Using Simulated Annealing in a Bottleneck Optimization Model at Railway Stations

Abstract

The bottleneck section of a railway passenger station is very complex, and many frequent technical and shunting operations are performed over a long time. The connection of station tracks, locomotive depots, and passenger train stock servicing yards also have great effects on the carrying capacity of a railway passenger station. Therefore, there have been many optimization problems in engineering projects and practices. This paper proposes a bottleneck optimization model to enhance the carrying capacity by reasonably arranging routes and groups of turnouts with the consideration of proportionality and minimized total occupation time. The simulated annealing algorithm is provided to solve this programming, and the optimized strategy is given. A case study focused on the bottleneck section optimization in the passenger station of China illustrates the application of the proposed model.