On February 20, 2026, a guest lecture on “Electric Traction Power Supply of Railways: Comparison of AC and DC Systems and Their Interaction in Border Areas” was held for students of the “Electrical Power Engineering” program.
The lecture was delivered by Duman Musakhmetov, Head of the Zhanu-Esil Electrical Supply Section of JSC “NC «Kazakhstan Temir Zholy» – Akmola Mainline Branch”.
During the lecture, the structure, operating principles, and operational features of railway traction power supply systems were thoroughly examined. Technical characteristics, energy efficiency, reliability, and maintenance costs of 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC systems were analyzed. Application areas and infrastructure requirements of each system were also discussed, highlighting advantages and limitations with real industrial examples.
Special attention was given to technical solutions in border areas where AC and DC systems intersect. Phase separation, neutral connection, sectioning, protection, relay automation, and procedures for transitioning rolling stock from one system to another were discussed in detail.
Students received valuable information on digital monitoring systems, load management, energy-saving practices, and ensuring electrical safety. The lecture was aligned with SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, emphasizing the importance of implementing energy-efficient systems, using sustainable and reliable energy sources, and ensuring environmentally safe electricity supply in regional networks.
The session was conducted interactively, allowing students to ask professional questions and receive practical guidance. This event helped future energy specialists combine theoretical knowledge with industrial experience, understand industry requirements deeply, and strengthen their professional orientation.
