Summary

Modern locomotives, such as those in Indian Railways, are equipped with an auto pilot-like system known as BPCS (Button Press switch for Continuous Speed) that helps maintain a consistent speed during long runs, though it functions differently from aircraft autopilot systems.

Abstract

The latest advancements in locomotive technology have introduced an auto pilot-like feature in modern ABB locomotives used by Indian Railways. This system, referred to as BPCS, is activated by a special switch on the loco pilot's driving desk. When engaged, the BPCS aims to maintain the train's speed, typically at 100 kmph, by automatically adjusting the electricity supply to the traction motors and applying regenerative braking during downgrades. This technology is particularly useful for adhering to speed limits imposed by caution orders, allowing for smoother train operation. The auto pilot function can be disengaged either by the loco pilot applying manual brakes or moving the throttle, or by pressing the BPCS switch again, at which point the locomotive returns to manual control.

Opinions

The author suggests that the BPCS system is "really helpful" for long runs, implying its utility in reducing the workload of loco pilots.
It is noted that the BPCS is "something like" an autopilot system, indicating that while it shares similarities with aircraft autopilot, it is not identical in functionality due to the differences in operating environments (rail tracks vs. open airspace).
The author provides a positive view of the BPCS, highlighting its effectiveness in maintaining a consistent speed and navigating varying track conditions, such as upgrades and downgrades.
The inclusion of images with circled switches suggests a user-friendly aspect of the BPCS, making it easy for loco pilots to identify and engage the system.
The author emphasizes the convenience of the BPCS for loco pilots, especially when there are speed restrictions on the tracks, which underscores the system's practical benefits in real-world scenarios.

Auto Pilot System In Locomotives

Do you know locomotives has also system which works like auto pilot like airplane?

The new modern locomotives now incorporated with this auto pilot like technology. It is really helpful during a long run with a train.

But it’s functioning not truly like auto pilot system of flight as trans runs on the railway tracks.

it is not an autopilot type of flights but something like this is incorporated in modern ABB Locomotives in Indian Railways.

a special system will take over the functioning of locomotives when this auto pilot start functioning.

To activate this function loco pilot has given a special switch on his driving desk. This switch control the functioning and non functioning of auto pilot system in locomotives.

It is a press button illuminated switch. BPCS. Full name Press Button switch for Continuations Speed. Whenever Loco Pilot push this switch it glows and locomotive start functioning it’s own.Now auto pilot is in functioning.

Here is an image, I have circle those switches where BPCS placed.

It working like this. Suppose your train running at a speed of 100 kmph and you will want to continue it for next some times. Now you press the BPCS switch and your loco will start auto financing.

You can see the BPCS switch in this image clearly.

The only aim of loco after pressing this switch to maintain the speed at 100 kmph.

This types of loco equipped with throttle and subsystem. By moving of throttle to traction and braking side loco pilot control his train speed as per requirement. This subsystem control the supply of electricity to traction motors.

After pressing this switch (BPCS) the supply of electricity to traction motors as per demands of mainly for up gradients decided by Locomotive itself to maintain the 100 kmph speed.

At down gradient, it automatically applies regenerative braking to reduce speed to maintain the 100 kmph speed.

Loco pilot mainly uses this function when there is a speed limit imposes on track through caution orders. This time it very helpful them to drive his train smoothly.

After completing the functioning the auto pilot system it time to take the charge locomotive by loco pilot himself. To do this he has to do two any either .

If loco pilot apply manual brakes or moves throttle the BPCS function automatically stop. Now Loco will come back under Loco pilot’s control again.

second press the BPCS again. It’s glowing will off and autopilot system functioning becomes off. The locomotive now comes under the control of Loco Pilot again.