subject: New Designed Air Compressor [print this page] Mini air compressor in locomotives supply pressurized air to the brake equipment disposed on the locomotives and any railway cars connected to the locomotives as well as for other air utilizing systems (such as air operated horns). The operation of the air compressor is critical in that without the pressurized air supplied by the compressor the locomotive and cars cannot be braked for slowing and stopping purposes. Yet, as a component located in a locomotive, the compressor is generally unattended other than when appropriate checks and maintenance procedures are undertaken.
What is therefore needed in the locomotive mini air compressor art and what the present invention supplies is a means for diagnosing the operating conditions and parameters of an air compressor, and reporting the same to an operator/engineer of the locomotive as well as providing controls that will stop the air compressor in the event of a critical event, such as excessive air pressure, excessive compressor or motor temperature or a loss of oil and/or oil pressure in the compressor. This is effected by locating a plurality of sensors at critical locations in association with the air compressor and in any apparatus associated therewith. Such sensors output electrical signals to an information processor having embedded therein electrical controls and information providing architecture that are effective for purposes, such as (1) continuing normal compressor operations, (2) noting the need for routine and/or extraordinary compressor maintenance and (3) ordering shut-down of the compressor.
When the mini air compressor is off, residual air in the compressor and associated components can be unloaded by operation of a magnet valve in an unloader line so that the air compressor, when ordered to restart, does not have to start against such residual pressure. This protects the electric motor employed to drive the compressor, if the compressor is driven by such a motor, i.e., some compressors are driven directly off the diesel engine of the locomotive, as is well known in the railway art.
