Three-Dimensional Numerical Analysis and Optimization of Electromagnetic Suspension System for 200 km/h Maglev Train Considering Eddy Current Effect

Electromagnetic suspension (EMS) is an important type of maglev train systems. With commercial success in the low-speed maglev train, developing a medium-speed maglev type with a top speed of 200 km/h based on the current low-speed maglev technology has been attracting great research interest and engineering effort. This new maglev system will nicely meet the requirement of inter-city transportation. However, at a higher speed, the eddy current effect in the EMS system of the leading end of a maglev train becomes an unnegligible factor, as the induced eddy current in the non-laminated steel rails will tremendously reduce the levitation force. This paper comprehensively investigates the mechanism of eddy current effect in the EMS system and uses a 3-D finite-element method to fully analyze the impacts of eddy current on levitation force adopting an accurate simulation model. Compared with the experimental data, the simulation results show good agreement. With this accurate simulation model, an optimized design of an electromagnetic levitation system is proposed as well as its corresponding control scheme. The proposed design at 200 km/h effectively mitigates the eddy current effect while still maintaining the required levitation force at the leading end of maglev train.