An Extended Habedank’s Equation-Based EMTP Model of Pantograph Arcing Considering Pantograph-Catenary Interactions and Train Speeds

Pantograph arcing is a more and more common and prominent phenomenon in ac-electrified railway systems, especially with the increase of pantograph-catenary (PAC) interaction and train speed. In order to address this issue, an extended Habedank’s equation-based model, by means of the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP), is presented to obtain equivalent modeling for pantograph arcing studies considering train speeds in this paper. First, the pantograph arcing phenomenon is investigated, such as transient mechanisms and influencing factors. Second, based on the features of existing and emerging pantograph arcing, Habedank’s arc equations are further derived and studied by improving voltage gradient and power dissipation. Next, due to the relationship among voltage gradient, power dissipation, and arc length, the maximum detachment interval law between pantograph and contact wire is obtained by establishing the finite-element model for PAC interaction, and the ultimate extended Habedank’s equation-based EMTP model of pantograph arcing considering different train speeds is acquired. Then, the related model parameters are discussed and determined. Finally, based on the China Beijing-Yizhuang HSR line model in EMTP, the arc characteristic differences considering loads under different parameter values are compared and analyzed. The comparison results illustrate that the proposed model can be feasible to determine and reveal the pantograph arcing characteristics and influences in the HSR system as well as the PAC contact loss problems.