System and method for improved train handling and fuel consumption
US7590485B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T30/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for improving fuel efficiency of a railroad train located on a railroad train having a locomotive consist including one or more railroad locomotives, said system including a position-determining device, a track profile database including terrain and contour data about a railroad track, and a processor including an algorithm to calculate a load of said train and a feed forward algorithm to determine an acceleration rate and/or a deceleration rate of said train based on said calculated load and forth coming terrain and contour of a railroad track, wherein said change in condition of the track is determined on-board the locomotive consist and the locomotive consist power setting is adjusted to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on the calculated load of the train as the train is proximate to the change in track condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.