Intelligent Dispatching and Coordinated Control Method at Railway Stations for Virtually Coupled Train Sets

Virtual coupling is a new train operation control mode, which can realize cooperative operation of multiple trains at extremely small intervals through wireless communication without physical connection. It significantly improves the section carrying capacity of the railway line. However, the transportation capacity of railway is more restricted by stations rather than sections. Efficient dispatching and coordinated control of virtually coupled train set (VCTS) at stations are crucial to improve railway transportation capacity. This study analysed the characteristics of trains' approaching and departing operations at railway stations. A novel concept was presented for station operation unlike the current method based on blocks and routes. It divided the train operation routes into segments, allowed the turnout to provide continuous locking for multiple trains, and enabled that the train set occupies each operation segment continuously in close formation. An intelligent dispatching and coordinated control method for VCTS was proposed. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method were further verified using the actual data of Nanjing South High-Speed Railway Station. The results showed that the proposed method can effectively reduce the train operation time interval and significantly improve station capacity.