Abstract: A locomotive, a first chopper circuit, and a second chopper circuit integrating a traction motor with an energy storage device are disclosed. The locomotive includes a prime mover, an energy management device, a DC power bus, a traction motor, an energy storage device, a resistor grid, and a chopper circuit. Each chopper circuit is controlled by the energy management device and includes a plurality of power semiconductors with variable switching frequency. The traction motor may be capable of operating in a motoring mode, where power is controllably supplied by either the prime mover and/or the energy storage device; and a dynamic braking mode, where generated power is controllably allocated to the energy storage device and/or the resistor grid.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor is disclosed. The fluid level sensor has a frame which includes a hollow coupling component that attaches to a fluid drain of a gear case of a locomotive. A lug is insertable into the hollow coupling component that has a first connection end, and an elongated flexible sensor blade is attached to the lug. The flexible sensor blade is inserted into the gear case and used to measure a fluid level of a fluid in the gear case. The fluid level sensor also has a connector having a second connection end attached to the first connection end and a third connection end. A cover is attached to the frame, and the cover has a fourth connection end inside of an aperture of the cover, and the fourth connection end is attached to the third connection end.

Abstract: A locomotive, a first chopper circuit, and a second chopper circuit integrating a traction motor with an energy storage device are disclosed. The locomotive includes a prime mover, an energy management device, a DC power bus, a traction motor, an energy storage device, a resistor grid, and a chopper circuit. Each chopper circuit is controlled by the energy management device and includes a plurality of power semiconductors with variable switching frequency. The traction motor may be capable of operating in a motoring mode, where power is controllably supplied by either the prime mover and/or the energy storage device; and a dynamic braking mode, where generated power is controllably allocated to the energy storage device and/or the resistor grid.