Trip optimizer method, system and computer software code for operating a railroad train to minimize wheel and track wear

US9233696B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Ajith Kuttannair Kumar · Erie, US
• Wolfgang Daum · Erie, US
• Glenn Robert Shaffer · Erie, US
• Paul Kenneth Houpt · Schenectady, US
• Joseph Forrest Noffsinger · Lee's Summit, US
• David Lowell McKay · Melbourne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 12, 2016
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61L2205/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for controlling a railroad train over a segment of track. The system comprises a first element for determining a location of the train on the segment of track; a second element for providing track characterization information for the segment of track; the track characterization information related to physical conditions of the segment of track; and a processor for controlling applied tractive forces and braking forces of the train responsive to the location of the train and the track characterization information to reduce at least one of wheel wear and/or track wear during operation of the train over the segment of track.