The energy consumption of a battery-powered train in an interstation depends on the running time and state of energy (SOE) at departure. In this paper, we develop an optimization method of train timetables to minimize energy consumption in line with several stations. The variables in this proposed optimization model are running, dwell, and charging times as real numbers and places of charging facilities as binaries. Additionally, we conduct a case study using the real-world light rail transit (LRT) route, vehicle, and onboard battery model to confirm the effectiveness. In the case study, the proposed method can optimize the timetable and placement of charging facilities by considering the track gradient and battery SOE.

To properly maintain and manage track surfaces, the amount of collapsed settlement of a ballast bed must be determined. However, high maintenance costs make it difficult for railway operators to fully maintain and manage track surfaces. Therefore, we propose a method of estimating the shape of the ballast bed using Dense Inverse Search (DIS) optical flow in images captured using a camcorder, which is inexpensive. This paper describes the outline of the method, an evaluation of its accuracy through simulation and model experiments, and the results of applying the method to actual images captured using a camcorder.

An axial-flux (or axial-gap) permanent magnet synchronous motor (AFPMSM) with a large D/L ratio and a high pole-pair number has the potential high torque density. It can be applied to in-wheel traction motor drives. However, AFPMSMs tend to have large torque ripple. This paper introduces the design and fabrication of a double-sided stator type AFPMSM with a three-phase fractional slot winding in an 18-slot/20-pole configuration to reduce the torque ripple. Each phase of this fractional slot/pole combination contains three continuously connected coils placed next to each other, enabling us to simplify the motor assembly by reducing the connecting process of the winding terminals. The operational principle of the proposed AFPMSM, calculation results obtained via the three-dimensional finite element method, and experimental results of a prototype are presented in this paper.

In this paper, abnormal modes during operation are organized to evaluate the reliability of circuit breakers driven by linear motors. Next, an algorithm that automatically estimates the acceleration time from the load current of the linear motor and detects abnormalities in the circuit breaker from the acceleration time is examined. We report on the results of detecting abnormalities in mechanical components in an operation test of the circuit breaker with the proposed algorithm applied.

This study develops a transformer-less power supply for AC railway vehicles. The rail on the permanent route of an AC electric railway is grounded. The proposed power supply circuit takes advantage of this feature and performs AC-DC power conversion without using a bridge circuit. The circuit topology is a combination of indirect type DC-DC converters. The operation and control of power conversion from AC to DC power run and from DC to AC regeneration is confirmed using numerical simulations. In addition, the operation of the proposed circuit is validated experimentally.