Speed Tracking Control of High-Speed Train Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Adaptive Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper uses the metaheuristic algorithm PSO integrated with Adaptive Linear Active Disturbance  Rejection Control in order to control the speed tracking of high-speed trains. The paper is well written and well organized. The paper is suitable for publication in the Applied Sciences Journal. However, some points should be taken into consideration before acceptance::

1-The paragraphs representing the contribution of the paper should be a little shorter to highlight more the main contribution of the research.

 2-  I have suggested to the authors, if possible, to examine other metaheuristic algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (most popular one) and, on the other hand, examine a novel metaheuristic algorithm (for example, Grey Wolf Optimizer).

3- Figures 7 and 8 did not appear in the text. Please add an explanation for this figure and explain the very small differences shown in this figure between the IPSO-LADRC and IPSO-ALADRC.

4- The conclusions should contain a qualitative comparison between the presented methods.

5- Long sentences should be revised.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

In the article under review, the authors propose a new method to solve the high-speed train speed tracking control problem. In order to higher control accuracy and faster response speed, as well as more strong anti-disturbance performance, the authors proposed a control scheme that combines improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) and adaptive linear active disturbance rejection control (ALADRC).

In the Introduction and the literature review, the prerequisites for conducting research are considered in sufficient volume, and the purpose of the work is formulated. In the main parts of the paper, a mathematical description of a high-speed train as a control object is given. The design of the high-speed train speed control system proposed by the authors is described in detail. The results of mathematical modeling obtained in MATLAB software are presented.

In general, this is an interesting work, the results of which may be useful to specialists in the field of vehicle control systems.

During the review, I drew attention to the following shortcomings and I would like to formulate several recommendations:

1. The paper considers the case when the train consists of four carriages and the first and fourth carriages have traction units. Are the results of studies conducted by the authors of a different train layout (with a large number of carriages and with a large number of carriages with traction units) applicable?
2. The authors do not present the results of any experimental verification of their studies. It is not clear what the confidence in the adequacy of the obtained results of theoretical studies is based on.
3. In the paper, only the ideal train speed curve is considered in the simulation. I think it would be useful to also consider emergency braking modes and other possible non-ideal (emergency) modes.

I congratulate the authors on a job well done and recommend the paper for acceptance after minor revision.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Some comments and suggestions are given here:

1- The existing drawbacks and missing links need to be clearly highlighted in bullet points.

2- What is the limitation of the proposed approach in practical applications?

3- Improve the quality of the figures.

4- Interpretation of results needs to be improved.

5- How to handle the problem of premature convergence in the  optimization algorithm?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

The authors have improved the article according to the recommendations. The article can be accepted for publication.