Metro Rail Electrical System

Key features of Electrical system

The design of electrical system as a whole is based on providing safe, reliable & stable power and efficient performance of electrical system. Redundancy feature will have to be built at each level of power distribution

Selection of traction voltage

The most widely used voltage level for Metro Rail traction system globally is 750V DC. This system has been used in the metros of UK, New York, Singapore, Paris, Beijing, Kolkata, Bangalore, Dubai etc. Mainly DC traction voltage was being used earlier, but with advancement in technologies, many metros have adopted 25kV AC system recently. 25kV AC is used in Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Seoul, Paris and Hongkong.

Following different types of Metro Rail traction systems have been implemented globally:

A site specific case study is required to be carried out with the use of simulation softwares for selection of most optimum voltage level for the Metro Rail traction system. The analysis covers the max Peak hour peak direction traffic (PHPDT) that can be catered by a particular traction, cost of traction system, cost of rolling stock, civil infrastructure cost etc.

Sub Stations

The metro rail distribution network comprises of the following sub stations:

Traction systems

Traction systems generally are of two types viz – Overhead catenary system (OCS) and Third rail system

Overhead Catenary System (OCS) - It consists of a 25 kV conductor running along the entire route of the metro. The arrangement of “OCS” is depicted in Figure 1 below

Fig 1 – Overhead catenary system (OCS)

Third rail system – A third rail runs along the tracks for supply of DC power. The arrangement of “Third rail” is depicted in Figure 2 below

Fig 2 – DC Third rail system

Reliability and redundancy measures

For providing uninterrupted services, the power distribution for metro is provided with adequate redundancies at each level from source to load; such as provision of standby equipment, ring networks etc. Standby generator is provided at all stations to feed essential loads in case of failure of the normal station power supply

Operational Control Centre (OCC)

For control and monitoring of the entire metro rail system, a centralised control center is provided as a separate building. All systems of the RSS, TSS and ASS are monitored and controlled at the OCC through SCADA. Building Management System is provided for controlling and monitoring of Station MEP Equipment such as Lighting, Lifts, Escalators and HVAC system.

Earthing System

Mesh type / dedicated earthing is provided at each sub station for earthing of equipment and structures to achieve the step and touch potential within safe limits and to achieve the overall earth resistance as per statutory requirements. TCE can offer services for master planning and infrastructure works of a metro rail project