Participants will receive a thorough introduction to the key concepts and components of rail traction power and overhead contact systems. The curriculum covers applicable design standards, traction power substation and distribution system design, and load flow simulation methods for AC and DC systems. Additionally, the course includes topics on wayside energy storage systems, substation grounding, and automation/control.

• Understand applicable design and equipment standards, guide documents, and technical reference materials.
• Learn the fundamentals of traction power substation, distribution system, and overhead contact system design, construction, and operation.
• Master traction power load flow simulation methods, input requirements, and available software for AC and DC traction power systems.

• Railroad engineers and managers responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Qualified engineering technicians and track supervisors overseeing the implementation of railway projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Organizational leaders seeking to build bench strength and fill holes in succession planning.

Introduction to Electrified Transportation Systems

• Modes (Passenger, commuter, heavy & light rail, tram/trolley)
• Traction power system types (alternating & direct current, OCS, contact rail)
• Traction power system components
• Traction electrification system design resources

Overhead Contact System Design

• Project approach
• Design criteria
• Current collectors
• System selection
• Protection and control

Overhead Contact Systems Construction

• Foundations
• Support structures
• Overhead contact system supports
• Messenger and contact wires
• In-span materials

Substations

• Foundations
• Ductbanks
• Building

Overhead Contact System Operation

• Dynamics
• Various systems
• Sectioning
• High speed rail

Overhead Contact System Maintenance

• Inspection items
• Periods

Substation Maintenance

• Inspection Items
• Periods

Overhead Contact System Other Topics

• Maintenance building
• Substation
• Current collectors
• Running rail
• Signal system
• Planning and what gets built
• Project savings

DC Traction Power Substation Design

• Introduction
• Substation types and configurations
• Rectifier transformers
• Rectifiers/converters
• AC and DC switchgear
• Protection and control
• Utility interface

Load Flow Simulation

• Methods
• Vehicle modeling
• Corridor modeling
• Conductor modeling
• Rectifier modeling
• Rail Potential Modeling

DC Traction Power System Grounding

• Equipment and system grounding
• Rail potential
• Negative grounding devices
• Stray current

AC Traction Power System Design

• System types
• Substation types
• Sectionalizing
• Utility interconnection requirements
• Switchgear
• Protection and control
• System and equipment grounding

DC Traction Power Distribution System Design

• Wire and cable current-carrying capacity
• Traction power cable systems
• Contact rail systems
• Raceway systems

Selected Topics in Traction Power System Design

• Substation Automation
• Wayside Energy Storage

Moises Ramos

Moises Ramos, PE, is a Project Manager for HNTB in Denver, CO. With 20 years of specialized experience in the design, construction, inspection, testing, and commissioning of electrification projects, Moises possesses a wealth of knowledge tailored for the unique demands of challenging projects. His expertise extends to overhead contact systems, traction power systems, training, maintenance, and operations. Moises has delivered systems engineering services to prominent entities such as Caltrain, RTD-Denver, Amtrak, SEPTA, MBTA, LA Metro, Trimet, Sound Transit, and DART. His skill set encompasses construction estimating, intricate construction staging, and constructability logistics, acquired through a career that includes being a systems contractor and owner's representative for multiple transit authorities across North America.

Mohammad Saif

Mr. Saif is a senior traction power engineer with a comprehensive electrical engineering background in the rail transportation industry. With over a decade of experience, he has successfully contributed to diverse projects, including traction power substations, distribution systems, subway station rehabilitation, lighting  systems, fire alarms, and control systems. This work has included facility assessments, feasibility studies, bridging document development, demand load analysis, stray current testing, transit system simulation modeling, design and construction support services.