An optimal driving strategy for high-speed electric train

In this paper we investigate the minimum-energy driving problem for high-speed electric train, and propose a three-stage optimal strategy. We firstly introduce the switching systems model to describe the new dynamics in high-speed electric train, which considers the extended range of speed, the energy efficiency and the regenerative brake. Based on the new model, we then study the optimal driving strategy with minimum energy consumption, and the problem boils down to optimal control for switching systems. Using a numerical algorithm, we get a three-stage driving strategy, in which the traditional quasi-coasting stage is discarded and the maximum traction and brake are not suitable anymore. At last, a case study on CRH is illustrated.