Dangers of Co-located Railroads and Power Lines: Booming Tech Hub Growth, Rising Railroad Risks
Topic:
Dangers of Co-located Railroads and Power Lines: Booming Tech Hub Growth, Rising Railroad Risks
Presenter:
Casey Peirano, EMA Senior Scientist
Abstract:
The rapid growth of data centers and high-tech factories has made electromagnetic risks from co-located power lines and railroads increasingly common and concerning for rail signaling, personnel, and the public.
Data centers and specialized factories, such as electric vehicle battery plants, are rapidly expanding and require significant electricity, often in rural areas lacking necessary infrastructure. To quickly meet increased demand, power companies frequently use railroad rights-of-way for new power lines, avoiding more complex land negotiations. While convenient, this approach introduces risks.
When high-current / high-voltage power lines and railroads are within several hundred feet of each other, there is likely to be inductive interference between the two. Railroad signaling is extremely sensitive to excess or unexpected changes to current and voltage, which can cause issues such as determining train location, damaged signal equipment, and false signal arm actuations.
Fault risks to railroad signaling and personnel also rise due to increased current carried by the adjacent power lines. In addition to faults destroying signaling equipment, railroad personnel in grounded signal huts can be seriously injured or even killed.
EMA’s involvement in addressing the dangers of co-located railroads and power line dates back more than 30 years. This webinar will showcase how EMA’s modeling services and software can be leveraged to assess and mitigate risks posed by the co-location of powerlines and railroads with fidelity and length scales that continue to push the boundaries of what 3D simulation software can achieve.
