Title :
An automatic speed enforcement system for heavy freight trains
Author :
Thelen, Gerhard A. ; Tse, Y.H.
Author_Institution :
Consolidated Rail Corp., Philadelphia, PA, USA
Abstract :
An automatic speed enforcement (ASES) system is described that was developed specifically for use on heavy general merchandise, unit, and intermodal trains. With this automatic system, a microprocessor generates a speed profile corresponding to a specific change of cab signal. The system monitors train speed and, following a downward change of cab signal, requires that train speed be gradually reduced as the train moves farther into the block. The engineer can use a minimal air brake application, throttle reduction, dynamic braking, or a combination of the three to comply with the speed limit safely. A penalty brake application is imposed when the speed profile is violated. The automatic train control system was overlaid onto an existing continuous cab signal system
Keywords :
locomotives; microcomputer applications; rail traffic; railways; traffic computer control; velocity control; air brake application; automatic speed enforcement system; continuous cab signal system; dynamic braking; heavy freight trains; microprocessor; speed limit; throttle reduction; Automatic control; Circuits; Control systems; Lead; Mechanical engineering; Merchandise; Quality control; Rails; Signal design; Velocity control;
Conference_Titel :
Railroad Conference, 1990., Technical Papers Presented at the 1990 ASME/IEEE Joint
Conference_Location :
Chicago, IL
DOI :
10.1109/RRCON.1990.171658