Apparatus for and method of monitoring the condition of an
mini air compressor. The apparatus includes a plurality of appropriately located sensors for sensing operating parameters of the air compressor and for outputting signals indicative of the condition of each of the operating parameters. An information processor is connected to receive the output signals from the sensors and to communicate output control signals in response thereto. The control signals contain information that allows appropriate control and maintenance of the air compressor.
An apparatus for monitoring operating conditions of an
mini air compressor disposed on a railway locomotive and powered by at least one of an electric motor and a locomotive engine, such air compressor having at least one low pressure cylinder for compressing and discharging air to at least one intercooler and at least one high pressure cylinder for receiving air from such intercooler and for compressing and discharging such air to an aftercooler from which such air is conveyed to a reservoir, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a predetermined plurality of sensors appropriately located for sensing operating parameters of such air compressor, and for generating output signals indicative of a condition of each of said operating parameters, said plurality of sensors including at least a pressure sensor for measuring pressure of such intercooler and such aftercooler discharge and at least a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of such aftercooler discharge; and
(b) an information processor connected to receive said output signals from said predetermined plurality of said sensors and to communicate control signals as an output in response to receipt of said output signals from said predetermined plurality of said sensors, said control signals containing information that allows appropriate control and maintenance of such air compressor.
The present invention relates, in general, to
mini air compressor and, more particularly, this invention relates to air compressors used on locomotives for supplying compressed air to brake systems and other uses and, still more particularly, it relates to an air compressor arrangement in which a computer or microprocessor is employed to read the outputs of sensors located at critical locations on and/or in the air compressor and its associated apparatus for the purpose of providing information on the operating condition of the air compressor and such associated apparatus and for shutting down the compressor upon the occurrence of a critical event.
