Current Issues to Diagnose Electric Connections of the Traction Energy System

Abstract

Currently, the task is to increase the capacity of the Russian Far Eastern Railway in the direction of ports on the Pacific Coast. This causes a significant increase in loads in the traction energy system, and under such conditions, the serviceability of the electric power infrastructure is crucial to ensure. In this regard, the stability of operation can be increased by improving the monitoring and diagnostics systems of the traction network elements. One of these elements is the electrical connection which has always been the most sensitive in the power grid. Therefore, the identification of factors that affect its failure, as well as the logic in maintenance and repair are relevant and significant not only for railway networks but for the electric power industry as a whole.

Improving diagnostics of damage to railway catenary supports

“…Based on the research completed, a methodology for predicting the condition of catenary supports has been derived [1], enabling the current condition of catenary supports to be assessed and their remaining service life to be identified.…”

“…Currently, more than 63% of the total fleet of reinforced concrete catenary supports in the electrified railways exceeds the norm of 40 years, and a fifth exceeds the 50-year limit, which multiplies the risk of damage and can therefore lead to catenary failure and train downtime [1]. The exploitation of supports with a ser-vice life of more than 40 years is an issue in seven directorates.…”