Introduction
The LAX-MCBG-8 Micro-controller Based Governor is a maintenance-free alternative to hydraulic governors, designed to regulate the speed of diesel locomotives while incorporating built-in safety features. It offers self-diagnostic capabilities and displays various engine parameters, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
System Overview
The Electronic Governor consists of a Control Unit, mounted in the driver’s cabin, and an Actuator, mounted on the engine. The actuator can be installed on the same engine base as the Woodward Hydraulic Governor for easy replacement. Both units are connected via cables. Engine speed is controlled using a PID algorithm, with speed sensing achieved through a tacho generator or a sensor mounted on engine gear teeth.
The governor dynamically regulates the fuel rack position using a stepper motor drive, ensuring precise control. Additionally, load control is managed electronically through an E-Type excitation interface, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Multiple sensors monitor crucial parameters like lube oil pressure, booster air pressure, and fuel oil pressure, enabling automatic shutdown in case of critical failures.
Application
- Regulates engine speed based on throttle handle position (Notch).
- Controls load electronically through an E-Type excitation interface, maintaining a predefined horsepower at every notch.
- Limits fuel flow based on air manifold pressure, ensuring optimal combustion and preventing excessive emissions.
- Automatically shuts down the engine under conditions such as low lube oil pressure, engine overspeed, and other critical failures.
The LAX-MCBG-8 Micro-controller Based Governor is a technologically advanced and reliable solution for diesel locomotive engine control. Its maintenance-free operation, intelligent diagnostics, and user-configurable parameters make it a highly efficient replacement for traditional hydraulic governors, ensuring optimized performance and longevity.
Salient Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hunt-free engine speed | Ensures smooth operation without fluctuations |
| Fuel efficiency & reduced pollution | Effective combustion minimizes waste and emissions |
| Load control interface | Maintains constant horsepower at each notch |
| User-configurable parameters | Allows optimization for different locomotive classes |
| High torque DC stepper motor | Ensures precise fuel rack control |
| Digital PID control | Requires no adjustments after locomotive class selection |
| No rack & pinion drive | Enhances durability and reliability |
| Automatic engine shutdown | Prevents damage during power failures or malfunctions |
| Linear transducer feedback | Ensures accurate actuator positioning |
| Redundant lube oil sensor | Prevents failures due to sensor malfunction |
| Continuous engine parameter display | Provides real-time monitoring |
| Online fault diagnostics | Detects and displays fault messages |
| Data logging | Stores errors and notch timing durations with timestamps |
| User-friendly configuration via laptop | Allows fine-tuning of various parameters |
| Self-test diagnostics | Includes electronic and mechanical over-speed tests |
| Plugged-type modules | Simplifies maintenance and serviceability |
| Switch Mode Power Supply | Operates within a wide voltage range (40V to 140V DC) |
Technical specification
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Supply Voltage | Diesel Electric Locos – 40VDC to 140VDC. 18VDC for 0.8 seconds during cranking. |
| Speed Settings | 8 different speed settings selectable by Notch from Driver Desk. |
| Accuracy of Control | ±3 RPM of desired Engine RPM for the notch. |
| Display Parameters | Notch Position, Engine RPM, Fuel Rack Position, Booster (Turbo) Air Pressure, Lube Oil Pressure, Fuel Oil Pressure, Load Control Position. |
| Pressure Sensor Range / Accuracy | Lube Oil Pressure: 0 to 10 kg/cm², Fuel Oil Pressure: 0 to 10 kg/cm², Booster (Turbo) Air Pressure: 0 to 10 kg/cm². |
| Speed Sensing Mechanism | 1. Tacho generator 2. Speed Sensor mounted on Engine |
| Inputs | Speed Sensor (2 inputs for redundancy), Digital inputs (optically isolated, reverse polarity, surge protected, operating at 72VDC). |
| Display | 20-character x 4-line Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) for engine parameters, fault messages, and diagnostics. |
| Communication Interface | RS 485 for communication with locomotive systems, RS 232 for PC/Laptop interface. |
| Actuator Unit | Rack travel: 34 mm (adjustable), Working capacity: >16.3 Nm. |
