SEPTA's 25 Hz traction power system
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a 25 Hz traction power system in the vicinity of Philadelphia, that it inherited from the Reading Company.
[1][page needed] The Reading's system used catenary electrified at 12 kV 25 Hz like the competing Pennsylvania Railroad's 1915 initial electrification and 1930s mainline expansion.
Unlike the PRR's system, which included multiple power sources and an extensive high-voltage transmission network, the Reading's electrification was supplied solely by the rotary converter station at Wayne Junction.
Wayne Junction receives 230 kV 60 Hz power from two redundant lines that connect to PECO substations at Waneeta, Tabor and Pulaski.
Callowhill substation was the first targeted for replacement, to eliminate the need to maintain the overhead wires over the abandoned Reading Viaduct rail line as feeders to the active tracks.
Its replacement, Fairmount substation, was commissioned in the 3rd quarter of 2010,[4] featuring two 12/24 kV 25 Hz, single-phase 5 MVA autotransformers as well as trolley breakers and other switchgear.
[6] In July 2012, the US Department of Transportation awarded SEPTA a $12.8 million Tiger IV grant to help refurbish Wayne Junction Substation.
[7] In the words of SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey, "We intend to use these resources to replace equipment that should be on display in a museum of transit history."
The grant was announced at ceremony at the substation which was attended by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said "It's not the sexiest, it's not the prettiest, but it's one of the most important projects.
"[8] Renewal of Wayne Junction's three static frequency converters is expected to occur during the 2010s, in three stages in order to maintain redundancy.
[9][S 1] In October 2014 SEPTA requested interested contractors to submit bids for the rehabilitation of the static frequency converters at Wayne Junction.
[15] With the passage of a source of dedicated transportation funding by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, SEPTA announced in December 2013 a capital budget plan that includes renewal or replacement of all remaining former Reading substations, in five phases.
[9][16] In November 2014 SEPTA requested interested contractors to submit bids for the rehabilitation of four substations (Lansdale, Bethayres, Chestnut Hill East and Hatboro).
