A Dual-Objective Substation Energy Consumption Optimization Problem in Subway Systems

Abstract

Maximizing regenerative energy utilization is an important way to reduce substation energy consumption in subway systems. Timetable optimization and energy storage systems are two main ways to improve improve regenerative energy utilization, but they were studied separately in the past. To further improve energy conservation while maintaining a low cost, this paper presents a strategy to improve regenerative energy utilization by an integration of them, which determines the capacity of each Wayside Energy Storage System (WESS) and correspondingly optimizes the timetable at the same time. We first propose a dual-objective optimization problem to simultaneously minimize substation energy consumption and the total cost of WESS. Then, a mathematical model is formulated with the decision variables as the configuration of WESS and timetable. Afterwards, we design an ϵ -constraint method to transform the dual-objective optimization problem into several single-objective optimization problems, and accordingly design an improved artificial bee colony algorithm to solve them sequentially. Finally, numerical examples based on the actual data from a subway system in China are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results indicate that substation energy consumption is effectively reduced by using WESS together with a correspondingly optimized timetable. Note that substation energy consumption becomes lower when the total size of WESS is larger, and timetable optimization further reduces it. A set of Pareto optimal solutions is obtained for the experimental subway line—based on which, decision makers can make a sensible trade-off between energy conservation and WESS investment accordingly to their preferences.

Optimal Energy Management of Railroad Electrical Systems with Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems

“…The proposed green solution is based on storing excess braking energy and using it in auxiliary loads in a station or in proximity. A dual-objective optimization problem for the simultaneous optimization of substation energy consumption and the total cost of an energy storage system is proposed in [18]. The practical energy-saving operation approach obtained through the study of energy-saving operation and its practical use in commercial operation is described in [19].…”