Tunnel operation for self-propelled traction vehicles
First Claim
1. A tunnel control method for a traction vehicle having a prime mover and control electronics, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tunnel indication whenever said traction vehicle is approaching a tunnel;
reducing the temperature of said prime mover and said control electronics in response to said tunnel indication;
sensing oil temperature in said prime mover and ambient air temperature;
discontinuing cooling of said control electronics if said ambient air temperature exceeds a predetermined value; and
derating power to said prime mover if said oil temperature exceeds a temperature threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a tunnel control system for traction vehicles, the normal deration function is suppressed to delay deration in a tunnel. The traction vehicle is provided with a controller having a normal operation mode and a tunnel operation mode. A tunnel indicator connected to the controller provides an indication of when the vehicle is approaching a tunnel and causes the controller to switch into the tunnel operation mode. In this mode, the controller increases cooling to reduce the temperature of the vehicle'"'"'s prime mover and the control electronics prior to entering the tunnel. As the traction vehicle enters the tunnel, the controller monitors the engine oil temperature and the ambient air temperature. If the ambient air temperature exceeds a predetermined value, then the cooling of the control electronics is discontinued. If the oil temperature exceeds a threshold (which is about 10° C. higher than the normal deration threshold), then power to the prime mover is derated. After the vehicle exits the tunnel, the prime mover and control electronics are gradually cooled to avoid thermal shock.
51 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A tunnel control method for a traction vehicle having a prime mover and control electronics, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a tunnel indication whenever said traction vehicle is approaching a tunnel; reducing the temperature of said prime mover and said control electronics in response to said tunnel indication; sensing oil temperature in said prime mover and ambient air temperature; discontinuing cooling of said control electronics if said ambient air temperature exceeds a predetermined value; and derating power to said prime mover if said oil temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A traction vehicle comprising:
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train control electronics comprising a controller, and a tunnel indicator coupled to said controller, said tunnel indicator being adapted to generate a tunnel approach signal corresponding to the approach of said traction vehicle to a tunnel prior to entering therein; and said traction vehicle further comprising at least one blower motor coupled to said controller wherein said controller causes said blower motor to run at an increased speed to increase air flow to cool said electronics in correspondence with the tunnel approach signal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification