In this paper we propose a simulation-based framework for evaluating energyefficient solutions in... more In this paper we propose a simulation-based framework for evaluating energyefficient solutions in train operation. The general framework is composed of an optimisation system able to generate energy-efficient station-to-station speed profiles, looped with a micro-simulation tool for simulating railway traffic conditions, in order to evaluate the impacts on railway systems (delays, conflicts) and energy savings. The optimisation system is a subroutine consisting of a Genetic Algorithm for optimal speed profile parameters optimisation, a speed profile generator, and an energy consumption model. The micro simulation tool allows the evaluation of the impact of energy efficient speed profiles on rail operation. The framework operates on a database composed of 4 subsets: timetable, rolling stock characteristics, signalling system, infrastructure features; the first subset can be considered as the result of scheduling or rescheduling procedures, while the others can be assumed to be fixed. The proposed framework has been applied on a real-scale case of an Italian suburban railway system.
International Journal of Transport Development and Integration, 2017
In the case of conventional rail lines, when disruptions occur, dispatchers have the difficult ta... more In the case of conventional rail lines, when disruptions occur, dispatchers have the difficult task of finding feasible rescheduling solutions rapidly so as to re-establish ordinary conditions as soon as possible. Despite the numerous contributions for automatic rescheduling proposed in the literature, this process is still totally controlled by dispatchers who decide according to their personal experience and under their own responsibility. Indeed, in many cases, it can be more advantageous to let the system revert to ordinary conditions without implementing any strategy rather than look for solutions which can reduce the discomfort perceived by passengers. In this article we propose a system of models for managing the rail system, combining a microscopic simulation model with an assignment tool which is able to consider passenger flows on the network. as a result, the disutility experienced by users during their trip can be evaluated and feasible intervention strategies can be assessed, taking into account the passengers' perspective. an application on a real regional line in campania (Italy) shows the benefits of the proposed approach for performing off-line analyses of intervention solutions and helping dispatchers make decisions during critical events to increase service quality.
2022 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2022 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe), Jun 28, 2022
Traffic noise is a significant externality in urban areas that reduces the quality of life and ma... more Traffic noise is a significant externality in urban areas that reduces the quality of life and may produce non-negligible effects on human health. The main factor responsible for traffic noise is individual transportation (cars and motorcycles) and the more congested the urban network, the higher the average level of traffic noise. An Urban Traffic Plan (UTP) is a tool for managing the urban mobility; in Italy the UTP is provided for under national laws and one of its objectives is noise abatement. The UTP manages the network (road directions, signal settings, etc.) without providing new infrastructures. In this paper, we test the effectiveness of UTPs in terms of noise abatement on a real case: the Urban Traffic Plan of Benevento. In this paper, we compare the estimated equivalent noise levels in several points of the town for the current scenario and for the (final) design scenario. Initial results show that, in order to evaluate the actual effectiveness of the UTP vis-à-vis traffic noise, some more comprehensive indicators have to be proposed: evaluating traffic noise reduction only in some points of the network cannot yield clear-cut results.
In this paper, a general methodology for reducing computing times in procedures for solving road ... more In this paper, a general methodology for reducing computing times in procedures for solving road network design problems is proposed. Such problems which are studied extensively in the related literature concern the design of road networks, in terms of flow directions, capacity expansion and signal settings in urban contexts, and in terms of link addition and capacity expansion in rural contexts. The solution to them is almost always formulated as a bi-level model, where the upper level operates on the network design decision variables while the lower level estimates the equilibrium traffic flows, which must be known in order to determine objective function values. Computing times required for calculating equilibrium traffic flows at each iteration of the network design procedure significantly affect the total solution time. Hence, any reduction in computing times of the lower level, which has to be implemented numerous times at any step of the upper-level algorithm, allows the glob...
This paper describes the first results of a research project where the main focus is to implement... more This paper describes the first results of a research project where the main focus is to implement a Decision Support System (DSS) to optimise energy consumption of rail systems. In order to achieve this objective, we implement an optimisation module for the design of energy-efficient driving strategies, in terms of speed profiles, that requires a railway simulation model as a subroutine. Here we focus on the general framework of the optimisation module and on the calibration of the railway simulation model .All elaborations are implemented in a MatLab environment, aiming at defining possible energy-efficient speed profiles, in accordance with energy-saving strategies, through optimised speed profile parameters, in terms of acceleration, target speed, deceleration, coasting phase, and driving behaviour, represented by the jerk. The model is calibrated on real data recorded on a double track section of a railway line in the city of Naples (Italy). Initial results show that consumption is very variable with the speed profile and with driver behaviour, but the model is able to reproduce the average consumption of each driving strategy and should be able, within the DSS, to suggest the best driving strategies for each rail section.
The recent world policies have shown the necessity of implementing suitable strategies, especiall... more The recent world policies have shown the necessity of implementing suitable strategies, especially in urban contexts, in order to promote more sustainable transportation systems. In this context, the rail-based systems allow to achieve sustainable goals according to a threefold effect: reduction in externalities (such as congestion, accidents, air and noise pollution), increase in efficiency (in terms of operational cost per real/potential carried passenger), and delocalization of energy production centres (large industrial plants out of population centres producing with optimal yields). Positive environmental aspects of the rail and metro systems may be further amplified by implementing Energy-Saving Strategies (ESSs) based on the adoption of suitable driving profiles and/or the installation of onboard/wayside recovery devices. In this context, we investigate the effects of rolling-stock unavailability (for breakdowns, maintenance or under-sized fleet) on the effectiveness of ESSs ...
The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes, among other measures, investme... more The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes, among other measures, investments in hydrogen vehicle refuelling stations, intending to promote the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for long-haul freight transport. This paper evaluates the impact that this action could have on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, focusing on a case study of the Campania region. The proposed approach, which can also be transferred to other geographical contexts, requires the implementation of a freight road transport simulation model; this model is based on the construction of a supply model, the estimation of road freight demand, and an assignment procedure for computing traffic flows. This study covers the period from 2025 to 2040, according to the forecasts of the NRRP and some assumptions on the action effects; moreover, it is assumed that hydrogen is entirely produced from renewable sources (green hydrogen). The key findings from three different scenarios show that sav...
2017 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2017 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)
This paper studies the potential effects of real-time parking (RTP) services on cruising for park... more This paper studies the potential effects of real-time parking (RTP) services on cruising for parking and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas. A general purpose simulation software is used for simulating RTP and for evaluating its impact on veh-kms travelled and GHGs emitted. Numerical results on a test network show that RTP is able to achieve considerable reductions in cruising for parking, measured in veh-kms, and in emissions.
This paper evaluates the impact of high-speed rail systems on tourist attractiveness in Italy. Th... more This paper evaluates the impact of high-speed rail systems on tourist attractiveness in Italy. The analysis is carried out with reference to provincial capitals, only some of which are served by high-speed railway lines. To achieve this objective, two multiple linear regression models were specified and calibrated, which relate arrivals and presences in accommodation facilities to several factors that could influence the tourist destination: cultural, historical, and monumental heritage, commercial activities, recreational activities, accessibility, etc. Both models showed that the availability of high-speed railway services is an important factor in the choice of tourist destination, being, moreover, the only accessibility variable found to be significant; furthermore, the elasticity of tourist demand to this factor was significant too.
Railway transport consumes large amount of energy and fuel every year. Increasing environmental c... more Railway transport consumes large amount of energy and fuel every year. Increasing environmental concern and raising prices in diesel fuel and electrical energy has resulted in optimization techniques being a must for railway systems. This paper aims to explain the development of a software tool able of calculating the optimal consumption speed profile for a train service within a given topology and timetable. It also shall provide when and what actions (powering, braking, holding speed or coasting) the driver should follow for achieving it. Historically these objectives have been approached using computer algorithms based on very simplified models or dynamic programming, resulting in unrealistic or restrictively slow frameworks. We propose a really fast and accurate methodology based on Optimal Control theory. The problem is formulated as a differential system of equations stating train dynamics constraint by track features, as permitted speed or slope value in the various sections. Analytical solution for such a system of equations is not suitable due to its strictly non-linearity, being necessary the application of fast convergence iterative methods as the Interior Point method based on logarithm barrier penalty functions. Several real-life scenarios have been tested using the explained tool and its output have been compared with validated results, having achieved a high degree of accuracy and speed. Accordingly is valid to conclude that this approach can be used to develop a Driver Advisory System for real trains.
In this paper we propose a simulation-based framework for evaluating energyefficient solutions in... more In this paper we propose a simulation-based framework for evaluating energyefficient solutions in train operation. The general framework is composed of an optimisation system able to generate energy-efficient station-to-station speed profiles, looped with a micro-simulation tool for simulating railway traffic conditions, in order to evaluate the impacts on railway systems (delays, conflicts) and energy savings. The optimisation system is a subroutine consisting of a Genetic Algorithm for optimal speed profile parameters optimisation, a speed profile generator, and an energy consumption model. The micro simulation tool allows the evaluation of the impact of energy efficient speed profiles on rail operation. The framework operates on a database composed of 4 subsets: timetable, rolling stock characteristics, signalling system, infrastructure features; the first subset can be considered as the result of scheduling or rescheduling procedures, while the others can be assumed to be fixed. The proposed framework has been applied on a real-scale case of an Italian suburban railway system.
International Journal of Transport Development and Integration, 2017
In the case of conventional rail lines, when disruptions occur, dispatchers have the difficult ta... more In the case of conventional rail lines, when disruptions occur, dispatchers have the difficult task of finding feasible rescheduling solutions rapidly so as to re-establish ordinary conditions as soon as possible. Despite the numerous contributions for automatic rescheduling proposed in the literature, this process is still totally controlled by dispatchers who decide according to their personal experience and under their own responsibility. Indeed, in many cases, it can be more advantageous to let the system revert to ordinary conditions without implementing any strategy rather than look for solutions which can reduce the discomfort perceived by passengers. In this article we propose a system of models for managing the rail system, combining a microscopic simulation model with an assignment tool which is able to consider passenger flows on the network. as a result, the disutility experienced by users during their trip can be evaluated and feasible intervention strategies can be assessed, taking into account the passengers' perspective. an application on a real regional line in campania (Italy) shows the benefits of the proposed approach for performing off-line analyses of intervention solutions and helping dispatchers make decisions during critical events to increase service quality.
2022 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2022 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe), Jun 28, 2022
Traffic noise is a significant externality in urban areas that reduces the quality of life and ma... more Traffic noise is a significant externality in urban areas that reduces the quality of life and may produce non-negligible effects on human health. The main factor responsible for traffic noise is individual transportation (cars and motorcycles) and the more congested the urban network, the higher the average level of traffic noise. An Urban Traffic Plan (UTP) is a tool for managing the urban mobility; in Italy the UTP is provided for under national laws and one of its objectives is noise abatement. The UTP manages the network (road directions, signal settings, etc.) without providing new infrastructures. In this paper, we test the effectiveness of UTPs in terms of noise abatement on a real case: the Urban Traffic Plan of Benevento. In this paper, we compare the estimated equivalent noise levels in several points of the town for the current scenario and for the (final) design scenario. Initial results show that, in order to evaluate the actual effectiveness of the UTP vis-à-vis traffic noise, some more comprehensive indicators have to be proposed: evaluating traffic noise reduction only in some points of the network cannot yield clear-cut results.
In this paper, a general methodology for reducing computing times in procedures for solving road ... more In this paper, a general methodology for reducing computing times in procedures for solving road network design problems is proposed. Such problems which are studied extensively in the related literature concern the design of road networks, in terms of flow directions, capacity expansion and signal settings in urban contexts, and in terms of link addition and capacity expansion in rural contexts. The solution to them is almost always formulated as a bi-level model, where the upper level operates on the network design decision variables while the lower level estimates the equilibrium traffic flows, which must be known in order to determine objective function values. Computing times required for calculating equilibrium traffic flows at each iteration of the network design procedure significantly affect the total solution time. Hence, any reduction in computing times of the lower level, which has to be implemented numerous times at any step of the upper-level algorithm, allows the glob...
This paper describes the first results of a research project where the main focus is to implement... more This paper describes the first results of a research project where the main focus is to implement a Decision Support System (DSS) to optimise energy consumption of rail systems. In order to achieve this objective, we implement an optimisation module for the design of energy-efficient driving strategies, in terms of speed profiles, that requires a railway simulation model as a subroutine. Here we focus on the general framework of the optimisation module and on the calibration of the railway simulation model .All elaborations are implemented in a MatLab environment, aiming at defining possible energy-efficient speed profiles, in accordance with energy-saving strategies, through optimised speed profile parameters, in terms of acceleration, target speed, deceleration, coasting phase, and driving behaviour, represented by the jerk. The model is calibrated on real data recorded on a double track section of a railway line in the city of Naples (Italy). Initial results show that consumption is very variable with the speed profile and with driver behaviour, but the model is able to reproduce the average consumption of each driving strategy and should be able, within the DSS, to suggest the best driving strategies for each rail section.
The recent world policies have shown the necessity of implementing suitable strategies, especiall... more The recent world policies have shown the necessity of implementing suitable strategies, especially in urban contexts, in order to promote more sustainable transportation systems. In this context, the rail-based systems allow to achieve sustainable goals according to a threefold effect: reduction in externalities (such as congestion, accidents, air and noise pollution), increase in efficiency (in terms of operational cost per real/potential carried passenger), and delocalization of energy production centres (large industrial plants out of population centres producing with optimal yields). Positive environmental aspects of the rail and metro systems may be further amplified by implementing Energy-Saving Strategies (ESSs) based on the adoption of suitable driving profiles and/or the installation of onboard/wayside recovery devices. In this context, we investigate the effects of rolling-stock unavailability (for breakdowns, maintenance or under-sized fleet) on the effectiveness of ESSs ...
The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes, among other measures, investme... more The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes, among other measures, investments in hydrogen vehicle refuelling stations, intending to promote the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for long-haul freight transport. This paper evaluates the impact that this action could have on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, focusing on a case study of the Campania region. The proposed approach, which can also be transferred to other geographical contexts, requires the implementation of a freight road transport simulation model; this model is based on the construction of a supply model, the estimation of road freight demand, and an assignment procedure for computing traffic flows. This study covers the period from 2025 to 2040, according to the forecasts of the NRRP and some assumptions on the action effects; moreover, it is assumed that hydrogen is entirely produced from renewable sources (green hydrogen). The key findings from three different scenarios show that sav...
2017 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2017 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)
This paper studies the potential effects of real-time parking (RTP) services on cruising for park... more This paper studies the potential effects of real-time parking (RTP) services on cruising for parking and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas. A general purpose simulation software is used for simulating RTP and for evaluating its impact on veh-kms travelled and GHGs emitted. Numerical results on a test network show that RTP is able to achieve considerable reductions in cruising for parking, measured in veh-kms, and in emissions.
This paper evaluates the impact of high-speed rail systems on tourist attractiveness in Italy. Th... more This paper evaluates the impact of high-speed rail systems on tourist attractiveness in Italy. The analysis is carried out with reference to provincial capitals, only some of which are served by high-speed railway lines. To achieve this objective, two multiple linear regression models were specified and calibrated, which relate arrivals and presences in accommodation facilities to several factors that could influence the tourist destination: cultural, historical, and monumental heritage, commercial activities, recreational activities, accessibility, etc. Both models showed that the availability of high-speed railway services is an important factor in the choice of tourist destination, being, moreover, the only accessibility variable found to be significant; furthermore, the elasticity of tourist demand to this factor was significant too.
Railway transport consumes large amount of energy and fuel every year. Increasing environmental c... more Railway transport consumes large amount of energy and fuel every year. Increasing environmental concern and raising prices in diesel fuel and electrical energy has resulted in optimization techniques being a must for railway systems. This paper aims to explain the development of a software tool able of calculating the optimal consumption speed profile for a train service within a given topology and timetable. It also shall provide when and what actions (powering, braking, holding speed or coasting) the driver should follow for achieving it. Historically these objectives have been approached using computer algorithms based on very simplified models or dynamic programming, resulting in unrealistic or restrictively slow frameworks. We propose a really fast and accurate methodology based on Optimal Control theory. The problem is formulated as a differential system of equations stating train dynamics constraint by track features, as permitted speed or slope value in the various sections. Analytical solution for such a system of equations is not suitable due to its strictly non-linearity, being necessary the application of fast convergence iterative methods as the Interior Point method based on logarithm barrier penalty functions. Several real-life scenarios have been tested using the explained tool and its output have been compared with validated results, having achieved a high degree of accuracy and speed. Accordingly is valid to conclude that this approach can be used to develop a Driver Advisory System for real trains.
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Papers by Mariano Gallo