Method and device for operating a converter station of an electrical rail network

The method involves determining a fundamental oscillation amplitude of substations (11, 12) from measured voltage such that target fundamental oscillation amplitude i.e. voltage amplitude, and a target power factor i.e. average power factor, are predetermined. An active power reference value and a reactive power reference value are determined from the fundamental oscillation amplitude, the target fundamental oscillation amplitude and the power factor. Active power actual and reactive power actual values are determined from the fundamental oscillation amplitude, a phase and measured current. An independent claim is also included for a device for operating a converter unit of an electrical railway network, comprising a power supply regulator.