Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a locomotive comprising energy storage units such as batteries, a prime energy source (1001), such as a diesel engine, and an energy conversion device (1002), such as a generator. The locomotive comprises one or more of the following features: a separate chopper circuit (1010) for each traction motor (1008); energy storage units (1003) that can be switched from parallel to series electrical connections, a fluid-activated anti-lock brake system (1009), a controller (1015) operable to control separately and independently each axle(1006)/traction motor (1008), and a controller (1051) operable to control automatically a speed of the locomotive. The present invention includes an integrated system for monitoring, controlling and optimizing an electrically powered locomotive using a combination of sensors and software to provide feedback that optimizes power train efficiency and individual drive axle (1006) performance for a locomotive that utilizes one of several possible electrical energy storage systems to provide the tractive power. The net result is a locomotive that has an integrated system of control over all aspects of the locomotive power train including control over individual drive axles (1006), especially during acceleration, braking and non-synchronous wheel slip.
Abstract:
A transformerless direct turbogenerator for generating electricity is provided. Since the introduction alternator comprises multiple parallel windings, it allows elimination of the need for a transformer.
Abstract:
A control system for individually controlling power from a single voltage source to a plurality of motors is described. A chopper circuit, in conjunction with the control system, generates drive-pulses, which operates the IGBT switching devices to sequentially provide pulses to each motor.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a power control architecture for a vehicle, particularly a locomotive, in which a number of energy sources (105, 111, 115) are connected to a common electrical bus (101, 102) and selectively provide energy to the bus (101, 102) based on the relationship between their respective output voltages and the bus voltage.
Abstract:
Prior battery-powered electric locomotives have used multiple diesel engines to charge the batteries and have not been commercially accepted. The present invention provides a yard switcher which combines battery storage with a gas microturbine generator to provide an effective fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly locomotive.
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:
The present invention is directed to the termination of the occurrence of wheel skid and prediction and prevention of the onset of wheel slip/skid in a locomotive. In one configuration, a lookup table of adhesion factors is used to predict the occurrence of wheel slip/skid.
Abstract:
Prior battery-powered electric locomotives have used multiple diesel engines to charge the batteries and have not been commercially accepted. The present invention provides a yard switcher which combines battery storage with a gas microturbine generator to provide an effective fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly locomotive.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to the design of a load-lifting apparatus comprising one or more prime power sources, one or more energy storage systems and a means of regenerative braking. Regenerative energy is recovered when the load-lifting apparatus lowers its load. The elements of the prime power sources, energy storage devices and electrical components may be distributed to provide stability for the load-lifting apparatus. The general power architecture and energy recovery method can be applied to cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, overhead cranes, mobile cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, container cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, straddle carrier cranes and elevators. In such an architecture, the energy storage system helps alleviate the power rating requirement of the prime power source with respect to the peak power requirement for lifting a load.