Railway catenary simulator
Themes: Structural Engineering, Robotics, Infrastructure & Mobility / Transport
Late prototype
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
A well-functioning pantograph and catenary system is crucial in electrified railway systems. Testing of innovations in this system is time consuming, labour intensive and costly. The catenary simulator offers a versatile and easy-to-use tool that accelerates their implementation.
How?
This novel test facility can simulate real behaviour and interaction between pantograph and catenary, as if the train would be driving on an actual railway track. This enables the development of pantograph and catenary innovations and contributes to a better understanding of the system.
When?
Hard- and software are now ready and results are being validated with field measurements, preliminary tests are feasible. In 2017 it underwent its first functional extension, now also allowing for sideways catenary movement.
Ir. Evert van Veldhuizen