The Upgrade of the Traction Power System on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

This paper describes how the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is in the process of a massive upgrade of its power system. This is the largest traction power project in the country. Parsons Transportation Group performed the system design and performs the review of all construction drawings. Powell Electrical Systems, Inc. is executing all on site engineering and design for the installation of new equipment into the existing substations. Powell is performing all field testing and commissioning activities. Powell’s personnel on site activities include Project Management, Engineering, Design, Commissioning, Testing and coordination with the installation of contractors, Mass Electric and Truland Walker Seal. Powell’s on site team, in conjunction with WMATA forces, PTG, Mass Electric and TWS, have performed with a high level of professionalism under the demanding requirements of working on an operating Transit System. Maintaining service is of paramount importance as WMATA upgrades their entire system. In 2004 the Board of Directors approved a Metro Matters Program. The Metro Matters funding agreement calls for a six-year commitment on the part of state and local governments in the metropolitan Washington region to fully fund Metro’s capital needs to the tune of $1.5 billion. These needs over the next six years include basic infrastructure reinvestment, exercising the option to purchase 120 new rail cars and upgrades to maintenance facilities and power substations to eventually operate 8- car Metrorail trains. As a result of the new and longer trains, as well as shorter headways, the substations on the Metro System had to be increased in capacity. In June 2005, Powell Electrical Systems was selected to supply the equipment to upgrade the power at over 65 Metro Substations. This paper presents the challenges confronted by the team. These challenges included integration of new equipment with existing equipment, balancing of new diode rectifiers with existing, and maintaining operations.