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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

I-ETMS™ Positive Train Control Passenger Braking Algorithm Enhancement – Phase II

Document Series:
Technical Reports
Author:
  • Federal Railroad Administration
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-23/36
Office
RDI-23
Subject:
Positive Train Control
Keywords:
Positive Train Control, PTC, braking, braking algorithm enhancements, field testing, Electric Multiple Unit, EMU, Diesel Multiple Unit, DMU, enforcement algorithm, enforcement algorithms, EA
Document
PTC Braking EA.pdf (3.81 MB)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funded Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) to examine the performance benefits of four potential modifications to the current methodology used for passenger braking enforcement algorithms (EA) in the Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS™) Positive Train Control (PTC). Additionally, researchers developed a methodology for simulating PTC braking algorithm performance for Electric Multiple Unit/Diesel Multiple Unit consists. This process does not rely on brake pipe pressure changes and requires different information to be provided to the EA and simulation program. Finally, the project included field testing to demonstrate the modifications to the EA reflected operational data. Due to the global pandemic, equipment was limited and testing was conducted using available cars and locomotives. The testing was conducted using the baseline, Total Approach Management, tuned train type, and specified consist algorithms. An analysis of the test results showed that the enhancements could be used to improve the EA performance for certain scenarios.


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Last updated: Friday, September 29, 2023