Integration of Renewable Energy Sources into the DC Traction Power Supply System

The growing importance of integrating renewable energy sources (RESs) into mainline railway traction networks stems from the sector’s substantial electricity demand, which is traditionally met by carbon-intensive thermal generation. This paper addresses the potential of wind power to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in rail transport. It details the development of digital models for simulating DC traction power systems (TPSs) coupled with RESs, specifically wind turbines. Given the complexity of TPSs, effective integration requires digital modeling that accounts for their unique properties. The proposed methodology, based on phase coordinate algorithms, offers a universal and comprehensive framework. It enables the identification of various operational modes (normal, emergency, and special) for diverse network components, including traction networks, transmission lines, and transformers. These models were used to simulate real-world train operations, generating data on electrical parameter dynamics and transformer thermal conditions. The results confirm that wind integration can improve energy efficiency, validating the methodology’s practical applicability for RES projects in DC traction networks, including advanced high-voltage systems.