Railway track switch simulation: a new dynamic model for studying actuator and switch blade dynamics

Li, Linxiao; Dutta, Saikat; Dixon, Roger; Stewart, Edward

doi:10.1177/09544097221141741

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Modeling is important in creating modern equipment for vehicles [31,32] and rail transport systems in general [32][33][34]. Mathematical modeling is widely used, in particular, for the study of rolling stock [35][36][37], traction power supply systems [38][39][40], infrastructure objects [41][42][43], traffic safety assessment [44,45], transportation process management [46], etc. The priority is mathematical modeling that does not require the production of physical prototypes of equipment and systems.…”

Section: Development Of a Mathematical Model Of Train Movementmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Estimation of the Energy Savings of a Mainline Diesel Locomotive Equipped with an Energy Storage Device

Riabov,

Goolak,

Neduzha

2024

Vehicles

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The method of improving a two-section mainline diesel locomotive by using energy storage in the traction system is considered. A mathematical model was developed to study the movement of a diesel locomotive based on the recommendations and provisions of the theory of locomotive traction. For this purpose, the movement of a diesel locomotive as part of a train along a given section of a track was studied. It was determined that the use of an energy storage device on a diesel locomotive will allow up to 64% of the energy spent on train traction to accumulate. The use of energy storage in the accumulator during electrodynamic braking ensured a reduction in fuel consumption by about 50%, regardless of the options for equipping the traction system of the diesel locomotive with an energy accumulator. It is established that regardless of the options for equipping the traction system of the diesel locomotive with an energy storage device, the indicators characterizing the degree of use of the diesel engine do not change. These research results can be used in works devoted to the improvement of the control system of energy exchange between the accumulator and traction engines of diesel locomotives.

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Section: Development Of a Mathematical Model Of Train Movementmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Estimation of the Energy Savings of a Mainline Diesel Locomotive Equipped with an Energy Storage Device

Riabov,

Goolak,

Neduzha

2024

Vehicles

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“…The finite element analysis method is used to establish a rail model in Simulink [13]. The switch rail is only subjected to horizontal loads.…”

Section: B Switch Panelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fault Tolerant Actuation of a Railway Track Switch: a Simulation Study

Dutta

Dixon

et al. 2022

2022 UKACC 13th International Conference on Control (CONTROL)

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Track switches (also known as "point" or "turnout") are essential to the railway system and provide route flexibility by allowing vehicles to move between tracks on the network. However, the single actuators in the current switch technology mean that a single actuator fault will result in the failure of the switch (and the concomitant delays to trains waiting to pass the switch). This paper focuses on providing redundant actuation through an approach known as High Redundancy Actuation (HRA), which might allow track switches to remain operational after failure in actuator elements. The paper also proposes the use of closed-loop control (track switches are usually operated open-loop). In the paper, we introduce a model of a C-type switch and validate it against results from a previous paper. This model is then used combined with an HRA of nine elements (3x3). Two closed-loop controllers are then proposed for each of the single actuator and the HRA actuator system. The findings indicate that closed-loop control on its own has some benefits. However, when combined with HRA, the resulting system is able to tolerate a number of faults in the actuator subsystems, creating an effective graceful degradation rather than the sudden failure with a traditional single actuator.

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A framework for dynamic modelling of railway track switches considering the switch blades, actuators and control systems

Dutta,

Harrison,

Ward

et al. 2024

Railw. Eng. Sci.

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The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment. This is important because, globally, railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes; they are a key part of all railway networks. However, because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical, their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs. In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation, this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system. The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion, with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system. Hence, it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built. This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches, and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated. The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively. The paper describes the modelling approach, demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel “REPOINT” switch system, and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch. In the context of that case study, it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet (and exceed) the system performance requirements, and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure.

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Railway track switch simulation: a new dynamic model for studying actuator and switch blade dynamics

Cited by 3 publications

References 12 publications

An Estimation of the Energy Savings of a Mainline Diesel Locomotive Equipped with an Energy Storage Device

An Estimation of the Energy Savings of a Mainline Diesel Locomotive Equipped with an Energy Storage Device

Fault Tolerant Actuation of a Railway Track Switch: a Simulation Study

A framework for dynamic modelling of railway track switches considering the switch blades, actuators and control systems

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