CN115605369A

CN115605369A - Supplemental energy generation and storage for trains

Info

Publication number: CN115605369A
Application number: CN202080100909.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J.特恩-戈蒂埃; J.G.麦迪纳特恩
Original assignee: Ecorush Kilowatt Hour Co ltd
Current assignee: Ecorush Kilowatt Hour Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2023-01-13
Also published as: EP4149789A4; JP7492609B2; CA3177128C; WO2021230899A1; JP2023525341A; GB202214929D0; WO2021230898A1; BR112022023062A2; AU2020447972A1; SA522441300B1; MX2022014221A; EP4149789A1; KR20230013249A; CA3177128A1; GB2608565A; ZA202210423B; AU2020447972B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to the supplemental generation of energy from train operation, and in particular to the generation of energy associated with the rotation of a disc brake rotor in combination with an electrical generator. Rotation of the disc brake rotor generates rotational energy that is transferred to a generator, which then transfers the energy to a series of batteries for storage. The battery may be stored in the platform of the train and/or within the train car itself. The energy from the battery may be utilized by removing the battery from the train or through a plurality of sockets, receptacles or connectors associated with the train cars or platforms.

Description

Supplemental energy generation and storage for trains

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/024888, filed on 5/14/2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The following documents and references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent application 2008/0078631 to Erlston et al and U.S. patent application 2012/0091724 to Bodenstein et al.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the supplemental generation of energy from the operation of a vehicle and, in particular, to the generation and storage of energy from the movement of a train in conjunction with a generator for the conversion of rotational energy into electrical energy for storage and subsequent use.

Background

The U.S. only railway system includes about 140000 miles of railway for transporting cargo and passengers. A large network of railroads provides an efficient means for transporting cargo, including imports and exports, in the continental united states. The 2017 statistics show that the train is carrying 500 million tons of cargo and 8.5 million passengers each year. By 2018, railways account for around 28% of all shipments, with passenger volumes in excess of 50 thousand miles.

Trains are also typically a more energy efficient means of freight than trucking and other means, and statistics show that freight trains can drive about 470 miles per ton on average. Thus, railway freight represents only about 2% of transportation-related emissions, despite the higher proportions. For these reasons, and others, federal forecasts indicate that the volume of shipments may grow substantially in the coming decades.

Nevertheless, rail companies are still faced with difficulties and obstacles to success. Furthermore, because the rails are proprietary to the rail company, the cost of maintaining them can be high. According to recent research, freight railroads spend over 40% of income dollars (each accounting for about half of the cost or about 20% of the dollars) in capital expenditure and maintenance. This is significantly higher than other industries and manufacturers, with capital expenditures averaging about 3% of revenue.

As for passenger railways, such as Amtrak and Metra, most passenger railway companies do not own most of the stations and railways they use. The maintenance costs of the equipment are also high. Thus, even with profit margins, they tend to be very low, and many passenger train systems and companies receive high subsidies and are difficult to economically compete with other forms of personal transportation. For example, since 1971 it was established that Amtrak was annually at a loss.

While trains are more environmentally friendly vehicles, there is still a need and a demand for more work to utilize cleaner energy and reduce emissions in view of the global environmental concerns about other types of energy.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an efficient and effective system and method for seamlessly generating and storing electricity as a by-product of train operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of generating and storing electricity to generate revenue using the natural operation of a train.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of generating and storing environmental protection power using a train.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent in view of the specification, drawings and claims.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to the generation of energy by train operation. In one embodiment, the invention includes an energy generating system operably attached to an axle in a train bogie. The energy generation system utilizes a motion transmission mechanism (chain, V-belt or notched timing belt, continuously variable transmission, mechanical transmission or gearbox, or fluid-based torque converter) that engages a disc brake rotor or any other rotating member attached to the axle of the train to transmit rotational energy to the generator through the use of sprockets and associated shafts. The generator then transfers this energy to an energy storage unit, such as a plurality of batteries. In an alternative embodiment, the sprocket directly engages the disc brake rotor. The sprocket can be held in place relative to the disc brake by a bracket. Alternatively, the sprocket may be positioned on and/or attached to the disc brake caliper.

The battery may be stored under or within a train car or platform and/or in the train car itself. A bracket may be utilized to allow the batteries to be stacked vertically to increase the storage capacity therein. The energy stored in the battery may be utilized by removing the battery after it is charged, or by an adapter or connector on the railcar to allow a device or vehicle to be connected thereto for charging.

To help hold the generator in place within the train bogie, a support frame may be used. The support frame may include a pair of axles or rods extending between the opposing truck-side frame members. A transverse frame member is attached or connected to the pair of shafts and extends parallel to the disc brake rotor. The cross frame member may include a top frame member, a lower frame member, and a pair of end members attached together to allow the axle to extend through the central bore and freely rotate therein. The frame member includes an opening sized to rotatably receive the shaft. Bushings may be used to facilitate rotation of the shaft in the opening. A bracket member on or attached to the generator and the frame member allows the generator to be removably connected to the frame.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

fig. 1 is a side view of a basic train bogie having a pair of axles.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the train bogie and wheel of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the train bogie and wheels of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the energy generation system of the present invention mounted on the train bogie of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the energy generation system and the train bogie taken along line 5-5 of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the energy generation system and train bogie of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of an energy generating system of the present invention having a pair of wheels on an axle.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating components of the energy generation system of the present invention shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a top view of components of an energy generation system of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of components of the energy generation system of fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a component of the energy generation system of the present invention, showing a sprocket directly engaging a disc brake rotor.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a clutch for use in the energy generation system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a component of the energy generation system of the present invention, illustrating the use of a sprocket directly engaging a disc brake rotor and a chain.

Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a battery storage device with a train platform.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery storage device utilizing a cradle.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rack for storing batteries.

Fig. 17 is a top view of the embodiment shown in fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a partially exploded view showing a plurality of batteries attachable to one shelf of a rack.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an energy generation system of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an energy generating system of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an energy generation system of the present invention.

The foregoing description and drawings merely explain the present invention and the present invention is not limited thereto since modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the basic components of a prior art train bogie 10 are shown in relation to a pair of axles 12, each having a pair of wheels 14 for engaging rails (not shown). On each axle 12 is a pair of discs 18, the discs 18 allowing disc brake rotors 16 to be attached to the axle 12 for stopping or slowing the train when the calipers are engaged. The bogie 10 itself comprises a pair of side frame members 20 which are connected together by a bogie cross member 22. The axle 12 is rotatably connected with respect to the bogie-side frame member 20 via the axle boxes 24.

A pair of springs 30 adjacent each wheel extend between the bottom of the axle box 24 and the underside of the side frame members 20 to act as a primary suspension for the train bogie 10 and the contents carried thereby. A secondary suspension member in the form of an air spring 32 is shown on the bogie beam 22. Bolster 34 extends over air spring 32 and includes a central plate 36 with a central pivot member 40 for connection to a railcar or platform. Pins 38 may extend from the top of bolster 34 to facilitate connection with railcars 322 or platform 320. While one embodiment of a train bogie is shown and disclosed, it is understood that other train bogies having different components or different numbers of axles and wheels may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to fig. 4-10, one embodiment of the energy generating system 100 of the present invention is shown having two pairs of disc brake rotors 116, four pairs of generators 102, a support frame 104, a mechanical coupling 106, a chain 108, and a connecting member 110. The energy generating system 100 is designed to fit within the frame of a train bogie for either an existing or new bogie. Although the energy generating system is shown and disclosed as being used in conjunction with a disc brake for each wheel, it should be understood that it may be used with selected disc brakes on the truck without departing from the scope of the present invention. The generated energy may enter the energy storage system 310 for subsequent use.

Referring to FIG. 10, one embodiment of the disc brake rotor 116 is shown as annular with a slot 124 extending circumferentially therethrough. The disc brake rotor 116 is sized and shaped to fit over and attach to the disc 18 on the axle 12 so that it will rotate as the wheel 14 rotates.

The mechanical coupling 106 is shown as a sprocket or gear having a plurality of teeth 112 spaced apart on its circumference, the teeth 112 being sized to engage corresponding openings 128 in the roller chain 108 placed around the edge of the disc brake rotor 116, thereby facilitating rotation. To facilitate mechanical connection of the chain 108 to the disc brake rotor 116, the spokes or elongate members 120 forming the slots 124 have tapered ends 122 for engaging openings 128 in the links of the chain 108. Further, while a chain is shown and disclosed, it should be understood that other rotary conveyors or motion transfer mechanisms may be utilized, such as, but not limited to, a V-belt or grooved timing belt, a continuously variable transmission, a mechanical transmission or gearbox, or a fluid-based torque converter. While a tapered end is shown and disclosed, it is understood that a chain or other rotary conveyor may engage the disc brake rotor 116 through friction or other known connectors or connection methods. Therein, various connectors may be secured or positioned within a channel 126 extending around the circumference of the disc brake rotor 116. Further, while a chain 108 is shown and disclosed, as shown in fig. 13, it should be understood that the mechanical coupling 106 may directly engage the slot 124 formed in the disc brake rotor 116 without the need for a chain. It should also be appreciated that a chain 108 may be used to facilitate rotation of the mechanical coupling 106 and the disc brake rotor 116, as shown in fig. 11.

Although a disc brake is shown and disclosed, it should be understood that the energy generating system of the present invention may be used with other rotating members that can be attached or coupled to a train axle (i.e., rotate with the wheel), including but not limited to other circular or annular members attached to the axle. If other components are used, it will be appreciated that they may be customized to engage the mechanical coupling, or to allow a chain or other rotary conveyor to wind and engage the components to provide energy generation as disclosed herein.

The mechanical coupling 106 is connected through its center to a connecting member shown as a shaft 110. To hold the coupling 106 in place relative to the disc brake rotor 116, a bracket 140 may be used. Similar to the disc caliper in operation, the bracket 140 remains parallel to the surface of the disc brake rotor 116. In order not to interfere with the operation of the disc brake, the coupler 106 and the bracket 140 are positioned away from the caliper around the disc brake rotor 116.

Referring again to fig. 7, a bracket 140 having a hollow interior defined by a pair of side walls 142 is positioned astride the disc brake rotor 116. An opposing aperture 144 extends through the sidewall 142 for receiving a portion of the shaft 110 therethrough to allow the coupler 106 to align with the slot 124. It should be understood that the bracket may have the aperture 144 on only one side wall. The bushing may be inserted into the hole 144 to facilitate rotation of the shaft 110. While a separate bracket is shown and disclosed, it is to be understood that the caliper may serve as one of the brackets for the sprocket, either for the sprocket itself, or to allow the chain to pass through to engage the sprocket, for space saving or ease of installation.

The shaft 110 is mechanically connected to the generator 102 for generating energy in the form of alternating current ("AC") or direct current ("DC"). In one embodiment, the generator is an alternator. The energy is then transmitted and/or stored in an energy storage component or system 310 on or in the train car, platform or bogie, or in the energy system of the vehicle. This may include feeding into the alternator/battery bus, and/or feeding into a separate vehicle electronic circuit. Although two generators are shown per disc brake, it should be understood that one or more generators may be used per disc brake.

Referring now to fig. 12, the energy generating system 100 may be equipped with a clutch 160 to generate energy only when desired or needed. The positive clutch 160 shown in the drawings includes a jaw member 162 at the end of the shaft 110 and a corresponding jaw member 164 on a driven shaft 166 of the generator 102. When the clutch 160 is engaged, the

respective pawl members

162, 164 are engaged to allow rotational motion to be transferred to the generator 102. When disengaged, the shaft 110 will rotate without transferring energy to the generator 102. Similarly, the generation of energy can be shunted by electrons, so the load is minimal when no energy is generated.

To hold the generator 102 in place relative to the disc brake rotor 116, the support frame 104 may be used. Referring to fig. 4, 6 and 7, one embodiment of the support frame 104 is shown having a pair of rods 202 extending between the side frame members 20 of the train bogie frame. The rods 202 may be connected to the side frame members 20 by respective brackets 204 having holes 206 therein and/or by holes 208 on the interior of the side frame members 20 themselves. Although brackets and holes are shown and disclosed, it should be understood that the rods or other connecting members may be attached to or connected relative to the side frame members in other known manners.

A pair of cross frame members 210 extend adjacent and parallel to the respective disc brake rotors 116 and are attached or otherwise connected to the rod 202. To facilitate installation, the cross frame member 210 includes an upper frame member 212, a lower frame member 214, and a pair of end members 216. Each of the upper and

lower frame members

212, 214 has a respective concave central opening 218 to allow the axle 12 to extend therethrough and freely rotate. A bushing member may be used in the central concave opening to facilitate rotation and to protect the upper and lower frame members.

A circular opening 220 extends through one or more of the upper and

lower frame members

212, 214 to receive portions of the shaft 110 and allow them to freely rotate therein. Bushings may be used to facilitate rotation of the shaft and protect the frame members from wear. The openings are offset so as not to interfere with the brake disc caliper or other train components. It should be understood that the opening may be movable within or between the frame members depending on the particular configuration of the train bogie and the train components therein.

Each end member 216 has an opening 222 sized and shaped to receive rod 202 or a portion therethrough. If the rod 202 is circular or arcuate, or if other cross-sectional shapes of the rod are desired, corresponding openings formed by cutting out portions 224 in opposing corners of the upper and

lower frame members

212, 214 may be utilized. Once the

frame members

212, 214, 216 are positioned around the rod 202, they may be attached to each other by bolts, rivets or other connectors passing through the

respective holes

230 and 232. It will be appreciated that the frame members may also be attached to each other and/or the rods, or connected using welding or other known means. Although shown as separate pieces, it is understood that the upper and lower frame members may have openings therethrough for receiving and attaching rods, wherein they may be positioned prior to installation of the rods in the train bogie.

The generator 102 may be attached to a support frame 104 to provide support to the energy generation system 100. One embodiment of a support frame attached to a generator is shown in fig. 6 having an L-shaped bracket 240, the bracket 240 having a pair of holes 242 for attachment to the

frame members

212, 214 through respective holes 244 using bolts 246. While the bracket is shown as L-shaped and attached using bolts, it should be understood that it may have alternative sizes and shapes and may be integral with the end members or connected to the end members using other known means.

The bracket or connecting member 250 may be integral with the generator 102 or attached to the generator 102 using bolts, welding, or other known means. Bracket 250 includes an aperture 252 aligned with aperture 248 to allow a bolt to pass through to attach

brackets

240, 250 and generator 102 and

frame members

212, 214 together.

It will also be appreciated that the generator may be offset from the position of the disc brake rotor depending on the configuration of the train bogie. One example of the generator 102 offset from the disc brake rotor 116 is shown having a plate or base member 400 for retaining or attaching to the generator 102. The plate 400 may be attached to the rod 202 by a bracket 402.

Referring to fig. 20, the system may also include a transfer case 410 to allow the generator 102 to be mounted at an angle to the sprocket 106 and shaft 110, if desired. Fig. 21 shows the transfer case 410 and the generator 102 attached thereto perpendicular to the brake disc rotor 116.

The transfer case 410 may also include gearing to change the gear ratio as desired. Continuously variable transmissions or fixed gear transmissions may also be used to change the transmission ratio as the speed changes. An example of a gear system for use with an energy generating system is shown having a first bevel gear 406 that rotates about a shaft 410 and engages a bevel gear 408 rotating about the shaft 110 to the generator 102. It should be understood that different sizes, types and numbers of gears may be used depending on the space and desired output.

In operation, one or more tapered ends 122 of the spokes 120 in the disc brake rotor 116 engage openings in the chain 108. As the disc brake rotor 116 rotates, the chain 108 and the sprocket 106 and shaft 110 will also rotate as the teeth 112 of the sprocket 106 move out of and engage the openings 128 in the chain 208. Thus, when the wheel 14 moves, the disc brake rotor 116 moves and the shaft 110 leading to the generator 102 moves, thereby generating energy to be stored in the train. The clutch 160 may be used to selectively allow control of the transfer of energy to the respective generator 102, if desired.

It should be appreciated that the ratio between the size of the sprocket 106 and the disc brake rotor 116 or other rotating component may be varied to increase or optimize energy production. For example, the ratio of the diameter of the disc brake rotor 116 around which the chain 108 is wound to the diameter of the sprocket or coupling 106 is 1. This ratio can be used to increase the energy production of trains traveling at higher speeds (e.g., between 35 and 65 miles per hour). It will be appreciated that other ratios will have different desired ratios, defined by variables including the type of generator used and the average speed of the train.

The energy generated by the energy generating system 200 may be sent to one or more energy control units or electrical converters, which then transfer the energy to a plurality of batteries 310 located in cars or storage areas on the train cars 322 and/or trucks or platforms 320. The electrical converter and system regulate the electrical output to enhance energy production based on vehicle conditions, battery charge level, battery or device drain on battery, and environmental conditions. While a variety of different batteries may be used, one example of a battery that may be used with the present invention is one having a 5.3 kilowatt-hour storage capacity

A battery.

Fig. 14-17 illustrate various embodiments of a battery storage device for a train. As shown, it is understood that the battery 310 may be stored within or on the underside of the train car platform 320 and/or within the train car 322 itself. Fig. 14 shows one embodiment of a plurality of batteries 310, the batteries 310 attached or positioned on the underside of a train platform or truck 320. While 21 batteries are shown on each side for a total of 42 batteries, it is understood that different numbers and arrangements of batteries may be used depending on the particular truck and batteries used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The freight car 320 includes a plurality of twist locks 324 around its corners to allow it to be releasably attached to a train bogie 10 having the energy generation system 100 of the present invention. The platform may then be loaded with cargo or as part of a train car for carrying passengers or batteries. Examples of different types of containers that may be placed on top of a platform include, but are not limited to, hoppers, flats, flatcars, boxcars, refrigerated trucks, and tank trucks.

Fig. 15-18 illustrate one embodiment of a battery stored in a bracket 340 within a train car 322. The rack 340 may include any number of layers or shelves 342 for storing the batteries 310 in various configurations, including but not limited to horizontally along the width and/or depth of the shelf.

The bracket 340 may include a foot 344 with a plurality of holes 346 in the foot 344 to allow them to be bolted or otherwise secured to the top of the wagon 320. To increase storage capacity, the shelves of the rack may be located at different levels to provide levels having different heights. A vertical column 350 having a plurality of spaced apart openings 352 allows the shelves 342 to be adjusted to different heights as needed or desired to accommodate the batteries 310. Cross members 354 may extend along the sides and back of the bracket between posts 350 to provide support for bracket 340.

The example of a rack shown in fig. 16 includes multiple shelves placed close together to allow the batteries to lie flat as shown in fig. 16. It will be appreciated that the arrangement and height of the shelves may vary depending on a number of factors, including the interior height of the train cars and the specific size and arrangement of the batteries.

The racks may be arranged in rows to allow multiple racks to be stored within a train car to increase or maximize battery storage capacity. Referring again to the embodiment shown in fig. 15, the platform and/or train carriages may house two rows of four racks, each row having six shelves of nine batteries, for a total of four hundred thirty-two batteries. If the storage capacity of the battery is 5 kilowatt-hours, the total storage is 2160 kilowatt-hours. It should be understood that a single train car may store batteries within the car itself and/or the platform.

To hold the batteries 310 in place during movement of the train, they may be secured or attached to the shelves 342 of the brackets 340 when stored. The shelf may include a plurality of spaced apart

openings

370, 372, the

openings

370, 372 allowing a series of blocks or retaining

members

374, 376 to be attached to the shelf by screws, bolts or other connectors. A corresponding retaining member or wall 378 extends from one end of the battery 310 and includes a pin or other connector 380 for removable insertion into a corresponding opening of the retaining member 374. The other end of the battery may include a cut-out at a corner thereof, allowing a plate or connecting member 382 having a plurality of spaced-apart holes 384 thereon to be attached to a pin or post 386 extending thereto and a bolt or other connector 392 for connection to the retaining member 376. As shown, the plate 382 may include two or three apertures 384 depending on whether it is a single corner of an attached cell 310 or an opposing corner of an adjacent cell 310.

It should be understood that a railcar may include an energy distribution system connected to a battery to allow stored power to be transferred to other batteries, devices, or machines. The energy distribution system may include connectors and adapters for transferring power from the battery 322 to other batteries, devices, or machines. Referring again to fig. 15, the adapters and

connectors

362, 364, 366 may be included in a panel 360, and the panel 360 may fit within the sides of the train car 322. The adapters and connectors may include, but are not limited to, 120V receptacles 362, 220V receptacles 364 and quick charge adapters 366 for quick charging of electric vehicle batteries. It should also be understood that the battery may be removed and replaced after charging for remote use.

A software application may be utilized to track the energy generated and stored in the battery. The amount of energy consumed by the train from the generated energy can also be tracked, if desired, to monitor and charge its use. Telemetry devices can be used to remotely transmit information collected about the energy stored and used.

Claims

1. A system for generating energy in a train having disc brakes on axles within a train bogie, the system comprising:

a disc brake rotor having a periphery and a connector positioned about the periphery thereof;

a generator;

a support frame for positioning the generator within the train bogie; and

a coupling for mechanically connecting a generator to a connector on a disc brake rotor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator includes a connecting member that mechanically connects the generator to the coupler.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the connecting member is a shaft.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the connector comprises a series of slots and the coupler comprises a coupler member having a plurality of teeth for engaging the slots.

5. The system of claim 2, further comprising a bracket that holds the coupler in place relative to a connecting member of the disc brake rotor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a series of slots and the coupler comprises a coupler member having a plurality of teeth for engaging the slots.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling includes a chain disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of the disc brake rotor and a coupling member having a plurality of teeth for engaging the chain.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the connector comprises an elongated member having a tapered end, and wherein the chain engages the tapered end of the elongated member.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a bracket that holds the coupler in place relative to a connector of the disc brake rotor.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a clutch that selectively controls energy production of the generator.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the support frame includes a pair of rods extending parallel to the axle and a cross frame member extending between the two rods proximate the disc brake rotor.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transverse frame members comprise an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and a pair of end members.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the generator includes a shaft mechanically connecting the generator to the coupler, and wherein at least one of the upper and lower frame members includes an opening for rotatably receiving the shaft.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an energy storage system.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the energy storage system comprises a plurality of batteries.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the train has a plurality of platforms with or without railcars, and wherein the plurality of batteries are stored in the platforms.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of batteries are also stored in a plurality of racks within the railcar.

18. A system for generating energy in a train having disc brakes on axles within a train bogie, the system comprising:

a generator;

a support frame for positioning the generator within the train bogie; and

a chain disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of the disc brake rotor and a coupler member having a plurality of teeth for engaging the chain, the chain engaging the coupler.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the connector comprises a series of slots.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the series of slots are defined by an elongated member having a tapered end, and wherein the chain engages the tapered end of the elongated member.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the generator is a pair of generators and the coupling member is a pair of sprockets.

22. The system of claim 18, further comprising a bracket that holds the coupling in place relative to the disc brake rotor.

23. The system of claim 18, further comprising a clutch that selectively controls energy production of the generator.

24. The system of claim 18, wherein the support frame includes a pair of rods extending parallel to the axle and a cross frame member extending between the two rods proximate the disc brake rotor.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the transverse frame members comprise an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and a pair of end members.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the generator includes a shaft mechanically connecting the generator to the coupler, and wherein at least one of the upper and lower frame members includes an opening for rotatably receiving the shaft.

27. A system for generating energy in a train having disc brakes on axles within a train bogie, the system comprising:

a generator;

a support frame for positioning a generator within a train bogie, the support frame comprising:

a pair of rods extending parallel to the axle; and

a cross frame member extending between two rods adjacent the disc brake rotor;

a chain disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of the disc brake rotor and a coupler member having a plurality of teeth for engaging the chain, the chain engaging the coupler; and

a connecting member mechanically connecting the generator to the coupler member.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the connector comprises a series of slots.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the series of slots are defined by an elongated member having a tapered end, and wherein the chain engages the tapered end of the elongated member.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the generator is a pair of generators and the coupling member is a pair of sprockets.

31. The system of claim 28, further comprising a bracket that holds the coupler in place relative to the disc brake rotor.

32. The system of claim 28, further comprising a clutch that selectively controls energy production of the generator.

33. The system of claim 28, wherein the transverse frame members include an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and a pair of end members, wherein at least one of the upper and lower frame members includes an opening for rotatably receiving the connecting member.

34. A system for generating energy in a train having an axle located within a train bogie, the system comprising:

a rotating member mechanically attached to the axle, the rotating member having a periphery and a connector positioned about the periphery thereof;

a generator; and

a coupler for mechanically connecting the generator to a connector on the rotating member.

35. The system of claim 34, further comprising a support frame for positioning the generator within a train bogie.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the rotating member comprises a disc brake rotor.

37. An energy storage system for storing energy generated from an energy generating system that generates energy from operation of a train having a plurality of train platforms with or without railcars, the system comprising:

an energy control unit receiving energy from the energy generating system; and

a plurality of batteries in the platform or railcar and electrically connected to the energy control unit.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the plurality of batteries are stored in the station.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the plurality of batteries are stored in the railcar.

40. The system of claim 37, further comprising an energy distribution system electrically connected to the plurality of batteries.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the energy distribution system comprises an adapter for transferring stored energy to an external battery or device.