Computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys; comprising a. providing at least one first route of at least one first means of transport and a second route of at least one second means of transport (S1); wherein the at least one first means of transport generates energy through recuperation during at least one journey on the at least one first route and as a result of the energy generation has an energy surplus; b. receiving at least one first profile of the at least one first means of transport and at least one second profile of the at least one second means of transport (S2); wherein the at least one first profile and the at least one second profile are elevation profiles and / or speed profiles; and c. coordinating the at least two journeys of the at least two means of transport on the basis of the at least two routes and the at least two profiles (S3) such that the surplus energy of the first means of transport is consumed directly by the at least one second means of transport of the at least two means of transport; and d. providing the at least two coordinated journeys (S4). In addition, the invention relates to a technical system and to a corresponding computer program product.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys

[0003] 1 . Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a corresponding technical system and a computer program product.

[0005] 2 . State of the art

[0006] Autonomous driving is becoming increasingly important. Various autonomous vehicles, such as cars and trains, are already known from the state of the art. The degree of automation is also increasing significantly.

[0007] The autonomous vehicles are designed to operate without a driver. They are therefore self-driving.

[0008] As autonomous trains and their control systems continue to develop, control of the train will gradually be transferred from the driver (also called the train conductor) to a technical system with automated control (also called train control). The train control is designed to stop the autonomous train if an obstacle is detected in the track bed, without the driver having to intervene.

[0009] Traditionally, autonomous trains incorporate energy storage systems to store energy without requiring on-board power sources. However, the acquisition and maintenance of state-of-the-art energy storage systems are associated with high costs and are prone to failure. Furthermore, the energy-generating braking or descent of autonomous trains, such as braking with eddy-current brakes, are not sufficiently taken into account in the energy generation and energy consumption using the energy storage systems. Consequently, needed energy is lost unnecessarily, and the energy storage systems are also inefficient.

[0010] The present invention therefore has the object of providing a computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys which is more efficient and reliable.

[0011] 3 . Summary of the invention

[0012] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys, comprising a. providing at least one first route by at least one first means of transport and a second route by at least one second means of transport; wherein the at least one first means of transport generates energy through recuperation during at least one journey on the at least one first route and has an energy surplus as a result of the energy generation; b. receiving at least one first profile of the at least one first means of transport and at least one second profile of the at least one second means of transport; wherein the at least one first profile and the at least one second profile are altitude profiles and / or speed profiles; and c.Coordinating the at least two journeys of the at least two means of transport on the basis of the at least two routes and the at least two profiles, so that the excess energy of the first means of transport is directly consumed by the at least one second means of transport of the at least two means of transport; and d. Providing the at least two coordinated journeys.

[0013] Accordingly, the invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for coordinating a plurality of journeys. In other words, the journeys of the means of transport are coordinated. The means of transport are preferably designed as autonomous trains.

[0014] In a first method step, the routes are provided as input data, namely the routes of the first and the second means of transport. In other words, the routes are assigned to the means of transport. The two means of transport can be on a common route or on two separate routes. On the common route, the two means of transport can meet each other during the journey. The first means of transport is set up to generate energy while traveling on the first route. The energy is generated by means of recuperation and results in an energy surplus, and therefore in excess energy. The term recuperation stands for the recovery of energy, regardless of how it was generated. The excess energy is the energy that is not required by the first means of transport or is available in excess.

[0015] Furthermore, in a second method step, the profiles are provided as further input data. The means of transport are likewise assigned to the profiles. The profiles can be elevation profiles which take into account the gradients on the route. An elevation profile indicates the elevation above a reference point, such as normal zero or the elevation of the starting point, at a relative distance to an absolutely known starting point. For example, the first means of transport is a downhill transport means and travels downhill on the first route. In other words, the first means of transport is a downhill transport means. Furthermore, the second means of transport is an uphill transport means and travels uphill on the second route, and therefore not downhill. The two means of transport accordingly have different elevation profiles and different gradients.The first means of transport generates energy during the downhill journey. The first means of transport generates energy both during the downhill journey, or in the sections of its elevation profile with a negative gradient, and during braking in general. Alternatively or in addition to the elevation profiles, the speeds can also be considered. For example, the first means of transport travels at a higher speed and thus faster than the second means of transport during its journey on the first route. The second means of transport, on the other hand, travels at a lower speed than the first means of transport and thus slower than the first means of transport. The means of transport have different speeds. The first means of transport generates energy during the journey due to its higher speed.

[0016] The input data can be received via one or more input interfaces of a computing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the output data in the form of the coordinated journeys can also be sent to a computing unit via one or more output interfaces. The interfaces can be designed as serial or parallel interfaces. The interfaces advantageously ensure efficient and smooth data transmission between the computing units. The data can be exchanged bidirectionally without data congestion. In a further method step, the journeys of the means of transport are coordinated on the basis of the input data. The coordination is carried out in such a way that the surplus energy generated by the first means of transport is used directly by the second means of transport. In other words, the surplus energy is passed on to the second means of transport and is therefore not lost.

[0017] In a final step, the output data is provided in the form of coordinated journeys.

[0018] The means of transport can be coordinated by the train control system or another central control unit in such a way that the energy generated through recuperation can be used immediately. This eliminates the need for an energy storage device on the means of transport that is currently generating energy through recuperation.

[0019] Consequently, for example, two oncoming autonomous trains can be coordinated as the preferred means of transport on a gradient using remote control in such a way that the uphill autonomous train immediately consumes the energy of the downhill autonomous train, which is recovering, via the overhead line. The main advantage for freight transport is that energy costs are significantly reduced and CO2 emissions are reduced.

[0020] The present invention therefore ensures overall that the energy generated by the means of transport through recuperation is optimally utilized by the coordination step. Furthermore, the journeys of the means of transport are optimally coordinated with one another, taking the excess energy into account. Furthermore, the present invention provides the coordinated journeys. The coordinated journeys advantageously form the basis for further measures, such as control of the means of transport or route planning. In one embodiment, the excess energy is consumed by means of at least one overhead line and / or at least one storage unit. Accordingly, the energy is preferably consumed by the second means of transport via the already existing overhead line. The overhead line is used primarily in the case of autonomous trains in rail transport and is usually present.This has the advantage that no additional storage unit, such as energy storage, is required in the autonomous train. Furthermore, no other cables or the like are needed. This saves costs. Alternatively or additionally, the means of transport can also have a storage unit, such as energy storage. An example storage unit is a battery. The storage unit can be flexibly selected with regard to its storage capacity, the nature of the means of transport, the infrastructure, the route, and other criteria.

[0021] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises

[0022] Receiving further input data for the coordination in step c., wherein the further input data preferably comprise a kinematic potential of the at least one first means of transport and / or the at least one second means of transport and / or at least one boundary condition. The input data can be supplemented accordingly. The additional input data improves the database for the coordination step. The advantage is that the quality or reliability of the coordination is increased.

[0023] In one embodiment, the energy comprises braking energy. Accordingly, the energy comprises the energy generated by the means of transport when braking. For example, the first means of transport generates increased braking energy while driving downhill or uphill, etc. This braking energy can advantageously be used for recuperation and coordination. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises

[0024] Controlling at least one of the at least two means of transport taking into account the at least two coordinated journeys. Accordingly, one or more measures can be initiated after the provision of the coordinated journeys of the method according to the invention. The measures can be carried out simultaneously, sequentially, or in stages.

[0025] Accordingly, one or more means of transport can also be controlled depending on the coordinated journeys, preferably via train control in the case of autonomous trains. For example, the speed of an autonomous train is reduced, or the autonomous train is stopped and waits for another autonomous train, etc. Route planning is thus improved.

[0026] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises

[0027] Adapting at least one technical property relating to at least one of the at least two means of transport, at least one technical component of at least one of the at least two means of transport, or at least one timetable. Accordingly, different criteria can be adapted. The term adapting can also be interpreted as changing. An example technical property of the means of transport is the speed. The speed of the means of transport can be increased, maintained, or reduced. An example technical component of the means of transport is the train section or train carriage. One or more train carriages can be removed, maintained, or added. The number of train carriages can therefore change. Furthermore, energy storage devices already installed in the means of transport can be removed. Furthermore, the timetable in rail transport can be adapted and optimized with regard to energy efficiency.

[0028] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises

[0029] - Output of at least two coordinated driving and / or other data on a display unit,

[0030] - storing the at least two coordinated journeys and / or other data in a storage unit, and / or

[0031] Transmitting at least two coordinated driving and / or other data to a computing unit.

[0032] Accordingly, the coordinated journeys can be displayed to the user as output on a display unit of a computing unit. The coordinated journeys can be supplemented with further output data, such as information regarding the means of transport involved and routes, etc. Furthermore, the output can also be saved, and the output itself or in the form of a corresponding message or notification can be transmitted to another unit, such as a terminal device, a control unit, or other computing unit. The receiving computing unit can also initiate further appropriate measures after receipt.

[0033] The invention further relates to a technical system for carrying out the above method. Preferably, the technical system is the train control of the autonomous train or another central technical unit, such as the train control coordination unit. Furthermore, the coordination can also be implemented in a decentralized manner, such that the means of transport negotiate the energy potentials among themselves.

[0034] The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising a computer program which comprises means for carrying out the method described above when the computer program is executed on a program-controlled device.

[0035] A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communications network by transferring a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means. A control device, such as an industrial control PC or a programmable logic controller (PLC for short), or a microprocessor for a smart card or the like, can be used as a program-controlled device.

[0036] 4 . Brief description of the drawings

[0037] In the following detailed description, presently preferred embodiments of the invention are further described with reference to the following figures.

[0038] FIG 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0039] FIG 2 shows a schematic view of the at least two means of transport on a common route with different height profiles according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] 5. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a flow diagram of the method according to the invention with the method steps S1 to S4.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the two transport means on a common route with different elevation profiles according to one embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment of the invention, the transport means are designed as autonomous trains.

[0043] The first means of transport 10 is a downhill transport means and travels downhill during its journey on the first route. In other words, the first means of transport 10 is traveling downhill. The second means of transport 20 is an uphill transport means and travels uphill during its journey on the second route, and therefore not downhill. The second autonomous train 20 travels towards the first autonomous train 10 on the shared route. The journeys of the autonomous trains 10, 20 are coordinated on the basis of the routes and the elevation profiles of the routes. The coordination is carried out in such a way that the energy generated by the first autonomous train 10 during the downhill journey is always immediately used by the second autonomous train 20 via the overhead line through recuperation.

[0044] Furthermore, the kinematic potential of an autonomous train can also be taken into account. The kinematic potential of a train consists of the speed and the mass of the train. The higher the mass or the higher the speed, the higher the kinematic potential of the train. In this context, excess energy can be absorbed from the network by trains with a relatively high mass and converted into a higher speed, and energy can also be gained when a train with a high kinematic potential is braked. This preferably takes place within the times provided for in the timetable. According to one embodiment of the invention, all travel routes and elevation profiles of a plurality of autonomous trains 10, 20 are coordinated in such a way that the energy generated by recuperation of all trains can be used immediately.

[0045] In one application example, the coordination results in at least one autonomous train waiting before an uphill section until at least one other autonomous train is performing recuperation. Alternatively or additionally, at least one autonomous train waits before a downhill section until at least one other autonomous train can consume the energy expected to be generated through recuperation.

[0046] Furthermore, a kinematic energy potential can be specifically built up by controlling the speed.

[0047] Furthermore, it is possible to deliberately drive autonomous trains uphill to store energy. Accordingly, energy can also be collected from other sources, such as renewable energy.

[0048] Furthermore, framework conditions such as punctuality, journey time, route throughput, freight throughput, passenger throughput, route occupancy and / or energy savings can be taken into account.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, not only is the generated energy consumed, but a large amount of braking energy is also generated through recuperation. This has the advantage of saving even more energy. Freight trains today typically consist of locomotives and wagons. In this embodiment, the freight trains can also consist of brake wagons, which are used exclusively for braking the autonomous train, generating energy from braking (recuperation), and feeding the generated energy into the overhead line.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Computer-implemented method for coordinating a A plurality of journeys; comprising a. providing at least one first route by at least one first means of transport (10) and a second route by at least one second means of transport (20) (S1); wherein the at least one first means of transport (10) generates energy through recuperation during at least one journey on the at least one first route and has an energy surplus as a result of the energy generation; b. receiving at least one first profile of the at least one first means of transport (10) and at least one second profile of the at least one second means of transport (20) (S2); wherein the at least one first profile and the at least one second profile are elevation profiles and / or speed profiles; and c.Coordinating the at least two journeys of the at least two means of transport (10, 20) on the basis of the at least two routes and the at least two profiles (S3), such that the excess energy of the first means of transport (10) is directly consumed by the at least one second means of transport (20) of the at least two means of transport (10, 20); and d. Providing the at least two coordinated journeys (S4).

2. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the excess energy is consumed by means of at least one overhead line and / or at least one storage unit.

3. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising Receiving further input data for the coordination in step c , wherein the further input data comprise a kinematic potential of the at least one first means of transport ( 10 ) and / or of the at least one second means of transport ( 20 ) and / or at least one boundary condition.

4. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy comprises braking energy. 5 . Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising Control at least one of the at least two means of transport taking into account the at least two coordinated journeys. 6 . Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising Adapting at least one technical property with respect to at least one of the at least two means of transport ( 10 , 20 ) , at least one technical component of at least one of the at least two means of transport , at least one timetable .

7. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - Output of at least two coordinated driving and / or other data on a display unit, - storing the at least two coordinated drives and / or other data in a storage unit, and / or - transmitting the at least two coordinated drives and / or other data to a computing unit.

8. Technical system for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Computer program product with a computer program which has means for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7 when the computer program is executed on a program-controlled device.

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