Electrification
Parsons Electrification subsector offers full services to our clients for Traction Power Substations, Overhead Catenary, Third Rail, and Stray Current/Corrosion Control solutions to transportation power needs. We are proud to say that we have the largest cadre of electrification specialists available in North America, and provide consultation, design, procurement, factory test witnessing, and construction management services, in addition to test and start-up and safety certification of electrification systems.
Traction Power Substations
Parsons engineers are well experienced in the computer simulation and design of both AC and DC Traction Power Systems. On the AC side we have designed both conventional center-fed systems, as well as auto-transformer systems for commuter and high-speed rail services. We have also designed lower voltage AC systems for People Mover and Monorail applications. On the DC side we have designed substations for Light Rail and Heavy Rail Systems, and have the capability to simulate advanced technologies such as Thyristor Controlled Rectifiers and Energy Management Systems. As existing transit properties have aged, we have been involved with working with our clients to provide economical solutions to equipment upgrades and replacements, without major service disruptions.
Overhead Catenary Systems
From simple tramway equipment for streetcars and yards, to light rail transit (LRT) Overhead Catenary Systems operating in various climatic conditions, to high speed AC catenaries for commuter and high speed rail services, our OCS engineers have met every challenge. Specialty designs have included tunnels and moveable bridges, as well as the rehabilitation of some of the oldest systems operating in North America. Many of our engineers and designers also bring the practical experience that can only come from extensive field experience gained during construction. We work with urban architects to design street-running systems that blend well with the environment and mitigate the visual impact of the OCS system. Such collaboration has included the use of special structure finishes, joint-use poles for street lighting and pedestrian walkways, and the use of low profile catenaries.
Third Rail Systems
Parsons engineers are well versed in the design of third rail systems including the use of both over-running and under-running designs, and have designed such specialty systems as composite rail for increased current capacity, and the use of heating systems on third rail to maintain performance under harsh winter conditions. We have also been involved in the design of current collector systems for automated people movers and similar applications.
Stray Current/Corrosion Control
The expansion of electrified systems has renewed the interest in Stray Current and Corrosion control in order to protect both the transit system infrastructure and local utilities from the effects of stray currents and environmental corrosive effects. We are firm believers in controlling stray currents at the source, and are well versed in the technologies for isolating the return rails and DC substations from ground. We are also very familiar with working with the local utilities to ensure that stray current and corrosion control designs for their facilities will provide for operation in the electrified transit environment. We have developed innovative methods for protecting transit infrastructure such as retaining walls and aerial structures from stray currents, and work closely with the facilities designers to provide comprehensive and cost-effective solutions.
Corrosion control services also include extensive field testing to determine both before and after conditions of transit construction, as well as trouble shooting stray current problems. An important service that we also offer is working with the facility designers to provide solutions to environmental protection for facilities. This includes recommendations on materials and finishes to provide long life for facilities under harsh environmental conditions.
Projects performed by Parsons have included:
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