Polish training ground for AC rail power supply. We strengthen AC/DC competence

In November, preparatory work began for the construction of a test stand where PKP Energetyka will test solutions for integrating the 25 kV AC power supply into the existing 3 kV DC system. The investment is being launched on the company's training ground in Słotwiny located in the immediate vicinity of the first projected section of the High-Speed Railway in Poland. It follows the ERO's granting of a promise for an AC power distribution license this spring. Specialists from France and Spain are involved in the project.

Experts agree that the planned implementation of a 25 kV AC power system on a portion of Poland's newly constructed railroads brings both benefits and challenges. It will soon be possible to test them in practice, under experimental conditions, on a piece of real existing infrastructure. The resulting test environment is a unique combination of a grid testbed with a substation testbed and an autotransformer cabin at both 3 kV and 25 kV voltage. AC power components will be added to the existing DC systems at the training ground, expanded to include power supply and distribution sections. PKP Energetyka's partner in this part of the investment is the French company SYSTRA - an international contractor experienced in such projects, for example for French railways.

"Together with PKP Energetyka, we have prepared a comprehensive project to build an ACDC environment that meets the needs of Polish railways, which will allow us to test many functionalities, test approval procedures, and train both construction and electrician teams. Under the guidance of our Polish-French teams, we are already building the first elements of the installation." - says Marta Pięta, Director of SYSTRA in Poland

“From a technical point of view, the project is a very interesting one. Our engineers combine their international knowledge and experience with the requirements arising from domestic infrastructure conditions and market constraints” – says Łukasz Felcenloben, Technical director of SYSTRA in Poland.

"I am glad that the facility is being created in Poland for practical testing of the solutions we have been talking about for several years. The technical issues of management and integration of 25 kV AC and 3 kV DC systems, especially in contact areas, need to be tested under existing Polish conditions on our rail infrastructure. Investigating interconnection impacts and developing the best solutions is crucial now, at the beginning of designing the future shape of the power grid for our railways." - commented Prof. Adam Szeląg PhD. Eng. of the Warsaw University of Technology.

PKP Energetyka's R&D investment is an expression of concern for the safety of the planned solutions and the expansion of employees' competence. The company relies on innovation based on concept testing and consultation with experienced experts. Among other things, technical workshops and multi-faceted study cooperation with the Spanish company ADIF - a rail infrastructure manager and proven high-speed rail contractor on the Iberian Peninsula - have been ongoing for several weeks. It was with Spain that the Polish government signed a contract in May 2021 for the construction of High Speed Rail.

“After the consultancy work days carried out to PKP Energetyka in the field of electrification, we have been remarkably surprised by the technical knowledge base of the Polish experts as well as their interest in this technology and we are sure that they will do a great job in this electrification project. which is strategic for Polish transport”- says Joaquin Briones, Head of International Projects in ADIF.

"As the distribution network manager operator for the railways, the most experienced entity in the field of railway electric power, we are committed to guaranteeing the highest level of safety in supplying rail traffic and continuity of supply. Therefore, we carefully prepare for planned investments to guarantee proven solutions, in line with our mission to support the development of the Polish railways. Our efforts were confirmed by obtaining a promise for a 25kV concession." - says Marek Kleszczewski, member of PKP Energetyka's management board.

Experts, technicians and electrical engineers from international teams will work at the AC/DC Training Ground. The training ground will also be a place of qualification for traction and distribution network electricians of PKP Energetyka, who will improve in operating new types of equipment working on both DC and AC networks.