An effective utilization scheme for regenerative braking energy based on power regulation with a genetic algorithm

To ensure that regenerative braking energy is fully utilized by traction trains in the whole railway power supply systems, an effective utilization scheme of the regenerative braking energy based on power regulation with a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed in this paper. This scheme consists of railway power conditioners (RPCs), energy transfer converters (ETCs) and a central controller. A RPC connects the two power arms of each TS, and an ETC connects the two power arms of each section post (SP). The RPCs and ETCs are controlled to transfer the regenerative braking power distributed by the central controller, which is calculated by the GA. The detailed calculation steps are described. Moreover, the principle and control strategies of the negative sequence current compensation by the RPCs are given based on the optimization results of the GA. Finally, optimization calculations and hardware in loop (HIL) experiments were performed. The results show that the utilization rate of regenerative braking energy is about 93.3% and the three-phase current imbalance is reduced by about 98.6% in the case system with the proposed scheme. This result verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme.