Search

A new type of magnetic levitation system called the Inductrack has been proposed by R. F. Post. This system is composed of a special arrangement of permanent magnets on board which is called the Halbach array, and a close-packed array of shorted coils in the longitudinal direction on the ground. This composition can obtain a large magnetic force, a very low take-off speed, and a high lift-to-drag ratio. This paper describes numerical simulations of the Inductrack magnetic levitation by the Fourier series analysis which is utilized in the analysis of superconducting magnetic levitation. By using numerical examples considering a full-scale car model, we reveal the features of the Inductrack system in comparison with the superconducting magnetic levitation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 67–74, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10061

A principle of hybrid magnetic levitation system using permanent magnets (PMs) and high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs) for a linear-motor-type carrier system in a high-quality clean room and a magnetic bearing for the flywheel energy storage system are discussed. A substantial levitation force was generated by the repulsive force between like poles of coupled magnets. However, the repulsion system with magnets is essentially unstable without control. Thus, HTSCs are applied for control elements of the PM-HTSC hybrid magnetic levitation system. In this system, the levitation force becomes stronger than in the system without PM, and we can expect sandwich-type magnetic bearing capable of sustaining greater force. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 124(4): 56–63, 1998