Monitoring of ice and frost formations on the AC contact network

Abstract

Monitoring of ice and frost formations on the AC contact network

Lisenko V.G., Kubkina O.V.

Incoming article date: 21.04.2021

Currently, Russian Railways are characterized by an increase in the weight of trains, an expansion of the fleet of sections with high-speed movement of electric rolling stock. All this leads to a complication of the operating modes of the power supply system, increased liability and possible damage from idle trains. At the same time, monitoring systems of the contact network, as an element of the power supply system that does not have a reserve, are of particular importance. On a significant number of sections of the Russian Railways, the wires and cables of the contact network are subject to ice and frost formations and, as a result, serious operational risks and costs. Minimizing the damage caused by the formation of ice and measures to eliminate it is possible if it is detected at the initial stage. The article provides an assessment of the possibility of using systems based on changes in the weight of wires for the purposes of early detection of ice and frost formations.

Keywords: ice and frost formations, early detection, contact network, carrier cable, contact wire