Current Collection Quality of High-Speed Rail Pantograph-Catenary Considering Geometry Deviation at 400 km/h and Above

The efficiency of current collection of high-speed trains relies on the interaction performance of the pantograph-catenary. The geometry deviation is inevitable for the catenary even built at a high standard. To evaluate the impact of geometry deviation in the interaction performance of pantograph-catenary, focusing on speeds exceeding 400 km/h, which characterise the next generation high-speed rail. Realistic geometry deviation data of catenary from a newly-built high-speed line is collected. A numerical model is used to simulate the interaction of pantograph-catenary, comparing results with ideal design and realistic geometries. Field tests and simulations at speeds above 400 km/h highlight the significant effect of geometry deviation, with a 15% error when not considered. The quantitative analysis reveals that at speeds below 400 km/h, the difference in results between ideal and realistic geometries is minimal (below 5%), but this disparity increases to over 14% at 440 km/h. These findings emphasise the need to incorporate geometry deviation in the design of 400 km/h and above railway catenary systems, indicating a necessity for updated assessment and validation standards at such speed levels.