Novel application of a linear synchronous motor drive

Cegelec has been involved in a ground breaking project for linear synchronous motor technology, reaching the highest speeds ever by a thrill ride. In partnership with Intamin AG of Switzerland, the ride makers, and IntraSys GmbH of Germany, the motor manufacturers, "Superman-The Escape" has been developed for Six Flags California, at Magic Mountain. "Superman-The Escape" is not just a conventional roller coaster with a new vehicle launcher, but a totally new type of ride involving acceleration, speed and free-fall. The ride consists of two tracks, side by side, each made up of four main components, a PLC system, a position feedback system, the motor and a drive. Cegelec supplied two off 1.8 MW linear synchronous motor drives, one for each track, with the output inverters capable of a maximum frequency of 230 Hz. The author describes the drive configuration, control strategy, switching frequency, the linear motor, position feedback and braking.