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This paper reports on the electromagnetic analysis and experimental testing of a newly invented six-degree of freedom electrodynamic wheel (EDW) magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicle that can stably levitate over a passive low-cost U-guideway. The U-guideway is composed of two sections of L-track aluminum sheet. Both a radial and an axial proof-of-principle EDW maglev vehicle has been built and experimentally tested. The EDW-maglev vehicle contains four one pole-pair diametric magnetized magnets that are driven using a low-cost motor and motor controller. No advanced controls are needed to provide basic stability. A 3-D transient finite element analysis model was used to study the 3-D forces created when the magnets are rotated over the aluminum L-track. The track design study showed that in addition to providing lateral recentering force the L-track can also be used to increases thrust and lift force.
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Dual-Electrodynamic Wheel Force Analysis
The rotation of an electrodynamic wheel (EDW) above a flat conductive, non-magnetic, track induces currents in the track that can create lift and thrust/braking force. This paper presents a new type of dual-EDW that consists of two EDWs in series that can also create a controllable lateral force. The magnitude and direction of the lateral force can be changed via the relative phase angle shifting of the two rotors. The changes in the lateral force magnitude as well as direction are shown to not affect the lift and thrust force magnitude. The geometric analysis of the design is presented and the practical difficulty of implementing the design is also discussed.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1810489
- PAR ID:
- 10422422
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- 2023 IEEE International Magnetic Conference (INTERMAG)
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
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