Interfacing electrification and system reliability

Integration is the term given to ensuring that the different elements of an electrified railway operate together to achieve the desired result. This is particularly problematic where interfaces exist between the high power electrification distribution or traction systems, and the low power signalling and communications control systems. The challenge of integrating the electrical systems will not be made any easier as client and public expectations of new rail transit systems require the railway designers to incorporate more versatile and sophisticated electrification systems. Railway authorities in the past have found difficulty in implementing a management strategy that will ensure electrified railway systems are integrated. This is made more complex where the privatisation of railways and the procurement process divides the contracts into separate engineering disciplines. This paper seeks to explain the challenge of integrating the Electrification System with the sensitive Signalling, Communication Control and low voltage systems. Additionally the paper will review the technical necessities of integrating the Electrification System with large civil structures. The paper will demonstrate how railway authorities are being challenged by the difficult task of integrating these System Wide Disciplines.