Design and Validation of Switchable Tracks for Superconducting Levitation Systems

Espenhahn T, Berger D, Hameister S, Huhne R, Schultz L, Nielsch K (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Book Volume: 27

Article Number: 7815293

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2017.2652542

Abstract

In the past years, different superconducting levitation systems were developed around the world. Most projects focused on optimizing the flux density in the working space of the superconductor in order to maximize the levitation force of the system. In general, these systems use tracks with permanent magnetic Halbach arrays or combine permanent magnets with steel yokes to maximize the usable flux density. Therefore, none of these tracks can easily be switched off to allow a safe crossing or to build a fast turnout switch without moving parts. A new track was designed containing permanent magnets and a YBCO-tape-coil to realize a fast switchable track. In this concept, the permanent magnets provide the flux used for levitation, whereas the coil controls the flux in the space above the track, where levitation usually takes place. The magnetic behavior of this new design was studied and improved with two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D simulations. Afterwards, a demonstrator was built on which the induced magnetic field was measured in the different operation modes. The results of the measurements and the simulations indicate that the flux density above of the track might be controlled by the coil current. It was proven that the new track design generates magnetic fields comparable to the standard permanent magnetic track, whereas only residual fields are measured in inactive mode, which can be further reduced with negative coil currents.

Involved external institutions

Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden e.V. (IFW) / Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Espenhahn, T., Berger, D., Hameister, S., Huhne, R., Schultz, L., & Nielsch, K. (2017). Design and Validation of Switchable Tracks for Superconducting Levitation Systems. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 27(4). https://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2017.2652542

MLA:

Espenhahn, Tilo, et al. "Design and Validation of Switchable Tracks for Superconducting Levitation Systems." IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity 27.4 (2017).

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