Air brake release system and methods for the use thereof

An air brake release system comprising:

• a shore power detection circuit configured to provide a power detection signal when a shore power supply is detected;
• an air supply line;
• a switch moveable between a first position and a second position in response to an air supply delivered through the air supply line;
• an air delivery line;
• and
• a solenoid valve comprising a supply port in communication with the air supply line, a delivery port in communication with the air delivery line, and an exhaust port in communication with an ambient environment, wherein the solenoid valve is moveable between a first position, wherein the supply port and the delivery port are connected, and a second position, wherein the supply port and the exhaust port are connected, wherein the solenoid valve is moveable to the second position when the power detection signal is provided by the shore power detection circuit and the switch is moved to the second position.

A method of operating an air brake system comprising:

• connecting a trailer to a shore power supply, wherein the trailer comprises a parking brake;
• detecting the shore power supply with a shore power detection circuit;
• connecting the trailer to an air supply;
• moving a switch from a first position to a second position in response to the air supply;
• and
• moving a solenoid valve, disposed between the air supply and the parking brake, to an exhaust position in response to detecting the shore power detection signal and moving the switch to the second position, and thereby preventing the air supply from releasing the parking brake.