Optimization of Train Energy-Efficient Operation Using Simulated Annealing Algorithm

Rail transit plays an increasingly important role in the public transportation system, and effectively reducing its huge energy consumption is of great practical significance. An optimization method is proposed to minimizes energy consumption by comprehensively considering speed limit, track alignment and running time. The objective function is total energy consumption. The decision variables are the location where train enters the state of coasting. A simulated annealing algorithm(SA) is developed to search for optimized coasting point. The developed model is applied to a particular segment of route in Shanghai. Experiment results demonstrate that, although there was a mite increase of running time, the method could effectively reduce energy consumption.