Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods of generating a virtual crankshaft positioning stream of signal pulses that is derived from one or more series of actual crank signals. The virtual stream is useful for monitoring crankshaft positioning and is able to persist despite electromagnetic disturbances in the series of actual crank signals.
Abstract:
Method, apparatus and computer-readable code are provided for detecting a location of an incipient ground fault in an electrical propulsion system. The apparatus may include a sensor configured to sense a respective ground leakage signal associated with a ground of the propulsion system. The apparatus may further include a second sensor configured to sense a voltage difference across a positive rail and a negative rail of the direct current bus. A correlator is coupled to the first sensor to receive the ground leakage signal, and further coupled to receive at least one signal indicative of a respective energization state of a respective electrical phase for each respective one of the plurality of electrical devices. The correlator is configured to individually correlate the ground leakage signal with each received phase energization state signal, and supply an individual correlation signal between the received ground leakage signal and each received phase energization state signal. A processor is coupled to the correlator for processing each of the individual correlation signals supplied by the correlator and extracting a correlation value from the supplied correlation signals. The correlation value, when outside a threshold range, is indicative of an incipient ground fault in a respective phase of one of the plurality of electrical devices. A module is provided for dynamically adjusting the threshold range for detecting an incipient ground fault. The adjusting may be based on a magnitude and/or a rate of change of the magnitude of the sensed voltage difference across the positive and negative rails of the direct current bus.
Abstract:
A system for providing at least one of train information and track characterization information for use in train performance, including a first element to determine a location of a train on a track segment and/or a time from a beginning of the trip. A track characterization element to provide track segment information, and a sensor for measuring an operating condition of at least one of the locomotives in the train are also included. A database is provided for storing track segment information and/or the operating condition of at least one of the locomotives. A processor is also included to correlate information from the first element, the track characterization element, the sensor, and/or the database, so that the database may be used for creating a trip plan that optimizes train performance in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.
Abstract:
A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.
Abstract:
A method and system for determining a ground speed for locomotives (e.g., 12, 14) of a train (16) comprising at least two locomotives for use in controlling an operation of the train. The method includes selecting an axle of any one locomotive of the train for measuring a speed corresponding to the selected axle. The method also includes determining a ground speed for at least another locomotive of the train based on a measured speed corresponding to the selected axle of the one locomotive.
Abstract:
A method and system is provided for detecting and performing diagnostics regarding an incipient ground fault that may occur in an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle, such as a locomotive, transit vehicle, or off-highway vehicle. The method allows providing a first ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This first ground connection forms a grounding path generally used by the electrical propulsion system during normal operation. The method further allows providing a second ground connection for the electrical propulsion system. This second ground connection forms a grounding path selectively usable in lieu of the first ground connection. A control strategy is defined for switching between the first ground connection and the second ground connection. A respective leakage current associated with at least one of the first and second ground connections may be monitored. Switching between the first and second ground connections may be controlled based on the monitored leakage current associated with at least one of the first and second ground connections.
Abstract:
A method for equalizing a storage parameter for a vehicle energy storage system having one or more energy storage banks associated therewith includes identifying a quiescent period of operation for the vehicle, and determining whether the value of a defined storage quantity for a first energy storage bank differs from the value of said defined storage quantity for a second energy storage bank by a threshold amount. During the quiescent period of operation, one of said first and second energy storage banks is discharged and the other of the first and second energy storage banks is charged. The one of the first and second energy storage banks corresponds to the bank having the value of the defined storage quantity exceeding the value of the defined storage quantity of the other of said first and second energy storage banks.
Abstract:
A system for isolating electrical ground faults and secondary failures in an electrical system, the system comprising an AC ground isolation state machine for detecting and isolating an AC ground, a DC ground isolation state machine for detecting and isolating a DC ground, a component failure isolation state machine for detecting and isolating a change in a resistance, and a component failure early detection algorithm for determining a failure before using the state machines.
Abstract:
In a locomotive having at least one electrical load connected to at least one power source via a locomotive power carrying bus, a system for ensuring a current connection between the at least one power source and the at least one electrical load is provided. The system includes a first rectification device, wherein the first rectification device is connected between the at least one electrical load and the locomotive power carrying bus to provide a rectified current connection between a first power source and the at least one electrical load. The system further includes a second rectification device, wherein the second rectification device is connected between the at least one electrical load and the locomotive power carrying bus to provide a current connection between a second power source and the at least one electrical load and at least one auxiliary rectification device, wherein the at least one auxiliary rectification device is connected to the at least one electrical load and at least one of the first rectification device and the second rectification device to ensure a continuous current connection between the at least one power source and the at least one electrical load.
Abstract:
A hybrid propulsion system. The system comprises one or more hybrid propulsion traction drives having an electric motor operable to produce mechanical power for propulsion. A hybrid propulsion traction drive is operable to receive power from an on-board power generation system. The electric motor is operable to receive power from an energy storage unit and operable to supply power to the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit may be coupled to the electric motor via a switch.