Increasing the Performance of Electric Traction in the Long Term on the Next-Generation Technological Horizon

Abstract

Increasing the performance of electric traction of rail transport is a long-term priority. At present, the reserves for increasing the block speed of freight trains only by reducing downtimes at technical stations have been exhausted. An increase in speed will bring a synergistic effect in production activities. The 8-year long-term development program of the Russian Railways holding company (2018–2025) considers the premises of mutually advantageous cooperation of the railway industry and transport engineering and industrial enterprises ready to work for the long term. The implementation of this program should be based on next-generation industrial technologies. This article considers cutting-edge technologies, including competitive high-performance high-voltage direct current traction power supply systems and universal traction rolling stock with increased quality of outfeed from all kinds of electric traction networks by current type and voltage level.