Self-Propelled Tender Car Decoupled Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LNG-fueled locomotive tender cars require significant energy to store, compress, vaporize, and transport liquefied natural gas, leading to reduced fuel and engine power efficiencies, and existing solutions only provide benefits when actively coupled with the locomotive.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled tender car equipped with a motor and power supply that allows it to operate independently of the locomotive, using its own auxiliary engine and generator to power its wheels and ancillary loads, reducing the burden on the main engine and enabling decoupled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the tender car is powered by the locomotive's main engine, then the tender car can receive power for its wheels and ancillary loads, but the main engine's fuel efficiency and power efficiency are reduced due to the additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent sources: the locomotive's main engine and the tender car's auxiliary engine. This allows the tender car to generate its own power independently, reducing the burden on the main engine and improving overall fuel efficiency without requiring a completely new power supply architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The tender car is equipped with its own auxiliary engine and generator set, enabling it to be self-sufficient in power generation. This self-service capability allows the tender car to power its wheels and ancillary loads independently, reducing dependency on the main engine and improving fuel efficiency
2Force
If the tender car is actively coupled with the locomotive, then the tender car can augment tractive forces and reduce the tractive load on the locomotive, but the tender car cannot provide benefits when decoupled from the locomotive
Solution Approach 1:
The tender car is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two distinct modes: when coupled to the locomotive, it provides tractive force augmentation; when decoupled, it can independently propel itself using its own auxiliary engine. This universal design enables the tender car to adapt to different operational requirements and maintain versatility across various scenarios
3Ease of operation
If the tender car uses its own auxiliary engine and generator, then the tender car can operate independently and improve mobility at train yards, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine and generator set enable the tender car to be self-sufficient, allowing it to move independently at train yards without requiring external towing or power sources. This self-service capability significantly improves ease of operation and mobility, particularly in yard environments where frequent coupling and decoupling occur
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 self-propelled tender car enhances mobility and control at train yards, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces the tractive load on the locomotive, allowing for more efficient operations and reduced fueling times.
Implementation Method 1
a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel
Implementation Method 2
a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.