Abstract: The system and method maximize available rail adhesion between the rails of a track and the wheels of a rail vehicle so that the vehicle is better able to accelerate up to operating speed and to decelerate to a stop condition under poor rail conditions. The system implements a control logic function which relies on a measured variable that is different than the controlled error signal utilized to affect control of the vehicle. The control system is enabled based on creep speed while the parameter used to effect control is wheel acceleration.

Abstract: The system and method maximize available rail adhesion between the rails of a track and the wheels of a rail vehicle so that the vehicle is better able to accelerate up to operating speed and to decelerate to a stop condition under poor rail conditions. The system implements a control logic function which relies on a measured variable that is different than the controlled error signal utilized to affect control of the vehicle. The control system is enabled based on creep speed while the parameter used to effect control is wheel acceleration.

Abstract: Torque is distributed by calculating first and second torque commands using a requested torque and a ratio of speeds of first and second wheels and limiting them in accordance with respective torque command approved ranges and approved change rates; converting the limited torque commands to horsepower commands and limiting them in accordance with respective horsepower command approved ranges and approved change rates; and converting the limited horsepower commands to present torque commands. Maximum horsepower available is determined by using an engine speed to determine a nominal amount of available horsepower; applying a desired load status signal and an actual engine load status signal to a proportional-integral A regulator; and using the nominal amount of available horsepower and an output signal of the regulator to determine the maximum amount of available horsepower.

Abstract: An AC motorized wheel arrangement includes a wheel frame including a flange for attachment to a truck body; a wheel hub; roller bearings for supporting the wheel hub on the wheel frame; a shaft; an AC motor attached to a portion of the wheel frame facing an inboard side of the wheel for turning the shaft; a transmission attached to a portion of the wheel frame facing an outboard side of the wheel and connected to the shaft and the wheel hub for turning the wheel hub; and a service brake mounted between the wheel frame and the wheel hub. In a ventilation arrangement, two wheel frames are attached to opposite outer sides of and axle box and two alternating current motors are positioned in the axle box with each motor frame attached to one of the wheel frames. The motor frames include holes for permitting air from the axle box to enter the motors, and an air outlet housing is positioned between the two motors for receiving air from the two motors and directing air out a rear opening of the axle box.