A unique traction substation project was implemented in Akhalkalaki on Baku-Tbilisi-Kars section of the Georgian railway, in difficult mountain conditions at an altitude of over 1,700 m above sea level. This project is an example of individual engineering solutions overcoming atypical challenges, since standard technical requirements are usually rated for only up to 1,000 m.
Two-unit substation included a complete set of modern reliable equipment manufactured by Pluton:
- 3.3 kV DC switchgear,
- rectifiers and inverters,
- set of busbar bridges with support insulation and protective barriers.
The railway line in this section passes through complex mountainous terrain. That is why the customer considered the possibility of applying inverters for energy recuperation. During rolling stock descents and braking, excess energy is returned to network, increasing the energy efficiency of the entire railway connection. The inverters are based on high-quality components and equipped with an intelligent control and diagnostic system that stabilizes voltage in traction network and records all parameters and emergency processes in real time.
During the project, design solutions were found that allowed to ensure safe operation in thin mountain air without changing the dimensions of the equipment.
Implementation of SOTA® systems with IEC 61850 energy protocol support at the substation ensured high-speed data exchange, reliable transmission of critical information, and stable communication with the upper control level.
Pluton performed a full range of works: design of 3.3 kV and 110 kV equipment, supply of 3.3 kV equipment within a short time period, supervision of installation and commissioning.
We would like to thank our partner RСT Railways Communications and Technologies for fruitful cooperation and trust, that allowed us to successfully implement this project at a high professional level.
