The development of electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake systems for freight trains assumes availability of on-board power. This paper describes recent efforts at The Timken Company to answer the question: "Is it possible to develop an electric generator that fits inside a railroad journal roller bearing and generates adequate power to charge an onboard battery in a freight train car?" Three-phase and single-phase permanent magnet generators were designed and developed to answer this important question and were tested successfully at Timken Research, Canton, Ohio. Some design challenges and test results are presented here. In addition to generating power, these devices can also provide information on the rotational speed (rpm) of the axle.
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