Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a starter motor system for cranking an engine. In one example, a starter motor system includes, a battery, two electric motors arranged in series, two main contactors, two auxiliary contactors, and two solenoid contactors. Each of the two electric starter motors may be simultaneously energized to crank the engine in tandem after the pinion gears of both the electric motors are coupled to the ring gear of the engine.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for automatically applying tractive material during operation of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the application of tractive material for a vehicle is adjusted based on calculated and expected tractive effort for each powered truck, axle, or wheel of the vehicle. In this way, tractive material application is controlled on a per truck, axle, or wheel basis in order to reduce excessive use of tractive material during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle. In one example, a system for a vehicle having a main power unit (MPU) coupled to an alternator and an auxiliary power unit (APU) configured to provide power to one or more hotel loads of the vehicle comprises: a controller with computer readable instructions stored in non-transitory memory executable to initiate operation of the APU in response to a drain load being applied to a battery of the vehicle that will deplete the battery to a state of charge (SOC) level that is less than a determined SOC threshold level in less time than a determined period, and the MPU is not in operation.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle that provides electrical power and compressed air while a main engine of the vehicle is not running. In one example, an auxiliary power unit (APU) comprises: an engine, an alternator, and a compressor, all mounted to a common base frame in a triangular arrangement with the alternator and compressor arranged adjacent to one another and each of the alternator and compressor rotationally coupled with the engine through a gearbox spaced between the engine and each of the compressor and alternator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a starter motor system for cranking an engine. In one example, a starter motor system includes, a battery, two electric motors arranged in series, two main contactors, two auxiliary contactors, and two solenoid contactors. Each of the two electric starter motors may be simultaneously energized to crank the engine in tandem after the pinion gears of both the electric motors are coupled to the ring gear of the engine.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle that provides electrical power and compressed air while a main engine of the vehicle is not running.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle that provides electrical power and compressed air while a main engine of the vehicle is not running. In one example, an auxiliary power unit (APU) comprises: an engine, an alternator, and a compressor, all mounted to a common base frame in a triangular arrangement with the alternator and compressor arranged adjacent to one another and each of the alternator and compressor rotationally coupled with the engine through a gearbox spaced between the engine and each of the compressor and alternator.