Investigation of the Transverse Flux Linear Synchronous Motor Integrated With Propulsion, Levitation and Guidance for the Maglev Train

Conventional electromagnetic suspension (EMS) high-speed trains adopt linear synchronous motors (LSMs) and electromagnets together to provide propulsion, levitation, and guidance (PLG) forces. In this article, a new transverse flux linear synchronous motor (TFLSM) is presented for high-speed maglev trains, which can concurrently provide PLG forces. First, the topology and operating principle of TFLSMs are introduced. Second, the electromagnetic characteristics in the TFLSMs and conventional LSMs applied in high-speed maglev trains under the same dimensional conditions are compared and analyzed using the 3-D finite-element method (FEM). A quantitative comparison of the two motors is carried out to show the feasibility of TFLSMs in maglev transportation system applications. Third, the variations of electromagnetic forces in TFLSM with different mechanical parameters and input currents are calculated and analyzed. Finally, the test platform of the prototype TFLSM is built and experiments are conducted to validate the simulation results. Compared with the conventional LSMs, the levitation force generated by TFLSM is increased by 55% and the propulsion force is increased by 21%.