Tracking Energy Consumption in Locomotives
The complete system is functionally organized so as to monitor necessary and additional parameters available in the locomotive, as well as to centralize all data with their simple availability through user interface. The logic of the system is based on a group of automated processes functioning as a whole, which result in generating data to monitor real-time operation of the locomotive, as well as a set of data with the potential of analysis and provision of multiple reports.
Devices and functional scheme of the system
The system is divided into the following units: hardware set of devices that collect/generate impulses and
data and software set of services and applications that process, store, and display these data. The system is
centralized and all data are collected in common location from which can further be reviewed in groups,
monitored and analyzed.
Tracking position and speed of the locomotive
The M2M device installed in the distribution
cabinet features a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Based on the data obtained from the
GPS the following parameters can be tracked: locomotive speed, current geographic position and
course of movement.
Software
Complete software solutions are located on the server which collects data sent from the
M2M device. The software-based system consists of applications which receive, process, storage data
in the database, regularly calculate complex reports and web portal, which provides the possibility to
inspect all the data processed in real time as well as the data history with additional reports.
User interface and portal options
The user interface of the portal consists of three parts: Tracking, Movement History and Reports. These units can be assigned to users individually through the privilege assignment option to users, and therefore can be limited or upgraded the options they already have on the portal.
Tracking. As an option, it provides an insight into all current locomotive parameters in real time.
Movement History. As an option, it provides a detailed insight into the history of movement and the data transmitted for arbitrary period.
Reports. As an option, it is the result of constant calculation of the data collected from the device. The reports provide insight into the globally observed condition of the locomotive.
Travel and Consumption Report
Monthly Travel Report
Monthly Active Energy Consumption
Monthly Reactive Energy Consumption
Vehicle Routes Report
Overspeed Report.
Devices and functional scheme of the system
The system consists of the software that is installed on the computer at the rail supervisor (who opens the EV1 form) and at the driver (who completes the EV1 form) on industrial tablets functionally implemented in the locomotive on both sides because of the direction and the ability of the locomotive to move in different directions depending on the composition. Also, a 3G modem is implemented in the locomotive for the purpose of continuous communication between tablet devices and the server.
User interface and application
The supervisor can access the application on his computer where the application is installed. The driver can access the application through tablets mounted in locomotives. The application complies with the rules for completing the EV1 form not allowing skipping mandatory fields, as well as eliminating possible input errors by restricting users’ ability to correct choices. The system displays and remembers who completed the EV1 form, due to the database of all the supervisors’ and machine drivers’ codes previously registered in the system.
