Magnetically levitated linear slider with a non-contact power transfer method

Abstract

A magnetically levitated linear slider (MagLevLS) with a non-contact power transfer method is proposed. The levitated platform was designed as a four-point suspended rigid metal plate. Magnetic levitation and zero power control under forces introduced by the non-contact power transfer method was experimentally investigated and presented. The presented MagLevLS is expected to use as a short-range transport system in a clean operating environment. An open-end generator was purposed to achieve non-contact power transfer. The open-end generator design was analyzed using FEM and experimental data obtained from an experimental prototype was presented. The proposed MagLevLS platform uses four hybrid electromagnets (HEMs) as actuators for levitation. A PD controller with integral feedback was used to achieve quasi-zero power operation of the levitated platform. A single rigid platform was used to mount all four HEMs, and a 0.25 W steady state power consumption for per HEM was achieved under disturbances introduced by the open-end generator. According to the results, MagLevLS can achieve stable levitation under cogging forces and generate sufficient power for continuous operation.