Clustering techniques applied to a high-speed train’s pantograph–catenary subsystem for electric arc detection and classification

Assessment of the current collection properties of a pantograph–catenary system mounted on a train is of great importance. Excessive electric arcing can lead to wear of the system’s components, and, at the same time, it can be an index of wear status. In this paper we investigate the possibility of detecting arcing events in the pantograph–catenary collection system without the need of additional equipment installed on-board the train. Data that is currently measured and recorded for modern high-speed trains (i.e. voltage and current) are analysed in order to detect and quantify electric arcs and shed light on the current collection quality of the pantograph–catenary system. This work was performed in cooperation with Trenitalia s.p.a. who provided the data it collects on-board high-speed trains in regular passenger service.