Energy Efficiency and Smooth Running of a Train on the Route While Approaching Another Train

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative technique of traffic management on a route divided into fixed block distances for trains equipped with a continuous area data transmission system that ensures information exchange between a train and a control center. The originality of the technique is focused on the optimization of the following train’s speed profile in terms of energy consumption under the need to maintain a minimum distance to the preceding train and to assume the smooth running of the following train, using elements of fixed and mobile block distance methods. The obtained results are an answer to the question of whether it is possible to obtain a smoother movement of the train and savings in mechanical energy consumption if the speed profile of this train is adjusted to the conditions before the train, such as information about the speed of the preceding train.