Distributed train intelligence system

摘要

A system and method which may include on each locomotive a propulsion system and a braking system, a transceiver for communication between the locomotives, and sensors for sensing operational conditions on the locomotive. A processor receives the sensed operation conditions, communicates information including the sensed operational conditions to the other locomotive, determines a propulsion or braking value or command based on the sensed operational conditions, pre-selected criteria and the information received from the other locomotive, and outputs the propulsion or braking value or command.

主权项

1. An intelligent distributed power system for a train, comprising:
a first processor associated with a first locomotive in the train, wherein the first processor is configured to receive sensed operation conditions from at least one sensor on the first locomotive in the train, to communicate information including the sensed operational conditions to a second processor associated with a second locomotive included in the train, to determine a propulsion or braking command based on the sensed operational conditions, a set of pre-selected criteria and any information including sensed operation conditions that is received from the second processor of the second locomotive included in the train, and to output the propulsion or braking command to a propulsion or a braking system, respectively, of the first locomotive; wherein the first processor associated with the first locomotive is configured to interact with the second processor of the second locomotive in the train in a peer relationship, wherein the first processor is programmed to find a local control solution that best meets the goal of train movement based on the sensed operational conditions of the first locomotive, the set of pre-selected criteria, and any information including sensed operation conditions that is received from the second processor of the second locomotive, and wherein the first processor is programmed to control local actuation of locomotive commands required to achieve the local control solution, wherein the first processor is programmed to communicate with the second processor of the second locomotive, to compare its local control solution with any local control solution of the second processor to collectively formulate a consensus on an overall train control solution for actuation by the first and the second locomotives.