Abstract: A system and method are provided for battery control of hybrid vehicles such as, but not limited to, hybrid locomotives. The system and method are implemented to sense a present state of charge (SoC) of one or more batteries and generate present SoC data there from, sense a present excursion defined by a relationship represented as maximum SoC?minimum SoC for a desired cycle and generate present excursion data there from, and control the one or more battery power/current charging limits in response to the present SoC data and the present excursion data.

Abstract: A generator set has a transversal configuration on the locomotive. The generator set and its configuration on the platform offer good performance with respect to the space it occupies along the length of the locomotive platform deck, and offer better access for maintenance purposes. A walkway interface structure supports a modular design for locomotives using standardized major sub-assemblies that can be easily interfaced from one locomotive and under-frame to another.

Abstract: A kit and method for converting a locomotive from a first configuration to a second configuration having a different operational capability. The kit includes a traction assembly including a mechanical subassembly configured to mechanically couple a first axle of a truck to a traction system of the locomotive; and an electromotive subassembly configured to electromotively couple the first axle to the traction system of the locomotive via the mechanical subassembly. When the kit is installed in the locomotive, the locomotive is converted from the first configuration having the first axle uncoupled from the traction system and a second axle of the truck coupled to the traction system to the second configuration having the first axle coupled to the traction system and a second axle coupled to the traction system.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: A power system is provided having a first power source including at least one engine configured to combust a first air/fuel mixture and produce a first exhaust stream. The fuel of the first air/fuel mixture may be liquefied petroleum gas. The system also has a first exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the first power source and configured to receive the first exhaust stream. In addition, the system has a second power source including at least one engine configured to combust a second fuel/air mixture and produce a second exhaust stream. Furthermore, the system has a second exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the second power source and configured to receive the second exhaust stream.

Abstract: A computerized system for use in connection with a hybrid energy off highway vehicle system of a off highway vehicle. The hybrid energy off highway vehicle system includes an off highway vehicle, a primary power source, and an off highway vehicle traction motor propelling the off highway vehicle in response to the primary electric power, and an energy capture system for storing and/or transferring electrical power. An energy management processor carried on the off highway vehicle controls transmission of electrical power among the primary electric power generator, the vehicle propulsion system, an electrical energy capture system, and each of the plurality of dynamic braking resistance grid circuits during motoring, operating and braking the travel of the off highway vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid energy railway vehicle system having a traction motor with a dynamic braking mode of operation for dynamically braking the traction motor and for generating dynamic braking electrical energy and an electrical energy storage system that is in electrical communication with the traction motor and that stores dynamic braking electrical energy generated by the traction motor. The system also has a hybrid energy railway vehicle with a plurality of wheels wherein the traction motor has a motoring mode of operation for driving one of the wheels in response to electrical input energy. A converter selectively provides stored electrical energy from the energy storage system to the traction motor as electrical input energy for driving one or more of wheels.

Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a secondary battery is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the secondary battery. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the secondary battery is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system includes a prime mover system, a driving system, an energy storage system, a regenerative braking system, and a control system usable to control operation of the prime mover, driving, energy storage, and regenerative braking systems. The control system receives inputs of geographic location, speed, and terrain features, and manages energy discharge and charge operations.

Abstract: A hybrid locomotive includes at least one traction motor coupled to at least one of a plurality of axles and configured to drive at least one axle. A power converter is coupled to a main engine and to at least one traction motor and configured to supply electrical energy to the at least one traction motor and a secondary energy storage unit. A fuel storage unit is coupled to the main engine and configured to supply a gaseous fuel to the main engine. The main engine is adapted to burn gaseous fuel for reduced emissions, while maintaining excellent power output characteristics, that may be supplemented by secondary power sources.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.

Abstract: A method of using one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations to assist a train consist up an uphill climb, the one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations each having one or more diesel electric locomotives and one or more separate energy storage cars, including adding the one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations to the train consist prior to an uphill climb; using the one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations to assist the train consist up the uphill climb; and removing the one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations from the train consist after the uphill climb. The one or more electric locomotive and energy storage car combinations are added to a train consist traveling downhill to assist with the downhill slowing through dynamic braking regeneration that is used to recharge the energy storage of the one or more separate energy storage cars.

Abstract: A railway car drive system comprising a first railway car mounting a power generator, a power converter, a driving motor and a power storage; a second railway car mounting a power converter, a driving motor and a power storage; and a power transmission connecting each of the power generators and power storage; wherein the system further comprises a power management unit for controlling the generated power of the power generator and the power storage quantity of the power storage, the power storage storing the power generated by the power generator and a regenerative power, the driving motor being driven via the power converter using as power source the power generator and the power storage to thereby run the train.

Abstract: A hybrid energy railway vehicle system having a traction motor with a dynamic braking mode of operation for dynamically braking the traction motor and for generating dynamic braking electrical energy and an electrical energy storage system that is in electrical communication with the traction motor and that stores dynamic braking electrical energy generated by the traction motor. The system also has a hybrid energy railway vehicle with a plurality of wheels wherein the traction motor has a motoring mode of operation for driving one of the wheels in response to electrical input energy. A converter selectively provides stored electrical energy from the energy storage system to the traction motor as electrical input energy for driving one or more of wheels.

Abstract: One or more magnetic levitation vehicles are provided to transport a storage mass over a magnetic levitation guideway extending between an elevated upper end and a lower end at a lower elevation, and including a plurality of magnetic propulsion windings. Movement of a magnetic levitation vehicle with the storage mass along the magnetic levitation guideway from the elevated upper end to the lower end generates electrical energy through the propulsion windings of the magnetic levitation guideway. The magnetic levitation vehicle with a storage mass can be propelled from the lower end to the upper end of the magnetic levitation guideway, where the storage mass is unloaded to store gravitational potential energy. The magnetic levitation vehicle and storage mass can then be moved to the lower end of the magnetic levitation guideway to convert the stored gravitational potential energy to electrical power.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system. The system comprises one or more hybrid propulsion traction drives having an electric motor operable to produce mechanical power for propulsion. A hybrid propulsion traction drive is operable to receive power from an on-board power generation system. The electric motor is operable to receive power from an energy storage unit and operable to supply power to the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit may be coupled to the electric motor via a switch.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.

Abstract: A system and method for managing electrical power generated by an engine for use in connection with operating a hybrid energy off highway vehicle load control system. A load control circuit determines a current operating condition of the Off Highway Vehicle, and determines a corresponding target operating condition of the Off Highway Vehicle The load control system determines a difference between the current operating condition and a target operating condition to identify transients. The load control system delivers power from the power source to a energy storage for an initial period after a transient condition is identified and then delivers power from the power source to source to the traction motors to propel the Off Highway Vehicle. The load control system also retrieves to power from the energy storage to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement of an oil-free compressor apparatus on a rail vehicle for supplying compressed air to pneumatic units assigned to the rail vehicle. The arrangement includes an oil-free compressor and a cooler unit connected with the compressor. The arrangement also includes a rail vehicle having a floor with at least one opening. The compressor is fastened on at least one side to the vehicle floor such that a main axis of rotation of the compressor is arranged essentially vertical with respect to the vehicle floor. The cooler unit interacts with the at least one opening that is configured to take in cooling air to cool the compressor.

Abstract: One or more magnetic levitation vehicles are provided to transport a storage mass over a magnetic levitation guideway extending between an elevated upper end and a lower end at a lower elevation, and including a plurality of magnetic propulsion windings. Movement of a magnetic levitation vehicle with the storage mass along the magnetic levitation guideway from the elevated upper end to the lower end generates electrical energy through the propulsion windings of the magnetic levitation guideway. The magnetic levitation vehicle with a storage mass can be propelled from the lower end to the upper end of the magnetic levitation guideway, where the storage mass is unloaded to store gravitational potential energy. The magnetic levitation vehicle and storage mass can then be moved to the lower end of the magnetic levitation guideway to convert the stored gravitational potential energy to electrical power.

Abstract: An electrical energy capture system for use in connection with a hybrid energy off highway vehicle system of a off highway vehicle. The hybrid energy off highway vehicle system includes an off highway vehicle, a primary power source, and an off highway vehicle traction motor propelling the off highway vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The off highway vehicle traction motor has a dynamic braking mode of operation generating electrical energy. The electrical energy capture system includes an energy management processor carried on the off highway vehicle. The capture system also includes an off highway vehicle electric generator connected to and driven by the primary power source for selectively supplying primary electric power, wherein the generator is responsive to said processor. An electrical energy storage device is carried on a off highway vehicle and is in electrical communication with the off highway vehicle traction motor.

Abstract: A diesel-electric locomotive includes an assembly including a diesel engine and a generator, to which a drive unit is connected. The diesel engine is connected to a cooling system holding fluid. The drive unit is electrically connected to a braking resistor. There is provision for the braking resistor to be arranged in the cooling system so as to give off heat to the fluid. For example, the braking resistor is connected to a separate heating voltage source which may be, for example, a voltage source in a second locomotive which is coupled to the locomotive in a traction grouping.

Abstract: One or more magnetic levitation vehicles are provided to transport a storage mass over a magnetic levitation guideway extending between an elevated upper end and a lower end at a lower elevation, and including a plurality of magnetic propulsion windings. Movement of a magnetic levitation vehicle with the storage mass along the magnetic levitation guideway from the elevated upper end to the lower end generates electrical energy through the propulsion windings of the magnetic levitation guideway. The magnetic levitation vehicle with a storage mass can be propelled from the lower end to the upper end of the magnetic levitation guideway, where the storage mass is unloaded to store gravitational potential energy. The magnetic levitation vehicle and storage mass can then be moved to the lower end of the magnetic levitation guideway to convert the stored gravitational potential energy to electrical power.

Abstract: An electrical energy capture system for use in connection with a hybrid energy off highway vehicle system of a off highway vehicle. The hybrid energy off highway vehicle system includes an off highway vehicle, a primary power source, and an off highway vehicle traction motor propelling the off highway vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The off highway vehicle traction motor has a dynamic braking mode of operation generating electrical energy. The electrical energy capture system includes an energy management processor carried on the off highway vehicle. The capture system also includes an off highway vehicle electric generator connected to and driven by the primary power source for selectively supplying primary electric power, wherein the generator is responsive to said processor. An electrical energy storage device is carried on a off highway vehicle and is in electrical communication with the off highway vehicle traction motor.

Abstract: A hybrid energy locomotive system having an energy storage and regeneration system. In one form, the system can be retrofitted into existing locomotives, or installed as original equipment. The energy storage and regeneration system captures dynamic braking energy, excess motor energy, and externally supplied energy and stores the captured energy in one or more energy storage subsystems, including a flywheel, a battery, an ultra-capacitor, or a combination of such subsystems. The energy storage and regeneration system can be located in a separate energy tender vehicle. The separate energy tender vehicle is optionally equipped with traction motors. An energy management system is responsive to power storage and power transfer parameters, including data indicative of present and future track profile information, to determine present and future electrical energy storage and supply requirements. The energy management system controls the storage and regeneration of energy accordingly.

Abstract: A power supply system for an electrically propelled vehicle equipped with electric traction motors and including an autonomous power supply system which can be recharged on board the vehicle for supplying power to the electric traction motors. At least one station is provided with an electrical power supply system connected to a mains electrical power supply network and connection arrangements for electrically connecting the autonomous power supply system of the vehicle to the power supply system of the station, on approaching the station, in order to charge the autonomous power supply device when the vehicle is stopped in the station. The autonomous power supply system on board the vehicle includes a battery of supercapacitors and the power supply system of the station includes an energy accumulating kinetic system.

Abstract: The two axle locomotive of this invention includes a diesel engine directly coupled to a generator for generating power to a single electrical traction motor. Preferably, the drive motor is an AC traction motor which drives both axles of the locomotive using a single drive shaft assembly with a drive shaft affixed to an armature of the AC traction motor. Power to the AC traction motor is controlled by using a variable frequency alternating current control system. Auxiliary equipment power is also provided by the AC generator. In addition, by reversing the current in the AC traction motor the motor becomes an AC braking motor. Changes in the traction ability of each axle resulting from weight transfer between the two axles is automatically compensated for by the single drive shaft assembly. The suspension system includes a locomotive frame supported by the pair of axles using elastomeric springs, which also provides dynamic damping to limit the motion of the locomotive.

Abstract: A mounting assembly secures a generator and facilitates attachment to a railroad railcar on the end of the railcar axle. The generator produces electricity from the axle of a railroad railcar while it is traveling on a railroad track. A generator is mounted with a generator bracket and a backing plate to an existing bearing adapter on the railcar. A drive hub engages axle bolts on the railcar axle. As the railcar axle turns, the drive hub turns and with the drive hub connected to a generator the generator subsequently rotates to supply electricity to the railcar. Different types of generators can be attached with the mounting assembly to the railcar. The mounting assembly allows generators to be mounted without modification to the existing railcar structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a replaceable power unit and transportation system for a dual-mode vehicle, such as an electric car which can operate on built-in batteries and by way of power supplied by a running rail. The vehicle moreover comprises road wheels for moving on a roadway as well as rail wheels for moving on a railway. The railway is a substantially triangular profile wherein the vehicle includes a downwardly facing rail interface extending in the longitudinal direction. The power unit forms an elongate unit which is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to the vehicle by mounting it in the rail interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-borne power unit for conveying passengers. The unit has at least one coach section formed by a coach body with at least one passenger compartment for passengers and with a driver's cab at one or both ends. The coach body is supported on running-gear assemblies formed by wheelsets and driven by at least one drive unit. The rail-borne power unit is a low-floor vehicle in which a central part of the coach body is lowered relative to its end parts. At least one end part of the rail-borne power unit is designed as a motor-coach head. The unit is selectively driven by at least one diesel-mechanical drive, or a diesel-electric drive, or a purely electric drive, or a multi-system drive formed by a combination of a diesel-electric drive with a purely electric drive, or a multi-system drive formed by a combination of two different electric drive variants, or a multi-system drive formed by a combination of a diesel-electric and two different electric drive variants.

Abstract: A power management system for an electrified train wherein the voltage of the batteries on the individual cars is provided to the locomotive which determines which cars can charge their batteries with the power from the locomotive based on the available power at the locomotive.

Abstract: A track-guided transport vehicle system for transporting high loads along a travel path contains for the drive a synchronous linear drive with a long stator along the travel path and an exciter winding on the vehicle. The long stator generates a travelling field that cooperates with a static magnetic field generated by an exciter winding on the vehicle so as to propel the vehicle. In order to supply electric drive energy to the compressor unit serving to generate compressed air for the air cushions, a higher frequency alternating current is superimposed on the current supplied to the windings along the track, with the higher frequency alternating current being coupled by a transformer effect into the winding on the vehicle. The energy can be coupled out there by means of a rectifier and be made available for feeding the electric motor of the compressor unit.

Abstract: A booster unit for diesel electric locomotive having a frame-mounted diesel engine, a main traction generator and a series of traction motors connected to said generators is disclosed. It is comprised of a gas turbine mounted on the frame adjacent to the diesel engine, a high speed alternator connected directly with the turbine and a series of rectifiers connected at the output of the high speed alternator. The alternator and rectifiers form a high speed electric generator. A load control means connected at the output of the alternator is provided for controlling the output power thereof. The high speed generator is connected in parallel with the main traction generator such that the traction motors can be supplied with extra electrical power when required.

Abstract: An improved strain sensor is disclosed utilizing a linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) to precisely output the linear strain over a structural member. The LVDT is mounted utilizing a position apparatus having a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the structural member, and effectively integrates the strain over the entire longitudinal dimension of the member by precisely measuring displacement under load. This assembly is readily incorporated in locomotive couplers and crane structures having a void or hollow coinciding with the neutral bending axis of the member being tested, as well as over relatively large spans, in pairs or singly, having bending moments present. A locomotive control system for increasing the strain on a locomotive coupler by monitoring the draw bar force with an associated generator speed and maximizing the draw bar force by manipulating the generator speed.

Abstract: A solar-powered rapid transit system is provided, which travels suspended above ground along a horizontal rail, supported by vertical/horizontal supports. The guide rail is basically a parallelogram, with five inner surfaces. It can be configured as either an overhead monorail system, or a birail system. The rail car is attached to and suspended from such rail by power transmission and support shafts, each of which attaches to a wheel box that fits into the horizontal guide rail. Power is transmitted to the wheels in each wheel box from several electric motors by a series of pulleys and belts in a unique configuration. Such wheels then propel the rail car or cars, which can be connected in series, down the rail. Power for electric motors is supplied by rectangular solar panels supported by vertical supports attached to the roof of each rail car, which extend several feet above the rail car and guide rails.

Abstract: A rail vehicle propulsion system having an engine whose speed is a function of a selected vehicle speed, an alternator connected to the engine for generating an electrical signal to drive an electric motor connected to the axle by a variable automatic mechanical transmission. The electric motor reflects the load on the axle to the engine through the alternator. The alternator drives a plurality of electric motor-transmission combinations. For ease of servicing, the engine and alternator are mounted on a removable pallet.

Abstract: Magnets are mounted on the undercarriage of a railroad vehicle and produce a magnetic field. Coils are mounted between the rails of a railroad track and extend in the same direction as the rails. The coils are positioned in the magnetic field generated by the magnets, so that as the magnetic field moves along the coils, it produces electrical energy in said coils. An electrically conductive output is electrically connected to the coils for deriving the electrical energy produced in the coils.