Innovative power supply system for regenerative trains

The authors are proposing a pure electric brake which supplies the service brake in normal operation solely in an electrical mode down to a complete stop. This reduces mechanical wear of the brake linings and realises much better riding comfort with easier and exacter braking manoeuvre. This full usage of the regenerative braking mode is becoming popular in Japan. However, there are still problems to be solved before all related parties can enjoy the advantages of this technique; insufficient braking force at high speed due to the power limitation, squeezing of braking force at excessive line voltage at the pantograph of the braking train, and giving up the regeneration when no other trains simultaneously absorb the regenerated power. Combination of regenerative and rheostatic brakes has, therefore, been introduced on some lines, which have long and steep slopes. This paper deals with the countermeasures in the power feeding system by introducing equipment for absorbing regenerated power effectively. Several case studies show the effectiveness of the wayside power-absorbing components for the full usage of the regenerative electric brakes.