Fabel simulation software

This module is the core of Fabel. It is used for the operational simulation of catenary-bound traffic systems. Scheduled operation is simulated in interaction with the superimposed AC or DC network for a desired period of time. The network can be heavily meshed and used by any number of trains at the same time.

The simulations are used, among other things, for the design of new power supplies, the optimisation of existing systems, the planning of conversions, the design of protection settings and the dimensioning of vehicles. The electrical network model for dynamic load flow calculations also allows for the determination of short-circuit currents at any defined short-circuit locations in the network.

By default, load flow calculations are carried out using a loop impedance model. For complex and variable conductor arrangements along the line, such as autotransformer systems, the MTL module is more suitable because it allows simulations with a multi-conductor model.

Using the loop impedance approach, the impedances of the overhead line and return line system are combined in a loop impedance. For AC networks, this is calculated as a complex value for resistance and reactance to account for capacitive and inductive behaviour. Using loop impedances simplifies not only the process of building the model but also solving the equations of the electrical system during the simulation.

This approach is the basic standard for load calculations for both DC and AC systems, as can also be seen in the standard EN 50641. However, for more complex analyses and for 2×25 kV systems (autotransformer systems), this simplified approach with loop impedances is often not sufficient, which is why a multi-conductor model (MTL) is used. Compared to the loop impedance model, however, this is somewhat more complex to set up and requires considerably more computing time.

emfcalc3d is a program for calculating the magnetic flux density in the vicinity of electrical conductors. The conductors can be arranged arbitrarily in space, i.e. three-dimensionally. The program is therefore suitable, among other things, for calculation of the magnetic fields of complex installations, such as substations or switching posts with connections to the overhead line. Visualisation of the magnetic flux density is possible using plots with isolines of magnetic flux density and projected objects in freely configurable sectional planes.

With emfcalc3d, superpositions of magnetic fields of different frequencies or of single-phase and multi-phase systems can also be calculated. For this purpose, the usual summation specifications – such as those proposed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or specified in the Swiss Ordinance on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (NISV) – are implemented

Fabel also offers the possibility of modelling the line signalling and train control systems in a driving simulation. Conventional, trackside light signals as well as dynamic block sections (operation with absolute braking distance spacing, ETCS Level 3) can be modelled. This functionality enables not only the simulation of realistic train operation, but also the investigation and optimisation of existing or new signalling concepts.

Taking into account the given conductor geometry, material data and environmental parameters (ambient temperature, wind speed, solar radiation), Fabel can directly calculate the resulting temperature vs. time curves for contact wires and conductor cables. FABEL solves the non-linear equations of heat transfer numerically. The heat dependence of the electrical resistance of the conductors is taken into account as well as the time constant of heating and cooling, which depends on the momentary operating point.