System and method for supplying auxiliary power to a large diesel engine

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains to large engine systems, but more specifically to a system and method for supplying auxiliary power to a locomotive engine to permit automatic shutdown of such locomotive engine in all weather conditions.

#2. Background of the Invention

#The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of mechanical components of an embodiment of the invention;

#The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This detailed description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

#The present invention enables an improved system for providing heating or cooling and electricity to a railroad locomotive in all operating environments, and saves locomotive fuel and lubricating oil. An auxiliary power unit comprising a diesel engine coupled to an electrical generator is installed in a locomotive cab. In a preferred embodiment, the engine may be a turbo charged, four-cylinder diesel engine, such as one manufactured by Kubota, and rated at about 32 brake horsepower, at 1800 RPM. The auxiliary unit engine can draw fuel directly from the main locomotive fuel tank. Equipping the auxiliary unit with a 20-gallon lube-oil sump and recirculating pump to permit extended oil change intervals can minimize maintenance of such auxiliary unit engine. For protection of the auxiliary unit engine, it should also be equipped with over-temperature and low lube-oil pressure-shutdowns-to-prevent engine damage in the event that the engine overheats or runs low on lube-oil.

#In a preferred embodiment, the electrical generator may be a 17 kva, 240 vac/60 Hz single-phase generator, mechanically coupled to such engine. A 240 vac/74 vdc battery charger, such as a Lamarche A-40 locomotive battery charger for the locomotive batteries is provided to maintain the locomotive battery charged whenever the auxiliary unit is operating.