On-line characterization of impacts on electrical train current collectors using integrated optical fiber grating sensor network

A sensor network consisting of unified fiber grating based temperature and strain sensor pads has been developed for integration in carbon/aluminum composite current collector strips, and has been tested in electrical trains on commercial railways. The fiber optic sensor network measures value and position of both contact forces and impacts under real-time conditions, immediately at the high voltage location of the interface between overhead contact line and current collector.