Numerical and Hardware-In-the-Loop Tools for the Design of Very High Speed Pantograph-Catenary Systems

To be competitive with other transport means for a wider distance range, high-speed trains need to increase their revenue service speed. Due to this need, improving the pantograph-catenary interaction to ensure appropriate current collection in spite of the increased dynamic effects and the larger electrical power required represents one of the most serious technical issues to be solved. The aim of this paper is to discuss the use of numerical and hybrid (hardware in the loop) simulation tools in the design of new overhead lines for a speed of 360 km/h. A validation of both simulation tools is performed using line measurements as a point of comparison; then the validated simulation approaches are used to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of some catenary design options.