As energy distribution systems evolve from a traditional hierarchical load structure towards distributed smart grids, flexibility is increasingly investigated as both a key measure and core challenge of grid balancing. This paper contributes to the theoretical framework for quantifying network flexibility potential by introducing a machine learning based node characterization. In particular, artificial neural networks are considered for classification of historic demand data from several network substations. Performance of the resulting classifiers is evaluated with respect to clustering analysis and parameter space of the models considered, while the bootstrapping based statistical evaluation is reported in terms of mean confusion matrices. The resulting meta-models of individual nodes can be further utilized on a network level to mitigate the difficulties associated with identifying, implementing and actuating many small sources of energy flexibility, compared to the few large ones traditionally acknowledged.

This paper aims to analyse possibilities of train type identification in railway switches and crossings (S&C) based on accelerometer data by using contemporary machine learning methods such as neural networks. That is a unique approach since trains have been only identified in a straight track. Accelerometer sensors placed around the S&C structure were the source of input data for subsequent models. Data from four S&C at different locations were considered and various neural network architectures evaluated. The research indicated the feasibility to identify trains in S&C using neural networks from accelerometer data. Models trained at one location are generally transferable to another location despite differences in geometrical parameters, substructure, and direction of passing trains. Other challenges include small dataset and speed variation of the trains that must be considered for accurate identification. Results are obtained using statistical bootstrapping and are presented in a form of confusion matrices.

The presented paper concerns the development of condition monitoring system for railroad switches and crossings that utilizes vibration data. Successful utilization of such system requires a robust and efficient train type identification. Given the complex and unique dynamical response of any vehicle track interaction, the machine learning was chosen as a suitable tool. For design and validation of the system, real on-site acceleration data were used. The resulting theoretical and practical challenges are discussed.

Machine learning methods and agent-based models enable the optimization of the operation of high-capacity facilities. In this paper, we propose a method for automatically extracting and cleaning pedestrian traffic detector data for subsequent calibration of the ingress pedestrian model. The data was obtained from the waiting room traffic of a vaccination center. Walking speed distribution, the number of stops, the distribution of waiting times, and the locations of waiting points were extracted. Of the 9 machine learning algorithms, the random forest model achieved the highest accuracy in classifying valid data and noise. The proposed microscopic calibration allows for more accurate capacity assessment testing, procedural changes testing, and geometric modifications testing in parts of the facility adjacent to the calibrated parts. The results show that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance on a violent-flows dataset. The proposed method has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of input model predictions and optimize the operation of high-capacity facilities.