Limitations of Calculation Models for Electricity Consumption and Traction Power for Trains Within the KORTES Software Package

At present, there is a plethora of software packages available for the execution of a variety of tasks in the domain of railway power supply. The accurate and precise accounting of electricity and power is of paramount importance when planning the design of new roads or the reconstruction of old ones. This paper aims to identify the challenges associated with calculating electricity consumption and traction power for trains within the KORTES software package, with a view to facilitating further research and solution findings. Methods: This study employs a modelling approach to simulate train movement and the functionality of the traction power system using the KORTES software package. This involves analyzing the data obtained and comparing the results with calculations derived from a more sophisticated mathematical model built in the MATLAB-Simulink package. Results: This study has identified the principal challenges associated with calculating the power supply consumption and traction power in trains. A notable deficiency has been identified, namely the oversight of consideration of the voltage at the current collector. Through simulation conducted using the KORTES software package for electricity and traction calculations with varying initial parameters, inconsistencies in the mathematical models of the software package under investigation have been uncovered. The paper also introduces potential solutions for addressing the issues stated above. Practical significance: The findings of this study are of significance for future research in the domain of traction power supply system calculations, enhancing mathematical models to boost the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of designed solutions, as well as paving the way for new research ideas facilitated by accurate calculation and simulation tools.