Simulation of Current Distribution Through Elements of the Overhead Contact Line

Abstract The compilation of unfavourable weather conditions, such as negative temperature and high humidity, leads to the formation of an ice layer and deposits on the elements of the overhead contact line, which leads to its degradation and prevents the supply of electricity to the traction vehicle. The traction line is located on a very large area and it is extremely difficult to effectively remove the remaining layers of ice. During planning the anti-icing measures it’s very important to know the current distribution in wires. The authors of the article analysed the catenaries operated in Poland and in EU in terms of the current distributions in contact and catenary wires in through spans. The approach presented in this paper allows to take into account the wear of the contact wires during calculations of the current distributions.