Strategies for locomotive operation in tunnel conditions
First Claim
1. A method of controlling passage of a train employing a plurality of locomotives through a tunnel so as to meet an overall movement plan for the train, the method comprising:
- configuring predetermined operating characteristics of at least one selected locomotive in the train in preparation for the passage of the train through the tunnel as the train approaches an entrance to The tunnel;
monitoring conditions within the tunnel and the performance of the selected locomotive as the train passes through the tunnel, including dynamically changing the configuration of the operating characteristics of the selected locomotive as a function of the monitored conditions within the tunnel, the performance of the selected locomotive, and the performance of other locomotives of the train while in the tunnel, so as to achieve a total tractive effort of the train provided by the plurality of locomotives of the train sufficient to move the train through the tunnel in accordance with the plan and to optimize the performance of the locomotive; and
,reconfiguring the operating characteristics of the selected locomotive as the train approaches the exit of the tunnel to facilitate recovery of the selected locomotive from the effects of passage through the tunnel.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of controlling operation of a train (T) for passage of the train through a tunnel. The train has a plurality of locomotives (L1-Ln) pulling the train. The position of the lead locomotive relative to the tunnel entrance is determined, as is the amount of time before the train enters the tunnel. Each locomotive is separately configured for passage through the tunnel as a function of performance characteristics of the locomotive and the locomotive'"'"'s current operating status, as the train approaches the tunnel. Once the train enters the tunnel, the performance characteristics of each locomotive are continually monitored. The performance requirements for one or more of the locomotives are then dynamically changed as a function of conditions within the tunnel and the current performance characteristics of each locomotive. This is done to maintain a sufficient combined performance capability from the locomotives to move the train through the tunnel. Upon exiting the tunnel, the locomotives'"'"' full operating capabilities are quickly restored by enhancing their thermal recoveries.
70 Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A method of controlling passage of a train employing a plurality of locomotives through a tunnel so as to meet an overall movement plan for the train, the method comprising:
-
configuring predetermined operating characteristics of at least one selected locomotive in the train in preparation for the passage of the train through the tunnel as the train approaches an entrance to The tunnel; monitoring conditions within the tunnel and the performance of the selected locomotive as the train passes through the tunnel, including dynamically changing the configuration of the operating characteristics of the selected locomotive as a function of the monitored conditions within the tunnel, the performance of the selected locomotive, and the performance of other locomotives of the train while in the tunnel, so as to achieve a total tractive effort of the train provided by the plurality of locomotives of the train sufficient to move the train through the tunnel in accordance with the plan and to optimize the performance of the locomotive; and
,reconfiguring the operating characteristics of the selected locomotive as the train approaches the exit of the tunnel to facilitate recovery of the selected locomotive from the effects of passage through the tunnel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
-
-
4. A method of configuring a locomotive of a train comprising a plurality of locomotives in preparation for passage of the locomotive through a tunnel so as to meet an overall movement plan for the train comprising:
-
determining the current operating condition of the locomotive;
establishing a desired set of operating conditions for entry of the locomotive into the tunnel;determining the time or distance for the locomotive to reach the tunnel entrance; and changing the performance characteristics of the locomotive to attain the desired set of operating conditions within the time or distance for the locomotive to reach the tunnel entrance; in which the locomotive is one of a plurality of locomotives comprising a consist and the method includes changing the operating conditions of each locomotive in the consist to a desired set thereof prior to each locomotive reaching the tunnel entrance effective to meet a movement plan for the train while traversing the tunnel. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method of controlling passage through a tunnel of a train employing a plurality of locomotives including a lead locomotive and at least one trailing locomotive so as to meet a movement plan comprising:
-
monitoring conditions within the tunnel; monitoring the performance of each trailing locomotive as the train passes through the tunnel; and dynamically changing the configuration of the operating characteristics of each trailing locomotive as a function of the monitored conditions within the tunnel and the current performance of each trailing locomotive while in the tunnel, so to achieve tractive effort sufficient to move the train through the tunnel in accordance with the plan and to optimize the performance of each trailing locomotive. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
-
25. A method of configuring a locomotive in a train in preparation for exit of the locomotive from a tunnel comprising:
-
determining the current operating condition of the locomotive while in the tunnel; determining a desired set of operating conditions for the locomotive as the train exits the tunnel to facilitate recovery of the locomotive from the effects of passage through the tunnel and attain a desired post-tunnel configuration as quickly as possible upon exiting the tunnel; detemining the time or distance for the locomotive to reach the exit from the tunnel; and changing the performance characteristics of the locomotive to attain the desired set of operating conditions within the time or distance for the locomotive to reach the tunnel exit. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
-
Specification