Abstract: A method and system for the operation of trains on a rail network, and particularly in the context of long-haul rail networks. The invention provides a method and system which monitors the progress of a train on a long-haul network, calculates efficient control profiles for the train, and displays driving advice to the train crew. The system calculates and provides driving advice that assists to keep the train on time and reduce the energy used by the train by: (i) monitoring the progress of a journey to determine the current location and speed of the train; (ii) estimating some parameters of a train performance model; (iii) calculating or selecting an energy-efficient driving strategy that will get the train to the next key location as close as possible to the desired time; and (iv) generating and providing driving advice for the driver.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 20, 2003
Date of Patent:
October 26, 2010
Assignee:
Ausrail Technologies Pty Limited
Inventors:
Philip George Howlett, Peter John Pudney