Research on regulation method for suppression of pantograph-catenary arc by airflow in low-pressure environment

Summary: The pantograph-catenary (P-C) arc is a common phenomenon in the P-C system. System faults caused by it threaten the operation of trains. As rail transit expands into plateau areas, the problem of frequent P-C arcs in low-pressure conditions needs to be solved urgently. Therefore, the MHD model of P-C arc regulation in a low-pressure environment is established to study longitudinal airflow effects on arc characteristics. The results show that longitudinal airflow can effectively suppress P-C arc drift, and the arc is easier to control as the decrease of pressure. In addition, the optimal airflow speeds for airflow regulation at different air pressures are obtained. A testing platform for arc regulation is built. The effect of airflow on arc drift regulation is verified, and it is found that airflow regulation can also effectively reduce arc ablation. This study provides theoretical guidance for improving the service life of the P-C system.