Systems and methods for the utilization of energy generated by a powered vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a power transfer system and method for utilizing the electrical power generated by a powered vehicle, such as a locomotive. The power transfer system comprises an electromotive machine configured to generate electrical energy on the powered vehicle and an electrical system located outboard from the powered vehicle, which is configured to receive electrical energy. Interface equipment is provided, which is electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system, to transfer electrical energy from the electromotive machine to the electrical system.

1 . A method for utilizing electrical energy of a powered vehicle comprising:
 generating electrical energy via an electromotive machine on the powered vehicle; and   transferring at least a portion of the electrical energy to an electrical system located outboard of the powered vehicle via interface equipment electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system;   wherein the interface equipment is located outboard from the powered vehicle; and   wherein the interface equipment comprises a stationary unit.   
     
     
         2 . A method for utilizing electrical energy of a powered vehicle comprising:
 generating electrical energy via an electromotive machine on the powered vehicle; and   transferring at least a portion of the electrical energy to an electric utility located outboard of the powered vehicle via interface equipment electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising transmitting information relating to the amount of electrical energy transferred to the electric utility. 
     
     
         4 . A method for utilizing electrical energy of a powered vehicle comprising:
 generating electrical energy via an electromotive machine on the powered vehicle;   transferring at least a portion of the electrical energy to an electrical system located outboard of the powered vehicle via interface equipment electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system; and   transmitting information relating to the amount of electrical energy transferred to the electrical system.   
     
     
         5 . A method for utilizing electrical energy of a powered vehicle comprising:
 receiving, at an electrical system located outboard of the powered vehicle, electrical energy from the powered vehicle; and   determining information relating to the amount of electrical energy received at the electrical system.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the received electrical energy is generated by an electromotive machine on the powered vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the electrical system outboard of the powered vehicle is an electric utility. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the information is revenue information relating to a value of said amount of electrical energy. 
     
     
         9 . A method for utilizing electrical energy of a powered vehicle comprising:
 receiving, at an electric utility located outboard of the powered vehicle, electrical energy from the powered vehicle; and   determining information relating to the amount of electrical energy received at the electric utility.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the information is revenue information based on the amount of electrical energy received at the electric utility for use by the electric utility, wherein the revenue information relates to a value of said amount of electrical energy.