Train Running Curve Creation Device Energy Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating running curves for trains with complex speed limitations and gradients often result in energy consumption that is significantly higher than the optimum, as they struggle to find solutions efficiently due to the complexity of the constraints involved.
Innovation Solution
A running curve creation device and method that utilizes a combination of dynamic programming and pruning techniques to generate and optimize running curves, focusing on minimizing cumulative energy consumption by selecting appropriate acceleration and deceleration notches while ensuring compliance with speed and gradient constraints, thereby reducing the computational burden and improving solution accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heuristic method is used to create a running curve, then the creation process is simple and fast, but the energy consumption may be considerably larger than the optimum solution when speed limitations are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the running curve creation process into multiple discrete time points (e.g., 1-second intervals) and divides the problem into sub-problems of selecting acceleration and deceleration notches at each time point. This segmentation allows the use of dynamic programming to systematically evaluate combinations while maintaining computational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and optimality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by pre-defining acceleration and deceleration notches based on train characteristics and track conditions. These pre-calculated notches are then used as building blocks in the dynamic programming approach, reducing the computational burden while ensuring optimal energy consumption. This preliminary action enables the system to achieve near-optimum solutions without exhaustive search.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic programming is used to optimize energy consumption, then the solution accuracy improves, but the computational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by considering only the essential elements (acceleration and deceleration notches) at discrete time points, rather than evaluating all possible continuous control variations. This selective approach maintains solution accuracy for energy optimization while significantly reducing computational complexity compared to exhaustive dynamic programming.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the time continuum into discrete intervals and the control space into predefined notches, the patent transforms the continuous optimization problem into a discrete dynamic programming problem. This segmentation enables the use of efficient algorithms that achieve optimal or near-optimal solutions with manageable computational effort.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the running curve is optimized for complex speed limitations and gradients, then the energy consumption decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of speed limitations into segments and pre-calculates appropriate acceleration and deceleration notches. This preliminary action simplifies the main optimization process by reducing the problem to selecting from pre-processed options, thereby managing device complexity while achieving energy optimization for complex constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments complex speed limitation profiles into manageable sections and applies dynamic programming to each segment with predefined notches. This segmentation strategy breaks down the complex optimization problem into smaller, more tractable sub-problems, reducing overall algorithmic complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A running curve creation device of an embodiment is a running curve creation device to create a running curve which can make a train having a prescribed vehicle characteristic run between a prescribed departure station and a prescribed arrival station in a prescribed running time with a smaller cumulative energy consumption. A shortest time running curve creation unit creates a shortest time running curve in which the train runs between the stations in a shortest time, based on predetermined vehicle information and ground information of the train, and an energy saving running curve creation unit selects from the shortest time running curve and a plurality of solution candidates corresponding to states of the train at each prescribed elapsed time since the train has departed from the departure station, a solution candidate having the relatively small cumulative energy consumption in the prescribed running time, and creates an energy saving running curve based on the selected solution candidate.