Aspects of catenary free operation of DC traction systems

Removal of overhead electrical installations (catenaries) is a major consideration of light railway industries. This is driven by continuing focus on environmental concerns and reduction of energy consumption. For catenary free operation of rapid transit trains, on-board energy storage has a significant role to provide the required power and recover the regenerated energy from braking. An efficient train control and optimised energy management can improve the energy efficiency of rapid transit system. The main aspects of catenary free operation of DC traction systems are described in this paper.