System for energy conservation on rail vehicles
First Claim
1. An apparatus indicating appropriate coast times for a vehicle for controlling said vehicle, travelling between a start point and a finish point to enable said vehicle to achieve a maximum period of coasting, comprising:
- a calculation means;
a timer providing signals to said calculation means representing the current time and time elapsed since commencement of travel from said start point;
a distance travelled and velocity monitor means providing signals to said calculation means representing the distance travelled from said start point and a velocity measurement signal;
a signal means to indicate at least when to commence coasting;
a storage means containing at least one coasting value corresponding to a plurality of velocity and position values and at least one braking value corresponding to said plurality of velocity and position values for said vehicle, and values representing the predetermined time of arrival at said finish point and the distance between said start point and said finish point;
wherebysaid calculation means uses the time elapsed and the distance travelled to determine the velocity of said vehicle and position of said vehicle and calculates from at least one of said at least one coasting value and said at least one braking value a time of arrival, at said finish point if coasting were to commence at the current time, and if said calculated time of arrival is less than the time remaining to the predetermined time of arrival said calculation means operates said signal means to indicate when to commence coasting and thereby control said vehicle, whereby operation of said signal means will indicate when to commence coasting and enable said vehicle to achieve a maximum period of coasting.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and means is provided whereby a vehicle travelling between two fixed points may be controlled either automatically or by prompting a driver to accelerate, coast and brake when required to meet a predetermined time of arrival at the finish point such that any period of coasting is maximized. Use of this method maximizes fuel efficient usage by the vehicle. The progress of the vehicle is monitored and will translate into a velocity/distance curve. The time to COAST and BRAKE is determined from knowing and approximating the vehicle'"'"'s coasting and braking characteristics along the route path ahead and in conjunction with the real time velocity/distance curve provides intersection points. Those points represent COAST and BRAKE times and means to indicate the action of COAST and BRAKE are then actuated.
69 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An apparatus indicating appropriate coast times for a vehicle for controlling said vehicle, travelling between a start point and a finish point to enable said vehicle to achieve a maximum period of coasting, comprising:
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a calculation means; a timer providing signals to said calculation means representing the current time and time elapsed since commencement of travel from said start point; a distance travelled and velocity monitor means providing signals to said calculation means representing the distance travelled from said start point and a velocity measurement signal; a signal means to indicate at least when to commence coasting; a storage means containing at least one coasting value corresponding to a plurality of velocity and position values and at least one braking value corresponding to said plurality of velocity and position values for said vehicle, and values representing the predetermined time of arrival at said finish point and the distance between said start point and said finish point;
wherebysaid calculation means uses the time elapsed and the distance travelled to determine the velocity of said vehicle and position of said vehicle and calculates from at least one of said at least one coasting value and said at least one braking value a time of arrival, at said finish point if coasting were to commence at the current time, and if said calculated time of arrival is less than the time remaining to the predetermined time of arrival said calculation means operates said signal means to indicate when to commence coasting and thereby control said vehicle, whereby operation of said signal means will indicate when to commence coasting and enable said vehicle to achieve a maximum period of coasting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification