240 research outputs found
Dynamic analysis of linear synchronous machines
Author name used in this publication: S. L. HoAuthor name used in this publication: S. Y. YangAuthor name used in this publication: K. W. E. ChengRefereed conference paper2005-2006 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference paperVersion of RecordPublishe
Advance control strategies for Maglev suspension systems
The Birmingham Maglev developed over fifteen years ago has successfully demonstrated
the inherent advantages of low speed maglev over comparable wheeled systems. It
remains the only commercially operational Maglev in the world today. To develop the
next generation of Maglev vehicles which will overcome some of the limitations of the
Birmingham system, such as chassis length and cost, the following issues are addressed
in this thesis.
1) The possibility of interaction between the chassis resonant frequencies and the
suspension control system causing poor ride quality and at worst instability, are
formally analysed. In the Birmingham vehicle a stiff chassis (fundamental bending
mode 40Hz) is used avoiding significant interaction with the suspension controller.
Using advanced control strategies the low frequency chassis resonances can be
controlled allowing a vehicle structure to be used with a fundamental bending
mode of about 12Hz.
2) A modem control strategy is developed which delivers an improved ride quality
compared with the present classical control system despite having to operate with
a 'soft' chassis. Kalman filters are digitally implemented and conclusions drawn
about their performance. The classical control strategy is also successfully
demonstrated on a 3 m long 'flexible beam' rig.
3) An associated Maglev suspension problem for the response to ramp inputs such
as the transition onto gradients which causes either a large steady state tracking
error or a worsening ride quality is addressed by modern control theory using
integral feedback techniques and classical theory using third order filters. These
controllers are globally optimised by a multi-objective parameter optimisation
system which formally considers the conflicts inherent in a suspension system
between response to stochastic inputs and deterministic inputs
A Concept for the Use and Integration of Super-Conducting Magnets in Structural Systems in General and Maglev Guideway Mega-Structures in Particular
Recent breakthroughs in several different fields now make it possible to incorporate the use of superconducting magnets in structures in ways which enhance the performance of structural members or components of structural systems in general and Maglev guideway mega-structures in particular. The building of structural systems which connect appropriately scaled superconducting magnets with the post-tensioned tensile components of beams, girders, or columns would, if coupled with 'state of the art' structure monitoring, feedback and control systems, and advanced computer software, constitute a distinct new generation of structures that would possess the unique characteristic of being heuristic and demand or live-load responsive. The holistic integration of powerful superconducting magnets in structures so that they do actual structural work, creates a class of 'technologically endowed' structures that, in part - literally substitute superconductive electric power and magnetism for concrete and steel. The research and development engineering, and architectural design issues associated with such 'technologically endowed' structural system can now be conceptualized, designed, computer simulates built and tested. The Maglev guideway mega-structure delineated herein incorporates these concepts, and is designed for operation in the median strip of U.S. Interstate Highway 5 from San Diego to Seattle an Vancouver, and possibly on to Fairbanks, Alaska. This system also fits in the median strip of U.S. Interstate Highway 55 and 95 North-South, and 80 and 10, East-West. As a Western Region 'Peace Dividend' project, it could become a National or Bi-National research, design and build, super turnkey project that would create thousands of jobs by applying superconducting, material science, electronic aerospace and other defense industry technologies to a multi-vehicle, multi-use Maglev guideway megastructure that integrates urban mass transit Lower Speed (0-100 mph), High Speed (100-200 mph), Super Speed (200-400 mph), and Hypersonic evacuated tube (400-10,000 mph) Maglev systems
Control of maglev vehicles with aerodynamic and guideway disturbances
A modeling, analysis, and control design methodology is presented for maglev vehicle ride quality performance improvement as measured by the Pepler Index. Ride quality enhancement is considered through active control of secondary suspension elements and active aerodynamic surfaces mounted on the train. To analyze and quantify the benefits of active control, the authors have developed a five degree-of-freedom lumped parameter model suitable for describing a large class of maglev vehicles, including both channel and box-beam guideway configurations. Elements of this modeling capability have been recently employed in studies sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). A perturbation analysis about an operating point, defined by vehicle and average crosswind velocities, yields a suitable linearized state space model for multivariable control system analysis and synthesis. Neglecting passenger compartment noise, the ride quality as quantified by the Pepler Index is readily computed from the system states. A statistical analysis is performed by modeling the crosswind disturbances and guideway variations as filtered white noise, whereby the Pepler Index is established in closed form through the solution to a matrix Lyapunov equation. Data is presented which indicates the anticipated ride quality achieved through various closed-loop control arrangements
Japanese activities in refrigeration technology
Recent activities in refrigeration technology in Japan are discussed. Stirling cycle refrigerators and magnetic refrigerators are discussed. The development of units for use on trains is discussed
Optimization of the Superconducting Linear Magnetic Bearing of a Maglev Vehicle
Considering the need for cost/performance prediction and optimization of
superconducting maglev vehicles, we develop and validate here a 3D finite
element model to simulate superconducting linear magnetic bearings. Then we
reduce the 3D model to a 2D model in order to decrease the computing time. This
allows us to perform in a reasonable time a stochastic optimization considering
the superconductor properties and the vehicle operation. We look for the
permanent magnet guideway geometry that minimizes the cost and maximizes the
lateral force during a displacement sequence, with a constraint on the minimum
levitation force. The displacement sequence reproduces a regular maglev vehicle
operation with both vertical and lateral movements. For the sake of comparison,
our reference is the SupraTrans prototype bearing. The results of the
optimization suggest that the bearing cost could be substantially reduced,
while keeping the same performances as the initial design. Alternatively, the
performances could be significantly improved for the same original cost
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