Remote Control Speed Regulation Using Terrain Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control of power systems, such as locomotives and marine vessels, lacks optimal speed regulation due to the absence of terrain information, leading to suboptimal performance and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an autonomous controller and computer software code to train operators by simulating terrain conditions, providing real-time feedback, and optimizing speed and throttle settings based on terrain data, allowing for improved control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control of power systems is implemented without terrain information, then operator control capability is maintained, but speed regulation performance deteriorates and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information delivery by providing terrain data in discrete, actionable formats (upcoming terrain features, recommended speed adjustments) that enable remote operators to make informed decisions without being overwhelmed by continuous data streams
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal speed profiles based on upcoming terrain information and providing recommended speed adjustments to operators before they encounter terrain challenges, allowing proactive rather than reactive control
2Ease of operation
If remote control of power systems is implemented without terrain information, then operator control capability is maintained, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where terrain information and speed recommendations are continuously provided to operators, enabling them to adjust control inputs in real-time to optimize emissions performance while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates emission-optimized speed profiles based on upcoming terrain features and provides recommended adjustments to operators before they encounter conditions that would require suboptimal speed changes, thereby reducing emissions
3Productivity
If terrain information is provided to operators, then speed regulation improves and emissions reduce, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives raw terrain data, processes it through optimization algorithms, and transforms it into simplified speed recommendations that can be easily understood and acted upon by remote operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified representations (copies) of complex terrain information in the form of actionable speed recommendations, allowing operators to work with simplified data that captures the essential control decisions without needing to process raw terrain complexity
4Productivity
If terrain information is provided to operators, then speed regulation improves and fuel consumption reduces, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives raw terrain data, processes it through optimization algorithms, and transforms it into simplified speed recommendations that can be easily understood and acted upon by remote operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where terrain information and speed recommendations are continuously provided to operators, enabling them to adjust control inputs in real-time to optimize fuel consumption while maintaining operational capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a remotely controlled powered system, the system including a feedfoward gains element configured to provide information to the remotely controlled powered system to establish a velocity, and a feedback gains element configured to provide information from the remotely controlled powered system to the feedforward gains element. A method and a computer software code are further disclosed for operating the remotely controlled powered system.