Train trajectory optimization for improved on-time arrival under parametric uncertainty
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Date
2020-10
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
In this paper we study the problem of computing train trajectories in an uncertain environment in which the values of some system parameters are difficult to determine. Specifically, we consider uncertainty in traction force and train resistance, and their impact on travel time and energy consumption. Our ultimate goal is to be able to control trains such that they will arrive on-time, i.e. within the planned running time, regardless of uncertain factors affecting their dynamic or kinematic performance. We formulate the problem as a Markov decision process and solve it using a novel numerical approach which combines: (i) an off-line approximate dynamic programming (ADP) method to learn the energy and time costs over iterations, and (ii) an on-line search process to determine energy-efficient driving strategies that respect the real-time time windows, more in general expressed as train path envelope constraints. To evaluate the performance of our approach, we conducted a numerical study using real-life railway infrastructure and train data. Compared to a set of benchmark driving strategies, the trajectories from our ADP-based method reduce the probability of delayed arrival, and at the same time are able to better use the available running time for energy saving. Our results show that accounting for uncertainty is relevant when computing train trajectories and that our ADP-based method can handle this uncertainty effectively.
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Publication status
published
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Book title
Journal / series
Volume
119
Pages / Article No.
102680
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Train trajectory optimization; Parametric uncertainty; Approximate dynamic programming
Organisational unit
09611 - Corman, Francesco / Corman, Francesco
02655 - Netzwerk Stadt u. Landschaft ARCH u BAUG / Network City and Landscape ARCH and BAUG
Notes
Funding
181210 - DADA - Dynamic data driven Approaches for stochastic Delay propagation Avoidance in railways (SNF)