Abstract: A system and a method for determining a true acceleration and velocity of a locomotive and for controlling wheel slip and wheel skid of the locomotive is disclosed. The system, using accelerometers, can control the velocity of the wheels of the locomotive based on the comparison between a true locomotive velocity signal and a wheel velocity signal such that an actual tangential speed of the wheels is regulated to correspond to the true locomotive longitudinal velocity plus an allowance velocity for creepage. The accelerometer can also be used at the same time for impact detection purposes. Furthermore, if a set of accelerometers are used, the locomotive can also play a diagnostic role for track quality reporting in rail yards. The control of wheel slip and wheel is particularly useful in DC locomotive applications with individual axle control.

Abstract: A ground tether circuit is provided for a power circuit that includes a power source, at least one load and at least one rectifier. The ground tether circuit includes an adjustable voltage converter connected to the rectifier. The adjustable voltage converter includes a positive power switch, a negative power switch, an inductor, a current sensing device and a controller.

Abstract: A ground tether circuit is provided for a power circuit that includes a power source, at least one load and at least one rectifier. The ground tether circuit includes an adjustable voltage converter connected to the rectifier. The adjustable voltage converter includes a positive power switch, a negative power switch, an inductor, a current sensing device and a controller.

Abstract: Methods of dynamic braking include two embodiments with braking circuits for vehicles such as, for example, locomotives which are operable down to very low speeds. These circuits can provide a braking force even at zero locomotive speed.

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: Control modes for operating multiple power sources include energy storage systems and applicable to large systems such as locomotives. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. A common DC bus electrical architecture is used so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives have the engine systems that may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.

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: A control strategy for operating a plurality of prime power sources 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. It is directed at a general control strategy for multi-engine systems where the power systems need not be of the same type or power rating and may even use different fuels. It is based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized.

Abstract: Control modes for operating multiple power sources include energy storage systems and applicable to large systems such as locomotives. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. A common DC bus electrical architecture is used so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives have the engine systems that may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.