An Approach for Energy-Efficient and Punctual Train Operation via Driver Advisory System

Abstract

Operational performance of trains in railway system is gaining irresistibly increasing attention with the higher and higher requirements on energy efficiency and punctuality. Improving train operational performance by optimizing train trajectory has been studied for a long time, but few results are presented regarding train drivers' activities, which is an important factor in railway system as the trains are ultimately operated by train drivers. Driver Advisory System (DAS) is becoming more and more concerned in response to the urgent requirements of improving operational performance of railway trains. This paper aims to provide an approach for improving energy efficiency and punctuality of railway trains taking advantage of DAS. A traction-distance-based algorithm for optimizing train trajectory and advisory information is designed, and an experiment platform including train driving simulation and prototype DAS is built to evaluate the proposed approach. Considering both trajectory optimization and train driver's driving activities, this work explores an intelligent approach to improve operational performance of railway trains, and will undoubtedly be meaningful in leading to better energy economization and on-time performance of railway system.