Control, Measurement and Design Aspects of Low-Speed Magnetically Suspended Vehicles

Abstract

The possibility of overcoming wheel friction, wear and vibration by contactless suspension for passenger-carrying vehicles is currently being investigated throughout the world. Of the several forms of magnetic suspension proposed, the one using attraction force generated between controlled direct-current (DC) electromagnets mounted on the vehicle chassis and a ferromagnetic guideway offers a desirable combination of design simplicity and operational flexibility. This paper presents an overview of the various control and design aspects of controlled DC electromagnetic suspension systems for low-speed (up to 70 km/h) urban application. The control requirements of the DC suspension system are evaluated in this paper through ride and track-clearance characteristics for a single-degree of freedom suspension system travelling along a guideway with random roughness. Operation and performance of some of the transducers compatible with the DC suspension system have been considered, and design features of lift magnets and power amplifiers discussed with a view to evaluating their suitability for transport system application.