Intelligent centralized traffic management of a rapid transit system under heavy traffic

Abstract

Aim. In today’s major cities, increased utilization and capacity of the rapid transit systems (metro, light rail, commuter trains with stops within the city limits) – under condi[1]tions of positive traffic safety – is achieved through smart automatic train traffic management. The aim of this paper is to choose and substantiate the design principles and architecture of such system.Methods. Using systems analysis, the design principles and architecture of the system are substantiated. Genetic algorithms allow automating train traffic planning. Methods of the optimal control theory allow managing energy-efficient train movement patterns along open lines, assigning individual station-to-station running times following the principle of mini[1]mal energy consumption, developing energy-efficient target traffic schedules. Methods of the automatic control theory are used for selecting and substantiating the train traffic algorithms at various functional levels, for constructing random disturbance extrapolators that minimize the number of train stops between stations.Results. Development and substantiation of the design principles and architecture of a centralized intelligent hierarchical system for automatic rapid transit traffic management. The distribution of functions between the hierarchy levels is described, the set of subsystems is shown that implement the purpose of management, i.e., ensuring traffic safety and comfort of passengers. The criteria are defined and substantiated of management quality under compensated and non-compensated disturbances. Traffic management and target scheduling automation algorithms are examined. The application of decision algorithms is demonstrated in the context of uncertainty, use of disturbance prediction and genetic algorithms for the purpose of train traffic planning automation. The design principles of the algorithms of traffic planning and management are shown that ensure reduced traction energy consumption. The efficiency of centralized intelligent rapid transit management system is demonstrated; the fundamental role of the system in the digitalization of the transport system is noted.Conclusion. The examined design principles and operating algorithms of a centralized intelligent rapid transit management system showed the efficiency of such systems that ensured by the following: increased capacity of the rapid transit system; improved energy efficiency of train traffic planning and management; improved train traffic safety; assurance of operational traffic management during emergencies and major traffic disruptions; improved passenger comfort.