Development of a High-Precision and Flexible Model for Accurate Simulation of Trolleybus Grids

The reduction of climate-changing emissions is vital, particularly in urban areas. To achieve this goal, the decarbonization of the transport sector is decisive. Trolleybus systems represent a solution towards sustainability as long as the integration of the electrical infrastructure with renewable sources as well as the introduction of full-electric fleets are actualized. To ensure a smart electrical transition the circuit modelling phase is crucial and must enable the most accurate simulations possible. The modularity of the catenary model and a versatile graphical user interface, which allows extensive topological change flexibility, distinguish the novel trolleybus network simulator presented in this study. The model completes the gaps left by earlier block-based simulation tools with its high precision and low processing effort. The suggested model's enhancement in precision is evidenced by a graphical study of the voltage distribution examined in a Section of Bologna's trolleybus grid. Finally, albeit non-iterative and thus computationally even cheaper, the proposed model is applicable for the simulation of more complex realistic scenarios involving the non-linearity of the equivalent power grid. The article will show satisfactory results on the convergence of the simulator.

Automated summary

The reduction of climate-changing emissions is crucial, especially in urban areas. Decarbonizing the transport sector, particularly through the integration of renewable energy sources and the use of full-electric fleets in trolleybus systems, is essential. A newly developed trolleybus network simulator with modular catenary model and versatile graphical user interface proves to have high precision and low processing effort, filling the gaps of earlier simulation tools. The simulator demonstrates satisfactory results in terms of convergence.