Modeling the operating conditions of traction power supply systems incorporating renewable energy sources

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research aimed at developing digital models for determining the operating parameters of railway power supply systems equipped with distributed generation plants based on renewable energy sources (RES). RES can be used in railway transport to increase the reliability of power supply to facilities located in areas with insufficiently developed power grid. First of all, this applies to consumers of the first category, whose power failure can lead to significant damage, accidents, and a threat to human life. RES can serve as a basis for independent power sources for consumers of a special group and provide an increase in the efficiency of energy conversion. Furthermore, large-scale implementation of renewable energy sources can significantly reduce energy supply costs and improve the quality of electricity. The study employs a technique of modeling in phase coordinates, which is characterized by the following features: systems approach, which implies determining operating conditions considering the properties and characteristics of complex traction and supply networks; versatility, which provides modeling of power supply systems of various structures and designs; comprehensiveness, which involves calculating normal, emergency, and special operating parameters, which is crucial for the scenarios such as ice melting on catenary wires. The modeling results achieved using the Fazonord software show that the RES-based distributed generation plants provide a variety of beneficial effects: reduction in electricity consumption from power system networks; decrease in the unbalance and harmonic distortion on the busbars of regional windings of traction substations, and stabilization of voltage levels on current collectors of electric locomotives.