Levitation and Guidance Characteristics of the Permanent magnet-HTSC Hybrid Magnetic Conveyance System

Abstract

Hybrid magnetically levitated transportation system has been developed. The magnetic rail is set on the ground, and the carrier with permanent magnets and high-Tc superconductors (HTSC) levitates on the rail. In this system, pinning force of HTSC and repulsive force of permanent magnet is combined. Repulsive force of permanent magnet is introduced to support weight. Pinning force is used to support weight of the frame of the carrier and to achieve lateral stability of the carrier. To decrease influence of weight on the levitation gap of the carrier, the weight stage is fixed to the carrier frame by linear sliders, and moves freely for vertical direction. As a result, there is little influence on levitation gap of the carrier. Basic levitation and guidance characteristics of the system are shown. Repulsive force generates very large levitation force. It also generates unstable lateral force. Weight added to the carrier has some influence on lateral stability. Although lateral position recovery force by pinning effect decreases at a heavier weight, the carrier shows enough force to keep lateral stability.