Operation management system and operation management method

Abstract

The goal is to create a train operation plan that satisfies passenger requirements by not increasing the total travel time, including waiting times for trains, while also ensuring that the total power consumption of all trains does not increase. [Solution] The operation management device for managing train operations includes a performance determination unit that determines a maintenance performance index, which is a performance index that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance index, which is a performance index that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan, and a vehicle operation planning unit that sets at least one of the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operating interval, and the train drive control pattern, and determines a train operation plan based on said setting in which the performance related to the maintenance performance index is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan and the performance related to the improvement performance index is improved compared to the current operation plan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation management device and an operation management method in railway operation.

Background Art

[0002] In railway operation, as the number of vehicles per train is reduced (shortened), the total number of vehicles remains the same, and the number of trains can be increased. When the number of trains increases, the frequency of train arrivals and departures at the station increases, so the waiting time of passengers at the station can be reduced.

[0003] Generally, increasing the number of trains requires ensuring drivers. However, by utilizing the driverless operation technology of railways, it is expected to increase the number of trains without increasing the number of drivers. [[ID=1十八]]

[0004] Further, Patent Document 1 describes a method of changing a train schedule (reducing trains and changing services) that applies the predicted boarding rate and reduces power consumption without the maximum boarding rate exceeding a predetermined reference value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, while the boarding rate (congestion level) is as desired, the total travel time of passengers including train waiting time may increase. As a countermeasure, when shortening the train and increasing the number of trains, the number of leading vehicles increases, so the running resistance received by the leading vehicles increases the running resistance per vehicle, resulting in an increase in the total power consumption of all vehicles.

[0007] ]Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology for creating a train operation plan that does not increase the total power consumption of all trains, while satisfying the user's requirement not to increase the total travel time of passengers, including waiting time for trains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, one representative train operation management device of the present invention is a train operation management device that manages the operation of trains and includes a performance determination unit that determines a maintenance performance index, which is a performance index that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance index, which is a performance index that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan, and a train operation planning unit that sets at least one of the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operation interval, and the train drive control pattern, and determines a train operation plan based on said setting in which the performance related to the maintenance performance index is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan and the performance related to the improvement performance index is improved compared to the current operation plan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by shortening the train formation, the number of trains can be increased and train waiting times can be reduced, thereby reducing the sum of train waiting time at stations and travel time between stations (total travel time for passengers). Furthermore, in order to prevent an increase in power consumption, the total travel time for passengers can be reduced while suppressing an increase in power consumption by using a portion of the shortened total travel time to lower the train's speed. Issues, structures, and effects other than those mentioned above will be clarified by the following explanation of the implementation methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a traffic management device according to an embodiment of the present invention and related configurations. [Figure 2] This figure shows the relationship between the number of cars per train set and the total power consumption of all cars. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of what a train formation might look like when the number of cars per train set is changed. [Figure 4] This graph shows the relationship between the number of cars per train set and the total travel time of passengers. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates an example of the procedure for determining maintenance performance indicators and improvement performance indicators to determine train operation plans. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. In these embodiments, an operation management device and operation management method will be described for reducing the total travel time of passengers while suppressing an increase in power consumption related to train operation, by using a portion of the total travel time of passengers shortened by shortening the train formation to reduce the train's running speed. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. [Examples]

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle operation management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention and related configurations. The vehicle operation management device 100 consists of a performance indicator determination unit 101 and a vehicle operation planning unit 102.

[0013] The performance index determination unit 101 has the function of determining maintenance performance index and improvement performance index. In this context, the maintenance performance index is a performance index for train operations that maintains train operation performance within a certain range compared to the current operation plan. The improvement performance index, on the other hand, is a performance index for train operations that improves train operation performance compared to the current operation plan. Both the maintenance performance index and the improvement performance index shall be set by each operator according to the characteristics of their operating patterns.

[0014] Therefore, the following indicators can be considered as performance indicators for train operations. • Total travel time for train passengers (sum of waiting time at stations and travel time between stations) · Power consumption related to train operation · Occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train · Amount of ineffective regenerative power of the train (light-load regeneration due to the presence or absence of trains around the train)

[0015] In this embodiment, among the above-mentioned indicators, for the improvement performance indicators, assume at least any one of the total moving minutes of passengers (the sum of the train waiting time at the station and the running time between stations), the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train, and the amount of ineffective regenerative power of the train (light-load regeneration due to the presence or absence of trains around the train). Also, for the maintenance performance indicators, assume the power consumption related to train operation. However, depending on the operator, the nature and requirements of the line, etc., which indicator is used as the improvement performance indicator or the maintenance performance indicator may be appropriately changed. For example, by increasing the number of trains, the train waiting time at the station in the total moving minutes of passengers listed in the improvement performance indicators decreases, and the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train also decreases. Conversely, the power consumption related to train operation listed in the maintenance performance indicators increases, and there are such relationships.

[0016] In addition to the above-mentioned performance, other performances that are incidentally improved by improving the above-mentioned performance may be added to the performance indicators. For example, if the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train can be reduced, the burden of ticket inspection work at the station is reduced, the risk of train delays is lowered, and it is conceivable that the station stop time can also be shortened.

[0017] The vehicle operation planning unit 102 has a function of determining the train operation plan. Specifically, the performance related to the maintenance performance indicator determined by the performance indicator determination unit 101 is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and the performance related to the improvement performance indicator also determined by the performance indicator determination unit 101 is improved compared to the current operation plan. Set at least any one of the number of vehicles per train formation, the number of trains, the train operation interval, and the train drive control pattern, and determine the train operation plan based on this setting.

[0018] Also, if the number of vehicles per train formation is changed at an intermediate station on the line, when determining the train operation plan, it is considered as a constraint condition of the operation plan whether the number of vehicles can be changed, that is, whether the station allows train splitting / merging. In addition, when the train length is shortened due to short train formation, if moving block is adopted, the headway can be shortened. Therefore, the minimum headway of the train is considered as a constraint condition of the operation plan. Furthermore, when the headway becomes shorter by reducing the speed by the method of this embodiment within moving block, the shortened headway may be considered as a constraint condition of the operation plan.

[0019] On the other hand, when the number of trains increases, if a delay occurs in a certain train, there is a possibility that the delay will spread to other trains and operation disturbances are likely to occur. To consider this point, as a constraint condition of the operation plan, the running time between stations and the station stop time (buffer time) may be set longer.

[0020] [[ID=�]] Also, as a change in the index assumed when the train formation is shortened and the number of trains is increased, an increase in the total power consumption of all vehicles due to an increase in the running resistance per vehicle can be cited. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the relationship between the number of vehicles per train formation and the total power consumption of all vehicles is shown. Although details will be described later, when the train is shortened (that is, the number of vehicles per train formation is reduced), within the range where the total passenger travel time (the sum of the train waiting time at the station and the running time between stations) listed in the performance improvement index does not increase, by reducing the running speed of the train, it is possible to increase the number of trains while suppressing an increase in the power consumption related to train operation, and to reduce the total passenger travel time.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the formation image when the number of vehicles per train formation is changed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the total number of vehicles is 12, and the case of a long formation with 12 vehicles remaining (12 vehicles × 1 formation) is shown as (a), and the case of a short formation with 3 vehicles each (3 vehicles × 4 formations) is shown as (b). By shortening the train formation as shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the number of trains can be increased, so the waiting time of passengers at the station can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, if the train sets are shortened, it is expected that driverless driving technology will be used to operate each car in the increased number of train sets. However, if it is possible to add drivers from the perspective of personnel and cost, drivers may be assigned to handle the situation.

[0023] Next, as an example, we will consider a case where the maintenance performance index is the amount of electricity consumed during train operation, and the improvement performance index is the total travel time of passengers. If the number of trains is increased, the total power consumption of all vehicles will also increase. To prevent this increase in power consumption, it is necessary to reduce the train's speed, and the travel time at this reduced speed is set as the travel time between stations. Here, as an example, Figure 2 will explain how to set the travel time when changing the operation plan from 12 cars per train to 1 car.

[0024] If the number of cars per train set is changed from 12 to 1, the total power consumption of all cars will increase as described above (the slope of the solid and dashed lines in Figure 2). Therefore, as shown by the dots (●) in Figure 2, by slowing down the running time from 100 seconds to, for example, 107 seconds, it is possible to maintain the same value for the total power consumption of all cars (the horizontal dashed line in Figure 2) (the arrow in Figure 2). Thus, the running time is set to 107 seconds. This makes it possible to suppress the increase in total power consumption of all cars that occurs when shortening the train set.

[0025] Furthermore, Figure 4 will be used to explain the changes in the total passenger travel time (sum of waiting time for trains at stations and travel time between stations), which is an indicator of improved performance.

[0026] Figure 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of cars per train and the total travel time for passengers. By using the reduced waiting time at stations due to shorter train formations, the travel time between stations can be increased within that range (i.e., the train speed can be reduced). In other words, by using the reduced total travel time to lower the train speed, it is possible to increase the number of trains while suppressing the increase in power consumption and reducing the total travel time for passengers.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, we will explain the related components other than the operation management device 100. The train control unit 103 receives output from the vehicle operation planning unit 102 and has the function of determining control inputs for driving the electric motor that rotates the train's wheels, such as notch value and tread force value, according to the train operation plan determined by the vehicle operation planning unit 102.

[0028] The train drive unit 104 drives an electric motor that rotates the train's wheels according to the notch value and tread force value determined by the train control unit 103, thereby moving the train.

[0029] Here, the train control unit 103 and the train drive unit 104 are assumed to be installed (mounted) on the train, i.e., on the vehicle side. On the other hand, the operation management device 100 according to the present invention is mainly installed on the ground side, but this does not preclude it from being installed (mounted) on the vehicle side.

[0030] Next, regarding the operation management method according to this embodiment, the procedure for determining the train operation plan in the operation management device 100 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for determining a train operation plan by determining maintenance performance indicators and improvement performance indicators.

[0031] In step 11 (S11), the performance indicator determination unit 101 determines the maintenance performance indicator and the improvement performance indicator. Specifically for each indicator, as described above, the improvement performance indicator assumes at least one of the following: the total travel time of passengers (sum of the time spent waiting for the train at stations and the travel time between stations), the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train, and the amount of regenerative power wasted by the train (light load regeneration depending on the presence or absence of trains around the train), while the maintenance performance indicator assumes the amount of power consumed in the operation of the train.

[0032] In step 12 (S12), the vehicle operation planning unit 102 determines the train operation plan by setting at least one of the following based on the improved performance indicators: the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operating interval, and the train drive control pattern. However, if there are improved maintenance performance indicators in step 13 (S13), no changes that would worsen these indicators will be implemented.

[0033] Here, we will explain why, when the number of cars per train set is changed (in particular, in this embodiment, when the number of cars per train set is reduced and the number of trains is increased), the performance indicators listed as improvements are improved in all of the following areas: the total travel time of passengers (sum of waiting time for the train at stations and travel time between stations), the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train, and the amount of regenerative power wasted by the train (light load regeneration depending on the presence or absence of trains around the train).

[0034] Regarding the total travel time for passengers (the sum of waiting time at stations and travel time between stations), reducing the number of cars per train (increasing the number of trains) increases the frequency of trains arriving at stations. As a result, waiting times at stations can be reduced, and therefore, the total travel time for passengers is expected to decrease.

[0035] Regarding the occupancy rate or level of congestion inside trains, as mentioned above, reducing the number of cars per train (increasing the number of trains) increases the frequency of trains arriving at stations. As a result, passengers are more evenly distributed, and it is assumed that the congestion rate or level of congestion inside trains will decrease.

[0036] Regarding the amount of regenerative power wasted by a train due to the presence or absence of surrounding trains (light load regeneration), it is assumed that reducing the number of cars per train set (increasing the number of trains) will reduce the amount of regenerative power wasted by the train in question (light load regeneration due to the presence or absence of surrounding trains), as the number of powered cars during regeneration, i.e., the number of trains that can absorb the regenerative power, will increase.

[0037] In step 13 (S13), the vehicle operation planning unit 102 determines whether the power consumption related to train operation, as listed in the maintenance performance indicators, is met. If it is met (YES), the unit proceeds to step 14 (S14). If it is not met (NO), the unit improves the maintenance performance indicators and returns to step 12 (S12).

[0038] Here, we will explain how to improve the maintenance performance indicator, that is, how to improve the amount of electricity consumed during train operation. As mentioned above, reducing the number of cars per train (increasing the number of trains) increases electricity consumption. However, since electricity consumption can be reduced by lowering the running speed between stations, the running speed is reduced so that the electricity consumption is the same as before the change in the number of cars per train, and the running time at the reduced speed is set as the running time between stations.

[0039] In step 14 (S14), the train control unit 103 determines control inputs to the train, such as notch values ​​and tread force values, for driving the train, according to the train operation plan determined by the vehicle operation planning unit 102.

[0040] In step 15 (S15), the train control unit 103 outputs the notch value and tread force value determined in step 14 (S14) to the train drive unit 104. The electric motors that rotate the train's wheels are then controlled according to these notch values ​​and tread force values, causing the train to move.

[0041] As described above, according to the present invention, by shortening the train formations, the number of trains can be increased and the waiting time at stations can be reduced, thereby reducing the total travel time for passengers (the sum of the waiting time at stations and the travel time between stations). Furthermore, in order to avoid increasing the power consumption related to train operation, the total travel time for passengers can be reduced while suppressing the increase in power consumption related to train operation by using a portion of the shortened total travel time for passengers to lower the train's speed.

[0042] According to the embodiments described above, the present invention encompasses at least the following aspects. <Aspect 1> A train operation management device for managing train operations includes a performance indicator determination unit that determines a maintenance performance indicator, which is a performance indicator that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance indicator, which is a performance indicator that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan, and a train operation planning unit that sets at least one of the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operation interval, and the train drive control pattern, and determines a train operation plan based on said setting in which the performance related to the maintenance performance indicator is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan and the performance related to the improvement performance indicator is improved compared to the current operation plan.

[0043] <Aspect 2> The operation management device described in Embodiment 1 above, wherein the maintenance performance index is the amount of power consumed in the operation of the train, and the improvement performance index is at least one of the following: the total travel time of passengers on the train, which is the sum of the waiting time of the train and the time the train is running; the occupancy rate or degree of congestion inside the train; and the amount of regenerative power lost from the train.

[0044] <Aspect 3> The train operation management device described in embodiment 2 above, wherein the train operation planning unit reduces the total travel time of train passengers by reducing the number of cars per train set and increasing the number of trains, and suppresses the increase in power consumption related to train operation by lowering the running speed of the train based on the reduction in total travel time.

[0045] <Aspect 4> An operation management device as described in any of the above embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle operation planning unit considers whether or not a station is capable of splitting or merging trains, or the minimum operating interval, as constraints when determining the train operation plan.

[0046] <Aspect 5> An operation management device as described in any of the above embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle operation planning unit outputs the determined train operation plan to the train in order to drive and control the train in accordance with the operation plan.

[0047] <Aspect 6> A train operation management method for managing train operations, which involves determining a maintenance performance index, which is a performance index that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance index, which is a performance index that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan, setting at least one of the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the interval between train operations, and the train drive control pattern, and determining a train operation plan based on said setting in which the performance related to the maintenance performance index is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan and the performance related to the improvement performance index is improved compared to the current operation plan.

[0048] <Aspect 7> The operation management method described in the above embodiment 6, wherein the maintenance performance index is the amount of electricity consumed during train operation, and the improvement performance index is at least one of the following: the total travel time of passengers on the train, which is the sum of the train's waiting time and the train's running time; the occupancy rate or degree of congestion inside the train; and the amount of regenerative power lost by the train.

[0049] <Aspect 8> The operation management method described in the above embodiment 7, wherein the total travel time of train passengers is reduced by reducing the number of cars per train set and increasing the number of trains, and the increase in power consumption related to train operation is suppressed by lowering the running speed of the train based on the reduction in total travel time.

[0050] Although embodiments have been described above as examples for carrying out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 100... Operation management device, 101... Performance indicator determination unit, 102... Vehicle operation planning unit, 103...Train control unit, 104...Train drive unit

Claims

1. A train operation management device that manages the operation of trains, A performance indicator determination unit that determines a maintenance performance indicator, which is a performance indicator that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance indicator, which is a performance indicator that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan, A vehicle operation planning unit sets at least one of the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operating interval, and the train drive control pattern, and determines a train operation plan based on said setting such that the performance related to the maintenance performance index is within a certain range compared to the current operation plan and the performance related to the improvement performance index is improved compared to the current operation plan. A traffic control system equipped with the following features.

2. The operation management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned maintenance performance index is the amount of electricity consumed during the operation of the train, The aforementioned performance improvement indicator is at least one of the following: the total travel time of passengers on the train, which is the sum of the waiting time and the running time of the train; the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train; and the amount of regenerative power wasted by the train. A traffic control device characterized by the following features.

3. The operation management device according to claim 2, The aforementioned train operation planning unit reduces the total travel time for passengers on the trains by decreasing the number of cars per train set and increasing the number of trains, and suppresses the increase in power consumption related to the operation of the trains by lowering the running speed of the trains based on the reduction in total travel time. A traffic control device characterized by the following features.

4. An operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned train operation planning unit considers whether or not a station is capable of splitting or merging trains, or the minimum operating interval, as constraints when determining the operation plan for the trains. A traffic control device characterized by the following features.

5. An operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned train operation planning unit outputs the determined train operation plan to the train in order to drive and control the train according to the operation plan. A traffic control device characterized by the following features.

6. A method of managing train operations, We will determine a maintenance performance index, which is a performance index that maintains the performance of train operations within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and an improvement performance index, which is a performance index that improves the performance of train operations compared to the current operation plan. Set at least one of the following: the number of cars per train set, the number of trains, the train operating interval, and the train's drive control pattern. Based on these settings, the train operation plan is determined such that the performance related to the maintenance performance index falls within a certain range compared to the current operation plan, and the performance related to the improvement performance index is improved compared to the current operation plan. A method for managing operations characterized by the following features.

7. A method for managing operations according to claim 6, The aforementioned maintenance performance index is the amount of electricity consumed during the operation of the train, The aforementioned performance improvement indicator is at least one of the following: the total travel time of passengers on the train, which is the sum of the waiting time and the running time of the train; the occupancy rate or congestion level inside the train; and the amount of regenerative power wasted by the train. A method for managing operations characterized by the following features.

8. A method for managing operations according to claim 7, By reducing the number of cars per train set and increasing the number of trains, the total travel time for passengers on the trains is reduced, and by lowering the train's speed based on the reduction in total travel time, the increase in power consumption related to the operation of the trains is suppressed. A method for managing operations characterized by the following features.

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