Optimisation on empty trains distribution with time window in heavy haul railway (Q2224289)

Summary: The half close form of heavy haul railway such as Daqin railway is divided into two parts, i.e., the loading region and the unloading region, according to its characteristic. We research the whole process of empty trains distribution. To guarantee loading continuity and stability, a model is proposed to minimise the empty trains multiplying hours of arriving at loading point early or late and subject to the constraints of the required empty trains in loading point, transport capacity in unloading region, the time window of loading point and the type, mode and quantity of empty trains combined in combination station and decomposed in decomposition station. The aim is to improve the efficiency of empty trains returning and reduce the operating costs. The data from Daqin heavy haul railway are performed to testify the model's correctness and effectiveness.