Performance Evaluation of Superconducting Electrodynamic Suspension for Hyperloop Using Static Experiments

• Published in: IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Lim, Jungyoul, Lee, Chang-Young, Oh, Ye Jun, Choi, Suyong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2024; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Coils; Current measurement; EDS; electrodynamic suspension; Fixtures; Flux density; Force; Force measurement; Friction resistance; hyperloop; maglev; Magnetic flux; Magnetic levitation; Magnetic levitation systems; null-flux; Numerical analysis; Performance evaluation; Speed limits; superconducting magnet; Superconducting magnets; Superconductivity
• ISSN: 1051-8223; 1558-2515
• DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2024.3374692

The Hyperloop is expected to surpass the speed limits of conventional ground transportation by minimizing air drag and friction resistance inside a vacuum tube, necessitating a stable magnetic levitation system. Among the various levitation methods being considered, electrodynamic suspension (EDS) combined with superconducting magnets (SCMs) capable of achieving a large airgap appears promising, as it can reduce infrastructure costs and enhance the Hyperloop's competitiveness. Although many studies have explored the use of SC-EDS in the Hyperloop, validating its performance at ultra-high speeds is challenging due to the need for a long test-bed, which consumes significant time and resources. This research aims to indirectly evaluate the highspeed performance of SC-EDS through static experiments. Magnetic flux density and levitation force of SCMs were measured using static experiments, and the performance of SC-EDS was assessed indirectly by calculating the induced current based on the experimental results. Additionally, each result was validated by comparing it with the numerical analysis result.