Omsk State Transport University (OmGUPS) is testing prototypes of an advanced current collection system for main railways. According to Alexander Smerdin, Vice-Rector for Research, the work is being carried out in the university laboratory, simulating the loads acting on current collectors when trains move at high speeds.
The new system is designed taking into account the integration of subsystems: a number of current-carrying parts simultaneously act as supporting elements, taking on the mechanical load, and aerodynamic fairings serve as housings for spring carriages of the skids. A feature of the design is the original kinematic scheme for stabilizing the upper node, which ensures plane-parallel movement of the skids in space. This allows maintaining reliable contact even at maximum speeds, minimizing the risk of loss of traction and equipment damage.
The tests are carried out jointly with the Railway Transport Engineering Center, specialized directorates of Russian Railways, and specialists from VNIIZhT. The created laboratory base of OmGUPS allows recreating the real operating conditions of high-speed train current collectors and checking their performance in a wide range of loads.
The work of OmGUPS specialists covers both current collectors and the contact network, which ensures harmonious interaction of key elements of the transport complex.