The AESS system may be packaged as a 2-module TECU setup. It can also be a standalone system and work independently of the locomotive’s control system.

TMV’s Automatic Engine Stop/Start (A.E.S.S.) system is designed to monitor a locomotive and automatically shut down the engine to save fuel.

The AESS system receives input from train-lines, various sensors, and other systems to determine the state of the locomotive.  When conditions allow, the AESS automatically shuts down the main engine, and later the lighting loads, to conserve energy.  The AESS system continuously monitors the locomotive’s state and will restart the engine when needed.
The AESS system will work the Mechanical Governor-controlled engines or with engines controlled via CAN bus.
This is a standalone device which can be used on nearly any make and model of locomotive!

TMV also offers AESS as an available feature within the Traction Engine Control Unit (TECU) package.

The TMV Display is for viewing AESS data and modes. Pictured here is the Control Stand screen showing speed, Engine RPM and Engine water temperature.




Summary of Operation & Idle Shutdown Timer:

The Automatic Engine Stop/Start system will be in one of 3 Modes: RUN, Auto Shutdown, and Manual Shutdown. These modes will be displayed on the the TMV TECU Display (pictured above) and recorded for future reference. This will enable you to see how much time the locomotive spent in each of these three modes. When paired with the Remote Health Monitoring system, you can view this information from the comfort of your own workplace, to obtain location and run mode information at the same time.

Many switching locomotives spend almost half their work life in idle, which unnecessarily drives up fuel costs for the locomotive owner/operator. Some railroads report annual fuel costs as being their second highest expenditure overall!

RUN Mode:

When in RUN mode, the AESS will watch the MU lines to determine when the locomotive is in IDLE. When train lines indicate notch below 2 and certain MU inputs are Low, the AESS will begin a 25-minute idle shutdown timer. When the timer counts down from 25 minutes, and every requirement is satisfied for shutdown, the AESS system will automatically shut down the engine to conserve fuel. This 25-minute idle shutdown timer can be shortened via the Headlight Reset Button, or through the TMV Display.

Auto Shutdown Mode:

This mode applies when the AESS system has shut down the engine after the 25-minute idle shutdown timer has timed out. There will be a bell that sounds before shutdown, as a notification to the locomotive crew. When in Auto Shut Down (ASD), the AESS continues to monitor the state of the locomotive, and will restart only when determined necessary by standard AESS parameters. The TMV AESS complies with AAR standard S-5502.

Manual Shutdown Mode:

When the locomotive engine is shut down manually by locomotive operator, the AESS will record “MSD” for Manual Shut Down.

chart of idle time report, in columns and rows showing notches, months, idle time, engine hours, megawatts, and dynamic brake
Segment from an Idle Time Report. These reports can be customized to project specifications. Pictured here, the customer’s locomotive was equipped with Dynamic Braking and Megawatt Hour tracking, as well as AESS.





Graphic of remote health monitoring, a connection between the train, the cell tower, the internet and the user



Pair AESS system with TMV’s Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) service to receive notifications via email when specific events occur (such as faults).  Know the location of your locomotive and which state it’s in via our easy-to-use web portal (where you can also view annual Idle Time Reports, pictured above).






Auto-Start kit:

Automatic Engine Start Stop AESS products displayed on a white background, complete kit and how it looks before shipping



Auto-start items within the AESS kit include: 
– 100psi & 200psi pressure sensors
– LOS Override solenoid valve
– EPD override solenoids
– Thermistors
– Load shed relays
– Engine Prime
– Engine Start
– Start Buzzer
and any other required sensors and switches.

Governor Oil Pump on a white background front view
Governor Oil Pump on a white background back view

The Governor Oil Pump is one of TMV’s Auto-Start products.  It assists the governor, and moves the lay shaft out of the no-fuel position during auto-start, enabling governor oil pressure to build and fuel injectors to function.