Study of the waves propagation of lightning overvoltage impulse in the catenary system of electrified railways

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the waves propagation of lightning overvoltage impulse in the catenary system of electrified railways. The purpose of the work is to determine the zone of waves propagation of lightning overvoltage impulse along the catenary system, the degree of attenuation and the influence of the soil condition on the mode of their propagation.Materials and methods. The authors carried out tests on the waves propagation of lightning overvoltage impulse along the catenary system of the 1st (ring) track and the 15th (dead end) track of the Experimental Loop of the Railway Research Institute at the Shcherbinka station using a high-voltage impulse voltage generator.Results. During the tests, the influence of the soil condition on the mode of waves propagation of lightning overvoltage impulse was determined. The degree of attenuation of the lightning overvoltage impulse wave in the catenary system in the looped and dead end sections is determined, considering the influence of the reverse (reflected) overvoltage wave, as well as changes in the voltage level during the wave process occurring in the catenary system. The data obtained during the tests enable to determine the propagation speed of the lightning impulse wave.Discussion and conclusion. The obtained test results will be useful for improving the reliability of lightning protection devices of the catenary system against external overvoltages and can be used to improve insulating elements.