Optimization of Energy Efficiency of Train Travelling Along Slope Using Sequential Quadratic Programming

A train energy consumption model was developed to optimize the operation curve of trains travelling along a local steep slope section where the decision variables are continuous variables. The model was developed based on the fundamental theory of train dynamics, taking into account the constraints of train operation. Velocity, distance, and power were chosen as control variables whereas running time and train speed were chosen as constraints. The objective function of the model was to minimize the total energy consumption of the train travelling along the local steep slope sections. The problem was first discretized and then the initial position of the train and kinetic energy of the train as it travels uphill were determined using the sequential quadratic programming algorithm. Simulations were carried out to obtain the energy-efficient train operation curve, with witch the energy consumption could be further saved by 1.771 8% on the basis of existing optimization. The results show that the proposed algorithm can be used to maximize the energy efficiency of trains travelling along local steep slope sections within the given constraints.