Intelligent control strategy for subway overhead line substation outputs based on controllable rectifiers

Hongyi Li; Jiyuan Li; Yujie Hu; Tongshuo Yang; Qinyue Zhu

Intelligent control strategy for subway overhead line substation outputs based on controllable rectifiers

Vol. 25, No. 11, pp. 2005-2017, Nov. 2025

10.1007/s43236-025-01038-w

Electrical railway power supply system

Renewable energies in railway energy saving

TD3 algorithm

Abstract

The global metro system is experiencing rapid development due to the benefits of subway transportation as a clean mode of travel and its expansion in many cities worldwide. Therefore, reducing energy consumption and minimizing voltage fluctuations in the contact network have become urgent issues. Aiming to address these challenges, a control strategy for the output voltage of metro line substations, based on fully controlled rectifiers, is proposed. This strategy uses an intelligent agent model for the substation voltage source converter, incorporating a reward function designed to optimize energy conservation and voltage stabilization in the catenary system. A traction power system simulator is used to emulate the natural environment, and the agent's actions are refined through each training cycle using the twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm. The proposed strategy was validated through simulations based on the Guangzhou Subway Line 6, demonstrating its capability to dynamically adjust substation rectifier voltage for highly efficient distribution of regenerative braking energy over time. Results indicate considerable improvements in energy savings and voltage stabilization when compared to multi-pulse rectifiers (diode rectifier unit) and constant voltage control strategies.

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Cite this article

[IEEE Style]

H. Li, J. Li, Y. Hu, T. Yang, Q. Zhu, "Intelligent control strategy for subway overhead line substation outputs based on controllable rectifiers," Journal of Power Electronics, vol. 25, no. 11, pp. 2005-2017, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s43236-025-01038-w.

[ACM Style]

Hongyi Li, Jiyuan Li, Yujie Hu, Tongshuo Yang, and Qinyue Zhu. 2025. Intelligent control strategy for subway overhead line substation outputs based on controllable rectifiers. Journal of Power Electronics, 25, 11, (2025), 2005-2017. DOI: 10.1007/s43236-025-01038-w.