Comparison of regenerative braking energy recovery of a DC third rail system under various operating conditions

Abstract

Conducting simulations prior to real-world testing is essential for the planning and development of rail systems. However, accurately representing the train trajectory characteristics resulting from the railway power system and the dynamic load changes based on the train position can be challenging. The power exchange between trains and the fluctuating rail resistance between them add to the computational complexity. Given these challenges, the aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive model of DC third rail systems based on the operational requirements and parameters of the MRT Line 2 Malaysia. Moreover, the simulation method should be adaptable to investigate potential energy savings through regenerative braking systems, thereby maximizing the energy efficiency of electric railways. This study outlines the development of a framework that models the power flow within an electric rail network using a specific case study example. A simulation is presented with 15 trains operating on a double rail track to validate the model for multiple train operations. Notably, the simulation methodology developed in this research is unique compared to other approaches found in relevant literature. It integrates both the power system and train trajectory, incorporating actual system information from a practical DC third rail system to generate precise trajectory outcomes. The results show that implementing a regenerative braking energy recovery system in all traction power substations (TPSSs) has the potential to achieve significant electrical energy savings of up to 55.75% for the entire system.