A Multiple-Phase Train Trajectory Optimization Method under Real-Time Rail Traffic Management

This paper presents a multiple-phase train trajectory optimization method under real-time rail traffic management. A real-time traffic plan gives for each train a Train Path Envelope consisting of a set of positions with a target time and speed point or window. The resulting train trajectory planning problem is formulated as a multiple-phase optimization model with minimizing the energy consumption as objective. The Gauss Pseudospectral Method is adopted to solve the optimization problem. A case study on a 50 km long Dutch corridor shows the validity of the approach for real-time application and demonstrates the influence of the Train Path Envelope on train trajectory planning.