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.