Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a plurality of fuel cells. The method includes coordinating a distribution of a power demand in response to a power request of a power system comprising a plurality of fuel cells, the power output of each of the fuel cells selected based on a respective efficiency of each of the fuel cells.

Abstract: A control system and method obtain a stress profile of a device disposed onboard industrial equipment. The stress profile represents a stress characteristic of the device over time during operation of the industrial equipment. The system and method determine a smooth zero crossing function based on the stress profile. The smooth zero crossing function includes spikes that represent reversals of the stress characteristic. The system and method generate a control signal based on the smooth zero crossing function.

Abstract: A method and control system includes controlling operation of a vehicle system according to a first set of operating conditions while the vehicle system is moving along a route. The vehicle system including plural vehicles with two or more vehicles of the vehicle system contributing a predetermined amount of effort to propel the vehicle system to move along the route based on the first set of operating conditions. Responsive to determining a revised amount of effort that at least one of the two or more vehicles of the vehicle system needs to contribute to propel the vehicle system to control one or more performance variables of the vehicle system, the vehicle system may be automatically controlled according to a second set of operating conditions. At least one vehicle may contribute the revised amount of effort while the vehicle system operates according to the second set of operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method generate a trip plan for a trip of a vehicle system along a route. The usage of an engine or fuel cell during the trip is determined based on engine operational parameters, energy storage device operational parameters, and one or more objectives of the trip desired to be achieved. The usage of the energy storage device during the trip is also determined based on the engine operational parameters, the energy storage device operational parameters, and the one or more objective, including when to charge or discharge the energy storage device during the trip.