Modeling of electromagnetic influences of multi-wire traction networks for pipelines

Abstract

In this work, digital models for determining the electromagnetic influences of multi-wire traction networks on pipelines are developed. When developing models, an approach based on multiphase behaviour simulation of electric power systems was used. This approach adequately addresses all the influencing factors, which include modules and phases of currents flowing through the overhead contact wire suspension, 6–10–25 kV power transmission lines laid on the supports of the overhead line, and lines of rails. In addition, it is possible to take into account similar parameters for stresses at the nodal points of a multi-wire system. Among the key factors are the railway clearance when laying pipes parallel to the railway track, railway clearance trajectory in the presence of non-parallel sections, and the electrical characteristics of the soil along the clearance route. The research results demonstrated that a 25 kV electromagnetically unbalanced traction network exerts significant influence on a pipeline running in parallel. It was shown that the maximum induced voltages at specific points along the pipe fall within the range of 300–700 V, which significantly exceeds the permissible level of 60 V. It was revealed that currents exceeding 20 A flowing through the pipe can have an adverse effect on anticorrosive protection devices. To mitigate electromagnetic impacts on the pipeline, the following measures are recommended: reducing the length of pipeline and railway clearance sections, increasing the gap between the traction network and the pipe, and installing an additional grounding source. The pipe can be connected to the supplementary grounding source through filters tuned to a frequency of 50 Hz, which involve capacitor units to prevent malfunctions during the operation of pipeline protection devices. Thus, the developed digital models allow the induced voltages generated by multi-wire traction networks and the currents flowing through the pipes to be adequately determined. These models offer an informed choice of measures that ensure the safety of pipeline maintenance.