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Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd Static Frequency Converters STATIC FREQUENCY CONVERTERS – A FLEXIBLE AND COST EFFICIENT METHOD TO SUPPLY SINGLE PHASE RAILWAY GRIDS IN AUSTRALIA Chuanhong Zhao, Senior Engineer, ABB Switzerland Ltd Cosmin Banceanu, MSc. Power System Engineer, Control SW Engineer, ABB Switzerland Ltd Thomas Schaad, Senior Engineer, Product Manager for Rail Converters, ABB Switzerland Ltd Philippe Maibach, Senior Principal Engineer, ABB Switzerland Ltd Steve Aubert, Electrical Engineer, Product Manager for Hydro Converters, ABB Switzerland Ltd Summary This paper presents the results of a study showing the potential benefits of installing static frequency converter systems instead of the more traditional single phase transformer solution for 25 kV 50Hz traction power supply. The static frequency converter (SFC) solution is already well established for railway systems with lower frequencies like 16.7 Hz and 25 Hz. A detailed analysis will emphasize the technical setup possibilities and benefits of this solution compared with the conventional transformer supply solution for 50 Hz substations. Although the power supply by means of single phase transformers connected to the threephase domestic grid seems to be obvious and simple at a first glance, several disadvantages (e.g., unbalanced loading of the three-phase grid, harmonic current injection from the railway into the feeding grid and the need for neutral sections in the catenary system) can be eliminated by using SFC. Results will show that a traction power supply concept based on SFC solution reduces installation, operation and maintenance costs, while increasing system efficiency and reliability in addition to generating extra revenue in the form of reactive power compensation on the public grid. The paper will also introduce the reference project, Wulkuraka, one of the new static frequency converter feeder stations of Queensland Rail near Brisbane. INTRODUCTION Traction substations for the 25 kV 50 Hz railway power supply are traditionally based on single phase transformers connected across pairs of phases of the three-phase public grid, usually at very high voltage. Nowadays, this concept can be very efficiently replaced by a solution using power electronics static frequency converter systems. established transformer approach as observed in several simulations. Chapter 3 will introduce the Queensland Rail Wulkuraka reference project. In addition to describing the 20 MW static frequency converter system, the simulation results of several operational and fault behaviours demonstrated by the ABB real time hardware simulator will be discussed. In the first section, a history of railway electrification development will be given along with an overview of solutions present in Europe. Chapter 2 will provide an overview of the SFC solution, showing its functional capabilities as well as its operational and commercial benefits. Results from an ABB-driven comparative case study will also be presented contrasting the benefits of this solution versus the more AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd Static Frequency Converters Notations 1. AC Alternating Current 1.1 DC Direct Current kV Kilovolt km Kilometre MW Megawatt MVA Megavolt ampere Engineers first started experimenting with electrified railway vehicles in the middle of the 19th century. These initial attempts were based on battery powered DC supplies. For practical reasons, the supply voltage level was quite low making the rated power of the vehicles correspondingly moderate. With the advent of increasing power requirements, two main different development routes were chosen: Hz Hertz p.u. Per unit (scaling of any present measurement from SI units to per unit) SFC Static frequency converter – semiconductor-based system that can interconnect two electrical networks STATCOM Static synchronous compensator – semiconductor-based system that can supply high dynamic reactive power towards a grid and stabilize voltage and improve power quality at the connection point RPC Railway static power conditioner – semiconductor-based system mitigating any unbalance on a three-phase public grid caused by rail feeder stations transferring active power from one secondary winding to another traction transformer and compensating reactive power 3ph Three-phase system – designation used to refer to the supplying public grid side of a SFC 1ph Single-phase system – designation used to refer to the catenary side of a SFC AT Auto transformer – simple three-tap transformer used to create a negative feeder along a catenary system BT Booster transformer – transformer arranged along the catenary to provide EMC immunisation SINGLE-PHASE RAILWAY GRIDS History Of Railway Electrification 1) Higher DC voltage supply 2) AC voltage supply Specifically, in the early 20th century, railway system designers started using low-frequency AC voltage to supply their railway lines. There were two key reasons for choosing 16.7 Hz in central Europe and Scandinavia and 25 Hz in the USA. On the one hand there was possibility of re-using the DC motor concept to develop AC universal motors. And, on another hand, it was likely to allow the more efficient electric transmission over long distances by adapting voltages to higher levels by means of transformers. Drawbacks, however, of lowfrequency AC systems were bigger and bulkier parts (e.g. magnetic components and protection systems) specifically designed for this application. Once the low-frequency AC supply grid was established in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway (all 16.7 Hz) and the USA (25 Hz), it became the standard approach and all subsequent infrastructure and vehicles were adapted to this concept. Countries which started their railway electrification after that point were able to benefit from later technological advancements achieved with respect to electrical traction conversion on rolling stocks. Consequently they introduced the same frequency of 50 Hz for the single-phase railway system to be used in supplying the three-phase public grid. A higher voltage of 25 kV was chosen in order to reduce transmission losses and minimize overhead lines sections. Disadvantages to this solution were mainly load unbalance and interference on the three-phase feeding public grid as well as the need for neutral sections to separate the phase shifted supplied sections. The solution will be described more in details in the next sections. AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd 1.2 Electrical Catenary Concepts Railway overhead lines for AC supply distribute electricity from the feeder substations to the trains. In general there are three catenary concepts [1]: 1) The single-phase catenary concept where the feeder station’s transformer secondary side is directly connected to the contact line and the rail at each substation. 2) An improvement of the single-phase catenary concept is the implementation of booster transformers (BT). The primary side of the BT is connected in the contact line. The secondary side of the BT is connected to the rail section, collecting the return current from the rails and the earth to the return conductor. Booster transformers are used to eliminate the stray currents and the disturbances, obliging the return current to flow to the return conductor. 3) In the two-phase catenary concept, autotransformers (AT) are used such that the AT winding is connected between the contact line and the negative feeder with the rail being tied to the intermediate point. The single-phase catenary concept is the least capital-intensive option. The two-phase catenary concept with ATs is the most complex one with the highest investment; however, it reduces the impedance and increases feeder substation spacing. 1.3 25 kV 50 Hz AC Power Supply The 25 kV 50 Hz system was the most adopted supply system over long distances for electrified railways after the 1950s, when three-phase 50 Hz public grids were widely available for traction feeding purposes given that a technical solution for power conversion on rolling stocks material was available. Single-phase traction transformers are mainly used in feeder substations due to their simple structure and low cost [1]. A single-phase traction transformer is connected to two of the public grid’s three phases. This leads to an asymmetrical loading on the public grid, which may have a negative impact on other customers and potentially on generation facilities. One commonly used solution to mitigate this unbalance is to alter the feeding phases for each consecutive traction transformer. Thus, neutral sections between two adjacent rail sections are necessary because of the 120 degree phase angle difference between the terminal voltages of the two adjacent rail Static Frequency Converters sections [2]. Automatic switches and associated controllers are required to cut off power when electric vehicles pass these neutral sections. However, public grids still suffer from singlephase loads at the connection points between public and railway grids. Therefore, transformer substations are usually connected to the highvoltage grid, typically 110 to 400 kV, showing a very high short circuit capacity, in order to mitigate the impact of the load unbalance and the harmonics distortion from the railway grid into the public grid. Relatively high transformer impedance is used to limit the grid fault current levels being transferred to the railway grid, which negatively influences voltage performance vs load. 1.4 Alternative Supply Concepts As alternative way to mitigate the load unbalance and the harmonic impact on the public grid, is to install power electronic equipment. STATCOMs are used as load balancers [3]. The STATCOM is coupled to the public grid via a component with an inductive impedance. Essentially, the STATCOM is a fully controllable voltage source, with full independence between the three phases. By matching the public grid frequency and appropriately controlling the amplitude and phase angle of its output voltage, the STATCOM can compensate the negativephase sequence current components in the current drawn from the public grid and thereby fulfil the public grid owners’ requirements regarding phase unbalance. Moreover, it helps meet requirements regarding voltage fluctuations and harmonic distortions. However, the fact that most STATCOMs are coupled to the public grid (which can be as high as 110 kV, 220 kV, or even 400 kV) can lead to a high voltage rating requirement on the coupling transformer. In the recent years, RPCs with balanced transformers have been used to compensate negative-phase sequence currents for electrified traction power supply systems [4]-[6]. The RPC is essentially a single phase back-toback power electronics converter including a dc-link. The RPC is connected between two secondary windings of balanced transformer (Figure 1). Only one half of the active current difference of two secondary windings needs to be transferred from one winding to the other in order to have balanced currents on both secondary windings, resulting in balanced AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd Static Frequency Converters currents and zero negative-phase sequence current on the primary (public grid) side. Power flow Public grid Feeder substation, including traction transformers and switching circuits RPC HRPC Railway power conditioner Railway grid, including contact line, neutral sections and maybe return conductor Figure 1. Simplified representation of RPC The approach with RPCs can be extended to a general case, without the use of a balanced transformer. The RPC can not only supply active power from one secondary winding to another one of a traction transformer, but also it can compensate for reactive power and mitigate harmonics. The extension theory and possible implementation is discussed in [7], where a RPC with Δ/Y transformers is explained as an example. Special attention has been paid to the RPC with a three-phase V/V traction transformer [8], which is widely used in highspeed train railway traction systems. 1.5 Field Experience Of SFC For 16.7 Hz Countries using 16.7 Hz railway supply feed their railway network either by means of owned single-phase generation units, or frequency converter stations using three-phase AC from the public grid for the supply of the railway network at 16.7 Hz and single phase (see Figure 2). Originally, the conversion equipment was realized with rotary converter systems. Those consisted of motor-generator systems with a three-phase synchronous motor mechanically coupled with an asynchronous single phase generator for 16.7 Hz power supply. Several such systems are still in operation. Nowadays, frequency converters based on power electronics have replaced rotary converters. Reduced capital investment cost, streamlined operational expenses, improved availability and higher efficiency are key properties in favour of power electronic SFC. ABB can draw on more than 20 years’ SFC systems experience and an installed base of more than 1800 MW converter power in operation for 16.7 Hz railway supply (see [9]). Figure 2. Block diagram of traction power supply with static frequency converters Basically, a frequency converter can be thought of as two separated voltage sources: one on the public grid side (grid side converter) and another on the railway side (railway side converter). Both are electrically connected together by the DC-link. The main characteristic of such a frequency converter is that both sides are electrically decoupled by means of the DClink. The active power cannot be stored and has to be continuously and fully transferred through the converter. Active power control can be achieved by controlling the converter active current flow. Additionally, each side of the converter can independently control the voltage, reactive power, and frequency. This is represented schematically in Figure 3. Figure 3. Principle diagram of a frequency converter and its control possibilities (transformers omitted) 2. 2.1 WHY USE SFC IN AUSTRALIA? Technical Benefits The 50 Hz railway traction power supply system with SFCs, as illustrated in Figure 2, is gaining more and more attention [10]-[12]. Many new features are being introduced by using SFCs in feeder substations to interconnect the three- AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd phase public grid and the same frequency single-phase railway grid, even though SFCs often require a higher capital cost than traditional connections: SFCs are designed to draw symmetrical loads from the public grid, i.e. no separated load balancer system is needed. Hence, a connection to a lower voltage node in the public grid with lower short-circuit capability can be realized. SFC can also freely control voltages, angles and frequencies on both public and railway grid sides. Hence, the overhead line can be synchronized over a long distance. Adjacent railway sections can be connected together and neutral sections can be theoretically eliminated. A meshed grid concept with higher efficiency and lower maintenance can be achieved. In addition, the SFC will control the traction voltage to a higher level, independent of the public grid thereby increasing the efficiency of circulating trains. Long railway tracks (without neutral sections) and the SFC active power control permit the improved use of regenerative energy. Active power consumption will decrease and global system efficiency will increase. In addition, reactive power control on the public grid side can be provided, offering new potential revenue sources. Static Frequency Converters tunnels and hilly ground profiles were not considered. The default setup for supplying the system was based on three feeding points along a track. The simulation considered an n-1 redundancy. Thus the middle feeder station was put out of operation and appropriated breakers/isolators were switched accordingly for continuous operation. Two kinds of substations were selected. The first one with single phase transformers (Figure 4), and the second with SFCs (Figure 5). Figure 4. Transformer-based feeder setup with n-1 redundancy The two-sided feeding system does not only reduce the peak load consumed at the individual connection points to the public grid but also it reduces the effective railway grid impedance. It can even provide some degree of redundancy. SFCs have a fixed harmonic spectrum towards the public 3ph grid. Harmonic distortions from the rolling stock are eliminated. 2.2 2.2.1 Operational Benefits Rail system simulation With simulations of a rail supply system, the differences between operation with transformers and SFCs were investigated. Rolling stock typical commuter arrangements with rated maximum power of 4.2 MW and a maximum speed of 110 km/h including regenerative braking possibility were defined. The trains were put on a reference rail system specified as a double track corridor with passenger stops every 10 km. A headway of 10 minutes was defined. Special conditions like Figure 5. SFC-based feeder setup 1x 25 kV AC with n-1 redundancy The simulation was performed for two catenary setups: 1x 25 kV AC system without AT and 2x 25 kV AC system including AT along the track. As general simulation rule, the catenary voltage was set to be kept within 22.5 kV and 27.5 kV under all circumstances. 2.2.2 Simulations results The simulations show that the distance between the feeding points increases significantly by using SFCs instead of simple transformers as illustrated in Figure 6. The possible track length rises from 90 km to 150 km for the 1x 25 kV AC system. By considering the 2x 25 kV supply AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd system, the distance can even be increased from 110 km to 230 km. 30km SFC SFC SFC SFC 50km SFC SFC 1*25kV & Transformer (90km) 1*25kV & SFC (150km) SFC SFC SFC SFC SFC 78km SFC 40km 2*25kV & Transformer (110km) 2*25kV & SFC (230km) Figure 6. Track length results Improvement here can mainly be explained by the voltage control capability of the SFC, which will supplies the catenary system at a higher voltage level, independent of the public grid voltage. It facilitates longer distances between the feeder stations. Static Frequency Converters For faults in the 3ph grid, the SFC provides very good fault ride through capabilities if the voltage drop is not below the pulse blocking limit. Especially with respect to single-phase faults it is possible to keep operations going, as long as the public grid is still able to provide the demanded power on the remaining phases. A load balancer functionality for the public grid assists in such fault cases by injecting negative sequence current. It is particularly useful that, even when the public grid fails, the SFC can act as a single phase STATCOM which controls the catenary voltage by injecting reactive power. This improves track reliability as compared to a simple transformer feeding setup. There, any voltage dips on the 3ph grid will immediately impact the 1ph grid as well potentially causing fault currents. 2.2.5 2.2.3 Regenerative braking As the study shows, the catenary system operates fully synchronized (no 120° phase shifting) over very long distances and without neutral sections. The regenerative energy gathered from braking trains continues to circulate over the whole track length and can be absorbed by other trains. In the meantime, the regenerative energy can be blocked by the converter, reducing the active power demand and the feeding transformer losses. 2.2.4 Improved fault behaviours The decoupling by means of the SFC means that the short circuit fault level is decoupled from the public grid too. Public grids often show a very high fault current level. With the SFC as the current source for the catenary system, the short circuit level is set by the SFC’s maximal current capability. Depending on the site, it can be set up to 120% of the nominal substation rated current. This allows reduced current design for the rail equipment, which results in smaller dimensioning of groundings and other equipment for fault cases. The SFC itself is able to inject short circuit current continuously which ensures proper detection of faults by the corresponding protection system. After short circuit clearance, the SFC re-establishes its normal operation conditions. This happens in a controlled manner, whereby the SFC ramps up the voltage and avoids saturation effects on transformers. As a result, the SFC provides a smooth fault ride through behaviour. Test and control functionalities A SFC is an intelligent device compared to the simple transformer. This controllable device permits enhanced control and testing functionalities. The catenary voltage can be managed depending on the active power flow. Adaptive voltage control is possible: where trains demand active power, the voltage can easily be increased or, vice versa, be lowered when facing regenerating power. Due to the line impedance, active power on the catenary lines affects the catenary voltage. The adaptive control facilitated by the SFC cancels out this effect and presets the voltage depending on the actual active power. This results improved catenary power capabilities. The SFC makes it possible for braking energy to be redirected to a dedicated feeding point. By controlling the phase angle of the catenary system using a characteristic curve deduced from rotary converters, the active power can be rejected by the SFC. Instead of accepting the active power, the SFC can adjust its phase angle to a condition where no power flows. Under these circumstances, another SFC faced with an increased load angle, will act according the set characteristic, and accept the recuperated power. An isolated section of the catenary can be used in combination with an SFC as a test track for new trains that are going to be put into service. New rolling stock can pass homologation tests and can be proofed in its low frequency stability. The behaviour of trains in fault conditions can AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd be checked. The SFC can simulate voltage dips or supply the catenary with high or low voltage levels. If a catenary section needs to be checked, the SFC can act in Line Check Mode (similar to an ordinary laboratory voltage source). The level of voltage and current can be set independently in an open loop controlled manner. This allows any voltage to be supplied to the overhead line for test purpose. In combination with an installed grounding on the track, the catenary can also be loaded with rated current for heat runs. 2.3 2.3.1 systems by considering the distance between the feeder stations. An additional benefit is a lower dimensioning factor per track kilometre when using the SFC solution, as shown in Figure 7. Commercial Benefits Public grid interaction With SFC, the power supply substation operates at a unity power factor on the 3ph grid side (cosφ = 1). No distortion or unbalance is present at the connection point. This simplifies negotiations with power suppliers since the SFC acts like a fully balanced load. A simple comparison of transformer versus SFC costs will, on the surfaces of things, show a higher price for the SFC solution. However, a truer representation of costs would be to compare total solution costs. With the distance increase between the two feeding points with SFC, as described earlier, fewer connecting points along a track will be needed. Additionally expenditure related to neutral sections can be avoided. Furthermore, SFC feeding stations can be connected to medium voltage grid; this reduces the feeding station costs on the public grid side, as these will now be designed for a lower voltage level. Such medium voltage grids are often widely spread and available in a close proximity to the railway track. Lower voltage infrastructure (e.g., 33 kV) is less expensive than high voltage infrastructure (e.g., 110 kV), and requires less space. The effort to secure an erection permit of a new medium voltage line, if needed, will be much lower than that for a high voltage line. When total overall costs are considered, the SFC solution can easily be cheaper than the transformer option. And, in some circumstances, it may prove to be the only possible solution. 2.3.2 Static Frequency Converters Reduced dimensioning The study mentioned in chapter 2.2.1 compared the power ratings at the feeding points for both Figure 7. Power demand factor per km track length for substation 2.3.3 Mitigation of catenary sections The SFC solution reduces the need for section breakers since the catenary branch is fully synchronized by the SFCs. The section breaking concept can therefore be limited to protection zones where a line, or distance protection, ensures switch off in fault conditions. 3. 3.1 REFERENCE PROJECT WULKURAKA Project Overview In Australia, Queensland’s government identified the need to upgrade and increase the existing train fleet in the southeast of the province. Part of the mandate for the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) project was that the railway network in the existing Ipswich to Rosewood rail line needed to be strengthened. This required the maintenance centre at Wulkuraka to consider what impact the additional load would have on the railway corridor performance and the constraints on the three-phase AC supply grid (see Figure 8). Queensland Rail awarded ABB the contract to deliver a turnkey solution based on a PCS6000 rail static frequency converter rated at 20 MVA. The SFC efficiently converts electricity from three-phase national grid, with a rated frequency of 50 Hz to the 50 Hz required by the single-phase 25 kV railway grid. The system was delivered in May 2015 and is expected to AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd Static Frequency Converters ~ ~ ~ ~ SPRINGFIELD (13.974 KM from Darra) ~ ~ = = = = = = = TO NGR SERVICE CENTRE T1 ABB SFC WULKURAKA 41.223KM BOOVAL 34.578KM GOODNA 23.480KM DARRA 15.926KM ~ ~ I I go into operation according to customer’s schedule until end of 2015. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Figure 9. Overview of the proposed 20 MVA PCS6000 Rail SFC for Wulkuraka CORINDA 10.44KM Figure 8. Simplified railway grid topology 3.3 3.2 Highlights Of SFC Figure 9 gives a simplified overview of the proposed solution. The three-phase grid voltage is first transformed down to the converter input voltage level and then the voltage is converted for the DC link. Two three-phase, three-level voltage source converters are used, each of which are connected to one side of the transformer secondary winding. This minimizes harmonic distortion during operations. During the tendering stage, it was expected that on the three-phase side no grid filter would be necessary to reduce the harmonic distortions even further. From the DC-link the voltage is again converted to AC, this time 50 Hz single phase before finally being transformed up to the voltage for the railway grid. Four single-phase, five-level voltage source converters are used to convert the power from DC to AC. The four converters are connected to the individual secondary windings of the railway side transformer. A dedicated AC filter for the railway grid is used to cope with the requirements of voltage and current harmonics. The filter is connected directly to the high-voltage side of the railway side transformer. For Wulkuraka a digital DSPACE® real time simulator is used to validate the dimensioning and functionality before the commissioning. The simulator is used for optimization of control behaviour and for testing the software before commissioning. Moreover, the tested software is used directly on the plant. The optimization and verification of requirements (often difficult to implement onsite), can be done easily with this type of simulator. This includes, among other things evaluating voltage dips, grid asymmetries and harmonic emissions. All this is thoroughly tested on the simulator to ensure an efficient commissioning. Customers value this simulation as it helps keep their secondary costs low and predictable. There is an excellent match between the simulator and SFC’s behaviour in the real world thereby giving significant flexibility to cope with customer requirements. Some of the tests performed for Wulkuraka are explained more in detail below. Tests were divided in two categories allocated to the 3ph or 1ph side of the SFC. 3.3.1 Coupling the two grids via a DC-link gives a very high operational flexibility. The voltage and power factor can be regulated completely independently on both sides. The SFC concept makes it possible to switch from delivering reversing active power flow instantaneously to controlling the reactive power on both sides. All these features offer a high flexibility to match control behaviour to the customer’s needs. Operational Cases Three-phase side tests Reactive power capability As highlighted above, the SFC is capable of fast reactive power control on both railway and national grid sides. For a better understanding of the SFC’s response time in terms of reactive power control, the following test was performed in the simulator: step from 0 to 0.5 p.u. inductive power (see Figure 10). Regarding the full reactive power capability of the SFC, it is worth mentioning that the following requirements were set for Wulkuraka during tendering: AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd At 121 kV, the converter should be able to deliver 16 MW into railway grid at a unity power factor At 110 kV (nominal voltage), 0.95 capacitive power factor should be possible at a 16 MW power flow into railway grid Primary currents [p.u] - 3-ph reactive power step Primary currents [p.u] 1 0.5 0 -0.5 Reactive power / current [p.u] -1 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 Time [s] 0.08 3-ph short circuit to 0.7 p.u Primary voltages [p.u] - Static Frequency Converters 0.1 1 0 -1 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.12 0.1 Time [s] 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.2 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.12 0.1 Time [s] 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.2 1 0 -1 0.12 Figure 11. Three phase voltage dip to 0.7 p.u. 1 0.5 0 qRef q iq -0.5 -1 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 Time [s] 0.08 0.1 0.12 Figure 10. Three phase reactive power step to 0.5 p.u. (inductive) When the voltage recovers on the three-phase side and the inrush is over, the firing pulses are released again. Later on the SFC starts transferring active power according to the actual set point (i.e., as it was before the dip). Primary currents [p.u] Primary voltages [p.u] 1-ph short circuit to 0.05 p.u Short Circuit The SFC copes with single, double and threephase disturbances with a fast closed loop control. Depending on the voltage dip magnitude the closed loop control reacts in different ways. If the voltage dips to maximum 0.7 p.u. (see Figure 11), the SFC doesn’t block the firing pulses to the three-phase side integrated gate-commutated thyristors (IGCTs). If the voltage drops below 0.7 p.u. (phase A to 0.05 p.u in Figure 12), the firing pulses are blocked immediately. However, on the railway side, the SFC keeps running in phase compensation mode producing reactive power. 1 0 -1 0 1 2 3 Time [s] 4 5 6 0 1 2 3 Time [s] 4 5 6 1 0 -1 Figure 12. One phase voltage dip to 0.05 p.u. If the under-voltage protection trips the threephase breaker, the SFC would change its status to STATCOM on railway side. It is worth mentioning that both short circuit tests were performed with 1 p.u. active power flow. 3.3.2 Single-phase side tests Reactive power capability Similar to the three-phase side a reactive power step was performed on the railway side. As seen in Figure 13 the reactive current component does not follow the reference. This is because the railway side control does not AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd 1-ph reactive power step 0 -1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Time [s] 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Time [s] 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0 -0.5 -1 0 1 2 4 3 5 7 6 Time [s] Reactive power / current [p.u] 1 0.5 1 0.5 0 qRef q iq -0.5 -1 0 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 Time [s] Figure 13. One phase reactive power step to 0.5 p.u. (inductive) For the single-phase side the following design points were considered for the reactive power capability during tendering: - At 27.5 kV the converter should be able to deliver 16 MW into railway grid at a 0.99 capacitive power factor - At 25 kV (nominal voltage), a 0.8 capacitive power factor should be possible at 16 MW power flow into railway grid Short Circuit A simplified version of Wulkuraka’s topology (towards Corinda Feeder Station only) is shown in Figure 8. The grid model implemented in the simulator allows ABB to do tests for a specific location in the grid. Thus, for the short-circuit test, the following conditions were considered: a voltage dip occurred in Wulkuraka and a rolling stock demanded 0.25 p.u. power in Darra. The resulting voltage (see Figure 14) was less than 0.6 p.u. and the disturbance was classified as short circuit. The SFC immediately supplied nominal reactive current (0.9 p.u. in this case) in order to support the grid protection in detecting the short circuit properly. Primary current [p.u] Primary current [p.u] 1 1-ph short circuit in Wulkuraka Primary voltage [p.u] have a current closed loop control. Moreover, the response time of the reactive power control is considerably higher in comparison with the three-phase side. Static Frequency Converters 1 0 -1 Figure 14. Short circuit to 0.25 p.u. on railway grid side As soon as the voltage recovered, the old set points for active and reactive power were activated again. For the three-phase side a short circuit on the railway side is seen as an active power step since the power flow is reduced depending on the voltage dip magnitude. If the under-voltage protection trips the single-phase breaker, the SFC goes to off mode. Island Operation As can be seen in Figure 8, the SFC in Wulkuraka runs in parallel with the Corinda transformer. If the transformer is disconnected, then the SFC will continue to work. For the normal operation mode (synchronous coupling between the two grids) there is no island grid detection. The SFC will continue to operate since it runs synchronous with the three-phase side. For a better understanding, a test was performed with rolling stock demanding power in Springfield (0.5 p.u.) and Corinda (0.2 p.u.) when the parallel transformer disconnects suddenly. As can be seen in Figure 15 the control in such situations translates into a power step on the railway side (from 0.3 p.u. to 0.7 p.u.). As soon as the parallel transformer disconnects, the entire power demand is taken by the SFC in Wulkuraka. Since the control on railway side is coupled with the three-phase side, the island grid conditions are not acknowledged (see island detection signal in Figure 15). However, island detection is possible in synchronous mode if the SFC is parameterised to reject export of power to the national grid. AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd demonstrate the immunity of the three-phase side to harmonics emissions on the railway side. 1 0 Harmonics emissions 0.08 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 Time [s] 0.25 0.4 0.35 0.3 1 Amplitude [p.u] -1 0.04 0.02 0 -1 iG 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 Time [s] 0.25 0.4 0.35 200 400 600 800 1000 Frequency [Hz] 1200 1400 0.06 island detection 0.3 1-ph primary voltage 3-ph primary voltage 0.06 0 Figure 15. Active power step due to island grid conditions Amplitude [p.u] Primary voltage [p.u] Active power step due to island grid conditions Primary current [p.u] Static Frequency Converters 0.02 0 Black-Start If the parallel transformer is disconnected, the SFC can start an island grid. Once started, further sources (in this case Corinda transformer) or loads can be connected as in a normal connected grid. In Figure 16, different steps for the black-start sequence are shown. 1-ph primary current 3-ph primary current 0.04 200 400 600 800 1000 Frequency [Hz] 1200 1400 Figure 17. Harmonics emissions on both sides DC voltages [p.u] SFC black start 1.1 1 0.9 0 2 6 4 8 Time [s] 10 16 14 12 Grid voltages [p.u] 2 1 0 -1 uG(BC) 3ph -2 23.4 23.45 23.5 23.55 Time [s] 23.6 uG 1ph 23.65 23.7 Figure 16. Black-start when Corinda transformer is disconnected First the three-phase side circuit breaker was closed and the DC link voltage controlled to 1 p.u. once the three phase side firing pulses were released. Then the circuit breaker on the railway side was closed and the voltage was ramped and synchronized with the three-phase side. As a final step, the power references was released. Harmonics Emissions For the rolling stock on the railway grid side, different harmonic profiles can be enabled in the simulator. An example is shown in Figure 17, to AusRAIL 2015 24 – 26 November, Melbourne Ch. Zhao, C. Banceanu, Th. Schaad, Ph. Maibach, S. Aubert ABB Switzerland Ltd 4. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS Using SFCs for supplying 50 Hz AC operated railways offer a wide range of technical, operational and commercial benefits to a rail operator. For example, effective responses against three-phase faults and the ability to run the catenary as a fully decoupled grid are major arguments for an SFC approach. SFCs can appear more expensive when they are compared to a simple transformer. However, when considering total overall costs and local conditions on a case by case basis, SFCs can often work out cheaper as there are fewer adjunct investments required when SFCs are used instead of transformers alone. The installation for Queensland Rail is a good example of the value in following a systematic approach and taking into account the multifactorial benefits offered by SFC. This case study demonstrates how a SFC solution can lead to a more innovative and more cost efficient solution than just installing traditional equipment. 5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS [a] Trevor Bagnall, CPEng MIEAust. RPEQ, Principal Engineer – High Voltage Systems, Queensland Rail, Australia 6. REFERENCES [1] Hill RJ Electric railway traction. 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