Flux Concentrator Optimization of PMG for High-Temperature Superconducting Maglev Vehicle System

The permanent magnetic guideway (PMG) composed of permanent magnet (PM) and steel is developed under flux concentration principle, which is the crucial component of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev vehicle system. Optimum PMG design is an effective way to increase levitation force and associated stiffness for improving the load capability of HTS maglev vehicle. In order to realize higher vertical field component B (z) in upper surface, three PMG demonstrators with three different forms of flux concentrator are fabricated with same volume of magnet. The levitation performances of onboard HTS bulks array over them are studied. The experimental results indicate that the PMG with a permanent magnet as the flux concentrator would produce biggest levitation force, levitation stiffness and trapped flux when interacting with HTS superconductor.