Sottostazioni elettriche con capacità di accumulo elettrochimico per l'alimentazione di linee metropolitane leggere

The possiblity of using lead-acid batteries in rapid transit systems for absorbing the energy regenerated by trains during the braking phase is analyzed in this article. The necessity arises in cases of partial or total lack of receptivity due to the absence of trains in traction phase. In particular a power supply system is examined in which electric substations with a. c. /d. c. converters and batteries are connected to common busbars. An analysis has been carried out by means of a digital computer program which simulates the operation of power supply networks for rapid-transit systems. Using a model system, based on a real case, a number of possible operating conditions have been simulated, for different values of train headways, no-load voltages, and battery storage levels. The simulation made it possible to outline the main characteristics of the system components, which could lead to a technical solution that is economical and resonably reliable.