DOE Patents title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Method of managing interference during delay recovery on a train system

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for preventing low train voltages and managing interference, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort associated with commuter trains. An algorithm implementing neural network technology is used to predict low voltages before they occur. Once voltages are predicted, then multiple trains can be controlled to prevent low voltage events. Further, algorithms for managing inference are presented in the present invention. Different types of interference problems are addressed in the present invention such as "Interference During Acceleration", "Interference Near Station Stops", and "Interference During Delay Recovery." Managing such interference avoids unnecessary brake/acceleration cycles during acceleration, immediately before station stops, and after substantial delays. Algorithms are demonstrated to avoid oscillatory brake/acceleration cycles due to interference and to smooth the trajectories of closely following trains. This is achieved by maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid unnecessary braking/accelerating. These methods generate smooth train trajectories, making for a more comfortable ride, and improve train motor reliability by avoiding unnecessary mode-changes between propulsion and braking. These algorithms can also have a favorable impact on traction power system requirements and energy consumption.

Inventors:
;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1175597
Patent Number(s):
6980894
Application Number:
10/742,714
Assignee:
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (Oakland, CA)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B60 - VEHICLES IN GENERAL B60L - PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B61 - RAILWAYS B61L - GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC
DOE Contract Number:  
AC04-94AL85000
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING

Citation Formats

Gordon, Susanna P., and Evans, John A. Method of managing interference during delay recovery on a train system. United States: N. p., 2005. Web.
Gordon, Susanna P., & Evans, John A. Method of managing interference during delay recovery on a train system. United States.
Gordon, Susanna P., and Evans, John A. Tue . "Method of managing interference during delay recovery on a train system". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1175597.
@article{osti_1175597,
title = {Method of managing interference during delay recovery on a train system},
author = {Gordon, Susanna P. and Evans, John A.},
abstractNote = {The present invention provides methods for preventing low train voltages and managing interference, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort associated with commuter trains. An algorithm implementing neural network technology is used to predict low voltages before they occur. Once voltages are predicted, then multiple trains can be controlled to prevent low voltage events. Further, algorithms for managing inference are presented in the present invention. Different types of interference problems are addressed in the present invention such as "Interference During Acceleration", "Interference Near Station Stops", and "Interference During Delay Recovery." Managing such interference avoids unnecessary brake/acceleration cycles during acceleration, immediately before station stops, and after substantial delays. Algorithms are demonstrated to avoid oscillatory brake/acceleration cycles due to interference and to smooth the trajectories of closely following trains. This is achieved by maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid unnecessary braking/accelerating. These methods generate smooth train trajectories, making for a more comfortable ride, and improve train motor reliability by avoiding unnecessary mode-changes between propulsion and braking. These algorithms can also have a favorable impact on traction power system requirements and energy consumption.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Dec 27 00:00:00 EST 2005},
month = {Tue Dec 27 00:00:00 EST 2005}
}