A new generation of automatic train control systems is currently under development in the commuter-rail transit industry These systems will utilize radio communication between wayside control computers and trains in order to provide high precision train control beyond the capability of today's automatic systems The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is developing such a modern control system in collaboration with Harmon Industries This system, called the Advanced Automatic Train Control (AATC) system, will allow for precision train locating and control, and will facilitate coordination of the trajectories of multiple trains This system will be capable of running trains more closely together and decreasing the time a train requires to traverse the system, while simultaneously operating with a more modest traction power infrastructure, and providing a smoother, more comfortable ride to commuters The authors have collaborated with BART to develop a simulator of the AATC system and the traction power system, and they have utilized this simulator as a testbed for the development of advanced train control techniques Several train control algorithms, including one employing a neural network for train voltage prediction, have been developed and tested in the simulator Smoother train trajectories, reduced power infrastructure requirements, and reduced energymore » consumption have been demonstrated Improved service reliability is also expected to result« less

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Optimization of Automatic Train Control for Energy Management and Service Reliability

The wide separation of substations in the Bay Area Rapid Transit system`s transbay tunnel contributes to voltage sag when power demand is high. In the future, expansions to the system will exacerbate this problem by increasing traffic density. Typically, this situation is remedied through the installation of additional substations to increase the system`s power capacity. We have evaluated the efficacy of several alternatives to this approach - specifically, installation of an 8 megajoule energy storage system, modification of the existing substations, or reduction of the resistance of the running rails or the third rail. To support this analysis, we have developed a simple model of the traction power system in the tunnel. We have concluded that the storage system does not have sufficient capacity to deal with the expected voltage sags; in this application, the alternatives present more effective solutions. We have also investigated the potential impact of these system upgrades on expected future capital outlays by BART for traction power infrastructure additions. We have found that rail or substation upgrades may reduce the need for additional substations. These upgrades may also be effective on other parts of the BART system and on other traction power systems.

W S Rorke

Papers

Energy storage and alternatives to improve train voltage on a mass transit system