Real-Time Mission Plan Optimization for Powered Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of powered systems, such as trains and marine vessels, face challenges in optimizing fuel usage, emission output, and speed due to varying train configurations, loading conditions, and environmental factors, leading to inefficient operations and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing computer software code to provide real-time optimization of fuel usage, emission output, and speed by evaluating and updating mission plans based on current information, incorporating data from remote locations and on-board sensors to adjust throttle settings and optimize power usage continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If real-time optimization of mission plans is implemented, then fuel usage and emission output are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server performs multiple functions including collecting operational data from various powered systems, processing optimization algorithms, storing historical data, and communicating with multiple vehicles simultaneously. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while achieving real-time optimization of fuel usage and emissions across the fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized server acts as an intermediary between the powered systems and the optimization algorithms. Rather than requiring complex onboard optimization systems in each vehicle, the server receives operational data, processes optimization calculations, and sends back control commands. This mediator approach simplifies the complexity by centralizing the computational burden while maintaining real-time optimization capabilities.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If real-time optimization of mission plans is implemented, then emission output is reduced, but loss of time increases due to processing and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates optimized mission plans based on predicted operational conditions and stores them in advance. When a powered system requests optimization, the server can provide pre-computed recommendations rather than calculating everything in real-time. This preliminary action reduces the time delay while still achieving emission reduction goals by having optimization strategies ready before they are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization process operates in periodic cycles rather than continuous real-time processing. The system collects data over a period, processes optimization algorithms at scheduled intervals, and updates mission plans periodically. This periodic approach balances emission reduction with time efficiency, avoiding excessive processing delays while maintaining effective optimization control.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring and updating of mission plans is performed, then operational efficiency is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective monitoring and updating rather than continuous full-system optimization. It focuses computational resources on the most critical parameters and only updates mission plans when significant changes in operational conditions are detected. This partial action approach maintains high operational efficiency while reducing the energy consumption associated with constant monitoring and re-optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a powered system, the method including determining whether a mission plan of the powered system is correct to satisfy at least one mission objective of the powered system, if not, updating information used to establish the mission plan, revising the mission plan based on the updated information to satisfy the at least one mission objective, and operating the powered system based on the revised mission plan. A system and a computer software code for operating a powered system are also disclosed.