Modernising the DS3 Locomotive for AC/DC Dual-System Operation: Cross-Border Interoperability at EU-Ukraine Interfaces

Pavlo Holoborodko; Darius Bazaras; Aldona Jarašūnienė

doi:10.7250/bjrbe.2025-20.661

Modernising the DS3 Locomotive for AC/DC Dual-System Operation: Cross-Border Interoperability at EU-Ukraine Interfaces

Authors

Pavlo Holoborodko Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2950-7812
Prof. Dr. Darius Bazaras Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0603-7678
Prof. Dr. Aldona Jarašūnienė Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9804-0064

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7250/bjrbe.2025-20.661

Keywords:

dual-system locomotive (AC 25 kV 50 Hz; DC 3 kV), electromagnetic compatibility, interoperability, modular multilevel converter, pantograph, power supply, railway, rolling stock, SIBAS 32

Abstract

The analysed research question raises the problem of modernisation of technical specifications of the locomotive on electric traction. The authors of the scientific research consider the modernisation of the DS3 locomotive with the transition from a single-phase (25 kV 50 Hz AC) to a two-phase (25 kV 50 Hz AC/3 kV DC) power supply system, which aims to increase interoperability with neighbouring railway networks. A multi-level literature review has been carried out, transient and dynamic characteristics have been modelled in MATLAB, and the principles of control of traction converters and motors have been formulated. Ensuring stable operating modes when switching power systems is confirmed by optimal attenuation ζ ≈ 0.7, and the electromagnetic compatibility analysis has revealed characteristic interference of 500–3000 Hz, thus allowing us to propose filters in accordance with EN 50121. The radar graph of the comparative analysis provides an improvement in the main metrics (power, traction efforts, efficiency, and reaction time) in the context of an ideal 100% scale. A step-by-step roadmap for the functional compatibility of ERTMS / ETCS and GSM-R in the Siemens SIBAS 32 platform has been designed and technical conditions for certification according to TSI and EN standards have been formed. The modernisation of DS3 is recognised as technically feasible, cost-effective and compliant with international technical aspects, which ensures prospects for joint operation in Ukraine and the EU.

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