ELECTRODYNAMIC GUIDANCE USING ALTERNATING CURRENT SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS

摘要

An electrodynamic suspension system levitates a platform (1) or transportation vehicle (10) by an array of onboard superconducting electromagnetic coils (20, 21) forming a primary member overlying a secondary member (46) on the guideway (11) in a transverse flux orientation with respect to a plane of levitation of the moveable member (10) above the secondary member (46) on the guideway (11). The superconducting coils (20, 21) are energized by alternating current to produce an alternating field of magnetic flux. The frequency of the alternating current is selectable down to direct current. The frequency is selected to cause the vehicle (10) to be levitated statically above the guideway (11). Once levitated, the frequency is reduced as the speed of the vehicle (10) increases along the guideway usually not in excess of 60 miles per hour. Passive electrically conductive plates (47) form the secondary member to respond to the alternating field of magnetic flux and both guide and levitate the vehicle (10) by inherently stable repulsive induction action.