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Application of Intelligent Transportation Systems in Railway: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Transportation and Future Mobility".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 8414

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute for Data Analysis and Process Design, ZHAW School of Engineering, Technikumstrasse 9, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
Interests: service intention in railways; stability and robustness in rail operation; periodic timetables; maintenance plans in rail operation; simulation of rail systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Data Analysis and Process Design, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Winterthur, Switzerland
Interests: public transport design and operation; rail traffic management; train operation optimization; energy efficiency and public transport systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions to a second Special Issue of Applied Sciences on the subject of “Application of Intelligent Transportation Systems in Railway”.

ITSs are defined as those systems that integrate different technologies in a synergetic way and follow systems engineering concepts to develop and improve transportation systems. In this field, the number of ITS solutions specifically developed for railway applications is increasing due to the incredible challenges that rail systems are facing to keep supporting the productivity of our society in a sustainable way. In this context, this Special Issue welcomes papers on current and future applications of ITSs in railway systems to make rail systems safer and smarter, to provide intelligent and friendly service to passengers and goods, and to optimize the operations and control of rail systems while guaranteeing high-standard efficiency.

We are seeking contributions addressing topics including (but not limited to):

  • Infrastructure (e.g., planning, construction, maintenance, power supply systems, communication systems, signaling systems);
  • Rail traffic management (e.g., capacity assessment, line planning, timetabling, traffic control, train operation, energy efficiency, crew scheduling);
  • Vehicle (e.g., ATO systems, light materials/new wagon concepts, onboard batteries, energy-saving speed profiles, virtual coupling);
  • Rail freight (e.g., planning, operation, new rail freight vehicle concepts, optimal vehicle composition and wagons disposition, urban rail freight);
  • Information from/to customers (e.g., smart card data, mobile apps, disruption management).

Other contributions pertaining the role of ITSs in railways are more than welcome.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to publish papers which present strategies to reduce the gap between practical demand and academic supply; therefore, papers based on the activities of research projects with academic/industrial partnerships are very welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Raimond Matthias Wüst
Dr. Valerio De Martinis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Railway Network Capacity by Means of Dynamic Flows
by Dominik Nikolayzik, Maren Maus and Nils Nießen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8233; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188233 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 762
Abstract
Capacity calculations are essential for the long-term planning of railway infrastructure. Many of the methods currently used in practice calculate characteristic capacity values separately for the single elements (mainly lines and nodes) of a railway network. Approaches that consider the entire network to [...] Read more.
Capacity calculations are essential for the long-term planning of railway infrastructure. Many of the methods currently used in practice calculate characteristic capacity values separately for the single elements (mainly lines and nodes) of a railway network. Approaches that consider the entire network to account for interactions between the elements often rely on many assumptions, which renders a direct practical application difficult. This paper therefore introduces a linear optimization model that comprises railway-specific constraints such as minimum headway times, line capacities, and route conflicts. Under the consideration of these constraints, the developed model permits the calculation of a network-wide capacity. The model is validated on a sample network that is based on a real network of the German railway infrastructure. Full article
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24 pages, 1331 KiB  
Article
Determining the Optimal Positions of Infill Balise Groups for ERTMS/ETCS Level 1 Applications
by Christopher Wink and Nils Nießen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8165; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188165 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 764
Abstract
This paper presents a method to determine the optimal positions of infill balise groups for applications of European Train Control System (ETCS) level 1. ETCS will be the only train protection system in the European Union of the future. Level 1 specifically enables [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method to determine the optimal positions of infill balise groups for applications of European Train Control System (ETCS) level 1. ETCS will be the only train protection system in the European Union of the future. Level 1 specifically enables a less complex system while retaining full compatibility to and interoperability of ETCS level 2. In level 1, the Movement Authority (MA), which contains information on how far and at what speed the train is authorized to run, is transmitted at fixed locations where switchable radio beacons—infill balise groups—are placed. Due to technical and economical constraints, their locations need to be optimized so that they provide the maximum operational benefit. Such a method with universal adaptability has not been available to date, so we developed an algorithm that determines the optimal locations of infill balise groups. The algorithm uses the basic laws of motion combined with domain knowledge about railways in general and specifically ETCS. All important parameters are considered while retaining simplicity in the application, making it convenient to use for planning new ETCS deployments and as a foundation for future research on ETCS level 1. The algorithm was implemented using Python and tested with real-world train characteristics. Full article
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20 pages, 7160 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Research on Railway Balise Transmission System for Underwater Debris
by Ke Ye, Jingpin Jiao, Qing Xu, Fanghua Chen and Linfu Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7306; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167306 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 695
Abstract
The balise transmission system (BTS) is essential for train position sensing and safe operation. Transmission loss is a key parameter particularly required for the evaluation of systems. The eddy current loss (ECL), caused by the conductivity of debris, affects the transmission performance of [...] Read more.
The balise transmission system (BTS) is essential for train position sensing and safe operation. Transmission loss is a key parameter particularly required for the evaluation of systems. The eddy current loss (ECL), caused by the conductivity of debris, affects the transmission performance of the BTS when the balise is immersed in water. This study proposes an effective modeling for the BTS using S-parameters. Utilizing the electromagnetic coupling analysis in the near-field region, we derived an equivalent circuit with the frequency and conductivity of water taken into consideration. The S21 can be predicted accurately by using the proposed equivalent circuit. For validation, a BTS system was implemented and measured to compare with theoretically calculated results and electromagnetic simulation results in the main lobe zone. The measurement results, simulation, and calculation were in good agreement. Moreover, the modeling was used to predict the I/O characteristics of the balise. The power of the balise uplink FSK signal was measured in the water debris and found to be approximately 0.62 dB less than in air. These findings aligned well with theoretical predictions. Full article
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32 pages, 4381 KiB  
Article
Structure of Public Passenger Transport Lines in the Region of Prešov in Slovakia to Support the Development of an Integrated Transport System
by Zdenka Bulková, Milan Škorupa, Martin Kendra, Jozef Gašparík and Vladislav Zitrický
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167128 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 708
Abstract
In the framework of sustainable development, the most important goal in the transport sector is sustainable mobility. It is necessary to improve the quality of the means of transport and the organisation of their operation in transport systems in addition to the management [...] Read more.
In the framework of sustainable development, the most important goal in the transport sector is sustainable mobility. It is necessary to improve the quality of the means of transport and the organisation of their operation in transport systems in addition to the management systems, coordination, and integration of individual types of transport. The aim of this paper is to propose a complex system of public transport lines in the region to achieve an effective transport service, in accordance with the principles of sustainable mobility, supporting the development of an integrated transport system. This research presents a proposal for the public transport lines of the region of Prešov in Slovakia, which is currently connected to an integrated transport system (IDS Východ). The proposal is defined by the tracing and functions of the lines, the mode of transport and headways on individual lines, the necessary number of vehicles for the operation of individual lines, transfer times at relevant points and directions, and the border of the radius of attractive daily commuting to the centre of the region, as well as a rough timetable for each line. Using an analytical hierarchical process (AHP method), we determine the two most suitable variants of traffic services. The results indicate that based on the multicriteria evaluation of these variants using descriptors, it is possible to determine the optimal variant of the transport service of the region, which will be introduced into a functional integrated transport system. Full article
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25 pages, 6608 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Adjustment Method for Metro Systems with Train Delays Based on Improved Q-Learning
by Yushen Hu, Wei Li and Qin Luo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041552 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
This paper presents a solution to address the challenges of unexpected events in the operation of metro trains, which can lead to increased delays and safety risks. An improved Q-learning algorithm is proposed to reschedule train timetables via incorporating train detention and different [...] Read more.
This paper presents a solution to address the challenges of unexpected events in the operation of metro trains, which can lead to increased delays and safety risks. An improved Q-learning algorithm is proposed to reschedule train timetables via incorporating train detention and different section running times as actions. To enhance computational efficiency and convergence rate, a simulated annealing dynamic factor is introduced to improve action selection strategies. Additionally, importance sampling is employed to evaluate different policies effectively. A case study of Shenzhen Metro is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the method achieves convergence, fast computation speed, and real-time adjustment capabilities. Compared to traditional methods such as no adjustment, manual adjustment, and FIFO (First-In-First-Out), the proposed method significantly reduces the average total train delay by 54% and leads to more uniform train headways. The proposed method utilizes a limited number of variables for practical state descriptions, making it well suited for real-world applications. It also exhibits good scalability and transferability to other metro systems. Full article
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17 pages, 1013 KiB  
Article
Robust Optimization of Transport Organization for China Railway Express
by Changjiang Zheng, Yang Shen, Junze Ma, Ling Gui and Chen Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010137 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the robust optimization of the China–Europe freight train transportation organization under uncertain cargo transportation demand. The study commences by constructing a robust optimization model tailored for specific environments, which is further extended to address the complexities [...] Read more.
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the robust optimization of the China–Europe freight train transportation organization under uncertain cargo transportation demand. The study commences by constructing a robust optimization model tailored for specific environments, which is further extended to address the complexities of uncertain freight demand. A notable aspect of this research is the adoption of an innovative approach to manage the uncertainties in freight transportation demand at each node, employing a box-type uncertainty set distribution. This methodology allows for an effective and balanced optimization strategy that accommodates the dynamic nature of demand fluctuations. The research findings underscore that increased robustness in the optimization model is associated with higher transportation costs within the China–Europe freight train network, especially under conditions of variable demand. The model demonstrates a preference for adjusting transportation costs to maintain the stability of the transportation scheme, particularly in response to wider variations in cargo demand. This strategy, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and adaptability, highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing demand uncertainties. The significant contributions of this paper include the development of a robust, economically viable, and efficient transportation organization plan for China–Europe freight trains, equipped to navigate the challenges posed by uncertain cargo demand at the originating nodes. The study’s emphasis on the practical application of advanced optimization techniques and uncertainty management methods marks a notable advancement in the field of freight train transportation. Additionally, the paper suggests avenues for further research in the intricate and evolving landscape of freight transportation, providing valuable insights for future studies. Full article
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21 pages, 2786 KiB  
Article
Optimization of High-Speed Rail Express Transportation Plan Considering Products’ Variable Time Requirements
by Teer Lu, Junhua Chen, Chunxiao Zhao and Xiaoling Xie
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 6919; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13126919 - 7 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1833
Abstract
The global express market has expanded significantly in recent years. High-speed rail express freight transportation has been implemented between multiple cities in China, significantly improving transportation efficiency and effectively meeting demand. In this paper, an optimization model for HSR (high-speed railway) express transport [...] Read more.
The global express market has expanded significantly in recent years. High-speed rail express freight transportation has been implemented between multiple cities in China, significantly improving transportation efficiency and effectively meeting demand. In this paper, an optimization model for HSR (high-speed railway) express transport plan is constructed using a space-time-state network, and an improved adaptive genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model. Reasonable transport schemes could be arranged for each cargo flow with the objective of maximizing operational revenue. The numerical experiment based on the Harbin–Dalian high-speed railway in China verifies the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model. The results show that for HSR operators, appropriate transport strategies can be planned in terms of delivery priorities and transportation mode selection to make full use of the remaining capacity of HSR trains and increase operational revenue. Full article
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