Reducing sparking in the transient layer of the sliding electrical contact unit

A model for the sliding electrical contact units is proposed. The proposed model employs the change of the parameters of the transition capacitance and resistance by means of a relay, operating in a pulsed mode. The designed model enables to estimate electromagnetic processes, taking place in the transitional layer of the sliding contacts. A series of simulations has been conducted. It is proposed to use additional capacitance to reduce current and voltage surges. According to the results of the simulations, the proposed approach can lead to a significant improvement in sliding electrical contact unit operation in dynamic mode. The results of the experimental researches are presented.