Railway converter substations (hereinafter referred to as ENP) are a significant source of harmonic disturbances in the power grid due to the use of power converters and other non-linear elements. The purpose of this thesis was to measure the quality of electrical energy at the Logatec ENP on one of two rectifier groups, with an emphasis on harmonic distortion, and to assess its impact on network distortion. In the theoretical part, I first presented an overview of the standards that define limit values and restrict harmonic distortion in the Slovenian grid. Then, I gave a general description of power quality with a focus on harmonic disturbances, where I defined the main sources, indicators, mechanisms of occurrence, consequences for operation, and measures for limitation. I described the measurement process and the measurement location in more detail and recorded the key results. I then explained the operation of the railway converter substation, its purpose and structure, and discussed in more detail the rectifier group, which is the main source of the observed distortion.
Based on the measured results, I used the DIgSILENT PowerFactory program to create a numerical model of the station and simulate its impact on the network under various operating conditions. I used the model to evaluate the degree of distortion and found that the contribution of one rectifier group is relatively low, while also proposing technical solutions for its further reduction. Among other things, I proposed passive and active filters, reactors or smoothing chokes, a more appropriate choice of transformer, and, as the main improvement, a transition to multi-pulse rectifiers. Finally, I would like to emphasize that the analysis covers only the contribution of the selected rectifier group and not the entire railway converter substation. For a comprehensive comparison with legislation, standards, and specific limit values, it is necessary to evaluate the distortion of the entire station. This comparison is very important for the proper and safe operation of the power grid.
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