Current Collecting Systems, Protection Systems, and Auxiliary Services onboard Vehicles

This chapter introduces the main devices installed onboard to ensure traction and complementary services. The devices include braking systems, electrochemical batteries, onboard protection systems, electrical power systems, compressed air production systems, and current collecting systems. Onboard protection systems are assigned to a main circuit breaker that is positioned immediately downstream of the current collecting system. Current collecting systems can be divided into two main families: systems based on overhead lines and pantographs, and systems based on third side rails and slippers. The auxiliary services onboard, depending on their power, can be supplied at different voltage levels. Electrochemical rechargeable batteries are of great importance in many electrical systems because they can store chemical energy that can be converted and sent whenever and wherever needed, in electrical form. Especially in railway systems, this kind of battery covers an important role, both for safety and for operations.