Various embodiments of a locomotive waste heat recovery system for charging an auxiliary battery, independent of the locomotive electric generator, are disclosed. The auxiliary battery is charged by a locomotive waste heat recovery system to supplement and supply the electric power normally provided by the locomotive battery during a shutdown condition caused by a locomotive auto engine start stop (AESS) system. The auxiliary battery is charged by recovery and conversion of waste thermal energy during locomotive engine operations, and its stored electric power is utilized to supply selected electrical loads during a prolonged engine shutdown condition. Accordingly, the locomotive battery can preserve its stored power to be exclusively utilized for locomotive engine start, which may decrease operational disruptions and increase the life of the locomotive battery, and thereby reducing the overall operating costs associated with the battery maintenance efforts.

Various embodiments of a locomotive waste heat recovery system for charging an auxiliary battery, independent of the locomotive electric generator, are disclosed. The auxiliary battery is charged by a locomotive waste heat recovery system to supplement and supply the electric power normally provided by the locomotive battery during a shutdown condition caused by a locomotive auto engine start stop (AESS) system. The auxiliary battery is charged by recovery and conversion of waste thermal energy during locomotive engine operations, and its stored electric power is utilized to supply selected electrical loads during a prolonged engine shutdown condition. Accordingly, the locomotive battery can preserve its stored power to be exclusively utilized for locomotive engine start, which may decrease operational disruptions and increase the life of the locomotive battery, and thereby reducing the overall operating costs associated with the battery maintenance efforts.

A locomotive propulsion system includes an engine assisting apparatus and an engine control unit that monitors an output parameter of a locomotive engine. The control unit determines whether the engine output decreases sufficiently low to at least partially de-fuel the engine and to activate an assisting apparatus. This assisting apparatus rotates a shaft of the engine with or without the engine also rotating the shaft. Rotation of the shaft by the assisting apparatus can be used to power traction motors or other loads of the locomotive while reducing fuel consumption and/or emission generation by the engine.

A locomotive propulsion system includes an engine assisting apparatus and an engine control unit that monitors an output parameter of a locomotive engine. The control unit determines whether the engine output decreases sufficiently low to at least partially de-fuel the engine and to activate an assisting apparatus. This assisting apparatus rotates a shaft of the engine with or without the engine also rotating the shaft. Rotation of the shaft by the assisting apparatus can be used to power traction motors or other loads of the locomotive while reducing fuel consumption and/or emission generation by the engine.

A rail vehicle (1), a method of producing and method of driving the rail vehicle (1) which comprises at least one car body (2). The car body (2) comprises two car body ends (3, 4) the end region of which is supported on a respective wheel unit (5, 6). At least one wheel unit (5, 6) is designed to be driven. The rail vehicle comprises a drive arrangement comprising a transformer unit (7), a traction motor unit (9) and a power converter unit (8). The primary transformer unit (7) and primary power converter unit (8) are arranged adjacent the first wheel unit (5). The primary transformer unit (7) and the primary power converter unit (8) are connected to the second wheel unit (6) such that a traction motor unit (9), of the second wheel unit (6), can be driven by the primary transformer unit and the primary power converter unit.

A rail vehicle (1), a method of producing and method of driving the rail vehicle (1) which comprises at least one car body (2). The car body (2) comprises two car body ends (3, 4) the end region of which is supported on a respective wheel unit (5, 6). At least one wheel unit (5, 6) is designed to be driven. The rail vehicle comprises a drive arrangement comprising a transformer unit (7), a traction motor unit (9) and a power converter unit (8). The primary transformer unit (7) and primary power converter unit (8) are arranged adjacent the first wheel unit (5). The primary transformer unit (7) and the primary power converter unit (8) are connected to the second wheel unit (6) such that a traction motor unit (9), of the second wheel unit (6), can be driven by the primary transformer unit and the primary power converter unit.

A train made up of a plurality of rail vehicles, each rail vehicle including a body defining an upper level able and intended to accommodate and transport passengers, and a lower level intended to load, transport and unload freight, the lower level having a lower floor defined by the body. An assembly of such a train, and a station able to receive the train in a stopped position allowing travelers to embark and disembark.

A train made up of a plurality of rail vehicles, each rail vehicle including a body defining an upper level able and intended to accommodate and transport passengers, and a lower level intended to load, transport and unload freight, the lower level having a lower floor defined by the body. An assembly of such a train, and a station able to receive the train in a stopped position allowing travelers to embark and disembark.

Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle that provides electrical power and compressed air while a main engine of the vehicle is not running. In one example, an auxiliary power unit (APU) comprises: an engine, an alternator, and a compressor, all mounted to a common base frame in a triangular arrangement with the alternator and compressor arranged adjacent to one another and each of the alternator and compressor rotationally coupled with the engine through a gearbox spaced between the engine and each of the compressor and alternator.

Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle that provides electrical power and compressed air while a main engine of the vehicle is not running. In one example, an auxiliary power unit (APU) comprises: an engine, an alternator, and a compressor, all mounted to a common base frame in a triangular arrangement with the alternator and compressor arranged adjacent to one another and each of the alternator and compressor rotationally coupled with the engine through a gearbox spaced between the engine and each of the compressor and alternator.