Integrated traction system for locomotives

Abstract

The disclosure an integrated traction system for a locomotive. The system includes a primary electrical energy source, a traction load circuit, an auxiliary load circuit, a common DC link, s secondary electrical energy, and a controller. The electrical energy generated by the primary electrical energy source is shared between the traction load circuit and the auxiliary load circuit during a power mode through the common DC link. Further, the electrical energy form the secondary electrical energy source is supplied to the primary electrically energy source during cranking mode. The controller controls the switching of the integrated traction system between the two modes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated traction system for a locomotive, comprising:
 a primary electrical energy source operable to provide electrical energy;   a load circuit, including:
 a traction load circuit adapted to propel the locomotive; 
 an auxiliary load circuit adapted to enable one or more auxiliary electrical functionalities associated with the locomotive; 
 a plurality of electrical energy converters operable to convert electrical energy to electrical energy with a desired electrical characteristic; 
   a common Direct Current (DC) link adapted to provide a common electrical connection between the primary electrical energy source and each of the traction load circuit and the auxiliary load circuit;   a secondary electrical energy source configured to feed electrical energy in the load circuit during a predefined event; and   a controller configured to control the integrated traction system to connect the primary electrical energy source to the common DC link during a power mode, and connect the secondary electrical energy source to the primary electrical energy source during a cranking mode.