Optimizing Regenerative Braking Energy with Bidirectional Active Traction Substations: Multitrain Simulation and Transient Modeling

This paper focuses on the implementation of bidirectional railway substations with interleaved PWM rectifiers to optimize regenerative braking energy. Introducing innovative technology to replace traditional diode-based traction power substation requires extensive preliminary studies, detailed modeling, and real-data-based simulations. However, modeling electrical railway networks with multiple trains in motion presents significant challenges due to the complex nature of power flow solutions and the dynamic characteristics of the system. The continuous variation in train positions, speeds, and accelerations introduces a nonlinear aspect. Historically, research has tackled train movement simulation, steady-state modeling, and transient-state modeling as isolated tasks. Moreover, the train models used as loads have typically been oversimplified. In this regard, a new approach for multi-train simulation and low-level analysis is proposed which can be used as a validated model for completing a digital twin of system. The proposed method offers several advantages, including precise sizing and design of the system and its associated equipment, comprehensive power quality and transient analysis, and features aimed at cost minimization.