Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a locomotive that includes: (a) a transmission (105) operable to drive a plurality of axles; (b) an electric motor (104) operatively connected to and driving the transmission; (c) an energy storage unit (106) operable to store electrical energy and supply electrical energy to the electric motor; (d) one or more prime movers (102) operable to supply electrical energy to the energy storage unit and electric motor; and (e) a power distribution bus (109) electrically connecting the energy storage unit, prime mover(s), and electric motor. The energy storage unit and/or generator provide electrical energy to the electric motor via the power distribution bus to cause the electric motor to rotate the axles via the transmission.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to applying various control options for selecting the number of operating power sources for a multi-power source vehicle comprised of a number of prime power sources and, optionally including energy storage systems. The invention is applicable to large vehicles such as locomotives, mining trucks, tugboats and large cranes. The present invention is directed specifically at providing selectable operating modes for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. The invention is based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. The invention includes multiple- engine locomotives in which the engine systems may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to methods of dynamic braking. Two embodiments include braking circuits for vehicles such as, for example, locomotives which are operable down to very low speeds. These circuits can provide a braking force even at zero locomotive speed.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a hybrid locomotive that can operate in a multitude of operational modes, including a slug operating mode, an energy storage operating mode, an independent operating mode, and a power source operating mode, and/or can provide electrical energy to an external power distribution system, such as a power grid,catenary, and third rail.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a control strategy for operating a plurality of prime power sources during propulsion, idling and braking and is applicable to large systems such as trucks, ships, cranes and locomotives utilizing diesel engines, gas turbine engines, other types of internal combustion engines, fuel cells or combinations of these that require substantial power and low emissions utilizing multiple power plant combinations. The present invention is directed at a general control strategy for a multi-engine systems where the power systems need not be of the same type or power rating and may even use different fuels. The invention is based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a multi-engine locomotive includes at least one converter to convert mechanical energy outputted by the engines to Direct Current (DC) electrical energy, a traction motor, and a DC bus connected to the engines, converter, and traction motor. The engines are configured to provide a power-per-length and/or power density that is greater than the power-per-length and/or power density of a single-engine locomotive having a power rating approximately the same as the cumulative power rating of the engines in the multi-engine locomotive.
Abstract:
A locomotive is provided that includes: a receiver operable to receiving a locating signal, the locating signal indicating a current spatial location of a selected locomotive and a processor operable to (a) determine that the selected locomotive has entered, is entering, and/or is about to enter a spatial zone having at least one controlled parameter, the controlled parameter being at least one of a fuel combustion emissions level and a noise level and (b) configure the operation of the selected locomotive to comply with the controlled parameter.
Abstract:
A generator set, as well as a transversal configuration of the generator set on the locomotive is disclosed. The generator set and its configuration on the platform offer good performance with respect to the space it occupies along the length of the locomotive platform deck, and offer better access for maintenance purposes. A walkway interface structure is also disclosed which supports a modular design for locomotives using standardized major sub-assemblies that can be easily interfaced from one locomotive and under-frame to another.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed an electrochemical energy storage device, such as a cell or a battery, that includes segmented stackable bus bars for stacking electrodes, the bus bar segments extending a substantial length of an edge of the electrodes to provide proper inter-electrode spacing, substantially uniform electrochemical potential and current density between electrodes, efficient internal heat dissipation and desired electrode structural rigidity, and, optionally, a compression member, separate from the case, to compress the stacked electrodes.