Centre for Transport Studies

UCL

 

Fully funded EngD studentship available for study of

The Optimisation of Automatic Train Regulation on the London Underground

Project Partner: London Underground

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

This study aims to improve the operational resilience and the
energy-sustainability of Underground systems by optimising the configuration
of present and future ATR systems. Specifically the objectives are:

·         To analyse the use and configurations of existing ATR systems. 

·         To develop ATR deployment strategies based on potential carbon,
time and monetary savings.

·         To test the strategies by simulation

·         Advise on future direction for purchase and deployment of ATR
systems on LU.

 

METHOD: 

The project will undertake surveys of both LU lines and other Metro systems
from around the world to see how existing ATR systems are configured.  This
will permit a gap analysis of how these systems compare to the ideal, which
leads to the development of ATR deployment strategies. The project will then
test the strategies by making use of dynamic simulations. This would involve
additional model development to existing simulation models.

 

OUTCOMES: 

·         New knowledge and ideas regarding the use of ATR systems to
provide a resilient timetable.

·         A contribution towards realising the Mayor’s vision by maximising
opportunities for ATR energy efficiencies.

·         Student becomes an expert in LU ATR with strong links to UCL and
the academic research community. 

 

IMPACT: 

The result of the project will enable LU to improve the operational
resilience. One implication would be that LU can therefore reduce timetabled
recovery margins. There is also a positive impact on other areas such as
capacity, energy consumption and tunnel temperature. With 3.5 million
journeys made each day on the LU network, the project could make a huge
contribution to society.

 

Project Background

The Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy sets out the approach for achieving
his vision; that London's transport system should lead the world in its
approach to tackling urban transport challenges of the 21st century.  With
key priorities up to 2017/18 including reducing transport’s contribution to
climate change and improving its resilience, LU is seeking to reduce, and if
possible eliminate, adverse environmental impacts, and maximise the use of
energy efficient solutions.

 

An Automatic Train Regulation (ATR) system is an essential part of meeting
these objectives.  By micro managing station dwells and train speeds, ATR
systems can keep the railway running to timetable avoiding costly
disruptions and delays. It is not only key to improving operational
resilience, but can also be a major contributory factor to urban
sustainability by improving energy efficiency, reducing tunnel temperatures
and cutting carbon emissions by using coasting and regenerative braking.
ATR is already installed on some lines, and about to be installed or
procured on most of the others. However, the application of ATR is not well
understood within LU.  There are several types of ATR in existence, each
with their own peculiar combinations of inputs, outputs, cost functions and
scope of operation. Despite the huge potential benefits, there have so far
been limited successes in the application of ATR.

 

STUDENT BACKGROUND: A graduate with a good degree (2i or better) in a
quantitative discipline.  Experience of one or more of the following would
be an advantage: Engineering Simulation, Systems Modelling, Railway
Operations, C++ programming.

CLOSING DATE: The closing date for applications is 5pm on 27th April 2011.
Interviews will be held in May 2011.  Please upload a cover letter and CV
indicating how you meet the criteria - demonstrating your passion for the
research area.

FEES: Fully paid

STIPEND: £18,090 tax-free p.a.

START DATE: 26/09/2011 for 4-years full time (no part time option
available). 

Applications are invited from UK and EU members, residing in UK. Applicants
must meet the EPSRC eligibility requirements
<http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm> 

Further details are available at:
http://engd-usar.cege.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies/#17

 

 

 

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________
___

Benjamin Heydecker

Professor of Transport Studies

Centre for Transport Studies

UCL

London WC1E 6BT

 

Tel: 020 7679 1553

Fax: 020 7679 3042

 

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