Project objective

The aim of the project is to develop an innovative system to prevent icing and defrosting of overhead contact wires using heating current. The system will consist of an electrical power converter, an automatic weather station measuring, in particular, the temperature of the contact wires, the following systems: prediction of weather conditions, predicting the possibility of icing before it occurs, and detection of trains that will approach the de-icing section.

Project scope:

• System operation scenarios and decision-making algorithms for switching on the system, taking into account the technical operating conditions of the entire installation;
• Definition of technical requirements for system components;
  construction of the de-icing system, including in particular the converter, predictive systems and other components of the system;
• Work on authorizing the use of the system on the national overhead line.

Implementation of the system will enable prevention of flooding and frostbite, which will result in improved continuity and timeliness of services. The solution will also increase the safety of the work carried out on the catenary network - it will make it possible to abandon carrying out the work manually, often in unfavorable weather conditions or on the basis of irritating chemicals.

The project is co-financed by the European Union with funds from the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Program Intelligent Development 2014-2020. The project is implemented under the competition of the National Center for Research and Development 1/1.1.1/2020 - Fast Track.