Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a control strategy for operating a plurality of prune power sources (101-1 to 101-3) 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 (101-1, 101-2) 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 (103) electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized
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:
A load-lifting apparatus has one or more prime power sources, one or more energy storage systems and 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.
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 relates generally to regenerative braking methods for a hybrid vehicle such as a hybrid locomotive, which are compatible with optimum management of a large battery pack energy storage system. Four methods for recovering energy from regenerative braking and for transferring this energy to an energy storage systems are disclosed. These methods may also be used with battery operated vehicles.
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:
Various control options are applied for selecting the number of operating power sources for a multi-power source vehicle having a number of prime power sources and, optionally including energy storage systems. This system and method are applicable to large vehicles such as locomotives, mining trucks, tugboats and large cranes. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. The system and method are based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives are included 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:
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 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.