Development of Model Prototype to Investigate Closer Running Autonomous Train Operation: Seamless Interchangeability

This paper is prompted by the fact that the current United Kingdom (UK) railway infrastructure is unable to support the increasing usage. It is considered that autonomous train (AT) operation will offer significant benefits to the UK railway network, e.g. increasing the railway network capacity. The significant benefits stem from ATs being able to use moving block signaling, thus potentially meaning ATs can operate much closer together. A further possibility is to operate the railway network without the use of moving block signalling, i.e. fully autonomous. The aim of the paper is to investigate the implementation of closer running of ATs through the use of a model based prototype for the potential future concept of Seamless Interchangeability (SI) operation (coupling and uncoupling of trains on the move). The SI operation to be explored using the prototype will assume that two ATs are within close proximity to one another. It is assumed that global positioning satellite (GPS) technology is used in normal AT operation when they are not in close proximity. Accuracy issues with GPS means that further sensors are needed when ATs are in close proximity of one another. Thus, various sensors are investigated and the most suitable is integrated within a feedback proportional integral and derivative (PID) control system. The feedback PID control system is placed on the following AT and its role is to maintain a desired short separation distance from the leading train.