Abstract: A method and system for identifying or determining degradation in performance of an engine cooling subsystem having an electric motor for powering a fan in a locomotive is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of an electrical imbalance in one or more phases in the fan motor of the cooling subsystem, and for adjusting the value of the monitored signal for deviations from an estimated nominal phase signal value due to predetermined external variables so as to generate an adjusted phase signal value. The method further allows for comparing the value of the adjusted phase signal value against the nominal phase signal value to determine the performance of the cooling subsystem.

Abstract: A radiator assembly for a locomotive is provided. The locomotive has an engine for driving the locomotive and a cooling water system for circulating cooling water through the engine to operatively control the temperature of the engine, the assembly including a radiator in fluid communication with the cooling system and a fan which selectively draws air through the radiator and into the inlet of the fan. The radiator assembly also includes a shutter for selectively controlling the drawn air flow through the radiator and a control system operatively attached to the shutter for actuating the shutter to control the drawn air flow in dependence on a determined control temperature. The control assembly is also operatively attached to the fan to select and set the speed of the fan in dependence on the determined control temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining gross engine horsepower of an internal combustion engine coupled in driving relationship to an alternating current electric alternator, the alternator supplying electric power to variable loads, comprises measuring the field current and average per phase armature current supplied by the alternator; computing the magnitude of electric power supplied by the alternator from the measured values of field current and armature phase current; determining the engine efficiency at the computed magnitude of electric power; and converting the computed electric power to engine horsepower at the determined efficiency.

Abstract: A temperature regulating system for a turbo charged engine and the compressed charging air from the turbo charger is disclosed. The heat regulating system employs coolant fluid which flows through the engine to transfer heat from the engine. Depending on the operating conditions of the engine the heated coolant from the engine is distributed among one or more of a plurality of flow paths. In one of the flow paths the coolant flows through a primary radiator where the coolant is cooled. A fan forces air into contact with the radiator to transfer heat from the radiator. A portion of the coolant exiting the radiator flows through a subcooler where the coolant is further cooled. The coolant from the subcooler may be directed to the charged air cooler for cooling the compressed air before flowing back to the engine. In a second flow path, coolant which has not flowed through the radiator, flows through the charged air cooler to heat the compressed air.

Abstract: A locomotive traction motor control system includes a traction motor suspended by traction motor suspension bearings, such as roller bearings in a bearing assembly, and traction motor suspension bearing temperature sensors, such as thermistors, for sensing a temperature of the traction motor suspension bearings. A controller, such a microprocessor based controller, receives a hot bearing indication from a hot bearing detection unit (HBDU) connected to the suspension bearing temperature sensors. The controller generates a warning indication based on the temperature sensed by the suspension bearing temperature sensors when the HBDU detects an improper bearing temperature. The control system also facilitates detection and warning of an improper stretch braking condition and subsequently limits current to the traction motors in response to detecting the improper stretch braking condition.

Abstract: A method for limiting smoke and fire upon loading a diesel engine having a power piston with a variable piston gap for controlling fueling of the engine, includes sensing the piston gap value on a cyclical basis, computing the piston gap velocity, comparing the computed piston gap velocity with a preset piston gap velocity range, and adjusting engine horsepower output upon the computation of an abnormal piston gap velocity reading. Thus, engine overfueling during loading is prevented.

Abstract: Flashover protection is provided for a locomotive propulsion system including a plurality of d-c traction motors each having a commutator subject to flashovers, a traction alternator having armature and field windings and a rotor driven by a prime mover, a controllable source of excitation current connected to the alternator field, and means including an electric power rectifier for connecting the alternator to the motor commutators. It comprises means for producing a fault signal whenever a flashover occurs in any motor, a solid-state controllable electric valve connected between the excitation current source and the alternator field and having alternative conducting and non-conducting states, and means for changing the valve from conducting to non-conducting states in response to a fault signal being produced, whereupon the magnitude of excitation current in the alternator field is rapidly reduced toward zero and the alternator's output current is correspondingly decreased whenever a flashover occurs.

Abstract: Flashover protection is provided for a locomotive propulsion system including a plurality of d-c traction motors each having a commutator subject to flashovers, a traction alternator having armature and field windings and a rotor driven by a prime mover, a controllable source of excitation current connected to the alternator field, and means including an electric power rectifier for connecting the alternator to the motor commutators. It comprises means for producing a fault signal whenever a flashover occurs in any motor, a solid-state controllable electric valve connected between the excitation current source and the alternator field and having alternative conducting and non-conducting states, and means for changing the valve from conducting to non-conducting states in response to a fault signal being produced, whereupon the magnitude of excitation current in the alternator field is rapidly reduced toward zero and the alternator's output current is correspondingly decreased whenever a flashover occurs.