Propulsion Requirements for High-Speed Vehicles with Electrodynamic Suspension
The thrust force and power requirements for the propulsion of a vehicle with electrodynamic suspension (i.e., using superconducting magnets) are discussed. Acceleration thrust, magnetic drag, and aerodynamic drag are shown to lead to calculated power requirements of 8.0 MW under acceleration, and 5.2 MW for cruising at 300 mi/h. Aerodynamic and magnetic drag forces together produce acceptable passive deceleration characteristics. Propulsion requirements under normal operation and in emergency situations (i.e., unscheduled stops) are described. Propulsion systems are discussed, and it is concluded that the linear synchronous motor is most suitable for the proposed Maglev vehicle.
Limitations of levitation by iron-cored electromagnets
We present simple "best-case" calculations of power/lift and lift/weight ratios for iron-cored electromagnetic levitation systems using either the attraction between controlled electromagnets and ferromagnetic guideway members or the repulsion between a.c. electromagnets and guideway conductors. Although power/lift ratios are low, the practical engineering restrictions of conductor current density, iron flux density and magnet size result in poor lift/ weight ratios and limit operation to low suspension heights.
The Canadian maglev project on high-speed interurban transportation
This paper reports on design and experimental studies, currently being conducted in Canada, of an electrodynamically-levitated passenger vehicle system. Using a flat-topped guideway, the vehicle is levitated by superconducting magnets interacting with aluminum strips. It is propelled by an inverter-driven, track-powered linear synchronous motor. Control, guidance and damping systems are discussed. Propulsion concepts have been tested in full scale on a wheel test facility.