An active control strategy for multiple pantograph collection

Multiple pantographs operation is an unfavourable condition for current collection. Due to the perturbation induced on the overhead line by the leading pantograph, the trailing one is indeed subjected to high vibrations and elevated contact force variations. In a previous work it was shown that a diversification of preloads of front and rear pantographs, achievable by the use of pressure regulation systems driven by electronic units, can have beneficial effects on current collection quality of the trailing pantograph. In this paper the usage of the same pressure-controlled servo-valve is enhanced to develop an active control strategy for two pantographs in multiple configuration.