Stabilization of a permanent-magnet MAGLEV system via null-flux coils

In this paper, a passive permanent-magnet (PM)-based magnetic levitation system is presented and its stability is discussed. The suspension is assured by the repulsive force of properly shaped PMs placed on both the guideway and the vehicle. The interaction between the motional-induced currents on conductors attached to the guideway and the PMs on the armature produces a stabilization force. Two versions of the device are discussed. In the first, the stabilizing currents are the ones induced on a conductive sheet surrounding the guideway. In the second device, the stabilizing currents flow in an array of null-flux coils. Comparison of the performance of the two proposed systems are performed by a research code developed at the Department of Energy, System Territory and Construction Engineering.