Abstract

The current collection system, which consists of the overhead contact line and a current collector, is particularly important in electric rail vehicles, where their reliability is concerned. Faultless current collection is conditioned not only by suitable construction of these elements but also by their proper maintenance. Retaining permanent electrical contact is essential in DC systems, where current demand is relatively high. In transportation systems, where it is imperative to ensure high level of safety and reliability, great importance is attached to diagnostics of current collection system. Assessment of the condition of overhead line is performed by measuring important parameters of the catenary during test runs with the use of specialized cars or diagnostic trains. Current collectors are diagnosed during periodical maintenance of locomotives and EMUs. Control stands installed on rail lines, which make it possible to measure the strength of interaction between current collectors and contact wire when trains are in operation are also used, as well as stands for automatic measurement of pantograph static characteristics, which are installed in traction maintenance depots. An innovative stand on the rail line has been proposed for diagnosing and monitoring of contact strips in current collectors at the time when the vehicle passes the check point. This new method makes it possible to establish the degree of wear in contact strips and detect possible damage. Thanks to the stand the condition of contact strips can be monitored much more frequently than it is prescribed in the schedule for periodic service of locomotives and EMUs. A visual system of 3D imaging has been used in the presented solution. Visual systems are used in current collector diagnostics, yet they are based solely on 2D image technique. Three-dimensional scan of contact strip surface allows for more comprehensive analysis of its wear and damage. The elaborated stand was first tested in laboratory conditions and then installed on the rail line running out of maintenance depot, where the operation tests took place. Principles of measurements with the use of 3D visual system have been described, and the structure of the elaborated stand, selected registered results, as well as the data analysis have been presented. The issue of resolution and accuracy of measurements has been also addressed.

Authors (4)