Abstract
Current collection for electrical trains can be improved by the use of an active pantograph. To design such a system the behaviour of both the active pantograph and the overhead catenary system must be considered together. In this paper a two degrees-of-freedom model of an active pantograph, combined with a time-varying spring representing the catenary's influence, is employed and its dynamic performance is studied. Based on this model, three types of control strategies for an active pantograph are proposed and investigated, and all these models consider the interaction of the pantograph with the overhead wire. Two possible positions for mounting an actuator on the pantograph are considered and compared. From these active pantograph models the magnitude of the control force required can be estimated, and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The optimal control strategy shows the best performance, but introduces measurement difficulties because it needs full-state feedback. Classical feedback control is the least difficult to implement, but a compromise between the stability and the performance should be reached.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
