Application of overhead rigid conductor line to mountain tunnel of conventional lines

Special catenary overhead contact line systems, such as feeder messenger type, are currently used, and the overhead contact line of the mountain tunnel through which limited express trains pass is considered as a weak point part of a facility in view of maintenance. Although rigid conductor lines are superior in maintenance as compared with a catenary overhead contact lines, they are inferior in the performance high-speed operations. In accordance with a ministerial ordinance, the maximum speed was limited to 90 km/h or less for the application of rigid conductor lines, examination of practical rigid conductor lines corresponding to high-speed operations. Recently, the ministerial ordinance has been revised, and high-speed operation of more than 90 km/h is permitted in case prescribed performance can be proved by the examination. Accordingly, we developed a new rigid conductor line applicable to high-speed operation in order to mitigate the maintenance of overhead contact line system. As a result of installing the new rigid conductor line in mountain tunnel and measuring a quality of current collection, it turned out that it can be used in the revenue line.