Analytical study on a new induction type magnetic levitation system creating quasi-static Lorentz forces for a non-magnetic sheet metal

In general, it is well known that the induction type magnetic levitation (Maglev) has advantages of a contactless support and a passive control for the levitation and propulsion of a conductive sheet metal. However, heat loss caused by the eddy current inside the sheet metal decreases the efficiency remarkably. In order to use that eddy current more effectively, we have developed a new method for generating quasi-static Lorentz force between the eddy current and additional magnetic flux. In this paper, the basic principles of a new maglev method and evaluation of the total levitation forces by finite element analysis are reported. © 2005 IEEE.