Keywords: automatic speed control, electric multiple unit, train control and management system, traction and braking, hardware in the loop, laboratory and field validation.

This paper presents the successful development, implementation and validation of the Automatic Speed Control algorithm for Electric Multiple Unit trains. The Automatic Speed Control function plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance and comfort of Electric Multiple Unit trains. This development activity begins with the design phase, where the Automatic Speed Control algorithms are developed to provide optimum speed control, increase energy efficiency, reduce driver fatigue and ensure passenger comfort. Using a PI controller for speed regulation, the algorithm improves speed control effectiveness by seamlessly integrating total resistance force estimation and allows real-time evaluation of changing slopes for improved performance. Once the algorithms are formulated, preliminary simulations are implemented in MATLAB-Simulink to evaluate the performance under various operating scenarios. Following MATLAB-Simulink simulations, the Automatic Speed Control algorithms are subjected to rigorous testing in both laboratory and on-train. While there are certain subsystems in the test set-up used during the tests carried out in the laboratory environment, other subsystems that are not present in the environment are simulated using the Hardware in the Loop methodology. Laboratory tests provide controlled settings to evaluate algorithmic behaviour and fine-tune parameters, while on-train tests provide insights into real-world validation and practical applicability. Improvement activities based on observed results are configured to optimize the algorithm by better adapting to dynamic operating conditions. The results presented here contribute to the continued advancement of railway automation technologies with implications for improving efficiency and sustainability in railway systems.

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