ALTIUMCAT – Optimal system for measuring the displacement of the catenary wire to the pantograph
The measurement of the vertical contact wire displacement of the catenary is key to optimizing the performance of the pantograph in the railway sector. To achieve this, ALTIUMCAT proposes a system that uses optical and profilometric sensors to obtain precise real-time measurements, addressing the limitations of current technologies.
What is ALTIUMCAT?
The project aims to investigate various technologies to develop an optimal system for measuring the vertical displacement of the catenary’s contact wire during the passage of the pantograph. Through the design and evaluation of different architectures, the goal is to find an efficient and cost-effective solution that allows for precise and direct monitoring of the wire’s displacement. The system will be installed on the catenary and must provide reliable real-time measurement, improving upon the costly and limited current technologies. Optical, profilometric, and time-of-flight (ToF) sensor technologies are being explored as potential solutions for the measurement system.
Problem it solves:
The project addresses the lack of efficient and accurate systems to measure the contact force between the pantograph and the catenary. Currently, this issue is managed indirectly and with expensive technologies, such as dynamometers, which have limitations in terms of accuracy and viability. Incorrect regulation of the pantograph can cause excessive wear or detachment, leading to electric arcs that damage the infrastructure. ALTIUMCAT proposes a direct and non-invasive solution to measure the contact force, enabling better maintenance of pantographs and preventing the current issues in the railway sector.
General objective:
To investigate an optimal method for measuring the vertical displacement of the catenary’s contact wire during the passage of a pantograph, using technologies such as optical, profilometric, or time-of-flight (ToF) sensors, in order to improve current solutions and offer a more efficient and accurate alternative.
Specific objectives:
Optical and ToF Sensors on Catenaries
- Identify the critical variables that affect the measurement of the vertical displacement of the contact wire.
- Investigate optical, profilometric, or ToF sensor-based technologies for precise wire measurement.
Real-time pantograph monitoring systems
- Design a measurement system adapted to the vertical displacement of the wire during the pantograph’s passage.
- Select the necessary electronic components for the development of the measurement system.
Evaluation of efficient measurement architectures
- Evaluate the most cost-effective and efficient architectures to ensure the viability of the proposed system.
Project duration:
2021 – 2023
Regional project in cooperation with:
Funded by:
