Control of Halbach Array Magnetic Levitation System Height
Introduction
By: Dirk DeDecker and Jesse VanIseghem
Advisors: Dr. Winfred Anakwa and Mr. Steven Gutschlag
Project Description
A few laboratory scale rotary track Halbach array
magnetic levitation systems were built as senior projects in the past
few years. A levitation height of approximately 0.45 mm was achieved at
rotary track tangential velocity of 26 m/sec, which is 58.24 mph. An
improved laboratory scale Halbach array magnet system and a rotary
inductrack will be designed to achieve increased levitation height at
lower rotary speed. A DC motor will be used to rotate the track, causing
the system to be levitated above the rotary track. Using displacement
and force sensors, the levitation height and the levitation force
produced will be measured as the speed of the track is varied. After
successful levitation, the system will be set up with closed loop
control. This will allow the motor velocity to be controlled to cause
the desired levitation height.
A video of testing of our maglev system can be viewed
here.