Real-time detecting deformation on pantograph contact strip based on image processing technique

Abstract

Railway vehicles’ traction power supply system has two main components, the catenary contact and the pantograph. During the operation, contact is influenced by electromechanical wear phenomena. Deformation on the pantograph contact strip affects its power transmission quality because contact loos with the catenary reduces the railway system’s overall reliability. Their maintenance and inspection are usually done for periods of time with negative consequences in terms of costs and safety. Thus, in this study, we developed a contact strip monitoring method based on image processing for inspection to measure the contact strip thickness. The measurement system is made through a single camera that acquires images from the contact area, measuring the contact strip’s thickness using image processing techniques.