Considerations on Dynamic Contact Force with Catenary for the EP3 Pantograph

Abstract

Power supply the energy needed for locomotives and electric trains is performed by means of pantographs on the bodywork. These high performance producing vehicles in so far as the contact between the collector (pantograph) and the catenary (contact line) is achieved and maintained regardless of speed. Thanks to the constructive type of the pantograph and the location of the contact force varies in relation to speed and can give rise to phenomena of oscillators that enhances the vertical movements of the wire feeder. As such the problem is essential for a good current collection is dynamic in nature. The most favorable way of current collection is achieved when between full and contact wire can maintain contact through a permanent and constant contact, a situation difficult to achieve in practice because of the first bump of the contact line. Juddering movements in vehicle while walking to a modification of the contact pressure which, however, it was found that is negligible in relation to the wave-like movements of the contact line. This article has looked at what is the dynamic contact force variation where the pantograph is located on the body of the locomotive EP3 LE 060 EA of 5100 kW. For this I started from the constructive characteristics of the components of the pantograph.