Fast AI-driven simulation of the pantograph-catenary interaction using Reduced Order Models (ROM)

The quality of pantograph – catenary interaction is a key factor in ensuring the optimal operation of electrified railway lines. The approval process for new rolling stock must comply with the interaction criteria defined in EN 50367 for all operating conditions. For many years, in-line tests have been completed with simulation tools to significantly shorten this process and speed up time to market. ESTECO’s AI technology offers new opportunities to accelerate simulations using Reduced Order Models. Once the AI-model has been trained, the interaction force and the contact wire uplift can be predicted with an error of less than 3%. Furthermore, calculation times have been reduced from one hour to a few seconds.