Train Trip Profile Control for Dynamic Speed Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train optimization systems often prioritize fuel savings over operational requirements, leading to suboptimal performance in situations where higher speeds are necessary, such as when clearing a path for another train, resulting in inefficiencies and potential delays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use a processor to create a trip profile optimizing operating parameters like fuel consumption and emissions, while allowing for increased speeds when necessary to clear target locations quickly, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with speed limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the train operates at reduced speed to save fuel according to the optimization system, then fuel consumption is minimized, but the train cannot clear the target location in time and interferes with operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the train's speed profile based on real-time operational conditions. The processor monitors whether the train is clearing a target location and automatically modifies the trip profile to permit higher speeds when needed, while maintaining fuel-optimized speeds during normal operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the speed regime flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed parameter of the train based on the operational context. When clearing a target location, the processor temporarily increases the allowed speed parameter beyond the fuel-optimized value, then returns to the optimized speed afterward. This parameter change enables the train to meet operational deadlines while minimizing fuel consumption during the majority of the trip.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the train operates at reduced speed to save fuel, then fuel efficiency is improved, but operational efficiency and schedule adherence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fuel-optimized operation and operational efficiency mode based on whether the train is clearing a target location. The processor continuously monitors the train's position relative to target locations and adjusts the speed profile accordingly, ensuring high productivity when needed while maintaining fuel efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (speed, power settings) based on the contextual state of clearing a target location. By temporarily adjusting these parameters to higher values when clearing locations and returning to optimized parameters afterward, the system achieves both fuel efficiency and operational efficiency without permanent compromise to either.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the train follows the fuel-optimized trip profile, then emissions are reduced, but the train cannot meet time-critical operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the emissions-trip profile based on operational needs. When the train approaches a target location that must be cleared, the processor temporarily modifies the profile to reduce travel time, accepting increased emissions during this brief period. After clearing the location, the system returns to the emissions-optimized profile, minimizing overall emissions while meeting time-critical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed and power parameters temporarily when clearing target locations, which results in transient increases in emissions. However, because these high-emission periods are brief and occur only when necessary, the overall emissions output remains significantly reduced compared to continuous high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a train includes: (a) using a processor carried by the train, creating a trip profile which is computed at so as to substantially optimize an operating parameter of the train which depends on multiple operating variables; (b) operating the train along a route at speeds determined by the trip profile; (c) identifying a target location ahead of the train which cannot be cleared in a desired time if the train operates in accordance with the trip profile; and (d) operating the train at a clearing speed substantially faster than determined by the trip profile until the target location is cleared. A computer program product is provided for carrying out the method.