Multiple compressor system and method for locomotives

摘要

A system and method for maintaining a supply of compressed air on a locomotive. In one embodiment of the invention a compressed air system for a railroad locomotive comprises: a first air compressor; a second air compressor; a layover heater for maintaining the temperature of engine coolant; and a control system, wherein the first air compressor, the second air compressor, the layover heater, and the control package can be powered by at least one of the following power sources: an onboard electrical power source; or an offboard power source, wherein the layover heater can utilize heat generated by the first air compressor and the second air compressor to maintain the temperature of engine coolant, and wherein the control system operating the compressed air system utilizes a first logic when the power source is the onboard electrical power source and a second logic when the power source is the off board power source.

主权项

1. A compressed air system for a railroad locomotive comprising:
a first air compressor; a second air compressor; a layover heater for maintaining a temperature of an engine coolant; and a control system, said control system operatively connected to said first air compressor, said second air compressor, and said layover heater, wherein said control system controls said layover heater and said first and second air compressors by: monitoring demand for electrical power by said first air compressor, said second air compressor, and said layover heater; and prioritizing and allocating electrical power to said first air compressor, said second air compressor, and said layover heater to maintain a desired level of compressed air and a desired coolant temperature; and wherein said control system operating the compressed air system (a) utilizes a first control logic when the first air compressor, the second air compressor, and the layover heater are powered by an onboard electrical power source, and (b) utilizes a second control logic different from the first control logic when the first air compressor, the second air compressor, and the layover heater are powered by an offboard electrical power source; further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the control system controls heat generated by at least one of the first air compressor and the second air compressor to maintain the temperature of the engine coolant.