SERAPHIM: A magnetic propulsion scheme for fast trains

Conference · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:10140139

Marder, B M; Frost, C A; Lipinski, R J; Cowan, M

We are attempting to develop and demonstrate a new type of linear synchronous induction motor capable of propelling a vehicle at high speed. The technology, based on a passive guideway containing sequential aluminum plates, was developed in Sandia`s electromagnetic launch program. As such, it was called a ``re-connection gun`` and launched an aluminum plate from between pairs of pancake coils. In the proposed propulsion scheme, the plates are fixed and the coils move. Pairs of closely spaced pancake coils on the vehicle straddle vertically mounted aluminum plates in the roadbed. The current in the coils is turned on when the plate is fully covered, peaks at some optimal time, and decreases to zero before separation. This induces currents in the plate which interact with the coil current to produce repulsive forces. In essence, the pulsed coils push off the edge of the plate because at the high frequency of operation, the current has insufficient time to fully penetrate. Since no embedded flux is required, the efficiency actually increases with speed. This concept has been named SERAPHIM, for SEgmented RAil PHased Induction Motor.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 10140139
• Report Number(s): SAND--94-0730C; CONF-940481--5; ON: DE94009278; BR: GB0103012
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320202
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330300
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DRAG
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTRIC-POWERED SYSTEMS
INDUCTION
LEVITATED TRAINS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RAILWAY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS