Expanding response distance of position-corrective ground coil for speed increments in Shinkansen trains

Abstract

JR east is developing a new ground coil to handle future speed increments in Shinkansen trains, as it is necessary to expand response distance of ground coils to cope with higher speeds. In addition, when lowering the mounting position of ground coils (as a measure against damage from falling ice), a need arises to adjust (expand) response distance. Therefore, in this research, we investigated measures to expand response distance of ground coils from the view point of feasibility, while maintaining compatibility with the current method. This research proved that an external power supply is effective for expanding response distance, so we have built a prototype ground coil with a built-in battery as a means of external power supply. The voltage detection control circuit supplies battery power only when electromagnetic waves are detected. The circuit configuration also uses a voltage induced by electromagnetic waves. This allows the battery to be used for more than 10 years. The high-speed rotation test confirmed that the prototype ground coil is capable of coping with 400 km/h even 300 mm from the ground coil and the on-board antenna. A falling-weight test confirmed that a new sturdier mounting base was capable of withstanding a load equivalent of 400 km/h. Since it was conformed that the prototype’s sufficient performance, we now plan to conduct a field test for practical use.

Keywords

• ground coil
• shinkansen
• position correction
• snow damage
• high speed train