive effort systems within the consist, varying the flow of compressed air to maintain a pressure threshold, and disabling the system in adverse conditions to conserve air and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher air flow is directed to the nozzle of a tractive effort system, then more rail vehicle tractive effort is achieved, but air consumption exceeds the capability of a single rail vehicle air compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air compressors from multiple rail vehicles in a consist to collectively supply compressed air to tractive effort systems. The control system coordinates air flow from compressors on different vehicles to meet the high air demand of tractive effort systems without requiring each individual vehicle to have an oversized compressor.
2Productivity
If tractive effort systems are enabled to maximize air flow, then adhesion control is improved, but air pressure in the reservoir drops below operational thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors air pressure in the reservoir and adjusts the operation of air compressors and tractive effort systems accordingly. When pressure drops below a threshold, the system reduces air flow to tractive effort systems or activates additional compressors to restore pressure, ensuring operational thresholds are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts air flow rates to tractive effort systems based on real-time reservoir pressure conditions. The air flow is variable rather than constant, allowing the system to maximize adhesion control effectiveness when pressure is sufficient while conserving pressure when the reservoir level is low.
3Reliability
If tractive effort systems operate continuously at high air flow rates, then consistent tractive effort is maintained, but air compressors cannot keep up with the air consumption rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or intermittent operation of tractive effort systems rather than continuous high-flow operation. The control system cycles the activation of tractive effort systems based on adhesion conditions and air availability, providing consistent overall performance while allowing compressors time to replenish air supply between cycles.
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 maximizes tractive effort while optimizing air use, reducing the amount of sand required and enhancing locomotive performance by ensuring sufficient pressure in the reservoir and disabling the system in noise-sensitive or performance-reducing conditions.
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. The compressed air is typically stored in a main reservoir on-board each locomotive
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a consist of rail vehicles or other vehicles includes a control unit electrically coupled to a first rail vehicle in the consist, the control unit having a processor and being configured to receive signals representing a presence and position of one or more tractive effort systems on-board the first vehicle and other rail vehicles in the consist, and a set of instructions stored in a non-transient medium accessible by the processor, the instructions configured to control the processor to create a optimization schedule that manages the use of the one or more tractive effort systems based on the presence and position of the tractive effort systems within the consist.