Observer-based freight train control to reduce coupler strain and low adhesion issues
Résumé
This paper deals with the control design for freight trains, with the objective to reduce coupler failures and issues that might arise from low wheel-track adhesion. Since train cars are not equipped with position sensors, a cascade of observers is used to obtain finite-time estimations of in-train forces that cause coupler strain and adhesion level estimation. The controller is then aware of high amplitudes of in-train forces and of low adhesion situations, and adjusts the control signal accordingly, using LMI-based anti-windup technique. Simulation results show the benefits of the proposed approach.