Abstract:
A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining a vehicle reference speed using an off-board-based input speed and an onboard-based input speed. The off-board-based input speed is representative of a moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data received from an off-board device. The onboard-based input speed is representative of the moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data obtained from an onboard device. The method includes using the vehicle reference speed to at least one of measure wheel creep for one or more wheels of the vehicle system or control at least one of torques applied by or rotational speeds of one or more motors of the vehicle system.
Abstract:
A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system.
Abstract:
A route examining system includes first and second application devices, a control unit, first and second detection units, and an identification unit. The first and second application devices are disposed onboard a vehicle traveling along a route having conductive tracks. The control unit controls injection of a first examination signal into the conductive tracks via the first application device and injection of a second examination signal into the conductive tracks via the second application device. The first and second detection units monitor electrical characteristics of the route in response to the first and second examination signals being injected into the conductive tracks. The identification unit examines the electrical characteristics of the conductive tracks in order to determine whether a section of the route is potentially damaged based on the electrical characteristics.
Abstract:
A system is provided for operating a railway network including a first railway vehicle during a trip along track segments. The system includes a first element for determining travel parameters of the first railway vehicle, a second element for determining travel parameters of a second railway vehicle relative to the track segments to be traversed by the first vehicle during the trip, a processor for receiving information from the first and the second elements and for determining a relationship between occupation of a track segment by the second vehicle and later occupation of the same track segment by the first vehicle and an algorithm embodied within the processor having access to the information to create a trip plan that determines a speed trajectory for the first vehicle. The speed trajectory is responsive to the relationship and further in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the first vehicle.
Abstract:
Various systems and method for distributing electrical power are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a first inverter coupled to an electrical bus, a second inverter coupled to the electrical bus, a filter including a first inductor and a second inductor, and a transfer switch circuit coupled between the first inverter and the second inverter and a load. The transfer switch circuit is configured to transfer power from the first inverter through the first inductor to the load and transfer power from the second inverter through the second inductor to the load in a first mode of operation. The transfer switch circuit is further configured to transfer power from the first inverter through the first inductor and through the second inductor to the load in a second mode of operation.
Abstract:
A control system includes an energy management system and an isolation control system. The energy management system generates a trip plan that designates operational settings of a vehicle system having powered units that generate tractive effort to propel the vehicle system. The energy management system determines a tractive effort capability of the vehicle system and a demanded tractive effort of a trip. The energy management system identifies a tractive effort difference between the tractive effort capability of the vehicle system and the demanded tractive effort of the trip and selects at least one of the powered units based on the tractive effort difference. The isolation module remotely turns the selected powered unit to an OFF mode such that the vehicle system is propelled along the route during the trip by the powered units other than the selected powered unit.
Abstract:
A system is provided for controlling a powered unit having an engine configured to operate using a plurality of fuel types each in a corresponding fuel tank. The system includes a controller operable to transmit a first set of control signals including a first set of valve signals to the each fuel tank based at least in part on a first stored engine operating profile to control amounts of fuel from each fuel tank to the engine. The controller can transmit a second set of control signals including a second set of valve signals to each fuel tank based at least in part on a second stored engine operating profile to control amounts of fuel from each fuel tank to the engine. Further, the controller can switch, by transmitting either the first set of control signals or the second set of control signals, between a first operating condition associated with a first external domain and a second condition associated with a second external domain. The first operating condition is associated with the first stored engine operating profile, and the second operating condition is associated with the second stored engine operating profile.
Abstract:
A control system includes a first switching module and a second switching module. The second switching module is operably connected to the first switching module. The control system is configured to be selectably connected to at least two of an energy dissipation system, an external energy storage system, or an internal energy storage system. When the control system is selected for electrical communication with one of the at least two of an energy dissipation system, external energy charging system, or internal energy storage system, the first and second switching modules control the path of a current distributed through the one of the at least two of an energy dissipation system, external energy charging system, or internal energy storage system.