Linear Induction Motor: Technology Alternatives For Suspension And Propulsion

Linear Induction Motor
A propulsion alternative is to transfer power to the vehicle and then have a magnetic structure on the vehicle that can create a moving field that, in turn, interacts with a conducting guide way to provide propulsion. This is called a short stator linear induction motor (or linear asynchronous motor), generally referred to as a Linear Induction Motor. It is possible to put the powered winding on the guide way and induce currents in a conductor on the vehicle, in which case it would be a long stator design, but this turns out to be an expensive and inefficient approach to maglev propulsion. (more…)

Maglev Technology For High-Speed Transportation

High-speed maglev technology offers four main advantages: non-contact operation; low-mass vehicles (on a per seat basis, maglev vehicles weigh approximately one-third to three-quarters as much as high speed trains); high speed; and wayside system control and self-propelled vehicles (each car contains its own secondary part of a linear synchronous motors).

Non-contact operation means that vehicle traction does not depend on adhesion between contact surfaces, e.g., wheels and rails. (more…)

Characteristics Of Attractive-Force-Based Suspension Systems

All electromagnetic suspension-based systems employ some type of feedback control mechanism to maintain stable levitation. (An interesting exception to the above rule, which has been demonstrated in the laboratory, consists of a permanent magnet suspended below a block of high-temperature superconducting material held below its critical temperature. Stable suspension results from a property of the superconducting state that immobilizes magnetic field lines in the superconducting material.) (more…)

U.S Government Sponsorship For Vehicle Efficiency Technology R&D

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Although the automotive industry is a vigorous sponsor of research and development in vehicle efficiency technology—worldwide, nearly $20 billion U.S. worth in 1997—governments throughout the world sponsor additional automotive R&D, both separately from and in partnership with the industry. This work focuses primarily on four areas: emissions reduction, safety, fuels, and fuel economy. Within the past few years, government sponsorship of automotive R&D has moved sharply in the direction of attempting to advance the performance and cost-effectiveness of automotive fuel cells vehicles, which address three of the four areas: emissions, fuels, and fuel economy. (more…)