Study of a Hybrid Magnet Array for an Electrodynamic Maglev Control

This paper introduces an innovative hybrid array consisting of both permanent and electro magnets. It will enable us to develop an active control mechanism for underdamped electro-dynamic suspension (EDS) Maglev systems. The proposed scheme is based on the Halbach array configuration which takes the major technical advantage from the original Halbach characteristics: a strongly concentrated magnetic field on one side of the array and a cancelled field on the opposite side. In addition, the unique feature of the proposed concept only differs from the Halbach array with permanent magnets. The total magnetic field of the array can be actively controlled through the current of the electro-magnet's coils. As a result, the magnetic force produced by the proposed hybrid array can also be controlled actively. This study focuses on the magnetic characteristics and capability of the proposed array as compared to the basic Halbach concept. The results show that the proposed array is capable of producing not only an equivalent suspension force of the basic Halbach permanent magnet array but also a controlled mode. Consequently, the effectiveness of the proposed array confirms that this study can be used as a technical framework to develop an active control mechanism for an EDS Maglev system.