Aluminum/Stainless Steel Conductor Technology: A Case for its Adoption in the US

Abstract

Numerous technologies exist for providing electrical power to transit systems. Where overhead space is costly or where overhead structures may be deemed obtrusive, 3rd rail is a reliable and cost-effective way to provide considerable power to transit vehicles. Since the early years of railway electrification, 3rd rail conductors have evolved from steel to aluminum/steel composite to aluminum/stainless steel compositions. Aluminum stainless steel conductors are currently used in approximately 40% of the over 10,000km of 3rd rail systems worldwide. Adoption of this technology in the United States, however, stands at less than 5%. This paper examines aluminum/stainless steel 3rd rail technology from technical and economic perspectives. The author makes a case for its adoption in new and existing 3rd rail systems in the United States.