Energy saving approach for optimizing speed profiles in metro application

This paper proposes a procedure for detecting the optimal speed profile of a metro vehicle. The proposed approach provides an energy-efficient driving in terms of optimal speed profile. The speed profile is obtained through the solution of a single objective optimization problem based on the minimization of the train energy consumption while satisfying specified technical and operating constraints. Advantages obtainable through recovery of energy are also taken into account. The proposed procedure was applied to an actual urban railway system and the results compared to those obtained through an operation strategy based on the maximization of the vehicle performances.