This IEEE PES seminar was delivered by Dr Dena Servatian, Electrical Engineer II of Atkins’ Electrical Systems Team, at 2 pm on 19^th April 2023. Her technical interests include Traction Power Systems, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Earthing and Bonding (E&B) and Energy Storage Systems for electrified railways. The topic for the seminar is “Modelling and Simulation of Traction Power Systems”. The event was attended by 23 in-person and remote attendees and chaired by the student branch secretary Yixin Li.

Dr Dena Servatian started her presentation with the following aspects:

1. Traction power system modelling software
2. Model configuration
3. Modelling analysis
4. Lessons to learn

Firstly, Dr Servatian introduced the concepts related to traction power system and the reason of modelling. And then some software can be used in traction power system modelling are introduced. She showed the characteristics of different software and taught how to choose software according to characteristics and requirements. The Atkins traction modelling simulator and modelling software structure were also introduced. For model configuration, Dr Servatian introduced it separately from the aspects of infrastructure, electrical network, rolling stock, timetable, and overall model configuration.

Next, some frequently used modelling analysis methods are introduced, such as swept short circuit analysis, dynamic 50 Hz touch potential and induction analysis, and resonance and harmonics analysis.

Moreover, the challenges related to modeling are shown from the aspects of inputs, model, resources, and results. And then the pitfalls like wrong input translation, wrong model configuration and simulation errors are mentioned.

The presentation lasted for around 1 hour and was followed by a 20-minute Q&A session in which Dr Dena Servatian explained in detail on questions raised by the audience.

By Yixin Li

Secretary, UoB IEEE Student Branch