Current collection characteristics and improvement methods of high-tension overhead catenary systems

Abstract

With increasing speeds on electric railways, overhead catenary systems on narrow-gauge lines have been improved by increasing messenger wire tension. However, the contact loss ratio of the pantograph is comparatively high in heavy-simple or feeder-messenger wire-type overhead catenary systems. These catenaries have higher tension of the messenger wire. In order to investigate the causes of contact loss and to work out effective improvement methods, laboratory and field tests have been carried out. From the results thereof, it is confirmed that the contact force fluctuation is influenced by the wave reflection factor at the hanger, and a hanger which has a spring mechanism is found to effectively improve it. It is expected that rubber damping hangers or friction damping hangers will reduce contact loss of the pantograph and wear of the contact wire. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 123 (4): 67–76, 1998