Design and Analysis of a Small-Scale Linear Propulsion System for Maglev Applications (2)–The HTS No-Insulation Magnets

A small-scale linear propulsion system, made of a linear synchronous motor (LSM), is designed for preparatory researches of the future high-speed maglev. The secondary part of the LSM is made of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) no-insulation (NI) magnets. This paper focuses on the design process and performance analysis of the NI HTS magnets. The design target is to optimize the dimensions of the magnets with minimum HTS tapes consumption while generating a qualified magnetic field and operating the magnets safely. Based on the design results, field and critical current distributions in the different locations of the magnets are investigated to provide references for critical current determination. The magnets are designed to operate at temperature of 30 K with a magneto-motive force of ∼295 kA and stored energy of ∼25 kJ. The average fundamental component of the field at 70 mm beneath the bottom of the magnets is 0.53 T (RMS), and the charging time of the magnets is ∼41 min, with maximum charging loss of 16 W. The design results meet the requirement of the LSM.