Speed tracking control with smoothing notches based on DMC algorithm for freight trains

The application of dynamic matrix control (DMC) on the speed tracking of freight trains is investigated in this paper. The smooth changing of locomotive’s notches is important for the safety operation of freight trains. The operation objective is to minimize the velocity tracking errors and increment of acceleration. The practical operational constraints are taken into consideration in the controller design, including speed limitations, variable gradients and predefined trip time. The DMC approach guarantees locomotive notch smoothing while maintaining speed tracking. And smooth notches are more convenient to driver operation. Simulation results verify that the DMC approach is effective in improving the train’s performance.