A multi-objective train-scheduling optimization model considering locomotive assignment and segment emission constraints for energy saving

Abstract

Energy saving and emission reduction for railway systems should not only be studied from a technical perspective but should also be focused on management and economics. On the basis of relevant train-scheduling models for train operation management, in this paper we introduce an extended multi-objective train-scheduling optimization model considering locomotive assignment and segment emission constraints for energy saving. The objective of setting up this model is to reduce the energy and emission cost as well as total passenger-time. The decision variables include continuous variables such as train arrival and departure time, and binary variables such as locomotive assignment and segment occupancy. The constraints are concerned with train movement, trip time, headway, and segment emission, etc. To obtain a non-dominated satisfactory solution on these objectives, a fuzzy multi-objective optimization algorithm is employed to solve the model. Finally, a numerical example is performed and used to compare the proposed model with the existing model. The results show that the proposed model can reduce the energy consumption, meet exhausts emission demands effectively by optimal locomotive assignment, and its solution methodology is effective.