Application of tabu search in optimal system design and operation of MRT power supply systems

The optimisation of mass rapid transit (MRT) systems is often a slow process as it requires a large number of simulations of train operations. In order to reduce the solution effort, tabu search is applied. Tabu search is a modern heuristic optimisation method that can achieve an optimal or sub-optimal solution within a reasonably short time. The paper demonstrates how the search is applied over a period of time to successfully optimise the traction substation location and rectifier firing angle. Integrated with a train simulator, the approach is tested with two objective criteria: minimum traction energy consumption and equal load sharing.