Research of Multiple-Commutation Technology for Neutral Section Passing Device Based on Ground Electronic Switch for Heavy-Haul Railway

Neutral section passing based on ground devices for heavy-haul railways can effectively address challenges associated with locomotives passing these sections. However, in the practical applications, neutral sections based on this technology need to accommodate all locomotive pantographs of entire trains. This requirement leads to difficulties in accurately locating these pantographs across the neutral sections that significantly longer than those based on conventional on-board devices. This paper presents research on neutral section passing devices based on ground electronic switches, which was based on wheelbase differences between heavy-haul locomotives and gondola cars. Train position detection sensors installed on the tracks were used to record the number of wheelsets for the locomotives and gondola cars of passing heavy-haul trains, facilitating accurate position identification through data coding. Subsequent research focused on developing neutral section passing technology that incorporates multiple commutations for different formations of heavy-haul locomotives, to achieve neutral section passing without power supply suspension for these locomotives in various formations. Field experiments proved the applicability of this technology to heavy-haul railways carrying locomotives in single configurations and fixed formations, effectively shortening the neutral sections. With the implementation of this technology, the required length is reduced to 220 m for neutral sections based on ground electronic switches.