System for control of compressors and air dryers in tunnels

摘要

An improved air supply control system for a locomotive that includes a global positioning system (GPS) and a track database having the locations of rail road tunnels. Locomotives equipped with one or more air compressors and/or an air dryer are operated by the air supply control system to, firstly, minimize unnecessary air compressor operation in a tunnel and, secondly, to operate only the compressor and air dryer of the lead locomotive in a consist if the air supply system must be operated while the locomotives are in a tunnel.

主权项

1. A system for controlling an air supply system of a train, comprising:
a locomotive control system programmed to determine the location of a locomotive consist having a first locomotive and at least one trailing locomotive, wherein each locomotive in the consist has an air compressor and a main reservoir system; an air supply controller interconnected to the air compressor of each locomotive in the consist, wherein the controller is programmed command each compressor to operate until a predetermined pressure in the air supply system is achieved if the locomotive consist is approaching a tunnel.