The key principles of optimal train control—Part 2: Existence of an optimal strategy, the local energy minimization principle, uniqueness, computational techniques

• Published in: Transportation research. Part B: methodological Vol. 94; pp. 509 - 538
• Main Authors: Albrecht, Amie, Howlett, Phil, Pudney, Peter, Vu, Xuan, Zhou, Peng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2016; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Braking; Computer applications; Cost recovery; Energy conservation; Energy costs; Energy dissipation; Energy efficiency; Friction resistance; Journeys; Mathematical models; Maximum principle; Minimization; Optimal control; Optimal driving strategies; Optimization; Perturbation methods; Regenerative braking; State-of-the-art reviews; Strategy; Studies; Switching; Train control; Transitions; Train control; Optimal driving strategies; Maximum principle

•We consider an extended analysis of the classic train control problem.•We establish a fundamental local energy minimization principle.•We find general bounds on the positions of the optimal switching points.•We prove that an optimal strategy always exists and is unique.•We discuss realistic example...