A Game-Theoretic Control Approach to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) Systems with Packet Drops

Communication-based train control (CBTC) systems use high capacity, bi-directional, wireless communications to transmit the status and commands of trains. Since more data can be exchanged between trains and the ground, the closed-loop, precise control of trains can be realized in CBTC systems. However, packet drops are inevitable in train-ground communications, which may lead to unnecessary tractions and brakes, increase of the energy consumption, decrease of the riding comfort. In this paper, we try to solve the optimal control problem of trains in CBTC systems with random packet drops. We regard the CBTC system as an equivalent networked control system (NCS), and model the multi-train decision process in CBTC through using the game theory. A game-theoretic control method is proposed to decrease the energy consumption of trains in CBTC systems with packet drops. Simulation results are presented to prove the performance of our proposed method in different channel conditions.