Patent ID: 8413589
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: B61C,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A train comprising: a locomotive comprising a plurality of track engaging wheels, an electrically powered motor for driving the wheels to cause rolling movement of the locomotive along the track, and a power input electrically coupled to the electrically powered motor for connection to a source external to the locomotive; one or more cars each comprising a plurality of track engaging wheels, the one or more cars being coupled to the locomotive to enable the locomotive to pull the one or more cars along the track, said one or more cars comprising a container receiving car having an upwardly facing bed; an interchangeable container-based power generating system comprising: an electrical connector connected between the power output of the electrochemical power source and the power input of the locomotive to enable the electrical current generated by the electrochemical power source to power the motor of the locomotive, the electrical connector comprising corresponding positive and negative contacts on the container receiving car to those on the exterior of the intermodal container, the electrical connector being disconnectable between the power input and the power output; wherein the removability of the intermodal container and the disconnectability of the electrical connector enables the interchangeable container-based power generating system to be removed and replaced as a unit, wherein the corresponding positive and negative contacts on the exterior of the intermodal container and on the container receiving car are engaged to establish the connection of the electrical connector between the power output of the electrochemical power source and the power input of the locomotive, and wherein the corresponding positive and negative contacts on the exterior of the intermodal container and on the container receiving car contacts are configured to be disengaged upon removal of the intermodal container from the container receiving car to affect disconnection of the electrical connector between the power input and the power output.