Pantograph aerodynamic effects on the pantograph–catenary interaction

Abstract

Some aspects about the influence on the current collection of the aerodynamic action on a pantograph, due to the incoming flow generated by train speed are investigated considering pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction. Starting from the quasi-steady theory formulation of the drag and lift forces on the collectors, and considering the turbulence of the incoming flow, the dynamic variation of the contact force between pantograph and catenary is taken into account, within an already developed simulation model. Aerodynamic coefficients of the collectors are obtained from wind tunnel measurements, and the aerodynamic forces are applied to the collectors of the pantograph. The interrelation among the geometry of the collector suspension, the collector shape, and the level of the incoming wind turbulence, and their effect on the contact force, are all considered in this article by means of numerical simulation. Results concerning the advantage of modifying the shape of the collector are outlined.

Pantograph-catenary interaction model comparison

“…The interaction between pantograph and catenary is through the contact between the contact wire and contact strip of pantograph which is affected by several important factors such as contact wire wear and irregularities ( [18] and [33], [34]), aerodynamic disturbance [35]- [36], locomotive vibration [37]- [38], presence of multiple pantographs [39] and electrical arc [40]- [41]. Studying of catenary and pantograph interaction without contact model, limit the frequency bandwidth to 30Hz.…”

A feasibility study of an aerodynamic control for a high speed pantograph

“…From wind tunnel test it is known (see for instance [21], [22]) that the aerodynamic action on the collector can be modified according to the shape of the collector. Therefore, the application of a mobile aerodynamic device, such as a movable wing rotating around a transversal axis, can produce a vertical force suitable for active control.…”

Optical Fiber Sensors to Measure Collector Performance in the Pantograph-Catenary Interaction

“…Previous experimental tests prove that the contact force between the collector strip and the contact wire affects the current collection quality in a broad frequency range, at least roughly up to 100 Hz. High variations of the contact force cause increased level of wear both on the collector strips and on the contact wire [1]- [3]. High rate of arcing and continuous sparking occurs with low values of force, introducing strong electromagnetic noise in the environment as well as an electric induced wear, while for high values of force the wear is caused mainly by the mechanical friction effect involving the collector strip and the catenary.…”