Normal Force Analysis on a High Temperature Superconducting Linear Synchronous Motor

The normal forces of a single sided high temperature superconducting linear synchronous motor (SLSM) have been investigated at 77 K. The SLSM consisted of a superconducting coil made of YBCO coated conductor as the excitation system and a conventional three phase copper wound armature as the stator with a gap of 10 mm in between. Alternating current up to 7.5 A at 10.5 Hz was applied to the armature and direct current up to 40 A to the excitation system. Studies were also made on addition of iron components such as a core and a back plate to the excitation system. The force components adding up to the resulting normal force are discussed. With minimal normal forces compared to the large thrust forces generated, the advantages of such SLSM system for maglev applications are discussed.