To modernise the ageing Dutch traction power networks and enhance their impact on the utility grid, this study explores practical and cost-effective approaches for upgrading existing 1.5 kV DC traction substations (TS) in the Netherlands into 3 kV bi-directional DC TS. This study serves as a starting point for the various stakeholders of the Dutch traction network in their journey towards modernising the current traction power supply. It has the potential to serve as a reference for reusing existing railway infrastructures to provide ancillary services and support the energy transition.

To improve the performance and reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the autotransformer 12-pulse rectifier, a novel pulse multiplication circuit (PMC) based on two tapped inter-phase reactors (TIPRs) is proposed to improve performance and reduce the THD of the autotransformer 12-pulse rectifier. According to the results, the total harmonic distortion of the input current in the proposed rectifier is less than 3% and meets the requirements of the DO-160G standard in aircraft electrical power systems without the need for filters.