Electrical integration and interface management

Abstract

Electrical System Integration and Interface Management is an integral part of the overall system design of a railway, and is required to be assessed throughout the project life cycle, from concept design through to operation and maintenance. There are, however, no text books to instruct Railway Authorities on the principles of system design or how to integrate an electrified railway. Each railway is a `one off' design that demands the knowledge, application, innovation and skills which are embedded within railway authorities and the design houses. Multi-disciplined electrification projects therefore require experienced and knowledgeable engineers to ensure that designed systems are compatible. Compatibility problems in railway projects invariably occur at `system interfaces'; Rail Project Directors who are unfamiliar with EMC/ESC can be blissfully unaware of potential disasters that can befall them. The result of meeting ESC (Electrical Systems Compatibility) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements will help to ensure reliable, safe operation of equipment without degrading the performance of any other system installed on the Rail infrastructure, and on adjacent railways, commercial and domestic premises.