A dual linear synchronous motor for Maglev vehicles

The reference design for the Canadian electrodynamically-levitated Maglev system makes use of a single-stator linear synchronous motor (LSM) and provides lateral stabilization by the use of figure-eight null flux loops. This paper presents an alternative approach using two independently-controlled linear synchronous motors with lateral stabilization provided by a simple null flux ladder. Some of the advantages of this approach are (1) a stiffer lateral stabilization is provided with much less material in the guidance loops, (2) active damping of roll and yaw moments can be provided by the dual LSM as well as the heave and surge damping which is available from a single LSM, and (3) the magnetic field in the passenger compartment is reduced.