Trolleybus Catenary-Pantograph Self-generation Contact Force Under Preload

This paper presents part of the research findings from the ‘Active Control of Trolleybus Current Collection Systems (ACTCCS)’ PhD project undertaken at Loughborough University, UK. In this paper, the issues of preload and self-generation contact force are investigated within a dynamic model and simulation of a ‘trolleybus’ catenary-pantograph system. The self-generation contact force is created under the preload which they are both interdepend and inseparable each other in any kind of catenary-pantograph system. Under normal operations, the preload and self-generation contact forces help maintain contact between the trolleybus pantograph and catenary overhead power line to prevent arcing, power off or even de-wirement. There are four modellings which are single catenary, initial position of pantograph under preload, Integration of a trolleybus’ catenary-pantograph and combination of trolleybus catenary-pantograph system with self-generation contact force to be gradually built as well as the simulations were carried out. The results of simulations show that there is significant different with and without self-generation contact force. Put other words, the trolleybus catenary-pantograph system cannot work properly, even cannot completely work without self-generation contact force. Except trolleybus, the conclusion from modelling and results can also be applicable to all kinds of catenary-pantograph systems including electricized trains, trams, and metros etc.