Dynamic power saving strategy and data system for future Shinkansen traffic control

A framework for effective energy saving control measures for Shinkansen (“Bullet Train”) lines is presented. The future will see increased transportation capacity. For example, train frequency of the fastest train “Nozomi” is expected to be rise from one to four trains per hour. The dynamic power supply strategy is the best solution to avoid the needs to install extra electric facilities. Decreasing the top speed and matching the train operation phase are ways to cut the fluctuating load peak at power substations. So as to realize the desired power control characteristics, a system is proposed which consists of WTU (wayside telecommunication unit), zone controller at each power substation, Train Traffic Control Center and BIF (Broad Information Field Network). The BIF connects all the facilities [1]. The WTU communicates with trains using radio waves and with the zone controller using the Wayside Optical Network. Beforehand, a train time table suitable for energy saving is scheduled using the railway power simulation. The Train Traffic Control Center broadcasts three-dimensional “macro targets” for all trains in both directions. Using local conditions, the zone controller composes a “macro target” into a “zone run-curve”. Firstly, trains are able to execute the operation of “target shooting” using the zone run-curve. Secondary, regenerated braking power is effectively transferred to another accelerating train. Thirdly even if the train schedule has been disrupted severely trains do not restart simultaneously, so the peak load at substations goes down successfully. Thus, the proposed dynamic power supply strategy for future shinkansen trains realizes not only energy saving, but also conserves the world resources