Investigation of Asymmetric Axial-flux Hybrid Excited Electrodynamic Wheels for Maglev Transportation

In this paper, a new hybrid excited axial electrodynamic wheel (HEAEDW)for EDS maglev is proposed and investigated in which propulsion and levitation forces are simultaneously created via moving magnetic rotor above a conductive guideway. The proposed machine is a hybrid excitation machine, which can not only realize control actively and thrust force, but also reduces the risk of PM demagnetization. The field and forces created by this machine are analyzed by using the analytical and finite-element method. Then, the parameters that affect performance were investigated and adjusted to improve performance. Finally, a HEAEDW prototype is manufactured, and experiments are carried out to verify the predicted results. The results show that the proposed machine is capable of producing not only an equivalent suspension force of the basic axial EDWs but also the thrust and controlled mode.