Modeling of a Power Supply System for Assessing the Impact of Reinforcement Measures on Power Quality

Abstract

Currently, considerable attention is being paid to electric power quality at consumer connection points. In AC-electrified railway traction power supply systems, these points correspond to the nodes where traction substations are connected to the external power supply network. Operational experience shows that the operation of heavy-haul trains with masses of up to 14,200 tons on railway sections with challenging track profiles results in a significant deterioration of power quality indicators. Several studies have demonstrated that certain reinforcement measures can positively affect power quality. To obtain a more accurate assessment, a computer model of the power supply system of the investigated railway section was developed, incorporating such reinforcement measures. The results of computer simulations and field measurements made it possible to identify the most effective combination of reinforcement measures, the implementation of which significantly improves power quality in the transmission line supplying the traction substations. The proposed technical solution ensures the required capacity of the traction power supply system while simultaneously reducing voltage unbalance at the points where traction substations are connected to the supply network.