A Survey of Western European AC Electrified Railway Supply Substation and Catenary System Techniques and Standards

Abstract

British and Western European experience, design standards, and techniques associated with electrified railway power supply facilities are outlined. Aspects surveyed include utility supply to commercial frequency railway loads, substation design standards, catenary system design and maintenance, telecommunication and radio interference experience and suppression techniques, costs, and construction time. This survey outlines information obtained during 1967 visits with state railway, power system, and manufacturing company engineers in Great Britain, France, Germany, and Sweden. The survey confines itself to experiences and data which are believed applicable to commercial frequency (60-Hz) 25-kV electrification. A substantial part of the European railway catenary system and railway substation technology and experience outlined in the survey appears applicable to future American railway electrifications.