Design and Experimental Studies on Superconducting Maglev Systems With Multisurface HTS–PMG Arrangements

In this article, we have designed and constructed a new multisurface (MS) high temperature superconductor (HTS) Maglev measurement system to investigate the enhancement of magnetic force properties of Maglev systems via MS HTS configurations above conventional permanent magnetic guideway (PMG). We have investigated both the static force and stiffness behavior and dynamic response characteristics of these MS HTS-PMG arrangements in different field cooling heights (FCHs). Optimum cooling height is determined as FCH 20-30 for both six- and four-HTS configurations. The maximum levitation force values of HTS-PMG arrangement with six-HTS were obtained bigger than that of four-HTS in the unit cryostat volume of MS arrangement, indicating that the HTSs at the bottom side of the cryostat make contribution to the loading capacity of Maglev systems. In the present article, it is observed that the magnetic flux density of bottom surface in addition to upper surface of the PMG can make a contribution to loading performance, vertical and lateral stability of Maglev systems. It is thought that the designed measurement facility and results of this study will be beneficial to increase the magnetic flux density in the unit volume via MS HTS-PMG arrangements for future design and construction of the HTS Maglev systems.