NTL Record

Title Evaluation of PTC Braking Enforcement Algorithms for Passenger and Commuter Trains
Record ID 73915
Personal Name
Creator
Dasher, Jeremy; Morrison, Kenny
Corporate Creator Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Railroad Policy and Development; United States. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research, Development, and Technology
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 20200400
Language English
Abstract Software algorithms used in Positive Train Control (PTC) systems designed to predict passenger train stopping distance and enforce a penalty brake application must be evaluated to verify their performance, which can be challenging due to variations in operational and equipment characteristics. The Federal Railroad Administration contracted Transportation Technology Center, Inc. to evaluate several PTC braking enforcement algorithms used in passenger and commuter train operations by implementing a previously established Monte Carlo simulation methodology supported by limited and focused field testing. Additionally, as PTC braking enforcement algorithms have been shown to be overly conservative, which can lead to operational inefficiencies by interfering with normal train operations, the project also included development of a framework to investigate approaches to improving these algorithms and reducing the associated operational inefficiencies, as was done with freight braking algorithms in previous projects. As part of this task, a baseline algorithm was developed, which can be altered to realize operational improvements while still maintaining safety standards in forthcoming projects.
Rosap ID dot:48882
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/48882
TRT Terms Dynamic braking; Algorithms; Positive train control; Simulation; Passenger trains; Railroad commuter service
General Subjects Braking algorithm; enforcement algorithm; PTC; Monte Carlo simulation; passenger train
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
1738470
Contract Number DTFR53-11-D-00008; Task Order 359
Report Number DOT/FRA/ORD-20/16
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/73000/73900/73915/DOT-FRA-ORD-20-16_20200415.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository