Booster Transformers Energy Performance Assessment in the Traction Power Supply System of Railway Transport

Fluctuations in the voltage level in the contact network lead to an increase in electricity losses for train traction, and, as a consequence, to an increase in the cost of the transportation process. Therefore, the task of developing methods and means of automatic control and regulation of the voltage level in the contact network is relevant. The state-of-the-art way to control the voltage level in the AC traction power supply system contact network is currently considered to be the introduction of adjustable reactive power compensation devices SVG (static var generator) and electricity storage devices at traction substations and sectioning posts. These systems make it possible not only to reduce electricity losses, but also to increase the throughput of electrified sections of railways. However, their implementation is associated with significant capital costs. The article, as an alternative to SGVs and storage devices, considers the possibility of using booster transformers to increase the voltage level on the buses of traction substations. A comparison of booster transformer circuits with a valve voltage regulator and a pulse-width control system is made. Simulation models of a traction substation and a section of a traction power supply system, including booster transformers and SGVs, developed in the SimInTech software package are presented. Based on the results of simulation modeling, it was found that the optimal solution in terms of ensuring the throughput of a railway section, equalizing the voltage level in the contact network and reducing electricity losses for train traction is considered the combined use of a low-power SGV device at the sectioning post and the traction substation booster transformer.