Intellectual property

Additional information on patents and trade marks is available from IP Australia (http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/).

A control system for operating long vehicles

The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing the dynamics and energy usage of long vehicles such as freight trains by determining their operating conditions and calculating an optimal sequence of power and braking control actions. The sequence calculated provides for optimal vehicle dynamic behaviour with minimum energy usage in accordance with the train type, track topography and train operation rules and policies. The method and system serves as a management tool for the driver and reference signals for a train cruise control or autopilot system.

A device for distributed maximum power tracking for solar arrays

The present invention is a system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected D/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system for providing power from solar cells includes one or more solar generators wherein each of said solar generators has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each of said maximum power tracker includes a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, each of said maximum power trackers are operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each of said maximum power trackers is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power.

A variable steering railway bogie

It is the object of the invention to provide an alternate bogie having an active bogie yaw control system and a variable active steering angle control of the wheelsets with all control actuators and sensors mounted at or above the secondary suspension.

A vehicle dynamics system

The vehicle dynamics reporting system of the present invention describes an onboard system that monitors and records severe wagon-track events in respect to different event categories so that track sections that require further inspection and maintenance can be identified. The system can notify the rail operator of several wagon dynamic events caused by track irregularities, uneven container loading or longitudinal train dynamics. The system is designed to be fitted to normal operating rail wagons to provided frequent reporting of the wagon dynamics that occur at normal operating speeds for a range of driving techniques, loading conditions and the wagon positions within a train.

A vehicle dynamics prediction system for providing prediction of vehicle velocity for a predetermined future time period. The predictions utilise future vehicle control setting anticipated for the time period. An artificial intelligence database coupled to a processor that utilises weighted values for neural network models representing dynamic performance of the vehicle forms part of the vehicle dynamics prediction system.

Contact

For Research Collaboration, please contact Ms Leslie Walker
Email: l.walker@cqu.edu.au
Phone: (07) 4923 2601