Power electronics improving 3-Wire DC railways electrification

Urban DC railway substations are growing in size due increasing capacity demand. Several challenges associated with the increase of power demand can be met using power electronics. The proposed system is based on DC-autotransformers and active rectifiers working similarly to those in 3-wire AC railway electrification system. Conventional simulation software (Idom-REPS-DC) has been adapted to the system. A real subway line and the same line with the proposed 3-Wire DC working in the same conditions are simulated. The global performance of the system and the preliminary sizing of the converters involved are evaluated.