The Electrical Contact of the Pantograph-Catenary System: Theory and Application

This book covers the basic scientific theory and related application technologies of the pantograph–catenary system, including research findings on pantograph/catenary contact resistance, pantograph interface thermal effect, laws and characteristics of current-carrying friction and wear, the main research methods for pantograph arcs, the effects of arcs on pantograph systems and onboard equipment, and the materials used for pantographs and contact wires. Given its scope, it offers a valuable resource for students, scholars, and development engineers alike. 

The relationship between pantograph and catenary is one of the three core aspects of the safe operation of high-speed electrified railways. The pantograph system provides electric power for the high-speed train through the sliding electric contact. As the train’s operating speed increases, the pantograph system enters a state of prolonged sliding/vibration, resulting in frequent arcs, electrode erosion, and increased wear. 

Guanning Wu was born in 1969, a professor at Southwest Jiaotong University. His major research interests include high voltage and insulation technology, pantograph arc, and electric contact. He was the winner of Cheung Kong Scholars Award Scheme and National Outstanding Youth Science Foundation, and the recipient of special allowances from the State Council. He was the Fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Senior Member of China Railway Institute. He received the National Science and Technology Progress Award, the Sichuan Province Science and Technology Progress Award and the China Railway Society Science and Technology Award. He has published more than 100 SCI or EI indexed papers, 3 monographs and obtained 9 national invention patents.

Guoqiang Gao received his Ph.D. degree from Southwest Jiaotong University in 2012. He is currently an associate professor at the School of Electrical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University. His research interests include pantograph-catenary arc (experiment and simulation), study and optimization for electromagnetic compatibility and overvoltage in high-speed train, lightning protection for high-speed railway, insulator flashover prevention and grounding design for high speed train. He is the IEEE Standard P2752 Chair and he received the Science and Technology Progress award of China railway society in 2012 and the Science and Technology Progress award of Sichuan Province in 2017. He has published 33 journal papers and 6 conference paper.