Optimal Design of Dual Pantograph Parameters for Electrified Roads

Electrified roads represent an emerging transportation solution in the context of global energy transition. These systems enable vehicles equipped with roof-mounted pantographs to draw power from overhead contact lines while in motion, allowing continuous energy replenishment. The effectiveness of this energy transfer—namely, the quality of pantograph–catenary interaction—is significantly influenced by the pantograph’s equivalent mechanical parameters. This study develops a three-dimensional overhead catenary model and a five-mass pantograph model tailored to electrified roads. Under conditions of road surface irregularities, it investigates how variations in equivalent pantograph parameters affect key contact performance indicators. Simulation results are used to identify a new set of equivalent pantograph parameters that significantly improve the overall quality of pantograph–catenary interaction compared to the baseline configuration. Sensitivity analysis further reveals that, under road-induced excitation, pan-head stiffness is the most critical factor affecting contact performance, while pan-head damping, upper frame stiffness, and upper frame damping show minimal influence. By constructing a coupled dynamic model and conducting parameter optimization, this study elucidates the role of key pantograph parameters for electrified roads in determining contact performance. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for future equipment development and technological advancement.