Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic levitation vehicle (maglev), and more particularly, to a maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system.
Urban areas increasingly require faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation for growing populations. Maglev trains represent a compromise in speed between conventional locomotive trains and airplanes (which are too costly and impractical for routine use). Maglev trains offer advantages to traditional forms of transportation, such as frictionless levitation, enhanced speed, enhanced safety, and reduced air and noise pollution. A maglev train system has three main components (1) levitation, (2) guidance, and (3) propulsion. Unfortunately, there are several issues in the existing maglev trains that prevent widespread adoption, primarily concerning their methods of levitation. Current magnetic levitation technology can be mainly categorized into electromagnetic suspension (EMS) and electrodynamic suspension (EDS).
EMS suspends trains using upward force from electromagnetic attractions. However, Earnshaw's theorem provides that a magnetized body cannot rest in stable equilibrium under magnetostatic fields, thus EMS is inherently unstable. Therefore, an EMS system is typically equipped with a feedback system that adjusts the electromagnet current to correct the object's motion and mitigate instability. In addition, EMS also requires a large current, hence a large power input, to produce a strong magnetic field capable of suspending loads (e.g., a maglev). Thus, some systems propose hybrid EMS which combine permanent magnets for levitation in conjunction with electromagnet feedback to stabilize the levitation. The magnetic force from the permanent magnets can offset the field requirement of EMS and reduce the power consumption from the electromagnet. However, it requires much more current amplitude variation than standard EMS because the passive magnet has a greater relative permeability of air.
Different from EMS, EDS relies on Faraday's law of induction: conductors exposed to a time-varying magnetic field induce Eddy current that creates a repulsive magnetic field which produces levitation force. This is typically realized using a stationary conducting track and a superconducting or permanent magnet that move together with the train. For instance, the inductrack employs a Halbach array of permanent magnets attached under the train and a track embedded with closely packed coils. The Hyperloop system also uses a Halbach array, but with a conductor material as its track. Some EDS systems, such as JR-trains, use superconducting magnets. Some benefits of EDS over EMS include reduced power consumption and dynamic stability. EDS systems achieve lower power consumption compared to EMS systems, even with the cryogenic cooling system for superconducting magnets. Most importantly, unlike EMS, EDS is naturally stable, and the magnetic field acts like a compressed spring. However, since levitation occurs purely through movement, EDS does not levitate at low speed and requires a special mechanism, such as wheels and linear motors for low-speed operation/stages. Moreover, the entire track must be able to support both low and high-speed operations in case of a power failure.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system is provided that includes at least one dipole-line magnet track. The at least one dipole-line magnet track includes a first dipole-line magnet and a second-dipole line magnet disposed in parallel. A levitating diamagnet is disposed on the at least one dipole-line magnet track. A vehicle is connected to the levitating diamagnet.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system is provided that includes a plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks that extend in a substantially linear direction. Each of the plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks include a first dipole-line magnet and a second-dipole line magnet. A diamagnetic rod is disposed on each of the plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks. A train with protrusions is connected to the diamagnetic rods.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system is provided that includes a plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks that extend in a substantially linear direction. Each of the plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks include a first dipole-line magnet and a second-dipole line magnet. A super conductor rod that includes diamagnetic materials is disposed on each of the plurality of parallel dipole-line magnet tracks with a complimentary shape thereto. A train with a plurality of protrusions extending from a lower surface is connected to the super conductor rods. A plurality of propulsion wire racks is disposed at the lower surface of the train. The plurality of propulsion wire racks each have a serpentine coil shape and magnetic shielding at alternate vertical segments of the serpentine coil shape. The plurality of propulsion wire racks propels the vehicle when current is applied.
The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments solely thereto, will best be appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
It is to be understood that the included drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale/proportion. The included drawings are merely schematic examples to assist in understanding of the present invention and are not intended to portray fixed parameters. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed hereafter. However, it shall be understood that the scope of the present invention is dictated by the claims. The disclosed exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative of the claimed maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these included exemplary embodiments are provided for completeness of disclosure and to facilitate an understanding to those skilled in the art. In the detailed description, discussion of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented exemplary embodiments.
References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment may necessarily include that feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether explicitly described.
In the interest of not obscuring the presentation of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in the following detailed description, some processing steps or operations that are known in the art may have been combined for presentation and for illustration purposes, and in some instances, may have not been described in detail. Additionally, some processing steps or operations that are known in the art may not be described at all. The following detailed description is focused on the distinctive features or elements of the present invention according to various exemplary embodiments.
As aforementioned, Electro-Magnet Suspension (EMS) Maglev use electromagnetic suspension (i.e., attractive force between electromagnets and ferromagnets with negative feedback for levitation and guidance). The EMS Maglev can levitate at any speed; creates minimal noise; and is safe, reliable, and efficient to maintain. However, EMS Maglev have limited speed due to narrow gap; consume tremendous energy to levitate; are very costly to operate; and require complex negative feedback systems and precise gap control. ElectroDynamic Suspension (EDS) Maglev use electrodynamic suspension (i.e., attractive and repulsive forces between superconductor magnets and metal loops on the side rails. EDS Maglev can achieve record speeds (600 km/h); create minimal noise; and are safe, reliable, and efficient to maintain. However, EDS Maglev are unable to levitate at low speed, require low speed wheels mechanism, require cryogenic liquids (He and N2) for superconductors, and are very costly.
The present invention provides for a maglev system based on diamagnetic suspension and a dipole-line magnet track system. The maglev system consists of a set of dipole-line magnetic tracks and diamagnetic rods that provide vehicle suspension and guidance simultaneously. For maglev propulsion, a special coil arrangement can be used in the form of a serpentine-style wire rack with magnetic shields at alternating segments. The wire rack can be placed in between the dipole-line magnets at the center and driven by an electric current to produce a net propulsion force both for accelerating and decelerating motion. The maglev system serves as a novel and improved magnetic levitation vehicle that overcome several shortcomings in the existing maglev systems. EMS and EDS Maglev have downsides, such as complex feedback systems to maintain a narrow gap, inability to levitate at zero speeds, need of cryogenic liquids, and very high costs of operation. The present invention solves some of the issues of both the EMS and EDS Maglev concerning levitation, for example by enabling zero energy input, perpetual levitation while preserving safe operation at all speeds.
The passive magnetic bearing using diamagnetic levitation 100 can include a plurality of dipole magnets (e.g., dipole-line magnets) disposed in parallel. The plurality of dipole magnets can include a first dipole-line magnet 110 and a second dipole-line magnet 120. The first dipole-line magnet 110 and the second dipole-line magnet 120 can represent a pair. The plurality of dipole-line magnets will produce very strong magnetic field 130 in between the dipole-line magnets 110/120. At least some of the magnetic fields 130 can have a substantially same x direction (e.g., a lateral direction) of magnetization. The plurality of dipole-line magnets 110/120 can have various cross-section shapes which can extend in a substantially lengthwise direction (e.g., as a linear track as depicted in
A levitating diamagnet 140 (e.g., a graphite object/rod, superconductor object/rod, etc.) can be at least partially disposed on surfaces of the plurality of dipole-line magnets 110/120 (e.g., the pairs/linear track). The levitating diamagnet 140 can also have various cross-section shapes, such as a circle (illustrated in
The passive magnetic bearing using diamagnetic levitation 100 can be disposed in a vacuum chamber 160.
The system can also be optimized to include a predetermined cross-section for at least one of the dipole-line magnets 110/120 and the levitating diamagnet 140 to maximize the LBC further and/or to reduce material cost.
According to an exemplary embodiment, as depicted in
To achieve the highest LBC we have recognized that the diamagnetic levitation force FDM depends on several factors in this system given as [see M. V. Berry & A. K. Geim, “Of flying frogs & levitrons”, European J. Physics 18, 307 (1997)].
The diamagnetic repulsion force depends on the diamagnet's magnetic susceptibility χ, magnetic field B at the levitating diamagnet 140, magnetic field gradient dB/dy along the vertical direction y and the volume of the diamagnet V. The constant μ0 is the magnetic permeability in vacuum.
This magnetic levitation system has two sets of parameters: (1) Fixed parameters associated with the given materials of the magnets and diamagnet: magnet's magnetization M, the diamagnet mass density p and magnetic susceptibility χ. (2) Free parameters associated with the dimension of the system, such as the magnet radius R, magnet gap gM and the diamagnet radius r.
To maximize the LBC we can optimize only the free parameters and there is at least a set of values that will maximize the LBC. For example, if the radius R is too small, then the size of the supported levitating diamagnet 140 is correspondingly small, and thus will yield a small LBC. If R is too large the levitation will fail, no matter what is the diamagnet radius. Therefore, there is an intermediate optimum value of R that yield maximum LBC.
For a given magnet radius R, if the diamagnet radius r is too small it will yield a very small LBC, but if r is too large it will fail to levitate and will rest on the surface of the dipole-line magnets 110/120. Thus similarly, there is an optimum value for the diamagnet radius r.
For a given magnet radius R, if the magnet gap gM is too small, there is very little space in between the magnets which limits the size of the diamagnet resulting in very small LBC. However, if the gap is too large the diamagnet will fail to levitate. In fact, there is a critical gap gC beyond which the levitation will not occur, given as:
In general, for the PDL system the LBC will mainly depend on the radius of the magnet R. This LBC is given approximately as:
where c0 is a constant given as
and g is the gravitational acceleration. This optimum LBC requires a corresponding set of optimum parameters that includes diamagnet radius r and magnet gap gM. They are given approximately as:
with c1 is a constant given as:
Please note that these diamagnet radius r and magnet gap gM mainly depend on the magnet radius R.
These formulas are very useful to estimate the maximum possible LBC for a given magnet and diamagnet materials. For example, for an NdFeB magnet and graphite diamagnet system we have: Ropt=3.3 mm, λmax=3.58 gr/m, and the corresponding parameters of optimum diamagnet radius r=0.82 mm and optimum PDL gap: gM=1.13 mm.
In a typical maglev bearing application we have a required LBC that will dictate the radius of the magnet R. For this purpose, we can solve for R in Eq. (3) which is given as:
where β is a factor given as:
Please note that since the magnetic susceptibility χ is a negative number, β is a positive number. For the levitating diamagnet 140 radius and the magnet gap that yield this optimum LBC we have exactly: r=R/4 and gM=c1R.
An example of a calculation of the LBC for graphite and superconductor bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSCCO, which can be superconducting with liquid nitrogen) is given below:
From Table 1 we see that for graphite and a typical NdFeB magnet we can obtain a maximum LBC of 3.58 gr/m, but by using BSCCO superconductor we can obtain a very large LBC up to 95,200 kg/m which demonstrates the immense power of superconductor levitation, albeit that requires a very large magnet (R=8.7 m).
The LBC for most practical applications is much smaller than this. For example, for a typical maglev train application where the needed LBC is approximately 2000 kg/m (row #3 Table 1), we can achieve this using NdFeB magnet and BSCCO superconductor with magnet radius R=9.2 cm and diamagnet rod radius of r=2.3 cm, which is very practical to realize. Such LBC is more than enough to suspend a typical maglev train car of 20 m long that carries 50 people with a total mass of approximately of 25,000 kg. A maglev that sits on two PDL tracks has a total LBC of 2000 kg/m×2×20m=80,000 kg. This LBC is more than sufficient to suspend the 25,000 kg total vehicle load.
The maglev with a dipole-line magnet track system 401 can include at least one dipole-line magnet track 460 that includes a passive magnetic bearing using diamagnetic levitation 400 (similar to the passive magnetic bearing using diamagnetic levitation 100). The passive magnetic bearing using diamagnetic levitation 400 can include dipole-line magnets 410 and 420 that extend in a lengthwise direction (e.g., as illustrated in
With reference to
To achieve propulsion, we can use a propulsion wire rack 490 as shown above. The propulsion wire rack 490 can include an assembly of a wire 491 in a serpentine configuration with segments 493 that run up and down. The magnetic field can penetrate horizontally across the propulsion wire rack 490. The segments 493 that run up and down will cancel the Lorentz force acting on the propulsion wire rack 493. Therefore, to achieve a net propulsion force F, we enclose the segments 493 with magnetic shielding 492 at alternating segments, as shown. The magnetic shielding 492 can include a high magnetic permeability metal (e.g., mu metal) or a superconductor.
To propel the maglev, we pass the current I to the propulsion wire rack 490. The net propulsion force F is given as:
where α is the shielding factor, i.e., the reduction amount of the magnetic field inside the shield. L is the height of vertical segment of the propulsion wire rack 490, R is the radius of the dipole-line magnets 410/420, g1 and g2 are the gap between the dipole-line magnets 410/420, and t is the thickness of the magnetic shielding 492 metal and d is the diameter of the magnetic shielding 492. The same propulsion mechanism can also be used for braking by reversing the current I flow to the rack.
Based on the foregoing, a maglev vehicle with a dipole-line magnet track system has been disclosed. However, numerous modifications, additions, and substitutions can be made without deviating from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed by way of example and not by limitation.