title: Optimization of the ODU Maglev System Ridership Performance
Creators: name: De Leon, Eric Salvador M.
Publisher: name: Old Dominion University
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/04zjtrb98
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2010

description: The purpose of this research is to optimize the ODU People Mover project (Maglev vehicle) by providing a valid estimate of system "ridership" performance via modeling and simulation. The results considered both service parameters and cost of system operation. The system studied three stations on a line with no closed loop which was evidently unique, but the methods and approaches used for the problem can be applied to any transportation system or layout.

To achieve this objective -- design constraints and other relevant system inputs were identified that impacted the design parameters of the transportation system and permitted assessment of overall system performance via calculation of figures of merit developed for that purpose. These design inputs served as the foundation of the study and were used in formulating an appropriate mathematical model to realistically represent the operation of the ODU Maglev system.

Once the mathematical model was formulated, it was subjected to verification through computer simulation using suitable simulation software (Arena®) and predicting results via analytical computations whenever possible. The model was also subjected to validation through extensive visualization of the interaction between estimated ridership and the physical system, detailed exploration of ridership demand cases, and consultation with subject matter experts (SME). Analyses via discrete-stochastic event simulations were then conducted to define system design parameters yielding optimum performance as measured by the figures of merit. System cost evaluations were made to assist in selecting these optimum parameters.

The results for the optimal number of vehicles, capacity, mode of operation and system design modification for each projected ridership demand such as Class Peak, Special Events, Meal and Off-peak times were sought. Several modes of operation or the sequence of movement of vehicles were defined during the study with the idea that the best mode of operation would be changed during the day depending on the scenario of demand and quantity of ridership. Results indicate that for the ODU transportation system, optimal performance will be achieved with two vehicles which are required to be in operation 17 hours a day per regular class day- from 6 am until 11 pm. In order to best encompass all the possible ridership scenarios, the two vehicles were found to require capacities of 36 and 18 respectively. For Class Peak times, it is recommended that the system be operated using the "Double Elevator" mode in which each of the two vehicles shuttles between an end point and the central station. The vehicles travel only when requested by riders. During Special Events, the mode found most suitable was "Double Special Mode A" in which each of the vehicles shuttles between the station at the event (an end station) and one of the other two stations. The optimal mode for Off-peak periods was the Double Elevator Mode that was also found to be the best for Class Peak times. Using the Double Elevator Mode for both Class Peak and Off-peak loadings allows the benefit of quick and flexible transition between these two loading schemes. This was made possible since vehicle trips were initiated by passengers. Meal times have been categorized to be sufficiently similar to a moderate level of Class Peak times that the Double Elevator type mode was the best choice. These modes and capacities were chosen as optimal in consideration of both the conditions in which they are operating, system operating costs and vehicle acquisition costs. A system design modification was studied by simulating an additional parking lot at the Powhatan end of the Maglev guideway. The results showed that there is no significant improvement in performance of the system resulting from this change.