Investigation of resonance phenomena in high speed railway supply systems: Theoretical and experimental analysis

The new Italian high-speed railway lines are characterized by a 2 × 25 kV–50 Hz electrification system that includes different harmonics sources. One of these can be identified in converters included in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the supplying of some essential ancillary services located in Fixed Peripheral Points (FPP) and connected to the traction line by means of MV/LV transformers. They bring harmonics in power systems, that can be amplified by resonance phenomena. Other harmonics sources can be identified in drives and auxiliary converters installed onboard the trains. A measurement survey has been performed on one of the new Italian high speed railway lines, pointing out the presence of possible harmonic resonance phenomena. An EMTP-ATP power systems detailed model, already applied for preliminary studies in planning stage, has been used for verifying the existence of pre-defined operational power system assets that involve in harmonics amplification due to resonance phenomena.

► We modeled an entire high speed Italian railway line. ► Resonance phenomena are deeply analyzed. ► Harmonic distortion due to the train absorption has been investigated.