Auto Start/Stop System

As fuel prices increase the need for systems that can reduce the fuel consumption of the locomotive fleet becomes essential. One of the simplest ways to reduce fleet fuel consumption is to shut down the locomotive engine when it is not being actively used. In order to be effective any system for shutting down locomotives while not in use must eliminate any inconvenience to the locomotive’s crew and must allow the crew to rapidly restart the locomotive when required. This becomes even more important when there are several locomotives in consist. Additionally, the system must prevent the pitfalls that can occur when the engine is shut down; such as battery run-down or dumping of the cooling system due to low temperatures.