Conventional APUs for diesel-electric locomotives may include an AC electric generator and typically require additional hardware to be installed to convert the AC power output by the generator to DC power that can power electrical systems or charge batteries in the locomotive. According to some embodiments, there is provided an auxiliary power unit (APU) or system for operation in cooperation with a primary engine. The APU includes a secondary engine; a primary engine coolant heating system, or a primary engine lubricant heating system; a control system that automatically shuts down the primary engine and starts the secondary engine responsive to a predetermined condition; and a Direct Current (DC) power generator that generates an output voltage, the DC power generator being driven by the secondary engine.

There are provided a power supply system for a diesel multiple-unit train, a diesel multiple-unit train including the power supply system, and a traction control method for a diesel multiple-unit train. The power supply system includes: a diesel power pack, a traction inverter connected to a traction motor, and an auxiliary inverter connected to a train load. The power supply system further includes a direct current chopper and a supercapacitor. A high-voltage side of the direct current chopper is connected to the diesel power pack, and a low-voltage side of the direct current chopper is connected to the supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is connected to the traction inverter and the train load.

There are provided a power supply system for a diesel multiple-unit train, a diesel multiple-unit train including the power supply system, and a traction control method for a diesel multiple-unit train. The power supply system includes: a diesel power pack, a traction inverter connected to a traction motor, and an auxiliary inverter connected to a train load. The power supply system further includes a direct current chopper and a supercapacitor. A high-voltage side of the direct current chopper is connected to the diesel power pack, and a low-voltage side of the direct current chopper is connected to the supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is connected to the traction inverter and the train load.

A system and method generate a trip plan for a trip of a vehicle system along a route. The usage of an engine during the trip is determined based on engine operational parameters, energy storage device operational parameters, and one or more objectives of the trip desired to be achieved. The usage of the energy storage device during the trip is also determined based on the engine operational parameters, the energy storage device operational parameters, and the one or more objective, including when to charge or discharge the energy storage device during the trip.

A system and method generate a trip plan for a trip of a vehicle system along a route. The usage of an engine during the trip is determined based on engine operational parameters, energy storage device operational parameters, and one or more objectives of the trip desired to be achieved. The usage of the energy storage device during the trip is also determined based on the engine operational parameters, the energy storage device operational parameters, and the one or more objective, including when to charge or discharge the energy storage device during the trip.

A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.

A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.

A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.

A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.

Modifying railcar embodiments convert the dead weight of empty railcars to productive use. Battery embodiments are charged by regenerative brakes, solar panels, and wind turbines. Freight car wheels, have a plurality of regenerative brakes. A plurality of airfoils, with solar panels, are installed on shipping containers, to counteract drag created by a plurality of wind turbines. Railcar embodiments are used in a mix and match fashion, as desired. Storage battery banks, are shipped and/or charged to replace existing hazardous transmission lines. Storage battery banks, are shipped and/or charged to avoid constructing new transmission lines for solar or wind farms. Factory installed EV batteries, EV batteries, and/or other rechargeable batteries, are shipped and/or charged. After battery embodiment charging is complete, power generated is diverted to train engines. Provisions are made for embodiments not connected to train engines. Embodiment operations are monitored with data displays.