Title: Method of controlling locomotive wheel slip

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the wheel slip of an electric or diesel electric locomotive such that optimum wheel adhesion may be attained. A certain characteristic of a series traction motor, specifically the back emf per rpm versus motor current (E/n vs. I), forms the basis for a voltage control which limits the voltage (V) supply to each motor to a value which will limit the maximum percentage wheel slip. The selected limit value of wheel slip is great enough to encompass the conditions of maximum adhesion under most rail conditions. By combining the E/n with the motor IR drop, motor current, and a locomotive speed signal, the idealized voltage V for a non-slip condition is derived. This voltage is increased by a factor representing the desired maximum percentage slip to obtain the limiting voltage which may be supplied to the motor. A current maximizing circuit is included to decrease the allowed percent slip from the maximum preselected value to a value which provides the maximum motor current to obtain maximum traction.

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Inventors: Logston, Jr., Charles F. (Naperville, IL, US)
Meyer, Bruce R. (Western Spring, IL, US)
DE Buhr, Alfred P. (Downers Grove, IL, US)
Liebenthal, Benjamin C. (La Grange, IL, US)

Application Number: 534079
Filing Date: 1974-12-18
Publication_date: 1976-12-14
Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Detroit, MI)
Primary Class(es): 318/52 318/71
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3614173	Oct, 1971	Branson	318/52.
3614564	Oct, 1971	Hirotsu	318/52.
3728596	Apr, 1973	Hermansson	318/52.
3790871	Feb, 1974	Smith	318/52.
3832609	Aug, 1974	Barrett	318/52.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Dobeck, B.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Hill; Warren D.