CATENARY AND PANTOGRAPH CURRENT COLLECTION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

Overview

Standard-Compliant Measurement of Catenary–Pantograph Current Collection

International standards IEC 62672-1 and EN50317 require quantitative verification of current collection performance.

Verification must use measuring equipment that satisfies the performance requirements defined in these standards.

Legally mandated current-collection tests are required for newly developed and newly manufactured rolling stock to secure safety.

This system provides IEC 62672-1–based equipment that supports both contact-force and loss-of-contact measurement methods.

Battery-powered, wireless measurement units proven on multiple EMU and high-speed train tests offer a stable test platform for domestic manufacturers.

Core Competencies

Purpose
High-precision measurement system for catenary–pantograph current collection performance in accordance with IEC 62672-1, enabling standardized safety verification of new rolling stock.

IEC 62672-1 & EN50317-Based Measurement

Measures current collection performance using both contact-force and loss-of-contact methods defined in the standards.

Battery-Powered Wireless Measurement Unit

Self-powered equipment transmits data wirelessly to the data logger, allowing tests without additional cabling inside the vehicle.

Integrated Sensor Suite

Load cells, accelerometers and contact-force sensors capture dynamic interaction and arcing between catenary and pantograph.

Proven Field Deployment

Extensive tests on multiple high-speed and EMU trains demonstrate reliable measurements and aerodynamic safety.

Expected Benefits

Support for Rolling Stock Manufacturers
– Provides current-collection performance measurement technology for newly developed and manufactured railway vehicles.

Design Verification & Safety
– Enables pantograph performance verification during design, supporting safe vehicle development.

Compliance with Type-Approval Tests
– Secures in-house capability for legally required current-collection tests on new rolling stock, enhancing safety.

Certifications

Compliance with IEC 62672-1 and EN50317 standards
Field tests on multiple high-speed and EMU trains; reliability and aerodynamic safety verified.

TRL 9

Commercialization stage reached; technology ready for deployment

Contact

Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)
Electrification System Research Department
Dr. Kewon Lee
E-mail: kenlee@krri.re.kr