Design, modelling, and experimental characterization of a helical electrodynamic suspension for MAGLEV systems

Details

Supervisors

Dehez, Bruno

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien, à finalité spécialisée: mécatronique

Abstract

enMagnetic levitation (MAGLEV) trains rely on distinct systems to achieve both the levitation and propulsion of the vehicle. Among the technologies used for levitation, electrodynamic suspensions (EDS) are based on repulsive forces through induced currents in a conductive track, produced by a time-travelling magnetic field. Recently, the electrodynamic wheel (EDW), which consists of permanent magnets (PMs), has been proposed as a device capable of providing both levitation and propulsion simultaneously. However, due to its prismatic topology and the flat guideway associated to it, there is significant potential to improve its efficiency. This master's thesis focuses on the development of an EDW based on a helical arrangement of PMs and a coaxial circular track, providing levitation, propulsion and guidance. First, models based on 3D finite elements methods (FEM) using the software COMSOL Multiphysics® are developed, allowing the study and characterization of the proposed suspension. These models, based on the Lorentz-term for steady-state simulations or on moving meshes for time-dependent ones, are compared and discussed with regard to their validity, results and computational efficiency. Subsequently, the influence of the dimensional parameters of the wheel, as well as the influence of mechanical variables such as the driving speed or displacements, are assessed based on these models. Then, a first insight of the dynamical behavior of a pod equipped with four helical electrodynamic wheels (HEDW), placed in set of two in parallel tracks on either side of the capsule, is investigated. This analysis is divided into two parts : the lateral dynamics resulting of a decentering of the wheel in the guideway, and the longitudinal dynamics to study acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. Finally, the study of possible discretization techniques of the ideal helix for manufacturing purposes and the conception of a scaled prototype allows the experimental validation of the FEM models. Moreover, different characteristics issued from the numerical characterization are reproduced and validated.