Thermal stresses analysis of current path from return circuit of electric traction
The traction current is returning to the supply source crossing the return circuit to the 25 kV single-phase AC power source. The return circuit consists of the running rails, which are connected by conductors to the joint coils terminals, and the return feeder to the traction substation. The connecting conductors (connection ropes) are subjected to thermal stresses due to the intense currents which are crossing them. In order to determine the thermal stresses of the connecting ropes between running rails and joint coils and how it can influence the return circuit, different tests were performed to analyze the abnormal situations which can occur from time to time.