Train Panto-Graph How It Works | Contact Wire Move Up and Down
Have you ever seen an electrical rail engine? Yes, then you must have observed that the engine takes power from the overhead wires with Pantograph. Pantograph is a set of articulated (lower arms and upper arms) special device mounted on the roof of electric trains for collecting an electrical current from one and several contact wires to power the train. The arms of Pantograph are unfolded and extended along a vertical axis. Its main work is to make contact with an electrified overhead wire and provide an uninterrupted current flow from the catenary system to the train. The supply of the current must be reliable and of good quality.
There are two collector strips seated with soft springs on the pantograph head, and the head itself is seated with flexible mounting on an articulated framework. The arms are free to move in a vertical plane that spring-loaded and irrespective of the wire height over the vehicle's roof. With it the Pantograph could provide a constant force between the collector strips and the contact wire.
It is influenced by snow or wind during the operation, but extreme weather may even damage normal operating conditions, leading to the failure of Pantograph and the overhead contact line.
Both the Pantograph and overhead wire are mechanical devices that form an electrical circuit in operation. At the time of current collection, the Pantograph and the hanging wire are closely related to each other, mechanically and electrically. If any of them fails, then the electrical contact will be damaged and an accident may occur.
Pantograph Features
Space-saving- It is designed in a compact profile to maximize space on the train's roof for other equipment.
Lightweight- To lower down the weight, several numbers of components has reduced for greater mechanical efficiency.
Less noise- The framework has been implemented with various noise measurements that allow low noise operation even train is on high speed.
Snow Toughness- The less surface area of the framework minimizes snow accumulation which helps to reduce the weight of the snow on the Pantograph.
Types of Pantograph
In Terms of Working Mode
Non-spring-operated pantographs
In Terms of Structure of the Arm Lever
Double-arm pantographs