Optimization on Size of Halbach Array Permanent Magnets for Magnetic Levitation System for Permanent Magnet Maglev Train

A permanent magnet suspension (PMS) magnetic levitation (Maglev) system consisted of magnetic rail magnets and carriage magnets are investigated for PMS Maglev vehicle. The characteristics of magnetic flux line and magnetic flux density distribution in the suspension gap region are analyzed by using finite element method. The results show that the Halbach Array stack structure generates strong sinusoidal periodic magnetic field in the suspension gap region. The size of Halbach Array permanent magnets stacked structure model was simulated and optimized, and the optimal size factor was obtained. In addition, a levitation force model describing the relationship between magnetic levitation force, permanent magnet size and levitation height was established by molecular current method. The correctness of the levitation force model is evaluated. Finite element simulation and experiment verify the validity of the levitation force model. The results show that the optimized Halbach Array permanent magnets can generate large suspension force and good stability, which is of great significance to improve the utilization rate of permanent magnet materials and save costs, and is conducive to the further development of permanent magnet maglev train. The study is useful for analysis and design optimization of maglev train. © 2013 IEEE.