Interactions between the quality of pantograph current collection and the codified current signalling

In-line tests carried out on the Italian train called “Minuetto” showed that when two pantographs are used in order to run two coupled trains, the second pantograph suffers disturbances caused on the catenary by the passage of the first pantograph, which deteriorates the quality of current collection and causes interferences with the codified current signalling system, based on codified blocks of 50Hz current circulating in the tracks. This phenomenon is heavily dependent on the distance between the pantographs, the catenary mechanical features, the vehicle speed, the filtering system features and the train electrical drive control. The present paper discussed experimental and numerical activities used to study the problem of current collection quality in the case of collection with two closely spaced pantographs.