Selection of electricity storage devices for mobile DC traction substations

Abstract

The aim of the study is to review the sources covering the problems of accumulating electricity on the railways and to find new solutions to reduce the use of electricity in traction power supply system. The article analyses some existing types of electric energy storage devices (capacitive, inertial, superconducting inductive, electrochemical, fuel cells and pumped storage power plants), their common installation locations, advantages, and disadvantages. The possibility of using them in railway traction power supply systems, in particular in mobile traction substations, is also assessed. In addition, the article lists the parameters on the basis of which the optimum type of storage device can be selected for the given conditions. The study concludes that the use of some types of energy storage devices in mobile traction substations is acceptable when regenerative braking can be used at the site, and this method of energy saving can be recommended in the engineering of new or reconstruction of existing traction substations. It has been found that capacitive and inertial (flywheel) electrical energy storage units are the most suitable in terms of parameters for installation of traction power supply systems.