In this paper we present our study on load power quality characteristics of new trains with switch-type converters using field measurement data. We apply these data to perform power flow and harmonic power flow computations to examine the impacts of new train loads to existing ac traction power network with filters designed for old train loads. Our simulation results show that existing filters can result in over-compensation of reactive power and ineffective filtering of load current harmonic components. It is recommended that filter designs be modified to suit the load power characteristics of new-generation trains.
