Analysis of rectification techniques and autonomous hybrid power plants potential for railway power supply systems

The paper considers optimization approaches for AC and DC traction supply systems. The recent developments in the area of traction supply systems operation optimization mean the application of modern energy storage systems, renewable energy sources, and AI-based control systems considering traction system operation features. The authors provide a traction substation layout with an autonomous hybrid power plant and its components. The main requirements for the control system of an autonomous hybrid power plant are formulated. The operational areas and modes of the proposed system are investigated: voltage stabilization, external power supply volume decreasing, voltage quality improving. The modernization methods for AC and DC side of the power system is analyzed for improvement of the power supply. Also, the paper deals with developing a multi-pulse rectifier for DC traction systems. The key features of the rectifier and its performance vs pulse number are analyzed. The influence of different rectifier structures on voltage quality and the harmonic spectrum was examined. The optimal rectifier layout for DC traction systems is proposed and experimentally verified with a physical model. The theoretical data on the proposed solution is verified with the physical model.