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US 8,069,792 B2Granted
System and method for capturing energy from a railcar
OwnerSandor Wayne Shaperyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and system of using one or more railcar linear electric generators to decelerate a vehicle such as a train consist. In one embodiment, the one of more electric generators are configured to capture deceleration energy and supply the energy to one or more power grid connections. The one of more railcar electric generators may also operate as motors to assist propelling a train consist. Optional energy storage may also be included.
Claims8
A method of configuring a rail system to generate electrical power, comprising:
- positioning a source of magnetic flux so as to induce a magnetic field in a first conductor;
- positioning a second conductor substantially stationary relative to the source of magnetic flux, so as to generate an electric current in response to a relative motion of the first and second conductors;
- electrically coupling the second conductor to a power line of an electric power transmission system so as to supply energy to the power transmission system during the downhill travel of a rail car;
- attaching the first conductor to the underside of a railcar at a first switch yard to decelerate the rail car downhill;
- and
- removing the first conductor from the underside of the railcar at a second switch yard.
3 more elements
A method of configuring a rail system to generate electrical power, comprising:
- positioning a source of magnetic flux so as to induce a magnetic field in a first conductor;
- positioning a second conductor substantially stationary relative to the source of magnetic flux, so as to generate an electric current in response to a relative motion of the first and second conductors;
- electrically coupling the second conductor to a power line of an electric power transmission system so as to supply energy to the power transmission system during the downhill travel of a rail car;
- and
- using one or more linear electric motor cars to assist a train up an uphill climb, the train having one or more dual-mode locomotives for primary propulsion power.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.