Estimation method of static height of contact wire by using pantograph contact force

Prevention of accident occurring at the contact area between overhead contact lines and pantograph requires careful maintenance of overhead contact lines, resulting in high maintenance costs. Current on-board overhead contact line monitoring systems mainly check the dynamic geometry of contact wires. However, their static geometry is also extremely important for efficient maintenance work. This paper therefore presents the development of two methods which estimate static height of contact wires using contact force and pantograph height. This paper describes the new methods in detail and shows some simulation and experimental results.