Commuter Rail AC Electrification Load-Flow Simulation Report - RTD

Commuter Rail AC Electrification Load-Flow Simulation Report Revision 1
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
RTD has proposed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train operation on the East Corridor, Gold Line,
and North Metro Corridor. All three corridors originate at the Denver Union Station (DUS) and
radiate out to the East, West, and North of Denver, respectively, totaling approximately 53 route
miles.
The corridors are being considered for electrification at 25 kV, 60 Hz, AC, using a traction power
supply system comprising either an autotransformer-fed (ATF) system, also known as 2x25 kV
system, or a direct-feed system, sometimes referred to as 1x25 kV system. The purpose of this
study is to evaluate the autotransformer-fed electrification system for application to the three
aforementioned commuter rail corridors. In order to evaluate the autotransformer-fed system, a
comprehensive computer-aided load-flow simulation study was performed. The study took into
account all relevant electrification system parameters, including the track alignment data, the
rolling stock parameters, and the commuter rail operational data.
The results of the load-flow simulations will provide the necessary data for development of a
conceptual design for the power supply system and will enable the design team to perform the
following tasks:
• Verify the required number of substations and the required number of traction power
transformers in each substation
• Verify preliminary locations of the traction power equipment including traction power
substations, paralleling stations, and the switching station
• Determine ratings of major equipment, such as substation transformers and
autotransformers
• Verify conductor sizes and materials for the overhead catenary system and the feeder
system
• Calculate substation power demands and energy consumption. These results may be
used for establishing the power utility supply requirements and as an input to estimating
operating costs of the traction electrification system.
This report documents the load-flow simulations performed by Front Range System Consultants
(FRSC) for the three RTD Commuter Rail Corridors to be electrified.
2.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study includes the East Corridor, Gold Line Corridor, and the North Metro
Corridor, each originating from the Denver Union Station. The alignment data used for
modeling and simulation of each corridor were obtained from information provided by RTD, as
follows:
• Denver Union Station data, developed by DMJM/Harris
• East Corridor data, developed by PBS&J
• Gold Line data, developed by CH2M Hill
• North Metro Corridor data, developed by URS
02/27/2009 FRSC Page 3 of 250