Advanced simulation concept for interaction of railway grid representation and model power train of AC locomotive

Grid interaction and stability is an important issue for 16.7-Hz single-phase railway applications. A project is set up which aims to develop an overall control scheme for traction vehicles which stabilizes the grid and avoids generating disturbances and excitation. To analyse the full dynamic behaviour on the firm footing of experimental results, a test bench is built. On the one hand the 16.7-Hz single-phase railway grid is modelled — featuring impedance, grid voltage harmonics and pantograph arcing. On the other hand the full power chain of a traction vehicle is modelled. To simulate such complex structures consisting of networks and components described by high-order differential equations and several power-electronic devices with high accuracy and efficiency as well, an advanced simulation concept is needed. One which fulfils the requirements and convincing simulation results of the interaction between modelled grid and loco are presented. The verification is done by measurements.