Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
(OP)
Dear Sirs,
I am trying to build a model of a DC Traction Power System, composed of 10 Traction Substations (TSS) feeding a third rail, also known as conductor rail, system (750 V DC).
The main objective is to build a representative model that will confirm the points where the max/min di/dt gradients appear for the DC Breakers protection settings.
A more detailed model will be developed at a later stage.
My main problem is finding tabulated values or a relatively simple way of calculating the impedances of the conductor rail and the running rails (which form part of the return circuit).
Could you please direct me through some relevant sources as what I have found so far is quite complex for the application needed at the moment (needs time to implement).
Third/Conductor Rail System
Thank you in advance!
George P.
I am trying to build a model of a DC Traction Power System, composed of 10 Traction Substations (TSS) feeding a third rail, also known as conductor rail, system (750 V DC).
The main objective is to build a representative model that will confirm the points where the max/min di/dt gradients appear for the DC Breakers protection settings.
A more detailed model will be developed at a later stage.
My main problem is finding tabulated values or a relatively simple way of calculating the impedances of the conductor rail and the running rails (which form part of the return circuit).
Could you please direct me through some relevant sources as what I have found so far is quite complex for the application needed at the moment (needs time to implement).
Third/Conductor Rail System
Thank you in advance!
George P.
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RE: Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
If I recall from some what I was told, that 30% or less of the current travels through the steel of the rails, while the rest travels through the earth, or copper neutral. Don't quote me on that, as it has been years since I heard that.
Might also reach out to the light rail engineers in either Denver, or Sacramento. Also there are several other around the US.
RE: Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
Unfortunately it is not easy for me to communicate with your above references as I live and work in Europe!
The system I am talking about does not have a catenary feeding line nor a copper neutral (you can click on the link to see a layout of the system) but any info/reference on the calculation of DC Traction system impedances is welcomed!!
RE: Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
I do know that there is generally a copper runner that attaches to the rail from time to time.
That said, I am in the USA, so things maybe different here.
Maybe not so different though, as many DC tractions systems here operate at 600V DC, but I do know that Denver light rail operates at 800V DC (an article that was posted on the SELINC web site had a paper on the signaling).
RE: Short circuit analysis of DC Traction Power System - Running rails and Conductor/3rd Rail impedances
There are some recent papers published on this subject at IEEE.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/338437
and on some research publication sites
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288773712...
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Determinatio...
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Railroad-tra...
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3155240_R...
This looks like a rather specialized field.
The attachment is interesting as it provides a method for doing what you are looking for.
Your mileage may vary.