Design and control of levitation and guidance systems for a semi-high-speed maglev train

Abstract

Research on Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) train is currently being conducted in Korea, concerning Urban Transit (110 km/h of maximum speed), semi-high-speed (200 km/h of maximum speed), and high-speed (550 km/h of maximum speed) trains. This paper presents a research study on the levitation and guidance systems for the Korean semi-high-speed maglev train. A levitation electromagnet was designed, and the need for a separate guidance system was analyzed. A guidance electromagnet to control the lateral displacement of the train and ensure its stable operation was then also designed, and its characteristics were analyzed. The dynamic performance of the designed levitation and guidance electromagnets was modeled and analyzed, using a linearized modeling of the system equations of motion. Lastly, a test setup was prepared, including manufactured prototypes of the designed system, and the validity of the design was verified and examined with performance evaluation tests.