Railway Electrification
Case Studies
Delivering innovative, high-quality traction and non-traction power solutions
VandA Engineering brings unrivalled depth in railway electrification, having delivered traction power, power quality, and earthing solutions for some of the world’s most demanding rail networks, including HS2, HS1, Elizabeth Line, London Underground, DLR, Thameslink, and major international freight and passenger corridors.
Our experience spans multi-train simulation, grid interface design, 25 kV and DC traction systems, power quality compliance, harmonic filtering, protection and earthing, and the full lifecycle from concept and optioneering through to commissioning and operational support.
This proven capability enables us to de-risk complex electrification projects, optimise system performance, and deliver compliant, resilient, and future-ready railway power systems for clients across the globe.
VandA Engineering Railway Electrification Case Studies.
HS2 (High Speed 2)
Design and optimisation of the traction power system for HS2 Phase 1 between London and the West Midlands. The scope included definition of system inputs, modelling methodology and performance criteria, traction power studies, distribution system design, and conceptual traction substation design. The project also evaluated alternative traction supply arrangements, including asymmetric autotransformer systems and novel technologies.
HS1 (Channel Tunnel Rail Link)
Multi-train simulations and power system studies to enable regenerative braking on High Speed 1. The project also included technical and procurement specifications for traction and non-traction substations, including SVCs and load balancers, supervision of installation and commissioning, and support to operations. Asset management and replacement strategies for the electrical infrastructure were also developed.
London Underground Power Upgrades
Project management from concept through completion of traction power upgrades to the Jubilee and Northern Lines to support the enhanced train service introduced under TBTC. Engineering management was also provided for the SSR2 traction power upgrades to the Circle and District Lines, covering design, procurement, and commissioning.
Northern and Jubilee Line Earthing and Bonding
Conceptual, detailed, and assurance-approved design of a new earthing system to support TBTC upgrades on the Jubilee and Northern Lines. The scope included full London Underground assurance documentation and project management from concept through installation and commissioning.
Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)
Preparation of works information and technical specifications for 11 kV and 22 kV non-traction systems. The project included assessment of traction supply options and grid connections, traction and non-traction system studies, protection and settings studies, and touch voltage assessments. VandA Engineering developed the alternative train stabling supply using Scott-connected transformers and harmonic filters, and produced full detailed designs and procurement specifications.
Northern Line Extension (Battersea)
Multi-train traction power simulations and system design for the London Underground Battersea Extension, including compliance assessment, system proposals, and equipment sizing.
London Overground – East London Line
Power system studies of the HV electrical network, including power flow, short-circuit levels, network paralleling, and protection coordination.
Thameslink
Contractor’s Engineering Manager for the AC/DC interface at Ludgate Cellars and the renewal of 11 kV supplies at London Bridge. The work included investigation of high harmonic levels in the Farringdon area and the development of mitigation solutions.
Crossrail East (Network Rail)
Development of protection systems and studies covering earthing and bonding, 25 kV cable design, and power quality compliance to G5/5.
Network Rail – Anglian Region Power Upgrades
Assessment of multiple feeder stations for increased traction load, including capacity and compliance with power quality standards G5/5, P28, and P29.
Beaulieu Feeder Station Filter Design
Power quality assessment of a new 400 kV-connected autotransformer feeder station. Non-compliance with G5/5 required a harmonic filter, which VandA Engineering designed and fully specified for procurement.
Core Valley Lines Electrification
ENA EREC G5/5 compliance studies and harmonic filter design for the electrification programme.
Polish Railways
Client’s Engineer role, including design review and acceptance and the development of value-engineering proposals.
Southern Region Power Upgrade
Engineering Manager for the completion and handover of approximately 175 sites, including substations, 33 kV feeders, and depot electrification. VandA Engineering also led the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of 22 DC substations, 19 × 33 kV feeders, and two depot electrification schemes.
West Coast Main Line
Optioneering study comparing 25 kV booster transformer and 2 × 25 kV autotransformer systems, together with development of early traction distribution proposals for Passenger Upgrade programmes 1 and 2.
DFCC Eastern Freight Corridor (India)
Proposed multi-train simulations and traction power system design for Phase 2 (388 route-km) and Phase 3 (404 route-km plus 43 route-km) of a 2 × 25 kV electrified heavy-freight railway on India’s east coast.
Malaysia Railways
Traction power system assessment for the 330 km Ipoh–Padang Besar railway, with a focus on traction studies and power quality. VandA Engineering acted as design authority, advising on data collection, measurement techniques, modelling methods, and standards interpretation, supported by extensive power quality analysis.
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Network-wide studies under the New Trains for Docklands project, including multi-train simulations, resilience analysis, AC and DC earthing, and protection studies. The work also resolved accessible voltage issues on the Lewisham Extension through detailed simulation and design.
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