Control of mutlifunctional and modular Freight Wagons

The m² freight wagon is an innovative concept characterized by the separation of modular flat wagon and multifunctional container, allowing individual adaptation to transport purposes and customer needs. The modularity of the flat wagon is characterized, among other things, by a high degree of standardization, which means that the wagon length can be flexibly configured over the life cycle in the long term. Different containers and constructions (multifunctional equipment) can be placed on the flat wagons and transferred to trucks at combined transport terminals.

The research projects carried out jointly with DB Cargo as part of the Research Lab Innovative Freight Wagon m² analyze the effects of the innovative m² freight wagon at various levels. To obtain a comprehensive understanding, the projects are examining the strategic planning of depots and transshipment locations and capacities, the control of containers and even the internal processes in the depots.

The “m² – Control of Containers” project aims to develop heuristic planning methods for solving dispositive control problems related to modular flat wagons. The separability of multifunctional equipment and modular transport wagons leads to increased complexity in the system. As a result, the m² concept changes the requirements for tactical planning and the disposition of containers and transport wagons. In the context of container control, solutions must be found for these requirements, particularly due to the separability from the transport wagon.

Mathematical optimization models are used to map transport orders in the railway network and optimize the cycle times and required number of containers using dispositional control methods. In addition, the highest possible availability and utilization of transport wagons should be achieved. For this purpose, a heuristic solution method is developed to be able to use the required amount of data in the optimization model.

In summary, the “m² – Control of Containers” project seeks to develop an optimized control concept for the disposition of the multifunctional equipment of the m² freight car.