Electric Rail Network Fundamentals

Electric railways date back to the 1840s. The original relatively low voltage Direct Current (DC) systems are still in use throughout the world. Alternating Current (AC) systems with comparatively higher voltages have become prevalent in more recent times. Although it is over 170 years old, railway electrification technology is still very relevant with massive developments throughout the world including Australasia.

Due to their inherent nature, traction networks are in many ways unlike any other electric networks. Firstly, they are single phase, causing unbalanced load conditions, and with significant load variations over time, and with network topologies resulting in peculiar current distributions during normal power flows and short circuits. Secondly, power converters, which are a major component of AC locomotives, are typically a source of harmonics. Finally, even though it is a “mature” technology, it is still going through major innovations.

This presentation delivers an understanding of

• Different electric railway systems and their topologies
• AC Traction power systems in use today
• AC Traction power quality issues.

Speakers

Igor Perin received his M Sc from the University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1995, and his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia in 2020. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland since 2004.

Between 1995 and 2000 he was with Energoprojekt, Belgrade, Serbia, working on Transmission and Distribution Substation projects in Nigeria and Botswana. From 2001 to 2002, he worked for UGL, Sydney, on Water treatment plant electrical networks, DC railways and Transmission Substation upgrades. Between 2002 and 2006 he was with Powerlink Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia, working in Transmission Protection and Automation. From 2006 to 2008 he was with WorleyParsons, Brisbane, working in oil and gas and on QLD and NSW Distribution Network upgrades. Between 2008 and 2019 he was with Queensland Rail and Aurizon, Brisbane, working on major Traction Power Network upgrade programs within the Queensland passenger and heavy haul railway networks. Between 2019 and 2022, Igor was with Arcadis in Brisbane as Technical Director, working in the rail, renewables, transmission and distribution, and oil and gas sectors. Since 2023, Igor has been with Incite Energy, as Technical Director, leading the Australian east coast engineering effort.

In 2020, Igor has completed his PhD in the field of Traction Power Network analysis. He has conducted significant research and has published numerous papers in the areas of Protection, FACTS and large-scale Battery systems for Traction Power Networks. As a member of IEEE, Igor has reviewed numerous IEEE conference and journal papers in the Traction Power field.

He has delivered numerous training courses in Traction Power for Arcadis, Aurizon, Queensland Rail and Sydney Rail engineers and field technicians.