At right is a photograph of the controls of our newly revised NW-GC-500. The NW-GC500 is a series of generator control systems for passenger car electrical lockers that is designed to allow for selection between accepting power from the HEP trainline, the on-car generator, or yard power on certain models. Additional model variations allow for yard power at either 480 volts, 240 volts, or 220 volts. Automatic controls allow for the generator to start and power the car electrical system automatically in the event that the HEP power fails. If yard power is an option, then the generator control will also automatically operate the generator if the yard power fails. The HEP feed setting of certain models of the NW-GC500 series checks the trainline for control loop completion and if no problems are found will allow the on-car generator to feed the HEP trainline.

An Adobe Acrobat version of the brochure for this product is also available in our PDF Files area. However, the new revision of the system is not featured on the brochure.

Our newly revised version features a new electronic control that integrates engine meters into the engine control unit. This significantly reduces the size of the control panel, and allows for mounting in cramped electrical lockers.

The new engine control also allows for easier programming, so that it is easier to tune the engine control to suit the particular generator controlled by the unit.

For engines requiring a complete electronic interface, such as SAE J1939, another variation of the NW-GC500 has been developed that has a complete electronic interface. The features are similar to what is described here, with the electronic control system being used to implement and display those features. A photograph and brief summary of this type of control is at the bottom of this page.

The Old Style NW-GC500 is Stil Available!

Standard Features of the NW-GC500 series of Controls:

• Components labeled to permit easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Generator Engine and Power Selection Controls:
  • Generator Breaker for turning on and off general engine electrical system. May be used as emergency shut-down of engine
  • Power Available Indicator Lights for HEP, Generator, and Yard (if equipped with yard)
  • Power Source in Use Indicator - when a power source is being used by the car, the Power Available indicator light will change color.
  • Key Switch for locking the HEP line out of generator feed position. This is an additional safety feature beyond the HEP control loop completion system.
  • Where possible, LEDs are used for indicators to allow for long indicator light life in the high-vibration conditions that exist on railroad passenger cars.
  • Engine Control switch for selecting "On" , "Off", or "Auto". When set to the "On" position, the engine preheat system will automatically start and run for a brief period of time. After the engine preheat stage is completed, the engine will automatically start up and run. In the "Auto" or "On" position, if the generator has fed power to the car or trainline, it will automatically run at idle speed for a period of time before automatically shutting down. This cool down time helps reduce problems associated with rapid cooling of the cylinders on the engine. In the "Auto" position, the generator will automatically start and power the car electrical system if other power sources fail.

• Generator Engine Indicators:
  • Hour Meter - On the new models, this is now built into the engine control unit
  • 12 Volt Engine Alternator Meter - On the new models, this is now built into the engine control unit Also On the New Models: The engine control unit features a battery voltage warning light if the engine starting battery drops below a reasonable voltage.

  • Coolant Temperature - On the new models, this is now built into the engine control unit.
  • Oil Pressure - On the new models, this is now built into the engine control unit.
  • Engine Preheat Indicator
  • Engine Started Indicator
  • Engine Alternator Indicator
  • Engine Overcrank Indicator - Indicates that an attempt to start the engine was made, but due to an engine or fuel related problem it would not start
  • Generator will automatically shut down when any of the following fault indicators are lit:
    • Low Oil Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Coolant Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Oil Pressure - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • High Water Temperature
    • Engine Overspeed
  • Optional Feature: Generator Output Meters - this is an option, and is not included on the basic standard models in the NW-GC500 series. The old models featured standard analog power meters that were not lit. The new version features modern digital readout LED display power meters that may be read even in the very darkest of conditions.

• Generator Output: At right is a photograph of the switchgear portion of the NW-GC-500 power management system, complete with circuit breakers.

• HEP and HEP Feed:
  • The HEP Feed switch is normally left in the "Feed Off" position. If it is desired to feed the HEP trainline with the on-car generator, the switch is turned to the "Loop Test" position. If the control loop is complete between all the cars (that is, all of the car to car power cables are connected properly), the "Trainline Loop Complete" indicator will light. The switch may then be turned to "Feed On", which will feed power from the generator to the other cars on the train.
    

Versions of the NW-GC500 for All-Electronic Engines

Related Products from Northwest Rail Electric:

• Electrical Locker Packages for converting a passenger car electrical system to HEP

• Evaporator Units and Under-Car Condensers for those converting their railroad air conditioning systems to run on HEP.

• Under-Car Diesel Generators for providing power to the HEP trainline.

• Yard Power Units are used to power the HEP trainline when a car is in the shop or when a train is laying over at the station.

• HEP Parts including HEP Connectors for those adding HEP.

• Rubber Tube Diaphragms for those upgrading passenger cars to modern car end standards.

• Railroad Grade Wire for those upgrading or replacing railroad car electrical wire.

List of Products and Services Other HEP Related Products
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