BS EN 50318:2018

What is BS EN 50318 about?  

BS EN 50318 is the European standard on railway vehicles that explains the current collection systems in railways. 

BS EN 50318 specifies functional requirements for the validation of such simulation methods to ensure confidence in, and mutual acceptance of the results of the simulations. 

BS EN 50318 deals with: 

• Input and output parameters of the simulation 
• Comparison with line test measurements, and the characteristics of those line tests 
• Validation of pantograph models 
• Comparison between different simulation methods 
• Limits of application of validated methods to assessments of pantographs and overhead contact lines. 

NOTE: BS EN 50318 applies to the current collection from an overhead contact line by pantographs mounted on railway vehicles.  

NOTE: BS EN 50318 does not apply to trolley bus systems. 

Who is BS EN 50318 for? 

BS EN 50318 on railway current allocation systems is relevant to: 

• Railway engineers 
• Electric engineers 
• Manufacturers of railway electric traction equipment 

Why should you use BS EN 50318?  

Simulation techniques are used to assess the dynamic interaction between overhead contact lines and pantographs, as part of the prediction of current collection quality. 

BS EN 50318 provides the general application to inform the validation process for seeking authorization for an overhead contact line or pantograph design. 

BS EN 50318 navigates you through the general requirements and validation on modelling of the pantograph and the overhead contact line. 

The parameters of the pantograph and overhead contact line are given in BS EN 50318 and calculate the variation of the contact forces, the contact wire displacements, and the pantograph displacements when the pantograph passes along the overhead contact line model. 

For a simulation method, it is first necessary to check the simulation method by using an appropriate reference model that is provided in BS EN 50318. 

Furthermore, BS EN 50318 assists you with the simulation tool that is helpful to optimize the designs of infrastructure and pantograph allowing relative motion between the train and the overhead contact line while maintaining contact. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 50318:2018 supersedes BS EN 50318:2002. BS EN 50318:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50318:2002. These include: 

• The validation process is improved 
• A validation process for pantograph models is included 
• Data requirements for overhead contact line modelling are improved 
• Requirements for static checks for the overhead contact line are included 
• Measured data from line tests are included for three main types of overhead contact lines, permitting a validation for standard systems without additional measurement