On the design of low-noise pantographs for high-speed trains, reduction of aerodynamic noise has a priority over improvement of compliance characteristics. However, stable current collection performance is essential to avoid contact loss which causes severe wears to contact strips and the contact wire. This study intended to show the potentialities of the pantograph with an active control device. The authors conducted running tests and wind tunnel tests using a currently used low-noise pantograph provided with an additional air-actuator controlled by the PID controller. The experimental results indicate that the current collection performance is improved by applying the active control technique even if the pantograph operated under a high-speed flow.

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