Modeling, Simulation, and Testing of Switching Surge Transients in Rapid Transit Vehicles DC Power Systems

During the operation of dc rapid transit systems, the rail passenger vehicles are subjected to surge transient events that can damage the on-board equipment and cause service interruption. During the testing phase, vehicle manufacturers must demonstrate the performance of the vehicles under the specified transients. However, system testing is generally not available during design. Engineering analysis must be performed to ensure that the design will meet the transient requirements, and that the overvoltage and overcurrent protective devices are coordinated on a system level. In response to these design challenges, detailed time-domain simulation models of a switching surge transient generator and the vehicle equipment have been developed and validated experimentally. These models are used to evaluate vehicle system parameters sensitivity, as well as to provide design guidelines for increased vehicle power system safety, reliability, and availability.