Performance Optimization of Train Dispatching Support System
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Date
2018-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
One of the significant challenges in the daily operation of train dispatching is making the right
decision upon unplanned conflict occurrence. The resolution process by itself will introduce an
additional delay on the railway network unless well resolved. Thus, it is a decisive and challenging
issue for train dispatchers and railway operation planners to decide which of the trains to stop or
to pass from the trains involved in the conflict to bring minimum propagated delay. Such an
operation with effective conflict resolution requires an intelligent decision support system that
considers minimization of future dwelling time.
To this end, this thesis developed a decision support system that provides an intelligent decision
to the train dispatcher by detecting a conflict on a rail network with an optimal resolution of the
conflict and cost. The approach addressed the minimization of overall delay due to the conflict
resolution in addition to detection and resolution. A mixed integer linear programming approach
has been implemented to find optimal combinations of arrival and departure events that bring
minimum propagated delay. Optimization toolbox of the commercial software, MATLAB
R2015a, was used to develop the solving algorithm and obtain the result. The solution procedure
is also clearly illustrated using practical and hypothetical applications. The model has been applied
to Ethio-Djibouti Railway enterprise railroad from DIRE-DAOUA to DAOUENLE, which
consists of eight stations. The program was able to reach an optimal solution with minimum cost
when compared to the manual (heuristic) approach especially for an increased number of trains
and stations. The model was also tested based on various hypothetical assumptions and showed
that it is a powerful tool to be used for train dispatchers for ensuring operational optimality and
safety of the railway line.
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Keywords
Conflict Detection and Resolution, Decision Support System, Mixed integer linear programming, Re-scheduling, Train Dispatching