High-Speed Train Tunnel Navigation Method Based on Integrated MIMU/ODO/MC Navigation

When a high-speed train is running in a tunnel, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal is completely lost. Relying only on the inertial navigation system (INS) composed of Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices leads to large navigation errors. To solve this problem, an integrated micro inertial measurement unit (MIMU), odometer (ODO), and motion constraint (MC) tunnel navigation method is proposed. This method first establishes a motion constraint model based on the installation angles of MIMU; secondly, the effect of turning on the motion constraint model and the odometer is analyzed and the use condition of the motion constraints is obtained; the installation angles of MIMU are then estimated when GNSS signal is good and the use condition of the motion constraints is met; finally, the forward speed measured by the odometer and the motion constraints are applied to suppress the error of the INS and improve the navigation accuracy in the tunnel. Based on this method, high-speed train navigation tests were carried out both in areal tunnel environment and in a case study with an artificially disconnected GNSS signal. The experimental results showed that the navigation accuracy of the train in the tunnel was significantly improved. Seamless navigation was achieved inside and outside the tunnel, which verified the effectiveness of the method.

Automated summary

A tunnel navigation method integrating micro inertial measurement unit, odometer, and motion constraint was proposed in this study to improve navigation accuracy for high-speed trains. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the method in significantly enhancing navigation accuracy inside tunnels and achieving seamless navigation.