Optimal Control Of Air Compressors In A Locomotive Consist

摘要

A system for controlling locomotive compressors in a multiple locomotive consist to optimize compressor life, cold weather operation, and maintenance schedules. Each compressor is associated with a controller than can communicate via an interface to a network with the corresponding controllers of the other compressors that are also interfaced to the network. A lead compressor controller may then issue commands to the other compressor controller to more efficiently restore pressure to the system, to implement improved usage schedules, or to manage maintenance intervals to maximize usage of each compressor during periodic maintenance intervals.

主权项

1. A system for controlling multiple air compressors in a locomotive consist, comprising:
a first air compressor positioned in a first locomotive; a first controller interconnected to the first air compressor and controlling the operation of the first air compressor; a first interface interconnecting the first controller to a network; wherein said first controller is programmed to send a command via the network to a second controller having a second interface connected to the network that indicates how the second controller should operate a second compressor controlled by the second controller.