Availability of Railway Frequency Converter to Provide Ancillary Services

Abstract

This article deals with the utilization of traction inverters for providing non -frequency ancillary services. A key element is the active front-end (AFE), which enables bidirectional power flow and the control of both active and reactive power, thereby contributing to grid voltage quality regulation, the elimination of harmonic distortion, and ensuring symmetrical grid loading. To determine the availability of re active power, a simulation model was created using the PSCAD environment, which includes the power grid, transformer equipment, and the inverter itself. The model uses real-time data on line loading based on actual train operation schedules and considers operational constraints such as voltage and current limits. For different levels of line loading (low, medium, and high), the availability of inductive and capacitive reactive power was analyzed.