Locomotive control system having variable energy management

Abstract

A control system for a train is disclosed. The system may include an input/output (I/O) module configured to receive one or more inputs indicative of operating parameters of the train, a plurality of energy management modules configured to generate control signals associated with components of the train based on the operating parameters of the train, an interface gateway in communication with each of the plurality of energy management modules, and a control module in communication with the I/O module and the interface gateway. The control module may be configured to select one of the energy management modules based on the one or more inputs received by the I/O module, receive control signals via the interface gateway from the selected one of the energy management modules, and send command signals to components of the train based on the control signals from the selected one of the energy management modules.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control system for a train, comprising:
 an input/output (I/O) module configured to receive one or more inputs indicative of operating parameters of the train;   a plurality of energy management modules, each being configured to generate control signals associated with components of the train based on the operating parameters of the train;   an interface gateway in electronic communication with each of the plurality of energy management modules; and   a control module in electronic communication with the I/O module and the interface gateway and configured to:
 select one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the one or more inputs received by the I/O module; 
 receive control signals via the interface gateway from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules; and 
 send command signals via the I/O module to components of the train based on the control signals from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules. 
   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to:
 receive a location signal indicative of a location of the train; and   select the one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the location of the train.   
     
     
         3 . The control system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the one or more inputs received by the I/O module includes a signal generated by an onboard locating device; and   the location signal is the signal generated by the onboard locating device.   
     
     
         4 . The control system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the control system further includes an automatic train operation module configured to receive a signal from an off-board signaling system; and   the location signal is the signal generated by the off-board signaling system.   
     
     
         5 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the one or more inputs received by the I/O module includes an operator input indicative of an operator-selected. energy management module; and   the control module is configured to select the one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the operator-selected energy management module.   
     
     
         6 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the control system is configured to determine a health condition of the train based on the operating parameters of the train; and   the control module is configured to select the one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the health condition of the train.   
     
     
         7 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of energy management modules includes an automated payload transfer module configured to control movements of the train during one or more of a dumping process and a filling process. 
     
     
         8 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of energy management modules includes a travel module configured to automatically control one more of a throttle and a braking system associated with the train to optimize fuel consumption during travel. 
     
     
         9 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of energy management modules includes a utility module configured to automatically relocate a locomotive from a first location in a rail yard to a second location in the rail yard. 
     
     
         10 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to receive control signals via the interface gateway from only the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules. 
     
     
         11 . A method of controlling a train, comprising:
 receiving one or more inputs indicative of operating parameters of the train;   selecting, via an electronic control module, one of a plurality of energy management modules based on the one or more inputs;   receiving control signals from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules; and   sending command signals, via the electronic control module, to components of the train based on the control signals from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further including:
 receiving a location signal indicative of a location of the train; and   selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the location of the train.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the train includes an onboard locating device; and   receiving the location signal includes receiving a signal from the onboard locating device.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the method further includes receiving a signal from an off-board signaling system; and   receiving the location signal includes receiving a signal from the off-board signaling system.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the method further includes receiving an operator input indicative of an operator-selected energy management module; and   selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules includes selecting the operator-selected energy management module.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the method further includes determining a health condition of the train based on the operating parameters of the train; and   selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules includes selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules based on the health condition of the train.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules includes selecting an automated payload transfer module configured to control movements of the train during one or more of a dumping process and a filling process. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules includes selecting a travel module configured to automatically control one more of a throttle and a braking system associated with the train to optimize fuel consumption during travel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein selecting the one of the plurality of energy management modules includes selecting a utility module configured to automatically relocate a locomotive from a first location in a rail yard to a second location in the rail yard. 
     
     
         20 . A control system for a train, comprising:
 An input/output (I/O) module configured to receive one or more inputs indicative of operating parameters of the train;   a plurality of energy management modules, each being configured to generate control signals associated with components of the train based on the operating parameters of the train;   an interface, gateway in electronic communication with each of the plurality of energy management modules; and   a control module in electronic communication with the I/O module and the interface gateway and configured to:
 select one of the plurality of energy management modules based on at least one of a location of the train, an operator-selected energy management module, and a health condition of the train; 
 receive control signals via the interface gateway from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules; and 
 send command signals via the I/O module to one or more of a throttle and a braking system associated with the train based on the control signals from the selected one of the plurality of energy management modules.