A feasibility study of an aerodynamic control for a high speed pantograph

In the present paper an alternative way to apply active control on a high speed train pantograph is proposed. The control is based on two main concepts: the use the incident air flow on the pantograph as power source, and the application of the control force directly on the collector, i.e. where it is immediately required for the modification of the contact force. The feasibility of such a solution has been evaluated through wind tunnel tests, concerning the aerodynamics of the device, and by means of simulation of pantograph-catenary interaction, for the control strategy.