Diagnostics of Electrical Connections of Electric Traction Network

Full-scale structural measurements of new and existing electric traction networks are becoming increasingly important because of the ever-increasing train speeds and associated effects. Higher speeds lead to increased loads and greater structural dynamic responses, increasing mechanical and electrical loads. Electrical contact connections are an integral part of the electric traction network: under operating conditions, the electrical installation circuit in many cases should allow to separate the elements from each other. At the same time, electrical contacts are a weak component in energy distribution systems, since the occurrence of large transient resistances in the contact area is one of the most common cases leading to heating of the connection and breakage of the catenary. The purpose of the work is to improve the performance reliability and prevent damage to the electric traction network by reducing the complexity of servicing bolted electrical connections through the development and mass implementation of visual diagnostics. The main parameter characterizing the bolted electrical connection is its resistance, the value of which depends on two interrelated factors: parameters of the contacting surfaces and the contact force. Research of thermal processes in the contact connection and determination of its performance characteristics allow to create a method of diagnosis of the state of the electrical connection on the basis of new methods using modern equipment.