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Electrical Characteristics of the Pantograph-Catenary Arc in Urban Rail Transit Under Different Air Pressure Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoying Yu

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Liying Song

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yang Su

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Junrui Yang

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Xiaojuan Lu

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Caizhuo Wei

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yongjia Cheng

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yixiao Liu

    (School of Automation & Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

Abstract

Nowadays, urban rail transit is expanding towards high-elevation zones, and the effect of the low air pressure environment on the pantograph-catenary system is becoming increasingly prominent. As a key indicator for evaluating the electrical contact performance of a pantograph-catenary system, research on the electrical characteristics of the pantograph-catenary arc is of great significance. For this reason, this paper established a plasma mathematical model applicable to the arc of the urban rail transit bow network based on the theory of magnetohydrodynamics. The mathematical model of the pantograph-catenary arc was used to set the relevant initial conditions. Based on COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulation software, this study developed a multi-physics simulation model of the pantograph-catenary arc and systematically analysed its voltage characteristics and current density distribution under varying air pressure conditions. The results showed that as the air pressure decreases, the potential at the axial points declines, the pressure drop across the arc poles becomes more pronounced, and the current density decreases accordingly. This study provides theoretical and technical support for optimizing the design of and promoting the sustainable development of urban rail transit pantograph-catenary systems in high-altitude areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoying Yu & Liying Song & Yang Su & Junrui Yang & Xiaojuan Lu & Caizhuo Wei & Yongjia Cheng & Yixiao Liu, 2025. "Electrical Characteristics of the Pantograph-Catenary Arc in Urban Rail Transit Under Different Air Pressure Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6285-:d:1697852
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaoying Yu & Junrui Yang & Yang Su & Liying Song & Caizhuo Wei & Yongjia Cheng & Yixiao Liu, 2025. "A Study on the Electromagnetic Environment and Experimental Simulation of Electrified Railroad Mobile Catenary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-16, February.
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