Effects of grounding schemes on rail potential and stray currents in Taipei Rail Transit Systems

The effects of different grounding schemes, including ungrounded, solidly grounded, and diode-grounded, on rail potential and stray currents in Taipei Rail Transit Systems are presented. The running rails are used as the return conductor for traction currents, the advantage being that no dedicated return conductor is required while the disadvantages are rail potential and stray current problems. Thus, the analysis of grounding schemes is important and necessary. Sample simulation results for the Tamshui line between Chuwei and Kuaiitu stations are presented.