The use of recuperation energy for heating railroad switches from a DC contact network with a voltage of 3 kV

Purpose: to create a system for the use of energy recovery on sections of railways electrified with direct current with a voltage of 3 kV. The proposed system should make it possible to use the energy of regenerative braking generated by an electric locomotive or a DC electric train for heating switches during regenerative braking and insufficient power of traction consumers or their absence in the traction network. Methods: analysis of statistical data on the modes of operation of electric rolling stock and traction network, execution of train schedules, analysis and synthesis of circuit solutions, study of domestic and foreign experience in the utilization of energy recovery in railway transport. Results: the principle of using energy recovery, which cannot be used due to the low load in the contact network, for heating switches, increasing the energy efficiency of transportation on electrified rail transport, is proposed. Practical significance: the possibility of using electric energy recovery of electric rolling stock for heating switches in winter is shown, if it is impossible to consume it by other electric locomotives and electric trains. This system can be used in areas electrified with direct current with freight and passenger traffic, which operates electric rolling stock (EPS) with regenerative and regenerative-rheostatic braking.