Patent Publication Number: US-2021170874-A1

Title: Auxiliary power controller

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to a controller, and more specifically to an auxiliary power controller. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The temperature of water and oil used for locomotive engines should be maintained within a certain temperature range to prevent damage to the engine. While idling may be used to maintain the oil and water temperatures, idling consumes fuel, which increases cost and emissions. Conventional auxiliary power units (APU) may be used to charge the starting battery and maintain the oil and water temperatures. However, APUs also consume fuel and produce emissions. Furthermore, adding an APU to the locomotive introduces another engine that the locomotive needs to maintain. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, an auxiliary power controller includes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the auxiliary power controller to perform operations including determining a first selection of one or more power input sources from a plurality of power input sources. The operations also include determining a first selection of one or more power consuming devices from a plurality of power consuming devices. The operations further include managing transfer of auxiliary power from the first selection of the one or more power input sources to the first selection of the one or more power consuming devices. 
     In certain embodiments, the operations further include determining a second selection of one or more power input sources from the plurality of power input sources such that the second selection of the one or more power input sources is different than the first selection of the one or more power input sources, determining a second selection of one or more power consuming devices from the plurality of power consuming devices such that the second selection of the one or more power consuming devices is different than the first selection the one or more of power consuming devices, and managing transfer of auxiliary power from the second selection of the one or more power input sources to the second selection of the one or more power consuming devices. 
     In certain embodiments, managing the transfer of auxiliary power from the one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices includes determining a power demand of a first power consuming device of the first selection of power consuming devices, determining that a power supply of a first power input source of the first selection of the one or more power input sources exceeds the power demand, and initiating the transfer of the auxiliary power from the first power input source to the first power consuming device. 
     In certain embodiments, managing the transfer of auxiliary power from the one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices includes determining a power demand of a first power consuming device of the first selection of power consuming devices, determining that a power supply of a first power input source of the first selection of the one or more power input sources is less than the power demand, determining that a power supply of the first power input source and a second power input source of the first selection of the one or more power input sources exceeds the power demand, and initiating the transfer of the auxiliary power from the first power input source and the second power input source to the first power consuming device. 
     The plurality of power input sources may include two or more of the following: an APU battery, a starter battery, a combination APU/starter battery, a solar panel, and a wayside power unit. The plurality of power consuming devices may include two or more of the following: a water pump, a water heater, an oil pump, an oil heater, a starter battery, a cab heater/air conditioner, an air compressor, and electrical components. The auxiliary power controller may be located within a vehicle such as a locomotive. 
     According to another embodiment, a method includes determining, by an auxiliary power controller, a first selection of one or more power input sources from a plurality of power input sources. The method also includes determining, by the auxiliary power controller, a first selection of one or more power consuming devices from a plurality of power consuming devices. The method further includes managing, by the auxiliary power controller, transfer of auxiliary power from the first selection of the one or more power input sources to the first selection of the one or more power consuming devices. 
     According to yet another embodiment, one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media embody instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including determining a first selection of one or more power input sources from a plurality of power input sources. The operations also include determining a first selection of one or more power consuming devices from a plurality of power consuming devices. The operations further include managing transfer of auxiliary power from the first selection of the one or more power input sources to the first selection of the one or more power consuming devices. 
     Technical advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more of the following. The auxiliary power controller is modular in design, which allows for flexibility in the selection of the one or more power input sources and the selection of the one or more power consuming devices. The modular design of the APU systems described herein allows for future upgrades (e.g., the addition of solar panels as a power input source). The modular design of the APU systems described herein allows the auxiliary power controller to continue providing auxiliary power even if one of the power input sources fails. The auxiliary power controller manages energy flow between power input sources and power consuming devices, which may lower energy costs and reduce harmful emissions. If an APU engine is not selected or available as a power input source, the APU system is simple, easy to maintain, and has a low probability of failures. 
     Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist in understanding the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from a combination APU/starter battery and a solar panel to one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from an APU battery and a solar panel to one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example solar panel system that may be used by the systems of  FIGS. 1 through 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example method for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example computer system that may be used by the systems and methods described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The systems and methods described herein allow for the use of multiple energy sources for the supply of auxiliary loads on vehicles such as locomotives. An auxiliary power controller is used to manage the flow of energy between multiple supplies and demands on the vehicle. Energy sources may include dedicated on-board batteries, starter batteries, a dynamic brake recapture system, wayside power units, solar panels, a main vehicle alternator, a separate diesel-powered auxiliary engine, and the like. Energy needs satisfied by these energy sources may include charging starting batteries, heating engine oil, heating engine water, heating the cab of the vehicle, cooling the cab of the vehicle, powering the cab electronics, and the like. This disclosure allows for a modular system to dynamically manage auxiliary loads and supplies on the vehicle. In contrast to conventional APU systems that only have a single diesel engine source for power, the systems and methods described herein allow for multiple sources of power for auxiliary loads based on the available/desired sources. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller.  FIG. 2  shows an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from a combination APU/starter battery and a solar panel to one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller.  FIG. 3  shows an example system for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from an APU battery and a solar panel to one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller.  FIG. 4  shows an example solar panel system that may be used by the systems of  FIGS. 1 through 3 .  FIG. 5  shows an example method for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller.  FIG. 6  shows an example computer system that may be used by the systems and methods described herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example system  100  for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources  120  to the one or more power consuming devices  130  using an auxiliary power controller  110 . System  100  or portions thereof may be associated with an entity, which may include any entity, such as a business or a company (e.g., a railway company, a transportation company, a shipping company, etc.). System  100  or portions thereof may be associated with a vehicle (e.g., a locomotive, an aircraft, a naval ship, a heavy-duty commercial vehicle, a military vehicle, a heavy-duty truck, etc.). The elements of system  100  may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, firmware, and software. For example, the elements of system  100  may be implemented using one or more components of the computer system of  FIG. 6 . System  100  of  FIG. 1  includes auxiliary power controller  110 , power input sources  120 , power consuming devices  130 , a locomotive alternator  140 , an engine block  150 , a water pump  160 , and an oil pump  170 . 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  is a component that manages the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources  120  to the one or more power consuming devices  130 . Auxiliary power controller  110  represents any suitable computing component that may be used to process information for system  100 . Auxiliary power controller  110  may coordinate the transfer of energy between one or more components of system  100  and/or facilitate communication between one or more components of system  100 . 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may communicate with one or more components of system  100  via a hard wire or a wireless connection. Auxiliary power controller  110  may include a communications function that allows users (e.g., a technician, an administrator, an operator, etc.) to communicate with one or more components of system  100  directly. For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may be part of a computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), and a user (e.g., a vehicle operator) may access auxiliary power controller  110  through an interface (e.g., a screen, a graphical user interface (GUI), or a panel) of the computer. Auxiliary power controller  110  may communicate with one or more components of system  100  via a network. Auxiliary power controller  110  may be located in any suitable location to process information for system  100 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may be located within a vehicle (e.g., a locomotive). 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine a selection of one or more power input sources  120  from the plurality of power input sources  120 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that an operator has selected certain power input sources  120  from a predetermined selection of power input sources  120 . As another example, auxiliary power controller  110  may detect (e.g., sense) available power input sources  120  from the predetermined selection of power input sources  120 . As still another example, auxiliary power controller  110  may select power input sources  120  from the predetermined selection of power input sources  120  based on one or more factors (e.g., a geographical location of where the vehicle associated with auxiliary power controller  110  will be used, a size of the vehicle, an amount of auxiliary power required by the vehicle, and the like). 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine a selection of one or more power consuming devices  130  from the plurality of power consuming devices  130 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that an operator has selected certain power consuming devices  130  from a predetermined selection of power consuming devices  130 . As another example, auxiliary power controller  110  may automatically detect (e.g., sense) power consuming devices  130  from the predetermined selection of power consuming devices  130 . 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may manage the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources  120  to one or more power consuming devices  130 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine a power supply of first power input source  120  and a power demand of first power consuming device  130 . Auxiliary power controller  110  may then determine that the power supply of first power input source  120  meets or exceeds the power demand of first power consuming device  130  and, in response to this determination, initiate a transfer of auxiliary power from first power input source  120  to first power consuming device  130 . As another example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that a power supply of first power input source  120  is less than the power demand of first power consuming device  130 . Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that a power supply of first power input source  120  is less than the power demand of first power consuming device  130 . Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that a combined power supply of two or more power input sources  120  exceeds the power demand of first power consuming device  130 . In response to this determination, auxiliary power controller  110  may initiate a transfer of auxiliary power from the two or more power input sources  120  to first power consuming device  130 . 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that the selection of power input sources  120  and/or the available power input sources  120  has changed. For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that an operator has selected a different set of power input sources  120  from the predetermined selection of power input sources  120 . In certain embodiments, the operator may add one or more power input sources  120  to the selection of power input sources  120 , remove one or more power input sources  120  from the selection of power input sources  120 , or replace one or more power input sources  120  within the selection of power input sources  120 . In certain embodiments, auxiliary power controller  110  may automatically detect that one or more power input sources  120  has become available or unavailable and automatically change the selection of power input sources  120  based on availability. 
     Auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that the selection of power consuming devices  130  and/or available power consuming devices  130  has changed. In certain embodiments, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that an operator has selected a different set of power consuming devices  130  from the predetermined selection of power consuming devices  130 . For example, the operator may add one or more power consuming devices  130  to the selection of power consuming devices  130 , remove one or more power consuming devices  130  from the selection of power consuming devices  130 , or replace one or more power consuming devices  130  within the selection of power consuming devices  130 . In certain embodiments, auxiliary power controller  110  may automatically detect that one or more power consuming devices has become available or unavailable and automatically change the selection of power consuming devices  130  based on availability. 
     Power input sources  120  of system  100  represent any physical components that can provide auxiliary power to one or more power consuming devices  130  of system  100 . Power input sources  120  may be located in any suitable location for providing auxiliary power to one or more power consuming devices  130  of system  100 . For example, power input sources  120  may be located on a vehicle, within the vehicle, or adjacent to the vehicle. Power input sources  120  may include an APU battery  121 , a starter battery  122 , a combination APU/starter battery  123 , a dynamic brake recapture system  124 , a solar panel  125 , a wayside power unit  126 , and an APU engine  127 . 
     APU battery  121  of power input sources  120  is a dedicated on-board battery that provides power to auxiliary loads of a vehicle during engine shutdown. APU battery  121  may be charged through alternator  140  when the engine is running. APU battery  121  may be a lead acid battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel manganese cobalt battery, an iron phosphate battery, or any other suitable battery that can store energy. Starter battery  122  of power input sources  120  provides the power required to start the engine of the vehicle. Starter battery  122  may also be used to run the electronics in the vehicle. Combination APU/starter battery  123  of power input sources  120  combines APU battery  121  and starter battery  122  into a single battery. 
     Dynamic brake recapture system  124  of power input sources  120  is a system that converts and stores a portion of the energy that is lost as heat from normal braking of the vehicle. Solar panel  125  of power input sources  120  is a component that absorbs the sun&#39;s rays as a source of energy. Solar panel  125  is described in more detail in  FIG. 4  below. Wayside power unit  126  of power input sources  120  provides standard utility power to a vehicle for maintenance or layover. In certain embodiments, the vehicle (e.g., a locomotive) is plugged into wayside power unit  126 . Wayside power unit  126  may include one or more plugs, enclosures, transformers, circuit breakers, switches, power feed connectors, and the like. Wayside power unit  126  may include a variety of control layouts and a variety of voltages (e.g., 208 volts, 220 volts, 240 volts, 480 volts, or 575 volts). 
     APU engine  127  of power input sources  120  is a small (e.g., 22 horsepower) diesel engine. In conventional systems, APU engine  127  provides the auxiliary power to one or more components of the vehicle. The main engine of the vehicle is started only when the vehicle is actually required for movement or traction. If the vehicle idling time is more than a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes), the main engine is shut down and APU engine  127  begins operation. In certain embodiments of system  100 , the selection of power input sources  120  does not include APU engine  127 . Using power input sources  120  other than APU engine  127  eliminates maintenance time and costs, repair time and costs, and pollutant emissions associated with APU engine  127 . 
     Power consuming devices  130  of system  100  represent any devices that consume auxiliary power. Power consuming devices  130  receive auxiliary power from power input sources  120 . Power consuming devices  130  may be located in any suitable location for receiving auxiliary power from power input sources  120 . For example, power consuming devices  130  may be located on a vehicle, within the vehicle, or adjacent to the vehicle. Power consuming devices  130  may include an air compressor  131 , a cab heater/air conditioner  132 , a starter battery  133 , electrical components  134 , a water heater  135 , water pump  160 , an oil heater  136 , and oil pump  170 . 
     Air compressor  131  of power consuming devices  130  is a device that converts power into potential energy stored in pressurized air. Cab heater/air conditioner  132  of power consuming devices  130  includes one or more devices that provide heating and/or cooling to a cab of a vehicle. Cab heater/air conditioner  132  may be located in any suitable location to provide heat and/or air conditioning to the cab of the vehicle. For example, cab heater/air conditioner  132  may be located within the cab, mounted to a side of the vehicle, mounted to a roof of the vehicle, etc. 
     Starter battery  133  (i.e., starter battery  122  of power input sources  120 ) of power consuming devices  130  provides the power required to start the engine of the vehicle. Starter battery  122  may also be used to run the electronics in the vehicle. Electrical components  134  of power consuming devices  130  include components of the vehicle that consume electricity. Electrical components  134  may include fans, blowers, lighting (e.g., cab lighting), computers, one or more components of a positive train control (PTC) system, event recorders, fault code chips, processors, and the like. Alternator  140  is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. When the engine of system  100  is running, alternator  140  may charge the batteries and supply additional electrical power for the vehicle&#39;s electrical systems. For certain vehicles such as a locomotive, a diesel engine may drive alternator  140 , which provides power to move the locomotive. 
     Water pump  160  of system  100  is a circulating pump that circulates water used by engine block  150  to prevent the water from freezing. Engine block  150  is part of the vehicle&#39;s main engine. Water is distributed around engine block  150  to keep the temperature of the engine within the most efficient range. Water heater  135  of power consuming devices  130  is a heating device used to heat the water used by engine block  150 . Oil pump  170  is a circulating pump that circulates oil used by engine block  150  to maintain the viscosity of the oil. Oil heater  135  of power consuming devices  130  is a heating device used to heat the oil used by engine block  150 . 
     In operation, auxiliary power controller  110  determines a first selection of one or more power input sources  120  from a plurality of power input sources  120 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that a first selection of power input sources  120  includes APU battery  121  and solar panel  125 . Auxiliary power controller  110  determines a first selection of one or more power consuming devices  130  from a plurality of power consuming devices  130 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may determine that a first selection of power consuming devices  130  includes cab heater/air conditioner  132  and starter battery  133 . Auxiliary power controller  110  then manages the transfer of auxiliary power from the first selection of power input sources  121  to the first selection of power consuming devices  130 . As such, system  100  of  FIG. 1  may allow for flexibility in the selection of power input sources and power output consuming devices, allow for future upgrades, lower energy costs, and reduce harmful emissions. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a particular arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , power input sources  120 , power consuming devices  130 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , power input sources  120 , power consuming devices  130 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . For example, the location of water pump  160  and oil pump  170  relative to engine block  150  may be reversed. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a particular number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , power input sources  120 , power consuming devices  130 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , power input sources  120 , power consuming devices  130 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 . For example, system  100  may include more or less than seven power input sources  120  and/or more or less than eight power consuming devices. As another example, system  100  may include more or less than one auxiliary power controller  110 . 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 . System  100  may include more, fewer, or other components. For example, system  100  may include one or more controls, sensors, accessories, application software, and the like. One or more components of system  100  may include one or more elements from the computer system of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example system  200  for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from combination APU/starter battery  123  and solar panel  125  to one more power consuming devices (e.g., cab heater/air conditioner  132 , water pump  160 , and/or oil pump  170 ) using auxiliary power controller  110 . System  200  includes auxiliary power controller  110 , combination APU/starter battery  123 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . As described above for  FIG. 1 , combination APU/starter battery  123  and solar panel  125  are input power sources of a vehicle, and cab heater/air conditioner  132 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170  are power consuming devices of the vehicle. 
     When the engine of the vehicle associated with system  200  is running, alternator  140  of system  200  serves as a power input source to provide power to one or more power consuming devices of system  200 . For example, alternator  140  may provide power to cab heater/air conditioner  132  to heat and/or cool the cab of the vehicle. As another example, alternator  140  may provide power to water pump  160  to circulate water through engine block  150  of system  200 . As still another example, alternator  140  may provide power to oil pump  170  to circulate oil through engine block  150  of system  200 . As yet another example, alternator  140  may provide power to combination APU/starter battery  123  to charge APU/starter battery  123 . 
     When the engine of the vehicle associated with system  200  is shut down, alternator  140  of system  200  no longer serves as a power input source of system  200 . Auxiliary power controller  110  identifies combination APU/starter battery  123  and solar panel  125  as power input sources, identifies cab heater/air conditioner  132 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170  as power consuming devices, and manages the transfer of auxiliary power from combination APU/starter battery  123  and/or solar panel  125  to cab heater/air conditioner  132 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may initiate the transfer auxiliary power from APU/starter battery  123  to cab heater/air conditioner  132 . If auxiliary power controller  110  determines that APU/starter battery  123  cannot meet the power demands of cab heater/air conditioner  132 , auxiliary power controller  110  may initiate the transfer of auxiliary power from combination APU/starter battery  123  and solar panel  125  to cab heater/air conditioner  132 . As such, system  200  may provide auxiliary power to power consuming devices without the use of an APU diesel engine, which may reduce maintenance and repair costs and harmful emissions associated with the APU diesel engine. 
     Although  FIG. 2  illustrates a particular arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , combination APU/starter battery  123 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , combination APU/starter battery  123 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a particular number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , combination APU/starter batteries  123 , solar panels  125 , cab heater/air conditioners  132 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , combination APU/starter batteries  123 , solar panels  125 , cab heater/air conditioners  132 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 . 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 . System  200  may include more, fewer, or other components. For example, system  200  may include one or more controls, sensors, accessories, application software, and the like. One or more components of system  200  may include one or more elements from the computer system of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example system  300  for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from APU battery  121  and solar panel  125  to one more power consuming devices (e.g., cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , water pump  160 , and/or oil pump  170 ) using auxiliary power controller  110 . System  300  includes auxiliary power controller  110 , APU battery  121 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . As described above for  FIG. 1 , APU battery  121  and solar panel  125  are input power sources of a vehicle, and cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170  are power consuming devices of the vehicle. 
     When the engine of the vehicle associated with system  300  is running, alternator  140  of system  300  serves as a power input source to provide power to one or more power consuming devices of system  300 . For example, alternator  140  may provide power to cab heater/air conditioner  132  to heat and/or cool the cab of the vehicle. As another example, alternator  140  may provide power to water pump  160  to circulate water through engine block  150  of system  300 . As still another example, alternator  140  may provide power to oil pump  170  to circulate oil through engine block  150  of system  200 . As yet another example, alternator  140  may provide power to APU battery  121  to charge APU battery  121 . As still another example, alternator  140  may provide power to starter battery  133  to charge starter battery  133 . 
     When the engine of the vehicle associated with system  300  is shut down, alternator  140  of system  300  no longer serves as a power input source of system  300 . Auxiliary power controller  110  identifies APU battery  121  and solar panel  125  as power input sources, identifies cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170  as power consuming devices, and manages the transfer of auxiliary power from APU battery  121  and/or solar panel  125  to cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . For example, auxiliary power controller  110  may initiate the transfer of auxiliary power from solar panel  125  to cab heater/air conditioner  132  and starter battery  133 . If auxiliary power controller  110  determines that the available power supply of solar panel  125  is below a predetermined power supply level, auxiliary power controller  110  may initiate the transfer of auxiliary power from APU battery  121  and solar panel  125  to cab heater/air conditioner  132  and starter battery  133 . As such, system  300  may provide auxiliary power to power consuming devices without the use of an APU diesel engine, which may reduce maintenance and repair costs and harmful emissions associated with the APU diesel engine. In certain embodiments, if APU battery  121  cannot satisfy the power demands of the power consuming devices, an Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) system starts the engine of the vehicle, which allows alternator  140  to satisfy the power demands of the power consuming devices. 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates a particular arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , APU battery  121 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of auxiliary power controller  110 , APU battery  121 , solar panel  125 , cab heater/air conditioner  132 , starter battery  133 , alternator  140 , engine block  150 , water pump  160 , and oil pump  170 . 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates a particular number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , APU batteries  121 , solar panels  125 , cab heater/air conditioners  132 , starter batteries  133 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable number of auxiliary power controllers  110 , APU batteries  121 , solar panels  125 , cab heater/air conditioners  132 , starter batteries  133 , alternators  140 , engine blocks  150 , water pumps  160 , and oil pumps  170 . 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system  300  depicted in  FIG. 3 . System  300  may include more, fewer, or other components. For example, system  300  may include one or more controls, sensors, accessories, application software, and the like. One or more components of system  300  may include one or more elements from the computer system of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an example solar panel system  400  that may be used by the systems of  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Solar panel system  400  includes solar panels  410 , panel frame  420 , and lift hooks  430 . Solar panels  410  are components that absorb the sun&#39;s rays as a source of energy. Solar panels  410  may be any suitable size and shape. For example, each solar panel  410  may rectangular in shape, having a width of 1.75 feet and a length of 3.5 feet. Solar panels  410  may be combined to form any suitable size and shape. For example, a  3  by  4  array of solar panels may be formed to create an overall width of 5.25 feet and an overall length of 10.5 feet. Solar panels  410  may be any material suitable for absorbing the sun&#39;s rays. For example, solar panels  410  may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or any other suitable material. 
     In certain embodiments, solar panels  410  serve as a power input source for a vehicle. Solar panels  410  produce a predetermined number of watts of power. For example, solar panels  410  may produce 15 watts of power per square foot such that a  3  by  4  array of solar panels  410  produces 1080 watts of power. As another example, each solar panel  410  may produce 290 to 360 watts of power. Solar panels  410  may include one or more inverters that are used to convert direct current (DC) energy absorbed by the sunlight to usable alternating current (AC) energy. The AC energy may then be distributed to one or more power consuming devices of the vehicle. Solar panels  410  may be attached to the roof of a vehicle and serve as a power input source for the vehicle. 
     Solar panels  410  may be attached to a vehicle using panel frame  420 . Panel frame  420  is any frame used to physically connect solar panels  410  to the vehicle. Panel frame  420  may be made of any suitable material that can provide structural support to solar panels  410 . For example, panel frame  420  may be made of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, copper, iron, etc.), plastic, fabric, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material. Solar panel system  400  may include one or more lift hooks  430 . Lift hooks  430  may be used to lift solar panels  410  and/or panel frame  420  from the vehicle. Lift hooks  430  may be any suitable type, size, shape, and material. For example, lift hooks may be eye hooks, clevis hooks, swivel hooks, and the like. In certain embodiments, solar panels  410 , panel frame  420 , and lift hooks  430  of solar panel system  400  are made of materials that can withstand sun, rain, hail, wind, snow, ice, sleet, and/or other weather conditions. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example method  500  for managing the transfer of auxiliary power from one or more power input sources to the one or more power consuming devices using an auxiliary power controller. Method  500  starts at step  505 . At step  510 , an auxiliary power controller (e.g., auxiliary power controller  110  of  FIG. 1 ) selects a first and second power input source from a plurality of power input sources (e.g., power input sources  120  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, the auxiliary power controller may select one or more solar panels (e.g., solar panels  125  of  FIG. 1 ) and a wayside power unit (e.g., wayside power unit  126  of  FIG. 1 ) from a selection of the following power input sources: an APU battery, a starter battery, a combination APU/starter battery, a dynamic brake recapture system, solar panels, and a wayside power unit. Method  500  then moves from step  510  to step  515 . 
     At step  515  of method  500 , the auxiliary power controller selects a first and second power consuming device from a plurality of power consuming devices (e.g., power consuming devices  130  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, the auxiliary power controller may select an air compressor (e.g., air compressor  131  of  FIG. 1 ) and a starter battery (e.g., starter battery  133  of  FIG. 1 ) from a selection of the following power consuming devices: an air compressor, a cab heater/air conditioner, a starter battery, electrical components, a water heater, a water pump, an oil heater, and an oil pump. Method  500  then moves from step  515  to step  520 . 
     At step  520  of method  500 , the auxiliary power controller determines the available power supply for each of the first and second power input sources. For example, the auxiliary power controller may determine that the solar panels can supply 5 kilowatts of power and the wayside power unit can supply 650 kilowatts of power. Method  500  then moves from step  520  to step  525 , where the auxiliary power controller determines the required auxiliary power demand for each of the first and second power consuming devices. For example, the auxiliary power controller may determine that the air compressor requires 5 kilowatts of power and the starter battery requires 600 kilowatts of power. Method  500  then moves from step  525  to step  530 . 
     At step  530  of method  500 , the auxiliary power controller determines whether the available power supply of the first power input source meets or exceeds the required auxiliary power demand of the first and second power consuming devices. If the auxiliary power controller determines that the available power supply of the first power input source is meets or exceeds the required auxiliary power demand of the first and second power consuming devices, method  500  moves from step  530  to step  535 , where the auxiliary power controller initiates the transfer of auxiliary power from the first power input source to the first and second power consuming devices. 
     If, at step  530 , the auxiliary power controller determines that the available power supply of the first power input source is less than the required auxiliary power demand of the first and second power consuming devices, method  500  moves from step  530  to step  540 , where the auxiliary power controller initiates the transfer of auxiliary power from the first and second power input sources to the first and second power consuming devices. For example, the auxiliary power controller may determine that the solar panels can only supply 5 kilowatts of power, which is less than the 605 kilowatts of auxiliary power required by the air compressor and the starter battery. To meet this power demand, the auxiliary power controller initiates the transfer of auxiliary power from the first and second power input sources to the first and second power consuming devices. Method  500  then moves from steps  535  and  540  to step  545 . 
     At step  545  of method  500 , the auxiliary power controller determines whether the power input sources and/or the power consuming devices have changed. For example, the auxiliary power controller may detect the addition of a new power input source (e.g., a dynamic brake recapture system). If the auxiliary power controller determines that the power input sources and/or the power consuming devices have changed, the auxiliary power controller modifies the selection of the power input sources and/or the power consuming devices accordingly. For example, in response to detecting the dynamic brake recapture system, the auxiliary power controller may add the dynamic brake recapture system to the selection of available power input sources. Method  500  then moves from step  550  to step  555 , where method  500  ends. If, at step  545 , the auxiliary power controller determines that the power input sources and/or the power consuming devices have not changed, method  500  moves from step  545  to step  555 , where method  500  ends. As such, method  500  allows for flexibility in the selection of the one or more power input sources and the selection of the one or more power output consuming devices. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method  500  depicted in  FIG. 5 . Method  500  may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, method  500  may include selecting more or less than two power input sources from the plurality of power input sources. Steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. For example, steps  510  and  515  of method  500  may be reversed. While discussed as specific components completing the steps of method  500 , any suitable component may perform any step of method  500 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an example computer system that may be used by the systems and methods described herein. For example, one or more components (e.g., auxiliary power controller  110 ) of system  100  of  FIG. 1  may include one or more interface(s)  610 , processing circuitry  620 , memory(ies)  630 , and/or other suitable element(s). Interface  610  receives input, sends output, processes the input and/or output, and/or performs other suitable operation. Interface  610  may comprise hardware and/or software. 
     Processing circuitry  620  performs or manages the operations of the component. Processing circuitry  620  may include hardware and/or software. Examples of a processing circuitry include one or more computers, one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, etc. In certain embodiments, processing circuitry  620  executes logic (e.g., instructions) to perform actions (e.g., operations), such as generating output from input. The logic executed by processing circuitry  620  may be encoded in one or more tangible, non-transitory computer readable media (such as memory  630 ). For example, the logic may comprise a computer program, software, computer executable instructions, and/or instructions capable of being executed by a computer. In particular embodiments, the operations of the embodiments may be performed by one or more computer readable media storing, embodied with, and/or encoded with a computer program and/or having a stored and/or an encoded computer program. 
     Memory  630  (or memory unit) stores information. Memory  630  may comprise one or more non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable, and/or computer-executable storage media. Examples of memory  630  include computer memory (for example, RAM or ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), database and/or network storage (for example, a server), and/or other computer-readable medium. 
     Herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. 
     Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. 
     The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, feature, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Additionally, although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providing particular advantages, particular embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.