Generating Electric Patents (Class 105/35)
  • Patent number: 12054195
    Abstract: An operation assistance system for a first vehicle that is connected to a second vehicle that propels the connected first and second vehicles includes: a sensor system of the first vehicle that detects a feature in an operating environment of at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and a controller that is in communication with the sensor system and that prompts a power assist steering system of the first vehicle to execute a steering command based on the sensor system detecting the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Brendan F. Diamond, Jordan Barrett, Andrew Denis Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 11858540
    Abstract: An arrangement for driving a locomotive has various energy-provision systems. The locomotive contains a main energy-provision system as the main system and a drive system. Energy provided by the main system is supplied to the drive system as drive power and is used by the drive system for moving the locomotive. A carriage contains at least one additional energy-provision system as an auxiliary system. The auxiliary system is used in a manner which is temporally offset from the main system in order to supply drive power to the drive system. Components which can be used by both the main system and the at least one auxiliary system are implemented only once and are used jointly by both the main system and the at least one auxiliary system. Components which are used exclusively by the at least one auxiliary system are arranged on the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Hoescheler, Stefan Lauer
  • Patent number: 11820410
    Abstract: A train dispatching method includes acquiring a battery state of a power battery of a first target train, and determining that the first target train is a train about to return to the garage if the battery state is a power shortage state. The method further includes controlling the first target train to travel back to the parking garage for charging in response to receiving a passenger-drop-off completion instruction, selecting a train in a power sufficient state as a second target train from assignable trains in the parking garage if the battery state is the power shortage state, determining target dispatching plan information of the second target train according to original dispatching plan information of the first target train, and dispatching the second target train according to the target dispatching plan information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Weizhao Liu
  • Patent number: 11679681
    Abstract: An energy storage vehicle includes a solar cell, a power storage equipment, an engine, a transmission module, an electric motor, a pump, a hydraulic motor, a remote control module, and a generator. The transmission module includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, a first clutch, a second output terminal, and a second clutch. The input terminal of the transmission module is driven by the engine. The power storage equipment is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the solar cell and the generator. The power storage equipment is electrically connected to the first electric motor. The hydraulic motor drives multiple wheels of the energy storage vehicle under the control of the remote control module. The remote control module is configured to control the power output of the hydraulic motor and the orientation of the wheels of the energy storage vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HUNG CHANG INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tsai Liang, Chiung-Tan Hsu
  • Patent number: 11398726
    Abstract: A method for identifying the switch topology of multiple energy storage module connected in parallel and/or in series, which respectively have at least one energy storage element, each module has a switch element for selectively activating and deactivating the module and a unique identifier, wherein each module is assigned to a module string in that a total current flowing across the switch topology is checked, and individual modules are activated successively via the switch element until the total current is detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Technische Universität München
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11394221
    Abstract: A method for controlling a DC bus voltage in a DC bus system, the system including a DC bus and an energy storage unit coupled to the DC bus, includes: detecting a DC bus voltage; detecting, by the energy storage unit, a DC bus voltage of the DC bus; determining, by the energy storage unit, a power reference value based on the DC bus voltage; and adjusting, by the energy storage unit, one of output power and absorbing power based on the power reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoqiao Shen, Guojin Xu, Changliang Liu, Jian Li, Yunfeng Liu, Jinfa Zhang
  • Patent number: 11371445
    Abstract: A vehicle may include: a genset including: an engine configured to combust light fuel such as natural gas, a generator linked to the engine and configured to convert mechanical energy provided by the engine into electrical energy; one or more light fuel storage containers; one or more electrical storage devices such as batteries; a plurality of wheels; a plurality of electric motors configured to drive the plurality of wheels; a first power bus configured to electrically connect the generator of the genset, the one or more electrical storage devices, and the plurality of electric motors. Each of the one or more electrical storage devices may be disposed lower than each of the one or more light fuel storage containers with respect to a vertically extending reference axis that is perpendicular to a reference plane parallel to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CNGMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: David I. Scott, Pedro T. Santos
  • Patent number: 11267490
    Abstract: A dual-powered railroad vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a combustion engine having a first cooling circuit; a traction transformer having a second cooling circuit; and at least one radiator for dissipating thermal energy to surrounding air. The first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit are configured to dissipate thermal energy via the at least one radiator. Further, a method for operating a dual-powered railroad vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Energy Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Harry Zueger, Yann Cuenin, Yoann Alphand
  • Patent number: 11214149
    Abstract: A drive system for a rail vehicle includes a plurality of drive motors. The drive motors include at least one permanent magnet motor and at least one asynchronous motor and/or at least one reluctance motor. A rail vehicle having wheelsets, each of which includes two oppositely disposed wheels and which are driven at least partially by the drive system, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Koerner
  • Patent number: 11128138
    Abstract: A DC traction sub-station for supplying at least one vehicle, preferentially a railway vehicle, with a direct current, including a first terminal connecting the DC traction sub-station to an alternating current electrical power grid, a second terminal connecting the DC traction sub-station to a power supply conductor in order to provide driving current to the at least one vehicle or to receive regenerative braking current from the at least one vehicle, a third terminal connected to an energy storage device, one or more first current supply chains electrically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal, wherein the first current supply chain includes a first AC/DC converter, and one or more second current supply chains electrically connecting the first terminal to the third terminal, wherein the second current supply chain includes a second AC/DC converter, and wherein a DC/DC converter electrically connects the second terminal to the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Carsten Soeffker, Raphael Hofstaedter
  • Patent number: 11069488
    Abstract: A hybrid energy storage device is provided. The energy storage device represents a combined capacitor and battery in modular form. The capacitor and the battery may be individually selected based on application needs, and then mechanically combined into a single electrical energy storage device. A method of forming a charge storage device is also provided herein. The method includes selecting a size for a capacitor, and selecting a size for a battery. A module for the capacitor having the selected size and a separate module for the battery having the selected size are then mechanically and electrically connected to form an integral energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Systematic Power Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Scottie Johnson, Eric C Ricker
  • Patent number: 10630211
    Abstract: A device for operating an electric machine, it being possible for the electric machine to be at least operated in generator mode, having an electrical energy accumulator that is connected to the electric machine by an electrical circuit that has a main switch; the circuit having a motor brake circuit that is designed to feed the electrical energy generated by the electric machine in generator mode to the energy accumulator. It is provided that the motor brake circuit be designed to convert the electrical energy into heat in the case of a failure of the main switch, of a connection of the circuit to the energy accumulator and/or of the energy accumulator itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Sinn, Thomas Saile, Volker Weeber
  • Patent number: 10563629
    Abstract: A railway traction vehicle comprising a plurality of axles, a fuel gas power unit (112), a fuel gas storage assembly (118) including a predetermined number of fuel gas storage modules (122), and a fuel gas delivery network (120). The fuel gas storage assembly (118) comprises a plurality of identical fuel gas storage module receiving devices (124), and, for each of said receiving devices, an identical fuel gas coupling (126) for coupling a module (122) with said network (120). The modules (122) share a standardised configuration such that each of them can be received in any of said receiving devices (124) and coupled to the corresponding fuel gas coupling (126). They are distributed over said fuel gas storage module receiving devices (124) such that the load on the axles is optimised. The predetermined number is adapted to the amount of fuel gas needed by the vehicle to operate on a predetermined railway line. Preferred application to regional passenger multiple units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies
    Inventor: Wolfram Schwab
  • Patent number: 10507739
    Abstract: A ground device includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a ground transmitting and receiving unit. A ground antenna is connected to the ground transmitting and receiving unit. Train information from an on-board device is received by the ground transmitting and receiving unit via the ground antenna, and is then transmitted to the control unit. Meanwhile, information from the control unit is transmitted to the on-board device via the ground transmitting and receiving unit and the on-board antenna. The control unit accumulates the train information on a train in the storage unit, and also transmits, to the on-board device, command information for a device installed in the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihito Takigawa, Tetsuo Komura, Kentaro Hoshino, Masayuki Takeyama, Yoshinori Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10286787
    Abstract: A mining haul truck driven by electrical wheel motors is operated with all electrical power sources; that is, without a diesel engine. While travelling on the loading site, the mining haul truck is powered by an on-board energy storage system, which can comprise a bank of ultracapacitors. The mining haul truck then moves to the bottom of a trolley ramp and is coupled to trolley lines. While travelling uphill, the mining haul truck is powered by the trolley lines, and the on-board energy storage system is charged by the trolley lines. When the mining haul truck reaches the top of the trolley ramp, the mining haul truck is uncoupled from the trolley lines. While travelling on the unloading site, the mining haul truck is powered by the on-board energy storage system. The on-board energy storage system can also be charged by retard energy generated by the wheel motors during braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Joy Mazumdar
  • Patent number: 10240322
    Abstract: An energy storage system associated with a machine having a work tool and one or more auxiliary loads includes a power source which generates mechanical power. An energy storage device supplies power to the one or more auxiliary loads. An electrical generator is operably coupled to the power source and converts at least a portion of the mechanical power into electrical power. The electrical generator supplies the electrical power to the energy storage device. A controller is communicably coupled to the power source, the work tool, the energy storage device, and the electrical generator. The controller determines a power demand of the work tool. The controller then compares whether the determined power demand exceeds a pre-determined threshold power. The controller disables the electrical generator from supplying the electrical power to the energy storage device if the power demand exceeds the pre-determined threshold power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter James Miller, Arthur Milkowski
  • Patent number: 10112626
    Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a plurality of items of equipment provided within a compartment, an air-conditioner that conditions air flowing within the items of equipment or within a housing that accommodates the items of equipment, and a duct that delivers air between the air-conditioner and the items of equipment and having a portion extending within the compartment in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle, in a position close to a wall of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Patent number: 9975543
    Abstract: A combustion-electric propulsion system includes an alternator, an engine control module, and an electric aftertreatment component. The alternator is configured to receive a rotational input from a driveshaft and to utilize the rotational input to generate electric energy. The engine control module is configured to receive an input. The input corresponds to a drive command or a brake command. The engine control module is configured to enter an idle mode while not receiving the drive command or the brake command. The electric aftertreatment component is configured to treat exhaust. The electric aftertreatment component includes a plurality of resistance elements that are electrically communicable with the alternator. The alternator is configured to selectively transmit the electric energy to the plurality of resistance elements when in the idle mode such that the plurality of resistance elements heat at least one of the exhaust and the electric aftertreatment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Colin L. Norris, Taren DeHart
  • Patent number: 9908544
    Abstract: A control system for remotely configuring a locomotive may include an operational control device located on-board the locomotive, wherein the operational control device may be configured in a run configuration when the locomotive is ready for travel. An on-board controller located on-board the locomotive may be configured to switch the operational control device to the run configuration upon receipt of a configuration command signal. An off-board remote controller interface located remotely from the locomotive may be configured to receive a configuration failure signal, wherein the configuration failure signal may be indicative of the operational control device being in a configuration other than the run configuration. The off-board remote controller interface may selectively send the configuration command signal to the on-board controller to switch the operational control device to the run configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Seaton, Alexander Shubs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9873408
    Abstract: An Automatic Service Station Facility (ASSF) for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the automatic service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Peter D. Capizzo
  • Patent number: 9827844
    Abstract: A mid-mounted radiator in a motor vehicle has at least one outgoing air guide attached laterally on the left and right of the radiator. In vehicles with a relatively low cooling requirement, the lateral outgoing air guides are removed and the openings are closed by a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Schneider
  • Patent number: 9809762
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroprocessing a petroleum fraction, such as a bottoms fraction from a fuels hydrocracking process, to generate a lubricant base oil. The aromatic content of such a petroleum fraction can be reduced using a aromatic saturation stage with multiple catalyst beds, or alternatively using a reactor (or reactors) with multiple aromatic saturation stages. The catalysts in the various beds or stages can be selected to provide different types of aromatic saturation activity. An initial bed or stage can provide activity for saturation of 1-ring aromatics in the petroleum fraction. One or more subsequent beds or stages, operating at successively lower temperature, can then be used to reduce the multiple-ring aromatic content of the petroleum fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary P. Schleicher, Teck-Mui Hoo, Eric D. Joseck
  • Patent number: 9718486
    Abstract: A system for analyzing health of assets in train is provided. The system includes a sensing unit configured to generate health data of sub-assets. The system also includes a controller in communication with the sensing unit to receive the health data. The controller is configured to display, in a graphical user interface (GUI), a list of assets configurable to allow selection of one asset therefrom. The controller is configured to receive an input command, in the GUI, to select a desired asset from the list of assets for requesting information about health of the desired asset. The controller is configured to display, in the GUI, a visual representation of the desired asset, along with the sub-assets, in response to the input command. The controller is configured to flag, in the GUI, the sub-assets in the visual representation of the desired asset based on the health data of the sub-assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Shubs, Jr., David M. Roenspies
  • Patent number: 9697964
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power contactor from an existing contactor having a magnetic amplifier that comprises a blowout coil and a ferromagnetic core, and an arc chute for extinguishing an arc generated by opening the existing contactor under a current load is disclosed. The method includes removing a bolt assembly from the existing contactor and at least one side plate from the existing contactor. The method also includes removing the ferromagnetic core from the existing contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corporation
    Inventors: John Franklin Kral, Sidarta Fornari Beltramin
  • Patent number: 9643513
    Abstract: An energy management system comprises a first electricity transformer with one or more first leg circuit(s), a second electricity transformer with one or more second leg circuit(s), and a control device. One or more first leg circuit(s) is (are) coupled to an energy-type supply, and one or more second leg circuit(s) is (are) coupled to a power-type supply. The control device will control the first and second electricity transformers operating under at least one of two conditions when a traction device is under driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinping Gao, Hai Qiu, Tong Zhao, Fei Xu, Hongwu She
  • Patent number: 9493175
    Abstract: A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Wolfgang Daum
  • Patent number: 9461475
    Abstract: An electrical system and method include a DC link, a controlled rectifier connected between the DC link and a power source, an energy storage, a DC to DC converter connected between the DC link and the energy storage, a motor, and a DC to AC converter connected between the DC link and the motor. The converters are configured to transfer power in both directions. The rectifier controls the DC voltage of the DC link when the DC link voltage is in a first voltage range. The DC to DC converter controls the DC voltage of the DC link by charging the energy storage when the DC link voltage is in a second voltage range, which has higher voltage values than the first voltage range, or by discharging the energy storage when the DC link voltage is in a third voltage range, which has lower voltages than the first voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology OY
    Inventors: Juha Koukkari, Tuomo Leppinen, Teemu Ronkainen
  • Patent number: 9435261
    Abstract: A fluid cooled system includes a first heat generating component. A first airflow pathway directs a first flow of air across a first heat exchanger. A second airflow pathway directs a second flow of air across a second heat exchanger. A first working fluid is flowed from the first heat generating component, through the first heat exchanger and through the second heat exchanger and returned to the first heat generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Joseph DeVita, Timothy Fred Lauder, Mark Denton Bystry
  • Patent number: 9193254
    Abstract: A power system of a series hybrid vehicle, comprising a fuel source; a control system; at least two auxiliary power units, each of which auxiliary power units, under control of the control system, independently receives fuel from the fuel source, and converts chemical energy in the fuel into electrical energy and outputs the electrical energy to a common current bus; a power battery electrically connected to a common current bus to, under control of the control system, receive electrical energy from the common current bus to perform charging or perform discharging through the common current bus; and a traction motor electrically connected to the common current bus to, under control of the control system, receive electrical energy from the common current bus and convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy and transmit the mechanical energy to a power train of the vehicle so as to drive the vehicle to run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP
    Inventor: Shufu Li
  • Patent number: 9186997
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hybrid electric locomotive includes electric motors, a first engine and a second engine mounted in a vehicle main body for driving generators, a third engine mounted in the vehicle main body, having a smaller capacity than those of the first engine and the second engine, for driving a generator, at least one electric device mounted in the vehicle main body, and a storage battery which is connected to the first engine, the second engine, the third engine, and the electric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Patent number: 9114812
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a locomotive assembly having a locomotive and an auxiliary power unit is disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes at least one locomotive having a power bus, a primary engine-generator set electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary engine-generator set. The locomotive assembly also includes an auxiliary power unit having an auxiliary engine-generator set electrically coupled to a locomotive power bus, and a first auxiliary controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive a command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, and control the auxiliary engine-generator set of the auxiliary power unit to produce the desired amount of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Bright Energy Storage Technologies, LLP
    Inventors: Scott Raymond Frazier, Kevin Pykkonen, Karl Ginter, Jeffrey Orion Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20150027339
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a consist power system for a consist having a locomotive. The consist power system may include an engine located onboard the locomotive, and a generator driven by the engine to produce a main supply of electric power. The consist power system may also include a wind turbine located onboard the locomotive and configured to produce a first auxiliary supply of electric power, and a solar panel located onboard the locomotive and configured to produce a second auxiliary supply of electric power. The consist power system may also include a traction motor configured to receive the main supply of electric power and the first and second auxiliary supplies of power to propel the locomotive. The consist power system may further include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the consist, and a controller in communication with the sensor, the wind turbine, and the solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.
    Inventor: Harinder Singh Lamba
  • Publication number: 20140379180
    Abstract: A method of sharing power between locomotives in a consist may include receiving a power demand signal at a control computer on one of the locomotives, with the power demand signal indicative of a total power output requirement for the consist. The control computer may determine an amount of available power on an electrical power bus running through all of the locomotives in the consist, and the power generating capacity of all power sources that are electrically coupled to the electrical power bus. One or more power sources on any one of the locomotives in the consist may be activated to provide electrical power to the electrical power bus for use by a load on a different one of the locomotives in the consist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: JOHN FRANKLIN KRAL, DOUGLAS MICHAEL BIAGINI
  • Patent number: 8899158
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a wheel rotatably connected to the truck. The tender car may also have a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to generate electric power when the wheel is rotated. The tender car may further have a tank mounted to the frame and configured to hold a liquefied gaseous fuel, and a fuel pump mounted to the frame and configured to pump the liquefied gaseous fuel from the tank. The fuel pump may be driven by electric power generated by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
  • Patent number: 8847524
    Abstract: Braking current generated by an electrical motor on mining equipment during a retard interval is switched through one or more grid resistors that are liquid cooled. Under low ambient temperatures, a heating current can be switched through the grid resistors when the electrical motor is not operating in a retard interval. An integrated cooling system can be used to cool grid resistors and power modules. Heat dissipated by the grid resistors and the power modules can be circulated through auxiliary heating loops to heat portions of the mining equipment under low ambient temperatures. Multiple liquid-cooled power modules, liquid-cooled grid resistors, auxiliary heating loops, control modules, radiators, and pumps can be coupled by a liquid distribution system with various combinations of parallel and serial branches. Temperature, pressure, and flow rate in each branch can be independently controlled. Operation of the integrated cooling system can be controlled by a computational system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Joy Mazumdar
  • Patent number: 8847448
    Abstract: An electric generator for a railroad train is provided with a stationary axle mounted to a base frame of a railroad car of the railroad train; a wheel mounted on either end of the stationary axle for rotation relative to both the stationary axle and a rail; an iron yoke secured to an outer surface of the wheel; a plurality of spaced, permanent magnets secured to an inner surface of the iron yoke; and a stator secured to either end of the stationary axle and including an armature winding thereon, the armature winding being spaced from the permanent magnets. In response to rotation of the wheel, electric current is produced by the armature winding due to a relative movement of the armature winding and a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Tsui
  • Patent number: 8820247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling rebuilding of locomotives by replacing the existing two-stroke diesel engine with a four-stroke diesel engine, while retaining the generator and its associated electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete Claussen, Scott Gatewood, Robert Anthony Di Domizio, Jr., David Tennent, Tom German
  • Patent number: 8807047
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a locomotive, in part, from serviceable used parts from one or more other locomotives. The principal part that is used in this new locomotive configuration is a single, used locomotive truck assembly. The various embodiments and configurations of the present invention are directed generally to a purpose-built locomotive that incorporates parts from other locomotives in a unique way. The present invention can be summarized as a method creating a simple locomotive that is well adapted to switching and spotting functions that shares commonality with other larger locomotives both in terms of components and design. Because this new piece equipment is built in part from a plentiful supply of under-valued surplus components, it will be economical to construct and maintain. The locomotive may also include a self-elevating system so that the truck assembly can be accessed or removed rapidly for maintenance or repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Wegner Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8789473
    Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Patent number: 8772962
    Abstract: A power distribution system for a rail vehicle includes a propulsion alternator, a first bus, a Head End Power (HEP) alternator, and a second bus. The propulsion alternator is joined to an engine of the rail vehicle. The first bus is joined with the propulsion alternator and is configured to electrically couple the propulsion alternator with a propulsion electric load that propels the rail vehicle. The HEP alternator is joined to the engine. The second bus is joined with the HEP alternator and is adapted to electrically couple the HEP alternator with a non-propulsion electric load of the rail vehicle. The propulsion alternator generates a first electric current to power the propulsion electric load and the HEP alternator separately generates second electric current to power the non-propulsion electric load. The HEP alternator and the second bus are electrically separate from the propulsion alternator and the first bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 8677908
    Abstract: A power conversion unit is unitized by accommodating an inverter, converter, and control equipment etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. A storage battery unit is unitized by accommodating a storage battery and storage battery control equipment etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. The driving control equipment of a driver's cab is accommodated in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. A power generation unit is unitized by accommodating an engine, main generator and radiator etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. The power conversion unit, storage battery unit, driver's cab and power generation unit are mounted on a car body under-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Patent number: 8671844
    Abstract: A railway vehicular power converter adapted to be fixed beneath a floor of a railway vehicle has a power conversion unit, a housing, and a plurality of L-shaped securing members provided at upper end parts of an outer surface of the housing for fixing beneath the floor of the railway vehicle. The plurality of securing members is reinforced by reinforcing members provided inside the housing and attached behind the surface of the housing where the securing members are disposed. Each of the reinforcing members has a C-channel having a length substantially the same as a length of the housing in a shorter direction thereof, and has two edges in the shorter direction bent at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140060378
    Abstract: Various systems and method for generating electrical power in a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle system includes an electrical power generation unit operatively coupled with a drive shaft of an engine. The electrical power generation unit includes a fraction alternator and a head-end-power (HEP) alternator. The traction alternator is excited by power electronics positioned external to the traction alternator. The HEP alternator is self-excited by an exciter winding positioned in the HEP alternator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Daigle, Bret Dwayne Worden, Maksim Borisenko
  • Publication number: 20140033945
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a power system for a consist. The power system may have a main engine located onboard a locomotive of the consist, a main generator driven by the main engine to generate a main supply of electric power, and a traction motor configured to receive the main supply of electric power and propel the locomotive. The power system may also have an auxiliary engine located on a tender car towed by the locomotive, and an auxiliary generator driven by the auxiliary engine to generate an auxiliary supply of power directed to the locomotive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: AARON GAMACHE FOEGE, DANA RAY COLDREN
  • Publication number: 20140033946
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for supplying gaseous natural gas and electrical energy to a rail vehicle. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving natural gas at an engine on board a rail vehicle during engine operation, stopping the engine in response to an engine shutdown request, and receiving electrical energy from off board the rail vehicle to power the rail vehicle for at least a period while the engine is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Gene BILLIG, Taral SHAH
  • Patent number: 8640629
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8561545
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a locomotive, in part, from serviceable used parts from one or more other locomotives. The principal part that is used in this new locomotive configuration is a single, used locomotive truck assembly. The various embodiments and configurations of the present invention are directed generally to a purpose-built locomotive that incorporates parts from other locomotives in a unique way. The present invention can be summarized as a method creating a simple locomotive that is well adapted to switching and spotting functions that shares commonality with other larger locomotives both in terms of components and design. Because this new piece equipment is built in part from a plentiful supply of under-valued surplus components, it will be economical to construct and maintain. The locomotive may also include a self-elevating system so that the truck assembly can be accessed or removed rapidly for maintenance or repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Wegner Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8550009
    Abstract: The diesel-electric locomotive (10) includes: a diesel engine (12), an alternator (20) mechanically coupled for driving thereof to the diesel engine (12) and connected as output to a direct current bus (26) through a rectifier (22), at least one electric traction motor (14) connected to the bus (26) through a traction inverter (34), at least one piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18) with a power supply, powered from the diesel engine (12). It includes, to power the or each piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18), a chain (80) for shaping the current connected as input to the direct current bus (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alstom Transport SA
    Inventors: Sebastien Christian Geraud, Pierre Chanal
  • Patent number: 8534198
    Abstract: A locomotive includes an engine compartment having two sidewall structures and inboard and rear end structures defining an engine enclosure. A top hatch cover a top opening of the enclosure, which houses an engine. A removable cap being generally box-shaped extends across a portion of the top opening adjacent the top hatch and also across a portion of each of the two sidewall structures. An engine pit opening is exposed when removable cap is removed. The engine pit opening is sufficiently large to accommodate lifting the engine out of the enclosure. The engine pit opening is partially defined by two side edges extending parallel to the centerline along sidewall structures, each of the two side edges being disposed at a clearance height that is lower than an overall height of the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
    Inventor: Hector Matthys
  • Patent number: 8511449
    Abstract: A propulsion system for a powered rail vehicle includes a fuel engine, an alternator, and a tractive circuit. The alternator is coupled with and driven by the engine to produce a fuel-based electric current. The tractive circuit includes a conductive bus coupled with the alternator and a traction motor. The conductive bus is configured to couple with a power conditioning circuit to receive an external electric current from an external electric power source via the power conditioning circuit. The tractive circuit has a fuel-powered only configuration, a fuel- and electric-powered configuration, and an electric-powered only configuration. The tractive circuit supplies the traction motor with the fuel-based electric current in the fuel-powered only configuration, with the fuel-based electric current or the external electric current in the fuel- or electric-powered configuration, and with the external electric current in the electric-powered only configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar